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Yale University Library

39002015061683

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

COMMEMORATIVE

Biographical Record

-OK-

WASHINGTON COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA,

CONTAINING

Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, and of many of the Early
Settled Families.

ILIvUSTRATKD

CHICAGO:
J. H, BEERS & CO.
1893.

30hn morris company,
. . . Printers.

W. B. CONKEY COMPANY,
. . glNSERS.

^^  — r^^
Preface

THE importance of placing in book form biographical history of represent
ative citizens — both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming
generations — is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past
decade there has been a growing interest in this commendable means of
perpetuating biography and family genealogy.
That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this
nature needs no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has
said that the history of any country resolves itself into the biographies of its
stout, earnest and representative citizens. This medium, then, serves more than
a single purpose: while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records
history, much of which would be preserved in no other way.
In presenting the Commemobative Biographical Record to its patrons, the
publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support
their enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling
them to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with iu the) pro
duction of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the material
composing the sketches was gathered from those immediately interested, and
then submitted in type-written form for correction and revision. The volume,
which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the public with
the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an
invaluable contribution to the historical literature of southwestern Pennsylvania.
THE PUBLISHERS.

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Washington Bounty.

|^E MOTNE, DR. FRANCIS
JULIUS, was born Septem
ber 4, 1798, in Washing
ton, Penn. , where he spent
his whole life, dying there
October 14, 1879, in his
eighty-second year. The
father of Dr. Le Moyne
was Dr. John Julius Le Moyne, who
was born and educated in Paris,
France. He was a practicing physi
cian at the beginning of the French
Revolution in 1790, and came to the
United States with the French colo
nists who settled at G-allipolis, Ohio.
Several years after he came to Wash
ington, Penn., and in 1797 married
Nancy McCully, who had come over
from Ireland with her family when a
little girl.
The subject of this memoir was their only child.
From the Scotch-Irish side of the houBe he de
rived a robust constitution and physical develop
ment that was unusual for strength, activity and en
durance. As a young man, he had but few equals
in all the sports that required strength and nerve.
His school days were spent in his native town,
where at the age of seventeen he graduated from
Washington College in the class of 1815. He
commenced the study of medicine with his father,
and finished his course in Philadelphia. On his
return from Philadelphia in the winter, in an old
fashioned stage coach, whose flimsy blinds were in
sufficient to repel the cold, they stopped, far in the
night, at one of the hostelries in the mountains,
which was filled with wagoners who occupied all the
available space where warmth could be obtained.
Not being therefore able to stop, the passengers
were literally packed up to their necks in straw
within the coach, and started toward Pittsburgh,
l

from which Dr. Le Moyne rode to Washington
on horseback in a most terrible storm. It was
a dreadful and dangerous ride, and the result
was that he was so seriously injured by the expos
ure as to be a chronic sufferer from rheumatism
for the rest of his life. He commenced the prac
tice of medicine in 1822. Shortly after his return
from the East, he met Miss Madelaine Romaine
Bureau, at his father's house, who had accompa
nied her sister from Grallipolis in order to receive
medical treatment. The young Doctor being smit
ten by the charms of the sprightly young lady,
they were married in May, 1823.
About this time his father suffered heavy pecu
niary losses by his endorsement for his friends, and
his house, the present homestead, was sold to meet
his liabilities. Francis borrowed the money from
two kind friends, Mr. Alexander Reed and Mr.
Kerr, who lent him upon his own endorsement,
and he bought in the house. Thus he started in
life heavily in debt. In a few years, by hard work
and the most economical living, he not only paid
off his own debts, but relieved his father from his
embarrassments also. Our subject had eight chil
dren — three sons and five daughters — all of whom
are living. Feeling deeply interested in educa
tion, he early manifested a desire to promote and
extend its benefits. On April 2, 1830, he was
elected a trustee of Washington College, in which
position he remained a prominent and useful mem
ber until the union of Washington and Jefferson
Colleges, which occurred in 1805. The Washing
ton Female Seminary was established in 1836, and
the Doctor was one of its earliest and firmest
friends, and a member of its original board of trust
ees, where he worked in company with Alex.
Reed, Colin M. Reed, T. McK. T. McKennan, John
H Ewing, Alex. Sweeney, Jacob Slagle, John L.
Gow and others.
The Doctor became interestedin the anti-slavery

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

question in 1835 or 1836. He had the reputation
of being an able debater, having a fine presence.
a good clear voice, a versatile and strongly self-
reliant mind, and, in addition, a flow of language
that made him a very dangerous adversary on the
platform. On one occasion a young man, an early
advocate of the anti-slavery cause, appeared in
Washington and injudiciously gave a general chal
lenge for a discussion. The challenge was at once
accepted, and the day fixed for the meeting. The
challenger expected to have Rev. Dr. Blanchard
as his champion, but from some mischance the lat
ter had left Pittsburgh before the news could
reach him, and the young man came back himself
to meet the engagement with forebodings of de
feat. In this dilemma an appeal was made to Dr.
Le Moyne for assistance, as he was known to be
fond of intellectual gymnastics and always ready
for a discussion. The Doctor, however, excused
himself, had not examined the subject, was not
prepared. But on being shown the constitution of
the Anti -slavery Society, which was for the most part
a declaration of the rights 6f man, he was induced
to enter the arena as the champion of the slave.
From this time forward he was known as one of
the most aggressive of the anti-slavery party, and
at the same time an opponent of the American
Colonization Society, which he believed was estab
lished in the interests of American slavery. He
became so prominent a partizan that in 1841 he
was the candidate of the Abolition party for Gov
ernor of Pennsylvania. Of course he had no ex
pectation of being elected, the object of the cam
paign being to create a political balance of power
that would ultimately control the other parties.
At the next election, in 1844, he was again the
candidate, and also in 1847. During the early
discussion both public and private, upon this ex
citing subject, there was sometimes manifested an
intolerance toward him and his party that was
painful and often oppressive. He was a man,
however, who was not to be daunted by any show
of force. Such was his peculiar mental constitution
that majorities had no influence upon his judgments
and actions. He was an original, independent
thinker, and nothing apparently gave him so much
satisfaction as the opportunity to maintain his
views by discussion with a champion whom he con
sidered a worthy opponent. After years spent in
advocating the cause of liberty, he had the satis
faction and happiness of seeing the object of his
greatest hopes accomplished in the emancipation
of the slaves of the United States, and indeed in
almost the whole world.
Having suffered, as, we have already related, a
severe shock from exposure, Dr. Le Moyne was
compelled, when about fifty-five years of age, to
relinquish the aduous practice of his profession.
So great were his sufferings, which he bore with

heroic fortitude, that for twenty-nine years he
never occupied a bed to seek a night's repose. Of
these matters of personal suffering he was very
reluctant to speak, preferring to suffer in silence
rather than annoy his friends with his griefs which
he well knew they could not even alleviate. The
latter portion of his life was devoted to banking,
farming and the interests of education. He was a
successful business man, and accumulated con
siderable property. As a farmer he was very en
thusiastic and successful. He was one of the
original members of the Washington County Agri
cultural Society, and maintained an active interest
in it during his whole life. He farmed with
brains. Being a chemist he understood some
thing of the relations of plants to soils, and fertil
izers, and it was very instructive to listen to his
theories, which were, in many cases, the result of
his own observation and experiments. He was one
of the first to appreciate the importance of introduc
ing improved sheep, cattle and horses into the coun
ty as a means of increasing the natural wealth of
the people. He left a herd of the finest cattle in
the State, and an elegant stock horse of superior
blood. For years he was a member of a Farmers
Club, that met in Washington for the comparison
of views and for the discussion of such topics a3
concerned their peculiar interests. In 1866 and
1867, as president of the National Wool Growers
Association, he succeeded in harmonizing the
views of the manufacturers and producers of wool,
and as a result their united efforts obtained the
passage through Congress of the best wool tariff
law the country has ever had.
When the erection of the present Town Hall in
Washington was first talked of, Dr. F. Julius Le-
Moyne offered, if room in the building was given,
to donate the sum of $10,000 to found a public
library. When the building project became set
tled, the offer was accepted, and the two large
reading rooms with the vault rooms in them were
set apart for the use of the library. Two thousand
dollars of the sum donated was used in making
fire-proof vaults where the books are kept. A like
sum was set apart to be invested permanently, the
annual interest thereon to be used in making ad
ditions of books; the remainder, $6,000, has been
expended in the purchase of the body of the library.
The Citizens Library Association, in whose charge
the library is, was incorporated by the court May
27, 1870, upon the petition of Dr. Le Moyne and
others. The board of curators is composed of five
persons: One appointed by the trustees of the col
lege; one. appointed by the court; and three elected
by the people to serve for the term of three years-
until his death Dr. Le Moyne was a member and
president of the board. No one took a deeper in
terest in the matters of the corporation than he,
and no one labored more zealously to make it a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

9

power for good in the community. He did not
limit his labors to devising plans for others to
carry out, but, of choice, performed much of the
drudgery himself. The first catalogue which was
used for years was entirely the work of his heart
and hand. It embraces several thousands of en
tries in the work, giving in one place for each
work the title, name of author, shelf letter and
number, and in another the name of the author,
followed by the title, shelf letter and number. In
doing this he would often write until after mid
night, and the neat round hand, carefully-made
letters and figures show that Dr. Le Moyne slighted
nothing that came under his eye or hand. He
often expressed his regret at the meetings of the
curators that the work did not go forward more
rapidly, and even during the last year, when he was
suffering intensely, expressed his willingness to do
any work that would fall to him. When he be
came unable to visit the library, at almost every
meeting of the board he would make inquiry of the
members as to number and character of the persons
visiting the rooms nightly. Particularly was he
desirous of making the library a place of resort
for boys. He felt that while occupied there, they
would not only be out of temptation, but would
have the opportunity of acquiring useful knowl
edge. In selecting books his doubt about approv
ing a book was removed by some one saying it
"was a good book for boys." The only regret he
had to express .was that the people did not pat
ronize the library in larger numbers, and that its
influence was not more extensively felt in the com
munity. But he was never heard to take to him
self any credit for his munificent donation which
breathed into life and kept on foot the library; on
the contrary, he was disposed to assume that he
had done nothing more than the duty he owed as
a citizen of the community in which he had lived
all his life.
About the time that the donation of $10,000 was
made for the Citizens' library, the Doctor felt it
his duty to do something for the elevation of the
colored people of the South, who had been en
franchised by the war. He made a donation of
$20,000 to the American Missionary Society, to be
used in the erection and support of a colored
normal school, in which colored people might be
prepared to be the instructors of their race. A
portion of this sum was devoted to building, and
the remainder to the endowment of the institution.
The site selected was on a bluff in the vicinity of
the city of Memphis, Tenn. The school proved
very successful, so much so that the Doctor added
an additional $5,000 for its equipment. His views
upon the subject of education were somewhat in
opposition to the system under which he was
brought up. In the curriculum of his day, a great
deal of time was devoted to the study of Greek

and Latin, very little to natural sciences and still
less to English literature. The practical bent of
his mind rebelled against what he deemed a false
system of instruction. He was a naturalist by in
stinct; a keen observer of all the phenomena of
nature; a tine practical gardener; a devoted ad
mirer of flowers; a close botanical student and en
tomologist. These studies so charming to him
were not taught him in school, and it was a matter
of regret to him that they had not been. He in
sisted that the study of the ancient classics, for
the unprofessional students, did not afford an
equivalent for the time and money spent in their
acquisition. With this idea in view he determined
to endow a professorship in Washington and Jef
ferson College. In 1872 he paid to the treasurer
of the college the sum of $20,000 to endow the
chair entitled " The Le Moyne Professorship of
Agriculture and Correlative Branches," which chair
is now filled by Prof. Ed Linton. In July, 1879,
he made an additional endowment of $20,000 for
a chair of Applied Mathematics, with an addi
tional $1,000 to better equip the said chair and
the chair of Agriculture. Five hundred of this
last $1,000 gift was appropriated by the local
trustees to purchase in part a set of Ward's Casts,
which were on exhibition at the Pittsburgh Expo
sition. About 1875 the Doctor became interested in
the subject of cremation, and in order to show his
faith in it as a proper means of disposing of the
dead, he in 1876 built a crematory a short dis
tance from town. The furnace is but little more
in appearance than a large gas retort. Into this,
when heated, the body is placed and there con
sumed. Forty cremations have taken place in this
crematory, the first being the remains of Baron
De Palm, an Austrian, who died in New York, and
which attracted more attention and newspaper
comment than any like event since. Dr. Le Moyne's
wishes in regard to his own remains were carried
out to the letter, the cremation taking place on
Thursday, October 16, 1879. His ashes are buried
in the crematory lot, marked by a monument of
granite on which is the following inscription:
F. JULIUS LE MOYNE, M. D.
born
SEPTEMBER 4, 1798,
died
OCTOBER 14, 1879.
•' A FEARLESS ADVOCATE OF THE RIGHT."
The disease under which he finally succumbed
was saccharine diabetes. With the eye of a phi
losopher he watched the progress of the disease
for nearly six years, a much longer period than is

10

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

usually required for this malady to complete its
work. At different periods investigations were
interesting to himself and his profession. An au
topsy showed that the conclusions arrived at by
himself were in the main correct.
And now, in concluding these few and hasty
lines, the question may arise what was the mental
condition and what was the religious hope of this
strong intellectual man, as he approached slowly
but surely the confines which divide the present
from the spirit world? Before the days of polit
ical abolitionism Dr. Le Moyne was a member of
the Presbyterian Church, but when goaded to
madness by the oppressions of slavery he felt that
the church did not come up to what he conceived
to be its duty, and he withdrew. Some have sup
posed, on account of his withdrawal from the church,
and from his views on the cremation of the dead,
that he had cut loose from his Christian moor
ings, and had drifted away out upon the shoreless
sea of infidelity. He maintained that the burning
of the dead was wholly and entirely a secular and
sanitary measure, altogether outside of any relig
ious considerations. The disposal of the dead,
he maintained, should be made entirely dependent
upon the safety and comfort of the living. Those
who knew him best, and were most intimate with
his views, are very free to assert that he never lost
confidence in the great doctrine of salvation through
faith in the merits of the atonement offered by
the blood of Christ.

V\ACHEL HARDING, retired merchant, re
siding in the borough of Washington, was
born in Maryland in 1828, and is descended
from an English family who had immi
grated to that State in an early day. Matthew
Harding, the grandfather, also a native of. Mary
land, was a prominent farmer in that State, and
died there.
Joseph Harding, father of our subject, was also
born in Maryland, where he married Sophia
Young, who died there about the year 1845.
Twelve children were born to them, five yet living,
of whom: Vachel is the only one in Washington
county, Penn. ; Joseph is a farmer in Allen county,
Ind. ; Edward is a farmer in Alabama; John
Hersey is a farmer in Allen county, Ind. ; Rebecca
is married to John Elrichs, and lives in Maryland.
The father departed this life in 1874, in Ohio,
while on a visit to one of his sons. In his political
preferments he was an Old-line Whig.
Vachel Harding received but a limited educa
tion at the subscription schools. At the age of
fifteen he commenced clerking in a store at Hyatts-
town, Md. , and as he was then learning the trade
he received no salary for his services while there.
At the age of eighteen years be removed to Union-

town, Penn., where he remained clerking in a dry-
goods store for five years, or until 1851, when he
came to Washington, this county, and here clerked
for a short time for William Mills, an old-estab
lished dry-goods merchant of the place. After
ward he went into business in a partnership; then
for a time carried on business alone, and, later,
was associated with James Brown in the clothing
business, at the same time carrying on his dry-
goods department. In 1864 he gave up the dry-
goods business, and later he carried on a music
business in Wheeling, W. Va. (but did not move
from Washington), which after four years he sold
to Adams & Lucas. After that he purchased a
coal property, and was engaged in that business
several years. In 1888 he retired from active life,
and is now peacefully enjoying the fruits of his
industry at his comfortable home on Maiden street,
Washington, where he has resided since 1861.
Mr. Harding married, October 15, 1855, in Wash
ington, Annie Le Moyne, daughter of Dr. Francis
Julius and MadelaineRomaine (Bureau) Le Moyne,
the former of whom was born September 4, 1798,
in Washington, this county, and died October 14,
1879, his wife having preceded him to the grave
in July, 1873. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Harding were born children as follows: Charles
V. (is married and lives in Washington, Penn.),
Madeline Sophia, deceased, and Annie, at home.
Politically Mr. Harding is a Republican, and has
held several offices of trust; he is how a trustee of
Washington and Jefferson College, and of Wash
ington Female Seminary. He has been a member
of the M. E. Church for forty years, and for along
period was superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Duriug the war of the Rebellion Mr. Harding sub
scribed liberally of his means to assist in filling the
quota for the army, and also put in a substitute.
He is a representative self-made man, having com
menced life quite a poor boy, and presents an il
lustration of what can be accomplished in business
life by earnest application, industry and economy.

\\ W 1\ILLIAM L- MILNE, a leading contractor,
vIKJ/ °f .Washington- The Milne family, of
V/V( wmcn tnis gentleman is a conspicuous
-1 member, have been residents of Scotland
for many generations, and trace their
lineage back to one Robert Milne, whose son,
David, married and reared a family of children as
follows: Jennie, Jessie, Robert, David, James and
one whose name has not been ascertained. The
early ancestors followed farming, but the sons of
the family just enumerated were for the most part
mariners. David Milne, one of these sons of Robert Milne,
began a " life on the ocean wave " at the early age
of ten years, and devoted his entire life to his

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

11

chosen vocation. He sailed around the world
twice, and was a ship captain for over twenty years.
In 1838 he was united in marriage with Annie,
daughter of David Scott, who is supposed to have
been a lineal descendant of the old Scott family.
Five children were born to David Scott, viz. :
Alice, Peter, James, David and Annie (the latter
of whom was born in 1819 and died in 1872).
David and Annie (Scott) Milne settled in Tayport,
Fifeshire, Scotland, and three children were born
to their union: James (now a resident of Chicago,
where he was vice-president of the Board of Trade) ;
Annie (living in Scotland, widow of Thomas Prim
rose), and William L.
William L. Milne was born March 10, 1853, in
Tayport, Scotland, and received an elementary
education in his native country. Following his
father's example, the lad was eager to begin life
for himself in his boyhood. His elder brother had
emigrated to America, and sent back enthusiastic
descriptions of the New World, which fired the
youthful imagination of the then thirteen-year-old
boy. He too must go to this wonderful country,
and he too would win fame and fortune in the
"Land of the free and the home of the brave."
Doubtless his mind was filled (as in the case of
most boys of his age) with roseate visions of the
future, destined to be crushed by the stern realities
of a hard life in a strange land, far from friends
and home. But underneath the wild and impos
sible boyish dreams lay a firm resolve, a determi
nation and strength of purpose, inherited from the
sailor father, who had chosen his life in his child
ish years. The parents at length recognized the
fact that the boy was not cherishing a mere whim
or fancy, which would be crushed out by harsh ex
perience, but a fixed resolution that must guide
and determine his future life. So they consented
to his journey, and one morning he bade farewell
to the land of his birth — a little choking in his
throat as the "good-bye " words were spoken, one
last look at the dear home fapes, the bonny hills of
Scotland — and was fairly launched on his new
life with the parting words of his father ringing
in his ears: "Take good care of yourself; keep
clean and good company."
After landing in America the young aspirant
went to Pittsburgh, Penn. , where his brother was
living, and bound himself out to his trade, under
Col. D. B. Morris, colonel of the One Hundred and
First P. V. I. , and then came the test of his pur
poses, a trial to which many an older person would
have yielded, and giving up their projects, have
returned to the parental roof. Homesick and dis
couraged he certainly was, and so nearly van
quished by that discouraging feeling that within
three weeks from the date of landing in the country
of his dreams, the homesick boy would have given
all he possessed (in reality the small sum of $10)

to return to his dear old Scotland. He must go
home. In desperation he started to walk to New
York, and getting as far as East Liberty, Penn.,
he asked a man how much farther it was to New
York. He thought if he could reach that city he
might be able there to secure passage to Scotland
on some ship in the capacity of cabin-boy; but this
man took him to a friendly Scotchman, who knew
Col. Morris, and he advised the lad to return to
his work. The little fellow rallied once more, and
returning to his patron, devoted his days to the
duties of his apprenticeship, and in order to com
plete his education attended night- school. He had
laid his plans with wisdom far beyond his years,
determining to become a master mechanic, and un
able to succeed by easier methods he concluded to
bind himself out as a four years' apprentice. At
that time he was the only "bound boy " in the
city of Pittsburgh, but in' that way he learned all
the various parts of his trade, receiving from $5
to $8 per week during the latter part of his ap
prenticeship. At the end of four years he had
saved $300 from his wages, and was, moreover, an
expert workman, a master of his vocation. Just
as he stood on the threshold of success at last,
he fell sick with typhoid fever, and the $300, so
hardly earned and carefully saved, was swept away
by the expenses incurred in his illness. But
health returned, and with the old heroic spirit of
perseverance the young man in 1872 began busi
ness at Washington, Washington Co. , Penn. From
that date Fortune, who had so persistently frowned
upon the struggling youth, began to shower upon
him her richest smiles, seeming at last to realize
that here was a spirit deserving of sympathy and
encouragement. "It never rains but it pours,"
and no sooner was his financial success assured
than other dreams became a reality. Love crowned
the young man's life, and in 1873 he was married
to Flora E., daughter of the Rev. J. S. Baldwin.
of Amity, Amwell township, this county, whose
father is yet living in Iowa, aged over ninety years.
Mrs. Milne is a sister of W. C. Baldwin, of Wash
ington, Penn. Three children have been born to
the union of William L. and Flora E. Milne, viz. :
Gertrude, Annie Elizabeth Scott and Florena May,
all of whom are residing at the parental home.
Mr. Milne has a beautiful home on North avenue
and Beau street, and the dwelling is adorned by a
handsome stucco ceiling of his own making. In
1882 he visited the "old country," and again in
1891, on which occasion he took his family with
him, and made a visit to his father, who is yet liv
ing in Scotland, now in his seventy-sixth year. In
politics Mr. Milne is a Republican, and he is a
member of the East Washington council. In re
ligious faith he is a member of the Methodist
Protestant Church; socially he is a member of the
Royal Arcanum. Among the worthy and notable

12

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

citizens of Washington, none have better deserved
success than has the subject of this sketch, as no
one will question who knows the history of his
early struggles.

d|AMES M. McBURNEY. a rising young attor
ney of Washington, well versed in civil law
I which is his special practice, is a native of
the borough, born March 7, 1858. His
great-grandfather, James McBurney, married
Martha McGoffin, and they had six children,
viz. : Mary (Mrs. John McAuley), Alexander, Jo
seph, James, Martha (Mrs. James Matthews) and
Jane (Mrs. John Gillespie). Of these, James, who
was a native of Washington county, married and
had children, as follows: Ebenezer, James, Joseph,
Eliza (Mrs. Hawkins), Martha (Mrs. Watson),
Sarah (Mrs. Thompson, of Mercer county), and
Catherine (Mrs. Gault, also of Mercer county), all
dead except Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Gault.
Their father was an officer in the Pennsylvania
Militia, and died many years ago on his farm in
South Strabane township, now owned by the
Zediker family.
Ebenezer McBurney was born in 1814, in Mer
cer county, and was educated in the subscription
schools of the locality of his birth. He learned
and worked at the trade of carpenter in Washing
ton, where he put up many buildings; later in life
he was employed in moving buildings, at which he
was considered, in his day, quite an expert. Some
years before his death, which occurred September
12, 1889, when he was seventy-five years of age,
he gave up working at his trade. He was a kind-
hearted, generous man; too confiding, over liberal
with his means, and, through giving bailment for
others, lost a large part of his hard-earned estate.
He was a Democrat until the breaking out of the
Civil war, when he went over to the Repulican
party. He was too old to go to the war, moreover
had broken his leg by falling off a barn, but he
served as provost-marshal for his district; was also
private detective for the county, under Ralph Mc-
Connell and J. F. Taylor, district attorneys, serv
ing as such six years. At one time he was a
member of the old Seceder Church, but having
joined the I. O. O. F., he was dismissed from the
church. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas
Maxwell, who came from Wheeling, W. Va., to
Washington where he (Maxwell) worked at his
trade, that of batter. Eleven children were born
to this union: Helen, wife of Joseph Shaw, in
Houstonville, Chartiers township; Samuel F., on a
stock farm in Texas; John F., on the old homestead
in South Strabane township; Alexander F., a dentist
in Canonsburg, this county; James M. , our subject;
George M. , a farmer in Belmont county, Ohio;
Kate M., wife of George M. Haldeman, of Wash

ington; two daughters, Mary and Margaret, who
died at the age of sixteen and twenty-one respect
ively; and two that died in infancy. The par
ents are both deceased, the mother having passed
away six months before the father.
James M. McBurney received his primary edu
cation at the schools of the neighborhood, and then
(1875) entered the preparatory department of Wash
ington and Jefferson College, graduating in 1881
in the classical course. After leaving college he
taught one year as principal, in McKeesport
Academy, being associated with Rev. Robert M,
Russell, who now has charge of a U. P. Church
in Pittsburgh, East End. Returning to Washing
ton, Mr. McBurney commenced the study of law
with Hon. H. J. Vankirk, finishing under John W.
Donnan, and was admitted to the bar of Washing
ton county, April 27, 1885, since when he has
been in the continuous practice of his profession in
the borough. In 1889 Mr. McBurney was united
in marriage with Miss Annie S., daughter of J. B.
Reekers, of Washington, and one child, Louise R. ,
has come to cheer their home. Our subject has
been a member of the U. P. Churoh since 1876, is
a deacon in the same, and a teacher in the Sabbath-
school. He is a Republican, but does not allow
politics to interfere with his business, which com
mands all his time, and receives his diligent
attention.

( WILLIAM MARTIN, president of the
First National Bank of Canonsburg, is
the only living representative of his
branch of the Martin family in Washing
ton county; he is a native of the same,
born December 18, 1821, on a farm in North Stra
bane township. He is a son of Samuel and Mary
(McNary) Martin, the former of whom was a son
of James Martin, a native of Scotland, who immi
grated to this country at a very early period, set
tling in York county, Penn. ; the latter a daughter
of David McNary. of Cross Creek township, Wash
ington county, same State.
Samuel Martin, great-grandfather of our sub
ject, emigrated from Scotland with his son James,
and was the first of the family to come to York
county, where he followed farming and died. He
had one daughter, and three sons — Andrew, Peter
and James — of whom Peter and James came to
Washington county in 1804. James had married
Margaret McNary, in York county, and the chil -
dren born to them there were Samuel, Esther
(Mrs. Joseph McNary), Isabella (Mrs. John C.
Hanna), Margaret (Mrs. David Templeton), all
now deceased. The father of this family was born
in 1763 and died in 1853, aged ninety ' years, the
mother passing away when the subject of this
sketch was a little boy.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

13

^Samuel Martin, father of William, was born in
1790, in York county, Penn., and received his
education at the subscription schools of his locality
during a few weeks in winter time, the remainder
of the year being devoted to learning the practical
lessons of agricultural pursuits. On the death of
his father he came into possession of the homestead
in North Strabane township, Washington county,
and it may be here stated that the land was origi
nally patented by the Government to one James
McCready, from whom it was afterward purchased
by the Martin family. Oil was found on the old
homestead farm in 1887, and nine wells have been
sunk on it. All were producers; two when the oil
gave out were sunk deeper and made gas wells;
these were piped to Pittsburgh by Jones &
Laughlin, and are still producers. After his mar
riage with Mary McNary, in 1812, Samuel Martin
made a final settlement on the old farm in North
Strabane township, carrying on general farming
till the time of his retirement to Canonsburg,
where he died in 1878, aged eighty-eight years.
His wife, a native of Washington county, Penn.,
died one year later, at the age of eighty-nine years.
They were active members of the Chartiers United
Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of
ten children: Esther (now the widow of B. M.
Crouch, of Mansfield, Ohio), Margaret (deceased
wife of Judge McCarroll, of Washington county,
Penn.), Sarah (widow of Robert Rowen, residing
near Venice, Hanover township, Washington Co.,
Penn.), James (who removed many years ago to
the vicinity of Mansfield, Ohio), John and David
(who died when small children), William (subject),
Isabelle (Mrs. Ross Taggart, of Beaver county,
Penn.), Isaac (a farmer near Indianola, Iowa) and
Eliza Jane (residing at the old home in the edge of
North Strabane township, this county).
William Martin, the subjeot proper of this
memoir, was reared on the farm where he was
born, and received his rudimentary education at
the primitive subscription schools of the neighbor
hood, afterward attending Jefferson College, Can
onsburg, several years, and then returned to the
farm which he has since conducted with well-
earned success. He taught school one term in the
county. On April 24, 1850, Mr. Martin married
Mary A. Houston, of Lowellville, Ohio, daughter
of Hon. David Houston, who for several years
served as State senator on the Democratic ticket.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have two children : David
Houston, who graduated from Wilmington College,
and is now practicing law in Pittsburgh, and Samuel
Albert, a Presbyterian minister, now professor of
theology at Lincoln University, in Chester county,
Penn. In 1873 Mr. Martin moved into the borough
of Canonsburg to educate his children, and has
since made his home here, in the West Ward. He
and his wife are members of the United Presby-

terian Church, in which he has been an elder forty
years. Politically he has been an influential
Republican since the organization of the party,
but is no partisan. He has served as school di
rector for some time. Mr. Martin is well preserved
for his years, and is of an active, social and hos
pitable disposition.

QEORGE SCOTT HART was born in the City
of Pittsburgh, Penn., on the 29th of July,
' 1824. He was the son of John and Susanah
(Barr) Hart, both of whom were descended
from Scotch-Irish ancestry. When the sub
ject of this notice was but four years old, the family
removed to Burgettstown, Washington Co. , Penn. ,
and four years later settled at Washington, Penn.
In the latter town George grew to manhood, and
in it spent the remainder of his life. He received
his primary education in the private schools then
in existence, and in 1838 he entered the Washing
ton College, in the same town, as a student, from
which institution he was graduated in the class of
1842, when he had scarcely entered his nineteenth
year. Several of his classmates rose to places of
high distinction. Among them were Caleb Bald
win, who became Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of Iowa; J. Kennedy Ewing, afterwards
President Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Dis
trict of Pennsylvania; Rev. Franklin Moore, an
eminent as well as eloquent minister of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church.
After leaving college the subject of this notice
was engaged in teaching for two years, one as a
private tutor in Accomac county, Va., and one in
the public school at Prosperity, in Washington coun
ty, Penn. Afterward he entered the office of John
L. Gow, Esq., a prominent lawyer of Washington.
Penn., as a law student, and in August, 1846, after
due examination, he was admitted as a member of
the Bar of Washington county. The same year he
was appointed Deputy Attorney General, to fill a
vacancy. When that office afterward became
elective, he was nominated for the place by the
Democratic Convention, and at the ensuing elec
tion obtained a majority of the votes cast, and was
commissioned for the full term of three years.
During his term of office several very important
criminal trials took place, in all of which it was
demonstrated that he was an able and fearless
prosecutor. In May, 1853, he acquired an interest in the
Washington Examiner, a weekly newspaper, and
for three years he was its principal editor. Tiring
of journalism, he disposed of his interest in the
newspaper in 1856, after the close of the Presi
dential campaign, and thenceforward until his fatal
illness his time and energies were devoted to his
chosen profession, In 1876, without opposition,

14

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

he was nominated for the office of President Judge
of the Twenty-seventh Judicial District of Penn
sylvania, by the Democratic Convention, and the
Convention's action was ratified by the voters of
the District at the general election held in Novem
ber of that year. He was duly commissioned, and
served for a term of ten years from the first Mon
day of January, 1877. Judge Hart also served,
previous to his elevation to the Bench, as a member
of the School Board of Washington for some
twelve years, more than ten of which he acted as
Secretary. After the death of his father, in 1859, Mr. Hart
assumed the headship of the family, caring, and
abundantly providing, for his mother during her
declining years. By his unselfish exertions and
personal sacrifices, the old home was saved for his
brothers and sisters, and they remained together
until circumstances brought about changes in the
family circle. He was the family counsellor, men
tor and friend, and his chief aim through life was
to make them happy.
Such is a brief sketch of the life of a good man.
He died at his home, near Washington, on the 15th
of May, 1888, surrounded by grief- stricken rela
tives and several of his sorrowful neighbors. Two
days after his body was laid away by the side of
kindred dust in the Washington Cemetery, to
await the resurrection of the just.

THOMAS McKENNAN, M. D., a well-known
prominent and successful physician of Wash
ington county, was born May 21, 1825, in
the house where he at present resides in the
borough of Washington.
In 1800 the first of the family came to Wash
ington county in the person of Col. William Mc
Kennan, a merchant, who was born in 1758 at
New Castle, Del., a son of Rev. William Mc
Kennan, a prominent Presbyterian minister, who
had a church for fifty years in Wilmington, Del. ;
he came to America about the year 1730, and died
in Delaware, where he had settled. Col. McKennan
at a very early date came from Delaware to West
Virginia, to what is now Wellsburg, later moving
to Washington. He was present at the battle of
Brandy wine, in 1777, where he received a wound,
from the effects of which he died, and he spent
the memorable winter at Valley Forge. He mar
ried Elizabeth, a daughter of John Thompson, a
prominent citizen of Brandywine Hundred, in
Delaware, and a niece of Thomas McKean, a mem
ber of the first Congress from Delaware, who later
came to Pennsylvania, of which State he became
governor; he was one of the Signers of the "Dec
laration of Independence." Col. William Mc
Kennan and his family moved to Charlestown, Va.
(now W. Va. ), from there to West Middletown,

this county, and finally, in 1801, to the borough of
Washington, where he died in January, 1810, his
widow in 1839, at the age of seventy-eight years.
The children born to them were seven in number,
as follows: William, John, Thomas McK. T. ,
David, Ann, Rev. James W. and one that died in
infancy, unamed.
Hon. Thomas McK. T. McKennan, the third son
of Col. William McKennan, was born in 1794, in
Newcastle county, Del., and received his primary
education in the private schools at Washington.
When sixteen years old he graduated from Wash
ington College, in the second class, there being
three members in that class. Immediately there
after he began the study of law under Parker
Campbell, an attorney of Washington borough,
and November 7, 1814, at the age of twenty-one,
was admitted to the bar, and he at once commenced
to build up his remarkable career. The year after
his admission he succeeded Walter Forward as
deputy attorney-general of the county, serving in
that capacity until 1817; and his rise at the bar
was rapid and honorable, the front in his profes
sion being maintained throughout his life. The
degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by Jeffer
son College. In 1831 Mr. McKennan became a
member of the House of Representatives of the
United States, remaining in Congress four terms,
and declining re-election on account of his urgent
professional work at home. In 1842, however, a
vacancy occurring in the House through the demise
of Joseph Lawrence, Mr. McKennan yielded to the
solicitations of his party, and the public demand,
and served the balance of the term. He was
chairman of the committee of the whole for two
months, in the first session of that year, and
during his incumbency rendered powerful aid to
the more important industries of the country. In
1840 he was chosen a Presidential elector, and in
1848 he was made president of the Pennsylvania
Electoral College. In 1850 he was called by Presi
dent Fillmore to the position of Secretary of the
Interior; but for various reasons he had no likiDg
for the office, and a few weeks after his appoint
ment he resigned and returned to his more genial
home. Soon after this he became president of the
Hempfield Railroad Company, and while attending
to its affairs died July 9, 1852, at Reading, Penia.
Mr. McKennan had entered Washington Col
lege at a very early age, and passed through the
entire curriculum. In February, 1813, he was
appointed tutor of ancient languages, in which
capacity he served eighteen months;iu April, 1818,
he was chosen a member of the college corporation,
continuing as such up to the day of his death, a
period of thirty-four years. For several years ' he
held the position of adjunct professor of languages.
The life of Mr. McKennan was one of the purest
probity, and among the galaxy of distinguished

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

17

men of Pennsylvania he exerted great influence in
the development of the State, and in his quiet,
unobtrusive yet effective way, contributed largely
toward the shaping of her political destiny. In
his private life he was beloved by all as a loyal
citizen, a devoted husband, an affectionate and
indulgent parent, and a true friend. He was
devotedly attached to children, was a lover of good
men, and a supreme detester of all manner of vice
and meanness.
In 1815 Mr. McKennan was united in marriage
with Miss Matilda, daughter of Jacob Bowman (of
German ancestry), one of the pioneer merchants
of Brownsville (Penn.), "Old Fort Redstone," as
it was then called, and who died there at the age
of eighty-two years. Eight children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. McKennan as follows: William, ex-
United States judge; Jacob Bowman (deceased);
Thomas M. T. (who died in infancy); Isabella L.
(deceased); Thomas, subject of sketch; Ann E.,
John Thompson (deceased), and Matilda, wife of
George W. Reed, of Pittsburgh. The mother of
this family died in March, 1858.
Thomas McKennan, whose name opens this
biographical memoir, attended the common schools
of his native town, and at an early age entered
Washington College, from which he graduated in
1842. He then began the study of medicine, at
tended the University of Pennsylvania at Phila
delphia, graduating therefrom in 1846, after which
he was professionally engaged in the Philadelphia
Hospital and Almshouse at Philadelphia, one year,
and for the following three years in the prac
tice of medicine at Allegheny. In 1851 he returned
to Washington, where he has since been engaged
in the active practice of his profession (a period of
over forty years), during which experience he has
met with unqualified success and gained unlimited
popularity. His practice has extended far and
wide throughout the surrounding country, and in
addition to general pathology he has had many
surgical cases, in all of which he has proven
eminently successful.
In 1854 Dr. McKennan married Margaret M. ,
daughter of L. W. Stockton, who died in Union-
town, Penn., in 1844. He was widely known in his
days as the principal stage proprietor in his sec
tion, in fact, as one of the largest in the United
States, one of his lines running from Baltimore to
St. Louis, through Washington. Twelve children
were born to Dr. and Mrs. McKennan, of whom-
three are deceased; of those yet living: T. M. T.
is an M. D. and professor in the medical college at
Pittsburgh, and the eldest daughter, Matilda, is
the wife of James Cummins, of Wheeling, W. Va.
Politically Dr. McKennan was originally a Whig,
and since the organization of the party has been an
uncompromising "black Republican." He has
been a trustee of Washington and Jefferson College

many years, a member of the board of managers of
Pennsylvania Reform School; member of the school
board of Washington; trustee of Washington
Female Seminary, and president of the board of
managers of Washington Cemetery Company.

J

OHN W. STEPHENS, retired farmer and
merchant. The ancestors of the subject of
i this sketch emigrated to this country from
Wales quite early in the seventeenth century,
and settled in Bucks county, Penn., and thence,
somewhere about the middle of the century, his
great-great-grandfather, John Stephens, removed
to what is now Washington township, Fayette Co.,
Penn. ; this county being a part of what was then
embraced in Westmoreland county. Whether this
John Stephens was born in this country, or in
Wales, the writer has been unable to learn. After
their removal to this part of the country, they lived
for some years in a blockhouse for protection from
Indians. From the record on, his tombstone in the
Redstone cemetery, where he and large numbers of
his descendants are interred, we find he was born
in July, 1714, and died in 1806, aged ninety-one
years and ten months. His wife's name was
Sarah, but of her maiden name and history we know
nothing. They had nine children — six sons and
three daughters. The sons' names were John, Levi,
Seth, Thomas, Isaiah and Evans. The daughters'
names were Mary, Rachel and Rebecca. Of the
history of the sons we know but little, except of
Levi, great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch. Two of the sons, Seth and John, removed,
we learn, at an early day to Kentucky, and Alex
ander H. Stephens, of Georgia, a prominent figure
in the political struggles preceding and during our
recent great Rebellion, was a descendant of one of
these sons.
Of the history of two of the daughters we know
more. Mary, in her fortieth year, was united in
marriage to William Hogg, of Brownsville, Penn. ,
both of whom died in their eighty-sixth year — she
on November 11, 1840, and he on January 27,
1841. This Mr. Hogg was a very successful bus
iness man, and became prominently known through
out this part of the State as a man of great wealth
for those times. He and a few others in 1812 or
ganized the " Monongahela Bank of Brownsville.
Penn.," under " Articles of Association" which
were exchanged for a " Charter " in 1814. This
is thought to be the oldest bank organized west of
the Alleghanies. About the same time William
Hogg and his nephew, George Hogg, Dr. Wheeler
and Jacob Bowman, organized the Episcopal
Church of Brownsville, and erected for it a good
substantial church building. Some years later (in
1830 it is thought), Bishop Chase, of Ohio, and
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, visited William Hogg at

18

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Brownsville, and negotiated with him for the pur
chase of 8,000 acres of land in Ohio, he agreeing
to sell it to them for $2. 25 per acre, on condition
that they would have erected thereon an " Institu
tion of Learning;" he further stipulating to donate
the one-third of the proceeds of said land sale, or
$6,000 to the enterprise. This was the origin of
" Kenyon College," of Gambier, Knox Co., Ohio.
Rachel, another daughter, married Roland Craig,
who with him settled, lived and died near West
Alexander, Washington Co., Penn., leaving quite a
large number of descendants. Of the other
daughter, Rebecca, we know nothing, except when
her father and other members of his family re
moved to the western part of the State. She re
mained in Bucks county, and (we suppose) died
there. Whether she married and left children we
know not.
The son, Levi, the great-grandfather of the sub
ject of this sketch, was born in Bucks county, Penn.,
July 14, 1744, and died February 13, 1808, about
two years after the death of his father John.
Some time after his removal from the east to the
western part of the State, he was married, Decem
ber 4, 1775, to Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel
and Sarah Brown, who had removed from Chester
county, Penn., and become residents of what is
now Perry township, Fayette Co., Penn. His
wife's birth is recorded as being on March 27,
1757, and her death on March 17, 1829. Their
marriage bans were performed by Esquire Van-
Sweringer. They had eight children, seven of
whom grew to manhood and womanhood; one (a
son) died in infancy. The names of their children
who grew to years of maturity were Nathaniel, born
January 8, 1782, died Mav 13, 1869; Sarah, born
April 17, 1786, died February 4, 1864; John, born
February 23, 1788, died August 23, 1853; Levi,
born September 10, 1790, died January 13, 1878;
Anne (Nancy), born July 8, 1795; Elizabeth, torn
in January, 1798, and Thomas, born July 20, 1800.
This Levi Stephens was by profession a civil
engineer, and for some years was in the employ of
the Government as surveyor of public lands; and
by reason of the financial embarrassment following
the close of the Revolutionary war, he was offered
by the Government land instead of money for his
services, which was accepted by him, and the
larger amount of this land still remains in posses
sion of his descendants.
Nathaniel Stephens, the eldest son of Levi, and
the grandfather of John W. Stephens, was mar
ried in 1799 to Hannah, daughter of Joseph Dod-
son, by whom he had eleven children, two of whom
died in childhood, the others all living to a good
old age. Their names are John D., born Febru
ary 25, 1800, died December 3, 1870; Elizabeth,
born September 25, 1803, died October 26, 1886;
Mary, born July 4, 1805, died June 2, 1883; Na

thaniel, born June 5, 1807, died August 1, 1886;
Catherine, born March 4, 1809, died January 9,
1886; Joseph, born in 1813, died April 19, 1863;
Levi, born August 7, 1814, still living; Hester,
born June 14, 1816, still living, and Sarah A.,
born June 28, 1818, died March 30, 1891. Nathan
iel Stephens married, for his second wife, Elizabeth
Houseman (nee Hill), by whom he had one son,
Joshua N. Stephens, born September 25, 1822,
and died March 5, 1883.
John D. Stephens, eldest son of Nathaniel and
Hannah Stephens, father of the subject of this
sketch, was married June 28, 1821, to Mary,
daughter of John Nutt, of Chester county, Penn.
She was born June 4, 1788, and died April 14,
1869. They had six children: Lee P. and Hannah
(twins), born March 1, 1822; John W., born De
cember 14, 1823; Nathaniel and Mary (twins), born
September 22, 1824; and Ezra N., born Sep
tember 19, 1831. Of these children, Ezra N,
the youngest, died at Los Angeles, Cal., August
19, 1883, and Nathaniel died in Fayette county,
Penn., in February, 1892. Lee P., Hannah and
Mary still survive.
J. W. Stephens, whose name appears at the
opening of this sketch, was born December 14,
1823, on the banks of the Monongahela river, at
Lock No. 3, in Allegheny county, Penn., on a farm
then owned by his father, afterward by his father's
brother, Nathaniel, and by him sold to Hon. James
G. Blaine, to whose estate it still belongs. When
about six or seven years of age our subject's father
purchased a farm and removed to Jefferson town
ship, Fayette Co., Penn., on which he subse
quently established the Fayette Nurseries, which
he continued to carry on while he lived, our sub
ject assisting him in this business, except while
absent at school. He was educated at the public
schools and at Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn.
In 1848 he left his father's home to engage in
the foundry business with an uncle, Richard Miller,
of Uniontown, Penn. While here he was married
to Martha Jane Bentley, a daughter of Sheshbaz-
zor Bentley, of Bentley ville, Washington Co.,
Penn. This Mr. Bentley was a descendant of an
early settler in that region of country who married
first a Miss Moore, a sister of Daniel Moore, a prom
inent citizen of Washington, Penn. , and well known
in his day by his connection and interest in the old
stage coach lines of the National Road. Mr. Ben
tley' s second wife (Martha Jane's mother) was a
Mrs. Hannah Kenworthy {nee Hannah Cleaver).
Shortly after his marriage J. W. Stephens sold out
his interest in the foundry business to his uncle,
and removed to Bentleyville, Penn., where he con
tinued to reside for many years, except two years
he spent on a farm purchased bv him in Allegheny
county, same State. While residing here, farming
has been hiB chief pursuit, but he was also engaged

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

19

for some years in merchandising. In the spring of
1889 he retired from all active business, and re
moved to Monongahela, where he now resides.
John W. Stephens is the father of six children,
two of whom died in their childhood — the eldest (a
daughter) in her fifth, and the youngest (a son) in
his third year. Four sons are living: Franklin
Moore, the eldest son, born November 2, 1854, was
educated in the public schools, Mt. Union College,
Ohio, Washington College, Penn., and subsequently,
in the spring of 1887, graduated in the medical
department of the Pennsylvania University, at
Philadelphia. Immediately thereafter he was
offered and accepted the position of resident phy
sician and surgeon in the Robert Packer Hospital,
at Sayre, Bradford Co., Penn. Two years there
after he was chosen general superintendent of said
hospital, which position he still holds. William
Pusey, the second son, born May 2, 1857, was
educated in the public schools, and remained on the
farm with his parents until after arriving at full
age. On February 8, 1881, he was united in mar
riage to Elizabeth J. White, daughter of John F.
White, of Bentleyville. Soon after he engaged in
merchandising, first in Bentleyville, and then re
moved to Monongahela City, where he continued
for some years in business. He is now associated with
two other brothers in the lumber business. Charles
Edgar, the third son, born January 27, 1860, while
yet in his "teens," went into Neal Blythe & Co.'s
planing mill at Monongahela City, where he
learned the carpenter's trade and worked for some
years as a journeyman. In 1887 he bought an
interest in said mill and business, and contin
ued therein as a partner for five years; when
finding the firm was doing a losing business, he
withdrew, selling out his interest to the firm at
considerable sacrifice. A few months thereafter he
and Thomas S. Neal, under the firm name of Neal
& Stephens, entered as co-partners into the lumber
business, and in a few months thereafter his
brothers — William P. and Henry B. — purchased his
partner's interest, and the firm of Stephens Bros.
was formed. Henry Bentley, the fourth and
youngest son, born November 19, 1862, is now the
junior partner of the firm of Stephens Bros.
In politics John W. Stephens has always been a
Republican, joining it in its first organization, and
attended its first convention, held in Pittsburgh in
1856. During the Civil war he was draft com
missioner, and made the first military draft for
Washington county. In 1878 he was elected a
member of the State Legislature by a flattering
vote, his colleagues being Hon. Findley Patterson
and Hon. John C. Messenger, Democrats. While
an earnest Republican he has not been a place
seeker. He and his wife have long been members
of the M. E. Church. He is modest, honest, frank

and manly; a self-respecting Christian gentle
man, having the confidence and respect of an ex
tensive acquaintance.

fP^ ENERAL JAMES B. RUPLE is descended
I from German ancestry, who emigrated from
VI |f the Fatherland to this country at a very
^^\ early date. Baltis Ruple, grandfather of
James B., came from Morris county, N. J.,
to Washington county, where he died in 1795, the
year following his arrival. His residence was in
Philadelphia during the Revolutionary war. He
had been twice married, his second wife being a
Miss Anna McCollum, who bore him the following
named five children: James, David, Elizabeth,
Mary and Margaret; the children by his first mar
riage were Ruth, John and Samuel. Both families
are now all deceased. The widowed mother sub
sequently married Maj. Charles Cracraft, who had
been an Indian warrior upon the frontier in the
dark days, and who had been their captive upon
more than one occasion.
Col. James Ruple, the eldest son of Baltis and
Anna (McCollum) Ruple, was born February 18,
1788, in New Jersey, and was consequently about
six years old when he came to this county with
his father. He received a fair educational training
at the subscription schools of the period, and
learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he
followed in Washington county; some years before
his death he commenced the manufacturing of
brick, and continued the business until the year
before his death. In 1809 he married Diana
Goodrich, a native of New York (near the Con
necticut line), daughter of Jesse Goodrich, whose
ancestry came to America in 1648. Two brothers
Goodrich emigrated from England in that year,
one of whom, at the instance of a relative whose
heir he was, started to return, but was lost at sea ;
the other brother, John, settled in Connecticut.
Jesse Goodrich came to Washington county in the
early part of this century. To Col. and Mrs. James
Ruple were born twelve children, of whom the fol
lowing is a brief record: Elizabeth is the deceased
wife of John Ruth, of Washington county; James
B. is the subject of this sketch; Minerva is the
widow of Henry M. Bristor, and now lives in Ohio;
Joseph C. died recently in this county; Dr. Samuel
H. is in Illinois; Sarah is the deceased wife of
William Acheson; Rebecca, married to Rev. L. P.
Streator, Anna, married to John D. Braden, and
John, are all living in Washington; David, Henry
and Ruth are deceased. The father died January
8, 1855, the mother in 1885, aged eighty-six years,
less one month. James Ruple served in the war
of 1812-15, as adjutant of a Pennsylvania regi
ment, and was assigned to service on the Niagara

20

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

frontier, but his health becoming impaired, and
his regiment having disbanded, he returned home.
In 1814, when the city of Baltimore was attacked by
the British, he set out to aid in its defense in com
mand of a company, but before reaching his desti
nation was recalled, together with the rest of the
forces from Washington county. After the close
of this war he was promoted to colonel in the uni
formed militia, and commanded a regiment for
many years. In his political preferences he was a
Jackson Democrat. From 1817 to 1820 he served
as coroner. From 1828 to 1835, and from 1839
to 1842, he was clerk of the county courts.
Gen. James B. Ruple was born June 3, 1812,
in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., and is
consequently now (March, 1893) over fourscore
years old, but is hale and hearty, well preserved,
both physically and mentally. When a boy he had
to do his share of work at times when not attending
the subscription schools of the, then, village. At
the age of twelve he commenced to assist his
father in the shop, who in addition to his regular
business was making fanning mills. The times
were then, and had been for many years, very dull,
money scarce and all kinds of business depressed.
Wheat dull at 25 cents a bushel; oats, 10 to 12
cents; flour,75 cents a hundredweight (112 pounds);
eggs, 2 cents a dozen; country- cured hams, 2 J
cents a pound; with other products and labor in
the same proportion— the result of a tariff for
revenue only. The woven-wire screens for the
mills required the cash to purchase them in
Pittsburgh, which was a very heavy draft
upon a small business, and he determined to try
its manufacture at home. The apparatus he con
structed for that purpose proved a success, and he
aided his father in weaving the wire for the mills.
In 1826, after years of depression, business revived
generally, and money began to circulate rather
freely. The wire manufacturing increased by the
making of rolling screens for flouring mills, sieves,
riddles, and to which he added the making of wire
rat and mouse traps, fenders for fireplaces and
other articles, and it became a fairly remunerative
business. In fact, he earned while a boy, nearly
a man's wages. But "there is no rose without its
thorn " — when fourteen years of age young Ruple
became afflicted with a disease which left him par
tially crippled for several years.
When more advanced in years he became a clerk
in one of the county offices, in which capacity
he served for a time. In 1832 he went to Greenbrier
county, Va. , where he engaged in the mannfacture of
fanning mills. After closing that business early in
the winter of 1835-36, at the request of Mr. John A.
North, clerk of the court of appeals of the Western
District of Virginia, he took a situation in his office
for a few months, and returned to Washington in
the spring. Upon his return he accepted a clerk

ship in the postoffice, which was at that time one of
the heaviest distributing offices in the country.
The long hours of labor and the close confinement
induced him to leave it in the summer and engage
in carpentering, which he followed until the en
suing winter. Shortly after, he went South, to
Louisiana, where he was much pleased with his
prospects, but in the summer he was seized with
the malaria, so prevalent in that section, and was
compelled to return to the North. In the fall of
that year (1837), in company with T. B. Bryson, he
engaged in cabinet making; in the summer of
1838, the disease he contracted in the South still
affecting him, he was obliged to withdraw from the
business on account of his health. Having been
appointed to a clerkship in the office of the Sec
retary of the Commonwealth, he proceeded to
Harrisburg in January, 1839, and served under
Gov. David R. Porter until 1845.
Prior to the expiration of his term of clerkship
he had bought a one-half interest in the Washing
ton Examiner, a weekly newspaper, and for four
years was connected with that journal as partner
of T. W. Grayson. In 1852 he was appointed
deputy sheriff by John McAlister, sheriff of the
county, doing most of the business of the office for
three years, after which he was for two years act
ing prothonotary of the court of common pleas for
W. S. Moore, during the latter's illness; in 1857
he was elected to the office, was reelected in 1860,
serving, in all, eight years. Gen. Ruple was
originally a Democrat, but in 1854 he left the ranks
of that party and identified himself with the Re
publicans. In February, 1867, he was appointed,
by President Andrew Johnson, Assessor of Internal
Revenue for his District (24th Pennsylvania), in
which incumbency he served four years, since when
the aged gentleman, so much honored in his
county, has lived retired, except in local munici
pal positions, wearing his well-earned laurels with
dignified modesty. In his military connections,
the General was, in 1836, elected captain of a vol
unteer company, and in 1846 was appointed, bv
Gov. Shunk, one of his aids with the rank of lieu
tenant-colonel, a position he filled during the lat
ter's governorship. In 1855 he was elected and
commissioned a general in the militia.
On September 24, 1839, General Ruple was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah A., daughter
of Charles Mayes, one of the old settlers of the
county. The last male member of the Mayes
family to pass away was the far-famed Squire
Joseph F. Mayes, of whom it is said that during
his official lifetime he united in wedlock more than
2,000 couples. To the General and his wife were
born seven children, as follows: Charles M (a
sketch of whom follows); James Goodrich, district
passenger agent for the Pennsylvania Company
at Pittsburgh, Penn.; Virginia, widow of Rev j

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

21

J. Jones (she now resides in Washington, Penn.);
Anna M. , living with her parents and engaged
in mercantile business (she taught school for near
ly twenty years); Frank W., in Columbus, Ga.,
with the Central Railroad; Katharine, wife of Will-
" iam M. Thompson, a farmer in Fayette countv,
Penn. ; and Etta M. , wife of Dr. A. J. Culbert-
son, in Washington. Our subject and his faithful
wife have lived in the same house since 1852, in
which year it was built. He became a member of
the I. O. O. F. in 1841, and in 1852 was elected
grand representative to the Grand Lodge of the
United States, being the first representative in
that body from the western part of the State. In
1843-44 he was D. D. G. M. of the Harrisburg
district, and of the Washington district in 1845-
46-47-48. In 1848 he was entered a F. & A. M.
Charles M. Ruple, Esq., was born June 14,
1840, at Harrisburg, Penn., where his father was
.serving as clerk in the office of the Secretary of
the Commonwealth of the State.
He was four years old when his parents came
with their family to Washington county, and here
he received his primary education at the common
schools of the neighborhood, after which he at
tended Washington (now Washington and Jeffer
son) College, leaving, however, without graduat
ing. He graduated at the common schools, and
was the valedictorian of his class, under A. M.
Gow, who was then principal. Mr. Ruple then
entered the office of the prothonotary in Washing
ton, where he remained, till the spring of 1864.
While in said office he commenced the study of
law with Robert H. Koontz, then a prominent at
torney of Washington, and later he acted as dep-
uty-prothonotary for a time. He then removed to
Beaver county, same State, where he was .clerk in
the office of Capt. John Cuthbertson till May 1,
1865. Returning to Washington, Mr. Koontz
having in the meantime died, he renewed the
reading of law under the preceptorship of Boyd
Crumrine, and was admitted to the bar of Wash
ington in 1866. In the same year he was ap
pointed, by Governor Curtin, a notary public,
holding the office until 1883, when he was elected
a justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1888. Up
on the expiration of his term in 1893, he formed a
law partnership with T. Mc K. Hughes, Esq.,
under the firm name of Hughes & Ruple. For
some five years prior to this election to the office
last spoken of, he was deputy clerk of the courts.
In April, 1877, Squire Ruple was married to
to Miss Lide J. Moore, of Monongahela City,
daughter of David Moore, who died there in 1867
— in fact Mrs. Ruple is the only member of the
Moore family now living. No children have been
born to Squire and Mrs. Ruple. Our subject is a
stanch Republican and an earnest worker for his
party. In 1887 he was a candidate for the office

of prothonotary in the convention, but was de
feated. He has been borough auditor several
times, and until the election of Judge Mcllvaine
he had served as clerk for the " return judges "
almost from boyhood. In 1874, under the new
law, he was chosen assistant to the court, and
served as such up to the end of Judge Hart's term.

ifP^ OBERT W. CRISWELL. Perhaps there
\,Jy is no better-known citizen and farmer in
W\. Hanover township than the gentleman
JJ =^ whose name opens this sketch. He is the
V son of William, whose father was George
Criswell. The latter was a native of western
Maryland, and in early days came west in company
with two brothers to find a suitable place for
locating. His two brothers selected Venango
county, Penn. , and George settled near Canons
burg, Washington Co., Penn., where he married,
and reared a family of six children, namely:
Robert, lived to an adult age and died in Hanover
township; William, of whom further mention is
made; John, a carpenter by trade, died in
Canonsburg when a young man; James, lived in
Guernsey county, Ohio, and died near Cambridge,
and two daughters, whose names are not given.
The parents died in Cecil township, this county,
where their latter days were passed. Very little
is known concerning them, as they died when the
children were young.
William Criswell was born August 25, 1792,
near Canonsburg, Cecil township, Washington Co.,
Penn. The ¦' battle of life " began rather early
with the members of this family, who met with
many rebuffs. William was desirous of earning
an honest living, and deciding to learn a trade,
signed articles of agreement with an old hatter in
Canonsburg, with whom he completed his trade,
and worked there a short time afterward. In
1817 he came to Briceland's Cross Roads, now
known as Florence. The place then contained
only four houses, and here he began a prosperous
business for himself. About 1819 he was married
to Sarah Lyle, who bore him the following chil
dren: Maria (deceased wife of Jackson McClelland),
William (deceased, a hatter by trade) and Harriet
(married to Mahlon S. Stokes, of Beaver, Penn.,
now living at Bryn Mawr, a beautiful suburb of
Philadelphia, Penn.). The mother died, and in
1837 Mr. Criswell married for his second wife
Sarah, daughter of Robert Wallace, who bore him
two children, Robert W. and Sarah A. (Mrs. R. S.
Work, of Florence). After his location in Flor
ence, Mr. Criswell devoted his entire time to his
trade, and being an expert mechanic, work was
plenty. In 1855 he abandoned his trade and
began farming upon a small piece of land, which
he had previously bought, lying a short distance

22

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

west of Florence, and making two additional
purchases, soon owned a pleasant place. In 1865
he returned to Florence, and led a retired life
until his death, which occurred June 1, 1881.
His remains were laid to rest in the Presbyterian
cemetery, by the side of his wife who had passed
away in about 1854. Prior to 1832 Mr. Criswell
was a Democrat. About that time Andrew Jack
son took part in a duel, which incident served to
change the political views of Mr. Criswell, and he
joined the Whigs, remaining with them until the
Republican party was formed, when he joined
their forces, and remained one of their number
until his death.
Robert W. Criswell, whose name opens this
sketch, was born December 7, 1838, oh the same
farm in Hanover township where he is now living.
His boyhood days were passed in farm work and
carpentry, of which he had secured a general
knowledge. His early education was received in
the common schools, afterward attending a short
time at the high school. On September 13, 1861,
he enlisted at Florence, in Company A, Eighty-
fifth Regiment, P. V. I. He first went to Wash
ington, Penn., thence to Washington, D. C. ; and
was for some time at Camp Good Hope, on the
east branch of the Potomac river, assisting there
in the construction of fortitications. In 1862 he
was with Gen. McClellan, along the Peninsula, and
at the close of the Peninsular campaign, Com
panies A and F were detached, and sent to Point
Lookout for guard duty at the hospital near the
mouth of the Potomac river. In January, 1863,
he rejoined his regiment at New Berne, N. C. ; in
February went to South Carolina, taking part in
the siege of Charleston, and capture of Fort Sum
ter and Morris Island. He was wounded May 31,
1862, at the battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines,
having also participated in the battles of White
Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill. In April, 1864,
was returned to the army of the Potomac, taking
part in the later operations around Petersburg.
He was detailed at Portsmouth, Va., October, 1864,
on the " first exchange of 10,000," and received
an honorable discharge December 22, 1864, at
Pittsburgh, Penn., having served the full time from
the date of his enlistment, and having taken
no furloughs. He returned to his native county,
and on May 4, 1865, was married to Harriet L.
Tucker, born in 1841, the third daughter of David
and Sarah (Watt) Tucker, of Hanover township.
Mr. and Mrs. Criswell have had two children:
John T. and Sarah B. , both of whom are living at
home. Their parents first located on the farm
where they are now residing, which is one-quarter
of a mile west of Florence, this county. In 1873
they moved to Allegheny City, Penn., where he
worked at car-building in the P. Ft. W. &C. R. R.
shops, then entered the employ of the Allegheny

Car & Transportation Company at Wilkinsburgh
and Swissvale. He then returned to Hanover
township, this county, and for some time lived with
his father-in-law, David Tucker, entering into a
partnership with Resin C. Tucker in carpentering
and contracting. In April, 1876, he again located
on the home place in Hanover township, where he
has since resided, devoting his attention to general
farming and stock raising. Mr. Criswell is a tine
conversationalist and well posted on current topics,
having an excellent and retentive memory. In
politics he is one of the leading advisers and coun
selors of the Republican party, having served as
assessor, and was a census enumerator of the
Eleventh District. Mr. Criswell is also a member
of the Capt. Campbell Post, No. 286, Burgetts-
town, G. A. R. He is one of the most active mem
bers of Tucker's M. E. Church, holding several
important offices, and is one of the substantial
workers of the congregation.

f

M/AJOR ANDREW GARDNER HAPPER.
This gentleman, so widely and reputably
known in Washington county, in connec-
-1 tion with insurance and real estate inter
ests, traces his ancestry to about the
middle of the last century.
John Happer, born in 1745, died August 25,
1818, married March 17, 1778, Margaret Patton,
who was bom in 1753 and died May 12, 1838.
Their children were: Andrew, born February 15,
1779; Agnes, born February 21, 1781, died August
23, 1850; Baptist, born July 15, 1783, died July
4, 1833; John, Jr., born January 14, 1786, died
August 8, 1808; Jane (1), born May 16, 1789, died
November 24, 1791; Samuel, born June 14, 1791,
died April 30, 1812, and Jane (2), born Septem
ber 11, 1793, died November 26, 1819.
Baptist Happer married, September 27,
Miss Ann Arrell, a native of Pennsvlvania
February 9, 1784, and died at Mt." Hope,
State, January 19, 1848. Their children
Sarah, born September 11, 1809; John Patton,
born March 16, 1811; Samuel, born April 13, 1813;
John Arrell, born October 1, 1816; Andrew Pat
ton, born October 20, 1818; James Edward, born
February 2, 1821, and Margaret Jane, born June
12, 1823. Of these Sarah married Rev. Thomas
Gait, and lived in Sangamon county, 111. (she had
six children); Samuel married Sarah Curry, of
Albany, Whiteside Co., 111. (they had seven chil
dren); Andrew Patton married Elizabeth Ball, and
is a resident of Canton, China (they had seven
children); James Edward married Mary Gardner,
and lived in Sangamon county, 111. (she had six
children); Margaret Jane married David Breading
Arrell, and resides in Whiteside county, 111. (she
had eight children).

1808,
, born
same
were :

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

23

John Arrell Happer married May 10, 1838, Miss
Violet Gardner, who was born March 24, 1818, and
they made their home in Union township, this
county, where they shared life's joys and sorrows
till death separated them. The names and dates
of birth of their children are as follows: Andrew
Gardner, August 15, 1839; Anna Margaret, Octo
ber 14, 1841; Mary Belle, October 12, 1843; James
Breading, June 25, 1846; Francis A., January 10,
1848; Oliver Paulinus, May 22, 1850; Sarah Eliza
beth, March 12, 1853; John Wilner, January 23,
1858; and Ella Blanche, February 19, 1860. Of
these Anna Margaret married Rev. John J. Bea-
com, a Presbyterian minister of Allegheny county,
Penn. ; Mary Belle married Dr. George Chessman,
a physician of Allegheny county, Penn. ; Francis
A. married Emily F. Foster, and lives at Wash
ington D. C. The father of this family died in
1 890, aged seventy- four years; the mother is living
with one of her sons on the old homestead in
Union township.
Andrew Gardner Happer was born in Union
township, Washington Co., Penh., August 15,
1839. At the common schools of the district he
received a thorough general literary training, and
in 1859 he entered Washington College, where he
was engaged in his studies when the Civil war
broke out, abruptly interrupting his deep drinking
at the " Pierian spring." In August, 1861, fired
with innate patriotism, he enlisted in Company K,
First P. V. C, from which, in March, 1862, he was
transferred, with rank of first lieutenant, to the
Eleventh P. V. I., serving till November 7, 1865,
when he was honorably discharged with the rank
of major. Throughout his entire term of service
he was on duty along the Potomac, and partici
pated in the following battles: 1862 — Thorough
fare Gap, August 28; Second Bull Run, August
30; Chantilly, Va. , September 1; South Mountain,
September 14; Antietam, September 17; Fred
ericksburg, July 1 to 3. — 1864 — Wilderness, May
5 to 7. At Antietam he was slightly wounded, but
kept the ranks; at the battle of the Wilderness,
May 5, 1864, he was struck with a bullet (which he
still carries) and was taken prisoner. Major Hap-
per's war record is as follows: Mustered into
Company K, First P. V. C, September 6, 1861;
promoted first lieutenant, Company G, Eleventh
P. V. I., March 11, 1862; promoted captain Com
pany I, of same regiment, in March, 1864. After
his discharge from the army, Major Happer returned
to Washington county, where he received the ap
pointment of assessor of inland revenue, holding
office from 1866 to 1871, his residence being, during
the term, in Monongahela City. On retiring from
this, he at once embarked in the real estate and
insurance business in Washington borough, where
he has made his home since 1870. His residence,
one of the handsomest in the place, is built of

Cleveland stone. It is situated on East Wheeling
street. In 1878 he was married to Miss Matilda M.,
daughter of the late James Watson, Esq., of Wash
ington. Politically, our subject is a Republican.
He has been secretary of the Western Pennsyl
vania Agricultural Association for some fifteen
years; the present association is some seven years
old, only, and Major Happer has done much to
place it among the best and most prominent in
stitutions of the kind in the State. Socially, he is
a member of Templeton Post, G. A. R., and of the
Loyal Legion, an association composed of army
officers honorably discharged. Since the begin
ning of the oil industry in and around Washing
ton, he has taken an active part in the develop
ment of the field.

TEPHEN B. DAY. Artemus Day, the
great-grandfather of this gentleman, was of
Scotch-Irish descent, and served as captain
during the Revolutionary war. He took
part in several engagements under Gen. Washing
ton, and died about 1774, leaving Bethany Day,
his widow, in New Jersey, with ten children, viz. .
Axtell, Bethuel, Artemus, Luther, Daniel, Parme-
lia, Lydia, Mary, Sarah and Phoebe. In 1789
Mrs. Day and her children bade adieu to their
home, and moving west settled on the headwaters
of Ten-Mile creek, in Washington county, Penn.,
where they toiled bravely for a livelihood until the
war of 1812 began, when the fifth son, Daniel,
enlisted as a soldier. At the close of the war he
returned home and settled on Ruff's creek, Greene
Co., Penn.
Luther Day, son of Artemus Day, was born in
1773 in New Jersey, came west with the family,
and after remaining a few years was united in
marriage with Mary Van Kirk. The young couple
then settled near Sparta, Morris township, this
county, where he engaged in the business then
most common among the early settlers — farming
and distilling. He followed this vocation till
about 1833-34, when the tidal wave of a mighty
reform spread over the country; the temperance
cause swept everything before it, revivals of re
ligion were held in every church and almost every
household; the whole land was roused, and Luther
Day caught the inspiration. He signed the pledge,
joined the church, burned his stillhouse and still-
tubs, crushed to earth the worm so long harbored
in his dwelling, and then became, as he ever after
remained, an ardent worker in the cause of Chris
tianity and temperance. He began teaching school,
which vocation he followed in the winters for many
years, working on the farm in summer. Being a
good reader, he was selected by the congregation
of the Upper Ten-Mile Church to read sermons
for them during the absence of a pastor, and in

24

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

this position aroused the members to fresh enthu
siasm. He died in 1875, leaving a family of seven
children: William (who married Sarah Patterson,
and they were the parents of seven children);
Daniel (wedded to Lavina Clutter) ; Priscilla (wife
of Franklin McVay, had four children); Arvida
(married to Elizabeth Baldwin, and they were the
parents of five children); Lavina (wife of Demas
Lindley) ; Maria (married to Ira Dille, and had three
children); and Artemus (married to Eliza Day, a
distant relative, and had one child).
Daniel Day was born in 1814 on the home farm,
and at the age of twenty-three was united in mar
riage with Lavina Clutter, to which union were born
six children. Mrs. Day died in 1855, and in 1861
he married Catherine Gantz, who bore him four
children. Mr. Day had the following family:
Children of first wife— Miranda (Mrs. L. W. Day),
Priscilla (deceased), Stephen B. (subject), Wade J.
(united in marriage with Ella lams), Celesta (de
ceased) and Martha (wife of John Caldwell; she
had moved to Aleppo township, Greene Co., Penn.,
and died leaving four children). Mr. Day's chil
dren by the second wife were: one that died in in
fancy; Samuel L. (married to Lizzie McCarroll);
Margaret (Mrs. William Clutter) , and Lavina. Mrs.
Catherine Day died in 1887, leaving him a widower
the second time. He now lives with his son, Sam
uel, on the farm where he was born.
Stephen B. Day is the eldest son of Daniel Day,
and was born in Morris township, Washington Co.,
Penn., January 19, 1842. He remained on the
home farm until the Civil war began, and then,
August 14, 1861, enlisted in Capt. A. J. Green
field's company, Ringgold Battalion, afterward
called Company B, Twenty-second P. V. C. He
served thirty-eight months, and, though taking an
active part in many engagements, was neither
wounded nor taken prisoner; on one occasion,
however, his horse was shot from under him, and
several comrades were at the same time killed.
After his return from the war he lived for some
time in Morris township with his father, teaching
school during the winters and working on the farm
in the summers, till he was twenty-seven years of
age. On December 17, 1868, he was united in
marriage with Rebecca J. Closser, who has borne
him six children: Ransom M. , born April 30, 1870
(at the age of nineteen he entered. the Southwest
ern State Normal School at California, Penn., and
was graduated therefrom July 1, 1891; also grad
uated in the commercial course at the Duquesne
College, Pittsburgh, June 22, 1892; on June 28
of same year he was married to Minnie H, daugh
ter of John Chambers, and granddaughter of ^x^j
Judge Chambers, of Amwell township); Margarfflffl
I., born September 11, 1871 (at the age of fifteenr
she became a member of the Christian Church at
Lone Pine; on September 28, 1892, she was united

in marriage at the home of her parents, by Rev.
I. N. Fry, to Albert S., son of William B. Croth-
ers, of Taylorstown, Washington Co., Penn.); Min
nie L., born May 20, 1873 (she also united with
the church at an early age, aud on December 24,
1891, was married at Cumberland, Md., by Rev.
Miller, to James Dever); and Daniel C, born
June 10, 1875, Herschell Ma, born. August 17,
1881, and Florence M., born June 29, 1887, all
three at present living with their parents. The
principles of Republicanism and temperance were
instilled into the mind of our subject by his par
ents, and he has remained an earnest worker in
the Republican party. After his marriage he re
moved to the farm in Amwell township owned by
his father-in-law (Daniel Closser), where he now
resides.

JfUDGE ALEXANDER WILSON ACHESON.
This eminent jurist, who, during his long
| life, was identified with all the leading
interests of Washington county and the town
of Washington, was born July 15, 1809, in Phila
delphia, and died July 10, 1890, in Washington,
Penn., " in a full age, like as a shock of corn
cometh in in his season."
The Achesons are of Scottish extraction. The
family name originated most likely in the old cus
tom of adding to the Christian name that of the
father, by way of distinction. At first the name was
probably Archieson — thereby naming the son of
Archie, an abbreviation of Archibald — the patrony
mic expressing the name of the ancestral chief,
or head of the clan.
The Acheson family came originally from Gos-
ford, Haddingtonshire, Scotland. One Archibald
Acheson, who was educated to the law, became
Secretary of State for Scotland, and was advanced
to a baronetcy, obtained from King James I. of
England large grants of land in several of the
counties of Ulster, Ireland, which led to the per
manent settlement of the Acheson family in the
northern part of that country. The forefather of
the present generation in Washington county was
John, a full cousin to Sir Archibald Acheson, and
he, about the year 1604, accompanied the Gosford
family from Scotland to Ireland, and settled in
Glassdrummond, where the family has ever since
lived. The family seat was in County Armagh, em
bracing the castellated town of Market Hill. In
1776 Sir Archibald Acheson, a liueal descendant
of the Sir Archibald of King James' time, was
elevated to the peerage as Baron Gosford, and
aflfccvard became a viscount. His successor was
crWftd an carl in 1806, and, dying the following
ye^Lwas succeeded by his son, Archibald Acheson,
the rate Lord Gosford, at one time Governor-
general of Canada, wh,o was made a peer of the

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

27

United Kingdom, under the title of Baron War-
lingham, afterward changed to Baron Acheson.
The Scotch and Scotch-Irish were, and are yet un
der certain conditions, remarkable for longevity,
and the Acheson family were no exception. The
great-great-grandmother (Little) of Judge Alexan
der W. Acheson and his brothers and sisters is re
corded as having been born in 1658, and dying in
1778, aged one hundred and twenty years.
George Acheson, grandfather of Judge Acheson,
born in 1724, died July 11, 1812, aged eighty-
eight years, and his wife Elizabeth, born in 1728,
died July 29, 1808, aged eighty years. They
were married probably about the year 1754. He
was for many years an elder of the Secession
Church at Market Hill, of unblemished character.
They were the parents of seven children — five sons
and two daughters, viz. : George, John, Thomas,
William, Hannah, Ellen and David. Of these,
George followed his brother John to the United
States as early as 1785; returned to Ireland and
died there, a bachelor, at the age of eighty-nine
years. John was the first of the family to leave Ireland.
He was married about 1782 to Mary Hogg, by
whom he had two children: Jane and Hannah.
He was employed by the United States Govern
ment in furnishing supplies to the army in the In
dian wars, and he carried on a mercantile busi
ness not only at Washington, but at several other
important points. He died suddenly, in 1791, at
the age of about thirty-five years, while crossing
the Alleghany mountains on horseback, on his way
to Philadelphia.
Thomas came in 1794, and settled in Washing
ton, Penn., with his brother David, and spent his
whole life here. In 1809 he built the mansion
house on the main street in Washington, Penn.,
where he resided till his death. In the war of
1812 he was a commissary-general; he died in
1815. William never left Ireland, but spent all his life
at Glassdrummond, in the old homestead. He died
unmarried some time prior to 1840.
Hannah was married in Ireland to James
Shields, and had four children before coming to
the United States in 1800.
Ellen was married in Ireland to Joseph McCul-
lough, and shortly afterward (1790-91) they came
to the United States and to Washington; but owing
to misfortune they removed to Kentucky where
they died not long afterward.
David Acheson, the youngest in the family, was
born about the year 1770, and received a tolerably
thorough English education. In the spring of
1788 he left Ireland to join his brothers, John,
George and Thomas, in this country. Arriving in
Washington, he immediately went into business
with his brother John, who gave him an interest

in his contracts with the United States Govern
ment for furnishing Indian supplies, and cavalry
and pack horses for the use of the army. He was
constantly employed in mercantile transactions,
from 1788 to 1791, when he commenced the study
of law with James Ross, then a distinguished
lawyer of Washington (afterward U. S. Senator
from Pennsylvania); but this he subsequently
abandoned, having resolved to again embark in
business with his brother Thomas, which partner
ship was successfully and harmoniously conducted
during their joint lives. He and his brothers,
John and Thomas, owned several large stores in
the western country — one at Washington, one at
West Liberty (W. Va.), one at Muddy Creek,
Greene Co. (Penn.), one at Cincinnati (Ohio), and
one in the then Spanish province at Natchez.
Some of their stores were opened as early as 1784,
and for many years had a large trade from the
Ohio country. In 1805 David Acheson was
appointed eastern purchasing agent for the firm,
which occasioned his removal from Washington to
Philadelphia. In 1795, while in his twenty-fifth
year, he was elected by the Republican party to
represent Washington county in the State Legis
lature, and was re-elected in 1796, 1797 and 1804,
respectively. Early in the year 1799 'David Acheson was
united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel Young, of Philadelphia, Penn. She died
February 27, 1800, leaving an infant daughter,
Eliza Young, who afterward became Mrs. Wood
ward. In November, 1802, he visited the old
country, remaining about six months in England
and Ireland. On October 31, 1805, he was united
in marriage with Mary, daughter of John Wilson,
of Washington, Penn., a native of Ireland, and
they immediately made their home in Philadel
phia, returning to Washington in 1815, he having
practically retired from business. The children of
this family were born as follows: John (who died
in 1833 in Arkansas), Alexander W. (of whom
special mention will be presently made), Catherine
(deceased wife of William V. Davis, of Lancaster
county, Penn.), David (who died in 1826), Mary
Jane (married to Joseph McKnight, of Pittsburgh,
Penn. , and died in 1843), Margaret, William (died
in 1873 in Armstrong county, Penn.), George (who
died in 1881), James C. (a prominent merchant in
Washington, Penn.), Ellen (wife of Rev. Dr.
Brownson), Marcus W. (who was judge of the
district court of western Pennsylvania for ten
years, and succeeded Judge McKennan as circuit
judge) and David (living in Pittsburgh, Penn.).
After his return to Washington, Penn., David
Acheson erected his elegant home where Jonathan
Allison is now living. Mr. Acheson entered busi
ness at Washington, but some investments in real
estate having failed, he soon retired from active

28

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

life. In 1840, then over seventy years of age, he
made another trip to Ireland, returning to America
two years later. In 1848 he was seized with a par
alytic stroke, but lingered until December 1, 1851,
when death relieved him; his widow passed away
August 2, 1872, aged eighty-five years. The fol
lowing obituary notice appeared in one of the
papers : ' ' He was an accurate and close ob
server of public and political affairs, as connected
not only with our own Government, but with the
prominent nations of Europe, of the diplomacy of
which, as well as of their policy, there were but
few private men of his day, retiring and unobtru
sive as he was, who better understood or could
more accurately delineate. His judgment and
conclusions, which were always deliberate and
well matured by his deep-thinking, strong mind,
were valuable and very highly esteemed by those
acquainted with him, whether in public or private
life. Thus, during the period of vigorous man
hood, he enjoyed a most extensive popularity and
influence in the State of Pennsylvania particularly,
and with many of her most distinguished indi
viduals, in her political party history and govern
ment, he was on the closest terms of intimacy;
hence his opinions and counsels were always much
sought after and greatly valued. As a private
friend and in social life Mr. Acheson was a man of
ardent and sincere attachments, and where personal
effort or labor were needed he never faltered or
shrunk by reason of apparent difficulty or threat
ened danger, ever ready and willing to serve his
friends at whatever responsibility or personal risk
by day or night, at home or abroad."
The surviving children of David and Mary
Acheson, for the first time after a lapse of over
thirty years, all met at the old homestead in Wash
ington, on the occasion of the death of their mother.
Her funeral took place August 4, 1872, and the
diy following they repaired to the graves of their
parents, in Washington cemetery, and there agreed
that they, and the survivors of them and the last
survivor, would annually revisit the graves of their
parents on the 31st of October, the anniversary of
their marriage.
Alexander W. Acheson came to Washington with
his parents when he was about five years old, and
it was ever afterward his home. He received his
primary education in the log school house on the
"Fulton House" lot where McKay & Co. had,
some years ago, their news depot, in Washington,
and he well remembered in after years the day
when school took a recess to see the soldiers pass
through the town on their return from the war of
1812, the company which passed by being the " Ten
Mile Rangers." On leaving school he attended
Washington College, graduating therefrom in
1827, after which he studied law with William
Baird, brother of Judge Band. In June, 1832,

Mr. Acheson was admitted to the bar, and after a
short time spent in the West commenced the prac
tice of his chosen profession in Washington, Penn.
For several years he was in partnership with Isaac
Leet, who died in 1844, and in 1849 Mr. Acheson
formed a partnership with David S. Wilson, under
the firm name of Acheson & Wilson, which con
tinued until the senior partner was elevated to the
bench in 1866. He was four times appointed dis
trict attorney, before that office was made elective,
and was thus honored by three governors of the
State — Wolf, Porter and Shunk. He twice re
signed the office, and was again appointed; this
and the judgeship are the only offices he ever held.
In his younger years he was an ardent Democrat,
took an active part in politics, and was several
times chairman of the county committee. He was
tendered the nomination for Congress and State
Senate by that party several times, but always de
clined and devoted himself exclusively to his pro
fession, in which he was eminently successful.
Along in the "fifties" the Judge changed his pol
itics. He would not vote for Buchanan, though he
had been a personal friend of his father's, who
had served in the Assembly with him. In 1860 he
voted for Lincoln, and during the war his voice
was raised for the Union in every town and town
ship in the county. Though physically unable to
go to war himself, he sent five sons who saw more
or less service in the field, one of them, Capt.
David Acheson, of the One Hundred and Fortieth,
being killed while in command of that gallant
regiment at Gettysburg.
The Judge was always an ardent temperance
man, and when on the bench strictly enforced the
laws against liquor selling. He was a conscien
tious, hard-working and able judge. His opinions
were seldom reversed by the supreme court, and
comparatively few appeals were taken from his de
cisions. He practiced law in the courts of Wash
ington county for a period of fifty-Beven years, and
in 1885 he received the degree of LL. D. from
Parsons College, Iowa. He served several terms
as deputy attorney- general for Washington county,^.
and one term as president judge. At the close of
this term he renewed the practice of law, asso
ciating with him his son, Marcus C. , and nephew,
James I. Brownson, Jr. He was widely known as
a distinguished citizen of the county, a public-
spirited man, and a leading member of the bar.
He was an active layman in the First Presbyterian
Church (preferring that position to an eldership,
which was frequently offered him), a trustee of
his alma mater, and with rare zeal and fidelity
served as director of several financial institutions,
which have been identified with the growth and
prosperity of the country.
In 1836 Judge Acheson was united in marriage
with Miss Jane, daughter of Dr. John Wishart, of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

29

Washington, and they had children as follows:
Dr. John W. (now deceased), who served as a
major in the Union army; Mary, deceased wife of
Dr. William R. Childs, of Pittsburgh; Capt. David,
who was killed at Gettysburg; Alexander W., at
one time a captain in the U. S. army, now a
practicing physician in Denison, Tex. ; Joseph M.
(deceased); Marcus Cunningham, an attorney at
law, Washington; Martha W., living in Washing
ton, Penn.; Ernest F., of the Washington .Ob
server, and H. M., a prominent physician in Wash
ington, Penn. The father of this family died in 1888.
Marcus Cunningham Acheson, eminently a leader
in the legal profession, during his lifetime has
been engaged in pursuits wherein success depends
upon the matured judgment and practical concep
tion that comes from experience, observation, read
ing and reflection. He was born in Washington,
this county, January 11, 1844, and received a
liberal education at the common schools of the
borough and at Washington College. He read law
with his father, and was admitted to the bar of
Washington county in December, 1869. He was
associated with his father in the practice of his
profession from January, 1877, to October, 1889.
In February, 1891, he received the appointment
of administrator to the estate of the late John Mc-
Keown, oil operator, and gave bonds to the enor
mous amount of $3,000,000, being the largest
bond ever given in this county. Upon this most
responsible and arduous duty Mr. Acheson entered,
not with the impulsive or capricious flight of
genius, but under the firm and steady propul
sions of sound, practical common sense, and so
closely and systematically did he apply himself to
the herculean task, that on October 10, 1891, he
filed his first account, and his second and final one
in January, 1892, paying out the whole assets
of the estate, amounting to about sixteen hun
dred thousand dollars. This was within fifteen
months of the date of his appointment as admin
istrator, and receiving his discharge from the duties
of the trust May 26, 1892.
Mr. M. C. Acheson was married August 16, 1871,
to Pamelia, daughter of John L. (of whom a sketch
appears elsewhere in this volume) and Mary H.
Murdoch Gow, and two children have been born
to them — Mary Gow, December 9, 1872, and Arch
ibald, August 30, 1877.
Mr. Marcus C. Acheson is a close observer of
men and things, and his naturally quick and keen
perceptive faculties he has improved and re-en
forced by extensive travel in this country as well
as in the mother land, having made three trips
across the broad Atlantic. He is a man of fine
physique, genial in his manner, and enjoys robust
health. He has a pleasant home, is liberal of his
means, but is characteristically modest and unob
trusive in all his acts, both public and private.

Ernest F. Acheson was born September 19,
1855, in Washington, Penn. He was a member of
the class of 1875 of Washington and Jefferson Col
lege. He read law with his father, and after be
ing admitted to the practice of law, he found that
journalism was more congenial to his tastes, and
purchased the Washington Observer in 1879. He
made it a straight Republican newspaper, and
under his direction it has become one of the lead
ing newspapers west of the Alleghanies, with in
fluence throughout the State. The Observer is
now published daily and semi-weekly.
"Identified with the progressive element of the
Republican party, Mr. Acheson's newspaper for
years advocated the system of representation
recommended and finally adopted at the State con
vention of 1891, providing for representation in
State, district and county conventions, with the
actual Republican vote cast as the basis thereof.
It is a singular fact that his advocacy of this pi an of
popular representation, which is manifestly fair,
caused the defeat of Mr. Acheson as the party can
didate for Congress in 1892 in the Twenty-fourth
District of Pennsylvania. A little county, which
was a small part of the district, demanded a wholly
disproportionate number of delegates in the dis
trict convention which nominated Mr. Acheson for
Congress. This was properly refused, and a dis
astrous revolt followed, instigated by disappoint
ed leaders., During the fourteen years of Mr.
Acheson's control of the Observer, he has been in
terested in politics. During the years in which he
personally conducted the campaigns, the county of
Washington, which has been classed as doubtful,
became reliably Republican, with pluralities rang
ing from fifteen hundred to two thousand. In 1884
Mr. Acheson represented his district at the Chicago
convention as a devoted follower of James G.
Blaine. " Mr. Acheson is a Presbyterian, a man of cor
rect habits, thoroughly sincere and loyal in his
friendships. In 1882 Miss Janet B. Stewart, of
West Middletown, Penn., became his wife. They
have four bright children, and in his home Mr.
Acheson finds all the rest and recreation from the
demands of his profession and business and pol
itics. "As a writer Mr. Acheson is admirably equipped.
Thoroughly familiar with a fine library — chiefly
historical — and intelligently informed on current
events, Mr. Acheson writes with ease, dignity
and strength. If mathematical proof is to be ad
duced, Mr. Acheson has the statistics at hand,
carefully gathered and verified, and he presents
his array of figures with confidence born of knowl
edge. Mr. Acheson's impulses are patriotic. He
believes in his own town, his own county, his
own State and his own country, with faith unfal
tering."

30

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

*JT^ EV. ADOLPHUS F. ALEXANDER is one
lW7 of the best known and most popular clergy -
llv men °^ Washington county, an earnest
\\ --^ Christian and thorough gentleman. His
v genealogy may be traced back through the
centuries to an influential family of Scotland, of
whom one John Alexander was a member.
This ancestor was a prominent citizen of Lanark,
Scotland, and lived there during the year 1710.
Among his children a son, John, born about 1700,
was married to Margaret, daughter of Ronald
Glasson, a resident of Glasgow, Scotland. Relig
ious persecution was then raging, and many ad
herents of Presbyterianism fled to other countries.
Among this number were John and Margaret
Alexander, who sought a refuge in the County
Armagh, Ireland, remaining there a few years. In
1736 the entire family, comprising the parents,
three sons and two daughters, accompanied by
Hugh and James Alexander (two nephews of Mr.
Alexander), and Mrs. Polk (a niece), set sail for
America. Their first landing place was either at
Philadelphia, Penn., or at New Castle, Del. ; their
first settlement was made about thirty miles west
of New Castle, Del., near the Maryland line, on
the eastern side of Octorara creek, in Nottingham,
Chester Co., Penn. The party resided in this lo
cality a few years and then separated, the two
nephews with Mrs. Polk moving to Mecklenburg
county, N. C. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, with
their son John and two daughters, moved to a farm
near Carlisle, Penn., which they afterward sold,
locating near Chambersburgh, Penn., where the
parents died about the time of the Revolution. Of
the children born to this pioneer couple the fol
lowing is a record:
Hugh, the eldest son, was born about 1724, in
County Armagh, Ireland, and in early life learned
the wheelright and carpenter trades, which he fol
lowed in Chester county, Penn. In 1752 he was
united in marriage with Martha Edmiston, daugh
ter of David and Margaret (Donnel) Edmiston.
Mrs. Alexander was born about 1734. Her chil
dren were Margaret, John, Mary, David and Hugh.
The mother died, and in 1773, Mr. Alexander was
married to Lettice, widow of James Thompson.
Three children were born to this union: James,
William and Emily (twins). The parents finally
moved to a farm in Sherman Valley, Perry Co ,
Penn., where he died in March, 1777, and in 1797
the widow, with her two children, James and
Emily, moved to McKeesport, Penn. The chil
dren were there married, and the mother died in
Butler county, Perm., at the home of a son who
was born to her first marriage.
James Alexander, second son of John and Mar
garet (Glasson) Alexander, was born in 1726, in the
County Armagh, Ireland, having been but ten
years of age when the family came to America.

He was married in Cumberland county, Penn. , to
Rosa, daughter of Robert Reed. James Alex
ander possessed an indomitable spirit of energy
and enterprise. He longed for more " worlds to
conquer," and resolved to explore Pennsylvania,
which was, at that time, a pathless wilderness.
Undaunted by the warnings of his less courageous
neighbors, the young pioneer began his perilous
journey. He first ascended the Susquehanna river,
then along the Juniata, and following the course
of the roaring waters of Kiskaeoquillas, soon found
himself in the heart of a mighty wilderness, over
one hundred miles from home, an easy prey to
the prowling brute or lurking Indian foe. He
had ascended the latter stream but a short dis
tance, when a beautiful and fertile valley, hemmed
in by mountains and covered with heavy timber,
greeted his delighted eyes. Here he determined
to found a new settlement, and in 1755 took
out the patent for 1,000 acres of mellow, lime
stone soil, in the beautiful but lonely wilderness.
On returning to Carlisle, Penn., he pictured in
glowing colors the beauties and advantages of the
country, but his enthusiam failed to infuse the
necessary courage for so hazardous an enterprise.
One friend, however, proved himself a kindred
spirit, so accompanied by their families and chat
tels, William Brown and James Alexander took
possession of the fertile valley. Mr. Brown located
near the entrance, and James settled five miles
west, his nearest neighbor having been Logan, the
famous chief of the Mingo tribe. With stout arms
and hearts the heroic pioneers fell to their hercu
lean task of clearing away the forest, which was
only accomplished after many years of toil. Al
though deprived of church and educational privi
leges, the truest heart-worship was found in these
lowly homes, for as Bryant has truly said, " The
groves were God's first temples; ere man learned
to hew the shaft and lay the architrave, here he
worshiped," and more sincere worship never rose
to the Creator, than ascended from the humble al
tars of the pioneers. The cabin Of James Alex
ander was indeed a very Bethel — morning and
night the word of God was read, and the sacred
notes of song and prayer rose to the pure sky
above. The Sabbath was a time of rest, and prayer
ful study of the Bible, the catechism and confession
of faith, and every evening a veritable "Cotter's
Saturday Night." In this wild country a little
church was finally erected, with which James
Alexander was prominently identified. The whole
valley was at one time known as Armagh town
ship, in honor of his birthplace. Soon after Mr.
and Mrs. Alexander had settled in the vallev, the
Mingo chief, Logan, visited their cottage during the
absence of the husband, and having won the con
fidence of a little son, carried him away to his own
cabin, the terrified mother not daring to resist.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

31

Several hours passed, and the almost frantic woman
decided to follow and attempt to rescue her child,
when to her unutterable relief she met the friendly
chief returning with the little fellow in his arms, his
tiny feet shod with beautiful beaded moccasins
made by the distinguished warrior. During the
winter of 1777-78 James Alexander served in the
commissary department of the Colonial Army at
Valley Forge, receiving for that service 1,600 acres
of land, in Clearfield county, Penn. He died in
1791, and was buried at the brick Presbyterian
church at West Kishacoquillas. The following
children were born to this family. Jane, born in
1763 ; Robert, born in 1766 ; Elizabeth, born in 1768 ;
John, born in 1769; James, born in 1772; Hugh,
born in 1773; Joseph, born in 1776; Rachel, born in
1780; William B., born in 1782; Rosanna, born in
1784; and Reed, born in 1786, also others who were
deceased in youth.
John Alexander, youngest son of John and Mar
garet (Glasson) Alexander, resided on the old es
tate in Chambersburgh, Penn., which he inherited
from his father. He was a prominent military
man, and served as an officer in the fri-st company
formed in Franklin county, Penn. , November, 1776.
Rachel Alexander, eldest daughter of John and
Margaret (Glasson) Alexander, was born in County
Armagh, Ireland, and came to America with her
parents. In 1763 she was united in marriage with
Joseph Vance, a resident of Martinsburgh, Berk-
eley t3o7,~'W. Va. The young people first located
in the Kishacoquillas Valley, afterward moving to
a place near Honey wood Mills, Berkeley Co. , W.
Va., where they died, leaving six children, namely:
Samuel, Alexander, Rachel, John, Joseph and
Jane. Margaret Alexander, youngest child of
John and Margaret (Glasson) Alexander, lived to
an adult age, but was never married.
Robert Alexander, the eldest son of James and
Rosa (Reed) Alexander, was born in October, 1766,
and grew to manhood on the home farm. After
the death of his father he located near Stone
Mountain, in the Kishacoquillas Valley. On April
8, 1790, he married Elizabeth McClure. Her
mother was a Miss Scott, a native of Scotland, her
father was born in Ireland, and, afterward immi
grating to America, settled in East Kishacoquillas,
Penn., where Elizabeth was born March 8, 1768.
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander began life on the home
farm. He was a man of incorruptible integrity,
possessing a sound judgment and remarkable
power of memorizing, having been able to repeat
a sermon verbatim after once listening to it. His
disposition was so averse to disputes, that during
forty-five years of service as justice of the peace,
he tried but two cases, settling those without costs.
In 1823 he was elected to the Legislature by the
largest Democratic majority ever given in his dis
trict, but no persuasion could induce him to accept

the nomination for reelection. He was an earnest
and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church,
and died in August, 1843, having been preceded by
his wife in 1832. She had borne him children as
follows: Elizabeth, born July 7, 1791; James,
born January 17, 1793; Mary, born July 13, 1795;
Robert Ma, born November 1, 1797; Nancy, born
June 29, 1800; Robert It., born November 2, 1802;
William, born March 3, 1805; Cyrus and Silas
(twins), born September 30, 1807; and Celia, born
March 8, 1810.
Cyrus Alexander was born in Union township,
Mifflin Co., Penn. On February 6, 1835, he se
lected a life companion in the person of Mary
Brown, who was born February 4, 1814, in Armagh
township, Mifflin Co., Penn. The children of this
marriage were Robert Mc, born August 2, 1836,
deceased November 8, of the same year; James B. ,
living in Indiana, born November 7, 1837; Robert
B., born March 9, 1840. deceased May 6, 1882;
Cyrus R. , born August 20, 1842, deceased July 16,
1883; Adolphus F., whose sketch follows; Samuel
R., born February 10, 1847, deceased April 7,
1847; Ira, born July 30, 1849, deceased February
10, 1850; Sidney, born February 17, 1851, de
ceased March 27, 1851; and Lot, a practicing
physician of Pendleton, Ind., born August 28,
1853. Cyrus and Mary (Brown) Alexander began
married life on the old homestead, but afterward
purchased a farm near by, where their lives were
passed. Politically, he was a Whig and Repub
iican, but preferred the quiet duties of private life
to the turmoil of politics. He and his wife were
active workers in and zealous members of the Pres
byterian Church. He died January 6, 1884, fol
lowed by his wife January 10, 1892. Both parents
are buried in the Milroy cemetery.
Adolphus F. Alexander, the subject of this
sketch, was born November 7, 1844, in Kishaco
quillas Valley, Mifflin Co., Penn. He attended
the common schools of the district, also spending
a short time at the Kishacoquillas seminary. On
August 21, 1861, he enlisted at Lewistown, Penn.,
in Company C, Forty -fifth Regiment, P. V. I., serv
ing three years and ten months. He took part in
the engagements at Cold Harbor, South Mountain,
Antietam, and siege of Knoxville, having been all
through the campaign around Petersburgh, Va.,
and in numerous minor engagements. He re
turned at the close of the war, having escaped in
jury save a slight wound reoeived at Cold Spring,
Tenn. After the war Mr. Alexander resumed his
literary studies at Milroy, Penn., soon afterward
entering Washington and Jefferson College. He
then began the study of law under Orvis & Alex
ander, of Belief onte, Penn., and in 1870 was admit
ted to the bar at Lewistown, Penn. He then
practiced a short time at Pittsburgh, and in 1875
entered the Western Theological Seminary of Alle-

32

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

gheny, graduating in 1879. After graduation he ac
cepted a call to the Church at Pre-emption, Mercer
Co., 111., where he remained until 1883, and then
took charge of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church
at Florence, Penn., which has since been his field of
labor. On March 11, 1886, he was united in mar
riage with Flora Anderson, niece of G. W. and
Mary Conn, who bore him two children: Mary and
Cyrus C. Mrs. Alexander died October 10, 1890,
leaving the sacred memory of a beloved wife and
mother, and a Christian woman. Rev. Alexander
is an earnest worker in the harvest field of his
Master, and his friends are numbered among every
denomination.

fl( LEXANDER H. LITLE, retired, was born
//l\ August 25, 1827, in Buffalo township,
IpW Washington Co. , Penn., a son of William
JJ and Mary Ann (Patterson) Litle. The
former was a native of eastern Pennsylva
nia, whose ancestors came to America at an early
date ; the latter was a daughter of James Patterson,
who came from Ireland to Washington borough,
where he followed his trade of wheelwright, and
died at a good old age.
William Litle, father of our subject, came when
a young man to Washington borough, working at
carding and fulling. About the year 1823, he
bought the land and moved to Buffalo township,
where he carried on farming, and on this farm
he died, October 18, 1887, at the patriarchal age
of fourscore and ten years, being one of the oldest
men in the township; his mother died in West Vir
ginia, also at the age of ninety years. He was a
member of the M. E. Church; and in politics a
Democrat. He held only local offices. His wife
died September 16, 1879, at the age of eighty
years. They were the parents of ten children, of
whom five are living: Henry, a farmer in Kan
sas; Robert, a farmer in Buffalo township, this
county; Jane, wife of Stewart Litle, in Kansas;
Kate, married to William McCreary, living on the
old Litle homestead, and Alexander H. Four mem
bers of this family died on the old home farm.
A. H. Litle remained at the family homestead
in Buffalo township until he was twenty-four years
of age, attending school and learning the trade of
cabinetmaker. In 1853 he and his brother Henry
bought out the furniture business of A. B. Wolf,
and for fifteen or sixteen years they continued
together, when our subject assumed entire control
and carried the concern on alone until 1888, when
he sold out to Ed. Alexander and retired from bus
iness after a period of thirty-five years' close ap
plication to work in Washington, which brought
him well-merited success and a generous com
petency. In 1882 Mr. Litle was married to Miss
Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wolf)

Shannon, the former of whom died in Washington
county, in July, 1889, while the latter is still liv
ing on the old Shannon home place in South Stra
bane township. To our subject and wife has come
one child, William A., born March 21, 1885. The
home of the family is on North Main street, Wash-
ton, the residence having been built in 1880. Mr.
Litle owns various tracts of land in the State of
Kansas, aggregating between eight hundred and
nine hundred acres. He and his wife are mem
bers of the M. E. Church at Washington, and in
politics he is a straight Democrat.

THE HOPKINS FAMILY are prominent in
the history of Washington county, and de
serve a conspicuous place in this biograph
ical record.
John Hopkins was born in Scotland, and
after coming to America (with bis brother Rich
ard) settled in Maryland and was married to
Eleanor Wallace, daughter of Herbert Wallace, of
his adopted State, who bore him eleven children,
viz.: Herbert, whose children, Mary and Jarrett,
lived in Baltimore; William, married to a Miss
Briscoe; Richard, moved to South Carolina; Alex
ander, married to Rosa Laird, whose children were
John, Thomas, Eliza, Rosa, Polly and Nancy;
James, married to Mary Goe, who bore him six
children: John, William, Dorcas, Elizabeth, Mary
A. and Thomas; John, married a Miss Wallace, who
had three children: Charles, Nancy (Mrs. Butler)
and George; Thomas, whose sketch follows; Nancy,
wife of Mr. Fleming, their children being John,
White, Nellie, Catherine, Elizabeth, Anna and Mar
garet; Elizabeth, wife of William Wallace, and
mother of Ellen (wife of George Bentley), Fanny
(wife of H. Bentley), Peggy (a Mrs. Grier) and Pat-
tie (Mrs. Smith); Annie married Mr. Parker — he
was accidentally drowned; and Eleanor married
Andrew Boggs, and bore him one son.
Thomas Hopkins, son of John and Eleanor, was
born in Maryland. Subsequently he removed to
Washington county, Pa. He was a member of the
Legislature when it met in Lancaster. On May
22, 1794, Major Hopkins selected a life companion
in the person of Catharine Hurd, who was born
near Londonderry, Ireland. Catharine was brought
to America by her father, when she was about fif
teen years of age, and was married to Major
Thomas Hopkins about a year afterward. She was
a woman of stroDg character, of good education, of
great amiability, and of renowned piety. For many
years she was an active and zealous member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. To this couple were
born ten children, of whom the following is a brief
record: (1) Andrew, born April 30, 1795, married
Ann Townsend, who bore him five children, viz. :
Edith Elma (Mrs. Coyle), Catharine (Mrs. Hiesy),

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

33

Sabina (Mrs. Wilcox), Townsend and Thomas.
(2) Catharine, born April 25, 1796, was married to
Joseph Wright, and bore him ten children. (3)
Eleanor, born November 7, 1799. (4) Thomas H,
born February 5, 1801, was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Moffitt; she had four children, viz.: Mof-
fitt, Eliza (Mrs. Lanning), Thomas and Catharine
(Mrs. Krepps). (5) John, born August 22, 1802,
was married to Jane Moffitt, who bore him one
daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Dr. E. A. Wood, of
Allegheny county. (6) William (whose sketch fol
lows) married to Rachel Herron. (7) White F.,
born May 15, 1806, was married to Hannah Wilson,
and they had three children: Araminda, Thomas
C. (living in East Bethlehem township) and Joseph
Wright. (8) Margaret, born March 13, 1808, was
first married to Thomas West, to whom she bore
three children: Thomas, Catharine and Jonathan;
she was then married to William Moffitt, and their
children were: John, Eliza Jane, Joseph, Hop
kins and Margaret. (9) Alexander, born January
8, 1810, was never married.
Col. William Hopkins was born September 17,
1804, in this county. Although he received only
such education as the schools of that day afforded,
he was a reader, an observer and a thinker, as his
career fully showed. He learned the tannery busi
ness, which he followed several years. On Jan
uary 1, 1824t he was married to Rachel Herron,
who was born December 10, 1804. She was the
only daughter and the youngest of ten children
of James Herron, who when a mere lad came
from Ireland with his father Charles Herron.
The mother of Mrs. Hopkins was Rachel Reed,
of Lancaster, Pa. Honor, integrity and inde
pendence were characteristics of the Herrons. Mr.
and Mrs. Herron were the parents of the following
children: Charles, born June 3, 1785; John, born
April 4, 1787; William, born February 24, 1789;
James, born April 4, 1791 (has a son living in
Peters township) ; Robert, born January 15, 1793;
John, born December 16, 1795; Joseph, born Jan
uary 2, 1797 (has two sons living in North Strabane
township); Thomas, born December 17. 1799;
Samuel, born March 17, 1801 ; and Rachel. The
mother died May 15, 1821, followed by the father
November 22, 1822. The only daughter, when
young in years and experience, kept house for the
large family of brothers (until her marriage with
Col. Hopkins), two or three of the eldest having
gone out from the paternal roof to homes of their
own. Mrs. Hopkins was a woman of remarkable
personal beauty, muoh of which she retained
through life. Her character was a lovable one.
She was always patient, bright and sweet-tempered,
considerate of others, utterly unselfish in all things.
She considered no service too onerous, no sacrifice
too great for those she loved, always ministering

to the happiness of others, never thinking of her
self. William Hopkins was one of the most prominent
Democrats of his time, and in 1827 was appointed
justice of the peace of Pike Run township, by Gov
ernor Schultz. In 1834-36-37-38-39 he was
elected to the State Legislature, and was Speaker
of the House during the sessions of 1838-39-40.
He was first chosen Speaker at a time of the great
est public excitement, known as the Buckshot war.
Military surrounded the State-house, and a bloody
collision was imminent. Referring to Col. Hopkins
in this connection, Hon. George W. Woodward, in
the Constitutional Convention said: "You sir, and
many of the members of the Convention will refer
to a period in our civil and political history of
great interest, when but for the wisdom and firm
ness of this man, our Commonwealth might easily
have been involved in civil war. I have always
felt that the public owed more to those qualities of
that individual man for averting those calamities
than to all other influences which were in opera
tion at the time." In 1840 Col. Hopkins was ap
pointed commissioner of the Cumberland road, by
Governor Porter, which office he filled until 1842,
when he was called into Governor Porter's cabinet
as Secretary of the Land-office. Subsequently he
held the office of Commissioner of the Cumberland
road for five years. In 1844 and again in 1848 he
was a candidate for Congress. Although the Dis
trict was strongly Whig, so great was his personal
popularity that he came within thirty-eight votes of
being elected in 1848. In 1852 he was elected Canal
Commissioner, and served in that capacity for
three years, with that ability and integrity for
which he was distinguished. When not employed
in more enlarged spheres of usefulness, he was in
terested and active in local affairs, and never re
fused his services to his friends and neighbors. In
1849 he served as a member of the Borough Coun
cil. In 1850 he was elected Burgess. In 1857-58
he served as assistant Burgess. In his later years
he was engaged in the banking business. He was
deeply- interested in the public-school system, and
served as school director many years. In 1861 he
was again elected to the House of Representatives,
and was re elected in 1862. In 1863 he was
elected to the State Senate, and for three years was
recognized as the leader in that body. He was
through life an ardent Democrat. In 1872 Col.
Hopkins was elected a member of the convention
to revise the Constitution of Pennsylvania. He was
chairman of the committee to revise and report
amendments to the declaration of rights. It was
he who penned the preamble, which was unani
mously adopted in these words: "We, the people
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, recognizing
the sovereignity of God and humbly invoking His

34

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

guidance in our future destiny ordain and estab
lish this Constitution for its government. " While
a member of the Constitutional Convention, Col.
Hopkins started for a short visit to his home. On
the cars he contracted a severe cold, which settled
upon his lungs in the form of pneumonia, of which
he died on March 5, 1873, after only a few days'
illness. The marriage of Mr. Hopkins at so early
an age proved an exceedingly happy one. No
household was ever presided over by a more affec
tionate wife and devoted mother. Much of Col.
Hopkins' success in life was due to the fact that he
had a wife "whose price was above rubies." He
was a member of the Presbyterian Church, consis
tent and exemplary in his deportment, and faith
ful in the preformance of every duty. He was
tenderly and devotedly attached to his family, and
at home found his greatest enjoyment.
The most marked traits of the character of Col.
Hopkins are those grouped by Rev. J. I. Brown-
son, D. D. " Such a man could not but be exten
sively known and respected. In fact his mental
force, discriminating judgment, urbanity, integ
rity, and kindness, joined with facility as a writer
and speaker, rising above the defects of early edu
cation, were a continual pledge of public favor and
success. He was very firm in adhering to his own
views, but considerate also of the opinions and
feelings of others. In co-operation or in opposition
he commanded respect. In private life, also, it
was impossible not to realize the power of his po
liteness and his delicate regard to the sensibilities
of all about him. His fondness for children
seemed to increase with his years, showing itself
both in a desire for their enjoyment and for their
good. His fine business capacity was often taxed
for the benefit of others, especially widows and
orphans. In the hallowed circle of home he was
the central object of uncommon reverence and af
fection. But better than all is the witness he
leaves behind him in his confession and life as a
disciple of Christ, and in the repose of his heart
upon the divine promises when called down into
' the valley and shadow of death.' " Another said
of him: "His judgment was remarkably sound and
accurate, and, with his inflexible honesty, made
him in public a leader of men, and in private life
a trusted and confidential advisor and counselor.
Few men in this county, or indeed in the State,
have managed so many trusts, public and private.
as were committed to him during his long and
eventful life, and still fewer have discharged so
many trusts so skillfully, so judiciously, and so
successfully." In the Constitutional Convention
Judge Black, referring to the death of Mr. Hop
kins, said: "I do not underestimate the very high
qualities of my surviving associates in this body.
I do not, think, indeed, that any man here appre
ciates their various abilities and virtues more than

I do; but I devoutly believe that there is no man
in this convention that we could not have spared
better than him who has gone. I do not propose
to give an analysis of his character, and it is not
necessary to repeat his history. I may say, for I
know it, that he was in all respects the best bal
anced man that it was ever my good fortune to
know. His moral and personal courage were often
tested; he was one of the most fearless men that
ever lived, yet all his measures were in favor of
peace, and every one who knew him testifies to the
gentleness and kindness of his manner." Mr.
Biddle said: " I well remember being struck with
the commanding figure and strongly-marked coun
tenance, in the lineaments of which were unmis
takably written simplicity and directness of pur
pose, integrity and unswerving firmness.
He has rounded off a life of great moral beauty, of
great usefulness, of great dignity by a fitting end,
and he has fallen before decay had begun to
impair his faculties."
His children were as follows: Andrew, the eldest,
for many years was a prominent journalist. He
was an ardent Democrat, a very brilliant, trench
ant and forcible writer, in a keen sarcastic style
that was very striking. As a writer he was easy
and graceful, his articles being an ever-flowing
stream of the brightest humor. He graduated at
Washington College, studied law and was admitted
to the bar. His tastes however led him into the
field of journalism, in which he became widely
known. He was always kind and considerate in
the expression of opinion, but ever a bold and fear
less defender of the faith that, was in him. His
convictions were deep and his friendships warm
and lasting. A friend to those in need, their fre
quent counselor and free-handed contributor.
Socially he was remarkably genial, charming all
with whom he came in contact, and his death,
March 5, 1880, on the seventh anniversary of his
father's death, created a void which can not be
filled. Andrew was married to Hannah M. List,
of Wheeling. W. Va. Their children are: Kate
M. (Mrs. Humphrey D. Tate, Bedford, Pa..
who is private secretary to Governor Pattison)
and Virginia List, of Wheeling, W. Va. The only
daughter, Kate M., lives in the old home, Wash
ington, Pa. She was the comfort and solace of
her mother during her life, which closed October
16, 1886.
James Herron Hopkins, second son of Col.
William Hopkins, was educated at Washington
College — taking the first honor of his class. He
studied law with Hon. Wilson McCandless, of
Pittsburgh, and while yet in his minority was ad
mitted to the bar of. Allegheny county. In less
than a year he found himself in possession of a
fine practice, which grew so rapidly as time ad
vanced, that at the expiration of the first decade

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

35

of his professional career, no lawyer at the Pitts
burgh bar had more cases in court, or was busier
at office work. A friend gives the information
that " about this time the Prothonotary of Alle
gheny county remarked, that Mr. Hopkins had
more cases on the appearance docket than' any
other member of the bar." The enormous labor, as
well as burdensome responsibility, was of course
rewarded with a handsome income, but, unfort
unately, this was followed by serious impairment
of health, as the penalty of over-work, and he
was obliged to retire from practice for a time. A
change of climate was advised, and accordingly
in 1870 he made a tour of Europe, not, however,
in idle wanderings, thinking only of self and sel
fish gratification, after the example of most tour
ists, for he spent much of his time in writing up
his observations and experiences in the different
countries he visited, for the Pittsburgh Post.
These letters were so popular that afterward, in
compliance with the request of the editor, he
consented to their publication in book form. After
his return, he was made president of a rail
road company, president of a bank of discount,
president of a savings bank, and president of afire
insurance company. He was also vice-president of
the Chamber of Commerce. He has always been an
earnest Democrat, and has taken an active part in
politics ever since he attained his majority. The
Democratic party of Allegheny county has long
been in a hopeless minority. Notwithstanding
this circumstance, his party has often (against his
will") placed him at the front as the most popular
standard-bearer. He was twice elected to Congress
by a majority of 2.314 votes. An opposition paper
said of Mr. Hopkins: " He is a gentleman of re
finement and polished address. An earnest, grace
ful and eloquent speaker. Spotless in private
life, his personal character has ever and still
stands so high that no one has ever assailed it."
As a member of Congress he rendered valuable
services. He was the author of the first bill in
troduced to regulate inter-state commerce and un
just discrimination by common carriers. He orig
inated and secured the passage of the bill to
create a bureau of labor statistics, which has since
proved a very useful department. He introduced
the first bill to prohibit aliens from acquiring
large areas of the national domain. He was chair
man of the committee on Centennial Celebration,
and carried through Congress the act which made
it a success. His best speeches in Congress were
those on the Centennial Exposition, the regulation
of inter-state commerce, the tariff, the creation of
the labor bureau, the ownership of lands by aliens
and the Electoral Commission. In 1882 he was a
candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, and he
came within four votes of receiving the nomina
tion. He is one of the most prominent Masons in

America, and has filled its highest offices. In the
order of Knights Templar he has taken special in
terest, and for three years was its chief officer, the
Graud Master of the United States. For many
years he has been chairman of its committee of
jurisprudence. He also delivered a series of leet
ures in aid of the Masonic Home for the Aged
and Infirm. These gratuitous labors of kindness
and charity were appreciated by the members of
his fraternity, for at the last conclave of the Grand
Encampment of the United States he was pre
sented with a magnificent silver vase "in recogni
tion." as the donors stated, "of distinguished serv
ices." He married Anna Margaret Schissler, of Fred
erick, Md. Three children have blessed this
union, viz.: Katharine Virginia, William and James
Herron. His residence at present is in Washing
ton, D. C. A few years ago his first love — the
love of the law — returned to him once more, and
now if you will pass along F street in the Na
tional Capital, you will notice on the outside of
one of the law offices on that street a sign bearing
the old familar name, " James H. Hopkins, attor
ney at law" — nothing more; and yet others have
added a title to that name, which really forms a
part of it — Honorable James H. Hopkins.
The high appreciation of Col. Hopkins, by the
community in which he lived so long, was strik
ingly marked at his funeral. The sorrow of the
community was demonstrated by the closing of
the public schools, and in many instances by all
cessation from business. Everywhere there were
evidences of grief, and the earnest sympathy felt
for the bereaved friends of the deceased. The
funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. A.
Holmes, D. D., of Allegheny City, of the Method
ist Episcopal Church; Rev. Dr. Brownson, of the
First Presbyterian Church; Prof. Frazier, of the
Second Presbyterian Church; Rev. George P. Hays,
president of Washington and Jefferson College, all
of whom had been warm personal friends of the
deceased. An affecting feature of the display
was the attendance of all the school children with
their teachers. Col. Hopkins was buried in the
Washington Cemetery, in the county which had
always been his home, which had always honored
him, and to which he was so strongly attached.

T' HOMAS MARTINDELL. Among the
wealthy, enterprising and generally re
spected citizens of East Bethlehem township,
none are more favorably known than this
prominent agriculturist. He is a native of
the county, born October 28, 1824, in West Pike
Run township, where he was reared on his father's
farm, and educated at the subscription schools of
the vicinity, and a select school in Centreville,
taught by John Reid.

36

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Thomas Martindell, his grandfather, was of
English descent, and one of the early settlers of
Bucks county, Penn., where he passed almost his
entire life, dying at the advanced age of ninety-
five years. His wife was Mary Booth, who was
descended from an old and well-known family
of Bucks county. Thomas and Mary Martindell
were the parents of the following children, all now
deceased: Sarah (who married John Van Horn),
Rebecca, Mary and William.
William Martindell was born September 6,
1793, in Bucks county, Penn., where he was
reared to farming pursuits. When a young man
he removed to and settled in West Pike Run town
ship, this county, where he learned shoemaking,
although he never worked much at the trade, his
time and attention being too much taken up on the
farm. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John
Fleming, in his lifetime a prominent farmer of
Washington county, and the young couple then
took up their home on a farm in West Pike Run
township, where they passed the remainder of
their lives. Their children were Mary Ann (Mrs.
McMillan), Catherine (Mrs. Baker) and Thomas.
The mother of this family was called from earth
April 7, 1833, the father April 6, 1852; he was a
Quaker in religious faith, in politics a member of
the Whig party.
Thomas Martindell left the old paternal home in
1860 to battle with the world on his own merits.
He first located in Washington borough, and just
previous thereto had been elected to the office of
county treasurer by the Republican party. He
served one term with complete satisfaction to his
constituents, but declined renomination. He was
married November 28, 1855, by Rev. George
Hudson, to Eliza, daughter of John Thompson, of
East Bethlehem township, and four children were
born to them, of whom the following is a brief
record: John William was educated at Washington
and Jefferson College and at Iron City Business
College, Pittsburgh; he studied law, was admitted
to the bar in Washington county, and is now a rising
attorney in Eureka, Kans. ; he married Nellie Lev
ering, and they have one son, Donald. Lawrence
V. was also educated at Washington and Jefferson
College, and also at Duff's Commercial College,
Pittsburgh, and is now a progressive young
farmer in East Bethlehem township; he married
Annie Crawford, and they have one daughter, Fay
Louise. Ruth Annetta and Mary P. were gradu
ated in 1883; Ruth Annetta was married Decem
ber 28, 1892, to John B. Evans; she is a lady of
culture, educated at the Washington Female
Seminary. Mary P. , also a graduate of the Wash
ington Female Seminary, married William Bar
nard, and they have one son, Loyal M. The
family are all members of the Methodist, Church.
Mr. Martindell's farm consists of nearlv 800 acres

of the finest arable land in Washington county,
all in the very best state of cultivation, where in
addition to general farming he is considerably in
terested in the live-stock business. Thereon stand
many commodious and handsome buildings, in
cluding an elegant residence erected in 1862, sur
rounded with carefully kept grounds, all combined
bearing evidence of refinement and prosperity.

IiOHN LOUDON GOW. James Gow, the
I father of John Loudon Gow, was born in Ayr-
ttjl shire, Scotland. In 1772, in company with
^^ a sister, became to America, landing in Bos
ton, where he remained until 1793. The
same year he married a lady of Puritan birth, Miss
Lucy Gilman, of Gilmanto->, N. H. They then
left Boston, and removed to Hallowell, Me.,
where they passed the rest of their days. They
were parents of six children, John Loudon, the
subject of this sketch, being the eldest.
John L. Gow was born at Hallowell, September
23, 1797. He received his education at the Acad
emy of that town. When quite young he left
Maine to avoid the rigors of the severe climate,
seeking a home farther south. He taught school
and studied law in Fredericksburg, Va., where he
was admitted to the bar. He then removed to
Washington, D. C, and became assistant editor of
the National Journal, a Whig paper owned by
Peter Force. He was connected with this paper
for several years. In 1824 he became a resident
of Washington, Penn. , where he began the practice
of law. Soon after he held a professorship in
Washington College, lecturing on International
Law. He held this position for five years. He
became interested in the common-school system,
and was desirous of introducing New England
ideas. As a professor.in the college and as coun
ty superintendent, he earned a high place in the
affectionate remembrance of the friends of clas
sical and popular education. For many years he
was a trustee of Washington College and the Fe
male Seminary. In 1854 he was chosen the first
county superintendent of schools, and served for
two terms. In this work of education he was ma
terially assisted by his son Alexander M. , who was
the principal of the Washington schools. At a
meeting of educators held in Washington, Septem
ber 23, 1850, A. M. Gow offered a resolution to
establish an institute by which the teachers might
be brought together for their improvement, and at a
meeting of the association in 1855 he recommended
establishing a normal school of four weeks' con
tinuance; but it was not until three years later that
this well-timed suggestion was acted upon. In
1831 Mr. Gow was appointed visitor and examiner
to West Point by President Jackson, and again in
1849 by President Taylor. Mr. Gow' s first part-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

39

nership was with Mr. King who came with him
from Washington, D. C. His next associate was
Thomas McGiffin, and his third and last was with
Alexander Murdoch, his brother-in-law. In all he
enjoyed for forty years an extensive and lucrative
practice, in the management of which he displayed
great ability, rare zeal and fidelity in the interest
of his client, and incorruptible integrity. As a
writer he had few superiors. He delivered many
public addresses outside of his professional work,
both political and literary, was a forcible speaker,
argumentative and logical in hiB reasoning, and
chaste in his style. He had many law students in
his office. One of his students said of him after
his death: "I spent two years in his office; he was
to me a guide, philosopher and friend. During
that time I learned to love him as a man, and ad
mire him as a scholar, as a lawyer and as what we
love to call an old-school Christian gentleman."
Quoting from the resolutions of the bar, one of his
f riendssaid of him : " All lawyers do notf eel the same
interest in their younger brethren that Mr. Gow
did; for myself, I can say that I never went to him
for advice or assistance that he did not give it, not
grudgingly nor patronizingly, but as freely and
cheerfully as if I had been his own son. ' ' Another
brother lawyer said: "When Mr. Gow came to
town he was twenty-seven years of age and I was
a boy of sixteen, but it was one of the good traits
of our deceased friend's character that he loved
the society of boys, and possessed the faculty of
endearing himself to them. Thus it was amidst
those hours of friendship and professional inter
course I acquired my knowledge of our deceased
brother." He was a courteous gentleman, and a
true friend. He was an honorable opponent, and
a skilful advocate. But it was in the sacredness
of the home where he was best known and most
loved, that his character shone forth in its most
delightful traits.
On June 12, 1827, Mr. Gow married Mary M.,
daughter of Alexander Murdoch. To them were
born twelve children: Alexander M. (deceased)
was a banker in Fontanelle, Iowa; Lucy Abigail
married James B. Charlton, of Canonsburg; Eliza
beth died in infancy; Ellen Murdoch married Rev.
George B. Gow, of Glens Falls, N. Y. ; James M.
is an editor in Greenfield, Iowa; Mary M. resides
in Washington, Penn.; Eliza died in childhood;
John L. is an attorney in the State of Washington;
Pamelia married M. C. Acheson, Esq., of Wash
ington ; George Loudon (deceased) was an attorney
at law in Greenfield, Iowa; Annie M. married Rev.
A. M. Darley, and resides in Pueblo, Colo.; Vir
ginia M. is a resident of Glens Falls. Mr. Gow
was an invalid for some years before, his death,
which occurred August 17, 1866, when he was
aged sixty-nine, and at his death appropriate
resolutions were passed by the members of the

bar. His remains repose in the Washington
cemetery. He was a stanch Republican in his
later days, and in all his life an uncompromising
anti-slavery champion, never ceasing to fearlessly
express his views on the subject. He was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, in which faith the
entire family were brought up. To add to the
comforts and happiness of his home he was a gen-
uiue lover of music, and played the violin and sang
well, in which his family sympathized and took
part. After his death the widowed mother, with her
daughter, Mary, remained at the old homestead
until 1881. Since then they have made their home
with M. C. Acheson, a son-in-law of Mrs. Gow.
The Gow homestead was built by Alexander Mur
doch, Mrs. Gow' s father, on the east corner of Pine
alley and Main street. It remained in the family
for seventy-one years, when it was torn down to give
place to a business house. Mrs. Gow still survives
at the advanced age of eighty five. Her mental
vigor remains unimpaired, a comfort to her chil
dren and friends.

MITH. The first of the family of that name,
of which this sketch treats, of whom there
is any record, was one Samuel Smith, of
German parentage, who was born in Lan
caster county, Penn., where he grew to manhood
and married. He and his wife came in 1780 to
Washington county, settling in East Pike Run
townshijx where they purchased land, but had
previously made a stay in Fayette county, and as
pioneers there took up a large tract of land. They
had born to them children, as follows: Mary,
married to John Thompson, of Washington county;
Nancy, married to Avery Leonard, of Ohio; Cath
erine, who died, single, in Washington county;
Elizabeth, married to Moses Pester, of Washington
county; John, deceased in Ohio; Rezin, who died
in Illinois; Samuel, deceased in Indiana, and
Hiram, who died in Washington county. The
mother of this family died in 1832, and the father
in 1843 or 1844 at the age of eighty years; he was
a farmer and miller, and conducted flour, saw and
oil mills. For many years he served as a justice
of the peace.
Hiram Smith was born August 8, 1789, in
Washington county, and during his boyhood learned
the trade of millwright, in which he ultimately
evinced great skill, becoming one of the finest
mechanics in the western part of the State. He
made millwrighting his life work, and extended
his business into surrounding counties and States.
On September 24, 1815, in Washington county,
Mr. Smith married Miss Hulda Rush, daughter of
John Rush (born November 15, 1794, of Scotch
parentage), of Fayette county, where he followed

40

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

agricultural pursuits among the mountains. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Smith settled in
East Bethlehem township, where he died in 1860,
at the age of seventy-one years. In his political
preferences he was a Democrat, and in religious
faith he was a member of the M. E. Church. His
widow survived him three years, dying at the age
of sixty-nine in same township. They were the
parents of nine children, as follows: Margaret
Jane, who died when a child; Samuel H., a resi
dent of Brownsville, this county (he was a justice
of the peace, and now (1893) is burgess of the
borough. He also represented the District in the
Legislature. His life for the most part was passed
in mercantile business in Philadelphia); Albert,
who died in Illinois in 1889, leaving two children;
Sarah Ann, who died single at the age of twenty
years; Edmund R., of whom a sketch follows;
Clarkson, who died in Monongahela, Penn. ; Alex
ander V., of whom a sketch follows; Mary Eliza
beth, deceased in infancy; and Frank B. , who died
leaving a widow. He went out in the war of the
Rebellion in the first cavalry company from
Washington county, known as the " Old Ringgold
Cavalry," and was wounded at Charlestown, W.
Va. ; at that time he was first lieutenant of the
"Independent La Fayette Cavalry Company," and
had been sent with twenty- seven men as a guard;
but they were surrounded by the enemy. He was
in the act of shooting, when a bullet struck him on
the left side, passing entirely through his body.
He was brought home, and never fully recovered.
Afterward he served in the Pension Office^at Pitts
burgh some years, and also clerked in the court
house for a time, finally dying in Pittsburgh, Penn.,
from the effect of his wound.
Edmund R. Smith was born January 19, 1827,
in East Bethlehem township, this county. By
trade he became a painter, at which he worked in
his early manhood. In 1852 he married Miss Susan
H. Zediker, who was born October 15, 1833, a
daughter of Lewis Zediker, of South Strabane
township. Lewis Zediker was the eldest son of
John Zediker, who was a blacksmith by trade, and
came while a young man during the Revolutionary
war to this country from Switzerland, settling in
South Strabane township, this county. He fol
lowed blacksmithing for some time, but soon en
gaged in agricultural pursuits. About 1790 he
married Margaret, daughter of Ludwick Smith,
who was an extensive land owner of the same
township, and who came originally from Germany.
Lewis Zediker was born in South Strabane town
ship, in 1793. He followed farming and stock
raising. He married Isabel, daughter of Robert
Henry, of the same township, who was of Scotch-
Irish descent. To them were born eleven children.
Lewis Zediker died in 1868, aged seventy -five years;
Isabel, his wife, died in 1873, being about the same

age. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Edmund R.
Smith lived in the township just mentioned until
1859, when they moved into the borough of Wash
ington, he having been appointed deputy sheriff
under Col. Norton McGiffin, for a term of three
years, which was succeeded by another term under
James M. Byers. In 1864 he was elected sheriff,
and served until 1867 — completing a total of nine
years' public service. Some time afterward he
moved to Zollarsville, in the same county, where
for three years he kept store, and then, in 1870,
returned to Washington, since which time he has
been engaged in the lightning-rod business. Mr.
and Mrs. Edmund R. Smith are the parents of
eleven children, as follows: George, married to
Clara B. Pettit; Flora B., deceased; Mary Malissa,
deceased; Hiram L., deceased; John H., married
to Susan Wylie; Norton McGiffin; Edmund R., Jr.
(of whom a sketch follows), married to Ida Farns-
worth; David Wilson, married to Gertrude Haw
kins; William McKennan; Susan Addell, and
Howard R. Mr. Smith is a member in good stand
ing of the F. & A. M. ; politically he is a Repub
lican. He has been a cripple all his life.
Alexander V. Smith was born July 7, 1832, and
received a liberal education at the common schools
of the place of his nativity. At the age of fifteen
years he left home for Brownsville, Penn., where
for nineteen years he filled the position of clerk in
stores. In that town he resided twenty-three
years, or until 1870, when he proceeded to Port
Perry, Allegheny county, for the purpose of set
tling up a set of books for Miller, Nichol & Co. ,
shipbuilders, shippers, etc., on the Monongahela
river. In November, 1872, he removed to Florida,
and there carried on a fruit-growing industry till
1884, on July 27 of which year he once more
arrived in Washington county, and settling in the
city of Washington has here since conducted a
grocery business. In January, 1856, Alexander V.
Smith was united in marriage with Miss Amanda,
daughter of William and Catherine Hart, of
Washington county. Mr. Hart was from eastern
Pennsylvania, and married Miss Catherine Stealey,
a native of Virginia, who is now (1893) eighty-four
years of age, living in Morgantown.'W. Va. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith are the parents of four children:
Harry (who died at the age of five years), Wilfred,
Grace and Eva. In 1862 Mr. Smith raised a
cavalry company for S3rvice, known as the " Inde
pendent La Fayette Cavalry Company," which was
mustered in at Washington, Penn., about June,
and be was appointed -'aptain of same. They
proceeded to Wheeling for equipment, and then
served in West Virginia some twenty-seven months,
chiefly on ". scouting " duty, but participated in the
first battle of Winchester. At the expiration of
their term of service they returned home, and
Capt. Smith again took up his residence in Browns-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

41

ville, where he embarked in mercantile business
for his own account. Politically he is a Democrat.
While in Florida he was a member of the Board
of Public Instruction, and in 1878 he was appoint
ed lieutenant-colonel of the Florida State troops,
serving until his removal northward. He and his
wife and daughters are members of the Presby
terian Church of Washington.
Edmund R. Smith, Jr., was born in Washington,
Penn., November 11, 1864. From 1870 to 1882
he attended the public school of that place, gradu
ating in June, 1882. After graduation he clerked
in the postoffice for five years until January, 1887
(excepting one year — 1883 — when he attended
Washington and Jefferson College), at which time
he resigned to accept a position as bookkeeper
with the firm of Hughes & Wright, insurance and
real estate agents of the same city. He was a
member of Company H, N. G. of Pennsylvania,
for five years — from 1884 to 1889 — and was borough
secretary for the year 1892. He is at present
bookkeeper for Hughes Bros., successors to Hughes
& Wright; is city passenger agent of the Pitts
burgh & Lake Erie Railway Co. ; secretary of the
City Board of Health; secretary of the Washington
County Bjard of Fire Underwriters, and is engage.l
in the fire insurance business. On April 24, 1890,
he married Ida M. Farnsworth, of Warren county,
Penn. , and they have one child, Donald R. Mr.
Smith is a Republican, and a member of the local
Jr. O. U. A. M. He and his wife are members
of the Second Presbyterian Church.

THE LINTON FAMILY, of East Bethlehem
township, claim descent from a very early
settler in the county, who came hither over
a century ago. The name Linton is proba
bly of Scottish origin, there being two towns
of that name in Scotland, one situated about fif
teen miles south and the other some thirty miles
east of the city of Edinburgh.
John Linton, the first of the ancestry to come to
this country, having immigrated about the year 1682,
was, so tradition says, at one time a clergyman of
the Established Church, but was converted to the
Quaker faith. An old family Bible now in the pos
session of Oliver M. Linton, of East Bethlehem,
contains a record of five generations, and the first
item in this record is the following: "Benjamin
Linton, son of John and Rebecca, born 6th month,
10th day, 1703."
Joshua Linton, son of the above-named Benjamin,
by a second wife, nee Jane Cowgil, and born Janu
ary 22, 1738, was married May 16, 1770, to Hannah
Hutchinson. [The marriage certificate, now in the
possession of their great-grandson, Mahlon Linton,
East Bethlehem, is a very formidable looking docu
ment. It is engrossed on parchment by the clerk of

the meeting ("Falls township, Bucks Co., and Prov
ince of Pennsylvania"), and certifies the marriage
of the parties above named. It is signed, as
was the custom of the Quakers, by a great number
of witnesses. A copy of a similar certificate, dated
1771, in the hands of Prof. Edwin Linton, Wash
ington, has the names of no less than sixty -seven
witnesses attached.] Joshua Linton, in company
with his three sons, Benjamin, Mahlon and Joshua,
Jr., came from Newtown, Bucks Co., Penn., to
Washington county, toward the close of the last
century, and bought a tract of land in East Beth
lehem township, which is still owned by his de
scendants. Of the children of Joshua, Benjamin
never married, Mahlon married March 31, 1802.
[The Hilles family have now no representatives,
bearing the name, in Washington county. Two
brothers of Ann — Eli and Samuel — removed to
Wilmington, Del. , where they established a Friends'
school, which was conducted successfully for sev
eral years. They amassed considerable property
in Wilmington, and their descendants still live
there, for the most part engaged in manufacturing.
The descendants of another brother, David, live in
Iowa.] The following is a record of the children
and grandchildren of Mahlon and Ann (Hilles)
Linton: (1) Sarah (born August 14, 1804, died 1873)
married Nathan Cleaver. They had one child,
Martha, now Mrs. W. H Mitchell, of Bentleyville,
Penn. (2) William H. (born April 30, 1806, died 1862)
married Matilda Taylor. Their children, now liv
ing, are: Caroline, married to Jacob Maxwell, now
in Ohio; Oliver M. , married to Philena Cleaver,
has two children living, Cora and Eva, and lives on
the old homestead; Hilles, married, has five chil
dren, and lives near Salem, Ohio.
(3) Samuel (born June 23, 18 — , died 1864) mar
ried Eliza Deems (not related to the Deems family
of West Pike Run township) ; was a civil engineer ;
elected county commissioner in 1840; appointed
clerk of commissioners in 1858, and served in that
office until his death' in 1864. His children are Anna
E., married Abel Knight, son of Jonathan Knight,
now a widow and living in the State of California
(she has four sons); Charles L., who enlisted in
the first call for volunteers (1861), known as the
"three months' men," then re-enlisted and served
throughout the war (was wounded at the battle of
Spottsylvania Court House; was promoted, and at
the end of the war was captain of Company D,
One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. He married
in Kansas, has several children, and lives in Junc
tion City, Kans.); and Eli H., who also enlisted,
and served till the end of the war (was promoted
to the office of captain near the close of the war.
He is married and has two children; lives in Hol-
ton, Kans.).

42

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(4) Joseph (born January 28, 1813, died 1882)
married Naomi Harry, December 30, 1843. [The
Harry family have no representatives bearing the
name in Washington county. Naomi was the
daughter of Lewis Harry, who came to Washing
ton county from Chester county. His first wife
was Maria Griffith, of York county, Penn., related to
the Griffiths of West Pike Run and East Bethlehem
townships. The children of Lewis and Maria were
William (who is still living in Kansas), Naomi and
Melinda (both dead). His second wife was Sarah
Comley. After the death of Lewis Harry, April 1,
1865, his widow and two surviving children —
Comley and Mary — removed to Illinois. They now
live in St. Louis. Jesse, another son, was killed
in the Civil war, shot June 17, 1864, at Peters
burg, Va., died soon after.] Joseph Linton was a
school teacher for a time, and for a good part of
his life a civil engineer; he was a member of the
original surveying party of the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad through Marylalid^with Jonathan Knight.
He constructed the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Rail
road from the mouth of Yellow creek to Bellaire,
Ohio. The later years of his life were spent on his
farm in East Bethlehem township, although he
continued work as a surveyor to the time of his
death. He was quite devoid of political ambition,
but often against his wish and without his knowl
edge was announced as a candidate for the office
of county auditor, and always elected. He served
in all twelve years in that modest but important
office. The surviving children of Joseph Linton
are Mahlon (b. 1844), married Elizabeth Cleaver,
daughter of Amos Cleaver, and lives in West Pike
Run township, where he is serving his second term
as justice of the peace (he owns and operates the
farm known as the Samuel Taylor farm, near Cen-
treville, this county; he enlisted in the Seventh
Pennsylvania Cavalry when but little over nineteen
years of age, and served to the end of the war; his
children are Laurena, Gertrude, Naomi and Edith).
Edwin (born 1855). He was graduated from
Washington and Jefferson College, Washington,
Penn., in 1879; was tutor for two years in Wash
ington and Jefferson College; spent the year 1881-
82 in post-graduate study in Yale College; since
September, 1882, he has been professor of geology
and biology in Washington and Jefferson College;
is the author of several scientific papers, the most
important of which have been published in the
reports and bulletins of the United States Fish
Commission ; received the degree of Ph. D. from
Yale College in 1890. On July 9, 1885, Prof.
Linton was united in marriage with Margaret M.,
daughter of Rev. Dr. James I. Brownson, and one
child, Eleanor, has been born to them. They live
in Washington, Penn.
(5) Mary Ann (born April 27, 1815, died 1882)

married Jesse Richards; after the death of her hus
band she removed to Ohio. She has three chil
dren: Henry (in Kansas), and Austin and Emma
(Mrs. Freeman) (both in Ohio). Henry and Austin
were both members of Company C, One Hundred
and Fortieth P. V. I., and served to close of the
war. (6) Isaiah (born September 29, 1817, died 1891)
married Victoria Dutton, who bore him one child,
Ellen, who married Rev. Thomas Galway, and
they are now living in Huntington, W. Va. ; Isaiah
married, for his second wife, Mary Riley, of Browns
ville, Penn., and they have two children living:
William H, a civil engineer in Ravenna, Ohio,
and Edith (unmarried), also living in Ravenna.
Isaiah was chief engineer of the Cleveland & Pitts
burgh Railroad from the early days of the road
until the time of his death, a period of over forty
years; during the last few years of his life he was
relieved of active duty, but was retained as con
sulting engineer on full salary.
(7) Caroline (born August 21, 1820) died young.
(8) Margaret (born September 21, 1825) mar
ried Thomas Packer, removed to Salem, Iowa,
where with several children and grandchildren she
is still living.
Joshua Linton, Jr., third son of Joshua, Sr. ,
married Mary Baker, and, of their children, Nathan
removed to Iowa; Nathan had three sons in the
Civil war: Ira, killed at Lost Mountain, Ga. , 1864;
Harvy, wounded, and Edmond. David married
Mary Thistlethwait (both died in East Bethlehem
township, on the Joshua Linton homestead); Henry
is still living with his niece (David's daughter)
Eliza Nickerson, in Ohio. Miies, another son of
David, now dead, married Emma Buffington, and
left two children, a son Fred, and a daughter,
Laura, who, if still in Washington county, are the
only descendants of Joshua, Jr., bearing the name,
in the county. Hannah, a daughter of Joshua, Jr. ,
married Miles Ruble, and Hiram L. Ruble, who
lives in East Bethelem township, is a son of these.
Other sons were William, who is now living in
Illinois, and Griffith, who lives in Ohio. Both of
the latter were volunteers in the war of the Rebel
lion. Eliza, another daughter of Joshua, Jr.,
marriedM^xkJQayidson, and removed to W_apelk>,
Iowa, where she died, and left tFreeVohs and one
^daughter; two of the sons, Frank and Hiram, were
volunteers in the Civil war; another son of Joshua,
Jr., Hiram, was also a soldier in the Rebellion, and
died at, Fort Donelson, Tenn.
Although of Quaker origin, none of the later
generations of "Washington county Lintons are
identified with that body. The old Westland meet
ing, where their ancestors worshiped, has long
ceased to exist as a congregation. The burying
ground is preserved, but the meeting-house is in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

43

ruins. The older generation were in sympathy
with the so-called " Hicksite ' ' division of Friends.
In politics they were Whigs, and their descend
ants are, naturally, Republicans.

,\ILLIAM CALVIN KING, cashier of the
" National Bank of Claysville," and one
of the prominent business men of the town,
was born in Claysville, August 7, 1828.
His paternal grandfather was Courtlen
King, a native of New Jersey, born October 13,
1766, who in early manhood was united in mar
riage with Jane Hankins, also a native of New
Jersey, born in Trenton, January 30, 1767. The
children born to this union were John, Enoch, Ab
salom, William, Isaac, David, Elijah, Mary (Mrs.
William Higbee), Parmelia (Mrs. William McEl-
haney), Lydia (Mrs. William Estys), Elizabeth
(Mrs. John McCullough) and Jane (Mrs. Isaac
Phillips). In 1805 he emigrated with his family
west of the mountains, and settled on a farm in
Allegheny county, Penn., about seven miles south
of the then thriving city of Pittsburgh, where,
honored and respected, he spent the remainder of
his life in the peaceful pursuits of the farm, and
died December 25, 1826; his wife, surviving him
many years, died September 1, 1854. In religious
belief they were Baptists of the strictest sect, and
many of their descendants still abide in the faith
of their fathers.
The grandfather (on the mother's side) was Gen.
James Stephenson, a native of eastern Pennsyl
vania, born July 25, 1755. Inheriting the patri
otism of his forefathers, and while yet in his mi
nority, he entered the Continental army and served
with distinction throughout the Revolutionary war,
at the close of which he settled in Donegal town
ship, Washington county, having purchased a
large tract of land, lying one and one-half miles
west of what is now the town of Claysville. On
the part selected for the homestead he erected a
large two-story hewed-log house, which still stands
in a remarkably well-preserved condition, one of
the very few remaining landmarks of over one hun
dred years ago, that time has not yet obliterated.
In 1791 he was united in marriage with Katharine
Bonar, who was born in Donegal township, Novem
ber 7, 1766, and the children born of this union
were Margaret (Mrs. Col. Benjamin Anderson),
John (died July 6, 1833), Ann (Mrs. David Brown-
lee), Mary (Mrs. John Barr), Elizabeth (died March
17, 1814), Katharine (Mrs. William King; after
ward Mrs. James Dennison) and Nancy (Mrs.
Edie Ramsey). Gen. Stephenson was one of the
most prominent and highly-esteemed citizens of
the county. For many years he held the position

of justice of the peace, county surveyor, and repre
sentative in the State Legislature; he died in Har
risburg December 20, 1815, while attending a ses
sion of the house.
William King, father of William C. King, was
born in New Jersey February 12, 1800, and his
early life was spent on his father's farm in Alle
gheny county, he receiving the common-school edu
cation of that day. About the year 1824 or 1825
he associated himself in business with Messrs.
Josiah and Calvin Truesdell, who were then largely
engaged in general merchandising, and were
among the most prominent and enterprising citi
zens of the town of Claysville. On October 4,
1827, he was married to Katharine, daughter of
Gen. James Stephenson (then deceased), who was
born November 3, 1804. By this union there was
only one child, William C. (the subject of this
sketch). Their wedded life proved but a short
one. His business required frequent trips to
the neighboring State of Ohio, often in in
clement seasons of the year, on one of which he
was taken suddenly ill at Cambridge, Ohio, and
after a brief illness there died March 8, 1829, hav
ing lived a consistent Christian life, a member of
the Baptist Church; his wife being of Scotch-
Irish descent, still held to the Presbyterian faith.
She afterward remarried, her second husband
being James Dennison, a native of eastern Virginia,
and her children born by this marriage were:
James, John, Elbridge, Jane and Henry, all of
whom still survive her. By the death of her
second husband, who died in Brownsville, Penn.,
March 16, 1852, she again became a widow, and in
the early summer following she removed back to
the old "Stephenson homestead," from which she
had been separated many years, and in which by
inheritance she still retained an interest. She
there, amid the scenes of her childhood days,
spent the remainder of a useful life, and died
October 7, 1889, an honored and respected exam
ple of Christian womanhood.
In his native town our subject spent his boyhood
days, attending the common schools of the place
until the age of fifteen years, which were the only
advantages of an education afforded him. On
April 1, 1846, at the age of eighteen years, he ap
prenticed himself to Samuel D. Rickey, for the
term of three years, to learn the harness-making
business, for which service he was to receive the
munificent sum of $25 per annum, as well as
his board. At the expiration of his term of service
he continued to work at his trade for about three
years, and in 1852 became associated with M. L.
Stillwagen in the general merchandising business,
which partnership continued two years. He then
went to the assistance of his mother in the man
agement of the old homestead farm, to which she

44

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

had previously removed, and there remained two
years. On January 10, 1855, he was united in
marriage with Mary E. Bell (daughter of David
Bell, a lineal descendant of the Witherspoon fam
ily of Revolutionary fame), who was born in Ab-
bottstown, York Co., Penn., January 17, 1836, and
came to Claysville with her father's family in
1843. The children born to this union were: Will
iam C, Jr., Ella V., Mary Katharine, and Harry
B. Of these, William C, Jr., married Miss Min
nie Smith, a native of Wheeling, W. Va. , and one
child has been born to them, a daughter named
Mary Bell; Ella V. married Rev. O. T. Langfitt,
a Presbyterian minister, and one child has been
born to them, a son, named William King (they
live in West Liberty, Iowa); Mary Katharine still
resides at the old home; Harry B. graduated from
Washington and Jefferson College in 1891, and is
now attending Princeton Theological Seminary.
Mrs. Mary E. King died August 18, 1888, aged
fifty-two years. For the past thirty-five years she
was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian
Church of Claysville, having united under the early
ministry of the late Rev. Dr. McCarrell. Kind
and gentle in her ways, she won the love and es
teem of all who knew her. She was a faithful and
devoted wife, a loving, affectionate mother, and the
guiding star in the home circle; her daily life faith
fully portraying that of true Christian womanhood.
On March 1, 1857; our subject entered the serv
ice of the old Hempfield Railroad, which at that
time was only completed as far as Claysville.
After serving in the several capacities of brakeman,
conductor, fireman and locomotive engineer, he
was, on February 1, 1864, appointed station agent
at Wheeling, W. Va., which duties eventually
merged into those of general freight, passenger and
ticket agent, and paymaster. He followed the
fortunes (or rather the misfortunes) of the Hemp-
field up until April 1, 1871, at which time it passed
into the hands of the Baltimore & Ohio Company,
and following in the wake of the old road, he en
tered the service of the Baltimore & Ohio, and was
assigned to the position of freight revenue collector
at Wheeling Station, which position he held until
November 1, 1877, during which time millions of
the company's money passed through his hands.
On November 1, 1877, he was transferred to Wash
ington, Penn., to take charge of the company's
agency there, made vacant by the resignation of
Mr. John Baird, in which position he remained un
til April 1, 1890, when he resigned to accept the
cashiership of the National Bank of Claysville,
then being organized in his native town. Thus
ended his career of thirty-three years and one month
of continuous railroad service, and with the re
markable record of never having failed to draw
a full month's salary for twenty-six consecutive
years.

If |( ON. JOHN HOGE EWING (deceased) was
LLJ born in Fayette county, Penn. , October 5,
I [| 1796, a son of William Porter Ewing, who
J J ^ was a son of George Ewing, of Peach Bot-
V torn township, York Co., Penn. The
E wings are of Scotch-Irish ancestry, who early in
the last century emigrated from the North of Ire
land to this country, settling in East Nottingham,
Md. George Ewing was a cousin of the celebrated
Dr. John Ewing, who became pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia in 1759, and
Provost of the University of Pennsylvania in
1779. He was appointed one of the commissioners
to determine the boundary controversy between
Pennsylvania and Virginia, and one of the com
missioners to extend the Mason and Dixon line in
1784; he was a vice-president of the American
Philosophical Society.
William Porter Ewing, son of George, received
his education under his distinguished relative's
preceptorship, and about the year 1790 came as a
surveyor to Fayette county, in this State. Here
in 1791 he married Mary, daughter of Jehu Con-
well, who had settled in that neighborhood about
1768. A brief record of the children born to this
union is as follows: Hon. George Ewing went to
Texas,- had intimate relations with Gen. Sam
Houston, was appointed judge of the State courts,
and there his family remain. Hon. Nathaniel
Ewing, who was born in 1794 and died in 1874,
was a resident of Uniontown, Penn., and for a
long time was president judge of the courts of
Washington, Fayette and Greene counties. John
Hoge Ewing is the subject proper of this sketch.
James Ewing lived and died near Brownsville,
Penn. Elizabeth who waB married to James E.
Breading, died February 11, 1892, near Pitts
burgh, at the age of ninety-three years. Maria, the
widow of Hon. James Veech, lives at Emsworth,
Penn. Ellen, married to John H. Wallace, of
New York, died in 1891. Louisa, widow of Will
iam Wilson, of Uniontown, Penn., died July 10,
1892. Mary Ann is the widow of George Meason,
of Muscatine, Iowa.
John Hoge Ewing came to Washington College
in 1810, and made his home with Hon. John
Hoge, after whom he was named. Mr. Hoge and
Mr. Ewing's father had been surveyors together in
early days, and under Col. Thomas Stokely laid
out large tracts of land, of the purchase of 1784,
north and west of the Allegheny river. Mr.
Ewing graduated at Washington College in 1814,
read law in the office of Hon. Thomas McGiffin;
was admitted to the bar in 1818, and for a year or
two was partner with his preceptor. Later, he and
his father, William P. Ewing, obtained a contract
to construct the road-bed of the National road
from Brownsville to Hillsborough, which contract
was completed in 1820. Mr. Ewing never went

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

47

back to the bar. He purchased the tract known
as the "Meadow Lands," three miles north of
Washington, where he lived until 1840, in which
year he removed to the borough of Washington,
where he passed the remainder of his useful life,
dying June 9, 1887, at the patriarchal age of
ninety-one years. On November 2, 1820, Mr.
Ewing was united in marriage to Ellen, daughter of
James Blaine, Esq., and sister of Ephraim L. Blaine,
father of the Hon. JarnesJiJilajne. The children
— born- -to- them—were Margaret B. , widow of Dr.
William A. Hallock, of Pittsburgh; Rev. William
Ewing, Ph. D., of Canonsburg; James Blaine
Ewing (1), who died in childhood; Elizabeth B.,
wife of Rev. William Speer, D. D. , missionary to
China and the Chinese in California, and corre
sponding secretary of the Presbyterian Board of
Education in Philadelphia; Dr. George Ewing, of
the Department of the Interior at Washington, D.
C. ; Nathaniel, who died in youth; Col. John
Ewing, of Pittsburgh; Mary L., wife of Rev. Henry
Woods, D. D. , professor of Latin in Washington
and Jefferson College; Ann Ellen, who died young;
James Blaine Ewing (2), who died in childhood;
and Samuel Blaine Ewing, a sketch of whom fol
lows this. On August 26, 1840, soon after the
birth of her youngest child, the mother of this
family died at her residence in Washington; August
12, 1845, Mr. Ewing was married to Margaret C,
daughter of Richard Brown, who after the death
of her parents in her childhood, had been brought
up and educated by her uncle, Bishop H. B.
Bascom, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of
this union there were born two children: Clara
Bascom, who died at about the age of ten years,
and Florence Bell, yet living.
In 1835-36 Mr. Ewing represented Washington
county in the House of Representatives in Harris
burg; for four years (1838-42) he was State sen
ator; for two sessions (1844-45 and 1845-46) he rep
resented the old District of Washington and Bea
ver counties in Congress. In 1831 he was associated
with Hon. Thomas H. Baird in the construction of a
railway up the Chartiers Valley, but the people
not being ready to support the undertaking, it was
abandoned, to be renewed thirty years later, at
which time the road-bed was partly graded, and in
1869 the road was successfully completed. The
final success is to be attributed chiefly to Mr.
Ewing' s efforts and personal sacrifices. After de
clining a renomination to Congress, in 1846, Mr.
Ewing did not again enter public life, but devoted
his time mainly to his private business, which was
quite extensive, as he was the owner of a large
amount of property in both this county and in
• West Virginia. He was especially interested in
the educational institutions of the county; from
1834 he was a member of the board of trustees of
Washington (now Washington and Jefferson) Col

lege, and for many years he was a member of the
board of trustees of Washington Female Seminary.
In 1852 he was appointed a trustee of the First
Presbyterian congregation of Washington, of which
he was a prominent member. In old Colonial
times, by the authority of law, " Peacemakers "
were regularly appointed to compose the differ
ences of litigants and settle disputes without hav
ing recourse to law, and perhaps no other individ
ual so often and so successfully intervened between
parties in legal contests, and brought about satis
factorily a compromise of their controversies, as
Mr. Ewing.
Samuel Blaine Ewing was born in Washington,
August 12, 1840. He received his education at the
public schools of the city, and afterward at Wash
ington and Jefferson College. His first vocation
in life was as clerk in the iron business of Lyon,
Shorb & Co., in Huntingdon county and in Pitts
burgh; he was then for several years in the drug
business in Pittsburgh, but his health failing he
returned to the farm at the Meadow Lands, where
he resided until the death of his father. He then
removed into Washington. Mr. Ewing was mar
ried in 1868, in Augusta, Ky., to Miss Matilda B.,
daughter of Judge William C. Marshall, of Ken
tucky. This lady died July 17, 1892. The chil
dren born to the union are Margaret H, wife of
Mat. H. Stevenson, of Pittsburgh, William Mar
shall and Henry W. Mr. Ewing is at present en
gaged in the insurance and real estate business in
Washington, and is secretary of the Washington
Electric Street Railroad. He is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Washington, and in
politics is a Republican.

EV. JOHN T. BROWNLEE, D. D., a pop
ular clergyman of Hopewell township, is
descended from a race of hardy Scotch
men, and traces his ancestry to one Archi
bald Brownlee, who was born and reared in
the Valley of Clyde, and there married to a Miss
Hamilton, who bore him children as follows: James,
William, John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs.
John Allison) and Hugh (who was drowned when
the family were crossing the ocean). Archibald
Brownlee immigrated with his family to America
about 1765, first locating in Lancaster county,
Penn., where they remained some time, and in
1775 purchased a farm in Canton township, Wash
ington county, which became their permanent
home. James, a brother of Archibald Brownlee,
also settled in Washington county, where he re
sided until 1800, and since that time his descend
ants have all removed from the county. Archibald
Brownlee was first a member of the Scotch Pres
byterian Church, afterward uniting with the Se-
ceder Society. He followed agricultural pursuits
all his life, and died in Canton township.

48

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

James Brownlee was born January 4, 1745, in
Lanarkshire, Scotland, and after coming to Amer
ica learned the trade of a millwright, which he
followed for several years in eastern Pennsylvania,
then settled on a farm in Canton township, Wash
ington county, where the remainder of his life was
passed. In early manhood he was united in mar
riage with Jane Leman, a member of a pioneer
family of Washington county, who had emigrated
from Ireland. The following children were born
to their union: John, born October 15, 1777; Arch
ibald, born February 28, 1779; James, born Sep
tember 27, 1780; Hugh, born July 23, 1782; Eliza
beth (Mrs. David Brownlee), born May 17, 1784;
William, born January 13, 1786; Thomas, born
December 1, 1787; Samuel, born August 9, 1789;
Joseph, born August 8, 1791; Jane (wife of Ken
neth McCoy), born April 20, 1793; and David,
born April 8, 1797. The home of Mr. Brownlee
was situated two miles west of Washington bor
ough. He was a member of and ruling elder in the
Seeeder Church at North Buffalo. In politics he
was a Whig. He died inl822, and was buried in
the North Buffalo cemetery.
Joseph Brownlee was born in Canton township,
Washington Co., Penn., passed his early life on
the home place, and was for some time engaged in
hauling goods from Philadelphia. He was mar
ried to Esther, daughter of John Templeton, of
Washington county, and in 1819 the young couple
settled on a farm in Independence township, where
their lives were passed and children were born as
follows: Ann, James H. (living in Knoxville,
Tenn. ), Rev. John T. and Jane (Mrs. Jane B. Me-
loy). Mrs. Brownlee died December 8, 1832,
and Mr. Brownlee was afterward married in 1834,
to Jane Auld, of Buffalo township, Washington
county. Their family were David A. (living in
Independence), Joseph W. (residing in Cross Creek
township), Sarah M. (Mrs. Samuel Donaldson),
Esther (wife of Samuel L. Moore, of Independ
ence) and Martin B. (a minister of the U. P.
Church in Iowa). Mr. Brownlee was an energetic
man, exerting a marked influence on the lives of
the surrounding community. He was a member
of the Mt. Hope U. P. Church, in which he served
as an elder forty years. Politically he was for
merly a Whig and an Abolitionist, afterward becom
ing a Republican, and ever took an active part in
all questions of public interest. He died Novem
ber 23, 1867, and was buried by the side of his
wife in the cemetery at Mt. Hope.
Rev. John T. Brownlee was born April 24, 1824,
in Independence township, this county, and re
ceived his earlier education at the subscription
schools of the neighborhood. At the age of fifteen
he entered Washington College, graduating in the
year 1844, with the degree of B. A., and after
ward receiving the degree of M. A. In 1845 he

entered the theological seminary at Canonsburg,
remaining four years, and then graduated. In
1849 he was licensed to preach, and after two
years of missionary labor in the West and East was
called to the Mt. Hope U. P. Church, where he
has since remained. On May 3, 1853, he was
united in marriage with Martha J., daughter of
Benjamin B. Ashtom, of Cambridge, N. Y., and
their children are Mary E. (Mrs. W. C. McClellan),
Sarah F., Jeanette L. , Joseph (living in Omaha,
Neb.), T. B. H., Jessie A., Charles A., Lydia J.
(wife of Rev. William R. Wilson), Annie T. and
John M. Politically, Mr. Brownlee was formerly
a Whig, and since the organization of the party,
has been a Republican.

JAMES JEFFERSON LYLE. The Lyles trace
their genealogy to an illustrious Scottish fam
ily, the first known ancestor of whom was
one John Lyle, who lived during the reign
of Charles II. A bitter persecution was then
being waged against the Presbyterians, and resolv
ing to no longer remain in a land where bigotry
and intolerance chained the minds of men, John
Lyle left his Scottish home for County Antrim,
Ireland, where he married and reared a family.
Of his children, two sons — Robert and John —
sailed in 1741 from Belfast, Ireland, and after a
long and tedious voyage landed at New York in the
spring of 1742. Some time after their arrival the
brothers purchased a tract of land near the present
city of New Brunswick, N. J., where John died.
In 1747 Robert Lyle was married to Mary Gilleland,
a young lady of barely half his age (he was then
forty-seven). They soon thereafter moved to
Forks township, Northampton Co., Penn., where
he died December 9, 1765, leaving a widow and the
following children: John, Robert, Moses, Aaron,
David, Jane, Elizabeth, Rosanna, Eleanor and
Mary. Of this family all the sons excepting David
served in the Revolutionary war, and in 1784 John
(with his wife and two children), Robert (with his
wife and child), and Aaron (with his wife and
child) came to Washington ' county, Penn. They
made the journey in covered wagons, passing
through Bedford and Somerset counties, and
crossing the Monongahela river at Monongahela
City, arrived in this county about the middle of
June, 1784. Their land was the tract which is sit
uated five miles south of Burgettstown, where the
brothers passed the remainder of their lives.
John served as county commissioner from 1802 to
1805. He died April 17, 1826. Robert died No
vember 25, 1843, at the advanced age of ninety years.
Aaron Lyle (paternal grandfather of the present
generation) was born November 17, 1759, in Forks
township, Northampton Co., Penn., and in April,
1782, was united in marriage with Eleanor Moore,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

49

a resident of the same county. The young couple
moved to Washington county soon after the birth
of their first-born son. They were the parents of
a large family of children, of whom the following
record is given: Moses was born March 4, 1783, in
Northampton county, Penn., and in early man
hood was married to Sarah Kerr, a native of Wash
ington county, who bore him eleven children, all
of whom attained their majority (he died June 10,
1840); James, born April 2, 1785, was united in
marriage with Mary Campbell (deceased in 1867),
who was the mother of nine children (he died
March 5, 1860); Mary, born May 31, 1787, was
the wife of John Campbell, and moved to Belmont
county, Ohio, where she died September 25, 1853
(they were the parents of fourteen children, eleven
of whom lived to maturity); Agnes was born Au
gust 2, 1789, and died July 20, 1790; Robert
was born June 3, 1791, and settled in Ohio, where
he was a prominent physician, and died July 13,
1820; Jane was born October 3, 1793, and early
in life was married to Samuel Ewing, of Cross
Creek township, this county, and bore him nine
children, among whom was Hon. Thomas Ewing,
judge of common pleas court No. 2, of Allegheny
county, Penn. (the mother died December 10, 1845,
and December 12, 1862, her husband followed her
to the grave); Margaret was born May 31, 1796,
and was the wife of Hon. William Patterson, of
Cross Creek township (seven sons and three daugh
ters were born to their union; the wife died April
2, 1883, her husband having passed away May 3,
1879); Aaron was born January 22, 1805, and died
January 10, 1807. Aaron and Elizabeth (Moore)
Lyle had two other children, whose names are un
known. In personal appearance Aaron Lyle was some
what above the medium height, well built, having
a prepossessing presence, of nervous, sanguine
temperament, and cheerful disposition. It is said
of him that he was known to be angry but twice
during forty years of his life. He was one of the
most influential citizens of the county, and took
an active part in all public enterprises. In 1797
he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislat
ure, filling that position continuously until 1802,
when he was chosen to the State Senate for a term
of two years. In 1805 the district was changed,
and Aaron Lyle filled the position of representa
tive one year, then became county commissioner.
His enemies had arranged this election, hoping
that he would resent the covert insult and decline
acceptance. But they were disappointed. The
ex-senator stepped with quiet dignity from the
Legislative hall to the petty office of a county
commissioner, holding the position and faithfully
discharging the incumbent duties until 1809, when
he resigned and again took his seat in Congress,
having been elected in 1808 by a large majority of

enthusiastic admirers. He was a member of
Congress during the critical period of the war with
Great Britain, and the difficulties on the north
western frontier, serving eight years through
Madison's administration. After his retirement
from political life Senator Lyle passed his remain
ing days at his home in Cross Creek township,
where, amid the tears of a rnultitude of friends,
he passed away September 25, 1825. His widow
lived on the home farm with her son, Moses, until
his death, when she made her home with James,
and died December 13, 1849.
James Lyle was born April 2, 1785, in Smith
township, this county, and was reared to manhood
on his father's farm, his education being received
at the rude schools of the period, and supplemented
by a thorough course of home study. In 1809 he
married Mary Campbell, a native of Smith town
ship, born in 1788, who bore him children as
follows: Moses (deceased), born March 19, 1810;
James J., born July 12, 1823; William (deceased),
born May 19, 1825; Robert (a twin brother of
William); Eliza (widow of David McBurney), liv
ing in Carroll county, Ohio; Eleanor (deceased
wife of James McLaughlin, of Carroll county,
Ohio); Mary Ann (widow of John C. Rea, of Wash
ington county); and Margaret (deceased wife of
Ebenezer Smith, of Cherry Valley, this county).
James and Mary (Campbell) Lyle began wedded
life on a farm near Candor, Smith township, after
ward moving to a farm lying about three miles and
a half south of Burgettstown, and following farm
ing with marked success. Mr. Lyle was a well-
read, intelligent man, a pleasant conversationalist,
fond of company, and, though seldom leaving home
to visit friends, always gave a hearty welcome te
the many who loved to cultivate his acquaintance
In personal appearance he was tall and slender
and was of a retiring disposition, and a lover of
home comforts. In politics he was formerly a
Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican
party became an active worker in its ranks. He
died in 1860.
James J. Lyle, the second son, who lived, of
James and Mary (Campbell) Lyle, was born in
what is now Robinson township, this county,
coming when a lad with his parents to Smith town
ship. He grew to manhood on his father's farm,
receiving a common-school education, and after
ward attending the Cross Creek academy for a
short time. On October 17, 1848, he was united
in marriage with Rebecca Robertson (who was
born September 15, 1827), daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Carr) Robertson, of Jefferson county,
Ohio, pioneers of that county. Both died in Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle have had the following chil
dren: Mary (deceased at the age of thirty-five
years) ; John R. , a farmer of Cross Creek towuship,
this county (he was born in 1852, and January 11,

50

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1883, he was married to Belle, daughter of Will
iam Dunbar, of Cross Creek township, and one
child, Edna Belle, was born to them; John R. is
a Republican in politics, and holds the office of
road commissioner); James P., a Presbyterian
minister of Eagle Pass, Tex. ; Eliza C. (wife of
Alexander Irwin, of Washington county, Ohio) ;
William Henry (deceased in youth); Rucina E.
(a school teacher, living at home); Ulysses L. (a
Presbyterian minister of Venango county, Penn.),
and Brainard C. (residing at home). James and
Rebecca Lyle lived on the home farm some time
after their marriage, then purchased and moved
upon the well-improved farm where they are now
residing. When they came to their present farm
it was wild and uncultivated, and they have made
all improvements.
A worthy representative of a noble ancestry,
James J. Lyle is among the foremost of the highly
esteemed farmers, not only of his township, but
of Washington county. He has never cared to
enter the turmoil of active political life in which
his ancestors have made such brilliant record,
choosing rather " the low of cattle and song of
birds, and health with quiet and loving words."
However, he voices his political opinions by his
vote, having formerly been a Whig, now a Re
publican. He and his wife are members of and
liberal contributors to the Presbyterian Church at
Cross Creek village.

\ILLIAM MALCOLM DINSMORE. The
family of which this gentleman is a
, worthy representative is one of the oldest
— ' in Canton township, and comes of pure
Scotch-Irish stock. The remote ancestor
was the Laird Achenmede, on the river Tweed,
in Scotland, one of whose sons emigrated to Ire
land about 1690, and settled at Ballywattick, near
Ballymoney, County Antrim. The first in America
came from there in 1719, and settled near London
derry, N. H. His name was John Dinsmore, and
he became the ancestor of a numerous and re
spectably posterity, several of whom attained emi
nence in public and business life. Two of his de
scendants have been governors of New Hampshire;
W. B. Dinsmore (lately deceased), president of
Adams Express, and a great lailroad magnate; Col.
Silas Dinsmore, of whom so much is said in Par-
ton's " Life of Jackson," and who beat him at his
own game, and others, were members of this
family. The direct ancestor of the Washington county
branch was James Dinsmore, who was born at
Ballywattick, Ireland, April 24, 1742. He emi
grated to America in 1761, and settled in York
county, Penn. There he married, had three
daughters, and buried his wife. In 1774-75 he re

moved to Miller's Run, in what is now the edge of
Allegheny county. There he married again, and
had two sons and two daughters. At that time
Pittsburgh was but a straggling hamlet, the
country was a wilderness, swarming with savage
beasts and wild men. That land is still owned by
his descendants in the direct line, and it is situated
not far from Venice. In 1794 he bought, and in
1796 removed to a large tract of land in what is
now Canton township, Washington county, and on
that estate the fifth generation of his name and
blood are living to-day; this land is situated six
miles a little north of west from Washington.
This James Dinsmore was a very bulky man,
weighing above three hundred pounds; he died in
1817. He was eminent for saintliness, and was an
elder in the Presbyterian Church for a great many
years. He had two sons, John and James, be
tween whom his landed estate was divided.
John Dinsmore, the grandfather of subject, was
born at Miller's Run, in Pennsylvania, July 14,
1779. When a boy he removed with his father to
Washington county, as above stated, and there
spent his life, dying July 12, 1858. He was a man
of great force of character, an elder in the Upper
Buffalo Presbyterian congregation for nearly fifty
years, distinguished for piety and greatly respected.
He was a thrifty man, and became a large land
holder. In 1808-10 he built the large, solid, old-
fashioned house which has been the nest of the
family for more than eighty years, and the chil
dren of its present owner are the fifth generation
to live in it. John Dinsmore had four sons — Will
iam, James, John and Robert — and one daughter
— Mary. They all settled at their birthplace (Will
iam inheriting the old homestead), and are all
gone out of this world.
William Dinsmore, father of subject, was born
October 14, 1801, and died March 31, 1883,- on
the spot on which he was born. He was an intel
ligent, upright, God-fearing man, very industrious,
affectionate and greatly beloved by his neighbors,
and especially by his family. He was the liberal
friend of every good cause. He was married
March 12, 1838, to Rebecca Anderson, daughter
of Capt. James Anderson, of the army of the Revo
lution. Capt. Anderson was also an early settler
in the same neighborhood, and the farm on which
he lived and died afterward became part of the
Dinsmore estate. William and Rebecca (Ander
son) Dinsmore had four children who lived to ma
turity, and one, James Anderson, who died when
quite young; John Walker, the eldest in the fam
ily, was born March 13, 1839, and will have spe
cial mention further on in this sketch ; Jane Melis
sa and Mary Virginia (twins), born May 1, 1841
(Jane Melissa married M. Wilson McClane, and
lives near Washington; she has seven children.
Mary Virginia married J. Hamilton M'Carrell, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

51

resides in Lawrence, Kans.), and William Mal
colm, the subject proper of this memoir.
John Walker Dinsmore, eldest in the family of
William and Rebecca Dinsmore, was educated at
Washington College, and the Theological Seminary,
Allegheny, and entered the ministry of the Presby
terian Church. He spent seven years in Wiscon
sin, six of them as pastor of a church at Prairie
du Sac, and then accepted a call to the Second
Presbyterian Church of Bloomington, 111. He
continued the beloved pastor of that congregation
(one of the largest and strongest in the State) for
twenty-one years, up to September, 1891, when,
owing to the ill health of his family, he was, com
pelled to seek a milder climate. He accepted a
call to the First Presbyterian Church of San Jose,
Cal., one of the strongest congregations on the
Pacific coast, and now lives there. On December
23, 1862, he married Miss Ada Vance, daughter of
Isaac Vance, Esq., of Allegheny county, and a
graduate of Washington Female Seminary, and
they have four living children: William Vance,
born March 30, 1868, who graduated with distinc
tion at Princeton College, class of 1891, and who
is now in business in Des Moines, Iowa; Dudley
Fitz- John, born May 16, 1873, educated at Lake
Forest, 111. , and now with his parents ; Paul An
derson, born August 24, 1877, and now a student
in the University of the Pacific, and Marguerita
Adeline, born February 9, 1882, at present in the
Normal School, San Jose, Cal.
William Malcolm Dinsmore was born January
25, 1848, on the ancestral estate in Canton town
ship where he now resides. On November 10,
1875, he was united in marriage with Maggie J.
Dinsmore, daughter of W. W. Dinsmore, of near
West Middletown, and they have four children:
John A., Mary D., Adeline and Helen. Mr.
Dinsmore is a stanch Republican in his political
views, aud is a member of the school board. Fol
lowing in the footsteps of his ancestry he is a con
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Well-
known in the community in which he resides, he
is highly respected as a substantial and wealthy
agriculturist, owning farms in both Hopewell and
Canton townships — in all 435 acres.

!\ILLIAMB. CROTHERS. There is in
the intensified energy of the successful
man, fighting the every-day battle of ex
istence, but little to attract the attention
of the idle observer; but to the mind fully
awake to the reality and meaning of human exist
ence there are noble and immortal lessons in the
life of the man who, without other aid than a clear
head, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers ad
versity and closes the evening of his existence
with an honorable competence, and leaves to his
posterity the priceless legacy of a good name.

William B. Crothers is the eldest in a family of
seven children, of whom three sons and three
daughters still survive. His father, Samuel J.
Crothers, was born in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, and
came to Washington county, Penn., when twenty-
one years of age. He married Jane Brownlee, a
native of Washington county, and they settled near
Taylorstown, where he passed the rest of his life.
His widow still survives him.
W. B. Crothers is a native of Washington
county, Penn., his birth occurring on the family
homestead in Buffalo township, June 14, 1836.
Here he was reared to manhood, surrounded by
the limited advantages common to the youth of
that period, his time for the most part being taken
up between assisting his parents in the duties of
the farm, and in attending, for a few months dur
ing the winter period, the little district school of
his neighborhood. Nature dealt somewhat sternly
with the youth of that period; they were reared in
a mold of masculine character, and made fit to
encounter and turn to account all vicissitudes.
Early in life Mr. Crothers commenced to turn his
attention to agricultural pursuits, which have been
his life vocation, and in which he has achieved an
enviable position, for he stands to-day pre-eminent
among his fellows as one of the leading agricult
urists of Buffalo township, and furnishes, in his
career, a striking example of the success that comes
to him who strives, and who with intrepidity faces
the stern responsibilities of life, and achieves a
triumph which is in no way the result of chance or
happy accident, but of individual and continuous
effort. On February 28, 1861, Mr. Crothers mar
ried Miss Emma Maxwell, a Dative of Hopewell
township, Washington county, and their union has
proven a most happy one, for in her he has found
not only a faithful, affectionate wife, but a real
helpmate, ever ready to take her share of the bur
dens of their earlier days. Children have been
born to them as follows: Anna (Mrs. Samuel Cle-
land), AVylie F., Maggie (Mrs. Walter Coulson),
Harry, Albert, James, Arthur and John.
James Maxwell, the father of Mrs. Crothers,
was a native of Hopewell township, Washington
Co., Penn., and during his lifetime was one of the
highly respected citizens of the same. He mar
ried Margaret Grier, who was born near Car
lisle, Penn., and came to Washington county with
her parents. They resided in Hopewell township
until their deaths, both dying in their sixty -seventh
year, the father on May 19, 1869, the mother on
July 14, 1870. Eight children were born tothem,
of which the youngest son yet occupies the old
homestead, formerly the birthplace and home of
Robert Fulton, whose name will ever appear in
American history. Four of the children are yet
living. Immediately following their marriage, Mr. and

52

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Mrs. Crothers located on a farm in Buffalo town
ship, near Taylorstown, which property he had
purchased in 1859. Here they have since resided,
and by energy and judicious economy have in
creased it, until to-day the farm, one of the finest
in the township, consists of 500 acres in a body.
In their handsome, modern home, where happi
ness, contentment and genial hospitality are ever
present, they are passing the sunset of their years,
respected and esteemed by all. Politically, Mr.
Crothers has always been an ardent supporter of
the principles of Republicanism and Protection.
He takes pride in the prosperous condition of
American workmen, and sees in the protective tariff
the lever which has placed them so far above the
laborers of Europe. In the heat of the campaign
he succumbs to the excitement, and has often been
found in the thickest of the fray laboring zeal
ously for the success of the party. He is not,
however, bound by party ties, but freely attributes
to others the same rights he claims for himself —
the right of an honest opinion — and many of his
most intimate friends are his political opponents.
When a young man, Mr. Crothers united with the
Presbyterian Church, and has since remained a de
vout member and liberal supporter thereof. As a
citizen he is public- spirited and generous to a
fault, giving liberally of his means to charity
without ostentation, and every movement toward
the advancement of his section, educationally and
morally, finds in him an earnest and ardent ad
vocate. Mr. Crothers was endowed by nature
with a powerful frame and rugged constitution,
and the passing years having left but few traces,
he is still in the prime of life.

THOMAS C. HUNTER (deceased) was exten
sively engaged in the milling business in
connection with farming, and was a worthy
representative of the prominent citizens in
Hanover township. His father, John Hun
ter, was born in Maryland, where he learned the
tailor trade, and then joined an expedition to west
ern Pennsylvania, his worldly goods consisting of
a pair of scissors and a tailor's goose.
After his arrival in Washington county John
Hunter married Rachel, daughter of David Cum-
ley, a pioneer of Hanover -township. When her
father was obliged to leave home, Rachel would
take her younger brothers and sisters into a neigh
boring thicket for safety from the Indians, who
were then numerous. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter first
settled near Cross creek, in Brooke Co., W. Va. ,
where he followed his trade and worked on the
farm. Some years later he opened a tavern in West
Middletown, Penn., in which he was very success
ful, and finally moved to the home place in Han
over township, continuing his farm work in con

nection with milling. At ODe time he owned and
operated three mills, one near Bavington, on Rac
coon creek, one near Dinsmore Station, in Han
over township, and the third situated on Cross
creek, Brooke Co. , W. Va. The product of these
mills was taken by river to New Orleans, and al
though beginning the business without previous
experience, he realized an immense profit from
this traffic. In 1818 he moved to Brooke county,
where his wife died, leaving the following children:
Nancy, Nathaniel (who was first a farmer in Smith
township, then in Brooke county, finally moving to
Ohio), Rachel (wife of John McCombs, a farmer of
Brooke county, died at Allegheny, Penn.), John (a
merchant and manufacturer of Steubenville, Ohio,
died at Wheeling, W. Va.), Frances (wife of Camp
bell Tarr, a member of the Legislature from
Brooke county), Ellen, William, Thomas C. and
Eliza (Mrs. William Fleming of Wheeling, W. Va.).
All are now deceased. For his second wife John
Hunter married Mrs. Jane (Trimmer) Hunt, a
widow lady, who bore him one daughter, Clara
(Mrs. William Jester, New Cumberland, W. Va.),
After his second marriage Mr. Hunter returned to
Hanover township. He was a self-made man, win
ning success by earnest effort and giving his chil.
dren a liberal allowance. He died suddenly in
1840, and was buried by the side of his first wife in
AVellsburg, W. Va., their remains afterward being
interred at Steubenville, Ohio. His widow then
married one Johnston, and died in New Cumber
land, W. Va, Mr! Hunter was an active, earnest
Democrat up to the date of his death.
Thomas C. Hunter was born March 4, 1816, in
Hanover township. He was but a child when his
parents removed to Brooke county, W. Va., where
he attended the subscription schools, then entered
Frankfort Academy, afterward assisted his father
in the milling business, and made several trips to
New Orleans with cargoes of flour made in the
mills. He took charge of the mill in Brooke
county, W. Va. , finally returning to the home
farm in Hanover township, this county. On
March 10, 1814, he was united in marriage with
Sarah J. Watts, who -was born February 15, 1817,
at Steubenville, Ohio, daughter of John and Mary
(Andrews) Watts. Her father was an old river
trader, and made several trips to New Orleans
with merchandise. Four children were born to
the union of Thomas C. and Sarah J. (Watts) Hun
ter, viz. : Mary Ella (wife of Dr. George T. Mac-
Cord, Pittsburgh, Penn.), John R. (clerked for the
leading houses of Pittsburgh, Penn., then became
traveling salesman for Lally & Collins, of Boston,
being one of their best men. He died in 1891),
Lizzie H. (wife of R. E. Hornor, editor and pro
prietor of the Parkersburgh, W. Va., Sentinel) and
Fanny M. (wife of Frederick S. Drake, a promi
nent, oil producer of Pittsburgh, Penn.). Mr. Hun-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

53

ter continued to follow the milling business after
locating on the home farm in Hanover township,
making frequent trips to New Orleans, which were
always profitable. He lost a large amount of
money by his implicit faith in the honesty of
others, and on one occasion was obliged to pay
$18,000 bail for a friend. Notwithstanding these
losses his family never wanted a comfort which
money could procure or love provide. Politically
he was a Democrat. He was a warm friend of
education, doing all in his power to promote every
movement of progression. On August 8, 1890,
he passed away, his death having been caused by
the kick of a horse. His remains were first in
terred in the Burgettstown cemetery, but will be
removed to Steubenville, Ohio. Mrs. Hunter has
resided on the home farm since the death of her
husband. DAVID HAMILTON FEE was born in Char-
1 tiers township, Washington Co., Penn.,
i July 9, 1853, and was educated in the pub
lic schools and at Jefferson Academy, Can
onsburg, Penn. After reaching manhood, he spent
some time in farming, and also taught school for
a season. In the autumn of 1882 he purchased
from Fulton Phillips an interest, in the Canonsburg
Notes, in the following spring becoming sole editor
and proprietor, and so continued until July 1 , 1892,
when he sold a half interest in the paper to his
brother, William H. Fee, who had had charge of
the mechanical department of the offioe for a num.
ber of years.
On May 15, 1884, Mr. Fee was married to Miss
Eva L. Pattison, of near West Alexander, a daugh
ter of the late Thomas Pattison of that place. In
politics Mr. Fee is a Republican, in religion a
United Presbyterian. The following sketch of Mr.
Fee was prepared by a brother editor, Mr. Fulton
Phillips, of the McDonald (Penn. ) Outlook :
The neighborhood in which he spent his earlv life
was remarkable for the intelligence, refinement and mor
als of its people. It was a community of the most pro
gressive farmers of the age, nearly every farmhouse send
ing into the world a classical scholar. It was among such
people that he learned the habits necessary to the close
and accurate observation and the careful and conscien
tious expression of his thoughts which afterward marked
him as the best newsgatherer in the county and one of the
best editorial writers. And it was here that he acquired the
moral stamina that afterward enabled him to speak out,
regardless of consequences, on all important questions
that came before him as an editor. He knew that Sunday
papers were demoralizing; and so opposed them at all
times. He was vividly impressed with the evils of intem
perance; and he never let slip an opportunity to strike a
blow for decency and order. Nor has he ever exhibited
the malignant disposition too many reformers are driven
into by a diabolically malignant opposition. The writer
of this paragraph has often, after an interview with Mr.
Fee or after reading one of his editorials, said to himself:
"There's charity; that man is not living for himself
alone; he certainly keeps before him a high ideal, and if

he can approach it, he cares not lor the opinion of men;
it is a big soul in a small body, and if he can stand off the
world, the flesh, and the devil, and maintain that charac
ter through life, his record will be an enviable and admir
able one." His editorial paragraphs were always strong;
and we can not recall a single instance of even momentary
puerility showing itself between the lines; and this can
be said of a very few indeed.
This is not " Dave Fee's " obituary, but such a picture of
him as is in the minds of those who know him, and such
as ought to appear where history is recorded. Therefore
I write it. His success as a newspaper man has been
phenomenal. When first he entered the Notes ufflce we
took him for a bright reporter, but did not expect him to
lead all others in making the best country weekly in
Pennsylvania.

Wtilliam H. Fee was born October 16, M
in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn. He
attended the public schools, and on February 6,
1883, entered the office of the Canonsburg Notes,
where he learned to master the several branches of
the printing trade. He has had charge of the
mechanical department of that paper since May 3,
1886, and on July 1, 1892, he purchased from his
brother, D. H. Fee, a half interest, in the Notes.
On October 28, 1891, Mr. Fee was united in mar
riage with Miss Julia M. Humphrey, of West
Alexander, Penn., and to them was born, Septem
ber 4, 1892, a son, named Dwight Humphrey Fee.

THOMAS PATTISON, one of the representa
tive Scotch-Irish Protestants of this county,
was born November 8. 1802. on the farm
where he died, May 9, 1888, two miles
from the village of West Alexander on the
extreme western border of Washington county, the
Virginia line passing through the farm. There,
during all of his life, this descendant, of the noted
Scotch Covenanters practiced the principles that
made his ancestors renowned for purity, sturdi-
ness, courage and piety; at the same time, as was
often said of him, he was remarkable among all
who knew him for the genial disposition that
spread sunshine wherever he came.
The father of this man was Rev. John Pattison.
a Scotch dissenter, who, about the close of the
Revolution, when quite a youth, emigrated with
his father's family from St. John, New Bruns
wick, and on entering into manhood pre-empted
the Pattison homestead referred to, which has ever
since been in the possession of the family, the
first house in which the family resided for more
than a generation being on the Ohio (W. Va.)
county side on the line. That house is still stand
ing, though for the last years of his life Mr. Patti
son lived in a more modern mansion on the Wash
ington county side. The Pattison family had
come to St. John from Ireland, and to Ireland
from Scotland. Rev. John Pattison died Septem
ber 17, 1825.
His son, Thomas, continued the life of a farmer

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

on the same place for a period of about sixty-three
yeirs, until his death in 1888. On February 13,
1840, he was married to Jane Humphrey, daugh
ter Of Robert Humphrey, Jr., and by her he had
eight children — five daughters and three sons,
viz.: Nancy M., Martha A., Mary R., Rachel
Jane, Eva L., John K., Robert H. and Samuel
Anderson, all of whom survive. Respecting
Robert Humphrey, Sr. , a few words will not be out
of place here. He was one of the pioneers of this
part of the country, and founded the town of West
Alexander which he named for his wife whose
maiden name was Alexander. He served in the
Continental army until the close of the war of In
dependence, and at the battle of Brandywine he
helped to carry Gen. La Fayette, who was wounded,
off the field. After the war, when La Fayette vis
ited this country, in 1825, and passed through
West Alexander, Mr. Humphrey met the famous
French general, was recognized and warmly
greeted, and the two old soldiers spent an hour
recalling old times. Mrs. Thomas Pattison died
March 26, 1877, so that two generations of this
old family have passed away.
About such old-time homes are often seen relics
more interesting than any found in the museums.
For example, in the Pattison library are not a few
books and pamphlets printed in the last century.
A Latin lexicon, that has there stood on the shelves
for a century, is considerably over two hundred years
o!d, having been the property of Rev. John Pat
tison (who was a fine classical scholar) and in the
family before him for several generations, away
back in Scotland. The late Thomas Pattison was
a member of the Associate Reformed Church until
the United Presbyterian organization, but during
the latter part of his life he was a Reformed Pres
byterian (Covenanter). His funeral services were
conducted by Rev. McClurkin, of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, assisted by Rev. William M.
Coleman, of the United Presbyterian Church.
Thomas Pattison sleeps with his honored fathers in
the cemetery near where he lived. The world
moves on, but it is doubtful whether it ever again
will see a race sturdier in morals and holding fast
more unflinchingly to that which is good than the
one that was driven by the Claverhouse dragoons
from the moors of Scotland to the North of Ireland ;
whose impressive conventicles adjourned at the
point of the sword to reassemble in the forests of
America, and of which the subject of this sketch
was a fair sample.
THE VANCE FAMILY, of Somerset and
South Strabane townships. The name
Vance belongs to the Scotch-Irish immigra
tion to America during the first half of the
eighteenth century.
Origin of the Name. A few years ago a very

industrious and enthusiastic chronicler came from
the North of Ireland to gather up, if possible, the
history of the Vance family in this country. He
received but few responses to his letters, and gave
up the task in despair. He had carefully studied
sbire, county and parish records in Scotland and
Ireland, and published what he deemed a correct
account of the family in those lands. According
to his research, the early ancestor came to Eng
land at the time of the Norman conquest in the
eleventh century. The name has passed through
the following changes: Latin, Vallibus; French,
DeVaux; in England and Scotland, DeVaux, Vaux,
Vauss, Vaus, Vans, and in the North of Ireland,
Vance. He quotes the antiquarian George Chalmers,
as saying: "A branch of the English family of Vaux
or Vallibus settled in the south of Scotland and
became progenitors of several respectable families
of that name;" and the antiquarian, Sir James
Dalrymple as saying: "The ancient surname of
Vans in the later charters, called De Vallibus, is
the same with the name Vaux in England, and is
one of the first surnames that appeared there after
the Conquest." In Scottish heraldry it is recorded
that "few of the ancient names of Scotland can
trace their origin to so distinguished a foreign
source as that of Vans, or more properly Vaus or
DeVaux." The Gazeteer of Scotland says : "In
the twelfth century the Anglo-Norman family of
De Vallibus or De Vaux obtained a grant of the
manors of Golyn and Dirleton and parts of Fen-
ton." . . . "In 1298 DeVaux's castle at Dirle
ton was besieged and taken by Antony Beck the
martial bishop of Durham." . . . "William
De Vaux bestowed the church of Golyn on the
Monks of Dryburgh. " . . . "Alexander
De Vallibus founded a chapel at Dirleton, in the
reign of Alexander III. The home of the family
at Dirleton, in East Lothian was transferred to
Barnborroch, or Kirkinner, in Wigtonshire." Id
the line of descent the chronicler finds lords and
bishops before the Reformation, and friends of
the Covenanters after that period.
The first known ancestor in Ireland was a clergy
man, the Rev. John Vans. G. W. Vance, of Dublin,
who wrote an account, says he was a Puritan min
ister and settled in Coleraine. William Balbirnie,
the writer before referred to, says he was an Episco
pal clergyman who was rector of the church of Kil-
macreenan, in Donegal, diocese of Raphoe, from
1617 until his death in 1661. It will be remem
bered that the plantation of Ulster by James I. in
which the forfeited estates were peopled by colon
ists from Scotland and England began in 1610.
The large majority came from Scotland, hence the
Scotch-Irish. The Rev. John Vans was one of the
earliest colonists. His will, probated July 26,
1662, is signed Jo Vauss, and, in the Record of
the Rolls in Dublin Castle, is printed " Rev. John

cj a^vi^L^-^/z^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

57

Vans, A. M." The seal on his will in red wax is
that of the Barnbarroch arms. If any ambitious
young Vance should suddenly grow rich and need
a coat of arms, let him study heraldry, and follow
this description: "Argent, on a bend, gules, three
mollets. ' '
A son of Rev. John Vans, Dr. Lancelot Vance,
was surgeon of a regiment and one of the defend
ers of Londonderry in the siege of 1689. The
record quoted gives the names of a number of
the Vances who were Presbyterian ministers, and
of others who came to this country, but has no in
formation as to where they located here. The
"Test Act" and "Schism Act," enforced in
Ulster, so proscribed Presbyterians and restricted
their rights that from 1729 to 1750 about 12,000
annually came to America, some of the Vances
joining in the exodus.
Families are known to have settled in New Eng
land, New Jersey and Virginia. The Rev. James
I. Vance, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church,
of Norfolk, Va., speaking by authority, says: "The
traditional three brothers came from the North of
Ireland, and settled in the valley of Virginia. One
went thence to North Carolina, and from him the
North Carolina Vances are descended, among whom
is Senator Zebulon B. Vance. Another brother
went to Tennessee, and from him my family is de
scended." The Rev. Hugh Vance was pastor of
the Tuscarora and Back Creek (Va.) Presbyterian
Churches from 1771 till his death, December 31,
1791. Two families of the Virginia Vances, from near
Winchester, came to Washington county, Penn.,
in the "seventies" of the last century: William,
born in 1718, to Cross Creek; John, born in 1730,
to Somerset township. The exact relationship is
not known. Gov. Joseph Vance, of Ohio, born in
Washington county, Penn., March 21, 1786, Gov
ernor and Congressman from 1821 to 1847, was a
grandson of William.
Descendants of John Vance. John Vance was
born in 1730. In the poverty of record the place
of his birth, the names of his parents, brothers and
sisters are not known. We know that his home in
Virginia was near Winchester, and the traditions
are that he was a man of sterling integrity. In
the "seventies" of the last century he came with
his two sons, then young men, to Western Penn
sylvania, where they selected and made "toma
hawk improvements " on lands which they after
ward owned. John Vance in 1786 received a
Virginia certificate for 343 acres of land called
"Edgecomb," near the present village of Vance-
ville, in Somerset township. The tradition is that
he always kept his home in Virginia, though he
often visited his sons, and he died in Somerset
township August 13, 1796, and was buried' in
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian churchyard where his

grave is distinctly marked. His wife, Isabella, died
February 9, 1807. By his will he left his farm
undivided to his sons John and Isaac, and made
them executors of his will. The children of John
Vance were as follows: (I). Nancy Vance, who
was married to Samuel Sillik in 1775. They owned
and lived on the farm immediately west of Vance
Station. Samuel Sillik died in 1814, and soon af
ter the family removed to Richland county, Ohio.
The names and dates of birth of their children were :
John, 1776; Mary, 1778; Isabel, 1779; Thomas,
1781; Samuel, 1785; Hannah, 1787; Isaac, 1789;
Nancy, 1792. The mother seems not to have been
living at the death of John Vance in 1796. He
distributed, by his will, about £60 sterling among
the children. We regret that we do not have ac
curate information concerning these families, but
give what we have. (1) Mary Sillik was married
to James Milligan; their daughter Lavinia was
married to Thomas Nichols, Henderson county, 111. ;
of their children were Martha Hearst, Garnett,
Kans. ; Mary J. Main, Stronghurst, 111. ; Harriet
Chesney; Lieut. T. Vance Nichols, Bushnell, 111. ;
Lavinia Thompson and Eliza Randall, Strong
hurst, 111. (2) Isabel Sillik was married to Will
iam Erskine, of Buffalo Creek, Washington county,
in 1800, and their children were: John, of Ohio
county, W. Va. ; Hannah McNeill, of near Cin
cinnati, Ohio; Samuel, of near West Alexander;
Margaret Provines, in Washington county ; Robert,
of near West Alexander; Isabel Rodgers, of Tope-
ka, Kans. ; Rev. William R. , United Presbyterian
minister, Monmouth, 111.; Ebenezer S., of Mon
mouth, 111., the only one now living. Samuel and
Robert were elders in the United Presbyterian
Church of West Alexander, Penn. William Ers
kine, of the law firm of Erskine & Allison, in
Wheeling, W. Va., is a son of Robert. The Rev.
James S. Erskine, a Presbyterian pastor in Orange
county, N. Y. , is a son of the Rev. William R. As
the names indicate this family is descended from
the Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, founder of the Associ
ate Presbyterian Church, of Scotland, in 1735.
The Rev. William R. (deceased), of Monmouth,
111., was a United Presbyterian minister. His son,
Rev. James S. E. , is a Presbyterian minister in
Orange county, N. Y. William Erskine, an attor
ney in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a son of John.
(3) Samuel Sillik of near Mansfield, Ohio, has a
grandson, the Rev. Louis Day, who is a Baptist
minister. (4) Nancy Sillik was married to 
Ross, and afterward to  Steele, of Kentucky.
(II). His son John Vance took up a farm, on
which he lived, on Chartiers creek, near Bridge-
ville, Allegheny county. He was an elder in
Bethel Presbyterian Church during the pastorate
of Rev. William Woods. He died November 9,
1812, and with his wife lies buried in Bethel
churchyard. They had no children.

58

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(III). Isaac Vance, the other son of John, Sr.,
had a large family. He was born in Virginia, Feb
ruary 11, 1754, and died in South Strabane town
ship November 5, 1837, in his eighty-fourth year.
On December 3, 1779, he received a Virginia cer
tificate entitling him to a tract of land called
" Edge Hill," situated on the fork of Pigeon creek
in Somerset township, on which he lived till his
removal to South Strabane township in 1810.
Coming to the unprotected frontier when a young
man, he entered with zest into the life of the pio
neer. He was a man of great .physical vigor and
power of endurance, and a fine marksman. He
belonged to that class of pioneers who always stood
ready to repel an Indian invasion, and during the
troublous times up to 1794 he responded to the
frequent calls for men. History tells of the few
large expeditions, but the story of the many lesser
rallies for driving marauding bands of Indians
from their despoiled homes has not been told. He
belonged to Col. David Williamson's command, and
was in Colonel Crawford's ill-fated expedition to
Sandusky, Ohio, in 1782. That expedition of
about four hundred men rendezvoused at Mingo
Bottom, near Steubenville, Ohio, marched to San
dusky, where they met the Indians and their allies
in overwheming numbers, and were defeated.
They retreated, followed by the enemy. Butter-
field gives as an incident of their flight, that, in
passing a deserted Indian sugar camp Isaac Vance
seeing a copper kettle, dismounted, flattened it
with a boulder, tied it to his saddle, kept it through
the battle at Olentangy and brought it home.
During the retreat the brave Colonel Crawford fell
behind to find his missing son, was lost to the com
mand, captured and put to death with the severest
cruelty of Indian torture. About forty men were
lost in the expedition. Possibly you may think
that pioneer life was dull. Consider what happened
between 1774 and 1794: (1) Dunmore's war; (2)
constant picket duty against the Indians; (3) the
war for Independence; (4) Crawford, Harmar's,
St. Clair's and Wayne's expeditions; (5) Pennsyl
vania and Virginia State line troubles; (6) new
State project; (7) erection of the county; (8) or
ganization of the Republic; (9) adopting a State and
Federal Constitution; (10) whiskey insurrection.
These all in what led up to them or resulted from
them engaged the energies of the intelligent pio
neer, and gave themes for discussion about his
cabin or camp-fire.
On November 15, 1783, Isaac Vance married
Mary, daughter of Henry Cotton, of Bedford
county. Henry Cotton was of Puritan ancestry.
It is not known in what year he came to Washing
ton county, but in 1783 he bought the claim of
Joseph Alexander, of North Carolina, to 332 acres
in South Strabane township for £415, "current
funds of the commonwealth." In 1786 he secured

a patent for the land. This patent is signed by
Charles Biddle, vice-president of the Supreme Ex
ecutive Council, John Armstrong, secretary; Mat
thew Irvin, master of rolls. On August 19, 1791,
286 acres of this land were conveyed to Hugh Cot
ton, son of Henry, for £300. Hugh was a bachelor,
and one of the first elders in the Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian Church, chosen in November, 1776.
His brother John Cotton was a captain in the mili
tary forces of that day. In 1810 the Cotton family
moved to that part of Mercer (now Lawrence)
county, Penn., where their descendants are now
living. Isaac Vance bought of Hugh Cotton, in
1810, the farm now owned by John Vance, at Vance
Station on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, for
$3,200. In 1827 it was bought by William Vance,
and owned by him until his death in 1874. Mary
Cotton Vance died November 9, 1830; Isaac died
November 5, 1837. They had been permitted to
enjoy forty-seven years of married life. They were
of the original members of the Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed the ministry of
that sterling man, Rev. Dr. John McMillan, by
whom their children were baptized; afterward,
in Washington, the successive ministries of the
Rev. Drs. Matthew Brown, Obadiah Jennings and
David Elliott. The theological teaching they thus
received was abundant and perfectly sound. Of
their children, Agnes, Hugh, Hannah, Rachel,
Joseph, Margaret and Lydia died in early life.
Their four sons who lived to maturity were all
prosperous farmers, men of positive convictions
and strict integrity, early advocates of the temper
ance cause, and became Free-soil men in the incep
tion of that movement. Three of them were elders
of the Presbyterian Church. They had no ambi
tion for public life or political preferment. In
personal appearance they were tall, well propor
tioned and had dark hair and eyes. The daughters
were married to prosperous farmers, and were
Christian women of the best type.
(I). The oldest son, John Vance, was born Au
gust 23, 1784, died in 1839. He married Jane
Kerr, of North Strabane township, and lived at the
old homestead near Vanceville. He was chosen an
elder of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church in
1836, during the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. W. C.
Anderson. Of his children who lived to maturity
were (1) James, who succeeded his father in pos
session of the farm; married Elizabeth Hart; was
chosen elder of the Pigeon Creek Church in 1849;
died in 1854, leaving five children. (2) Jane
Vance, graduated at the Washington Seminary in
1848; was married to Logan Van Eman of North
Strabane; died in 1877, leaving two daughters.
(II). Henry Vance was born March 1, 1787,
died October 19, 1840. He owned and lived on
the farm adjoining that of his brother John, now
owned by his daughter, Sarah Scott. He was the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

59

captain of a military company which he led to
Black Rock, N. Y., in the war of 1812. His first
wife was Jane Hall, of Somerset township. His
son (1) Isaac, died in early life. (2) Thomas
graduated at Washington College in 1838, studied
medicine and began the practice at Claysville but
died soon afterward. (3) Sarah was married to
John D. Scott, of Somerset township, and lives at
the old homestead, her children married and in the
neighborhood. Henry's second wife was Isabel
Park, of Cecil township. Of her children (4) Mar
tha became the wife of the Rev. J. R. Burgett, D.
D., since 1860, pastor of the Government Street
Presbyterian Church, of Mobile, Ala. Martha
died December 17, 1856, leaving a daughter, Anna,
now the wife of the Rev. F. L. Ewing, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of Covington, Tenn. (5) John
Parke Vance was educated at Jefferson College.
He lived for many years in Mansfield, Ohio, and
married Ella Robinson of that place; was an elder
of the Presbyterian Church. For twenty years he
was engaged in business in Cincinnati, and lived
at Wyoming. He died October 20, 1891, leaving
a wife and three children. Henry Vance's third
wife was Sarah Stockton, a sister of the Rev. John
Stockton, D. D. , of Cross Creek, Penn.
(III). Isabel Vance was born July 30, 1789,
died in 1834; was married to John Scott, son of
Josiah, who with his brother Hugh Scott came
from York county in 1772. Hugh settled in Not
tingham and Josiah in South Strabane, two miles
east of Washington, where he owned a large tract
of land. John Scott owned and lived on a part of
this tract. In the epidemic of cholera in 1834
both John and Isabel, his wife, died after one day' s
sickness. Of their children (1) Josiah and (2)
Vance died in early life. The daughters were
educated at Washington Seminary, and (3) Mary
Scott became the wife of the Rev. W. W. Colmery,
D. D., of Oxford, Ohio; they have one daughter.
(4) Jane Scott was married to William Mitchell,
of St. Louis, Mo. ; they have five children. (5)
Martha Scott was married to Workman Hughes,
of Washington, Penn. (6) Isabel Scott was mar
ried to George Mitchell, of Memphis, Tenn. ; they
have five children.
(IV). Samuel Vance was born March 13, 1791,
died February 25, 1874. He outlived all his
brothers and sisters, and died at the age of eighty-
three. At the age of nineteen (in 1810) he came
to the farm in South Strabane township, on which
he spent his life. In 1820 he married Martha
Fife, of Allegheny county. In 1834, during the
pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Elliott, he was chosen
an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of
Washington, and served until his death. His
pastor, the Rev. J. I. Brownson, D. D., said: "He
leaves the record of a consistent life, marked with
a spirit of humble piety toward God, and of up

rightness, benevolence and hospitality toward his
fellow-men. In the community he had the confi
dence of his neighbors, and in the church his
brethren loved and trusted him. His uniform in
fluence was on the side of liberty, right and re
ligion." Of his children (1) Mary was married to
Jacob Moninger, they had four children; Mary
died in 1856. (2) Margaret, married to Workman
Hughes, and died in 1878. (3) Hannah, died July
15,1873. (4) Isaac Vance, now of South Strabane,
was captain of Company C, One Hundred and
Fortieth Pennsylvania Regiment during the Civil
war, and shared the fortunes of that regiment for
a year and a half. He lost his left hand in the
battle of Gettysburg, and afterward returned fo
the army, but after a few months resigned and was
appointed deputy provost-marshal and recruiting
agent of the Twenty-fourth District of Pennsyl
vania, serving till the close of the war. (5) Will
iam Vance spent his life at the homestead and on
the Scott farm. He married Nancy Dinsmore, of
Hopewell township, and died April 30, 1872, leav
ing two sons. The second wife of Samuel Vance
was Mary Fife, of Allegheny county, born August
14, 1799, died May 14, 1885. Her children were
(6) Martha, married to William Paul, of Franklin
township, formerly an elder of the First and now
of the Third Presbyterian Church of Washington.
They have seven children. (7) The next son is
the Rev. Joseph Vance, D. D. , pastor of the Second
Presbyterian Church of Chester, Penn. He grad
uated at Washington College and Allegheny Semi
nary. He married Mary H. Maddox, and, for his
second wife, Sarah Maddox, of Vincennes, Ind.
Of his three children, two are living. (8) John
Vance, youngest son of Samuel, lives at the old
homestead in South Strabane township, where he
was born June 23, 1840. His education was re
ceived in the public schools of the neighborhood
of his home. In 1883 he commenced, in connec
tion with general farming, the business of stock-
breeding, especially of Percheron horses. His
farm comprises 286 acres of highly improved land.
and he is deeply interested and engaged in the
work thereon, proving a thorough business man,
and enjoying the respect and esteem of all. He is
a consistent member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Washington, in which he has been an
elder since 1878, having succeeded his father in
that office; politically he is a Republican, and has
ever taken an active interest in the affairs of the
party. Like Isaac, he has never given a serious
thought to the subject of matrimony.
(V). Mary Vance, born July 31, 1792, was
married to Samuel Davis of Somerset township.
She died leaving two sons. (1) John and (2) Isaac.
(VI). Martha Vance, born October 23, 1795,
died in 1860. She was married to David Riddle,
of Somerset township, who was an elder of the

60

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. In politics
he was a Democrat. As a member of the Penn
sylvania Legislature in 1850 and 1855 he secured
the passage of the Maine Liquor Law for Wash
ington county. He died in 1863. Of their chil
dren: (1) Isaac Vance Riddle lives in Somerset
township; married  • Leyda. They have three
children. He was county commissioner, 1882-85
(2) Lavinia Riddle was married to Robert Adams.
(3) Jane Riddle was married to Henry Leyda (they
had one daughter). (4) Anderson removed to Cali
fornia. (5) Isabel Riddle is deceased. (6) Eliza
beth and (7) Martha live in Monongahela City
(Martha is married to William Hanna; they have
two children).
(VII). Isaac Vance was born March 10, 1797,
died June 12, 1846; married Isabel Riddle. He
bought a farm near Bridgeville, Allegheny county,
where he lived and died. He was an elder of the
Bethany Presbyterian Church during the pastorate
of the Rev. Dr. William Jeffery. His children were
(1) Lucinda, who died in early life. (2) A. Riddle
Vance, who graduated in Jefferson College in 1846.
As a civil engineer he assisted in the surveys of
the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, and was con
nected with the engineering corps of that road
until his' death. He married Melissa Foljamb, of
Ravenna, Ohio; they had two children. (3) Joseph
Vance married Harriet W. Hall, of Ravenna; they
are now living in St. Paul, Minn, (have three chil
dren). (4) Isaac Vance lives in Ravenna, Ohio.
He married Matilda J. Ney (they have two chil
dren). (5) Joshua died September 8, 1885. (6)
Adaline Vance graduated at the Washington Semi
nary, and is married to the Rev. John W. Dins
more, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church of San Jose, Cal. (they have four children).
It is thus seen that the descendants of Isaac
Vance (son of John, Sr.) and Mary Cotton, his
wife, are of Scotch-Irish and Puritan blood, about
one hundred and sixty in number, and those living
have their homes in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri,
Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota,
Montana, Colorado and California.

THE HAMILTONS OF GINGER HILL.
Several families bearing the common name,
Hamilton, but not known to be lineally re
lated, have been residents in Washington
county since about the time of its organiza
tion in 1781. One of the more prominent of these
has been grouped in the eastern part of the county
at Ginger Hill and thereabouts. The immediate pro
genitor, in this country, of these families was John
Hamilton, who came to America early in the
eighteenth century, landing at New Castle, Del.,
near which he resided at first, but soon removed to
York county, Penn., where most of his life was

spent. His home during the last years of his life
was with his son, John Hamilton, in Washington
county. He died August 2, 1798, at the age of
eighty- five years. His wife, Florence, died Sep
tember 28, 1800, aged eighty-three. They were
interred in the graveyard of Mingo Presbyterian
Church. The names of their children, with dates
of birth, are as follows: Jane, born June 8, 1742;
James, December 29, 1743; Janet, December 28,
1745; William, March 20, 1751; John, November
25, 1754; Robert, June 27, 1763.
Hon. John Hamilton. Of the children of John
Hamilton, Sr. , the only one who became a resi
dent of Washington county was John, born 1754,
most probably in Adams (then York) county, Penn.
He came west in 1783, and the year following pur
chased of Joseph McCollum a tract of land, " Mil-
ford," held by warrant from "Board of Prop
erty," and, subsequently, of a Mr. Jacobs, an ad
ditional tract adjoining, for which he secured
letters patent in 1788 — the whole tract lying on
south side of Mingo creek, three miles from its
mouth. Of these lands he retained posession un
til his death.
John Hamilton became high sheriff of the county
in 1793, being the first chosen under the constitu
tion of 1790. During the time he held this office,
the troublous scenes of the insurrection transpired.
While sharing in the general sentiment of oppo
sition to the excise laws as unjust and oppressive,
he used his influence, personal and official, to pre
vent this opposition from running into lawlessness
and violence. Notwithstanding this, he was re
garded with suspicion and subjected to an oppres
sive prosecution. His excellence of character, and
the cruel injustice done him, are fully attested in
the historical records of those times. Hon. H. M.
Brackenridge, in his " History of the Insurrec
tion," remarks: "The case of Sheriff Hamilton,
one of the most estimable men in the western coun
ties, was much more aggravated. ... It can not
but excite the liveliest indignation to read the de
tails of this case." Hon. William Findley writes
as follows: "John Hamilton, of Washington, is
high sheriff of that county, and colonel of a regi
ment of militia in the Mingo Creek settlement;
though a number of this regiment were known to
have had an active hand in the attack on Neville's
house, and were in fact considered the greatest
promoters of the insurrection, yet he not only kept
himself from those outrages, but endeavored, as
soon as he heard of the design, to prevent the ren
dezvous at Braddock's Field. When he could not
prevent this, he put himself at the head of his
regiment, and was very instrumental in preventing
further outrages from being committed. ... He
n(4(,nded all the meetings for restoring order, and,
i,-„;nS where he did, he merited higher approba-
V" than if he had resided in Boston. Col. Hamil-
tion

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

61

ton was informed by a friend of the designs
against him in time enough to make his escape,
but, conscious of his innocence, he preferred travel
ing above thirty miles to where the judiciary then
was, and presenting himself to Judge Peters, in
formed him that he had heard there was a charge
against him, and requested to have it examined. ' '
After giving a detailed account of the subsequent
events up to the time of his triumphant vindication,
Mr. Findley adds: "Thus a man who was at the
time sheriff of the county and a colonel of the
militia, and who was in a part of the country and
in circumstances where temporizing might have
been excusable, was not only clear of any charge,
but had merit, was illegally taken from the exer
cise of an office at that time of importance to the
peace of the county, and without examination
dragged down to Philadelphia in the winter by a
military guard, paraded in a barbarous manner
through the streets, thrown for some time into the
cells, compelled to wear the word ' insurgent ' in
his hat, and then cast into prison, and after a long
confinement admitted to bail. After this he was
again required to cross the mountains to meet his
trial, at which nothing was alleged against him."
That the popular sentiment fully approved Col.
Hamilton's character and conduct appears from
the civil honors which were immediately thereafter
conferred upon him. In 1796 he represented the
counties of Washington and Allegheny in the State
Senate. In 1800 he represented in the same body
the counties of Washington, Allegheny and Greene.
In 1802 he was appointed, by Gov. McKean. asso
ciate judge of Washington county, but was shortly
afterward elected a member of Congress, serving
from 1804 to 1806. In 1820 he was again ap
pointed associate judge, and continued in the office
until his death. He was chosen a presidential
elector in 1804, and voted for the re-election of
Jefferson. In 1820 he was chosen, a second time,
to the same position, and voted for the re-election
of Monroe. Military offices were also filled by him
almost continuously. Three several commissions,
the first in 1786, were given to him as lieutenant-
colonel of militia. In 1800 he was commissioned
brigadier-general, and in 1807 " major-general of
Fourteenth Division, composed of the militia of
the counties of Washington and Greene. "
Col. Hamilton was married June 2, 1796, to Miss
Mary Patterson, of Westmoreland county, Penn.
Of their family but two daughters survived the
parents: Harriet, intermarried with David Hamil
ton, Jr., and Margaret, intermarried first with a
Mr. Parker, and after his death with a Mr. Purvi-
These two daughters inherited the paternal

ance.

estate. A grandson, Thompson Purviance, gave
his life to the country in the war of the Rebellion.
Another grandson by marriage was Col. Henry A.
Purviance, of the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Vol

unteers, who also fell in battle, and whose remains
are in the Washington (Penn.) cemetery. In his
personal appearance Judge Hamilton, or, as he
was often called, "General Hamilton," was of
medium stature, heavy build, inclining to corpu
lence, of benign expression of countenance, and
scrupulously neat in dress, never appearing in
public without the snow-white ruffles and ivory-
mounted cane, which were so generally affected in
those days by elderly men in official position.
It should be remembered that Gen. Hamilton
was a zealous friend of the cause of education. He
was one of the first board of trustees of Jefferson
College when it was chartered in 1802, and in this
position he continued over thirty years. In Smith' s
history of Jefferson College, mention is made of
the appointment in 1805 of a committee " to trans
mit to Gen. Hamilton, then in Congress, an ac
count of the state of the college, for the purpose of
aiding him in soliciting donations. " Besides being
a courteous gentleman and a public-spirited cit
izen, Gen. Hamilton was also a devout Christian.
He lived and died in the communion of the Pres
byterian Church. His death occurred August 22,
1837, in his eighty-third year, his wife surviving
him but a few years. Their remains lie interred
in the old Mingo graveyard.
Descendants of William Hamilton. William,
another and older son of John Hamilton, Sr., was
the progenitor of most of the families of this con
nection in the West, though he himself lived and
died east of the mountains. He was married Sep
tember 14, 1775, to Magdalena Bittinger. Their
home was three miles west of Gettysburg, Penn.
At the time of the Civil war the old homestead was
still standing, and was used by the Confederates as
a hospital during the battle. Their children's
names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Marga
ret, born September 21, 1776; John, September 3,
1778; Florence and Jane, May 25, 1780; William,
April 1, 1782; Joseph, September 1, 1784; Enoch,
July 1, 1786; James, June 23, 1788; Robert, Jan
uary 25, 1791; George, October 9, 1792; David,
January 4, 1795; Jesse, October 15, 1797. Both
parents reached advanced age, the father being
over seventy when he died, and the mother almost
ninety. Margaret Hamilton, the eldest child of William
Hamilton, was married to a distant relative — David
Hamilton. Her memorial may most conveniently
appear in connection with that of her husband
which immediately follows.
David Hamilton, Esq., was born in Adams (then
York) county, Penn., in 1759. He removed with
his father's family to Washington county, at an
early period, and became possessor of the tract of
land known as Ginger Hill. He was commissioned
a justice of the peace in 1792, and for more than
forty years continued in this office, filling it with

62

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

more than ordinary acceptability and efficiency.
His name occurs quite frequently in the historical
records of the insurrection. That he took an active
part in that great popular uprising is not to be de
nied. But there is no evidence that he approved
of any of the acts of violence committed. Though
he was present at the burning of Neville's house,
the only connection in which his name appears is
in the performance of an act of humanity. In his
history, H. M. Brackenridge, relating the manner
in which Major Kirkpatrick, who commanded the
soldiers within the house, escaped, states: "Kirk
patrick, after being carried some distance under
guard, was taken by David Hamilton behind him
on horseback; when, thinking himself protected,
he began to answer those who came up occasionally
with indignant language, when Hamilton said to
him : ' You see I am endeavoring to save you at the
risk of my own safety, and yet you are making it
still more dangerous for me.' On this he was si
lent, and being carried some distance further by
Hamilton, he was advised to make his escape,
which he did. " Subsequently, when Hamilton was
deputed by a committee of the people to go to
Pittsburgh and return the pistols taken from Mar
shal Lenox, and require the fulfillment of what had
been agreed upon on his part, it is testified by a
witness under oath that, "Hamilton consented to
go in order to prevent the people from coming in
themselves and doing mischief, for there was dan
ger of their going in that time." These and simi
lar references show that, however strenuous may
have been his opposition to the excise law, his in
fluence was on the side of order and humanity.
Though some attempts were made toward the close
of the insurrection to apprehend him, he was suc
cessful in evading these efforts, and without serious
molestation passed through the crisis in peace. In
the famous congressional contest of 1794, just at
the close of the insurrection, Hamilton was one of
the five rival candidates, the others being Thomas
Scott, H. H. Brackenridge, John Woods and Al
bert Gallatin. The last named, who was brought
out, only about ten days before the election, as
what in modern days is called a " dark horse," won
the contest, but by a very slight majority.
David Hamilton was married in early life to
Margaret, daughter of William, and niece of Col.
John Hamilton, a lady in whom were singularly
combined the refined manners of the East, and the
hardihood of the West. She lived to the advanced
age of ninety-six, dying in 1872. It is related of
her that she crossed the mountains to and fro be
tween Adams and Washington counties seventeen
times, and always on horseback except on her last
trip. Five of Esquire Hamilton's sisters married
husbands who established families well known in
the county. Their names were Wylie, McDonough,
Scott, Bolton and Barr. Two of his brothers were

named Daniel and John. Daniel was a blatant in
surrectionist, and the good name of David has
suffered from its being confounded with that of his
brother Daniel, who, along with John, emigrated
to Kentucky toward the close of the century.
Whatever hot blood may have coursed in David's
veins in youth, his age presented the picture of a
mild and courteous gentleman, an intelligent and
useful citizen, and an exemplary Christian. For
more than fifty years he was a member in full com
munion in the Presbyterian Church. At his death,
which occurred May 10, 1839, in his eightieth year,
he bequeathed half of his estate to the educational
charities of that church. Providence denied to this
worthy couple the gift of children. They sleep
side by side in the old Mingo graveyard.
Joseph Hamilton, sixth child of William Hamil
ton, came west shortly after reaching manhood.
Two strong ties in particular attracted him toward
Washington county. David Hamilton, Esq., his
brother-in-law, and Gen. John Hamilton, his uncle,
were both residents of this county. Soon after
coming west he was married, January 7, 1813, to
Margaret, daughter of William Ferguson, of
Pigeon Creek. For more than a quarter of a cent
ury following he resided in Williamsport (now
Monongahela), where he wrought at his trade
as carpenter and housebuilder, carried on a cabi
net and undertaker's shop, and also kept an inn.
In 1841, having bought the Ginger Hill farm from
Esquire David Hamilton, he removed there, and
lived on it until his death, November 9, 1849. His
.widow died at the same place, June 10, 1865.
They were both lifelong members of the Presby
terian Church. He was for many years director
and treasurer of the Williamsport Turnpike Com
pany. He did much in the way of settling up
decedents' estates. Eight children were born to
them as follows: Sarah, October 24, 1813; Mary
Jane, March 11, 1816; Margaret, May 23, 1819;
Harriet, September 11, 1821; William Ferguson,
March 24, 1824; David Ralston, June 26, 1826;
John, September 25, 1828; Martha Isabel, Febru
ary 3, 1831. Sarah was married to Henry Wilson.
Two of their sons, Joseph H. and Robert F, fought
through the war of the Rebellion. She survived
her husband many years, and died at Washington,
Penn., December 18, 1889. Mary Jane was mar
ried to Nimrod A. Gregg, and after his decease
removed to Iowa, where she died. Two daughters,
Mrs. McCauley and Mrs. Beck, and one son, Aaron
T., still live in Iowa. Margaret died early. Har
riet was married to T. R. Hazzard, Esq. , whom
she survived, her death taking place at Monon
gahela City, March 10, 1887. Two of their sons
— Chilion W. and Joseph DeV. — fought through
the war of the Rebellion. The former is editor
of the Monongahela Republican; the latter resides •
in Florida. A younger son, Thomas L., is a phy-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

63

sician in Allegheny, a graduate of Washington and
Jefferson College, and of Pennsylvania University.
Martha Isabel, and her husband, M. Porter Pat
ton, live in Iowa. They have three sons — John, a
lawyer, graduated in Michigan University; Will
iam and Andrew— all living in Denver — and one
daughter — Margaret Isabel — at home. William F.
is a Presbyterian minister, and lives in Washington,
Penn. ; John lives on the paternal farm at Ginger
Hill, which he owns; David R., who is unmarried,
lives there also. About fifty descendants of Jo
seph Hamilton and his wife, Margaret, including
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
survive. David Hamilton, Jr. , eleventh child of William
Hamilton, came west in 1816. He was married
December 28, 1820, to Harriet, daughter of Gen.
John Hamilton. She died July 19, 1849; he sur
vived her until December 1.0, 1886. When eighty
years old he drove his mowing machine all day
long under the fervid heat of a July sun. Of the
six children born to them, two, Margaret A. and
John P., died in childhood; two, Mrs. Eliza Cor
nelia Longwell and Mrs. Amanda J. Callow, died
in mature life; two still survive, Mrs. Maria L.
Henry, a widow residing in Monongahela City,
and Mrs. Harriet Camilla Henry, residing with her
husband in Tennessee.
William Ferguson Hamilton, D. D. From a
sketch of Dr. Hamilton published in the "Presby
terian Encyclopedia" in 1834, we quote as follows:
Son of Joseph and Margaret (Ferguson) Hamilton.
Was born in Williamsport (now Monongahela City) Wash
ington Co.,Penn., March 24, 1824. He was graduated from
Washington College, Penn., in the class of 1844, and from
the Western Theological Seminary in 1849. Immedi
ately after the completion of his theological studies he
was licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio (now Pittsburgh)
and in the following year was ordained by the same body,
and installed as pastor of Centre Church, where he la
bored for two years. He has since, with ability and suc
cess, exercised the pastoral offices for ten years in Union-
town, Penn., and for seven years in the churches of
Salem and Livermore, in the Presbytery of Blairsville.
Since 1875 he has had charge of the Mt. Pleasant Church,
in the Presbytery of Washington (1875-87). Residing in
Washington, Penn., for the sake of the education of his
children, he has been called to render valuable service,
for which his talents and scholarship have so well fitted
him. One form of this was the instruction of the senior
and junior classes in Washington and Jefferson College,
during the years 1876-80, in psychology and ethics. How
ably he thus taught may well be left for inference to the
readers of his masterly article in the Presbyterian Re
view of July, 1882, entitled " Recent Ethical Theory," an
article which has attracted not only approval, but com
plimentary notice from high places. Among various
fugitive articles, addresses and other pamphlets which
he has published, in compliance with special requests,
one claims a prominent place, viz.: An address delivered
at the Centenary Celebration of the Redstone Presby
tery, the mother Presbytery of the West, held at Union-
town, Penn., in 1881, which is a rich repository of his
torical information concerning one of the most important
portions of our country and of the Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Hamilton is still in full vigor of his faculties. To
the ability of an honored minister of the Gospel, he adds
the pen of a ready and accomplished writer. His wisdom
and skill in matters of the church, notwithstanding his
characteristic modesty, compel his service as stated clerk
of Presbytery, chairman of important committees, and
in other representative duties, at the imperative call of
his brethren. He was moderator of the Synod of Pitts
burgh in 1873, the fourth annual meeting after the re
union of the church and the reconstruction of its courts.
Since the foregoing was penned Dr. Hamilton
has rendered useful service as a leading contributor
and editor of the " History of the Presbytery of
Washington." It is probably on account of his
work in these lines that he has recently been
elected a member of " The American Society of
Church History," and also of "The American
Historical Association."
Dr. Hamilton was married January 28, 1858,
to Miss L. Louisa, daughter of Isaac Beeson, of
Mt. Braddock, Fayette Co., Penn. Their eldest
son, Dr. Isaac Beeson Hamilton, who is a graduate
of Washington and Jefferson College, and of the
University of Pennsylvania, practices his profession
in Arizona. Another son, Rev. William Beeson
Hamilton, also a graduate of Washington and
Jefferson College, and of Princeton Theological
Seminary, is a missionary of the Presbyterian
board, stationed at Chinanfu, China. Another
son, Joseph Hamilton, who recently graduated in
Washington and Jefferson College, is now engaged
in the study of theology, and has been licensed by
the Presbytery of Washington. The youngest
child, Louis Pennock Hamilton, is a student in
Washington and Jefferson College. Three daugh
ters — Mary Kennedy, Margaret Ferguson and
Eliza Lowrie — complete the family circle. All the
daughters are graduates of Washington Female
Seminary. John Hamilton, seventh child of Joseph Hamil
ton, is the present proprietor of the Ginger Hill
farm. He has also added to it thetwo farms adjoin
ing which constituted the homestead of his grand -
uncle, Hon. John Hamilton. He was born
September 25, 1828, in Williamsport (now Monon
gahela), Washington Co., Penn. When twelve
years of age he was taken with his father's fam
ily to the Ginger Hill farm, where he has since
resided continuously. On February 12, 1867, he
was married to Elizabeth T. Purviance, of Pitts
burgh, Penn., and one daughter has been born to
their union, Elizabeth, who is pursuing her studies
in Pennsylvania College for Women at Pittsburgh.
Mr. Hamilton's farm, comprising some 400 acres
of fertile land, is situated in Carroll township,
four miles from Monongahela, and is one of the
most beautiful country seats in western Penn
sylvania. In political opinion Mr. Hamilton is
identified with the Republican party, and in religion
is an adherent of the Presbyterian Church.

64

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Other Descendants of William Hamilton. Be
sides those already mentioned, two other sons of
William and Magdalena Hamilton resided for sev
eral years in Washington county, and afterward
removed elsewhere, as follows:
William, fifth child, born 1782, came west in
1803, locating at Ginger Hill, and the year follow
ing was married to Elizabeth Lafferty. In 1816
they moved to Harrison county^ Ohio, and subse
quently to Delaware county, in same State. He
died in 1859. Morgan Clifford Hamilton, of Al
legheny, Penn., is a grandson by a deceased son,
William, and so far as known is the only living
descendant. George, tenth child, born 1792, was the last
of the family, and came west. He was married
March 17, 1817, at Hunterstown, Adams Co.,
Penn. , to Nancy, daughter of James Dowley.
They removed to Washington county in 1827. They
were members of the Seceder Church in Somerset
township, of which Rev. Bankhead Boyd was pas
tor. In 1837 they removed to Mercer county,
Penn., where the mother died in 1857 and the
father in 1860. Of their seven sons and five
daughters, all are living but one — the eldest. All
the daughters and nearly all the sons are members
of some branch of the church. Six of the twelve
have each seven children living. The grandchil
dren number sixty-six in all. A very large pro
portion of these descendants are thrifty and moral
persons. William Ferguson, whose daughter Margaret
was married to Joseph Hamilton, was one of the
prominent citizens of Washington county in his
day. He came from near Chambersburg, Frank
lin Co., Penn. In 1796 he purchased from Jacob
and Michael Book [Bauch] a tract of land ' ' De
vises, " in Somerset township, the same containing
296 acres, for which he paid 888 pounds sterling.
He was married before coming west to Sarah Lig
gett, and they brought with them several children.
He was for many years a ruling elder in the Pres
byterian Church of Pigeon Creek — a man of fine
personal appearance and more than average intel
ligence. Three of his daughters were married to
Presbyterian ministers: Martha to Rev. Michael
Law; Rachel to Rev. Samuel Ralston, D. D. ; and
Isabella to Rev. John Reed. Other daughters
were married: Margaret to Joseph Hamilton,
Sarah to Col. George McHenry, and Florence to
James Macauley. These last two families moved
west half a century ago. One son, Matthew,
moved to Ohio early in the century. He was a
Presbyterian elder there for over fifty years.
Another son, Benjamin, moved to Springfield, 111.,
in the " thirties." His descendants are there still.
The names of remaining sons were Robert, Sam
uel and William. Many elders and wives of min
isters are descendants. One grandson, James Ral

ston, died just after completing his preparations for
the ministry at Allegheny Seminary, March 24,
1835. Rev. W. F. Hamilton, D. D., of Washington,
Penn., and his son Rev. W. B. Hamilton, mission
ary in China, are respectively grandson and great-
grandson. Toward the close of his life Mr. Fer
guson entrusted his farm to the care of two sons,
and removed to Williamsport (now Monongahela),
to be under the care of daughters residing there.
He died in 1833, aged eighty-seven, his widow
a few years subsequently. They were buried at
Williamsport.

J | AMES McILVAINE, Cashier of the FirBt
National Bank of Washington, Penn., was
| born February 28, 1809, near the town of
Lewes, in the State of Delaware, the third
son of John and Sarah (White) Mclfvaine.
His parents and grandparents were natives of the
State of Delaware, and were descended from Scotch-
Irish ancestry. The family name is first mentioned
in the records of Ayrshire, in Scotland. In 1315
Edward Bruce (brother of Robert) led a large force
into Ireland, with the purpose of driving out the
English troops. Great numbers of his soldiers
remained in that country, and founded what is
known as the "Scotch-Irish" race, many of whom
emigrated to America in Colonial times, and among
them came the ancestors of the Mcllvaines.
To the parents of the subject of this sketch were
born ten children — six sons and four daughters—
and he is the only surviving member of the family.
In 1813 his parents came to Washington county,
and settled in East Pike Run township, near the
residence of Mrs. Mcll vaine' s brothers. The follow
ing year they moved to Counellsville, in Fayette
county, Penn. , where they passed the remainder of
their lives, the mother dying in 1835, aged fifty-
seven years, and the father in 1851, aged seventy-
nine. James Mcllvaine received his education in Con-
nellsville, and after leaving school was employed
as merchant's clerk and bookkeeper until a short
time prior to* his marriage in 1833, when he com
menced business on his own account. He became a
partner in the Fulton Foundry Company, and sub
sequently, in connection with his brother-in-law,
established the Eagle Foundry, and they were the
first persons in Fayette county to manufacture coke
from bituminous coal, which they made in limited
quantities, and only for use in their own foundry.
(The making of coke as an article of trade was not
commenced until five years later). He was, also,
at the same time engaged in merchandising, in
which he continued for some years after leaving
the foundry. He then removed to his farm near
Connellsville, and waB for some time engaged in
agricultural pursuits. Early in 1843. Mr. Mcllvaine

¦l^JZ,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

67

changed his residence to Uniontown, in Fayette
county, and was for six years a writer in the office
of the Prothonotary. While thus engaged the
office of the Coroner of the county became vacant
by a resignation, and as some important cases were
pending in which the Sheriff was concerned, he
yielded to the earnest request of the Court and
Bar, and agreed to accept the office, and serve
until the next election, and upon their application
to the Governor he was duly commissioned. During
his brief term of office, it became his duty, owing
to the legal disability of the Sheriff to act, to sell
several valuable farms, and it is believed no similar
case can be found in the records of Fayette county.
In 1849 he returned to Connellsville, and for
the next three years was largely employed as an
auditor of the accounts of trustees, guardians, ex
ecutors and administrators, and making distribu
tion of proceeds of Sheriff's sales etc., nearly the
whole of that business having been entrusted to
him by appointment of the Court upon request of
Gentlemen of the bar. Of the numerous reports
and decisions made by him while serving in that
capacity, not one was ever reversed. In one case
was an appeal taken from the Court below to the
Supreme Court, and it was affirmed by that tribu
nal. In 1852 he removed to Brownsville, in the
same county, having accepted the appointment of
Teller in the Monongahela Bank, but next year he
proceeded to Philadelphia, having received and
accepted a pressing invitation to be Cashier in the
office of the Assistant Treasurer of the United
States, which at that time was located in the U.
S. Mint. While engaged in the duties of this
office, he received a cordial and flattering request
to come to Washington and be Cashier of the
Franklin Bank. Having signified his willingness
to accept the office, he was unanimously elected,
and arrived in Washington April 12, 1857, and
was "unknown by face" to all the officers and
directors of the bank, and to every busiriess man
in the town. The Franklin Bank of Washington was
a State institution, incorporated in 1836; was char
tered as the First National Bank of Washington
in 1864, and re-chartered in 1884.
Upon his arrival in Washington Mr. Mcllvaine
took rooms in the " Fulton House " (now " Hotel
Main"), then under the management of Gen. John
Hall, and although there have been many changes
of landlords, he has for a period of thirty-six
years remained in the same house and occupied
the same rooms. During this extended period of
service he has filled the position he occupies with
fidelity and honor, and now, in the eighty-fifth year
of his age, his head is well covered with hair of
almost snowy whiteness, his person is erect and
well-preserved, he walks with a firm and alert step,
and is actively engaged in the duties of his office.
In earlier life he took an interest in local military
4

affairs, and bore in succession commissions as
Major and Colonel, and is still familiarly addressed
by the latter title. Throughout the whole of his
long and busy life, every position he has been
called to fill, without an exception, came to him
unsolicited and unsought. Politically he is a life
long Democrat, holding his opinions firmly but
unobtrusively. For more than fifty years he has
been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
and a liberal supporter of its interests and insti
tutions, both at home and abroad.
In 1833 Col. Mcllvaine was united in marriage
with Miss Cornelia A. Norton, of Connellsville.
She was born in Connecticut, and, when an infant,
her parents removed to Louisiana, where her father
bought a plantation, and, following the custom of
those times, purchased slaves and became a planter.
After his decease, the widow and children came
to Pennsylvania, and settled in Connellsville. Col.
and Mrs. Mcllvaine had no children. After a
happy married life of forty four years, Mrs. Mc
llvaine, who was the last survivor of her father's
family, died in 1877, and her remains are in
terred in Washington Cemetery. As expressive of
her life and character these words of Holy Writ
are inscribed upon her memorial window in the
Episcopal Church — " Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God."

KfTY ALSTON WILLIAMS. The history of a
IU9 nation may be read in the biographies of
i|| Vv its people, which saying implies that the
\\ — i individual who has a pedigree to record
v and perpetuate in the pages of biography
serves his country well. The following carefully
compiled genealogical record of the Williams
family is taken almost verbatim from the original
manuscript: Pedigree of Williams Family. " Josiah Will
iams, our great-great-grandfather, was of Welsh
descent. He married Phcebe Rodgers, a descendant
of ' John Rodgers the martyr ' who was burned at
the stake, and left a wife with nine small children
and one at the breast. Their children were:
Ezekiel Williams, born October 4, 1733; Elizabeth
Williams, born June 14, 1736; David Williams,
born September 10, 1739; John Williams, born
May 21, 1743; Phebe Williams, born September
3, 1746; Ichabod Williams, born January 14, 1749,
and Aaron Williams, born May 2, 1753, in Sussex
county, N. J. He, the seventh child, came to
Pennsylvania a pioneer; he had many trials and
difficulties from the Indians. [See History of
Western Pennsylvania.] The family were often
pursued by the Indians, and fled from their home
on Turtle creek, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Had
their houses burned. They then moved to Peters
creek, Washington Co., Penn., where they spent
the remainder of their days.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

"Aaron, this seventh child of Josiah Williams,
was a millwright by trade, and was a noted hewer;
he hewed the timbers for the first fort ever erected
at Wheeling, Va. , to defend themselves from the
Indians. He also was one of the men who took
possession of Fort Duquesne, or Fort Pitt, as it
was called at the point where Pittsburgh now
stands. He erected a mill on Peters creek, Wash
ington Co. , Penn., one of the first in that country.
He was married June 5, 1780, to Elizabeth Coe,
born March 9, 1761, near Elizabeth, New Jersey.
She was the youngest of fourteen children, and
she was noted for her fervent piety. She was very
much concerned in the time of the Revolutionary
war. Two of her brothers were in arms and in
battle; some of her friends were taken prisoners by
the Indians. This devoted sister and mother
would go out in the evening and spend the whole
night in prayer for the success of our army, and
would return to the house in the morning and say
with a grateful countenance: ' The Americans will
prevail yet.' Of her the exclamation was made:
' The chariot of the American army and the horse
man thereof.' She always had a place for secret
prayer to which she constantly resorted, and spent
much time praying there, even to the close of her
life, which ended June 19, 1847, when she was
aged eighty-six. Her husband, Aaron, and her
self were laid to rest in the little cemetery of the
Presbyterian Church of Mingo, Washington Co. ,
Penn. Of the remainder of Josiah Williams' and
Phebe Rodgers' children we have no particular his
tory. Ichabod, the sixth child, went down the
Ohio river with eight children. The eldest was
seventeen. It was about the year 1766 or 1767
they went down the Ohio river.
" Aaron Williams, the aforesaid seventh child,
and his wife Elizabeth (Coe) had two children;
they were Phebe Williams, born April 9, 1781,
died 1855; Benjamin Williams, born February 3,
1783, died September 2, 1860, aged seventy-seven.
Phebe married William McDonald, and lived at
Logstown, opposite Economy, Penn., eighteen
miles below Pittsburgh. Their children were: (1)
Elizabeth (called Betsey); (2) Matilda; (3) Pattie
(Martha); (4) John; (5) Aaron Williams McDonald;
(6) Polly (Mary)married— Douds; (7) Alexander; (8)
William, married Miss Shane; (9) Peggy (Margaret)
married J. C. Richie; (10) one dead. The afore
said William McDonald, Sr. , husband of Phebe
Williams, was a great trader in cattle, etc. , became
involved in debt, and at length became deranged.
"Benjamin Williams, brother of the aforesaid
Phebe (Williams) McDonald, and the son of Aaron
W. and Elizabeth (Coe) Williams, was, as afore
said, born February 3, 1783, at Peters creek,
Washington Co., Penn., married Elizabeth Reid;
died September 2, 1860, aged seventy-seven years.
He was a ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church

at Mingo, a trustee of Jefferson College at Canons
burg, Penn. , and a director of Western Theological
Seminary at Allegheny, Penn. He contributed
much to benevolent purposes, and his residence on
Peters creek, Washington Co. , Penn. , was a great
resort for preachers, and hence was called 'The
Preacher's Home.' His wife, Elizabeth Reid, was
born near Winchester, Va. When James Hair, a
physician, moved from east of the mountains with
his family, she came with them to Pigeon creek,
Penn. She was noted for her piety. She lost her
mother at nine years of age. She was brought up
in the family of a friend, William Wilson, Esq., a
merchant of Jarretstown, Va. She was a woman
of eminent piety, and took a special interest in ed
ucating young men for the ministry, being a mem
ber of a society of women organized for the purpose
of assisting in the education of poor and pious
young men at Jefferson College. Her father, Reid,
was once sheriff of the county in which he lived,
in Virginia. He had three daughters and one
son, Joseph. After the death of his wife Mr. Reid
broke up housekeeping and placed his daughters
with friends, but took Joseph, the youngest child,
with him, and went to live with a brother. He
seems to have led a wandering life, as he came
only occasionally to see his daughter, Mrs. Benja
min Williams (the Elizabeth Reid aforesaid), at
Peters creek. His son Joseph Reid (old Uncle
Joe) resided sometimes in the family of Benjamin
Williams, and afterward went to his sister's (Mrs.
Mounts) at Hillsboro, Ohio. He finally died at the
home of another sister, Jane, at New Albany, Ind.
He was never married.
" The children of the aforesaid Benjamin Will
iams, and his wife Elizabeth Reid, were Aaron
Williams, born November 20, 1807, died December
31, 1878, aged seventy-one (he was a graduate of
Jefferson College, was an eminent scholar and
teacher and preacher; had charge of Ohio Uni
versity at Athens, Ohio; was principal of the
Edgeworth Female Seminary; he wrote a history
of the Economites [wd.]; also author of 'Woman
In The Bible,' a commentary; he married Jane
Herron, daughter of the Rev. Francis Herron, D. D.,
who was for forty years pastor of the First Pres
byterian Church, Pittsburgh, Penn.; Aaron Will
iams' children were: Elizabeth, Addie, Francis,
Mary Herron, Luther Halsey, and Harriet Preble).
The other children of Benjamin Williams and
Elizabeth Reid were (2) Joseph, born October 17,
1809, who died in infancy; (3) Moses Allen Will
iams, born September 26, 1811, who was twice
married but had no children; (4) Samuel Ralston,
born October 8, 1813, who died June 13, 1869, at
Lexington, Ky. (he married Mary Louisa Chapelle;
he was a professor of natural sciences in Jefferson
College, Canonsburg, Penn., afterward principal
of Say re Female Institute, Lexington, Ky. His

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

69

children were: Kate, Lizzie, Charles, Newton.
Lulu and Ella); (5) Eliza Williams, born Novem
ber 23, 1815, died February 25, 1877 (she mar
ried Hugh H. Morgan, of Bridgeville, Allegheny
Co., Penn.); (6) James B. Williams, born Febru
ary 21, 1818, married Lucinda Philips, who died
September 6, 1848; he again married Martha
Pollock. His children were Lucinda Mary, Will
iam Allen, John Kiddoo, Laura Belle, Benjamin
Howard, Harlan Reid and Elmer Tower; (7)
Mary Jane Williams, born October 23, 1820, mar
ried Rev. S. J. Reid, and died of yellow fever at
Horn Lake, Miss., October 4, 1878 (her four chil
dren all died young of diphtheria in Mississippi);
(8)r Maria R. Williams, born March 18, 1823, mar
ried William Wilson, of Snowden township, Alle
gheny Co., Penn.; her children were: Lewis
Benjamin Williams, Sarah Lorena, Ada Mary,
Fremont Samuel.
" The other children of Benjamin Williams and
his second wife, Sarah Ralston, were: (1) Benja
min Williams, Jr., died in childhood; (2) Rachel
Ferguson Williams, married William Reese Craig
head (her only child was Clara Belle Ashton Craig
head); (3) Ralston Williams, married Sarah Gas
ton November 18, 1857; (4) Joseph Hamilton
Williams, married July 30, 1868, to Helen M.
Barrett; (5) Sarah Margaret Williams; (6) Martha
Ralston Williams, and (7) Isabel Reid, who died
in young womanhood."
Ralston Williams was born in Nottingham town
ship, Washington Co.,' Penn., where he was
reared. His education was received at the public
school of the district held in a dilapidated little
log cabin, the text books used therein being of a
very primitive nature, and the attendance thereat
limited to about three months in the depth of win
ter. In Nottingham township he remained till
1854, in which year he removed with his parents
to Carroll township, in the same county, to a farm
now owned by Capt. Gibson. Here Ralston re
mained until the death of his father, when he
moved to Union township, adjoining Carroll to the
north, making his residence there for some seven
years. From Union township, at the end of that
time, he proceeded to Cumberland township,
Greene county, whence, after two years' sojourn
there, he came to Monongahela, where he has
since resided.
Prior to coming to Monongahela City Mr.
Williams was engaged in farming and stock raising,
and after leaving the farm he engaged as an insur
ance solicitor, which vocation he followed some
years, when he was appointed agent. He enjoys
an extensive and safe business in both fire and life
insurance, as representative of the following com
panies: Armenia, of Pittsburgh; iEtna, of Hart
ford; American, of Philadelphia; Farmers, of
York; German American, of New York; Fire

Association, of New York; Niagara, of New York;
National, of Hartford, and Mutual Life Insurance
Company, of New York. He also conducts a real
estate business, and in all his transactions enjoys
the confidence of his patrons.
On November 18, 1857, Mr. Williams was mar
ried to Sarah H. , daughter of Joseph Gaston, of
Gastonville, Penn., and the children born of this
union were H. H .Margaret L., Jane M., Belle M.,
Charles G. (a minister and pastor of Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church, of Washington county,
Penn.) and Sarah (deceased). The mother of
this family died November 29, 1868, and Mr. Will
iams married, June 28, 1871, Orpha L. Carroll, of
California, Washington Co., Penn.; she was a
teacher in the normal school. By this last mar
riage one child, Samuel R., was born, but died at
the age of seven years. Mr. Williams is a stanch
Republican, and a Presbyterian, of which church
he has been a member since sixteen years of age,
and an elder in the same about twenty years.

HON. ALEX K. CRAIG. Success in any of
the pursuits of life usually challenges the
admiration of the world. It matters not
-* whether in the profession of law, medicine
V or literature, or in the theological domain, in
the military or civil life, or mercantile pursuits, it
is the one distinguishing and distinctive character
istic of all business transactions. While not now
a member of any of the acknowledged professions,
the subject of these lines has, nevertheless, in his
sphere of labor and activity distinguished himself
as an active, energetic business man, and demon
strated the fact that to the man of merit belongs
the full measure of success and worldly prosperity.
Alex K. Craig was born in Buffalo township,
Washington Co., Penn., February 21, 1828, a son
of Hugh and Hannah (Henderson) Craig, the latter
of whom was a daughter of John Henderson, of
Washington county. His grandfather, Alexander
Craig, a native of County Down, Ireland, when a
young man emigrated with his parents to the
United States, and on the same vessel came also,
with her parents, a Miss Martha Kerr, to whom,
soon after landing, he was married. They made
their first settlement in Canton township, this
county, when the place was an unbroken forest,
teeming with wild animals, and frequented by the
Indian on his hunting expeditions. This tract of
land they improved, in 1813 sold it, and then came
to Buffalo township, where they passed the re
mainder of their busy lives. The children born to
this pioneer couple were eleven in number, viz. :
James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Carroll), Arthur,
Hugh, Jane (Mrs. John Harmon), John, Alexander,
Ebenezer, Martha (Mrs. William Burns), Eleazer
and Ann (Mrs. Hugh McClelland). The parents

70

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

were active members of the Associate Reformed
Church, and in politics Mr. Craig was a Democrat.
Hugh Craig, son of the above, was born in 1795,
in Canton township, this county, where, and in
Buffalo township, his boyhood and youth were
passed, the subscription schools of the locality pro
viding him with such mental pabulum as those
early days afforded. He was a great reader, how
ever, and was well posted in general topics. In
1821 he was married to Hannah Henderson, and
they made their home on the old Craig farm until
the day of their death. The children born to them
were Martha (Mrs. J. W. Darby), John H, Mar
garet A., Alex K., Hugh K., Joseph F., William
F.,Hanna R. (Mrs. Joseph McGuffin) and Thomas
B. The father ' died November 18, 1854, the
mother November 24, 1856. Mr. Craig was a
Jeffersonian Democrat, and held several prominent
offices in both township and county. He was a
justice of peace for years, and also school director;
in 1841 he was elected county commissioner, serv
ing three years. In 1852 he was elected a mem
ber of the State Legislature, and served one session.
He was a recognized leader in his party, and was
a strong supporter of the free school system. One
of the earliest members of the Presbyterian Church
at Claysville, he was a substantial supporter of
the same, and for several years an elder.
Alex K. Craig, of whom this sketch more espe
cially treats, received his primary education at
home, which was followed by a course of study at
Science Hill School. At the age of seventeen he
commenced teaching, and continued same, during
the winter seasons, until the year 1884. He was
not only an apt scholar but also a skillful precept
or. He held a life certificate from the State of
Pennsylvania, and was closely c mnected with all
educational movements in Washington county, be
ing one of its leading educators. For three years
he was engaged in general mercantile business in
Claysville, after which he engaged exclusively in
farming and teaching.
On March 12, 1850, he was united in marriage
with Sarah F., daughter of William McLain, and
the following is a brief record of the children born
to them: Hannah M. was married to Albert
Sprowls; John E. was educated at Washington
and Jefferson College, graduated in 1877, then
studied law in Keokuk, Iowa, and was admitted to
the bar in 1879 (he is a Democrat, and was
elected a member of the State Legislature of the
State of Iowa, in 1885, serving two terms; in 1889
he was elected mayor of Keokuk, and re-elected
in 1891; he married Euphemia S., daughter of
Moses Coulter, of Allegheny county, and they
have one child, Moses C); Mary Evelyn, who died
in 1858; Eliza J., who married James McKeown,
and died in 1884; William H. (who was educated
at Washington and Jcffers'ui College, graduated

in 1887, and married Anna Ralston, to whom one
child, William H, was born; the father died in
1891); Addison A. was educated at Washington
and Jefferson College, and in 1887 was appointed
professor of mathematics in the public schools of
Keokuk, Iowa; Thomas B. was educated at the
common schools, graduated in 1889 from the State
Normal School at Edinboro, Penn., studied law
with his brother, John E., and was admitted to
the Iowa bar in May, 1892. The entire family
are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which,
from 1857, Mr. Alex K. Craig was an elder. He
was superintendent of the Sabbath-school for
fifteen years, and a member of the choir for half a
century. Politically he was always a Democrat,
and was active in the party. He filled with dis
tinguished ability various offices in his township,
and in 1886 was elected a justice of the peace. He
was nominated by his party a number of times for
county offices, each time running ahead of his party
ticket, but he held no public office except school
director and justice of the peace. In 1890 he was
nominated without solicitation, as a Democrat for
a seat in the Fifty-second Congress, from the
Twenty-fourth District of Pennsylvania, receiving,
according to the official count, 21,585 againt 21,708
votes for Andrew Stewart, Republican; 995 for
Edward Campbell, Prohibitionist. This District two
years earlier had elected J. W. Ray, Republican;
by 4,438 majority. For one week after elec
tion it had been conceded that Mr. Craig had been
elected, and when it was officially announced other
wise he decided to contest; his contest for a seat
was successful, and he was seated a member of the
Fifty second Congress, February 26, 1892, by a
vote of 132 to 57. In this last office of public
trust he served his constituents with great care and
fidelity until the middle of June, when he was
obliged to go home on account of sickness. All
efforts to remove his disease of jaundice proved of
no avail, and he died July 29, 1892. The remark
of Congressman M. N. Johnson, Republican, of
North Dakota, to a press reporter shows in what
esteem he was held by his associates in Congress.
Mr. Johnson said: "Mr. Craig, whom I knew
personally, was a man of rare honesty and of sound
common sense. The Democrats lose a good man
in him." His very largely attended funeral shows
in what high regard and esteem he was held by
his fellow- citizens at home. The following fitting
tribute is given to his memory by the Washington
Journal: In the death of Alexander K. Craig is sustained the
loss of a citizen whose life and work adds largely to the
already long list of those who have made illustrious the
history of Washington county. He was one of whom it
has always been said: He is a good man. Nowhere
has this oftencr been said, than within the radius of his
direct personal influence. His home recognized in him
the industrious toiling provider of its comforts and ad-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

71

vantages, an affectionate husband, a wise and tender
father. His neighborhood knew him as a friend in time
of need, a counselor in trouble, a genial companion in all
social relations. His church had in him a vigilant, prayer
ful and consistent member, a workman whose interest
never flagged, a watchman always to be found at the post
of duty. Intelligent, honest, strong in his convictions,
and untiring in his efforts, his home, his neighborhood
and his church are all the better for his having lived, hi
his death they have sustained a loss, which "the tender
sympathy of friends and the healing influence of time
may mitigate, but cau never restore. In person strong
and self-reliant, in deportment, genial and courteous, in
business, upright and honorable, Mr. Craig brought to
bear upon all his relations to the, times and community
in which he lived, an influence that was widespread and
always for good. An intelligent man, a reader, he was
always well versed in the knowledge of current events
and affairs of the day, whether from an educational, po
litical or religious standpoint. And while his rugged
character and strong self-reliance required him to adhere
with tenacity to those views which his judgment and in
vestigation led him to adopt, his sincerity was undoubted;
his integrity unquestioned. Holding the warmest place
in the hearts of those who knew him best, whether at the
home fireside, in the circle of friendship, or within the
sacred precincts of Sunday-school and church, his life
and character have been a tower of strength, and his
memory shall be a benediction to those who loved him so
well. As has been' said of another good man and true,
whose loss is still fresh in the minds of many friends,
may with equal truth be written of Alexander K. Craig:
" 0! iron nerve to true occasion true,
O! follow at length, that tower of strength
That stood four square
To all the winds that blew."
Fired by the spirit of true patriotism. Mr. Craig
enlisted, during the War of the Rebellion, in Com
pany H, Eighty-seventh P. V. I. , serving under
Captain Buford; he was sent to Petersburg!], Va.,
and there remained in active service until the close
of the war, and was mustered out at Washington,
D. C. , in July, 1865.

<

McBURNEY FAMILY. It is said that
"Great men have short biographies,"
and though in the present instance, if
never before, that sentence is peculiarly
applicable, we regret the necessity which
compels us to abbreviate the record of this family,
whose lives have been an honor not only to this
township and county, but to the many States
throughout the country where their lot is cast.
No family can boast of truer nobility or more
prominent ancestry than those who bear the Mc
Burney name. The present generation are very
numerous, and have been widely separated, bnt on
August 13, 1891, a re-union was held at Midway,
Penn., at the instigation of Mr. J. R. McBurney.
to whom we are indebted for an accurate history of
these early pioneers.
The long ancestral line begins with the name of
James McBurney, born in 1740, in Ballynahinch,
County Down, Ireland. Little is known of his

early life save that he learned and followed the
vocation of a merchant tailor, and in 1762 was
united in marriage with Jeanett Milligan, who
bore him two children: John and Elizabeth, born
about 1764, the exact dates being unknown, and
they might have been twins. The little family em
barked for America in the fall of 1783, on the first ves
sel which sailed thence on a peaceful errand after the
close of the Revolution. Mr. McBurney was a
prominent man in public affairs, having received
a commission from Thomas Mifflin, governor of
Pennsylvania, to act as justice of the peace in
Cecil township, Washington county, the term for
which he was appointed being " so long as you
shall behave yourself well." On these conditions
he filled that position till 1815, and this fact might
well lead the modern politicians to wonder how
long they would fill political offices to-day if the
same terms were required. Ah well! times — and
politics — have changed since the good old days of
our forefathers! James McBurney was a remark
ably conscientious and upright mac He acted as
a member of the Session in the Associate Reformed
Church, at Robinson's Run, being one of the first
ruling elders of that body. He first located one
mile southeast of McDonald, in 1814 moving to a
farm not far from Midway, this county, where he
died, August 11, 1820, at the patriarchal age of
eighty years, and rests in the old graveyard .
John McBurney, a son of this honored pioneer
couple, was born in County Down, Ireland, and at
the age of fourteen years joined an Orange com
pany, of which he became the captain when eighteen
years of age. In 1783 he immigrated to America.
where in 1793 he was married to Sarah Hunter.
She was born in 1774, near Chambersburgb, and
walked across the mountains from Chambersburgh
with her parents, when but ten years of age, her
mother and the baby alone being allowed the lux
ury of a horseback ride. In early life she joined
the Chartiers Associate Reformed Church, of which
Rev. Anderson waB then pastor. Though met by
heavy obstacles and bearing many burdens of care,
she was uniformly cheerful and affectionate. After
marriage, John McBurney and his wife settled in
this county, where children were born, of whom
the following is a brief record: Jennie, born May
23, 1794, was married September 20. 1814, to
Andrew Donaldson, who was elected as ruling
elder of the Associate Reformed Church in 1833,
and died in 1843, followed by his widow July 8,
1866 (they had ten children, from whom 107 de
scendants have sprung, eighty-seven of them yet
living) ; James (of whom further mention is made)
was born May 27, 1797; Esther, born September
10. 1799. was married February 3, 1826. to Rich
ard Donaldson, who was born December 30, 1799.
and they first settled on a farm near Bavington,
Penn., remaining there a number of years, after-

72

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ward moving toBurgettstown, where the remainder
of their lives was -passed (Mr. Donaldson was or
dained an elder in 1833, in the United Presbyte
rian Church of Robinson township. He died Au
gust?, 1873, and September 30, 1874, his wife was
laid by his side. They have had thirty- two de
scendants, twenty-one of whom are yet living);
John (of whom special mention is made further on)
was born June 29, 1802; Eliza, born June 10, 1805,
was first married in 1844, to Maj. James Harper,
to whom she bore two children (Maj. Harper died
in 1854. He was an elder of the United Presby
terian Church of Frankfort, and resided at Har
per's Mills. Mrs. Harper was afterward married
to Andrew Miller, Esq. She died January 3, 1879;
her husband is yet living. They have had seven
teen descendants, fourteen of whom are now liv
ing); Robert, born September 25, 1808, was mar
ried February 1, 1834, to Eliza Welsh, nine
descendants having been the result of this union
(Robert McBurney was a ruling elder in theU. P.
Church of Centre, and also served his township in
a political capacity, having been justice of the
peace. He died June 1, 1875); Sarah, born April
7, 1811, on May 31, 1835, became the wife of
James McCalmont, who settled on a farm near
Candor, Penn. (he was an elder in the U. P.
Church of Burgettstown, also at Centre. He died
in 1890, leaving thirty-two descendants, of whom
three are deceased); David, born December 23,
1813, was married February 3, 1833, to Eliza
Jane Lyle, and the young couple settled on a farm
near Scroggsfield, Carroll Co.. Ohio, where he
served as an elder in the U. P. Church (he died
October 27, 1878, his posterity having numbered
fourteen, of whom four are deceased. His widow
is yet living on the old home place); and Samuel,
born December 21, 1816, has been twice married,
and is the only living representative of this nu
merous pioneer family (on November 4, 1840, he
married Sarah Jane George, and settled near
the Conotton, in Ohio. She bore him twelve
children. After the death of this wife he was mar
ried in 1869 to Mrs. Mary E. (McCauslin) George,
and to them three children have been born. Sam
uel McBurney has had twelve grandchildren, now
having fifteen living descendants. In 1853 he was
elected ruling elder of the North Union U. P.
Church). James McBurney, son of John and Sarah
(Hunter) McBurney, grew to manhood on the home
farm (which he purchased), and there passed his
eutire life, afterward bequeathing the property to
a son. On March 29, 1827, he married Jane
Acheson, who bore him four children: John R. ,
Margaret (Mrs. James Moore), Sarah (wife of Jo
seph Wallace) and Matthew (deceased). This wife
died October 21, 1835, and on November 3, 1841,
James McBurney was united in marriage with

Catherine (Lindsey) Watson. She died Septem
ber 10, 1870, at the age of seventy-two years. The
offspring of this ancestor have numbered twenty-
eight, four being deceased. James McBurney died
January 15, 1872. He was a Whig in politics.
John R. McBurney, son of James and Jane
(Acheson) McBurney, was born June 12, 1831, re
ceiving his early education on the homo farm. On
October 13, 1859, he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth R., daughter of George Robb, and the
children who have come to bless their home are as
follows: James H. (of Canonsburg, this county);
George R., who attended the Ingleside Academy.
then Geneva College, finally graduating, in 1889,
at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Sem
inary, Allegheny, Penn., and having since filled vari
ous pulpits in the bounds of the Covenanter
Church, is now placed, as settled pastor, over the
Hickory Grove congregation near Avery, Iowa;
Catherine W., a graduate of Geneva College, now
teaching in an Indian mission school (Cache Creek)
in the Indian Territory; Jennie G., deceased;
Matthew R. ; Jennie G.; and Wilbur J. After his
marriage John R. McBurney settled permanently
on the home place He is a progressive and enter
prising citizen, a worthy representative of the
honored name he bears. In religious faith he is a
stanch member of the Covenanter Church, and,
according to the faith of that body, refuses to take
an active part in political contests. The grounds
of this position may be briefly stated as follows:
God, who is the source of all authority, both civil
and ecclesiastical, appointed our Lord Jesus Christ
to be king of nations, and has given in His Word
law to govern nations as well as the Church and
individuals. Nations are under obligations to ac
knowledge Christ as Mediatorial King, and to take
the Bible as the standard on which to decide all
moral issues. This nation refuses to make ac
knowledgment in its official document — the Con
stitution — of its true relation to its rightful Sov
ereign, and is therefore in an attitude of rebellion
against the King of Kings. To be identified in
the administration of the affairs of government is
to become " particeps criminis" in this sin.
Hence Covenanters refuse to take part in the ad
ministration of this Government until this religious
defect of the Constitution is removed. And their
attitude to the Government in this respect is one
of practical protest. It will be observed that from
the earliest ancestor to the third generation of
this family, the men all served as elders in their
respective churches, with but one exception (James
McBurney, who also was elected but declined to
serve), while all of the daughters married men who
served in the same capacity. Trades, professions
and missionaries are largely represented and, though
not especially eminent in political or public life,
they have ever been among the most useful, honored

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

73

and prominent citizens of their community and
church. The lineal descendants of the McBurney
family, omitting those connected by marriage,
number (as near as can be ascertained) 321 persons.
John McBurney, son of John and Sarah (Hun
ter) McBurney, was born on the home farm in
Robinson township, this county, where his boyhood
was passed. On February 7, 1828, he was united
in marriage with Jennie Keys, who was born in
1804, in Smith township. The young people set
tled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and many
years afterward moved to Hickory. They were
members of the U. P. Church at Mt. Pleasant, in
which he was ordained an elder January 24, 1861.
He died April 8, 1883, being followed by his faith
ful consort September 26, 1884. He was first
a Democrat, then a Republican and radical Aboli
tionist. The children of this family were as fol
lows: Jane (wife of R. R. Thompson, Cliartiers
township), John (living in Mt. Pleasant township),
Sarah (widow of Robert Jeffrey, living in Canons
burg), James (residing in Hickory, this county),
Martha (married to James Mcllvaine, of Mt. Pleasant
township), Ezra (of whom a sketch follows),
William A. (a widower, living in Canonsburg,
Penn.), and three deceased. Of the thirty-two
descendants of this family, twenty-five are living.
Ezra McBurney, son of John and Jennie (Keys)
McBurney, was born April 2, 1844, on the old
place in Cherry Valley, Mt. Pleasaut township,
where he is yet living, his education being secured
at the neighboring schools. On April 18, 1872,
he was united in marriage with Letitia A., daugh
ter of Andrew Russell, who was born in Chartiers
township, and in early life was married to Jane
Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Russ.dl redded in Mt.
Pleasant township until a short time before the
husband's death, when they moved to Houston-
ville, Penn., where the mother is yet living. The
father died in 1891. After their marriage, Ezra
and Letitia McBurney settled on the farm contain
ing 137 acres of well-cultivated land, and he
raises a fine grade of stock. Mr. McBurney
served a term in the Union army; he votes the
Republican ticket, served as a member and treas
urer of the school board, and in ohuroh relations
he and his wife are members of the U. P. Church
at Hickory. Their union has been blessed with
five children, namely: Jennie D., born August
14, 1874; Mary L., born January 11, 1876; a son
born September 20, 1877, died when eight days
old; Mattie L., born May 3, 1879; and Maggie B.,
born May 20, 1881, died September 17, 1881.
'HESTER B. ABERCROMBIE, teller of the
First National Bank, Claysville, and one of
the leading business men of the borough, is a
native of Washington county, born in Done
gal township, near West Alexander, August 16,1 829.

James Abercrombie, his grandfather, also a
native of this State, for a time followed farming in
eastern Pennsylvania, whence in an early day he
came to Washington county, settling on a farm in
Donegal township, where he passed the remainder
of his life. He was married to a lady of eastern
Pennsylvania, who bore him children as follows:
William, Thomas, James, John, Margaret (Mrs.
John Crusen), Nancy (Mrs. William Wadde) and
Isabella, all living to over fifty years of age* The
parents were members and active supporters of the
Covenanter Church, and in politics Mr. Aber
crombie was a loyal Democrat.
Thomas Abercrombie, father of subject, was born
in eastern Pennsylvania in 1800, and there re
ceived his education at the subscription schools of
his locality. At the age of twenty-five he married
Catherine, daughter of Robert Barr, of Washing
ton county, but a native of Ireland, having come to
America at an early age. At the breaking out of
the Revolutionary war, he enlisted in the army of
patriots, and served his adopted country as a
drummer boy, coming out of the struggle un-
wounded. He also served in the war of 1812, and
participated in the battle of Lundy' s Lane, where
he suffered severly from cold, and at one time had
to take shelter in a hog-pen. Before the war last
spoken of, Mr. Barr had settled in Donegal
township, this county, while the Redmau was still
endeavoring to protect his native soil from the
rude grasp of the Caucasian invader. On one oc
casion he helped to rescue a woman and her child
from the Indians, bringing them to a blockhouse
situated west of Claysville. Mr. Barr lived to the
patriarchal age of one hundred and one years, and
died respected by all. Politically he was a Demo
crat. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Aber-
crombie resided near West Alexander, in Donegal
township, until 1843, when they moved to a farm
near Claysville, and in October, 1856, they took
their departure for Mercer county, 111. , where the
mother died in 1867, the father in 1868. He was
first a Whig, then an Abolitionist, and finally a.
Republican; ia matters of religion he was a mem
ber of the M. E. Church. The children born to
this highly respected couple were Jane, Chester
B., Henry, and Joseph and Anna (twins). Of
these, Henry enlisted during the Civil war in the
Eighty- second 111. V. I., was promoted to a lieu
tenancy, and was killed at the battle of Stone
River. Chester B. Abercrombie passed his early life on
the home farm in Donegal township, receiving his
education at the schools of the neighborhood,
which was supplemented by home reading and
quiet study; and he early evinced those business
qualifications, marked characteristics of his life,
which have elevated him to his present prominent
and responsible position. Mr. Abercrombie, after

74

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

leaving school, first commenced to learn the trade
of a cabinet maker, at Waynesburg, Greene Co.,
Penn. , with James Grenier, with whom he re
mained two years and then came to Claysville,
where he followed the same business one year,
at the end of which time he entered the employ of
L. C. Truesdell, working for him about four years,
following which he was with R. S. Brownlee a
short time. In 1857 he entered into partnership
with T. C. Noble, in general merchandising, con
tinuing in same four years, when they took in as a
partner M. L. Stillwagen, the business being car
ried on under the style of T. C. Noble & Co. , until
1874, when Mr. Noble retired, and the firm then
became Abercrombie & Stillwagen. In 1876 Mr.
Abercrombie sold out and engaged in the grain
business. He was also agent for the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad Company at Claysville from 1867 to
1885. In 1890 he entered the employ of the First
National Bank of Claysville, of which he is now
teller. On May 22, 1862, Mr. Abercrombie was
united in marriage witlrMary J., daughter of
Thomas Henderson, of Washington county, and
two children were born to them, Kate and Blanche,
the latter of whom died December 1, 1889. They
both received their elementary education in the
schools of Claysville, and afterward at the Wash
ington (Penn.) Ladies' Seminary, under the
principalship of Miss Nancy Sherrard. Their
mother departed this life April 19, 1874. Mr.
Abercrombie and his daughter are members of the
Presbyterian Church at Claysville, in which he has
been trustee, for several years. In bis political
preferences he has at all times been a Republican,
belonging to the party from the time of its or
ganization. ,

*TT\. EV. GEORGE A. WENZEL, D. D. , pastor
lW/ of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church
![V in Washington, is a native of Bavaria, Ger-
\\ —^ many, born January 1 1 , 1816, in the town
~' of Dittlofsrod, in the circle of Unter-
Franken, a son of Daniel and Anna Maria Wenzel.
While a youth he came to America, and on land
ing proceeded at once to western Pennsylvania,
where for a time he worked at whatever employ
ment suggested itself.
His inclinations to study being strong, and be
ing possessed of a proper ambition, he entered
Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, where he became
a close student of science and philosophy, in pref
erence to classics and mathematics. He took
special interest in metaphysics, besides other
branches, including music. His urbanity of man
ner, frankness of character, and innate modesty
while at college, made him a favorite with both
the president, Dr. Brown, and the students. He
was one of the most prominent members of the

Pbilo- Literary Society, a ready and close reasoner
and an impressive speaker, enunciating the Eng-
lish language with a fluency and accuracy truly
surprising for a foreigner. In 1840 he graduated,
and immediately entered upon the study of the
ology in connection with the Lutheran Church. In
1843 he was licensed to preach, and though but
yet a young man, his services were in constant'
demand, the best churches of the Lutheran de
nomination being open to him. In 1844 he was
ordained as a minister of the Gospel, since when
he has occupied pulpits in Northampton, Mont
gomery, Warren and Lehigh counties, also in the
cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washing
ton, Penn., and for the past ten years has been
pastor of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Washington. Some years since he received the
well-merited degree of D. D. On June 28, 1844,
Mr. Wenzel was united in marriage with Miss B.
B. McAffee, of Canonsburg, Penn. There are no
children. The Doctor, though busily occupied in
ministerial work, has found time to give lessons in
German, to write for the religious press and to trans
late a number of German books into English. He
enjoys the respect and esteem of a wide circle of
friends, endeared to them by his Christian walk in
life.

EV. JAMES IRWIN BROWNSON, D. D.,
LL. D. This gentleman, now in the sev
enty-seventh year of his age, and in the
— N forty-fifth of his pastorate of the First
Presbyterian Church of Washington. Penn.,
which was preceded, with an interval between them,
by a residence of nearly four years as an under
graduate at Washington College, may well be re
garded as identified with the history of Washing
ton and Washington county.
He was born March 14, 1817, at Mercersburg.
Franklin county, Penn., one of the most beautiful
localities in the far-famed Cumberland Valley.
His grandfather, Richard Brownson, M. D., one of
the early settlers of that, historic region, was a
physician of great prominence, and served as sur
geon of the Sixth Battalion of Pennsylvania
troops in the war of the Revolution. His father,
Maj. John Brownson, who left a fine reputation as
a citizen and ruling elder in the Presbyterian
Church, also rendered military services to his
country, having been connected with the army of
the southwest in the war of 1812-14. His mother,
Sarah Smith, only daughter of William Smith, the
proprietor who laid out the town of Mercersburg,
belonged to a large family connection which fur
nished many civil and military leaders in that
notable frontier line of defense against the sav
ages, who from 1730 onward, for many years, by
bloody incursions from the West, made life a terror

a^ti^eo of- 6^r-i^H^^yu^<^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

77

to the early inhabitants. Of this family was Col.
James Smith, one of the most noted and familiar
of all the historic characters of the early border
warfare, and also a participant, with a number of his
kinsmen, in the struggle for independence.
Dr. Brownson's early youth was spent amidst
the best advantages of a Christian home, and in a
community noted for social culture and piety. He
has frequently given expression to the grateful
feeling with which he ever thinks of the mental
discipline and development he received at the
academy in his native village, under the old-fash
ioned but thorough training of the Rev. Robert
Kennedy, its able principal. But of all the men
who have influenced his life, he is most closely
bound to the memory of the Rev. David Elliott,
D. D., LL. D., the revered pastor of his childhood,
the confidential friend of his parents, and his own
teacher, guide and friend. His estimate of Dr.
Elliott's character and influence are recorded in a
memorial address, published in 1874, after that
gentleman's death.
The removal of his pastor from Mercersburg to
Washington led to Mr. Brownson's coming to the
latter place in January, 1833, for the purposes of
collegiate education. Having been graduated in
1836, at the age of nineteen years, by Washington
College, he spent a year in teaching the classics
and mathematics in the Bucks County Academy, at
Newtown, Penn. , where he numbered among his pu
pils several who have since become men of promi
nence. He subsequently entered as a student the
Western Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian
Church, at Allegheny City, Penn., following thither
his friend, Dr. Elliott, who had become one of the
professors in that institution. Both in college and
in the seminary Mr. Brownson was accounted a
careful and successful student, ever striving to
reap the best possible fruits from the opportunities
then afforded by them, and ever finding a rich re
ward in the approving friendship of his professors
and fellow students.
Having completed his theological studies, he was
licensed to preach, as a "probationer," by the
Presbytery of Carlisle, October 10, 1840, at Green-
castle, Penn., after the usual course of "trials"
and examinations. In March following he engaged
to serve the churches of Greensburg and Mount
Pleasant, in Westmoreland county, Penn., as a
stated supply for six months, dividing his time be
tween them, and thus entered on his life work as a
minister. At the termination of this engagement
he accepted unanimous calls from both churches to
become their pastor, and accordingly was ordained
and installed as such on November 25, 1841, by
the Presbytery of Redstone. The relation* proved
alike happy and useful. Each of the churches,
having previously been torn with dissentions, was
brought to peace; the membership was greatly in

creased, and soon after the transfer of their pastor,
under a call to the church of Washingtpn, each
church arose, as the result of his labors, to the
support of a pastor for itself. The new pastorate
at Washington has already had a continuance of
more than forty-four years. That it was entered
upon under a very solemn sense of responsibility,
and with great trepidation, Dr. Brownson declares in
his memorial sermon, delivered and published upon
the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his
installation. In stating the considerations which
caused these feelings to predominate when he was
confronted with the question of accepting or de
clining the call, he says:
I must assume the responsibility of a pastor to many
persons for whom I had, in my college life, acquired the
profoundest respect, as my superiors in age and wisdom.
Among these were my former professors, and especially
the venerable president of the college, Dr. McOonaughy.
I must walk, too, in the footsteps of predecessors whose
praise was in all the churches. The hesitation of fear,
joined with the doubt of success, made me tremble lest
I might go beyond the will of the Lord.
Of the success which crowned the labors thus
undertaken with fear and trembling, the Rev. Dr.
Henry Woods, in a sketch published in " The An
nual of Washington and Jefferson College" for
1886, gives the following account:
He was cordially received by the congregation, and the
Head of the Church added His benediction in the form of
a plentiful outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the first
weeks of his ministry. About sixty members were added
to the church by profession of their faith; the union be
tween the new pastor and his people was sealed by the
baptism from on high, and increased vigor was infused
into every department of the work of the church. The
revival seemed to be prophetic of what God had in store
for this people. Many times during the .... years of
this pastoral relation has the Lord made the heart of His
servant to sing, as the showers of divine grace have fallen
upon the field in which he has toiled so faithfully.
Throughout the course of this pastorate the ties
which bound pastor and people together have been
closely and strongly knit. The affectionate regard
of his people has often been manifested, notably in
connection with the celebrations they held, in 1874
and 1889, on the completion of the twenty-five and
forty year periods of its existence, and that of 1891
upon the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination.
Perhaps nothing better indicates his power and
fidelity, as a pastor, than the changes in the per
sonnel of the congregation which the revolutions
of time have wrought, considered in connection
with his successful continuance of pastoral work
through all these years. Of the communicants,
who greeted him when he came to Washington.
less than a score remain. The men and women
who were his early parishioners have nearly all
gone, and the congregation of the present day is
made up principally of their children and grand
children, and of others who have come in as stran-

78

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

gers to identify themselves with it. But throughout
all these, changes he has remained the beloved
pastor, and successive generations have yielded to
him the same homage of affection which he won
from the men and women of forty years ago, while
with the survivors of the generation upon whose
call he took charge of the church, this feeling has
only grown with their growth and strengthened
with the passage of years.
During his pastorate the church has grown and
prospered, and Presbyterianism has experienced
great advancement and development in the com
munity, the adherents of that denomination having
multiplied, along with the growth of population in
the town, to such an extent that there are now two
other vigorous churches in existence. These, of
course, contain many persons who went out from
the parent church to found and build up the new
enterprises, carrying with them their regard and
esteem for their former pastor. But his influence
has not been limited to the Presbyterian portion of
his community. People of all denominations hold
him in respect and veneration.
Dr. Brownson's usefulness as a pastor has been
greatly extended by reason of the attendance upon
his ministry of successive generations of college
students, who, after graduation, have gone forth
to scatter themselves all over this country, as well
as over foreign mission fields, to bear their part in
the work of the church and society. That his in
fluence upon them has been potent, is often testified
by such men on their return, after years of ab
sence, to attend reunions of college classes and re
visit the scenes of their college days. The same
remark may be made with respect to the students
of the Washington Female Seminary, many of whom
came to their spiritual birth under his ministry.
As an ecclesiastic, Dr. Brownson has occupied a
high position and exerted great influence. The
estimate in which he is held by his brethren of the
ministry is evidenced by the following characteri
zation of him, recorded on the minutes of the
Presbytery of Washington at the time of the cele
bration last above mentioned:
. . . An able preacher of the everlasting Gospel, a
chaste, writer, through whose vigorous and thoughtful
sentences the truth is beautifully set forth; a wise and
judicious presbyter, a genial and companionable friend,
having always the felicitous word upon his tongue; an
able organizer and executor, carrying plan and detail to
its happy and successful issue, ready for any task that can
bring help or comfort to the burdened; a sympathetic
friend of old and young, of the eminent and the obscure.
. . . Dr. Brownson has been in our midst the symbol,
the embodiment of all that is strong, hopeful, energetic and
progressive in Christian faith and life. His earnest and
nervous energy had the fine kindling gift of touching
others around him with his own fire. The force of that
earnestness was all the more potent that it was, at all
times, constrained and held in check by an intellect sin
gularly keen, penetrating and clear.
His name now stands at the head of the roll of

the Presbytery, as the oldest, in point of member
ship, of the ministers composing it. His services
as a presbyter have been manifold and fruitful of
results for good. He was a moderator of the
Synod of Wheeling in 1859. The reunion of the
Old and New School branches of the Presbyterian
Church having led to a reorganization of synods,
in which the Presbytery of Washington became
connected with the Synod of Pittsburgh, he was
chosen and served as the moderator of that body at
its session in 1871. He has been a member of the
general assembly, the highest ecclesiastical court
of the denomination to which he belongs, seven
times, viz. : in 1848, 1854, 1863, 1867, 1875, 1885
and 1888. In the year first named he represented
the Presbytery of Redstone, of which he was then
a member. In the others he went as a commis
sioner from the Presbytery of Washington. Be
sides taking a leading part in debates on the floor,
he has, on these occasions, as well as at various
synods which he has attended, served as a member,
and often as chairman, of important committees
and judicial commissions, and in these positions
his opinions have always commanded respect and
been accorded great weight. His eminent fitneBs
for such duties has always been recognized. A
prominent lawyer of the Washington bar once re
marked: "I have a profound respect for Dr.
Brownson's legal judgment." The clearness of his
intellect, the calmness of his judgment and the
breadth and comprehensiveness of his views, in
creasing rather than diminishing with age, have
been the objects of admiration to those who have
had opportunity to measure them. He was ap
pointed a delegate from the Presbyterian Church
in the United States to the first council of the Pan-
Presbyterian Alliance, held at Edinburgh, Scot
land, in 1877, but was unable to serve in that
capacity. He was a member of the council of the
same alliance which sat at Philadelphia in 1880,
and also of the council which convened at Toronto,
Canada, in September, 1892.
Dr. Brownson has been closely identified with
the interests of education. His loyal devotion to
his almm matres, Washington College and the
Western Theological Seminary, has made him
regard as a privilege and a joy the service which he
has rendered as a member of their boards of super
vision, for forty-four years in the one case, and
thirty-nine in the other. From the union of Jef
ferson and Washington Colleges, in 1865, until
1882, he was vice-president of the board of
trustees of the united College of Washington and
Jefferson. In the latter year he was advanced to
the presidency as the successor of Rev. Charles
C. Beatty, D. D., LL. D., of Steubenville, Ohio,
deceased, and this position he still fills. He has
been vice-president of the board of directors of
the Theological Seminary since 1883. In 1852

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

79

and 1853 he acted as president pro tern, of the
faculty of Washington College, and in 1869-70
rendered a similar service to Washington and Jef
ferson College. For thirty-five years he has been
president of the board of trustees of the Washing
ton Female Seminary. He has taken a leading
part in the management and direction of all the
institutions with which he has been connected,
especially in matters directly pertaining to their
educational policies. In 1871, upon the nomina
tion of the senators from Pennsylvania, Hon.
Simon Cameron and Hon. John Scott, he was ap
pointed, by President Grant, a member of the
board of visitors, to attend the annual examina
tions at the United States Naval Academy, An
napolis, Md., inquire into the state of the discipline
and genera] management of that institution, and
report the result to the Secretary of the Navy. He
discharged the duties of this appointment with his
customary fidelity and ability.
Having by long practice acquired very consid
erable facility of composition, while, at the same
time, cultivating habits of close and discriminat
ing thought, and developing a style clear, concise
and cogent, Dr. Brownson has great aptitude for
literary work, and he has not neglected to exercise
his powers in this direction. He has been a fre
quent contributor to the newspaper press. Men
tion may be made of two series of communications
as having attracted special attention: The first
consisted of letters written during the last year
of the Civil war, while he was serving as a mem
ber of the Christian Commission, with the armies
of the James and Potomac, then entrenched before
Petersburg and Richmond, giving an account of
the work of the Commission, and replete with in
formation concerning the army life of the "boys in
blue." These were published in the Washington
Reporter, and were read with avidity. The other
series, published in the same paper, and also in
the Washington Review and Examiner, were writ
ten from Annapolis, Md.. during his service, above
mentioned, on the board of visitors of the Naval
Academy. They were noticed and quoted from
by many other papers, both east and west. Nu
merous addresses and sermons, delivered on special
occasions, have been published in newspapers or
as pamphlets. The publications of Dr. Brownson,
in more permanent form, have been chiefly in the
line of history and biography. Among these is
the memorial address, already alluded to, com
memorative of the life and character of the Rev.
Dr. Elliott, which was originally delivered, at the
request of the directors and faculty of the West
ern Theological Seminary, in the Third Presby
terian Church of Pittsburgh, and was afterward
printed in a handsome book of eighty- five pages.
The warm friendship and loving admiration cher
ished for that venerable man during half a century

gave an inspiration, in the preparation of this dis
course, whose results appear in the eloquence and
force with which his eminent and useful career are
sketched. In December, 1875, a convention was held in
Pittsburgh for the purpose of celebrating the cen
tenary of the planting of Presbyterianism in " West
ern Pennsylvania and parts adjacent." This re
sulted in the publication of the " Centenary Me
morial," a book of about 450 pages, which is held
in high estimation as a work of great historical
value. Dr. Brownson's contributions to this con
sisted of papers portraying the educational history
of the regions abgve referred to. One of these,
relating to education in general, and the histories
of colleges, academies and seminaries, was an ad
dress prepared for and delivered at the conven
tion. The other was a history of the Western
. Theological Seminary, which had been read at a
reunion of the alumni of the seminary in 1872,
and was incorporated in the memorial volume at
the request of its faculty. In the same general
line of writing, relative to education, important
contributions were made by him to the ' ' History
of Washington County," published in 1882.
When the decease of that eminent friend of
education, the Rev. Charles C. Beatty,D. D., LL.D.,
called for some suitable memorial of his life and
distinguished services, Dr. Brownson,' who had
long been associated with him in much of his
work, was at once selected to take the leading part
in its preparation. The sketch thus furnished is
a rare model of excellence in this department of
literature, and with the other papers prepared
was published in 1883 in a costly and elegant vol
ume which was much sought after by the many
pupils and other friends of Dr. Beatty.
The Presbytery of Washington, having resolved,
in compliance with a recommendation of the Gen
eral Assembly, to hold a special memorial and his
torical service, in connection with the centenary of
the Assembly in 1888, assigned to Dr. Brownson,
in the arrangements for this celebration, the
preparation of memorial sketches of deceased min
isters who had belonged to the former body. His
paper, read at the meeting of the Presbytery in
Buffalo, Penn., on September 26, 1888, in pursu
ance of that appointment, now forms a part of the
"History of the Presbytery of Washington," the
publication of which, under the direction of the
Presbytery , grew out of these commemorative serv
ices. These and other efforts in the department
of historical research and writing have shown him
to be a careful and laborious investigator, besides
enhancing and widening his reputation from a
literary point of view. In recognition of his liter
ary attainments, and his ability and services as a
preacher, ecclesiastic and promoter of education,
he was given the degree of D. D. by Lafayette

80

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

College, Easton, Penn. , in 1858, and that of LL.
D. by Hanover College, Hanover, Ind., in 1891.
Dr. Brownson was married, March 14, 1843, to
Sarah Ellen, daughter of John Maclay, of Ship-
pensburg, Penn. She died April 14, 1853. On
January 9, 1855, he was married to Eleanor,
daughter of David Acheson (deceased), of Wash
ington, who is still his companion and helpmeet.
He has nine living children, four sons and five
daughters. Of the sons, the eldest and youngest,
John Maclay and Robert McKennan, are engaged
in business pursuits, the one in Pittsburgh and the
other in Detroit, Mich. Another son, James I.
Brownson, Jr. , is a practitioner of law at Washing
ton. The remaining one, Rev. Marcus A. Brown
son, D. D. , of Detroit, Mich. , has followed in the
footsteps of his father as a preacher of the Gospel,
and is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of
Detroit. The daughters are Sarah, wife of Henry
R. Whitehill, formerly State mineralogist of Ne
vada, and now practicing law at Deer Lodge, Mont. ;
Ellen Maclay; Mary Wilson; Margaret, wife of
Prof. Edwin Linton, Ph. D., of Washington and
Jefferson College; and Lauretta Morgan. Of the
unmarried daughters, Mary resides with her
brother Marcus at Detroit, while Ellen and Lau
retta remain in the household of their father.
In view of his advancing age, Dr. Brownson's
congregation, at the completion of his fiftieth year
as an ordained minister, provided him with an as
sistant in the person of Rev. Thomas R. Alexander,
who had been, for the preceding eighteen years,
pastor of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church,
Hickory, Penn., thus relieving him from a portion
of the arduous labors which are incident to the
pastorate of a large church, and enabling him to
husband his vital forces. He continues to preach
one-half of the time; and whilehis physical powers
are, of course, not equal, at three score and six
teen, to what they used to be, his mental vigor is
unabated, and his preaching has been pronounced
by competent judges brighter and better than it
was ten years ago. Still finding joy in activity,
as he has ever done throughout the busy years of
the past, he looks with serene gaze toward the sun
set of life, having no other anxiety than that he
may be enabled to labor on for his Master till the
evening shadows fall.

DAVID H. LEWIS, M. D.. is descended from
] old Virginian stock, probably the purest in
/ the land. The grandfather, Lewis Lewis,
a native of that State, followed farming
there all his life, on his plantation near Winchester.
His son John was born in 1820, in Darkesville, Va.
In 1830, when yet a boy, he moved along with
a brother to Greene county, Penn., to live with an

uncle who had no heirs, and here he remained, fol
lowing agricultural pursuits, but is now living in
Waynesburgh with his wife. In 1840 he married
Cyrene Long, of Greene county, Penn., and chil
dren were born to them, as follows: David H. , the
subject of this sketch, and Hiram, both residents
of Washington, Penn. ; George, in Ohio (he was a
soldier in the Civil war); three daughters, in
Greene county; Richard and Garrison, both of
whom died in the army. The grandfather of our
subject, reared as he was in the midst of slavery,
and possessing slaves himself, most naturally had
his sentiments and sympathies drawn toward the
Southern cause; and as his son had in his Northern
home imbibed the spirit of liberty, and became
identified, he and his family, with the defenders
of the Union, an irreparable breach of friendship
grew between the families which has never healed.
David H. Lewis was born in Greene county,
Penn., February 9, 1851, and received his primary
education at the common schools of the neighbor
hood, which was supplemented with a thorough
course of study at Waynesburg College. On leav
ing this academy he began reading medicine under
Dr. D. L. Woodruff, at jLeonardsville, Penn., and
was graduated from Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, with the class of 1877. The Doctor
then opened an office in Lone Pine, a village in
Washington county, remaining there in the prac
tice of his profession till 1889, in which year he
moved into the borough of Washington, where he
has since been numbered among the most promi
nent and successful physicians of the place. In
1873 Dr. Lewis was married, in Greene county,
Penn. , to Alice W. . daughter of Sylvanus Smith,
of that county, and three children blessed their
union, viz. : Thomas S., at present attending Beth
any (W. Va.) College; Gaylord K. and Gordon,
both still under the paternal roof. In February,
1889, the mother was called to her long home, at
the age of thirty-seven years. Politically the
Doctor is a Republican; he has held, under the
Government, the position of pension examiner, and
for two years was president of the board of pen
sions for the District as it then was. Socially, he
is a member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
Knights of the Maccabees. Royal Arcanum and
Junior Order American Mechanics. In religious
matters he is a member of the Christian Church.
For three years he was extensively engaged in the
oil business, was one of the first movers toward
developing the "Wildcat" well south of Wash
ington, and is still interested in various wells.
He was a member of the first A. B. Caldwell Oil
Company at Lone Pine, but this well proved to be
nothing but a "dry hole," and was abandoned.
He was more successful in other ventures in the
Washington field.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

81

J| R. McNARY. Joseph Rea McNary, of
| Smith township, Washington county, son of
j Joseph and Jane (Rea) McNary, was born
July 19, 1847, on the farm where he now re
sides one mile west of Burgettstown.
His father, the late Joseph McNary, of Smith
township, was born in Cross Creek township,
Washington county, June 18, 1802. He was a
son of James McNary (son of John and grandson
of the "original" James), who removed from York
county, Penn., and located in Cross Creek town
ship in the year 1798. His mother, Margaret
Reed, was a daughter of Col. Joseph Reed, of
Revolutionary fame. He married Jane Rea, young
est daughter of William Rea, Esq. , of Cross Creek
township. In 1828 he removed to the "Home
stead" in Smith township, where he resided until
his death in May, 1874. He became an active and
influential citizen of the township, and was for
many years a prominent member of and an elder
in the U. P. Congregation of Burgettstown, Penu.
He had twelve children — two sons and ten daugh
ters. Of the daughters, one died in infancy; and
one, Julia, was strangled with a grain of corn, at
the age of eighteen months. The other ten chil
dren survived their parents, and the old home
stead is now occupied by his sous — J. R. and W.
J. McNary. His mother died at his home, aged
ninety-five years, as also did his grandmother, Jen
net Brotherton, relict of Col. Joseph Reed, at the
age of ninety-six years.
J. R. McNary worked upon the farm in his boy
hood, attending the district schools, and later, the
grammar school of Prof. S. F. Patterson (after
ward speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Repre
sentatives). In early life he began reporting for
the county papers, and is now a well-known writer
for the agricultural publications of the country.
At his father's death he took charge of the home
place, where he now resides, and is engaged in
farming and stock raising. In November, 1875,
J. R. McNary was married to Catharine W.,
daughter of Samuel J. Ghrist, of Burgettstown,
and their union has been blessed with the follow
ing named children: Bessie J., Ethel R., Joseph
V., S. Georgiana, Kate G. and Samuel James.
Mr. McNary has always taken a leading part in
public affairs, and early became interested in mat
ters political, having represented his district in
county convention before being of age. He has
filled the positions of auditor, school director, and
member of the Union Agricultural Association;
and at the age of twenty-five years was the Demo
cratic nominee for county auditor, securing a
handsome endorsement, outside of his party, in
his own district.
Owing to the misfortune of a loss of hearing,
from an accidental cause, in November, 1886, Mr.
McNary has retired from active public life, giving

his attention to stock raising, and to agricultural
affairs. He enjoys the reputation of being an ex
tensive reader, a progressive farmer, the possessor
of a retentive memory, and of being well informed
upon the current issues of the day.
THE McNARY FAMILY. One of the early
pioneer families of the county, and among
the most numerous and influential, is the
"McNary" family. Members of this ancient
family are now found in many parts of the
eastern, central, and northern townships of Wash
ington county; and descendants of which are lo
cated in all parts of the Union.
JAMES McNARY, the founder of the family, was
born in Scotland about the year 1711. The tra
ditions of his family say he resided for some time
in Ireland. It is not definitely known at what date
he and his family emigrated to America, but his
first known residence was in Lancaster county,
Penn. In the year 1760 he removed to York
county, Penn., where he purchased a tract of land
in Chanceford township, and resided there for
twenty-three years. In 1769 he was chosen elder
in the Seceder Congregation of Guinston; and it
is worthy of remark that all of his sons were elders
in various congregations, and nearly all his de
scendants have been members of the same church,
and of the U. P. Church, which has succeeded it.
About the year 1783 he removed, with his young
est son, David, to Hanover township, Washington
county, where he died in 1796, at the age of eighty -
five years, and was buried in the Harmon's Creek
(Seceder) graveyard near Paris (Washington coun
ty). His wife's name is not known, she having
died prior to the war of the Revolution. He had
four sons — John, James, Thomas and David — and
a daughter — Jane (who married a Mr. Robinson,
of York county). These four sons all came to
Washington county, Penn., and founded families;
and from these four branches of the family tree
are descended all the numerous families who now
bear the name, in Washington county, and descend
ants of whom are located in nearly every State.
John McNary, son of JameB, the founder of the
family, resided upon part of the homestead in
Chanceford township, York Co., Penn. In 1801
he bought a farm in North Strabane township,
Washington Co., Penn.; and upon going back for
his family was taken sick and died there the same
year, and was buried at Guinston, Penn. After
his death the family removed to the new farm in
1802 (the eldest son, James, had preceded the
family in 1798. He married Margaret Reed,
daughter of Col. Joseph Reed, of the Colonial
army, and located in Cross Creek township, Wash
ington Co., Penn). In 1769 he was elected an
elder in the Seceder Congregation of Guinston.
He married Esther Boyle, and had thirteen chil-

82

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

dren, viz. : Betsy, married to William Douglass,
York county; Mary, married to James McCoy;
James, married to Margaret Reed, and located in
Cross Creek township, in 1798; Margaret, married
to James Martin ; Malcolm, married to Miss Beatty ;
Esther, married to Thomas Ewing; Agnes, mar
ried to William Pollock; John, married to Jane
Hill, and lived upon the farm in Strabane town
ship; Thomas, who died in infancy; Alexander,
married to Margaret Pollock, and removed to Ohio;
Thomas, who died in early life; Jane, married to
James Marshall; Jennet, married to James Mc-
Kibben. Numerous descendants of this son reside
in the vicinity of Burgettstown and Canonsburg
at the present time.
James McNary, son of James, of York county,
removed to Washington county about the year
1780, and located in Chartiers township, near the
County Home. He was ordained an elder in Char-
tiers Seceder Congregation in April, 1811. He
married Margaret Paxton, and had eight children.
He died in February, 1815. Some of his descend
ants reside at Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, and
vicinity. Thomas McNary, the third son of James, of
Chanceford, York county, emigrated to Washing
ton county in December, 1782, purchasing a tract
of 250 acres (the Sheriff McClelland farm) in Stra
bane township, for " 375 pounds speshe, lawful
money of Pennsylvania," where he lived the re
mainder of his life. He was ordained an elder in
Chartiers Congregation some time prior to 1799.
He died in 1820. His will provides for the free
dom of a servant, Jean Parkison, after the death
of his wife, " Jennet." Thomas had five sons, viz. :
James, David, Mathew, Joseph and Samuel.
Mathew had no family; Samuel removed to Jeffer
son county, Ohio, and served four terms in the
Legislature; was also associate judge and justice
of the peace for many years. Of the other three
sons, James located at Munntown, and David and
Joseph near Canonsburg, Penn.. where many de
scendants still reside.
David McNary, the youngest son, and founder
of the fourth branch of the family, bought a farm in
Hanover township, Washington county, October 25,
1783, containing 300 acres, for " 75 pounds lawful
money of Pennsylvania." He was accompanied to
this place by his father James, the original founder
of the McNary family, who resided with him until
his death, in 1796. David married Esther Cow-
den, and had six daughters and one son, William;
was an elder in old Dr. Anderson's Harmons Creek
Congregation. He was born in 1757; died 1817.
Some of his (David' s) descendants reside at Bur
gettstown, Penn., but his descendants, of the
"family" name, are not numerous.
This "family," founded by James McNary of
York county, Penn., is the largest of the name in

the United States. It is also altogether probable
that the "McNary" family of Kentucky and the
" McNairy" family of Tennessee are of a common
origin, and founded by brothers of the progenitor
of the Pennsylvania stock; as the descendants of
each claim to have sprung from ancestors who
emigrated from Lancaster county, Penn., in the
latter half of the eighteenth century. Thus from
James McNary, of York county, Penn. (who ended
his days near Paris, Hanover township, Washington
county), throughout the four branches founded by
his sons, "John," "James," "Thomas," and
"David," are descended all the different families
of "McNarys" now residing in Washington county;
and all of this ' ' family name, " whose histories are
commemorated in this volume, trace directly,
through three or more generations, to some one
of the " four " sons of James McNary, the founder
of the "McNary Family."

Ei N. DUNLAP. This gentleman is by birth
a Virginian, born October 14, 1844, in
Ohio county (now in West Virginia). His
— ' grandfather, William Dunlap, in an early
day came from Westmoreland county, Penn., to
Virginia, and settled on an unimproved farm of 137
acres, where he ended his days. He here married
Ruth Murray, and their children were Samuel,
Mason, William, James, Temperance, Kate, Ma
tilda, and Ruth A. William Dunlap was a prom
inent Whig in his day, and a zealous member of
the Disciple Church.
Samuel Dunlap, father of E. N. , first saw the
light in Ohio county (W. Va.), April 5, 1807, his
education being secured at the schools of the
neighborhood. He received a thorough practical
training in agricultural pursuits on his father's
farm; also learned the coopering trade and carried
on an extensive shop, which well fitted him for his
life vocation. In 1841 he married Ruth E.,
daughter of Salathiel and Mary (Forman) Curtis,
and to this union the following named children
were born : Virginia (deceased), E. N. , William M. ,
Olivia, Cordelia, Eudora, Matilda, Frank (de
ceased) and John. In 1785 Salathiel Curtis was
born in Ohio county, Va., whither his father had
come after marriage, from eastern Virginia, being
among the early settlers of that county. At that
time that section of the country was wild and un
improved, prowling Indians and fierce animals
being yet troublesome, and many a time had the
settlers to flee to the nearest blockhouse or fort to
escape the attacks of the " Redskins." Salathiel
Curtis was one of a large family born to this old
pioneer. He received as good an education as
could be given at the subscription schools of the
neighborhood, and when he was about nineteen
years of age he entered Jefferson College, in this

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

county, where he was graduated. He then studied
law, and was admitted to the bar of what is now
West Virginia, becoming a member of the circuit.
For some years he practiced his chosen profession
at Wheeling, and then returned to the old home
stead farm, where he died. He had married Mary
Forman, a native of West Liberty, Ohio Co., W.
Va., and the children born to them were Joseph,
James, Junius, Nancy (Mrs. Thomas Ray), and
Ruth E. (Mrs. Samuel Dunlap). Salathiel Curtis
in his political connection was first a Whig, but
afterward became a Democrat. After marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dunlap took up their resi
dence on a farm in the county of their birth, and
there passed the rest of their days. In politics he
was first a Whig, afterward a Republican. He
died in 1881, his wife in March, 1879.
E. N. Dunlap, the subject proper of this bio
graphical memoir, received his primary education
at the common schools of his native township, after
which he attended West Liberty (W.Va.) Academy
two sessions. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D,
Twelfth Va. V. I., which, during the first year of
his service was detailed to do "scout duty " in that
State; was then sent to the Shenandoah Valley,
and served throughout that campaign. In 1864
the regiment was transferred to the army of the
Potomac, with which it was identified until the
close of the war, and our subject was present at the
surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court
House. In 1863 Mr. Dunlap was taken prisoner
at Winchester, Va., under General Milroy, and
confined in Libby Prison, from which he was trans
ferred to Belle Isle, where he was paroled and ex
changed (in October, same year), after which he
rejoined his regiment. Thus it will be seen that
he enlisted when he was but seventeen years old,
and was discharged from the service before he was
twenty-one, the date being June 29, 1865.
After his return home Mr. Dunlap was engaged
in the nursery business until 1872, when he com
menced farming, continuing till 1876. In March,
1877, he moved to Coon Island, Washington county,
where he opened a store for the sale of general
merchandise which he carried on till 1890, when he
sold out and took a position as traveling salesman,
with the firm of Waterhouse Bros., wholesale gro
cers. In 1891 he was nominated and elected to the
office of recorder of Washington county, which
he is filling with eminent credit to himself and the
utmost satisfaction of his constituents. ("Coon
Island " was the name of the postoffice, and " Vi
enna " the name of the railroad station. Mr. Dun
lap was postmaster nine years, and agent for the rail
road company thirteen years). He was a member
of the school board of Donegal township, six years
in succession. He moved to the borough of Wash
ington April 1, 1892.
On October 28, 1866, Mr. Dunlap was married

to Margaret, daughter of David Frazier, and chil
dren have been born to them as follows: Frank F.
(a salesman), Hattie E. , Margaret E. , Chester O.,
E. Earl O. and Archie G. A stanch Republican,
our subject has always taken an active interest in
politics.

^ROF. W. J. MUSSER. One of the well-
known and enterprising young business men
of Washington, is the gentleman whose name
opens this brief sketch. The energy with
which he has entered upon his business
career is an assurance of the success which ulti
mately comes to him who earnestly and intelligent
ly lays the foundation for any practical business,
and prosecutes it with vigor.
As principal of the Washington Business Col
lege, Prof. Musser is proving to his friends that
he has made no mistake in choosing his life's vo
cation; and although connected with the enter
prise but three short years, yet under his efficient
management it has grown to be one of the impor
tant educational institutions of the county. Situ
ated in the business portion of the city, in the new
De Normandie Block on South Main street, his
spacious rooms are always open to visitors, who
find them fully equipped for modern and useful in
struction, and the Professor himself an intelligent
gentleman and genial companion. Prof. Musser is
of German extraction, and was born June 18, 1870,
in Beaver county, Penn., near Beaver Falls, where
his father, James Musser, was born March 7, 1844.
This James Musser is a son of John Musser (who
was born in Beaver county, Penn. , in 1812, and
died there December 10, 1853), and Elizabeth
(Londis) Musser (who died in Beaver county, De
cember 10, 1863). John Musser was a son of
Henry Musser (who was born in March, 1789, at
York, Penn., and died in 1873) and Elizabeth
(Showalter) Musser (who was born in 1797). Mrs.
Elizabeth (Londis) Musser was a daughter of
Christie and Elizabeth Londis, who came to
Beaver county from York county, Penn., in early
times. James Musser was married July 4, 1868,
to Miss Catherine Gallaher, a sister of the famous
penman, Milton B. Gallaher, now deceased. Her
father, Harvey Gallaher, was born in Beaver coun
ty, Penn., June 6, 1802, and died May 13, 1883;
her mother, Mary (Pander) Gallaher, was born
September 13, 1812, and died March 24, 1880.
The father of Harvey Gallaher was Lewis Galla
her,. a native of Washington county, where he died;
he was married to Jennie McGill, who was born in
Washington county, and died in Beaver county,
Penn. The family moved from Washington coun
ty to Beaver county in 1789, and settled on Camp
Run, on a 200-acre tract of land. Mrs. Mary
(Pander) Gallaher' s father was born in Amsterdam,

84

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Holland, in 1791, and died in March, 1880; his
wife was Rebecca Brooks, a native of Allegheny
county, Penn.
The subject proper of this biographical memoir
attended the common schools in his native county,
and afterward Grove City College, in Mercer
county. He then entered one of the best business
colleges in the country, where he graduated with
the highest honors in penmanship, after which he
taught for a time. He had early evinced a taste
for this profession, arid had from time to time
taught school, commencing at the early age of six
teen years. In April, 1890, he gave up a school of
130 pupils, and came to Washington to take
charge of the Business College in the capacity of
principal. This institution has a • very large at
tendance, and new departments are being added
each year.

iJ-pV EV. MATTHEW BROWN, D.D., LL.D.
Iwy Among the most distinguished educators
ir\\ an(^ moa^ eminent divines in western Penn-
\\ — sylvania was this revered gentleman, whose
v praises are still heard in our homes,
schools, colleges and churches. To the long chain
of respectable and pious ancestors he added a
golden link. In the family history the luster of
the fair record which is found on its pages was in
creased by the life of this great and good man,
whom thousands honored as a minister, a teacher,
a benefactor and a friend.
His paternal grandfather, who, though of Scot
tish descent, was a native of Ireland, came to this
country in 1720 and settled in the eastern part of
Pennsylvania, where he died, leaving five sons, all
of whom were distinguished as devout and exem
plary Christians. One of these sons was named
Matthew, and he was the father of the subject of
this sketch. He was born in 1732 and resided
some years in the vicinity of Carlisle, Penn., when
he moved to White Deer Valley, Northumberland
county, of which he was an early settler. He was
a ruling elder in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, and was distinguished for his integrity,
talents, uprightness and wit. In the Revolution
ary war he took an active part, and was a member
of the "Flying Camp." While in the army he
died at the age of forty six years. He left eight
children, the youngest of whom was Dr. Matthew
Brown, who was born in 1776, two years before his
father's death. Upon the demise of his father,
young Matthew and his brother Thomas were
adopted by their father's brother, Mr. William
Brown, who was well known, and for many years
exerted an extensive influence in both the religious
and political world. As a commissioner of
Dauphin county, in which for a long time he had
resided, he assisted in laying out the town of Har

risburg, now the capital of Pennsylvania. Being
an intelligent, public-spirited man, he was elected
to various positions of honor and trust, and served
frequently in the Legislature of Pennsylvania.
As a member of that body in 1776, he was the
first man to propose the gradual emancipation of
the slaves within the commonwealth, a measure
which, though not then favorably received, was
afterward adopted. He was also a member of the
convention which formed the constitution of the
State in 1790, and his name appears among the
signers of that instrument. At one time he was
sent as a commissioner to Ireland aDd Scotland on
behalf of the Covenanters, to procure for them a
supply of ministers, one of whom preached for
some time in a church erected on his place.
While with this uncle, prominent alike in
Church and State affairs, Dr. Brown received his
early training and education. He then entered
Dickinson College, at Carlisle, where he was grad
uated in May, 1794, during the presidency of Dr.
Nisbet. After his graduation he taught a classical
school in Northumberland county, where he became
intimately acquainted with the prominent men of the
profession. About the year 1796 he began the
study of theology, his instructors being Rev.
James Snodgrass, Dr. Nisbet and Dr. John King,
and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Carlisle, on October 3, 1799. Two years after he
accepted a call from the united congregations of
Mifflin and Lost Creek, within the bounds of the
Presbytery of Huntingdon. Having labored faith
fully here for several years, he accepted a call
from the FirBt Presbyterian Church of Washing
ton, Penn. , of which he was installed the first pas
tor October 16, 1805. At the same time he was
elected principal of Washington Academy, which
during the next year, 1806, grew into a college,
the charter of which he was the principal agent in
procuring. Of this new institution, Washington
College, he was elected the first president, Decem
ber 13, 1806, and as such served with remarkable
success ten years, retaining .at the same time his
pastoral connection with the church. With un
ceasing diligence he performed his double duties
as pastor and president, which taxed his faculties
and powers to the utmost, but the result of his la
bors were soon manifested in the growing prosper
ity of the church and in the extended reputation
of the college. Among those who were graduated
while he was president, many rose to stations of
eminence in the different professions, and some ac
quired considerable distinction in the political
world. In December, 1816, he resigned the pres
idency of the college, but for six years he continued
as pastor of the church to which he was bound by
many solemn and tender ties. In the meantime
his reputation as president of Washington College
had attracted much attention, and turned toward

<M^#W%';j

;. u;

t^r^.

-*«*/?*

Washington county.

87

him the eyes of many in different places. Among
other invitations received by him was a call to the
presidency of Centre College, at Danville, Ky. , and
the trustees of Dickinson College also desired him
to fill a similar position. As pastor of the church
in Washington he remained until 1822, when he
resigped this charge, having accepted the presi
dency of Jefferson College, at Canonsburg.
At this period an incident occurred — an incident,
perhaps, unprecedented in college history. It was
the night before the college commencement day,
and at a late hour, that the trustees of Jefferson
College elected Dr. Brown to fill the presidential
chair which had shortly before become vacant.
For various reasons it was necessary that the pres
ident-elect should immediately enter upon the
duties of his office. So, early the next morning,
while he was yet in bed, a committee waited upon
him, and, having urged him to accept the position,
managed to have him brought, before breakfast, to
Canonsburg, where he took the oath of office, and
at 9 o'clock presided over the commencement ex
ercises, conferred the degrees upon the graduates,
and then delivered his Baccalaureate address.
Thus was the last Wednesday of September, 1822,
a memorable day in Canonsburg, marking, as it
does, the crisis and dawn of the true glory of Jef
ferson College. To the students and friends of this
college the event was one of great joy, and was
hailed as an omen of prosperity. It was an event
from which untold blessings and benefits have de
scended, not only upon the college and its hun
dreds of students, but upon thousands of the hu
man race to whom through them Dr. Brown be
came, under God, by his pre-eminent capacities for
government and instruction, and by his piety and
prayers, a benefactor of the highest order to which
humanity can attain.
Under the administration of Dr. Brown, a
period of twenty-three years, the college advanced
rapidly in its glorious career. Never was there,
perhaps, a more popular or a more successful
president. He was peculiarly gifted with quali
ties of head and heart that secured the respect and
affection of the students, both while under his
care and in after life. To him the pious students
were warmly attached, and by the wildest and
most reckless he was respected and venerated. In
him special eccentricities and the reaction of mirth
and depression were joined with a vigorous intel
lect, clear judgment, quick discernment, good
sense, ardent piety and untiring energy. In him
opposites blended most remarkably. His nature,
indeed, was marked by all those characteristics
which make a great leader and commander. Being
of a nervous temperament, and quick in thought
and action, his impetuosity sometimes led him
into mistakes, but he always managed to get every
thing right again without losing the respect of

others or his own authority. He certainly was the
most remarkable man, in his day, for the posses
sion of qualities apparently the most compatible,
but strangely and happily balancing each other.
Though an eccentric man, never was eccentricity
more completely governed by good sense and sound
judgment. His very personal and mental pecul
iarities contributed greatly to his usefulness, and
the success of the college over which he so long
and efficiently presided. While at times he was
impulsive and variable in temper, he never lost his
dignity, and the reigns of government never hung
loosely in his hands. But whatever were his
peculiarities and eccentricities, he was a man of
God, whose personal piety was of the highest
order. The religion of Christ was his meat and
drink, in which he found all his springs of hope
and power, light and rest. No matter from what
book he was giving instruction, the students felt
that they were sitting under a religious teacher.
As evidence of this, of the 770 students who were
graduated under him, 350 became ministers of the
Gospel. Frequently, during his presidency, there
were great revivals of religion, which were attrib
uted, under God, to his faithful, earnest preach
ing, and to his conversations and prayers with the
students in their rooms. He was pre-eminently a
man of prayer. Often would the students hear
him in the arbor of his garden, in the summer
nights, when he thought all human ears were
closed, praying for hours, beginning his entreaties
with sighs and tears, and ending his devotions
with the song of triumph. The distinguishing
trait in his Christian life was that it was a life of
communion with God. Of him it might truly be
said, " He prayed without ceasing." To the mem
bers of the family his wife would often say:
"Mr. Brown spent the whole night in prayer."
This was the secret of the wonderful outpouring of
God's Spirit again and again upon the college.
People are astonished at the multitudes of minis
ters and missionaries who have gone forth from
Jefferson College. Here is the secret. There was
a wrestling Jacob in the presidential chair who
said to the God of Israel, "I will not let Thee go,
except Thou bless me. ' ' The fact that he was a
man who was constantly praying held the students
in awe, and threw around him a sacred atmos
phere, and to his prayers is to be attributed much
of his usefulness when alive, and his permanent
influence when dead.
Another prominent feature in the character of
Dr. Brown was his unwavering and profound con
viction of the truths of the Bible. So confident
was he that the Bible would take care of itself
that he feared not the newest and most popular
forms of infidelity, nor had he any apprehensions
lest the camp of Israel would be disturbed by the
discovery of ancient manuscripts and historical

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

records. With him for their teacher, the students,
no matter what had been their early training,
learned to respect the Gospel without knowing
how opposition was disarmed and infidelity silenced.
In the history of the Jefferson College class of
1830, written thirty years after the members were
graduated, Rev. Dr. J. J. Marks, the author, thus
refers to their president, Dr. Brown:
In him we all recognized the Christian, but still a man
of like passions with ourselves; honest, impulsive and
variable in temper, all the hues of his character, and the
many sides of his mind were fully displayed. Wc felt
that here was a man, who, though far in advance of us,
was ready to help us, for our infirmities were his, and
we saw the scars of yet unhealed wounds of battle, and
we learned in a thousand ways that he never forgot the
weaknesses of youth, nor the conflicts of manhood.
In manner he was eminently courtly and urbane, with
that ease and tact which is only gained by associating
witli the world, and conversing with refined and culti
vated minds. He walked among men after the manner
of Socrates, talking with all, learning from all, showing
sympathy with the poorest, listening with the rapt inter
est of a boy to the stories of their adventures and jour
neys. He had an epicurean pleasure in rare characters,
for they amused him and gratified his taste for the hu
morous and the graphic. His own conversational talent
was of the highest order, humorous, sprightly and descrip
tive, thus making his words instructive and fascinating.
In his conversation he threw open the treasures of years,
gathered from reading, observation and converse with
the great and good. I have heard many talkers, but none
that excelled Dr. Brown, none that equaled him in depth
of tone and moral value of conversation. His face was a
wonderful spectacle and a deep study. We have watched
him in the class room and in the chapel for hours with
unwearied interest, for the whole world seemed to be in
his face. We not only listened to him, but we studied
him. We had reason to be grateful for the nice adjust
ment of his religious character and teachings. Deeply
anxious for our spiritual welfare, he led us to the Savior
whom he loved. Surely the students who received from
him the religious impressions which ripened into peni
tence and faith, must look back to those years with an
interest which can never fade. The remembrance of his
wisdom and integrity is among the most precious heri
tages of the soul.
For several years after he moved to Canonsburg
he preached alternate Sabbaths with Dr. McMillan
in the Chartiers Church, of which the latter min
ister was the pastor, but in 1880 a congregation
was organized in the town in connection with the
college, which enjoyed his pastoral and pulpit
labors until the year 1845 when, on account of
feeble health, he resigned the presidency of Jeffer
son College.
Of the power and influence of Dr. Brown many
pages might be written, but want of space limits
us in writing this sketch. While he was president
of Jefferson College, an additional building was
erected, and through his efforts most of the neces
sary funds for this purpose were raised. In re
spect to his whole career as president of Jefferson
College, it can be truly said that it was an auspi
cious day for that institution when he was chosen
to stand at its head. The people of Washington

were not insensible to the loss they had sustained
by the removal of Dr. Brown to Canonsburg. Ac
cordingly, about six years after he had left Wash
ington, he received a united call from the congre
gation and college to return to his former position
there as pastor and president. But though greatly
attached to the church which he had served for. sev
enteen years, and though the college which had
sprung into existence under his hand made a
strong appeal to his sympathies, he finally decided
to remain at Canonsburg, much to the gratifica
tion of the people of that place, and all the friends
of Jefferson College. For a number of yeails
after his retirement from the college and church
at Canonsburg, he embraced every favorable op
portunity of preaching the Gospel to his fellow-
men, in which work he took great delight. Not
withstanding his growing infirmities he continued
to preach until near the close of his life. On July
29, 1853, he died at the age of seventy-seven
years. The funeral services were held at Canons
burg, but the body was laid to rest beside his
loved ones in Washington. In both towns there
was every demonstration of respect and sorrow.
Stores were closed and many a face was wet with
tears. In person Dr. Brown was tall and slender,
with a thin and narrow face which usually bore a
bright and animated expression. His movements
were rapid, and his manner of walking, and the
way he handled his cane would attract the atten
tion of a stranger. His mind was of a high order,
and was especially adapted to abstract metaphysical
inquiries. He had a keen sense of the ludicrous,
and his sayings at times were full of wit. His
heart was generous and open, and with a spirit of
benevolence his delight was in making others
happy, and in giving liberally of his means to
the poor and needy. In social circles he was
the master spirit, being gifted with fine conversa
tional powers .and having in store a large fund of
knowledge. As a minister he was one of the most
effective preachers in the country. As a Christian
he was a man of liberal views and feelings. Though
a Presbyterian in principle and practice, his Chris
tian sympathies were as wide as the world. His
moral courage was great, possessing as he did a
spirit which would not have faltered at the sight
of Nebuchadnezzar' s furnace, and yet his faith in
religion was often like that of a little child. As a
scholar he ranked among the first, and was honored
with the degrees of Doctor of Divinity and Doctor
of Laws.
Before closing, a few words must be added re
garding his domestic relations; he was twice mar
ried—first in 1804 to Miss Mary Blaine, of Cum
berland county, Penn., who died in 1818, leaving
two children: one of them was the Rev. Dr. Alex
ander ^ Blaine Brown, who two years after his
father's resignation succeeded him as president of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

89

Jefferson College. The other was Elizabeth, the
estimable and talented wife of Rev. D. H. Riddle,
D. D. , who also became president of the same in
stitution. In 1825 Dr. Brown was married to
Mary W. Ferguson, widow of Rev.. Mr. Backus
Wilbur. She died in 1838, leaving one daugh
ter, Susan Mary, the wife of Mr. Henry M.
Alexander, a prominent lawyer in New York
City, one of the well-known Princeton family of
Alexanders, and son of the first professor in the
Princeton Theological Seminary. This daughter
inherits her father's talents and many excellent
traits. She is an earnest worker in the church, de
votes much time in laboring for the good of others,
and gives freely of her means to charitable objects.

EV. ALEXANDER BLAINE BROWN,
D. D. This eminent Presbyterian minister
and educator is, alike by birthright and
character, entitled to a prominent place in
this volume.
He was the only son of Rev. Matthew Brown,
D. D., LL. D., and was born in Washington, Penn.,
August 1, 1808. His mother's maiden name was
Mary Blaine, daughter of Alexander Blaine, of
Cumberland county, Penn., who was commissary-
general of Pennsylvania in the time of the Revolu
tion, and was distinguished for his self-sacrificing
patriotism. In the son, Alexander B. Brown, were
blended the mental talents and mental vigor of his
father, and the mild, gentle disposition of his
mother. In 1822 his father having been elected
president of Jefferson College at Canonsburg,
Penn., young Alexander became a student of that
institution, from which he was graduated in 1825,
at the age of seventeen years. While at college
he represented the Philo-Literary Society as their
champion in oratory at one of the annual contests.
Having taught for some time in classical schools
in Newark, Del., and Princeton, N. J., he entered,
in 1828, the Western Theological Seminary at
Allegheny, Penn., and was licensed to preach by
the Presbytery of Ohio, October 5, 1831. After
two years of ministerial work in Virginia, where
he declined several offers to settle as a pastor, he
returned to his native State in 1833, and took
charge of the Birmingham Church, now known as
the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh,
South Side. Here he was successful in securing
a commodious house of worship. A year later he
became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Niles,
Mich., when he soon was recognized throughout
the State as one who had an education and mind
of a high order. In May, 1839, he was called to
the Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, Ohio,
where he labored with great success until April,
1841, when, having accepted a professorship in
Jefferson College, he came to Canonsburg. At

the same time he took charge of the congregation
of Centre Church, a few miles east of the town.
To this congregation he ministered until 1845,
when he was called to the pastorate of Chartiers
Church, which is about one mile south of Canons
burg. Rev. Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, who had suc
ceeded Dr. Matthew Brown as president, at the end
of two years resigned his office. It became a
grave question with the trustees as to who should
be chosen to fill the place of that brilliant man.
Several prominent names were suggested, but the
trustees, appreciating the talents and worth of their
modest professor, Alexander B. Brown, unanimous
ly elected him president of the college. When
informed of his election, he was greatly surprised,
and most earnestly remonstrated against it, as he
entirely distrusted his own qualifications. But
his love for the institution would not permit him
to decline the trust so strongly pressed, upon him,
and he accepted the position. It was the desire
of the trustees that he should be inaugurated the
same evening while they were present, which gave
him but an hour or two to prepare for the occasion.
To a friend he said that when he was being es
corted to the college, he felt like one going to the
gallows rather than to a scene of triumph. The
oath of office having been administered, he made
an address which for eloquence and pathos was
unequaled, during which there was scarcely a dry
eye in the audience.
Many of the friends of Dr. A. B. Brown, know
ing the sensitive delicacy of his disposition, and
his habit of shrinking from publicity, feared lhat
his fine qualifications as a professor would fall
Bhort of the more heroic and rugged demands of
the presidency. But their mistake was most hap
pily demonstrated in the actual development under
pressure of duty, which soon showed him to be a
model governor, as well as an instructor. His
power over the students was wonderful. His min
gled suavity and firmness, together with their un
bounded confidence in him, as one who sought only
their highest good, disposed them to heed his
wishes; and if at any time he suddenly appeared
among them in the midst of their youthful noise
and riot, it was like the voice of Neptune amid
the raging waves. His administration was a most
remarkable one, during which the prosperity of the
college continued to rapidly increase. The nine
years of his presidency were peculiarly marked
with peaceful relations in the college, and with its
advancing reputation and usefulness. Four hun
dred and fifty-three diplomas bear his presidential
signature, making an annual average of fifty grad
uates. At the time of his resignation the whole
number of students was 230. He was also success
ful in raising an endowment fund of $60,000, which,
in those days, before millionaires were known, was

90

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of itself a herculean task. His zeal in the cause
of education caused him to be generous to a fault.
When from year to year he witnessed the embar
rassed financial condition of the college, he de
clined to draw his own salary in order that the
other members of the faculty should be promptly
paid, and in this way he freely gave $6,000 to
the institution. His fine reputation, like that of
his venerated father, has gone forth with the sons
of Jefferson College into every part of our land,
and into distant nations across the seas. It will
ever widen, as the alumni of Washington and Jef
ferson College, in the coming generations, shall
prove themselves worthy of the heritage of glory
descended through both the old institutions into
their consolidation and unity of achievement.
But honorable as was the career of Dr. A. B.
Brown, as an educator, he ever felt himself conse
crated to the Gospel ministry, and in this service
he found his chief joy. And he was a model min
ister in the judgment alike of his brethren and the
people. Referring to him in an address before an
Alumni Association in Pittsburgh, Rev. Dr. D. A.
Cunningham said: "He who holds the stars in
His right hand, held no brighter one than Rev. A.
B. Brown, D. D. We sat under his teaching with
great delight, and were more than charmed with
his eloquence in the pulpit. The flash of his keen
eye, the tremulous tones of that sweet voice, and
the heavenly light which beamed from his counte
nance as he led us to the Cross of Christ, can never
be forgotten." Of him, the Hon. Thomas K. Ew
ing, a prominent judge in Pittsburgh, said: "He
was the finest teacher and the most eloquent min
ister I ever knew." Unambitious of prominence,
even to a fault, and habitually refusing audience
to the approaches of most inviting pastorates
seeking his services, he ever preferred the work of
the Gospel without the stress of competition for
human praise. The common people heard him
gladly, while the most intelligent and fastidious
received his messages with delight. His sermons
were a happy combination of evangelistic truth,
faultless taste, affectionate tenderness, and persua
sive — often thrilling — eloquence. His public lect
ures and addresses were also widely sought and
highly appreciated. It was a treat to listen to his
recitations of poetry, especially of his favorite
Cowper, and his quotations from the grander por
tions of inspiration.
Soon after Dr. Brown was inaugurated presi
dent of the college, it was necessary for him to
sever his relations with the Chartiers Church, in
order that he might become pastor of the Canons
burg congregation which worshiped with the stu
dents in the chapel. This position he retained, to
the great joy of the congregation, until he resigned
the presidency. In 1856 the trustees reluctantly
yielded to his oft- repeated request to be relieved

from the duties which were too arduous for his de
clining health, and accepted his resignation. He
then retired to his country residence, " Mount
Blaine," and being within the bounds of Centre
Church, his former charge, he was induced to be
come its pastor. This relationship he held until
the close of 1862, when failing health forced him
to retire from active labors. Though afflicted with
a painful disease, he patiently bore his sufferings
until the eighth day of September, 1863, when God
took him to the land of health. He was buried in
the Centre Church graveyard, where a grateful
and appreciative people erected a handsome mon
ument to his memory. His death at the age of
fifty-five left a void deeply felt and not easily
filled. Religion and learning alike will long cher
ish his memory, and blend their tears over his grave.
Only a little space is yet claimed for the domes
tic and social relations of this "beloved disciple."
He was married December 3, 1833, to Miss Eliza
beth Finley Nevin, daughter of Mr. John Nevin,
of Cumberland county, Penn., and sister of Rev.
Dr. John W. Nevin, at one time the distinguished
and scholarly professor of the Allegheny Theolog
ical Seminary, and afterward the successful presi
dent of Franklin and Marshall College at Lancas
ter, Penn. This estimable lady was well qualified
to assume the high and responsible duties which
her husband's position placed upon her, and her
public services were crowned with blessings and
honor, and by her pure and earnest life, her sweet
and noble character, her unselfish nature, kind
words and charitable deeds she will long be remem
bered as a bright example, worthy of imitation.
Now, in the thirtieth year of her widowhood, she
still lingers in venerable age to bless her children,
while she gives witness of the matured experience
of the Lord's faithfulness. Of the children, five
sons and one daughter are now living. Two of the
sons, having chosen the profession of their grand
father and father, are now prominent Presbyterian
ministers. [In the above sketch, which is from the pen of Rev.
James I. Brownson, D. D., LL. D., free use has been made
of all available material, especially of a memorial address
by the late Rev. Aaron Williams, D. D., an associate in
the college faculty, and an intimate friend of Dr. A. B.
Brown. Rev. W. F. Brown, D. D., Canonsburg, Penn.
In publishing a brief record of the life of Rev. Dr.
W. F. Brown, we can furnish no better sketch than
that written and read by Hon. John A. Mcllvaine,
Judge of the Washington County Court, at a col
lege class reunion in 1890.
Born under the shadow of Jefferson College, of which
both his father and grandfather were popular and be
loved presidents, our classmate naturally began his clas
sical course within its walls. He was enrolled a Senior
" prep " in 1859, but at the end of his Freshman year he
remained at home in order that, his brother might enlist

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

91

as a soldier. The next year, 1862, he entered our class as
a Sophomore. Although descending from a long line of
learned and pious ancestors, which drew toward him the
respect of the class even before his acquaintance was
fully made, his own innate qualities soon caused him to
be very popular. While having reason to be proud of his
parentage, he was extremely modest, and in his inter
course with his fellow-students he never by word or deed
referred to the honorable connection with the college
which his birth gave him. From all public performances
he shrank, only assuming a prominent position when in
the line of duty. At college he showed a preference for
the classics and was especially fond of Latin, which ac
counts for the high compliment passed upon his Latin
exegesis when he was licensed to preach. Rev. Dr.
George Marshall, who was then chairman of the examin
ing committee, pronounced it the best that had been pre
sented in the Presbytery during the thirty years he had
been a member. But while studying the ancient, lan
guages he spent much time with the goddess of music,
and the clear, melodious tones of his fine tenor voice were
a source of delight to us all. Possessing this natural gift
to a high degree, after his graduation he frequently aided
his five brothers in giving vocal and instrumental con
certs, which were highly appreciated by all who heard
them, and which were given for the benefit of churches
and educational institutions. Of the many patriotic songs
he sang while at college there was one entitled " Wake
Nicodemus," which he selected as the subject of his com
mencement oration. He was a member of the Philo So
ciety, but never joined a secret fraternity, although often
importuned so to do. In this matter he religiously
adhered to and followed the request of his father, not
withstanding that at one time it left him the only student
in the college who did not belong to a fraternity.
Three years from the time he left college he graduated
at the Allegheny Theological Seminary, and was licensed
as a Presbyterian minister to preach the Gospel. For
several months he supplied the Fairview Church, and
also the congregation then worshiping in the College
Chapel. In 1870 the Canonsburg congregation desired
his whole time, and he became the successor of Rev. Dr.
Jonathan Edwards, who was its pastor while he was pres
ident of the college. Three other calls were at the same
time offered to Brown; but, being strongly urged by the
congregation he accepted the call to the " College
Church" of which both his grandfather and father had
for many years been pastors.- Owing to the transfer of
the college classes to Washington, the students' side of
the chapel was left vacant, but in a short time the con
gregation so increased under his ministration that the hall
on each Sabbath day was filled. While pastor of this
church he taught in the Linnean Academy, and was after
ward professor of Latin in Jefferson Academy for three
years. While preaching and teaching here he secured,
through the alumni of Jefferson College, a donation of
$2,100 for their former beloved Greek professor, Dr. Will
iam Smith. In this labor of love he wrote and sent out
some 1,700 letters.
After six years of labor in Canonsburg, he received a
call to the Presbyterian Church in Charleston, W. Va.,
and also a call to the First Presbyterian Church of New
ark, Ohio. The latter he accepted, and, being duly in
stalled there, he preached for the period of two years,
when, on account of throat trouble, he resigned, and upon
the advice of his physician he did not preach for one
year. About the same time his wife's health demanded
a change of climate, and for a number of years they spent
their winters in the South, where he preached in some of
the leading churches, his services always being in de
mand. For quite awhile, when in New Orleans, he sup
plied with great acceptance the First Presbyterian
Church during the absence of their distinguished pastor,

Rev. Dr. Palmer. In 1884, Rev. William Ewing, Ph. D.,
having resigned, our classmate was chosen principal of
Jefferson Academy, at Canonsburg, which position he
ably filled for four years, when he was compelled to
abandon this work on account of the severe and pro
tracted illness of his wife. As a teacher he was thorough
and faithful, which the high rank taken afterward by his
pupils in colleges and seminaries fully attest. His gov
ernment in the academy was that of love, and by his gen
tlemanly and polished manners as well as bjr the quality
of the work done, he won the reBpect and affection of his
scholars. Under his administration the institution flour
ished, and he proved himself to be a most successful
teacher. As a preacher, this brother is both able and
eloquent. His sermons evidence deep thought and orig
inality. He is especially strong in his descriptive powers.
He has a fine presence and a good voice, and never fails
to hold the attention of his audience. A year ago, ISS'.i,
he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Frank
lin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Penn., and also
from the University of Western Pennsylvania, in recog
nition of his ability as a preacher and a teacher. Refer
ring to this degree, a Pittsburgh paper says: "Upon no
more worthy man has the highest honors of these time-
honored institutions been conferred." But while our
classmate has become prominent, he has not been able to
respond to the many calls to come up higher. Within
the past few years he has had more than one invitation to
prominent churches and wider fields of labor and in
fluence, but sickness in his family prevented him from
accepting these positions. As intimated, Mrs. Brown has
been a great sufferer for years, and in relieving her pains
he has manifested a spirit similar to Wendell Phillips,
who, when urged to accept the most tempting offers, re
plied that neither money nor glory could induce him to
deprive his suffering wife of whatever assistance and
comfort he could bestow. If, as one of our brightest
stars, Dr. Brown's light has been for a time partly hid
from the world, it has shone in his ministerial and edu
cational work at home, and has also brightened the dark
rooms of sickness in many houses, and has cheered the
sad heart of one whose deepest sorrow has been that her
feeble health and severe pains have caused clouds to sur
round the brilliancy of her devoted husband. His wife
was Miss Mary Houston, one of Canonsburg's brightest
and most attractive young ladies, who during her years of
sickness has given sunshine and comfort to many by her
deeds and words of charity and love.
During the years 1890 and 1891 Dr. and Mrs.
Brown made an extensive tour through Europe,
chiefly for the benefit of the latter' s health.
While visiting the principal foreign countries and
cities they spent much time in Italy, lingering for
many months in Rome, which gave the Doctor an
opportunity of studying the interesting and his
torical objects of the Eternal City. Shortly after
returning home he was frequently called upon to
speak of his travels in public, and soon his name
and fame spread over the lecture field, he having
added to his scholastic learning the polish and
distingue of the Continental tourist. His lectures
are said to be highly literary, entertaining and
instructive, and in this field he has won the repu
tation of being an original, magnetic and eloquent
speaker. But, successful as he might be in the lecture
field, in which his eloquence, grace and wit could
be displayed to great advantage, he still clings to

92

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the work of preaching and teaching, the profes
sions he chose when he entered upon the active
duties of life. He is, therefore, to be found
every Sabbath in the pulpit, and during the week
he gives instruction in Jefferson Academy, in
which institution his services have again been
called into requisition.
Rev. Alexander Blaine Brown, Jr. As in the
case of his brother (whose sketch is given above),
Rev. A. B. Brown; Jr., was born amid the classic
scenes of Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, Penn.,
at the time when his father was the president of
this renowned institution. In early life he mani
fested a decided taste for literary pursuits, and
having adopted one of the mottoes of Jefferson
College, "Inter silvas Academi quoerere verum"
("Among the grovesof the Academy seek truth"),
he spent a number of years at Jefferson Academy.
Jefferson College having been removed from Can
onsburg, he went to Lancaster, Penn. , and entered
the junior class of Franklin and Marshall Col
lege, of which his uncle, Rev. John W. Nevin,
D. D., LL. D., was for many years the honored
and successful president. Having completed his
collegiate course at Lancaster, he was elected
professor of Latin in Jefferson Academy, in which
institution he taught for a year, when he entered
the Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny
City, Penn., from which he was graduated in
1878. The following year he was unanimously
called to the pastorate of the Centre Presbyterian
Church, five miles east of Canonsburg, a church
of which his father had also been pastor, and to
which he ministered during the latter part of his
life, and in the bounds of which he died. This
call young Mr. Brown accepted, and December 15,
1879, he was ordained and installed the pastor of
a people among whom he had grown up, and of
a church which he had attended and with which
he united in his earlier years. In this field he has
labored faithfully for thirteen years, during which
time his ministry has been greatly blessed, and his
services highly appreciated by a people by whom
he has always been dearly beloved. As a preacher
Rev. Mr. Brown is earnest, impressive, instructive
and eloquent. His sermons give evidence that he
is a man of decided talents and a diligent stu
dent, who always brings beaten oil into the sanc
tuary. His reading of the Scriptures and hymns
has won for him the reputation of being one of
the best readers in the Presbytery. As a pastor
he is faithful, devoted and sympathetic, whose
bright, genial ways and pure, noble character
cause him to be highly esteemed and greatly be
loved by all who know him. A few days since
(March 13, 1893), he received a unanimous call to
the pastorate of the Fairview Presbyterian Church,
which is situated a few miles south of Centre.
So great was the desire aod so urgent the request

of the Fairview people to have him become their
pastor that he felt it his duty to transfer his labors
to this neighboring field, in which he has received
a most cordial welcome.
Brown Brothers. In addition to the two
eloquent ministers mentioned above, there were
four other sons in the family of Rev. Dr. and
Mrs. A. B. Brown. While all of these sons
enjoyed an enviable reputation, on account of
their educational qualities and moral worth, they
possessed extraordinary musical talents which
gave them great celebrity. Without making it a
specialty, these six brothers excelled in music, each
one being a fine singer, and also a skillful perform
er on some musical instrument. They appeared
iu public for the first time when they exerted
themselves to raise funds to carry on the suit for
the recovery of Jefferson College, which had been
consolidated with Washington College. By this
act Jefferson College was removed from Canons
burg to the town of Washington, which caused a
litigation that lasted for several years. Those who
had contributed funds to Jefferson College, feeling
that the trustees had violated their trust in trans
ferring the College from its original location,
brought suit for the recovery of the institution.
Suit having been entered, the case was tried in
both the State and the United States Supreme
Courts, and this involved considerable expense.
To help defray this the Brown Brothers, whose
grandfather and father had contributed thousands
of dollars, and devoted the greater part of their
lives to the institution, offered their services as
musicians. The proposition received a hearty re
sponse, and many churches and halls were offered
free to these brothers, who took rank at once as
distinguished vocalists and instrumentalists. Thus
by their musical entertainments they succeeded in
liquidating almost the entire cost of the suit, a
part of the amount having previously been raised
by subscription. In this way they became known
as the " Brown Brothers." Up to that period, this
was the first instance on record where the brothers
of one family had given either a vocal or an instru
mental concert. Referring to them as "A Band
of Brothers," the Washington (Penn.) Advance
said: " There are a few cases where the male and
female members of one family appear as profes
sional musicians, but we doubt very much if such
an instance as this furnished by the Brown Broth
ers is to be found in our own or other countries.''
Having, while invoking the aid of the muses in
behalf of Jefferson College, acquired the reputation
of being musicians of a high order, the Brown
Brothers were frequently requested to give concerts
for the benefit of churches, Sabbath -schools, edu
cational institutions and various objects to which
they generously devoted the proceeds of their en
tertainments, Frequently they appeared four or

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

93

five times in one place, and on each occasion drew
a large audience. The concerts of these brothers
were characterized by a great variety of songs
which were rendered with remarkably fine expres
sion, clear and distinct articulation, intermingled
in a most pleasing manner with many different
kinds of instruments. From a Pittsburgh paper
we give the following extract: "When either one
or all of the brothers begin to sing, the audience is
subdued into the most tender mood by the ex
quisite rendering of their pathetic songs, or breaks
out into the most rapturous applause over their
rendering of the sentimental and comic. But be
sides being remarkable as vocalists they are equally
so as instrumentalists. Much of their music too
is of their own composition and many of their
songs are original with themselves. Such a com
bination of musical talent in one family is not,
perhaps, to be found in this or any other country.
It is a sight worth seeing, six noble young men,
brother musicians, and all of them gentlemen of
high personal worth." Although great induce
ments were offered the brothers to enter the public
arena as professional musicians, they declined all
such propositions, preferring only to appear in
public when they could benefit some worthy ob
ject by the proceeds of their concerts. Being in
vited to sing at the centennial celebration of the
Chartiers Presbyterian Church, of which the Rev.
Dr. John McMillan, the religious and educational
pioneer of western Pennsylvania was the first pas
tor, they composed and sang an appropriate ode,
giving a brief history of that distinguished minis
ter, which was so well received that its repetition
was requested three times on that occasion. At
the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the
settlement of Rev. William Smith. D. D., at the
Miller's Run Presbyterian Church, bv special re
quest they gave two concerts, in the afternoon and
evening of the same day, when they donated the
proceeds to a purse that was being raised as a
token of respect for the honored Doctor. For this
anniversary, they also composed a special song
which, having been rendered at their afternoon
concert, was, at the request of the audience, sung
again in the evening. The entertainments
given by these brothers extended over a period
of fourteen years, during which time they con
tinued to pursue their regular occupations and pro
fessions. By the death of Matthew, a young man of bright
promise, the tuneful circle of the Brown Brothers
was suddenly broken, and since then the voices of
the rest are seldom heard together in public. The
names of the six brothers are as follows: J. Nevin,
Henry H. , William F., Alexander B., Matthew B.
and D. Finley Brown. At the last concert in which
they all took part they sang an original ode en
titled, "We're a Band of Brothers," in which

their sentiments were portrayed. Of this ode we
give the closing verse:
"We'll keep the bells of Freedom ringing,
We'll keep the voice of Temperance singing;
To the Bible we'll keep clinging,
While upon this earth we stand.
And when death has come before us,
And the vesper stars shine o'er us,
Let others swell the chorus,
And shout it through our land."
Soon after this concert the Brown Brothers
numbered but five on earth, Matthew having been
called to join the Heavenly Choir.

/

Mi RS. JANE B. PRALL was born November
9,1803, in Washington, Penn., in a house
on the lot where Dr. Little now lives.
Her father, John Bollen, had come from
New Jersey to Washington county, where
he married Ann, daughter of William Huston, a
native of Ireland, who came to Washington county
while the Indians were still denizens of the woods.
It is said of William Huston that he was the
first white man to settle in the county. His first
dwelling, said to have been the first house built in
Washington, was located on a piece of land where
H. C. Swart now resides, on East Maiden street.
He had married in Ireland, his native land, and
had brought his wife with him to this country.
Both died in Washington county, and at the time
of his death he was the owner of a farm of 500
acres near the borough of Washington. In 1754,
while the English and French were at war, he was
taken prisoner by the latter and sent to France,
where he lay in prison for about a year, was then
exchanged and returned to America. His children
were as follows: Dixon, Hamilton, James, Polly
(married to Archibald Carr), Jane (married to John
Smith), Margaret (married to John Paxton), and
Ann (married to John Bollen). After marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Bollen made their home in the borough
of Washington until 1811, when, having exchanged
their property there for a farm in Amwell town
ship, they removed thereon, remaining some eleven
years; thence came to South Strabane township
where they passed the rest of their days. Mr.
Bollen, who was a shoemaker by trade, died No
vember 7, 1846, his wife on May 4, 1848, aged
eighty-five years. They were the parents of chil
dren as follows: James and John, both deceased
when young; William, who died in 1875; Margaret,
married to William Van Kirk; Mary, married to
George Week, and died in Ohio; Jane, the subject
proper of this sketch, and Matilda (a mute), de
ceased in 1881.
Jane Bollen was married to John Prall, a farmer
of Amwell township, in 1849. He was a man of
nearly seventy years of age at the time, and died,

94

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

January 10, 1875, at the age of ninety-six years.
He had been previously married, and had by that
union eight children, viz.: Benjamin and Harrison
(both deceased), Jackson (a resident of South Stra
bane township), William, Nancy and Elizabeth (all
three deceased), Mary (wife of W. Lacock, of Am
well township) and. Sarah (who died in Illinois).
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Prall made their home
in Amwell township, where Mr. Prall died as al
ready related. One year after that event his widow
came to the borough of Washington, where she now
has her home, a pleasant and comfortable one, on
East Wheeling street. She is a remarkably well-
preserved lady, and is spending her declining years
with Christian patience and resignation, calmly
awaiting the inevitable summons that shall call her
hence. In her church connection she was origi
nally identified with the Cumberland Presbyterians,
but is now a member of the Second Presbyterian
Church of Washington.
Mordecai Hoge (deceased), a half brother of Mrs.
Prall, was born January 22, 1784, on the old Hus
ton farm in this county, a son of John Hoge,
who owned the land from the center of Main street,
in Washington, westward to, and perhaps includ
ing, the whole or a portion of the Dr. Reed farm.
The boyhood days of Mordecai Hoge were passed
chiefly in and around Washington, and when about
six years of age he was sent to the old-time log
schoolhouse which stood a little below where the
old weigh scales were placed, and on the right side
of the alley where the worshipers in the United
Presbyterian Church are accustomed to put their
conveyances. At that time there was in the, then,
village but one stone dwelling, owned by a Mr.
Bradford. After Mr. Hoge had passed through
his primary and academical training, about the
year 1805, he became a student in Dickinson Col
lege, Carlisle, shortly after leaving which he mar
ried Rebecca Pentecost. In 1814 he engaged in
teaching, his first school being kept in a log cabin
located on the bank of Little Chartiers creek, and
between the farm some time since owned by Sher
iff R. McClelland and Linden village. The fol
lowing year he moved about one mile south of this
place, and taught twelve years at what was called
the Cross Roads. He next taught for one year in
a rude cabin on a farm situated on the pike leading
from Washington to Monongahela City. In 1827
he commenced teaching on what came to be known
as "Hoge's Summit," and continued there for six
years. Mr. Hoge then took up his residence on
the farm now owned by the heirs of Samuel Brown
lee, and during the time he would walk, summer
and winter, not less than six miles. Immediately
after the expiration of this last mentioned school
term he taught near Pees' Mill for a short time,
and later in a log schoolhouse ou or Dear the site
of the Hardy school in North Strabane township.

From this point he returned to Hoge's Summit, and
taught about twenty-three years, at the expiration
of which time his public labors in this calling
ceased. In summing up the whole time in
which he was engaged in the work of teaching,
the calculation will make it not less than forty-five
years. It is a marked characteristic of the high
esteem and appreciation of his services as an in
structor of youth that this entire period was spent
within the limit of seven miles, in many instances
teaching the parent, then the child, then the grand
child, until superannuation alone required his
withdrawal from his arduous vocation. Mr. Hoge
departed this life in 1870, at the age of eighty-six
years, two months and three days, and on his
tombstone in the Pigeon Creek cemetery is the fol
lowing inscription: "True Honor. A Faithful
Teacher of Youth for More than Forty-five Years."
This sketch of Mordecai Hoge has been gleaned
from one that appeared in the Washington Review
and Examiner at the time of his decease.

V. LAWRENCE. The genealogy of the
Lawrence family, of which this gentleman
is a member, is imperfect. Those of that
name who became prominent in Massachu
setts, New York and Pennsylvania are sup
posed to have sprung from the brothers who came
from England at an early day. A son of one of
these settled in Adams county, Penn., about the
year 1770, where he afterward died, leaving a
family of ten children.
About the year 1788 his widow, with this large
family, came over the mountains when there was
only a pathway, the mother carrying the youngest
son, Joseph (then three years old), on her knee on
horseback. They settled on a small farm on the
headwaters of Pigeon creek, eight miles east of
Washington, in a cabin, and here the family —
seven daughters and three sons — grew up. In
time the daughters all married in Washington
couuty, and raised families; and a numerous pro
geny of children and grandchildren and their de
scendants sprang from these excellent women, and
some of the later generation are found scattered over
the West. The oldest son, John Lawrence, mar
ried and moved to Beaver county, and was twice
elected to the Legislature from that couDty; after
ward moved to Delaware county, Ohio, and died
there, leaving a family. One of his sons was edu
cated at Washington College, studied law, became
very prominent in his profession, andserved in the
Legislature of Ohio. His son afterward served in
the Senate of the State.
Samuel Lawrence, the second son of the older
stock, also moved to Beaver county, Penn., and
was prothonotary of the courts for nine years. He
was there elected to the Legislature, serving two

/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

97

sessions, and there died, leaving a large family.
One of his sons was prothonotary of that county
nine years, and afterward an associate judge.
Joseph, the third son, remained on the farm with
his mother, to whom he was much attached, and to
whom he dung with strongest affection until she
died at the age of ninety-five years. This son
was compelled to work hard on the farm to main
tain the family, and only obtained a few months
for improvement at school. He was married about
the year 1812 or 1813 to Rebecca Van Eman, by
whom he had four children: Joseph, George V.,
Sarah and Samuel. About the year 1823 the
mother died, Samuel being then a babe, and when
five or six years old he died. Joseph grew up and
married Eliza Horner, and they both died in Feb
ruary, 1842, leaving four children, all of whom
married, and three of them are still living. Sarah,
the daughter, married Ard. Moore, an excellent
man, and they raised five children, all of whom
are married and very prosperous, living in Car
thage, Mo., except one daughter who is in Port
land, Oreg. The father of this family died
about the year 1866 ; the mother is still in good
health, and lives with the children in Carthage.
Of George V. we will speak more in detail here
after. Joseph Lawrence, the elder, about the year
1826 married, for his second wife, Maria, a daugh
ter of Judge Bucher, of Harrisburg, an excellent
woman, as all who knew her bear testimony, and
with her had four sons and one daughter. John J.
Lawrence, the eldest son, was superintendent of
the western portion of the Philadelphia & Erie
Railroad for years, and afterward of the Allegheny
Valley Railroad; he was colonel of one of the Penn
sylvania regiments in the army. He has a most in
teresting family, and is now retired, living in Alle
gheny, Penn. James K. Lawrence, the next son
(now deceased), was a captain in the regular army;
was efficient and brave, and had the confidence and
esteem of every one in his company and regiment.
He was very severely wounded at Fredericksburg,
but recovered and died three years since at Rey-
noldsville, Penn., leaving a small family. W. C.
A. Lawrence, third son, was educated at Washing
ton College, and studied law with Hon. J. C.
Kunkle, of Harrisburg. He was fine looking, very
pleasant in manner, and possessed of excellent
natural ability. He was succeeding to a fine prac
tice at the bar in Dauphin county when he was
elected to the Legislature in 1857. He was re
elected in 1858, and was elected speaker, obtain
ing the nomination over Hon. A. K. McClure, a
man of unusual ability. He was perhaps the
youngest man ever elected speaker in this State.
In 1859 he was re-elected to same position, and
was exceedingly popular and efficient. The labor

in the law office, and in the speaker's chair, proved
too much for his constitution, and he died in 1860.
Samuel, the fourth son, was well prepared by
education, and studied engineering. He was a
long time employed on the Philadelphia & Erie
Railroad when very young. He laid out and
helped to locate and build the Oil Creek Railroad.
He was very efficient, and popular with all classes
of people, and was nominated and elected to the
Legislature, from Warren, McKean and Elk
counties, serving one winter, peremptorily declin
ing a renomination. He died in Warren in 1862,
leaving a widow but no children; she since died in
Philadelphia. Susan M. , the youngest, remained
with her mother until her death, which occurred
in Harrisburg, in 1860, and during the long ill
ness of her mother was ever with her, patient, con
siderate and kind. She afterward married Mr.
Myron Sanford, of Erie, Penn., a retired and
wealthy man of excellent character, who proved a
most devoted husband. They raised one son a
promising and intelligent young man, but both he
and his father are dead; Mrs. Sanford still lives in
her beautiful home, esteemed and loved by all who
know her and can appreciate the highest womanly
virtues. The foregoing is a very brief and condensed his
tory of the several children of Joseph Lawrence,
the elder. A more extended notice of him and his
son George V. Lawrence is appropriate, with a
general reference to the public life of this family.
It is seen here that the three brothers who were
brought to Washington county, so early by the
mother, poor and fatherless, were all members of
the Legislature of their native State. Joseph, the
youngest, was elected from Washington county in
1820, and served until 1826, being speaker of the
House two sessions; was elected to Congress in
1826. He was for J. Q. Adams for President, but
the tide for Jackson swept him down in 1828. In
1834 he was nominated for the Legislature and
elected, and re-elected in 1835; was elected State
treasurer in 1836. He ran for Congress in 1838,
and was defeated by seventeen votes. In 1840 he
was again the candidate of the Whig party and
elected. He died on April 17, 1842, while a mem
ber, and his body lies in the Congressional Ceme
tery, at Washington, D. C. Mr. Lawrence was a
man of fine physical and mental abilities; was a
good public speaker, logical and clear in argument
with an unusual memory and a very pleasant
manner, and he had the respect and confidence of
all who knew him. Like his mother, and all his
extensive family, he was a Presbyterian, and when
at home in the county generally walked three and
one-half miles to church, and sat in the Bible-class,
his sons going with him to Sunday-school. He
was firm in the Pauline and Augustinian faith,

9S

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and a student of theology. His house was always
open, and a kind of home for ministers who were
fond of his company.
We have before referred to his sons William
and Samuel as members of the Legislature, and
now come to speak more in detail of the remark
able life of George V., his son by his first mar
riage. It is believed that no man in the State, and
few anywhere, has had so many marks of public
favor. He was born on November 13, 1818, named
after his uncle, George Van Em an, a Presbyterian
minister, and raised on a farm in sight of the old
home of his grandmother. He went to the district
school, then kept in a small log-cabin house, with
a log on each side cut out, and the opening covered
with oiled paper to give light. When about fifteen
years of age he studied Latin grammar with Rev.
W. C. Anderson, then boarding with his father,
and preaching at Pigeon Creek Church ; afterward
went for a time to a small select school, opened a
few miles off; then went one year to the English
Department of Washington College. His health
failing, and being threatened with pulmonary dis
ease, his father, like any sensible man, took him
back to the farm where he regained his health,
and remained there until twenty-one years of age.
He was fond of horses, and was a fearless and
excellent rider, and still mounts his horse, takes
his dogs and goes out to the country to run foxes.
He has been an active politician since 184-2. He
was elected to the Legislature in 1843-46-' 58-' 59.
In 1848 he was elected to the State Senate over
his opponent, the late William Montgomery. He
was re-elected to the Senate in 1860, from counties
of Washington and Greene (overcoming 1,000
Democratic majority), of which body he was
speaker in 1863, and he was again elected to the
Senate in 1874-'76-'78. In 1864-'66-'82 he was
elected a member of Congress. In 1872 he was
elected a delegate- at-large to the constitutional
convention, and was again elected to the Legisla
ture in the fall of 1S92. Thus for fifty years he
was identified with national and State politics,
and it is a happy thought that his course in public
life has always been devoted to progress and the
right. In 1829 he married Elizabeth Welsh, a daugh
ter of the late William Welsh, Esq., of Washing
ton county, and moved to a farm in Carroll town
ship, near Monongahela City. About 1862 he
came into the town, and has remained there ever
since. His first wife died in 1855, leaving two
children: Mary Virginia, still at home, and Joseph,
who died when three years old. In 1857 Mr.
Lawrence was again married, this time to a daugh
ter of Rev. John Reed, of Indiana county, Penn.,
and she is still living. Three children were born
to them, the youngest of whom died when very
young. George R., the eldest, was educated at

La Fayette College, studied law with G. W. Bid-
die, Esq., of Philadelphia, and after practicing
some years in Pittsburgh, died leaving a widow
highly esteemed and respected. Carrie Belle, the
daughter, married Dr. C. B. Wood, a regular
physician, and lives near her parents.

'/

M(RS. MARY (CLARK) WYLIE. This
highly esteemed and much beloved lady
is a native of Washington county, born in
^ Hopewell township, July 30, 1811, of
Scotch-Irish origin and Covenanter ex
traction. Her paternal ancestor, James Clark,
was driven from Scotland to Ireland during relig
ious persecution, and from the latter country he
emigrated to America about the year 1750, and in
the Revolutionary war he was found in the Conti
nental army. James Clark settled upon land in
Cumberland (now Franklin) county, Penn., upon
which the town of Strasburg was afterward laid
out and built. " Clark' s Knot,' ' or " Clark's Gap,"
at the mountain near there, still tell of the original
owner of the land which was then called "Clark's
Fancy." James Clark died near Mercersburg,
Penn., of which locality her grandfather, David
Clark, was a native. The latter was married to
Hannah Baird, of Carlisle, same State, and they
became the parents of seven children, viz. : James
(father of Mrs. Mary Wylie); Esther, married to
Rev. Joseph Stockton, of Allegheny, now deceased;
Nancy, married to David Larimer, a merchant of
Steubenville, Ohio; Elizabeth, married to Daniel
Houston, of near Canonsburg, this county; Mary,
wife of Paul Anderson, of St. Lou.s, Mo. ;, David
and Eliza, in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
James Clark, the eldest son of David and Han
nah (Baird) Clark, grew to manhood on the farm
in Canton township (now known as the S. K.
Weirich farm), where he received a liberal educa-
cation for those early days. Later he kept a store
in Hopewell township, also a mill, and was engaged
in various other business enterprises; he had an
interest in the wagon trains that crossed the
mountains for merchandise, and assisted in the
building of the National pike. He married Jane
Henderson, a daughter of Rev. Matthew Hender
son, one of the first Associate ministers to cross
the mountains, and who came to Washington
county in 1780, taking charge of the Chartiers
Church. He was in line of Rev. Alexander Hen
derson of "Solemn league and Covenant" fame,
of Edinburgh, Scotland. Rev. Matthew Hender
son married Miss Mary Ferris, who bore him ten
children, all of whom grew to maturity and mar
ried, their names being as follows: Matthew,
Ebenezer, Robert, John, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth,
Jane, Joseph and Helen. After marriage Mr. and
Mrs. James Clark settled on a farm in Hopewell

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

flO

township, where, July 10, 1821, at the age of
thirty- seven years, the husband was summoned
from earth. He was a member of the Associate
Church. They had seven children, as follows:
David, who died in Washington county, leaving a
family of five children; Mary, the subject proper
of this memoir; Matthew, who was a physician,
and died in Washington, Penn. ; James, who died
in Canonsburg, Penn. ; Elizabeth, married to John
Murdoch, and died in Parkersburg, Va.; Will
iam, who died in Canton township, and Ebenezer,
who died when a child. The widowed mother con
tinued to remain on the old home farm with her
children, until they had all left for homes of their
own, and she then lived with one or other of them,
the last year of her life being passed with her
daughter, Mary (Mrs. Wylie), at whose home she
died in 1870, at the ripe old age of eighty-six
years. Mary Clark remained at the place of her birth
in Hopewell township until her marriage Septem
ber 2, 1829, with William Wylie, when they took
up their residence on the farm in Canton township,
now occupied by the David McClay heirs, whence
after five years they moved to the Razortown farm
(now known as the Ellenmount stock farm) in the
same township, and here for forty-five years they
shared life's joys and sorrows. In 1877 Mr. Wylie
was called from earth at the age of nearly seventy-
seven years. About a year and a half after her hus -
band's death, Mrs. Wylie broke up housekeeping,
and in 1880 moved to her present home on East
Maiden street, in the borough of Washington,
where she resides with her widowed daughter,
Mrs. Annie Thompson. She is remarkably well
preserved for her years, and is in the enjoyment of
good health. All her life from girlhood she has
been a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
She can recount many interesting anecdotes of her
early life and other days, which carry the listener
back to a time when Washington county was in a
condition of comparative wildness. In her child
hood the Indians had for the most part gone from
the county, but when she was about seven years of
age, on proceeding one day to the old spring in the
neighborhood for water, she heard a moan, and on
looking up was horrified to see a hideous Indian
watching her; it is almost needless to add that she
fled in no small alarm to the house. Her people
went in search of the Indian, and finding him they
gave him food, and sent him on his way rejoicing,
for they learned from him that he was traveling
eastward. Mrs. Wylie is the mother of four children: Rob
ert, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere; Jane,
married to John S. Beall, and has two children
(residence, Wellsburg, W. Va.); Annie, widow of
Rev. Joseph R. Thompson, and James Clark (de
ceased). Joseph R. Thompson was born in Mt.

Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., in
1828. He graduated from Canonsburg Theolog
ical Seminary, became the pastor of the U. P.
Church at Hickory (he was one of three brothers,
all of whom were ministers in the U. P. Church),
and was filling the incumbency at the time of his
death in 1861. In 1859 he was married to Miss
Annie Wylie, and they had one child, named Will
iam, who died at the age of four years.

T UDGE WILLIAM McKENNAN. The great-
^ I grandfather of Judge William McKennan,
(T J Rev. William McKennan, immigrated to
^^ America from the North of Ireland about the
middle of the last century. For a period of fifty-
four years, from December, 1755, he was pastor of
the White Clay Creek and the Red Clay Creek
Presbyterian churches, near Wilmington, Del.,
and during thirty-four years of this time he was
also pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of
Wilmington. He died in 1809, at the age of ninety,
and is buried at Red Clay Creek church.
His son, William McKennan, was born in Dela
ware in 1758. In the early part of 1776 he en
tered the Continental army as second lieutenant of
Capt. Kean's company of the regiment of the Fly
ing Camp. In the latter part of the same year,
upon the organization of the famous Delaware
Regiment, he became first lieutenant of the first
company, and afterward he was promoted to the
captaincy of his company. In September, 1777,
he was engaged in the battle of Brandywine, and
a month later, at the battle of Germantown, he re
ceived a wound in the arm which ultimately
caused his death, thirty years later. In 1780 he
took part in the battles of Monmouth, Camden,
South Carolina and Cowpens. After the battle of
Camden, in which the Delaware regiment suffered
severe losses, Capt. Kirkwood took command of
the regiment, and, in December, 1780, Capt. Mc
Kennan returned to Delaware and enlisted a body
of men, who, however, did not join the Delaware
regiment, but was brigaded with William Washing
ton's Legion and troops of the Maryland Line, and
was commanded by Capt. McKennan until the
close of the war, in 1783. Capt. McKennan and
his battalion were engaged in the operations
against Yorktown, which resulted in the surrender
to the Continentals of the main British army
under Cornwallis. Afterward the battalion per
formed arduous and highly honorable service un
der Gen. Greene, in North and South Carolina.
Upon his return to civil life, Capt. McKennan
was chosen colonel of a regiment of Delaware
militia, and was elected a member of the Legislat
ure of his native State. He also became a mem
ber of the Order of the Cincinnati. In 1797 he
removed to Charlestown, Va. (now Wellsburg, W.

100

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Va.), thence, in 1800, to West Middletown, Wash
ington county, and in 1801, having been ap
pointed prothonotary of Washington county, he be
came a resident of the town of Washington, and
continued to live there until his death, in January,
1810. In 1800, before his removal from Charles
town, he was one of the three presidential electors
from Brooke county. Col. McKennan married
Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of John Thomp
son, one of the judges of the court of common
pleas and Orphans' court of Newcastle county,
Del., an active patriot and prominent citizen of the
State during and subsequent to the Revolutionary
war. Mrs. McKennan' s mother was the sister of
Thomas McKean, a member of Congress and a
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, from
Delaware, and afterward governor and chief justice
of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mc
Kennan died at Washington, Penn., in 1839, at
the age of seventy-eight years.
Thomas McKean Thompson McKennan, the
third son of William and Elizabeth Thompson
McKennan, was born in March, 1794, in Newcas
tle county, Del. He was educated at Washing
ton College (Penn.), whence he graduated at the
age of sixteen in the class of 1810. Immediately
thereafter he began the study of law under Parker
Campbell, of Washington (Penn.), one of the most
brilliant lawyers who has ever graced the bar of
western Pennsylvania, and on November 7, 1814,
at the age of twenty- one, he was admitted to
practice. Shortly afterward he formed a legal
partnership with Obadiah Jennings, eminent as
well in the forum as in the pulpit, and at once
entered upon a career of success. A year later
he succeeded Walter Forward as deputy Attorney-
general or district attorney of the county, in which
office he served until 1817. In 1831 Mr. McKen
nan was elected to the House of Representatives
of the United States, and continued a member
thereof for four terms, finally declining further re
election on account of the urgency of his profes
sional work. In 1842, however, a vacancy having
occurred in the House by reason of the death of
Joseph Lawrence, Mr. McKennan yielded to the
solicitations of his party and the public demand,
and served the remainder of the term. He was
chairman of the Committee of the Whole for two
months of the first session of that year, and as
such was largely instrumental in securing the pas
sage of the famous Tariff Act of 1842. In 1840 he
was chosen a presidential elector on the Whig
ticket, and in 1848 he was made president of the
Pennsylvania Electoral College. In 1850 he was
appointed Secretary of the Interior by President
Fillmore, but resigned a few weeks later. Soon
after this he became president of the Hempfield
Railroad Company, and while attending to its

affairs he died at Reading, Penn., on July 9, 1852.
In politics Mr. McKennsn was an earnest Whig.
Mr. McKennan entered Washington College at
a very early age, and passed through the entire cur
riculum. In February, 1813, he was appointed
tutor of the ancient languages, in which position
he continued for eighteen months. In April, 1818,
he was choseu a member of the College Corporation,
and continued as such up to the time of his death,
a period of thirty- four years. For several years he
held the position of adjunct professor of languages.
The degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by
Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn. The life of
Mr. McKennan was one of purest probity, and in
his quiet, unobtrusive, yet effective way, he con
tributed largely toward the shaping of the political
destiny of the State of Pennsylvania. He was
universally respected, and his popularity was un
bounded. In his private life he was beloved by all
as a loyal citizen, a devoted husband, an affection
ate and indulgent parent and a true friend. He
was devotedly attached to children, was a lover of
good men and a supreme detester of all manner of
vice and meanness. In 1815 Mr. McKennan mar
ried Matilda, daughter of Jacob Bowman, one of
the pioneer merchants of Brownsville, Penn.
William McKennan, the eldest son of Thomas
M. T. and Matilda (Bowman) McKennan, was born
at Washington, Penn., September 27, 1816. He
graduated as valedictorian of his class, from Wash
ington College, Washington (Penn.), in 1833, and
afterward took a post graduate course at Yale Col
lege, New Haven., Conn. He was admitted to the
bar of Washington county in June, 1837, entered
into partnership with his father, and on August 23,
1837, qualified as deputy attorney-general or dis
trict attorney of Washington county, and served
one term. In 1847 he was burgess of the borough
of Washington, and in 1852 a member of its coun
cils. In 1858, 1862 and 1863 he was a delegate
from Washington county to the Republican State
Conventions, and in 1868 a delegate to the National
Convention. In 1857 he was chairman of the
Republican committee of Washington county;
in 1858 was a member of the Republican State
Central commitee; in 1860 was a presidential
elector; in the same year was a delegate to the
Peace Congress, and on December 21, 1869. was
commissioned Judge of the Circuit Court of the
United States for the third circuit, comprising
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, which
office he resigned on January 3, 1891. While
at the bar, Judge McKennan was recognized as
one of the foremost lawyers of western Pennsyl
vania, and during his twenty-one years' incum
bency of the bench he won a high reputation for
integrity and ability.
He married, October. 12, 1842, Pauline Gertrude

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

101

de Fontevieux, who was born at Paris, France,
March 23, 1821, and died May 7, 1886, at Wash
ington, Penn. The children of this union were:
Isabel B. , who married George M. Laughlin, of
Pittsburgh, Penn., and died December 5, 1891;
Thomas M. T. ; Emma W., who married William
W. Smith, of Washington, Penn., and died August
30, 1879; Henry S., who died at Washington,
Penn., January 9, 1888; Samuel C. ; John D. ;
Gertrude M. ; Annie, who married Alexander W.
Biddle, of Philadelphia, Penn.; David W. and
William, Jr.
THE GRAYSON FAMILY of Washington,
Penn. Nathaniel Grayson, the first of the
family of whom we have record, lived and
died in or near Glaslaugh,County Monaghan,
Ireland, where he carried on a woolen
manufactory. He was the father of five children :
four sons — George, William, Robert and Thomas —
and one daughter — Mary. The family residence
was called "New Mills," where the youngest son
died, and William and the late Judge John Gray
son were born. George, the eldest son, followed
the pursuit of his father, and removing to Man
chester, England, established a manufactory. The
family at latest accounts, still reside there. Will
iam, the second son of Nathaniel, preceded his
brother to this country, both arriving several years
prior to the adoption of the Federal Constitution.
Robert, whose wife was Mary Murdock, of Glas-
laugh, sister of Robert and John Murdock, prom
inent citizens of that place, arrived at New
Castle, Delaware, in June, 1784, with his wife and
son, John, then nine months old, widowed mother
and son William. He soon purchased property,
locating in Mifflin, Penn., where at an early period
his wife and mother died. The family then re
moved to Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penn.,
where the sons were reared and educated. After
the lapse of several years the father married Mrs.
Jane Kennedy, widow of Thomas Kennedy, who
tenderly, indulgently and faithfully contributed^
raise her stepsons, William and John. The latter
in his diary, speaking of his stepmother, remarks:
"And even now, in my old age, I recall to mind
with tender recollection her devotion and anxious
care and industry, as a wife and mother." The
children of this marriage were as follows : George,
Mary, Margaret and Anne. Mr. Robert Grayson,
as a citizen, occupied a prominent place and took
an active part in the political events of his day. At
one time he was sheriff of Cumberland county, and
died in Carlisle after a well-spent life.
William was connected with the regular army,
and stationed at Carlisle barracks. In 1808 he
was ordered to Fort Wayne, Ind., where, soon after
his arrival, he died from fever contracted on the
march.

Having a taste for the printing business, John
Grayson at a suitable age commenced to acquire a
knowledge of the same in Carlisle. After close appli
cation for four years, he went to Philadelphia and
entered the book office of William Duane, editor of
The Aurora. From this time until near the break
ing out of the war of 1812, Mr. Grayson was
engaged in the printing business at different times,
in Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. On
June 18, 1812, news was received by express from
Washington, D. C, of the declaration of war by
Congress against Great Britain, Mr. Grayson be
ing in the city of Baltimore at the time. He at
once enlisted in a volunteer regiment, serving as a
volunteer in the army until September, 1813, when
he was honorably discharged; but immediately re-
enlisted in the regular army, serving as lieutenant
and adjutant in the regiment to which he belonged
until the close of the war, participating in many of
the prominent battles. After the close of the war
he was appointed by President Madison to the
corps of artillery to form part of the "New Seventh
Regiment;" but, wishing to return to private life,
he resigned his commission September 7, 1815.
Returning to Baltimore, he entered the book office
of James Kennedy as partner, and remained there
until after his marriage. On May 9, 1816, he was
married in Baltimore, Md., by Rev. James Inglis,
D. D. , to Miss Martha Wray, daughter of John
and Mary Wray, of that city. Mr. Wray came
from Ireland to this country soon after the Revolu
tionary war, settling in Carlisle, Cumberland Co. ,
Penn. , where he became an active citizen, being
identified with the business and political interests
of the community. He was married to Mary,
daughter of John Robinson, of Chester county,
Penn. Their family consisted of three children,
viz., Thomas R., John and Martha, the wife of
Mr. Grayson. Mr. Wray, the father, died in Bal
timore, June, 1819, aged sixty-nine years, and Mrs.
Wray, having spent a long and useful Christian life,
died peacefully in the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Grayson, Washington, Penn., at the advanced age
of ninety-five. In the year 1817, Mr. Grayson
purchased in Philadelphia a plant for the establish
ment of a newspaper. Traveling by stage, he
proceeded to Washington, Penn., and issued the
first number of The Examiner on May 28, 1817,
of which he was sole proprietor and editor until
1833, when he took into partnership William Jack.
This partnership continued several years, when Mr.
Jack retiring, his son Thomas W. became his
partner, Mr. Grayson, senior, retiring in 1840.
Thomas W. Grayson, the eldest son, was born in
Baltimore, Md., and brought by his parents, an
infant, when they permanently removed to Wash
ington. After his father retired from the editor
ship, he continued connected with The Examiner
until May, 1861, when he removed to Meadville,

102

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Penn., there becoming proprietor and editor of
The Crawford County Democrat, and continued to
edit it for more than twenty years, when he retired
on account of ill health. Thomas W. Grayson
was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Green,
daughter of Mr. A. Green, of Washington, D. C.
Their family consisted of four daughters and one
son: Miss Annie, now a resident of Washington,
Penn. ; Mrs. Mary W. Richmond, wife of A. G.
Richmond, Esq., of Meadville, Penn.; Mrs.
Martha Ayres, wife of Samuel Ay res, M. D., of
Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Lucy M. (deceased), and
Thomas Wray, a resident of Washington, Penn.
Mr. T. W. Grayson died in Meadville, Penn., May
20, 1876, and Mrs. Grayson in Washington, Penn.,
in February, 1892.
The remaining portion of Mr. and Mrs. John
Grayson's family consisted of four sons and two
daughters. Of these a son, Stephen, and daughter,
Mary J. , died in infancy. John Grayson, Esq. ,
at present a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., until
within a few years a prominent and useful citizen
of Washington, was married to Miss Sarah Ellen
Scott, daughter of Mr. George Scott, of Pittsburgh.
Their children: Mary, Lizzie, Eleanor, John, John
T. , William, and Eugene deceased. Anna Moore,
residing with her parents; Sarah E., wife of Mr.
Douglas Buchanan, Pittsburgh, Penn., and Harry
S., of the same city.
William Grayson, son of Judge Grayson, gradu
ated at Washington College, studied law with John
L. Gow, Esq., was admitted to the bar. He was a
young man of fine, scholarly attainments, a close
student with bright hopes before him, but died just
entering upon a professional life, lamented by all
who knew him.
Miss Martha, the only remaining daughter, is a
graduate of the Washington Female Seminary, and
during the principalship of Mrs. Hanna was an in
structress in that institution. Being a member of
the Presbyterian Church, she is much interested
in the missionary efforts of that body. Miss Gray
son resides at and dispenses the hospitalities of the
homestead. Dr. Wray Grayson resides in his na
tive place. At an early age he entered Washing
ton College, and graduated in the class of 1846.
Soon after he commenced reading medicine, finish
ing his studies, and receiving his degree at the
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1853.
With the exception of ten years, when engaged in
hospital practice, Dr. Grayson' s entire professional
life has been spent in his native place. In 1877
the Doctor was married to Miss Margaret Hazlett,
daughter of Mr. Samuel Hazlett (banker), of
Washington, Penn. He is a member of the
" American Medical Association," " The Pennsyl
vania State Medical Society," and the " Washing-
tun County Medical Society."
Judge John Grayson's ancestry were adherents

to the Evangelical Church; and for many years he
was a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
Washington, Penn. Reference has already been
¦made to his faithful services during the war of
1812. Id after life he was appointed and elected
to the following official positions: Register of
wills by Governor Wolf in 1830; re- appointed by
same in 1833. Appointed, by Governor Porter,
prothonotary of Washington county, and in 1839
was elected to same office. In March, 1843, he was
appointed associate judge of the courts of Wash
ington county, by Governor Porter; in 1853 was
appointed, by President Pierce, pension agent; in
1857 was appointed to same by President Buchanan,
and continued performing the duties of that office
in Pittsburgh, Penn., until August, 1861. Al
though a large portion of Mr. Grayson's life was
occupied with the public duties mentioned, he
nevertheless took a deep interest in matters per
taining to the moral and educational improvement
of the community in which he lived. He was the
fast friend of educational institutions, and in con
nection with other venerated and spirited citizens,'
assisted in establishing the Ladies' Seminary of
Washington, Penn., performing the duties of
treasurer of the board of trustees for more than
thirty years, when advancing age compelled him to
resign — yet, as a trustee and stockholder, he con
tinued to take a deep interest in the institution.
Mr. Grayson retained in a remarkable degree his
mental vigor, and was interested in everything
pertaining to the public welfare almost to the hour
of his death, which event occurred March 11, 1871,
with the full assurance of a blessed immortality,
his last words being: " Passing, passing, entering
through. Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful with God
in Christ through all eternity."
Mrs. Grayson died April 20, 1865, at the age of
seventy-five, leaving the cherished record of a use
ful life; loving and affectionate in her home, at
the same time reaching forth with sympathetic
heart and generous hand to others. Her memory
is revered by all who knew her.

OBERT HAZLETT, head of the Hazlett
family of Washington, Penn., with his
wife, Mary Colwell Hazlett, came to Amer
ica from Coleraine, Ireland, about the close
of the Revolutionary war. They settled in
Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., where their chil
dren, Hugh, Isaac, John and Jane, were born. In
1793 they concluded to change their residence for
a home in the South (Kentucky), but upon arriving
at Washington over the road then traveled from
Red Stone Fort, they were detained on account of
a severe storm. The impression made by this
brief detention was so favorable that they con
cluded to locate in the then small village of Wash

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

103

ington, where he commenced business as a dry-
goods merchant. Being successful he purchased
property in the central part of the town, where his
sons — Robert and Samuel — and daughters — Mar
garet and Mary — were born. (This spot has been in
possession of the Hazlett family about one hundred
years, part of the third generation being its occu
pants at present). Of Robert Hazlett's ancestry
in Ireland we know but little personally. His
parents being interested in the highest welfare of
the family, Robert' was sent to Edinburgh (Scot
land), to be educated for a clergyman in the Es
tablished Church (Episcopal), but that not being
his desire, he left before taking orders. His
brother, it is thought, was also at the same univer
sity, and, being more devout in the faith, became a
minister in the Anglican Church, and afterward
was ordained bishop. Mary Colwell Hazlett, as
nearly as we can trace history, was of Huguenot
descent (the family name being Reanie). The an
cestors escaped from France to England, and went
from there to the North of Ireland, after the
"Edict of Nantes" had been revoked, as there was
"no safety for Protestants but in flight from their
native land. ' ' Mary (wife of Robert Hazlett) was
remarkable for her personal beauty, and great
force of character. During her residence in Car
lisle she became very ardently attached to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. With a heart con
secrated to the service of Christ, her enthusiastic
nature and integrity of purpose were wonderfully
developed by Divine influence. She was not only
a wise counselor, judicious mother, in her own
home, but a tower of strength in the Church of
her choice. Upon arriving at Washington, not
finding a Methodist minister, such was her love
for the Master, she would ride several miles to
Chartiers Presbyterian Church to hear a sermon
(Dr. McMillan being the pastor). But her zeal
urged her to work for her own denomination. Col
lecting the few members she could find, she formed
a class, and in a short time a Methodist minister
(Rev. Furlong) held service in an upper room in a
building used as a market house; afterward in the
court house, where seats were provided for women
only, men being obliged to stand. This continued
until 1801, when, through the kindness of David
Hoge, a lot was donated at the corner of Franklin
and Chestnut streets, where a log church was
speedily built, in which the small congregation
statedly worshiped, increasing in numbers and re
ligious interest until 1816, when, through the in
fluence of Mary Hazlett and family, a new brick
church was erected on Franklin street (now occu
pied by Hays & Wilson as a carriage factory).
As long as health permitted, she was a devout
worshiper in that church, and when strength
failed, had a religious meeting weekly at her own
home, until removed in 1844 to the " City whose

Maker and Builder is God." Her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren refer to her memory with
gratitude and gladness of heart on account of her
many noble, womanly traits, for surely " Her
works praise her in the gates." — Prov. xxxi: 31.
The sons (of Robert and Mary Colwell Hazlett),
Hugh, Isaac and Robert, left their native State
(Pennsylvania) when quite young and located in
Ohio. Hugh married Miss Mary McFadden; had
three sons, Robert, Thomas, and Hugh; also three
daughters, Mary, Eliza and Margaret. Second
son (Isaac) married Miss Matilda Calhoun; their
sons (three in number) were Robert, Samuel and
Theodore; daughters, Mary Frances and Matilda,
the latter being the only surviving member.
Third son (John Hazlett) died of fever in early
manhood, unmarried. Fourth son (Robert) mar
ried Miss Lucy Reed, of Putnam, Ohio; had four
sons, William, John, George and Charles. The
latter, Charles E. Hazlett, was educated at West
Point, and yielded up his life to his country's
cause on the battle field of Gettysburg (July 2,
1863), while in command of a battery of rifled can
non of the Fifth Artillery. His superior officer,
Gen. Weed, being mortally wounded, Lieut. Haz
lett, while bending over to hear his dying words,
received his death wound. He is referred to, and
spoken of in history, as the gallant young Lieut.
Hazlett. The daughters of Robert and Lucy
Reed Hazlett were Mary, Elizabeth, Lucy and Mar
garet. *Jane Hazlett, eldest daughter of Robert
and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was married to Dr.
James Wishart, brother of late Dr. John Wishart,
well and favorably known in Washington and vi
cinity. Two children survived their parents, Rob
ert and Mary. Second daughter (Mary Hazlett)
was married to James Acheson Cummins, then a
resident of Washington, Penn., and afterward re
moved to the vicinity of Wheeling, W. Va. Their
sons were Robert, James, and Thomas; daughters,
Mary, Elizabeth, and Margaret. Eldest son, Dr.
Robert Cummins, became eminent in his profes
sion in his native city (Wheeling). Honored and
beloved, he was removed by death in the midst of
his useful career. Dr. James Cummins also prac
ticed medicine in the same city. The care of the
homestead devolved upon Thomas, who never
married; Elizabeth and Margaret Cummins are
the only members now surviving. Margaret,
youngest daughter of Robert and Mary Colwell
Hazlett, was married to Michael Johns, and died
in a few short years, leaving one little daughter,
Mary. Samuel Hazlett married Miss Sarah Johns,
eldest daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth
Shryock Johns, whose home in earlier days was at
Chambersburg, Penn. Sons of the latter, six in
number, were William, Michael, Lewellyn, Edwin,
Alfred and Thomas; eldest son, Dr. William Johns,
was a physician of note in Erie, Penn. Dr. Alfred

104

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Johns died shortly after commencing the practice
of medicine at Norfolk, Va. There are, at this date,
but two living members of the family, Elizabeth and
Hester Ann (Mrs. Day), of Canonsburg, Penn.
Thomas Johns was of Quaker descent, his family be
ing originally from Wales. The family of Samuel
and Sarah Johns Hazlett, consisted of four sons and
seven daughters. Thomas, the eldest, an intelli
gent, promising son, died of pulmonary disease in
his early manhood. Robert studied medicine with
his cousin, the late Dr. Robert H. Cummins; lo
cated in Wheeling and became a very successful
practitioner; married Miss Mary E. Hobbs, of Bos
ton, Mass. ; has four living sons, Howard, Samuel,
Edward and Robert, active, energetic young busi
ness men, interested in progress of Church and
State, Katharine being the only daughter. Third
son, Samuel, married Miss Lucy Woodhull, of
Bangor, Me.; have three living children: Helen,
eldest and only daughter; Charles R., engaged in
commission business, Kansas City, Mo. ; Samuel,
younger son, being associated with his father in a
banking house. The latter being very much in
terested in the Church of his grandparent, has
has been instrumental in the organization and
completion of Jefferson Avenue Methodist Episco
pal Church, lately erected in Washington, Penn.
Homer, youngest son of Samuel and Sarah Johns
Hazlett, died in infancy, as did also Mary, Eliza
beth, Matilda and Anna Augusta. The two living
daughters are Margaret (wife of Dr. Wrrfy Gray
son, Washington, Penn:); Mary (Mrs. Joseph H.
Brown, Pittsburgh, Penn.). Latter had one child,
Maddie H. Brown, an unusually bright and lovely
daughter, who was removed from earth to Heaven
at the early age of fourteen. Sarah Hazlett, the
late Mrs. S. B. Vowell, was taken away in the
prime of her useful life, loving and beloved. Her
husband and three children survive her: Samuel,
Sarah (Mrs. Edwin F. Brown, in Chicago, 111.)
and Mary. Samuel Hazlett, youngest son of Rob
ert and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was born in 1798,
upon the spot where he continued to transact busi
ness and reside during the greater part of his use
ful life. When about fifteen years of age, his
father died, leaving the widowed mother in Sam
uel's care, who devoted himself to her interests
with tender love and watchfulness during her en
tire life; received such an education as the
times afforded; at an early age engaged in mer
cantile business, which he continued until 1837,
when he became interested in banking business.
Being public spirited, always looking at the pros
perity of his native town, he from time to time en
gaged in other pursuits that promised the welfare
of Washington. At one time he conducted a manu
factory of woolen goods, finding ready sale for the
same, not only in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but ex
tending to a considerable distance west. The

large flouring mill (now in possession of Zelt Bros.)
was also built through the capital and enterprise
of Samuel Hazlett. He was also the pioneer
banker of Washington county. Banking facilities
at that time were so limited that business men had
to depend for accommodations upon Pittsburgh,
Wheeling and Brownsville. Moneyed transactions,
therefore, were not and could not be conducted as
now, in this section. State banks were in a very
uncertain condition; counterfeiters of coin and
paper money carried on their trade almost unre
strained, and many things contributed to make
private banking a business of great risk. Not
withstanding all difficulties, knowing the advan
tage to the public, and being encouraged by friends
in the idea of establishing a " banking house,"
Samuel Hazlett opened an office in Washington,
in 1837, and continued in the same during the re
mainder of his life. In his career as a banker, he
confined himself to what he considered a legiti
mate banking business. Holding that it was not
right to place in jeopardy the moneys of depos
itors, he never engaged in stock, or other specu
lations of like nature. The " Banking House "
of Samuel Hazlett was a constant success. At the
time of the death of its founder (1863) it stood
" first class," not only in this country, but abroad.
Samuel and Sarah Johns Hazlett were devoted mem
bers of the M. E. Church, showing their devotion
to its best interests at home, and in distant mis
sionary fields, by liberal contributions to itB sup
port — thus proving their faith by their works;
and their family bear in their heart of hearts the
remembrance of their unbounded affection, the
religious principles inculcated in the home train
ing, their sense of justice and correct judgment
which gave direction and guidance to all with
whom they were connected. Those that " knew
them best, loved them most."

fl( B. CALDWELL. Washington county has
f/\\ possessed many prominent citizens; but
Ip4\ in all their number can be found no one
Jj -* more truly representative, more widely
and actively awake to the interests of the
community at large than waB the subject of this
sketch. A self-made man in its truest and broad
est sense, by his own energy and untiring efforts
A. B. Caldwell, rose from the humble ranks of a
poor farm boy, to the proud distinction of being
one of the most universally respected and influen
tial merchant citizens of Washington county.
The Caldwell family are descended from Scotch-
Irish ancestry, who were among the pioneer settlers
of Pennsylvania. The first of the family to settle
in Washington county was Samuel Caldwell
(grandfather of subject), who made his cabin home
with the then scattered settlers of Buffalo town-

v ¦ ..

'^s$-/Q <&,

Washington county.

107

ship. Here, surrounded by the dangers of those
early days, enduring the privations which none
but a pioneer can know, his children were born.
Of them James Caldwell (father of subject) was
born in 1797. Upon reaching manhood he married
Miss Esther McCracken, daughter of a neighbor
ing pioneer. The young couple made their home
in their native township, and began tilling the soil;
but some years later, in connection with farming,
he opened and kept, on the "Old West Pike," the
" Caldwell Inn," within whose hospitable walls so
many travelers have found food and shelter. . The
original inn, like its builders, has passed away,
but in its place stands another hostelry, built on
the same plan, in 1883, by the subject of this
sketch. James and Esther Caldwell were the par
ents of the following named children: Samuel,
who died in Missouri; John, who died in Illinois;
Joseph, William, A. B. and Esther, who resided
in Washington county, and of whom only Esther is
now (1893) living. The father of this family died
in 1839, aged forty-two years, the mother in 1875,
at the -age of seventy five.
A. B. Caldwell was born in 1828. He was but
eleven years of age when his father died, thus
throwing upon the mother the entire care and re
sponsibility of the family, and necessitating that
the children should early participate in the real
battle of life, and contribute to their own support.
A woman of sterling character herself, Mrs. Cald
well labored earnestly to keep her family together,
and impress them with the principles of the strict
est honesty. Ever entertaining for his mother the
greatest reverence and affection, her son readily
imbibed her teachings, that did much to mold his
after life. At the age of sixteen he went to Clays
ville, Washington county, where he clerked for a
time, and then formed a partnership with a Mr.
Stillwagen, to conduct a general dry-goods busi
ness, the firm being known as Caldwell & Still
wagen. This partnership continued for three
years, when, selling the interest to his partner, in
January, 1852, Mr. Caldwell came to Washington,
and took charge of William Smith's dry-goods
store, where as manager he remained twelve years.
In 1858 Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Lonkert, a member of a most highly
respected and prominent pioneer family of Wash
ington, and of this union children have been born
as follows: Minnie, George, Essie, Charles and
Kate. In 1865 he began business for himself in
the room now occupied by Brown's dry-goods
store. Under his efficient management his business
steadily increased, and in 1873 he erected in Main
street, opposite the courthouse, one of the finest
blocks in Washington, which he immediately
stocked with an extensive line of dry goods, car
pets, clothing and merchant tailoring supplies.
His business soon became the most extensive in the

place, and his annual receipts averaged from $125-
000 to $140,000. At the time of his death, which
occurred October 27, 1892, he was the only citizen
in Washington paying a license of over $100 a
year, for general business. But, extensive as was
his business interests in the line enumerated, his
entire time was by no means absorbed, and he al
ways found opportunity and disposition to take an
active part in every enterprise tending to the
material improvement or advancement of the social
and business interests of his town and county.
The bare probability that beneath the fertile
fields of Washington county lay stores of buried
wealth in the shape of oil and gas, was sufficient
to arouse to activity in Mr. Caldwell his innate
spirit of leadership, and he became the pioneer in
these industries, which have in their development
so largely contributed to the prosperity of western
Pennsylvania. He drilled quite extensively for oil,
and ten producing wells in Buffalo township re
paid his enterprise and investment. In 1891 he
organized The Leader Refining Company, of which
he was the owner, and built on the B. & O. R. R. ,
seven miles west of Washington, a refinery with a
capacity of 400 barrels per day. At the organiza
tion of the People's Light & Heat Company — a
corporation which supplies the boroughs of Wash
ington with those two essentials — he became the
principal stockholder, and was elected its presi
dent, a position he held during the rest of his life.
At the time of his death he was a director of the
Washington County Fire Insurance Company.
Mr. Caldwell was a man of wonderful push,
pluck and perseverance, and it may be truly said
that no man did more to advance the interests of
Washington than did he. And these very quali
ties, which contributed so largely to the advantage
of the community at large, brought to him his own
almost unparalleled success, and made him one of
the wealthiest men of Washington county. One
of his especially distinguishing characteristics was
his love of home. His wife and children were to
him the dearest objects in life, add his happiest
moments were those spent by his own fireside sur
rounded by his loved ones. His residence on East
Wheeling street, Washington, one of the hand
somest in the borough, improved and beautified to
the highest degree, and surrounded by its broad
and well-kept lawn, bespeaks the refined and cult
ured taste of the once owner. An ardent lover
of nature, passionately fond of flowers, Mr. Cald
well found great comfort in the study of these
"angels of the grass," and owned the largest pri
vate conservatory in western Pennsylvania. Gifted
with an inquiring mind, he loved to investigate the
mysteries of nature, of life and death. Sur
rounded by the conflict of creeds and theories, in
the twilight of uncertainty he set his face toward
the light and sought for Truth, and firmly stood

108

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

by and fearlessly proclaimed the result of his in
vestigation. While many of his friends and neigh
bors differed from him in religious opinions ad
vanced, not one was found to question the sterling
honesty of the advocate. Possessing a nature
sympathetic, generous and just, he was moved by
the sufferings or misfortunes of his fellow-man; the
open hand of deserving charity found him ever a
willing giver, and he was just to render unto every
man bis due. While interested in all questions of
government and State, and a stanch Democrat in
sentiment, yet he preferred the quiet of home life
as a private citizen, to the turmoil of political
struggles. ,
On October 27, 1892, after weeks of wasting ill
ness, Mr. Caldwell passed from earth, and his re
mains now rest on the hillside in the beautiful
Washington cemetery, which overlooks the town
where most of his busy life was spent. Years and
generations yet to be will feel the influence of the
life of A. B. Caldwell.

, R. E. F. DODD. Among the many influ
ential and enterprising families of Wash
ington county, the name of Dodd stands
among the oldest and most esteemed of the
early pioneer settlers, and of that honored name
our subject is a worthy representative.
Daniel Dodd (1) was born in England, and in
1642 immigrated to America, locating in Branford,
Conn., where his son Stephen^l) was born. The
latter married in Connecticut, and reared a family
of whom a son Daniel (2) also married and passed
his life in that State. Of Daniel's (2) sons are
recorded the names of Stephen (2), Daniel and
John. Stephen Dodd (2) was born April 15,1703,
in Guilford, Conn., and in early life moved to
New Jersey, first locating in Newark, and finally
settling in Mendham, same State. Of his chil
dren, two sons — Thaddeus and Daniel — became
pioneer settlers of Washington county, Penn.
Thaddeus Dodd was born March 7, 1740, in
Newark, N. J. 'His parents were "poor in worldly
goods, but rich in faith," and his boyhood was
passed under the influence of the most devout
Christians, and in the midst of religious revivals.
In early youth he evinced a strong inclination for
study, and passed much of his time in delving into
the mysteries of mathematics (in which he espe
cially excelled) and the ancient languages. On
July 18, 1764, he was converted during the prog
ress of a great revival,' and this important event
molded and directed his future life, which was to
be so full of service for the Master. He entered
Princeton College in his thirty-first year, and
graduated in the autumn of 1773. The following
is quoted from the sketch given at the centennial
celebration of the Ten-Mile Churches, August 28,
1879, by Rev. James Allison, D. D. :

Soon after graduation he went to Newark, N. J.,
where he married Miss Phcebe Baldwin, and entered upon
the study of theology, under the direction of Rev. Dr.
McWhorter. One year later he removed to Morristown,
N. J., and continued the same line of study under Rev.
Dr. Johns, who had been his first instructor in Latin. He
was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of
New York, but there is no existing record of the date at
which this took place. Through the winter of 1776-77,
he suffered from a severe attack of inflammatory rheu
matism; but in the month of March, though still feeble,
he started upon a journey to the West. After preaching
in parts of Virginia and Maryland, he crossed the mount
ains, visited the settlements on George's creek, Muddy
creek and Dunlap's creek, and then came to Ten-Mile.
He remained here until August, preaching in private
houses, in the woods, and in Lindley's and Bell's forts.
After his return to the East he was ordained by the Pres
bytery of New York as an evangelist, on some day of the
week preceding Sabbath, October 19, 1777, as there is a
record of baptisms by him on that Sabbath, in which it is
said that this was the first Sabbath after his ordination.
Shortly after this he left New Jersey with his wife and
daughter (three years old), and a son still younger, ac
companied by two brothers and their families. On the
10th of November they arrived at Patterson's creek,
Hampshire Co., Va., and after hearing of the formidable
attack which had been made by the Indians upon Wheel
ing, and the consequent alarm and confusion prevailing
in all the frontier settlements, it was thought best not to
proceed any farther at that time. But in a few days he
crossed the mountains alone, came to Ten-Mile, preached
in the forts, and baptized the children. In a short time
he returned to his family, and it is not known that he vis
ited this place again until he brought his family and
settled down permanently in the fall of 1779 — one hun
dred years ago. In the interval he had not been idle,
but had been busily engaged in preaching the Gospel in
the adjacent parts of Virginia and Maryland, where no
churches seem to have been then organized, at least there
were no church buildings, as all the services were held
at private houses or in the woods. He was entreated to
remain, and inducements apparently stronger than any
beld out by Ten-Mile were brought to bear upon him,
but he had given his pledge to the people here — his heart
was here — and hither he came in September, 1779.
In personal appearance Thaddeus Dodd is thus
described: "A pale, slender youth with jet-black
hair, dark, piercing eyes, and a countenance highly
expressive of mental power and activity." After
coming to Washington county, Mr. Dodd first re
sided near the Lindleys, in what is now Morris
township, and on November 22, 1786, he took a
patent for 400 acres of land in Arnweli township,
called "Fame" (which was situated on the middle
fork of Ten-Mile creek), and there made his per
manent home. To Thaddeus and Phcebe (Bald
win) Dodd were born two sons and three daughters:
Cephas, Stephen, Hannah, Sarah and Mary. The
Rev. Thaddeus Dodd was an exceptionally cultured
and scholarly man. His early years of prepara
tion and association with the moBt cultivated minds
of the day, combined with his natural gifts and
experience as a teacher, especially fitted him for
his brilliant and useful career as a leading edu
cator and minister of the Gospel. Always a student
he was familiar with the languages, and excelled in
the natural sciences and mathematics. Deeply

Washington County.

109

realizing the need of a broader education for young
men in the West, Dr. Dodd opened a classical and
mathematical school in 1782, especially designed
to prepare young men for the ministry. This
school continued three years and a half. In 1789
he became principal of an academy at Washing
ton, Penn. , which position he filled fifteen months.
On August 15, 1871, the first Presbyterian Church
was organized, and in 1785 the first church build
ing was erected, but just as the Society was be
ginning to grow, and success was crowning his
efforts, the heroic minister yielded to the disease
(consumption) that had so long been weakening
his system, and on May 20, 1793, passed to his re
ward. His funeral sermon was preached from
Revelations xiv: 13, by Rev. Dr. McMillan, his as
sociate pioneer minister of Washington county,
and he was followed to the grave by a grateful
and sorrowing people, for a " Prince in Israel had
fallen." Cephas Dodd was born October 12, 1789, on his
father's farm in Amwell township, Washington
Co. , Penn. , and studied at home during his earlier
years, receiving his later education at Canonsburg,
where he early evinced the ability which distin
guished his later life. While a student he spent
his leisure time in the study of medicine, and at
the time of his graduation had so thorough a
knowledge of the science, that he was often con
sulted professionally. After leaving college, he
entered the ministry, in which he zealously labored
many years, but when his skill as a physician be
came known, his services were so often needed that he
continued to practice both professions till his death.
He preached his last sermon and visited a distant
patient two days before yielding to his last sick
ness. He practiced both in Greene and Washing
ton counties. In 1805 Cephas Dodd was united
in marriage with Ruth Flenniken, of Greene county,
Penn., and the young people immediately settled
in Amwell township, this county, where the follow
ing children were born: Jane (Mrs. Dr. Simon
Strouss), Sarah (Mrs. John McFarland), Thad
deus, Cornelia, Eliza, Hannah, James, Cephas and
Elias F. In reference to the personal qualities
of Cephas Dodd, we quote the following from the
address of Rev. Allison: "This son (Cephas) is
said to have possessed a clear and strong mind,
enriched by manly culture and varied learning;
remarkable gentleness and amiability of temper;
great practical wisdom; a tranquil and steady
piety; high devotion and loyalty as a friend; in
short, a combination of qualities, a character com
plete, harmonious and symmetriaal in an unusual
degree." Concerning his work as a pastor, Rev.
Allison says: "He was the second successor of his
honored father, and was installed as pastor of the
Ten-Mile congregations in Amity, with, as Dr.
Wines declares, ' the open canopy of heaven for a

temple, the snow for a carpet, and the wind whis
tling through the leafless branches of the trees as
an accompaniment to the solemn music, as it
pealed forth from a choir of hundreds of voices. ' "
In politics Cephas Dodd was an adherent of the
Whig party. He died January 16, 1858.
Dr. Elias F. Dodd, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born December 1, 1823, in Amwell
township, Washington Co., Penn. , and passed his
youth on the home farm until the year 1841, then
he entered Washington College, from which he
was graduated in 1848. After his graduation he
at once began the study of medicine, commencing
to practice in 1853, and has since followed the
profession, being now regarded as one of the lead
ing physicians of the county. On May 12, 1853,
he was married to Margaret, daughter of Eli Brad
ford, of Greene county, Penn., and immediately
afterward settled in Franklin township, this
county. In 1867 he moved to his present resi
dence. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd have had a family of
four children: Cephas T., Lillie J. (deceased in
infancy), Elias F. (also deceased in infancy), and
Samuel B. (on the home farm). Of these Samuel
B. married Mary C, daughter of David Clark, of
Buffalo township, and two children have been born
to them: Lizzie and William; Samuel B. was a
school director. Dr. Elias F. Dodd has always
been a leading member of the Whig and Repub
lican parties, and for the past two years has been
a justice of the peace.
Dr. Cephas T. Dodd was born April 24, 1854,
on the home farm in Franklin township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., and received his general education
at Washington and Jefferson College. He secured
his medical training at Cleveland Medical College,
from which he was graduated in March, 1881, and
he then immediately began practice as a physician.
On June 30, 1881, he was united in marriage with
Ella C, daughter of James W. Patterson, and two
sons have come to cheer their home: John A.,
born September 7, 1882, and Frank C. , born July
23, 1888. In politics Dr. Cephas T. Dodd is a
Republican. In 1877 he was clerk in the treasury
office at Washington, and traveled for four months
over the county under Col. A. L. Hawkins, county
treasurer, collecting taxes; in 1879 he was chief
clerk in the county treasurer's office under S. C.
McGregor, county treasurer.

JAMES W. PATTERSON, in his day a lead
ing citizen of Franklin township, was born
May 1, 1815, in Washington county, Penn.
He attended the subscription schools of the
home neighborhood, and early evinced an
unusual aptitude for business. He began life with
but little financial aid, and November 1, 1836, was
married to Caroline Van Kirk, who was born

110

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

July 1, 1817. Some time after their marriage the
young couple moved to Athens county, Ohio, where
they lived two years, and then came to Franklin
township, Washington county, where he purchased
an improved farm, upon which he erected fine
buildings, and was extensively engaged in agricult
ural pursuits, becoming a very prosperous busi
ness man, and dealing in stock and wool. Mrs.
Patterson died March 11, 1862, leaving a family
of eleven daughters, namely: Parmelia, wife of
John N. Andrews; Mahala A., deceased; Sarah,
wife of Hiram McClain; Evaline, married to Oliver
L. Hart; Minerva, deceased wife of C. M. Minton;
Mary P., wife of Joseph Hunter; Miranda V.,
married to B. C. Lindley; Emma, deceased; Ella
0., wife of DF. TXeplia8~T7Dodd; Caroline L., wife
of Joseph M. Clark, and Martha A., married to
Clarence Manon. For his second wife Mr. Patter
son was married, on August 15, 1865, to Mrs. Ann
Elliott, who died October 20, 1885, having been
preceded to the grave by her husband, May 24,
1884. Mr. Patterson was a member of the Demo
cratic party. He was actively interested in relig
ious matters, and contributed liberally to the sup
port of the Master's cause; he was an elder of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the time of
his death.

JAMES Q. McGIFFIN. Nathaniel McGiffin,
great-grandfather of this gentleman, was a
native of Scotland, from whence he removed
to Ireland in his youth, with his father's
family. He came to America prior to the Revolu
tionary war, entered the Continental army, in
which he served, participating in the battles of
Brandywine and Trenton, and experiencing the
memorable winter of Valley Forge. He served for
a time under Gen. La Fayette and received an
honorable discharge at the end of the war, signed
by Gen. Washington. By occupation he was a
farmer, and about the year 1781 he made a settle
ment on Ten Mile creek, Amwell township, this
county, where he died. He had two children,
viz. : one daughter, Elizabeth, married to Jacob
_Caakj_ a farmer, who died in Texas.
His only son, Thomas, was born in Amwell
township, in this county, January 1, 1784, and re
ceived his education at Canonsburg Academy,
studied law with Parker Campbell, Esq., and was
admitted to the bar of Washington county, in
February, 1807. He commenced practice at Viti-
cennes, Ind., and was also admitted at St. Louis,
to practice in the then Territory of Louisiana.
In 1809 he returned to Washington county, and
during the remainder of his life continued in prac
tice in the chief borough and in adjoining counties,
a portion of the time in partnership with John L.
Gow, Sr. At the same time he carried on his

farm in Amwell township, which he stocked with
thoroughbred cattle from Henry Clay's farm in
Kentucky. He enjoyed the friendship of Mr.
Clay, with whom he interchanged letters expres
sive of mutual esteem and confidence. He was
interested in politics, and in 1836 represented the
county in the Legislature. Thomas McGiffin was
one of the contractors who built the Cumberland
road, also known as the "National Road," and had
large contracts in Washington and Fayette
counties, Penn., and in Virginia; associated with
him in the enterprise were Maj. John H. Ewing,
Judge Baird and others. He was married to
Maria Norton, a native of Connecticut. To Thomas
and Maria (Norton) McGiffin were born children
as follows: Nathaniel (deceased), who was a mer
chant in Knox county, Ohio; Thomas, Jr. (de
ceased in 1890, at the age of seventy years), was
an attorney in Washington, Penn., having been
admitted to the bar in 1841 (in 1865 he removed
to Fairfield, Iowa, where he carried on farming);
George Wallace (died in Washington, Penn.,
when young); Philo Norton (died in boyhood);
Norton, the father of the subject of this sketch;
Maria, married to Thomas Boyd, died in Connells
ville, Penn.; Julia, married to Rev. William Ham
ilton, for years a missionary among the Indians,
is deceased ; Margaret, married to Rev. W. B. Mc
llvaine, formerly of East End, Pittsburgh, late of
Peoria, 111. (deceased), died at the latter place in
February, 1891 ; Ann, unmarried, lives in Peoria.
The father of this family was an able lawyer, a
genial wholesouled man, and enjoyed the esteem
of a wide circle of friends.
Norton McGiffin, son of Thomas, Sr. , was born
January 23, 1824, in Washington, Washington Co.,
Penn., and received his primary education at the
public schools of the borough, after which he at
tended Washington College, from which he grad
uated in 1841. Subsequently, for a period of two
years, he read law with Nathaniel Ewing, Esq., at
Uniontown, Penn., and then, the Mexican war
having broken out, he enlisted in the First Regi
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company K (this
company was known as the "Du Quesne Greys"),
at Pittsburgh, and served throughout the entire
struggle, participating in the siege of Pueblo, the
storming of the Castle of Chapultepec, City of
Mexico and Vera Cruz. His company was sur
rounded in the streets of Pueblo, and the greater
part of it was cut to pieces, but he escaped serious
injury. At the close of this war he was commis
sioned colonel by the governor of Pennsylvania.
On his return to .the pursuits of peace he was
elected treasurer of Washington county, serving
from 1849 to 1852, after which he farmed until he
was elected sheriff, an incumbency he filled from
1859 to 1861. In response to President Lincoln's
call for 75,000 volunteers in the war of the Rebel-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Ill

lion, he led the first company that left Washing
ton for the front, known as the " Washington In-
vincibles." This company left Washington April
20, 1861, and in Pittsburgh was incorporated as
Company E, in the Twelfth P. V. I. , upon the or
ganization of which Norton McGiffin was elected
lieutenant colonel. At the close of the three
months' service Col. McGiffin was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel of the Eighty-fifth P. V. I.,
Col. J. B. Howell, under Gen. McClellan, serving
in the Peninsular campaign, during which he was
stricken with disease from which he still suffers.
Being disabled, he resigned his commission and
returned to Washington, a mere shadow of his
former self. About the close of the war he went
to Ohio county, W. Va., where he resided until
1870, then returned to Washington county. In
1880 he was elected to the House of Representa
tives, serving until 1882, in which year he re
moved to Ida Grove, Ida Co., Iowa, where he
engaged in farming. In 1886 he proceeded to
Fair Haven, Cayuga Co., N. Y.,and in 1890 was
appointed U. S. Consul at Port Rowan, on Lake
Erie, Ontario (Canada), with headquarters at Sim-
coe, a few miles further north. On March 13,
1892, he was appointed U. S. Consul at Port Hope,
Canada, where he now resides. In 1853 he was
married to Miss Sarah Houston, daughter of James
Quail, one of the early settlers of North Strabane
township, having come about the year 1816; of
his children, William lives near Topeka. Kans.:
. Alexander in Ida Grove, Iowa, and a daughter
(Mrs. George F. McCombs) in Allegheny, Penn. To
Col. and Mrs. McGiffin were born six children, five
of whom are yet living, viz. : Sallie Quail, widow
of G. W. Henshaw, of Virginia; Thomas, living
at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; James Quail, sub
ject proper of these lines; Philo Norton, superin
tendent of the "Imperial Chinese Naval College"
at We Hai Wei, China (he is a graduate of the
U. S. Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Md., and for
a time was in the U. S. Navy); and Nathaniel, at
present a student at Hamilton College, New York.
James Quail McGiffin was born September 21,
1856, in Amwell township, this county, at the
common schools of which place he received his
primary education. Afterward he entered Wash
ington and Jefferson College, but while in the
sophomore year he left for California, where he
remained four years. On his return to Wash
ington, in 1878, he read law with John W. Donnan,
Esq.. and was admitted to the bar of Washington
county, January 9. 1882. In the spring of the
same year he moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where he
remained, engaged in the practice of law till March
1891, when he returned to Washington and re
sumed the practice of his profession. In Decem
ber, 1884, Mr. McGiffin was married to Miss Carrie,
daughter of Noble Ruggles, of Manchester. Iowa,

and two children have come to brighten their home :
Norton and Helen Elizabeth. Politically our sub
ject is a Republican.

TlAMESK. MITCHELL, one of the representa-
> I tive business citizens of Washington, and a
vlj typical self-made man, is a native of Mis-
" — souri, born in Pike county August 15, 1853.
His grandfather, Alexander Mitchell, in an early
day made a settlement, in company with his
brother Andrew, at Short Creek, W. Va.. on a
farm. Alexander married a Miss Jacobs, a native
of near Wellsburg, that State, and children as fol
lows were born to them: Isaac, who died in St.
Louis, Mo. (one of his sons, John, is clerk of the
county courts at Wheeling, W. Va. ;two other sons
— Zachariah, an attorney, and Samuel, a merchant —
live in St. Louis, Mo.); Samuel, who died in
Wheeling, W. Va. ; Jane, who died December 9,
1892, and Zachariah, the father of James K.
Zachariah Mitchell was born in 1816, in West
Virginia, where he was reared to agricultural pur
suits, which he followed for some time; later he
became a contractor in Texas, where he was living
at the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion;
he served in the Confederate army as a commis
sary. The war crippled him financially, and at
the close of the struggle he went to Lexington,
Mo. , where he died in 1882. He was a Democrat
in his political predilections, and at one time was
assessor for Clay county. In Wheeling, W. Va. ,
he was married to Miss Ann, daughter of George
Baird, who was a son of Absalom Baird, of Revolu
tionary fame, and the children born to this union
were George B. ; Alexander, treasurer of the
Mutual Savings Bank of Wheeling; Martha B. ;
Isaac W. , and James K. The mother died in
Missouri August 28, 1853, when the subject of
these lines was two weeks old.
Until the age of five years James K. Mitchell
was reared at the home of his uncle, Isaac Mitchell,
in St. Louis, Mo., and was then brought by the
family to Washington, this county. Here he at
tended the public schools, and at the age of four
teen commenced to work in the Baird grocery as
clerk, remaining there till 1882, a period of fifteen
years. In that year he bought an interest in the
Budke Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of
powder cans, at Canonsburg, where the sheet-iron
mills, in which his brother George B. Mitchell had
an interest, were located. The latter was also con
nected with the Riverside Iron Works of Wheel
ing; he died in March, 1890, leaving a widow and
two children, now living in Washington. In 1884
our subject sold out his interest in the powder can
industry to the Canonsburg Iron Company, and on
January 1, 1885, embarked in the grain and agri
cultural implement business in Washington

112

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

borough, in partnership with J. A. Howden, their
place of business being situated where the B. & O.
R. R. station now stands. In this they continued
till the following January, when Mr. Mitchell
bought out his partner's interest, and his uncle,
A. T. Baird, became associated with him, which
arrangement' remained in force until the death of
Mr. Baird in March, 1887. In January, 1888,
Mr. John W. Seaman became partner with Mr.
Mitchell in the general hardware and house fur
nishing business, under the firm name of Mitchell
& Seaman. This partnership continued until May,
1892, when Mr. Mitchell sold his interest to Mr.-
J. W. Seaman and rented the room on the corner
of Main and Wheeling streets, from W. C. Bryson,
and organized " The Dime Savings Institution of
Washington," which was opened for business Jan
uary 1, 1893, with Dr. Thomas McKennan aspres
ident and Mr. Mitchell as cashier.
On July 14, 1885, Mr. Mitchell was united in
marriage with Miss Frances J., daughter of Joseph
F. Osborne, of Clarksburg, W. Va., whose family
were originally of Fayette county, Penn., whence
they moved to West Virginia. To this union have
been born three children: Osborne, Baird and
Susan Baird. Politically Mr. Mitchell is a Repub
lican, and has served his borough as treasurer.
For the past six years he has been treasurer of the
Western Pennsylvania Agricultural Association,
and is at present treasurer of the Mutual Building
and Loan Association. He has been a member of
the First Presbyterian Church of Washington since
1876, and in 1884 was elected an elder in same.

JfOHN A. BEST. John Best, Sr., was born in
Benburb, County Armagh, Ireland, in May,
) 1780. From his early training and constant
reading in the land of his nativity, he learned
much of the United States, and her progress.
He and his wife landed in Philadelphia in 1811,
aud thence journeyed over the Alleghany mount
ains in a wagon to Pittsburgh, and hearing of
Washington county as a great wool-growing sec
tion, he concluded that the county seat, or its
neighborhood, would be a proper place to settle in,
and to that place he went, not by stage or railroad,
but by wagon, then the only mode of conveyance.
He purchased the property on the northeast corner
of Beau and Franklin streets, and there erected
and engaged in the wool-carding business, where
the first stationary engine in Washington county
was placed and owned by him. He remained as a
prominent citizen of Washington till 1856, when
his two sons, John and William, purchased farms
near New Concord, Guernsey Co., Ohio. His
wife being dead, and Iub daughter married to James
S. Bushfield, he concluded to leave his adopted
town and go aud live with them. John Best, Sr.,

while still a resident of Washington was one of the
committee to receive Gen. La Fayette on his last
visit to this country when he was on his way over
the old National pike to visit George Washington
at Mount Vernon. John Best, Sr., was a Mason,
having entered that order in Ireland, in Lodge
No. 722, which Lodge was organized in 1788, his
own father having procured its charter from
the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and the meetings
were held in his house. He died in 1878 at the
advanced age of ninety-eight years, the oldest
Mason at that time in the country.
John Best had four sons to survive him: Samuel,
James, John and William. Samuel married Miss
Isabella Dickson, to whom were born Isabella D.,
wife of John Woodcock, of McCune, Kans. ; Ellen
R., wife of R. A. Anderson, of Claysville, Penn.,
and John A. Samuel Best died in New Orleans
of yellow fever, and his wife died in Buffalo town
ship, Washington county, in 1881, at the age of
seventy-five years, a devout Christian, and a loving
and beloved mother, esteemed by all who knew her.
John A. Best, the son of Samuel and Isabella
Best, was born in Washington, May 20, 1838. In
1853 he was a newsboy on the Examiner, a
weekly newspaper owned at that time by Thomas
Grayson, shortly after which he learned the print
ing trade on the same paper. He worked at his
trade on the Pittsburgh Dispatch, for some time,
and then went to New York. After being there
some time he returned to Pittsburgh and started a
steam job printing office, and branched out into the •
mercantile business, which he has been in ever since,
On Thanksgiving Day, 1869, he moved to Washing
ton, and opened a general store and printing office
on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets, where
the Washington Observer was first printed by him
under the editorship of Horace Durant. During
the financial panic of 1873 he failed and lost every
thing, leaving him in debt, but he has since paid
every cent that he ever owed, and now owns one
of the largest businesses in the county, occupy
ing No. 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83 and 85 North Main
street, and constantly adding to it; he is not only
progressive but aggressive, and that is the secret of
his success.
On Septembers, 1863, Mr. Best married Jennie
D., daughter of John E. Roberts, of Hartford,
Conn. , and there were born to them seven children,
five of whom are still living: GrattanG., Nellie
M., Albion E., Jennie I. and John A., Jr. Mrs.
Best is an active worker in the W. C. T. U, of
which she is president, and devotes a great deal of
time to local charity and doing good. In 1879
Mr. Best, with some other public-spirited citi
zens, built the Washington Lead Works, which
were destroyed by fire in 1883. He is a believer
in Divine healing, and is president of the board of
directors of Bethany Home, No. 113 Centre

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

113

avenue, Pittsburgh, an institution for the educa
tion of young men for the ministry and mission
ary field.
Grattan G., son of John A. and Jennie D. Best,
was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., June 9, 1864.
He came in 1869 with his father to Washington,
where he was educated, spending two years at
Trinity Hall, being the first scholar enrolled in
that institution, and then went to Washington and
Jefferson College, class of 1885. He studied
bookkeeping at Duff's Commercial College, Pitts
burgh, and has ever since been in business with
his father. Mr. Best is a member of the Masonic
Fraternity, being past eminent commander of Jac
ques de Molay Commandery No. 3, the second
oldest Commandery in the State, and is a thirty-
second degree Mason. At the time Mr. Best was
eminent commander he was the youngest command
er in the State. On February 25, 1886, Grattan
G. Best married Carrie, daughter of Jonathan
Brownlee, of Buffalo township. Mr. Best is a
practical printer, and now publishes the Weekly
Financial Economist. He says he does not re
member the time when he could not set a stick of
type, as he was raised in a printing office. He is
very much interested in Sabbath-school work, and
is superintendent of Jefferson Avenue M. E.
Church Sunday-school, also president of the Ep-
vvorth League.

FREDERICK WHITTLESEY, M. D., for
nearly forty years a resident of the borough
of Washington, and one of the leading
physicians of the county, is a native of
Ohio, having been born in Atwater township, Port
age county, March 6, 1830.
The family name is one of prominence in the
Buckeye State. John H Whittlesey, grandfather"
of the Doctor, was the fifth person to settle in At
water township, Portage Co., Ohio, making a home
for himself and family in the wild woods. He
was a soldier in the war of 1812. Elisha Whit
tlesey, who was member of Congress from 1823 to
1839, and first comptroller of the U. S. Treasury
for nearly thirty years, and William Whittlesey,
who represented his district in the Ohio State
Senate in 1839, and was eleoted to Congress in
1848, and also Charles Whittlesey, the State geolo
gist of Ohio, were near relatives. Friend Whit
tlesey, cousin of our subjeot, is a member of the
present Ohio Legislature.
John B. Whittlesey, father of Dr. F. Whittlesey,
now aged eighty-seven years, is still living in Ohio,
where he has followed farming. He was married,
in 1828, to Emeline Mix, of Atwater, who died in
Portage county, Ohio, in 1866, leaving four chil
dren: Frederick (subject), Mary (now deceased),
Emma (wife of Rev. Wilson, of Canton, Ohio), and

Charles (killed on the railroad, in 1867, when
thirty-five years of age); Julia Helen, the third
child in order of birth, died in infancy.
Frederick Whittlesey received his literary edu
cation entirely in his native county, where he also
read medicine, finishing his studies in 1855. He
then commenced the practice of his profession in
Portage county, but in 1856 he came to this
county, taking up his residence in Washington,
where he has since remained and built up an envi
able practice which extends to all portions of the
State, his specialty being chronic diseases. In
1851 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss
Laura L. Teel, of Alliance, Ohio, who died in 1853,
leaving one child, Josephine, wife of Amos Benja
min, of Portage county, Ohio. In 1855 the Doc
tor was married, the second time, to Mrs. Hannah
Chittendon, of Youngstown, Ohio, who died June
3, 1892. Socially the Doctor is a member of the
Masonic Fraternity, in which he held the position
of D. D. G. M. for ten successive years, and is the
present treasurer of the Chapter and Commandery.
In politics he is a Republican. The Doctor is not
a member of any church. His religious views are
inclined to be agnostic, and while very decided in
his opinions, he is not in the habit of thrusting his
ideas upon others whom he has reason to believe
differ with him. He believes that enlightened
human reason, untrammeled by prejudice, is the
highest tribunal known to man, and that every ra
tional being has a right to decide for himself all
questions pertaining to his present or future wel
fare.

GOL L. M. MARSH, one of the representative
business men of Washington, was born June
24, 1824, at Orange, Essex Co., N. J., the
eldest child of Abraham R. and Sarah
(Munn) Marsh, both natives of New Jersey.
Abraham R. Marsh, father of our subject, was
born July 8, 1800, in Rahway, N. J., where he
was reared and educated. He learned the trade of
shoemaker, which he followed in connection with
storekeeping for many years, and he lived to a
patriarchal age, dying in 1890, when ninety years
and two days old. He had married Sarah, daugh
ter of David Munn, of New Jersey, and their chil
dren were L. M. , David, Stephen, Harriet, George,
Abraham, Charles, and Henry and Mary (twins).
The mother died in Huron county, Ohio, in 1860,
aged fifty-eight years. The father of this family
was a Whig in politics, but a Republican as soon as
that party was organized. In religious connection
he was an old-time member of the Presbyterian
Church, in which for sixty years he was an elder.
Col. L. M. Marsh passed his boyhood in his
native county until he was thirteen years old, when
he accompanied his parentis to Coshocton, Ohio,

114

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the family residing there two years, then moved to
Huron county, Ohio, where they made their home
some years. Our subject remained in Coshocton
county until he was twenty-one years old, and then
proceeded to Marietta, Ohio, where he worked at
the tailor's trade, which he had learned in Coshoc
ton county. From Marietta he moved to West
Virginia, remaining there until 1862, in which
year he joined Company E, Tenth W. Va. Volun
teer Infantry, as captain, which regiment was as
signed to the army of the Potomac, and did guard
duty throughout the early part of their service.
At the battle of Kernstown he was wounded in the
foot, and was left on the field, where he was capt
ured by the Confederates, who took him to Libby
prison. After two months' confinement there he
was paroled, and in six months thereafter was ex
changed. During the six months he was on duty
as member of a Court Martial at Baltimore, Md.
He rejoined his regiment, and shortly after was
mustered out with the command, our subject being
then lieutenant-colonel. Col. Marsh then came to
Washington, Penn., where he was for the next two
years engaged as a bookkeeper, and then (1870)
received the appointment as secretary and treasurer
for the Washington County Fire Insurance Com
pany, which position he still fills. He also does a
large real-estate business, his son, Addison C. , being
associated with him, the style of the firm being L.
M. Marsh & Son. On January 14, 1850, Col.
Marsh was married to Louisa, daughter of Asa
McCollum, of Washington county, and two chil
dren were born to them, viz. : Ella (Mrs. William
S. Parker) and Addison C. Our subject is a mem
ber of the M. E. Church; in politics he was
originally a Whig, and since the organization of
the party has been a Republican.

AMUEL M. CHARLTON, proprietor of the
well-known and long established confection
ery business in Washington, comes of Ger
man ancestry. His grandfather, Robert
Charlton, a native of Germany, came to Washing
ton county in 1813, and died at Cook's Place,
Chartiers township, in 1828, his wife (who had ac
companied him from the Fatherland) dying some
time later. They had a family of seven children,
of whom only one, James, survives— his home being
in Iowa.
Samuel Charlton, eldest son of Robert, was born
in Germany and came with his parents to this
country and county. By occupation he was a
wagoner, or teamster, on the National Pike be
tween Washington, Penn., and Baltimore, Md.
He was twice married: first time to Miss Shipe,
who died leaving two children : Robert (now de
ceased) and Frank (in Mannington, W. Va.). His
second marriage was with Mrs Elizabeth, Morrow,

nee Hewey, a lady of Irish parentage, and they
had a family of five children, as follows: John H.,
in Washington; Mary, wife of Fred Hood, of
Washington; Susan, also in that borough; Re-'
becca, deceased wife of Henry Llewellen (she died
in 1874), and Samuel M., subject of sketch. The
parents soon after marriage came to live in the
borough of Washington, where the father died
about the year 1858, at the age of sixty years, the
mother in 1875, aged sixty-five.
Samuel M. Charlton was born in Washington,
this county, in 1847, and received a liberal edu
cation in the schools of the borough. In boy
hood he learned the trade of tobacconist with
Thomas McKean, and followed same for fourteen
years in his native town. In 1876 he opened a
confectionery store on Main street, and in 1889
removed it to East Maiden street, where he has
since continued. In 1871 Mr. Charlton was united
in marriage with Eliza, daughter of William Hays,
of Waynesburg, Greene Co. , Penn. Her parents
at one time lived in Washington county, whence
they moved to Greene county, where her widowed
mother now lives; her father at one time was clerk
of the courts of Washington county. To Mr. and
Mrs. Hays were born children as follows: James,
John, Eliza, Catherine, Margaret, George, Ella and
Matilda. Six children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Samuel M. Charlton, viz.: Sarah Hedge and
William Hays (both deceased), and Alfred W.,
Nannie E., Marion Elizabeth and Sabina Pearl,
all living at home. Politically Mr. Charlton is a
Republican, and, in religious connection, a member
of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington.

\ILLIAM SMITH, who iu his lifetime was
one of the most prominent and enterpris
ing citizens of Washington borough, was
a native of Beaver county, Penn., born
near DarlingtoD, August 15, 1800.
Until he was twenty years of age he worked on
his father's farm, and in 1821, in company with
his brother James, he came to Washington and
opened a general store. The brothers remained in
the borough about one year, and then removed to
Philadelphia, where they engaged in the same bus
iness on Market street, on a more extensive scale.
They met with success, but about the year 1 825,
owing to the failing health of James, the business
was disposed of, and the brothers returned to
western Pennsylvania, William locating in Union-
town, where he once more embarked in mercantile
business. In 1828 he returned to Washington and
opened a store in a house where the Watson block
now stands, south of the Public Square. The busi
ness from the very start proved a success. In 1 835
he purchased from Rev. Thomas Hogue the north
east corner of Main and Beau streets, to which he

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

117

moved his store. Prior to this he had bought of
Judge Baird the "Round Corner." -In 1861 he
erected the magnificent brick and iron structure on
the northwest corner of Main and Beau streets,
known as the "Iron Hall." In 1853 he received
his son William W. into partnership, the name of
the firm becoming William Smith & Son, which yet
remains. At an early day, Mr. Smith commenced
a private banking business, which he also made a
success, and on his retirement from active business
life about the year 1867, the private banking
house of William Smith & Son was firmly estab
lished. While a resident of Uniontown Mr. Smith met
Miss Wrenshall, of Pittsburgh, whom he subse
quently (1828) married in Steubenville, Ohio, to
which union were born two children, of whom W.
W., the present head of the business, survives; the
other one was Fanny Fielding, who became the
wife of Ferdinand Varro. In the fall of 1861, af
ter a long and painful illness, Mrs. Smith died,
and her husband subsequently married, in Phila
delphia, Mrs. Newell (a widow) of that city, a
daughter of John Simes, one of the early citizens
of Washington. Several years afterward, Mr.
Smith, having retired from business, purchased a
pleasant home in Philadelphia, to which he re
moved, and here his second wife died in the winter
of 1886. He continued to reside in Philadelphia
till the spring of the following year, when he re
turned to Washington, where he peacefully and
painlessly passed away on Tuesday evening, July
12, 1887, in the eighty- seventh year of his age.
Mr. Smith was in his younger life an adherent of
the Covenanter Church, but while a resident of
Washington he was an active member of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church. When he removed
to Philadelphia he connected himself with the
"United Presbyterian Church, under whose banner
he died.
W. W. Smith was born August 15, 1830, in
Washington, Penn. , a son of William and Fanny
(Wrenshall) Smith. His elementary studies were
pursued in the preparatory department of Wash
ington College, under Prof. Robert Milligan, and
in 1848 he entered the freshman class. After his
graduation, in 1852, he commenced commercial
life in his father's dry- goods store and banking
office, becoming a partner in 1853, as already re
lated. Mr. Smith had studied law in the office of
Robert H. Kuntz, but was not admitted to the bar,
having exclusively devoted himself to the business
upon which he had entered. During the Civil
war he served as a volunteer aid-de-camp on the
staff of Gen. U. S. Grant, both in the Southwest
and in Virginia. On June 13, 1867, he married
Miss Emma Willard McKennan, daughter of Judge
William McKennan, of the United States Court, of
whom prominent mention is made elsewhere. To

this union were born two children: William Mc
Kennan, assisting his father in the management of
his business, and Ulysses S. Grant, instructor of
military tactics and calisthenics at Trinity Hall.
The mother died in 1879. Among the many dis
tinguished guests present at the wedding of Mr.
and Mrs. W. W. Smith were Gen. U. S. Grant
(who was a frequent visitor at their pleasant home),
wife and sons, and of the General's staff were pres
ent Gen. Hilyer and Col. William Dunn.
Mr. Smith was elected treasurer of the Episcopal
Church in 1853, holding said office until 1892; was
three times representative of the diocese of Pitts
burgh in the general conventions of the church,
held respectively in Boston (1877), in New York
(1880) and in Philadelphia (1883), and for many
years has been one of the board of trustees of
Washington and Jefferson College. He is pro
prietor and Rector of Trinity Hall, a select board
ing school for boys in Washington, Penn. He is
the owner of much valuable business property in
Washington borough, including the well-known
' ' Iron Hall " block; of numerous fine farms in the
county; lands in Florida and West Virginia, be
sides valuable residence property in Philadelphia.
TRINITY HALL.
In 1866 Mr. W. W. Smith became owner, by
purchase, of this fine property where he resided
until the death of his wife. The school was es
tablished in 1879 by Mr. Smith, mainly in order
that his own sons should be instructed at their
home. The original building was erected in 1857
as a private residence, owned and occupied by Jo
seph McKnight, and, since its purchase by Mr. W.
W. Smith, who occupied it as a private residence
for over twelve years, it has been greatly enlarged
from time to time, as the growth of the patronage
of the school demanded. The Rev. Fred C. Cow-
per, of Amesbury, Mass., pays the following trib
ute to the excellency of Trinity Hall and its sur
roundings: "The school grounds contain forty
acres situated in a rich and beautiful hill coun
try, 1,200 feet above tide water, and surrounded
by wide-spreading maples, elms, lindens and
evergreens, with orchards, gardens and vine
yards, through which wind broad drives bordered
by well-kept lawns. There has never been sick
ness in the school. Delicate boys become strong
and manly in its pure health-giving atmosphere.
The morals of the place are pure; the tone elevat
ing and refining. Underthe present management.
the household in all departments is suitable for
the sons of gentlemen, and has all the comforts of
a refined home. It is a lovely spot indeed, favored
by nature, developed by the best skill of the land
scape gardener, kept up by those who take pride
in it; and fortunate is the boy who is permitted to
spend his school days at Trinity Hall,"

118

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

QEORGE ARMSTRONG LINN, M. D., for
well nigh a quarter of a century has prac
ticed his profession at Monongahela, where,
and in the neighborhood, he has, as a skill -
' ful and successful physician, established a
reputation second to none in the county. He is a
native of the Keystone State, born in Butler
county December 8, 1831. He is the son of Dr.
George and Elizabeth (Gibson) Linn, a sketch of
whose lives is given in the biography of Prof.
AlonzoLinn. The subject proper of this sketch received his
education at the common schools of his native
place, and at Morrison's Academy, at Mononga
hela. He then commenced the study of medicine
and entered Jefferson Medical College, in Phila
delphia, where he completed a full course, grad
uating in 1869. Dr. Linn at once located in
Monongahela, and has since been one of the lead
ing physicians of that city and surrounding coun
try. On June 12, 1861, the Doctor married
Frances, daughter of Joseph Wall, of Allegheny
county, whose wife was Frances Allen, daughter of
David Allen. His father was Garrett Wall, whose
wife was a daughter of Capt. Sparks, of the regu
lar army. One daughter has been born to Dr.
and Mrs. Linn: Hannah A., wife of Homer H.
Swaney, of Pittsburgh. Our subject and wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church of Mononga
hela. In politics he was a Whig, and, since the
organization of the party, a Republican. He has
served on the school board of his adopted city.
He is self-made and self-educated, a man of excel
lent literary taste, and well acquainted with
scientific questions, germane to his profession and
otherwise.

TfOHN W. SEAMAN, junior member of the
. !| well-known firm, Mitchell & Seaman, dealers
rjl in general hardware, etc., Washington, is a
^^ native of the borough, born in October, 1841.
The family came from New Jersey, and
tradition says that the first to bear the name was
a waif picked up, no more than alive, on the sea
shore, and given the name " Seaman." Joseph
Seaman, great-grandfather of our subject, came to
Washington, this county, in 1785, and died here;
a blacksmith by trade, his shop stood on the site
where is now the high school. Jacob, grandfather
of J. W. , a mason by trade, and who kept tavern
for many years at Amity, Amwell township, was
married to Lydia Jones, daughter of an early comer
to the county; she was a native of Philadelphia,
and when a girl migrated to this county, where
she had several sisters living. Jacob Seaman and
wife had a family of five children, viz. : JohnW. , who
died in Washington, leaving a widow and children;

Alexander and James are also dead, leaving chil
dren, and Thomas (all were residents of Washing
ton county) ; and Mary, who died in infancy. The
father of this family died about the year 1831.
Alexander Seaman, son of Jacob, was born in
the borough of Washington in 1813, and received
his education at the subscription schools of the
place* He was brought up to the trade of mason,
which he followed in early life, but abandoned for
mercantile pursuits. About the year 1849 he
opened out a grocery store in Washington, which
he carried on for several years with considerable
success. About 1837 he married Jean Dagg,
daughter of Richard Dagg, of Strabane township,
and granddaughter of Henry Taylor, a pioneer
farmer of that township, coming to the county
when the woods were still teeming with wild ani
mals and hostile Indians; he was the first presi
dent judge of the county, and a prominent factor
in the early politics of the State. To Alexander
and Jean (Dagg) Seaman were born five children,
three of whom grew to maturity, viz. : Mary, wife
of Samuel Taggart, of Chartiers township; John
W., and Margaret, wife of Joseph M. Spriggs,
grocer, Washington. The parents both died in
the borough in 1880, the mother in August, the
father in November. Until 1860 he had been a
Democrat, but after that date voted under the
banner of the Republican party.
John W. Seaman received his education partly
at the common schools of his native borough, sup
plemented by a partial course at Washington and
Jefferson College. At the age of fourteen years
he entered his father's store as clerk, remaining
until 1874, in which yep.r he was appointed deputy
prothonotary, filling the incumbency four years;
from 1878 to 1881 he was out of office, but in the
latter year he was elected prothonotary, serving six
years. In 1888 he entered into partnership with
J. K. Mitchell in general hardware, house furnish
ings, etc., under firm name of Mitchell & Seaman,
the business being one of the most successful and
extensive in that line in the county. In 1869 Mr.
Seaman married Louise Mills, of Washington,
daughter of Andrew Mills, who, about 1830, came
from the North of Ireland to Washington county.
To this union seven children, all yet living, were
born, named as follows: Nellie, James Alexander,
Alice M., Jean D., Harry E., John T. and Mar
garet Louise. Mr. Seaman in his political prefer
ments is a Republican, and has held with charac
teristic ability many offices of honor and trust
in the county. He is secretary of the Mechanics
Building & Loan Association, and of the Mutual
Building & Loan Association. He is a promi
nent and influential member of the First M. E.
Church, and superintendent of the Sunday-school
of same.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

119

GOL. J. B. R. STREATOR is a native of
Washington cqunty, born March 12, 1856,
at Lone Pine, where his father, Rev. Lyman
Pierce Streator, was conducting an academy
at the time. The latter was born in Portage
county, Ohio, and was educated for the ministry
of the Christian Church.
In 1842, being then twenty-two years of age, he
came to Washington county, Penn., where he
preached for a time at Pancake, and then moved
into Washington borough in 1870. In the mean
time, in 1859, the family had proceeded to May's
Lick, Ky. , where they remained until the breaking
out of the Civil war, when they returned to this
county. At Lone Pine Mr. Streator founded an
academy, which he kept for some time. In Wash
ington county he married Miss Eliza, daughter of
Jonathan Martin, to which union were born five
children: Martin Lyman, pastor at Helena, Mont.
(he is working for the Woman's Board Home Mis
sions); Jonathan M., who formerly was a minister
in Florida, but has now charge of the Ocala public
schools, same State; Alexander Campbell, a physi
cian in Washington, a sketch of whom follows this;
Frank W., in the employ of A. B. Caldwell, Wash
ington, Penn.; and Charlotte, deceased wife of
Robert McDonough. The mother of these chil
dren dying, Mr. Streator married April 3, 1855,
Rebecca Ruple, who was born in Washington,
Penn., in 1827, a daughter of James Ruple who
performed efficient service in the war of 1812-15.
By this marriage there was one child, James B. R.,
the subject of this memoir. In 1866 Mr. Streator
removed to Philadelphia, where he preached for
six months; thence went to Braddocks Field, Penn.,
where, in the capacity of State Evangelist, he
worked for the State Missionary Society. In May,
1867, he returned to Washington county, and is
now a resident of South Strabane township. Polit
ically Mr. Streator was for many years a consistent
Democrat, but of late he has been standing in the
van of the Prohibition party; socially, he is a
Knight Templar.
Col. James B. R. Streator. attended the public
schools of the vicinity of his birth, and afterward
Washington and Jefferson College, one year. He
then read law in the office of I. Y. Hamilton, and
in October, 1877, was admitted to the bar of
Washington county. He practiced his profession
in Washington until the formation of the Peoples
Light & Heat Company, when he was chosen
secretary and general superintendent of same, and
he has since taken an active interest in the oil and
gas development in the county. In July, 1877,
Col. Streator married Emma, daughter of John
McCoy, late of South Strabane township, where
her widowed mother is yet living. Of this union
seven children have been born, as follows: John
McC, Rebecca, Jane, Emma, Bessie, James B. R.

and L. P. , all at home except John, Bessie and L.
P., who are deceased. Col. Streator has been a
straight Democrat from early youth. Socially, he
is a member of the F. & A. M. On January 25,
1881, the Colonel enlisted in Company H, Tenth
Regiment N. G. P.; June 19, 1882, was promoted
to adjutant, and August 8, 1887, was further pro
moted to lieutenant-colonel, which rank he still
holds. During the time of the riots in the coke
regions he went with his regiment there, remain
ing on the spot and at the Morewood Works six
teen days.
Alexander Campbell Streator, M. D., was born
Februar)' 20, 1848, in South Strabane township,
Washington Co., Penn. When he was nine years
of age his parents moved to Bethany, W. Va. , and
thence to Indiana, where they remained until 1851,
when they returned to Washington county, at
which time their son, Alexander C, was thirteen
years old. He attended the high school, and
afterward Washington and Jefferson College, from
which he was graduated in 1866. Having decided
on making the medical profession his life work, he
at once, after graduation, commenced the study of
medicine under the preceptorship of his uncle, Dr.
David G. Streator, of Bedford, Ohio; but on ac
count of declining health he was obliged to aban
don reading for a time. Regaining his health, he
renewed his medical studies, this time with Dr.
Thomas McKennan, and then, in 1882, took
his degree of M. D. at Cleveland Medical College.
For a short time afterward he practiced his pro
fession at Belle Vernon, Penn., and then came to
the borough of Washington, where he has since
remained in general practice, meeting with emi
nent success. In 1877 Dr. Streator was united in
marriage with Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of
William Birmingham, of Pancake, this county,
and four children blessed this union, viz. : Sarah
Eliza, Virginia Birmingham, Helen Mechenor and
Hugh Henry. On April 2, 1891, at the age of
forty-two years, the wife and mother was gathered
by the Grim Reaper from the bosom of her loving
family. Politically the Doctor is a stanch Repub
lican, but not a partisan; socially he is a member
of the Royal Arcanum and National Union.

/^RAHAM S. CAMPBELL, cashier of the
|| First National Bank of McDonald. Penn.,
VI| is descended from a well-known family of
^TU this county. John Campbell (the great
grandfather of Graham S.) was a native of
York county, Penn., and moving to Washington
county about 1778, located on a tract of 191 acres,
called "Fumanah," in Cross Creek township.
His family consisted of six sons and three daugh- ,
ters, namely: John, William and James (all of
whom moved to Belmont county, Ohio), David,
Charles and George (these remaining in Cross

120

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Creek township, where some of their descendants
are yet living), Grace (wife of Maj. Benjamin Bay,
moved to Ohio in 1812), Elizabeth (married to
William Rea) and Mary (Mrs. William Fulton,
living in Mt. Pleasant township). The father
died in 1813, and was laid to rest in the cemetery
at Cross Creek. George Campbell grew to man
hood on the home farm, in Cross Creek township.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Rea,
who bore him the following children: John,
Jane, William, Mary, Samuel, George W., Eliza
beth, Esther, James and Georgetta. Mr. Camp
bell followed agriculture all his life. In politics
he was a Whig, and in religion a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Mount Prospect.
George W. Campbell was born September 26,
1826, and passed his youth on the home place. In
early manhood he was married to Charlotte, daugh
ter of James Wilson, of West Pike Run township,
and the young people resided in Cross Creek town
ship until 1867. They then came to Midway,
Robinson township, and in 1869 built the Midway
Hotel, of which he was the proprietor until his
death, having previously followed farming and
stock raising. In politics he was formerly a Whig,
then became an active worker in the Republican
ranks, having held various township offices. For
many years he was a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Mount Prospect, then at Cross Creek,
finally uniting with the church at Candor, this
county. He died September 4, 1885, leaving the
following children: Wilson S., Graham S. and
Elida (Mrs. W. H. Baldwin), two others, Johnetta
and Mary, having died in infancy.
Graham S., son of George W. and Charlotte
(Wilson) Campbell, was born September 14, 1860,
on the home farm, in Cross Creek township. His
early literary training was secured at the common
schools, afterward attendingthe Ingleside Academy,
at McDonald. At the age of eighteen years he en
tered the employ of J. D. Sauters, of McDonald,
Penn., with whom he remained eleven years.
He then opened a real estate and insurance office,
in which business he was successful. On the or
ganization of the First National Bank of McDon
ald, he disposed of his business and accepted the
position of cashier, which position he now holds.
On December 18, 1884, he led to the marriage
altar Annie, daughter of Addison Foster (deceased),
formerly of Pittsburgh, Penn., and their children
are George, Verner, Ross and James. Mr. Camp
bell possesses the confidence of the community,
and is a very successful man. In 1890 he was
elected justice of the peace, being an active mem
ber of the Republican party. He and his family
are earnest workers in the First Presbyterian
Church at McDonald, in which he is now mem
ber of the Session and superintendent of the Sab
bath-school.

THOMAS C. M. STOCKTON, M. D. , a cult
ured gentleman and physician of Washing
ton county, is a son of the late Rev. Dr.
John Stockton, whose ancestors came from
England to America prior to the Revolution,
settling in New Jersey. Thomas Stockton (grand
father of subject) was born in New Jersey, and
coming to Washington county, Penn., in early
manhood, was married to Miss Sarah Graham of
this county. The children born to them were
Polly, Sarah (Mrs. Gordon), Robert, Thomas and
John. John Stockton (father of subject) was born No
vember 18, 1803, in Washington county, Penn.,
and was reared to manhood on his father's farm
near Washington. He was a student at Washing
ton College, graduating therefrom in 1820, and
then entered the Theological College at Princeton,
N. J. On June 20, 1827, he was ordained in the
Cross Creek Church of Washingtom county, and
preached regularly for that congregation until
June 20, 1877, proclaiming the "glad tidings of
the Gospel " for over fifty years. Although many
times offered a more lucrative position, in which
he would seemingly have a wider scope, his only
answer to such propositions was: "I have started
with my people here, they are my children, and I
will live and die with them, and be buried among
them." In 1831 he was united in marriage with
Nancy Clark, daughter of James Clark, a promi
nent farmer of Franklin county, Penn., and six
children came to bless their union, namely:
Thomas C. M., James C. (a physician living in
West Philadelphia), John P. P. (a minister of
West Unity, Williams Co., Ohio), Robert W, G.
(deceased in infancy), William (a graduate of Mus
kingum College), and Marion E. (wife of Hugh
Lee, a prominent farmer of Cross Creek township).
William entered the Civil war as captain in the
One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., at
tached to the Second Corps, and served for some
time as colonel of his regiment, although never
promoted to that rank. After the war he went to
North Carolina, soon afterward dying from an
attack of typhoid fever.
Thomas C. M. Stockton was born May 30, 1832.
He was a close student from early boyhood, and
at the age of twelve years entered the Cross Creek
Academy, afterward taking a course at Washing
ton College. After his graduation the young man
returned home and taught in Cross Creek Acad
emy, for six or seven years, and then one year in
Muskingum College. In 1862 he began the study
of medicine under Dr. Dickson, of Pittsburgh,
with whom he remained one year, afterward at
tending one year at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia. At this time, the war of the Re
bellion being in progress, he joined the Union
army as assistant surgeon of the Eighty-third

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

121

Regiment, P. V. I. , serving until the close of the
struggle, when he re-entered Jefferson Medical
College. In 1866 he graduated, and same year
entered upon his professional duties in Cross Creek
village. On June 4, 1863, Dr. Stockton was married to
Miss Anna, daughter of the late Hampton Kerr, of
Cross Creek village, and they have had two chil
dren: Jennie, born September 7, 1871 (was a stu
dent at Wilson College, and graduated in June,
1892), and Hampton Kerr, born September 23,
1882 (a bright, affectionate child, possessing an in
telligence far beyond his age, he was the hope and
pride of the parents in their declining years; but
when three short years of the little life had passed,
God called this flower to the "eternal gardens,"
leaving a void in the family circle which can be
filled by none other. The dread disease, scarlet
fever, was the messenger sent by the Angel of
Death, and though the years were few, that life
has left a blessed memory that will never die).
Dr. Stockton has been very successful in his chosen
calling. He is a consistent member of the Pres
byterian Church at Cross Creek village, over which
his father had presided for so many years. Polit
ically he was formerly a Whig, and since the or
ganization of the party has been a Republican.

,\ILLIAM EWING. The Ewing family are
of Scotch -Irish descent. In their blood
is mingled the fiery, ardent nature of the
natives of Erin, with the conscientious,
persevering and thrifty people of Scot
land. The ancestors of the particular family whose
history we are now recording were born in County
Londonderry, Ireland, and in 1725 came to Amer
ica. Nathaniel Ewing, one of these early pioneers,
was a farmer who settled in Cecil county, Md.,
and reared a family of eight sons, one of whom was
George Ewing.
William Ewing, a son of George, came to Fay
ette county, Penn. , toward the close of the last
century. He was married to a Miss Nancy Con-
well who bore him children as follows: George,
Nathaniel, John H, Elizabeth Breading (of Pitts
burgh, Penn.), Maria (Mrs. Veech, of Pittsburgh),
Louisa (Mrs. Wilson, of Uniontown, Penn.), Mrs.
Mary Mason (living in Iowa) and Mrs. Ellen Wal
lace (formerly of Pittsburgh). Of this family,
Mrs. Mason alone is living. The father died in
Fayette county, Penn. Nathaniel Ewing was
judge of Fayette and Washington counties. The
children of John H. Ewing were: William, Mrs.
Prof. Wood, Mrs. Dr. Speer, Mrs. Dr. Hallock,
Col. John Ewing, Dr. George, Samuel and Flor
ence. William Ewing, whose name opens this sketch,
was born in 1823, in Washington, Penn., where

his boyhood was passed. He attended Washing
ton College (Dr. McKennan having been one of
his classmates), graduating in 1842, then took a
three-years course at the Western Theological
Seminary. After completing his studies at the
seminary he spent several years in Europe in
study and travel, and upon returning to Pennsyl
vania took his first charge at the ' ' Chartiers
Church," of which he was the pastor for nineteen
years. In April, 1853, Mr. Ewing was united in
marriage with Miss Isabelle M. , daughter of David
Quail, of this county, who was a native of northern
Ireland. She died in May, 1883, leaving four chil
dren: John (deceased in his twenty-fourth year);
David, an attorney at Pittsburgh, Penn.; William
Brown, one of three assistant physicians at Dix-
mont; and Samuel Blaine, a graduate of the Phil
adelphia Law School. On August 1, 1889, Mr.
Ewing married, for his second wife, Mary Cathe
rine Herriott, a native of Washington county. He
was principal of the Canonsburg Academy for
twelve years, being a very popular and influential
citizen of that place. In politics he is a Repub
lican, and in religious faith a member of the Pres
byterian Church.

IfOSEPH ALEXANDER HERRON, junior
, I member of the banking firm of Alexander &
\\\ Co., was born in Monongahela City, Penn.,
^^ October 16, 1847, the only child of Capt.
David B. and Eliza (Alexander) Herron, the latter
of whom was a daughter of the late Joseph Alex
ander, who died June 20, 1871, in Monongahela
City, where he had been engaged in business up to
the date of his death, a period of over forty con
secutive years.
The immediate ancestry of Capt. David B.
Herron made their homes in Cincinnati, Ohio.
About the year 1841, he and his two older brothers,
William and John, made Monongahela City their
homes, and they became, with him, identified with
the business and social interests of the town for a
number of years. Capt. D. B. Herron subsequently
became identified with steamboat interests in the
upper and lower river trade, acting in the capacity
of chief clerk, and commander of some of the
steamers. Many of his old surviving friends will
recollect his politeness, suave and urbane manner,
his strict integrity, his high sense of honor, and
obliging and generous disposition. He died March
22, 1864, from disease contracted by exposure on
his steamboat in transporting troops, munitions of
war and supplies on Tennessee and Cumberland
rivers for the Union army. His body lies in the
Monongahela cemetery; his brothers are both dead.
Joseph A. Herron received his education at the
public schools of Cincinnati and at West Chester,

122

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(Penn.) Military Academy. Returning to Monon
gahela City he entered the banking house of Alex
ander & Co., conducted by his uncles, William J.
and James S. Alexander; in 1871 he became a
partner, and has continued an active business
member to the present time. He is prominently
identified in municipal, educational, church and
social interests in the place of his nativity; is a
trustee in the Monongahela City Manufactured
& Natural Gas Company; the Washington &
Williamsport Turnpike Co. ; the Williamsport
Bridge Co., and the Monongahela Cemetery. He
is a member of the school board, and a trustee of
the First Presbyterian Church, of which he and
wife are members. On October 25, 1877, Mr.
Herron was married to Miss Mary Campbell,
daughter of William Campbell, Esq., president of
Butler Savings Bank of Butler, Penn. His mother,
who survives, is a member of his family.

V\ Ai ATTHEW BEERY was born January 30,
v^Ti 1823, at Venice, in Cecil township, Wash-
Mi I ington Co. , Penn. , the third son of Will-
I -* iam Gilmore Berry, Esq., late of the
v same county.
Matthew Berry, for nearly threescore years, has
lived on what is known as the "Reach Garden "
farm, one mile south of Canonsburg, Penn. He
being the eldest of the Berry family now living,
has consented to furnish a brief history of the
Berry family from his grandfather, John Berry, to
the present time.
The grandfather, John Berry, was a native of
Dublin, Ireland, born A. D. 1753. About 1775 he
emigrated to the United States, and immediately
upon his arrival in the county enlisted in the army
for five years, and served under Gen. Washington.
In 1780 he was married to Elizabeth Gilmore, who
came from Ireland in the same ship with him. In
religion he was a Presbyterian, by occupation a
shoemaker. After his marriage he settled in Col-
erain township, Lancaster Co., Penn. In 1794 or
1795 he visited Washington county, on a prospect
ing trip, and worked one summer for the Rev. Dr.
McMillan, the founder of Jefferson College. Late
in the fall he returned to his home in Lancaster
county,, but next spring he again came to Washing
ton county, bringing with him his eldest son,
William Gilmore Berry, and purchased a farm of
251 acres, being part of a tract of land owned by
Gen. Washington, who sold it to Matthew Ritchie,
who by will conveyed it to Alex. Addison, from
whom John Berry purchased it. To this farm he
moved his family during the summer or fall of
1796. The farm is still owned by his descendants,
the heirs of William Berry (deceased). There
were born to John Berry eight children — three
sons and five daughters, viz. : William Gilmore,

John, James, Elizabeth, Nancy, Isabell, Ann and
Mary. Of these, William Gilmore was married in
1804 to Jane McConnell, daughter of Mathew
McConnell, Esq. ; John was married to Rachel
Phillips; James died unmarried at the age of
twenty years; Elizabeth was married to Hugh Car
son, of Ross county, Ohio; Nancy was married to
Ebenezer Carson, of Ross county, Ohio; Isabell
was married to Jacob George, of Washington
county, Penn. ; Ann was married to Alexander
McConnell, of Washington county, Penn.; Mary
was married to Thomas Torance, of Washington
county, Pennsylvania.
William Gilmore Berry was born December 2,
1781, in Colerain township, Lancaster Co., Penn.,
the eldest son of John Berry. He came to Wash
ington county with his father in 1796, learned the
trade of house carpenter, and for a short time
worked at the trade. In 1804 he was married to
Jane McConnell, and to them were born eight
children — four sons and four daughters — as fol
lows: (I). John, the eldest son [see history of John
M. Berry, elsewhere in this volume].
(II). Mary, the oldest daughter, born May 22,
1810, was married to John May, February 9, 1837;
died February 15, 1893; to them were born nine
children, viz. : (1) Phebe, born February 25, 1838,
married to Dixon T. McCloy February, 1860; she
died in Belmont county, Ohio, February 20, 1890;
their family consisted of two sons and two daugh
ters. (2) William B. May, born September 18,
1839, unmarried, lives near Venice, Penn. (3)
Rev. John R. May, born February 19, 1841, was
married to Samantha Fulton, August 11, 1880; no
family ; living at Mansfield, Allegheny Co. , Penn.
(4) Matthew Alexander May, born June 24, 1843,
was married to Sara Thompson, in 1862; he died
March 6, 1874, leaving two daughters. (5) James
May, born April 22, 1845, died unmarried Febru
ary 11, 1870. (6) Jane May, born September 24,
1846, died September 22, 1862. (7) Joseph Car
son May, born May 27, 1848, was married in May,
1889, to Miss Alice Pooler. (8) Anna Mary May,
born April 22, 1851, died December 17, 1851. (9)
Anna Mary Margaret May, bom April 4, 1856,
married April 4, 1882, toS. Wilson Scott; he died
April 28, 1888, leaving a widow and three daugh
ters; they now live near Venice, Pennsylvania.
(III). Elizabeth, the second daughter of William
Gilmore Berry, was born July 23, 1815, and was
married to William J. McLaughlin, of Adena, Jef
ferson Co. , Ohio, October 27, 1840, where they
still reside. To them were born six children:
(1) John Mitchell, born January 8, 1843, married
to Jennie Neff, and one daughter, now Mrs. Min
nie Philips; John McLaughlin now lives near
Atalissa, Iowa. (2) Jane McLaughlin, born De
cember 25, 1844, was married to James L. Haw-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

123

thorn, October 18, 1866, and has a family of three
sons, the oldest of whom, Ross Mitchell, was mar
ried to Lizzie L. Simpson. (3) William Gilmore
McLaughlin, born April 25, 1847, was married to
Minnie A. Livingston, June 27, 1872; now living
at Adena, Ohio, and has a family of six children.
(4) James A. McLaughlin, born November 24,
1849, was married to Sara Barkhurst, and is living
near Harrisville,Ohio; of his family of seven children
two are deceased, and three sons and two daugh
ters are living. (5) Samuel R. McLaughlin, born
March 24, 1854, was married to Bell Porterfield,
March 20, 1876; living near Atalissa, Iowa; no
family. (6) Martha Ann McLaughlin, born Octo
ber 8, 1856, was married to Alexander G. Haw
thorn February 26, 1874, and died February, 1875,
leaving husband and one son, Harry Wilmer.
(IV). Jane, the third daughter of William Gil
more Berry, born in 1817, was married to John
Thome, February 17, 1841, and died at Canons
burg, Penn., September 21, 1888.
(V). William Berry, the second son of William
Gilmore Berry, was born in 1819; married Eliza
beth Calohan December 1, 1848, and to them were
born seven children, five sons and two daughters,
their names and dates of birth being as follows:
John C, August 26, 1849; Jennie M., November
12, 1851; George A., April 26, 1854; James D.,
March 2, 1857; Beca C, March 30, 1860; Charley
G, October 23, 1863; Samuel L., January 6, 1866;
the children are all married except Beca C, who
resides with her parents in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
(VI). Prudence, the fourth daughter of William
Gilmore Berry, born in 1821, was married to John
Carson, of Chillicothe, Ohio; he died in 1849, leav
ing one son, Hugh F. Carson, who lives in Mich
igan. After her husband's death Prudence re
turned to Canonsburg, Penn. , where she died in
January, 1886.
(VII). Matthew, the third son of William Gil
more Berry, born January 30, 1823, was married
in April, 1847,' to Margaret Willison, of Hickory,
Penn., daughter of Samuel Willison, and to them
were born three sons, as follows: (1) W. G., born
January 22, 1848, was married December 29,
1869, to Miss Nannie L. Garrett, and they have
three daughters: Lillie M., Nannie W. (now Mrs.
S. H. H. Arnold) and Maggie I. W. G. is by oc
cupation a house carpenter, now farming, living on
the Major Urie farm; in politics he is a Repub
lican, in religion a liberal United Presbyterian; for
ten years after 1883 he was secretary and editor of
Sheep Register; was a member of the National
Live Stock Association Committee of 18 prepar
ing exhibit of live stock at the Columbian Exposi
tion, Chicago, 1893, representing fine-wooled sheep
interests; he is an advocate of advanced ideas in
agriculture. (2) Samuel W. Berry, born in 1850, was mar

ried to Isabell McNary in November, 1876, and
their family. consists of three children — one daugh
ter, Elva L. , and two sons, Matthew Willison and
Walter U. Samuel W. is by occupation a farmer;
in politics he is a Republican, in religion a United
Presbyterian; he is living at the old homestead.
(3) John Alexander Berry, youngest son of
Mathew, born in December, 1852, married Rachel
McNut, and their family consists of two daughters :
Ida May and Grace Hawthorn; by occupation
John A. is a merchant, and postmaster at Hous-
tonville, Penn. ; in politics he is an ardent Repub
lican. (VIII). James Berry, youngest son of William
Gilmore Berry, born March 22, 1827, was married
to Martha McConnell, February 22, 1846; she died
January 22, 1890; the family consisted of nine
children — five sons and four daughters — their
names and dates of birth being as follows: Sarah
Jane, March 20, 1847; Martha, June 19, 1848;
William McConnell, October 21, 1849; James Car
son, June 20, 1851; Anna May, March 28, 1853;
Francis Alex, January 3, 1855; John, January 28,
1858; Mary Margaret, April 9, 1859; David Paul,
October 28, 1860. Of these Anna May, John and
Mary Margaret died in infancy. William, Sarah
and Martha live at No. 400 West Pike street,
Canonsburg, Penn. ; James C. married Kate M.
Miller, November 1, 1881, and their family con
sists of two children (they are living at Sheridan-
ville, Allegheny Co. , Penn. ; he is a member of the
White Moton Planing Mill Co., Allegheny, Penn.);
Francis Alexander married Mary Elizabeth Mc-
Peak, July 26, 1889 (by occupation he is a miller,
and he lives in Canonsburg, Penn.); David Paul
.was married to Bertha Rigby, Qctober 6, 1888 (by
occupation he is a house carpenter, and he lives at
Copeland, Penn.).
William Gilmore Berry began his business career
at Venice, Penn., working for some time at house
carpentry. Soon, however, purchasing a small
farm and gristmill, he successfully managed them
for a number of years, improving 'the farm, erect
ing a new dwelling house and new mill, with in
creased capacity. About 1821 he purchased a
small flock of Spanish Merino sheep from the cele
brated flock of W. R. Dickinson, of Steubenville,
Ohio, and from that date until he disposed of his
business interests his prominent industry was
sheep raising and wool growing. In order that he
might increase his flocks he purchased from time
to time a number of farms in Washington county
and in Ohio. The first purchase was the Nelson
farm in Mt. Pleasant township; the second pur
chase was, in company with his brother, John, a
farm of 200 acres near Cecil postoffice, in Wash
ington county, known as the Gordon farm. Later
they purchased the Spencer farm of 200 acres on
Paint creek, Ross Co., Ohio, near the city of

124

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Chillicothe. In 1834 he purchased in his own in
terest a farm in Cecil township, Washington Co. ,
Penn., from James Watson, same containing 170
acres. In August, 1835, he purchased the " Peach
Garden" farm one mile south of Canonsburg,
Penn., containing 300 acres. He moved to this
farm his family (except his oldest son John) on the
last day of March, 1836, and lived for one year
in the home now occupied by S. W. Berry. Here
he made extensive improvements, building the
large brick dwelling now owned by Robert John
ston, and very extensive and commodious farm
buildings. He purchased and operated the Canons
burg Mills for a number of years, with the land
adjoining, mostly now within the borough limits.
The aforementioned properties he disposed of from
time to time, his son William securing the north
end of the Peach Garden farm, while Matthew
procured the south end, the Canonsburg Mill prop
erty going to the youngest son, James.
William Gilmore Berry lived for a number of
years on the Peach Garden farm, but later moved
to Canonsburg, building the dwelling house at No.
404 West Pike street, where he resided until his
death October 26, 1866, in his eighty-fifth year;
his wife, Jane, died February 25, 1848. He was
recognized as being a capable business man, set
tling up a number of estates. Gov. Simon Snider
commissioned him justice of the peace for District
No. 5, composed of Cecil and Chartiers townships,
his commission bearing date December 13, 1815,
and to use the language of the commission for
"so long as you shall behave yourself well." He
held the office until he moved from the district in
March, 1836. He was a prominent Abolitionist,
and associated in this movement with such men as
Dr. F. Julius Le Moyne, Maj. Samuel McFarland,
W. H. McNary, Joseph Lee and others. He gave
liberally of his means to establish and maintain
the "Underground Railroad," which put many a
black man to the land north of the great lakes,
and he lived to read the Emancipation Proclama
tion of President Lincoln. In politics he was
first a Democrat, afterward a Whig, then an Abo
litionist, and later a Republican. In religion he
was a Presbyterian, in later life a member of the
Associate Reformed Church, and after the union a
United Presbyterian, a member of the Speer
Spring Congregation from its organization until
his death, and for a number of years was a ruling
elder in that congregation.
•John Berry, the brother of William Gilmore,
was born in Colerain township, Lancaster Co.,
Penn., March 29, 1844, came to Washington
county when a boy with his father, John Berry.
He purchased from his father his farm of 251 acres
in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington county,
where he lived until his death in 1871. He was
married to Rachel Philips, and to them were born

six children — four sons and two daughters: Eliza,
Jonathan, John, Mary, William and Rev. Sam
uel P.
Matthew Berry, the subject proper of this
sketch, is still engaged in his chosen vocation. He
has given the subject of breeding Merino sheep his
best thought, and made a success of the same,
making most marvelous improvements since he be
gan the business as a shepherd under his father's
direction as a boy, and since he became owner of
the flock, in 1847. Never being absent at breed
ing or shearing time since he began the business,
his aim has been to improve both the fleece and
mutton qualities of his sheep, until his reputation
as a " flock master " has become national in its char
acter. A great number of flocks in various States
trace their origin to this flock, and among the many
famous "flock masters" in Washington county he
stands near the head. Mr. Berry never aspired to
public, position in politics; he was first a Whig and
since the organization of the Republican party has
been a Republican. In religion he was first a
member of the Speer Spring Congregation Asso
ciate Reformed, and since the union has been a
United Presbyterian, and has been a member of the
First U. P. Church at Houstonville, Penn., since
its organization.

T/OHN N. McDONALD. Among the energetic
. I early settlers of Washington county the Me-
\{\\ Donald family, of whom this sketch treats,
^^ was very prominently identified.
John McDonald (grandfather of John N.)
was born in eastern Pennsylvania, where he re
ceived his educational training and grew to man
hood. He was married to Martha Noble, of the
same county, a daughter of the founder of Nobles-
town, Penn., and the young -couple then came to
Washington county, locating, in 1775, in Robinson
township, on the farm still occupied by their de
scendants. The children born to them were
James, Andrew, William, Alexander, Edward,
John, Margaret (Mrs. Glenn), Martha (Mrs. Alli
son), Elizabeth (Mrs. Mitchell) and Mary (Mrs.
William Nesbit). The father of this family
passed the latter part of his life in improving the
home farm, and he cleared the meadow on which
an Indian trading post was erected. He was a
Federalist in politics, and in religious connection
was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Can
dor. Edward McDonald (father of John N.) was born
August 13, 1792, in Robinson township, this
county, where he was reared and educated and
passed his entire life. On April 27, 1819, he mar
ried Margaret Nesbit, of Allegheny county, Penn.,
and she bore him children as follows: John N,
Nesbit, Martha (wife of the late Rev. J. M. Hast-

sfe. ^'o3?-^^^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

127

ings, of West Chester, Penn.), Hannah J., Eliza
beth, Emily (married to Jacob H. Miller), James,
Edward and Margaret M. Mrs. McDonald died
in 1839, and in 1844 Edward McDonald married
Margaret B. Snodgrass, of Allegheny county,
Penn. Mr. McDonald followed farming and stock
raising, and in politics was a prominent worker in
the Whig party, serving as a member of the Legis
lature and as a justice of the peace. In relig
ious faith he was an elder and trustee of the
Presbyterian Church at Candor. He died May 30,
1867. John N. McDonald was born February 10, 1820,
on the home farm, in Robinson township, this
county, and received a liberal subscription- school
education. On October 29, 1862, he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth M., daughter of Maj.
William Lee, of Cross Creek township, Washing
ton county, and the children born to this marriage
were: Edward, Jane Craig, Margaret (deceased),
William Lee (deceased) and J. Nesbit. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McDonald settled on
the home farm, where the family have since re
sided, engaging in agricultural pursuits. He was
formerly a Whig, and upon the organization of the
Republican party became an active worker of that
body. He served in the State Legislature of 1853
and 1858, as a representative of Washington
county; was also a delegate to the Union State
Convention, in 1856; a representative delegate in
the convention oj: 1868; a senatorial delegate in
1876, and again a representative delegate in the
conventions of 1880 and 1884. For many years
he had been a member of the board of trustees of
Washington and Jefferson College; and of his effi
ciency as a school director in his district, of the
work he did for the Presbyterian Church of Mc
Donald, and his interest in the cause of education
and religion generally, all who knew him were
aware. In fact, it would require a volume to re
cord all that he accomplished in these directions.
He was formerly a member and trustee of the
Presbyterian Church at Candor, but, in 1886 be
came an elder of the First Presbyterian Church at
McDonald, Robinson township. John N. died
May 23, 1889, and was buried in the Raccoon
cemetery. Edward McDonald, the eldest in the family of
John N. and Elizabeth M. (Lee) McDonald, was
born January 11, 1864, on the homestead at Mc
Donald, Penn. In 1884 he graduated at Wash
ington and Jefferson College, and then returning
to the farm was taken into partnership with his
father in stock raising. In April, 1892, he was
elected president of the First National Bank of
McDonald. 7

JAMES H. ALLEN, editor and publisher of
The Saturday Evening Supper Table, an in
teresting illustrated weekly published at the
office No. 61 N. Main street, Washington,
Penn., was born in that town, July 21, 1857. His
grandfather Allen came with his family from Eng
land to this couutry, and to Washington county
in 1829.
John Allen, father of James H. , was a native of
Lancashire, England, and was about thirteen
years old when brought to this country by his
parents. In Baltimore, Md., he learned the trade
of shoemaker, which he afterward followed in
Washington, in connection with a shoestore. But
for fifteen years prior to his death he carried on a
confectionery business on South Main street, Wash
ington. In 1845 John Allen was united in mar
riage with Miss Melvina Moffat, a native of this
county, and seven children were born to them, viz. :
William, died youug; Lydia, unmarried; Jennie
M., married to Robert M. Gordon, of Waynesburg,
Penn. ; and Ella M., James H, Clark J. and Birdie
M., all in Washington, Lydia, Ella, Birdie and
Clark living together. In 1871, one evening while
Mrs. Allen, the mother, was preparing to go to
prayer- meeting, the house was struck by lightning,
and she was instantly killed in her forty-ninth year.
At 5 o'clock in the evening of April 16, 1886, the
father was taken ill with neuralgia of the heart,
and at 10 o'clock, the same night, he expired. He
was a large man, good-natured and jovial, and had
a very wide circle of friends. He and his wife
were members of the M. E. Church, but in his
later years he identified himself with the Method
ist Protestant Church, in which he held office.
Socially, he was one of the oldest members of the
I. O. O. F. in the county, being one of the charter
members of Lodge No. 81, Washington; he had
taken all the Chairs, and for several consecutive
years was a delegate to various Grand Lodges.
Politically, he was an ardent Republican, from the
time of the formation of that party.
James H. Allen received his education at the
Union School in Washington, and when a lad of
about seventeen summers entered the office of the
Advance in the capacity of "devil." Two weeks'
revelry in that Arcadian employment showed the
stuff young James was made of, and he very prob
ably received prompt promotion; a few months
later we find him " sticking type " in the job-room,
his banner bearing the aspiring device — "Excel
sior. ' ' A year or more later the paper changed
hands and name, simultaneously, its new title
being Observer, and Mr. Allen was further pro
moted to foreman of the news-room, a position he
filled with characteristic ability for several years;
he was also manager of the job-room for some con
siderable time. On May 30, 1885, he launched

128

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

into the world, for weal or for woe, the interesting
and neatly gotten-up, well-edited sheet, The Satur
day Evening Supper Table, which has proven
a marked success, and is steadily growing in pat
ronage. At its birth it was a four-page 10x12
sheet, now it has sixteen pages, 10x14. "May its
shadow never grow less! "
On January 29, 1890, Mr. Allen was married to
Lillian H. , daughter of W. A. Bane, of the firm of
Bane Bros., Washington. Politically, our subject
is a Republican, and in the spring of 1892 he was
elected a justice of the peace in a Democratic
township, polling the largest vote of any man on
his ticket. Socially, he is a member of the Im
proved Order of Heptasophs, and is a charter
member of the Junior O. U. A. M. Mr. Allen is
a great-grandson of Massy Harbison, who expe
rienced a marvelous escape from the barbarity of
the Indians in 1792, of which the following is a
concise account:
Massy Harbison was born in Amwell township,
Somerset Co ,N. J., March 18, 1770. Her father,
Edward White, was a Revolutionary soldier, who
after the war (in 1783) removed to where is now
Brownsville, this county. Here Massy lived with
her father until her marriage, which event for some
reason caused his displeasure, and Massy and her
husband moved to the banks of the Allegheny,
settling on the headwaters of Chartiers creek,
where they did extremely well from 1 779 till the
breaking out of the Indian war in March, 1791,
when they lost all their hard-earned possessions.
In about a year thereafter her husband was ap
pointed to the dangerous post of a spy, and ordered
into the woods to watch the movements of the In
dians; but nothing for a long time was seen of a
nature to excite alarm. The Redskins frequently
visited the house of John and Massy Harbison to
receive refreshments and to lodge, and all the sur
roundings indicated peace and quiet. On the
night of May 21, 1792, two of the spies, James
David and  —Sutton, came to lodge at the Har
bison's house, and at, daybreak of the following
morning, when the horn blew at the blockhouse,
the two men went out. Massy was awake at the
time, but fell asleep again, and the first thing she
realized afterward was that some Indians were
pulling her out of bed by the feet. She then
looked up and saw that the house was full of sav
ages, each one having a gun in his left hand and a
tomahawk in his right. She immediately jumped
to the floor on her feet, with her young child in
her arms, and while her assailants were busy
plundering the house she made for the door and
succeeded in getting outside with the one child in
her arms, and another held by the hand, one little
boy being still inside the cabin. By this time the
blockhouse was alarmed by her screams, and a
general fight ensued, during winch the Indians

beat a retreat; but before leaving the Harbison
dwelling they dashed out the brains of the boy
that was left inside, simply because he cried.
Taking Massy and her two remaining children
with them (one of the savages having claimed her
as his squaw), the party marched to the top of the
bank, where they made a halt in order to divide
among themselves (thirty-two in number) the
plunder which they had taken- from the house.
They then proceeded on their journey toward the
mouth of the Kiskiminetas, Massy and her chil
dren being mounted on one of two horses which
the Indians had in the meantime captured from
her uncle, John Currie. When they arrived at
the bank that descended toward the Allegheny,
there appearing to be so much danger in descend
ing it on horseback, Massy threw herself off the
horse with her two children, and here the elder of
the little boys beginning to cry, and complain of
having been hurt, the Indians deliberately mur-
dured him. At this horrible sight the mother fell
to the ground in a swoon, her infant still in her
arms, but after severely castigating her with rods
the savages assisted her to rise to her feet. Again
proceeding on their journey, crossing Little
Buffalo creek at the very spot where B. Sarver's
mill now stands, they finally arrived at an Indian
camp at the Salt- Lick of the Conequessing, about
two miles above where is now the town of Butler.
Here Massy and her baby boy were closely watched
and barbarously treated until Monday following,
when they moved her to another camp in the same
valley. Next morning, by a most heroic effort, and at
the imminent risk of her own life and that of her
babe, the heroine of this adventure succeeded in
making her escape, taking a direction from where
she knew by the sun her old home lay, and lying
concealed from time to time in the woods, her
couch by night being made of leaves she had gath
ered. Encountering innumerable perils, one
night having a vary narrow escape from recapture
by an Indian who had succeeded so far in follow
ing up her trail, the courageous woman and de
voted mother sped on her way, now in a homeward
direction, till wet, weary and exhausted, hungry
and wretched, she found herself on the morning of
May 27 at the headwaters of Pine creek, which
falls into the Allegheny about four miles above
Pittsburgh, though she did not then know where
she was. After some wandering about she struck
a trail on Squaw run, which she followed, and just
as she was about to succumb through hunger, ex
haustion and exposure to the weather, her wearied
eyes were suddenly gladdened by the sight of an
uninhabited cabin. Presently she heard the wel
come sound of a distant cowbell, and on proceeding
in the direction it appeared to come from, she
presently descried three white men on the opposite

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

129

bank of the creek. Making her presence known
to them by calling as loud as her weak condition
would enable her, one of the men, James Closier,
soon had her in his canoe, and ere long she found
herself and infant in the willing hands of kind
friends who gently cared for her and nursed her
back to health and strength, and to her grief-
stricken husband. The John Closier alluded to
was one of her nearest neighbors, yet in the six
days from the time of her capture by the Indians,
she was so altered that he failed to recognize her
either by her voice or countenance. The infant that
shared with its mother the horrors and hardships
of those six days, was John Harbison, who lived to
the patriarchal age of ninety-three years, dying at
Cedar Rapids a few years ago. Massy was a good
rifle shot, aud during the Indian fights at the block-
bouse, she would take her rifle and bravely do her
part in defending it. She died at Freeport, Penn.,
her husband having preceded her to the grave by
some few years.

rp^OBERT W. DAVIS, M. D., a well-known
]^r) and prominent native-born citizen of Wash-
f| \\ ington countv, first saw the light in Hope-
j\ ^ well township, October 19, 1832. He is a
v son of Samuel and Nancy (Hamilton) Davis,
natives of Washington county, where his grand
parents died before he was born. They had a
large family, all long since called to their last
homes. Samuel Davis, father of subject, was a farmer
by occupation, and also kept hotel for many years.
The Middletown road, which was laid out by the
Government in 1814, was the chief thoroughfare in
use for the conveyance of military supplies be
tween Fort Redstone and Wellsburg during the
war of that period, and this hotel was the only one
between Washington and Middletown. Samuel
Davis was married to Nancy Hamilton, who was
descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry, and they
had seven children, as follows: John, who died in
Kansas in 1888; William, who died in 1892, near
Cambridge, Ohio; Hugh, in Ogle county, 111.;
Mary, deceased wife of John Caldwell; Samuel
and Hamilton, both deceased, and Robert W. In
1864 the father died, the mother in 1873, aged
seventy-six years.
Robert W. Davis was reared to manhood on his
father's farm, receiving his primary education at
the common schools of his district, after which he
attended Washington and Jefferson College. He
read medicine with Dr. John Russell Wilson, and
attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, but his occupation has been chiefly
farming. In 1855 the Doctor married Mary Ann,
daughter of James Spriggs, of Washington, and
by her had four children: James Samuel, who died

at the age of twenty years; Harry H. , now living
in Washington, Penn. ; Robert W. , on the farm in
Canton township, and one that died in infancy, un
named. The mother of these children died in
1869, and in 1871 Dr. Davis was united in mar
riage with Mrs. Susanna Coulter, of Allegheny
county, Penn., the mother, by her first marriage,
of two daughters, one now deceased, and one
married to John Craig, of Keokuk, Iowa. By
this last union Dr. Davis has no children. He
owns a fine farm in Canton township, situated
about two and one-half miles from Washington, on
the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and his home since
his marriage has been on West Chestnut street, in
the borough. Politically he was originally a Whig,
then, on the formation of the party, a stanch Re
publican. He was formerly connected with the
First Presbyterian Church, but is now a member
and trustee of the Third Presbyterian Church.

IlAMES C. ACHESON. No family can boast
l I a prouder lineage, or are more worthy repre-
ffll sentatives of an honored race, than those cit
izens of Washington county who bear the
name of Acheson. Their ancestors were originally
natives of Scotland, who in 1604 moved to County
Armagh, Ireland. In 1776 Sir Archibald Acheson
became Baron Gosford, subsequently receiving the
title of "viscount." The descendants of the fam
ily, who afterward emigrated to America, resided
on the family estate at Glassdrummond, in County
Armagh. George Acheson, a lineal ancestor of the Wash
ington county family, was born in 1724. He was
married to Elizabeth, daughter of David Weir, a
merchant of Belfast, Ireland, and she bore him
seven children, viz. : George, John, Thomas, Will
iam, Hannah, Ellen and David. Of these children
George and William died on the homestead in Ire
land; the others all came to America and settled
here. The father died in July, 1812, having been
preceded to the grave by his wife July 29, 1808.
John Acheson came to America before the close
of the Revolutionary war, and commenced trading;
was also employed by the United States Govern
ment to furnish the National troops with supplies
during the Indian wars. He died in 1790 (while
crossing the Alleghany mountains on horseback),
leaving a widow and two daughters in Ireland. In
1807 the youngest daughter came to America, and
lived with her uncle David.
David Acheson, youngest son of George, and
brother of John, was born in 1770, coming with
his brothers to America in 1788, first locating in
Philadelphia, Penn. He brought the following
letter from the pastor of his father's church: " The
bearer, David Acheson, intending to remove to
North America, this, therefore, is to certify that he

130

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

is a young man of sober and good conduct, and
son of Mr. George Acheson, an elder of the Seced
ing Congregation of Market Hill, in the County of
Armagh, Ireland. This is given under my hand
this 30th of April, 1788. David Arnott, Minister."
After arriving in America, David Acheson assisted
his brother John in furnishing supplies for the
United States army, continuing in that business
until the death of John. Among the papers yet in
possession of the family are accounts of mercantile
trips made by the brothers, in 1790 and 1791, from
Pittsburgh to New Orleans, also a letter written by
the Spanish authorities (in that language) permit
ting David Acheson to transact business in their
territory. He began the study of law with James
Ross after the death of his brother, but did not
continue it; then joined in business pursuits with
his brother Thomas. They were largely interested
in the tea trade at Pittsburgh and Washington.
In 1795, 1797 and 1804 David Acheson represented
Washington county in the State Legislature, hav
ing been elected by the Democratic party. Early
in the year 1799 David Acheson was united in
marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel
Young, of Philadelphia. She died February 27,
1800, leaving an infant daughter, Eliza Young (af
terward Mrs. Woodward), who was reared by her
grandmother in Philadelphia and died in Cleve
land, Ohio. la November, 1802, he visited the old
country, remaining about six months in England
and Ireland. On October 31, 1805, he was united
in marriage with Mary, daughter of John Wilson,
of Washington, Penn. , a native of Ireland. They
immediately made their home in Philadelphia, re
turning to Washington in 1815. The children of
this family were born as follows: John (who died
in 1833 in Arkansas), Alexander W. (who became
judge, and died in Washington county), Catherine
(deceased wife of William V. Davis of Lancaster,
Penn.), David (died in 1826), Mary Jane (married
to Joseph McKnight, of Pittsburgh, Penn. , and died
in 1843), Margaret, William (died in 1873, in Arm
strong county, Penn.), George (studied law with
his brother Alexander W. Acheson, and he and C.
W. Slagle, of Washington, were both admitted to
the bar in the spring of 1843, and they at once
proceeded to Iowa, settling in Fairfield and entering
partnership for the practice of law, which partner
ship continued for thirty-eight years, or until the
death of George Acheson in the spring of 1881.
Mr. Slagle died one year later. They were the
oldest law firm in Iowa), James C. (of whom special
mention is made further on), Ellen (wife of Rev.
Dr. Brownson), Marcus W. (an attorney, was judge
of district court of western Pennsylvania for ten
years, in 1891 succeeding Judge McKennan as cir
cuit judge), and David (living in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania). After his return to Washington, Penn., David

Acheson erected his elegant home where Jonathan
Allison is now living. Mr. Acheson entered busi-
' ness at Washington, but, some investments in real
estate having failed, he soon retired from active
life. In 1840, then over seventy years of age, he
made another trip to Ireland, returning to America
two years later. In 1848 he was seized with a
paralytic stroke, but lingered until December 1,
1851, when death relieved him; his widow passed
away August 2, 1872, aged eighty-five years. The
following obituary notice appeared in one of the
papers : ' ' He was an accurate and close observer of
public and political affairs as connected not only
with our own Government, but with the prominent
nations of Europe, of the diplomacy of which, as
well as of their policy, there were but few private
men of his day, retiring and unobtrusive as he
was, who better understood or could more accurate
ly delineate. His judgment and conclusions,
which were always deliberate and well matured by
his deep-thinking, strong mind, were valuable and
very highly esteemed by those acquainted with
him, whether in.public or private life. Thus during
the period of vigorous manhood he enjoyed a most
extensive popularity and influence in the State of
Pennsylvania particularly, and with many of her
most distinguished individuals, in her political
party history and government, he was on the
closest terms of intimacy; hence his opinions and
counsels were always much sought after and great
ly valued. As a private friend and in social life,
Mr. Acheson was a man of ardeut and sincere at
tachments, and where personal effort or labor were
needed he never faltered or shrunk by reason of
apparent difficulty or threatened danger, ever
ready and willing to serve his friends at whatever
responsibility or personal risk by day or night, at
home or abroad."
The surviving children of David and Mary
Acheson, for the first time after a lapse of over thirty
years, all met at the old homestead in Washing
ton, on the occasion of the death of their mother.
Her funeral took place August 4, 1872, and the
day following they repaired to the graves of their
parents, in Washington cemetery, and there agreed
that they, and the survivors of them and the last
survivor, would annually revisit the graves of their
parents on October 31, the anniversary of their
marriage. James C. Acheson was born February 13, 1824,
in Washington, Penn. He attended the common
schools of his native borough, and also studied at
college, but did not graduate. At the age of six
teen years he left home, and clerked for a time in
a store at Pittsburgh, Penn. , afterward one year in
Wheeling, W. Va., in a similar capacity. In 1842
he returned to Washington, and the following year
began clerking for his brother William, who had
opened a grocery business in Washington. James

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

131

C. afterward became his brother's partner, and in
1863 bought the entire store, which he has since
conducted. He was thrice married; first time
April 20, 1847, to Elizabeth Wilson, who bore him
four children, two of whom are now living: Mary
(at home), and Anna (Mrs. Henry Dongan, of
Washington). This wife dying in 1855, Mr. Ache
son married, October 1, 1857, Mary E. Mahon, a
teacher in Washington Seminary. She died in
1860, leaving two children, one of whom is now
deceased, the other, Alexander M., being a civil
engineer on the Texas branch of the Missouri,
Kansas & Texas Railroad. For his third wife
James C. Acheson married, September 1, 1863,
Mary F. Bureau, granddaughter of an early
French settler of Gallipolis, Ohio. Five children
have been born to this last marriage, namely :
Madeleine (Mrs. Frederick S. Rich, in Oil City,
Penn.), Margaret B., Grace C, C. L. Valcaulon
and Eleanor W. , the latter four yet living at home.
Since the Kansas trouble, in 1856, Mr. Acheson
has been a Republican, and during the war of the
Rebellion the family were all Union men, some of
them serving in the army. He is a F. & A. M.,
and at one time was district deputy grand master.
In religion he is a member of and elder in the
Presbyterian Church, and has served tweuty-nine
consecutive years as superintendent of the Sabbath -
school. In municipal matters, he has served as a
member of the borough council. Mr. Acheson's
success in life is due to earnest effort, his whole
timi being devoted to the business in which he is
engaged.

ILLIAM BUCHANAN CHAMBERS,
treasurer of Washington county, and one
of its most efficient, courteous and pains
taking officials, was elected in 1890 to the
position he so ably fills, his term expiring January
1,1894. John Chambers, father of subject, was born in
South Strabane township, this county, September
6, 1813, and in early life learned the trade of
blacksmith, which he for a time followed, but on
coming of age he abandoned the anvil for the
counter, embarking in mercantile business in Buf
falo village. Here he remained till 1830, when he
removed to Canonsburg and opened out a store for
the sale of general merchandise, which he con
ducted up to the time of his death. He was twice
married ; first time to Miss Catherine, daughter of
Josiah Ramsey, of South Strabane township, by
which union there were children as follows:
Martha, wife of Dr. W. G. Keady. a Presbyterian
minister, of Greensboro, Ala. ; Josiah R. , who died
in 1886 (his family are now residents of Washing
ton county); John S., in Leavenworth, Kans.;
Nannie H. , widow of Merrick S. McCloy, of

Canonsburg (she has one child, Walter L.);
William B. , of whom special mention will be
presently made; and Dora A., wife of A. B. Gal-
braith, of Allegheny City. The mother of this
family died in 1854 in Canonsburg, and Mr. Cham
bers married, for his second wife, Mrs. B. P. Mc
Connell (nee Watson), a widow lady who had one
child by her first husband, Annie, who was married
to John Gamble, of Nottingham township. By
Mr. Chambers' second marriage there is one child,
Ida May, now living with the subject of this
sketch at his home in Canonsburg. John Cham
bers was a Democrat, and had held borough offices;
he died October 26, 1885, a member of the Presby
terian Church. His second wife died November
9, 1891.
William Buchanan Chambers was born in
Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., August 14,
1850, and received his education at the common
schools of that borough, afterward attending Wash
ington and Jefferson College to the close of the
freshman year. His vacations he spent in his
father's store, gaining an insight into commercial
routine, but soon after leaving college he moved to
McDonald Station, same county, where he was en
gaged as clerk in store of J. D. Sauters, and here
he remained five years. Thence he proceeded to
Pittsburgh, and clerked in a grocery store there
two years, for the Valley Milk Co., after which he
came, January 1, 1880, to Washington to fill the
position of deputy sheriff, under George Perritte,
who was then sheriff of the county. Mr. Perritte
he succeeded, being elected sheriff in 1882, and
served three years — from January 1, 1883, to Jan
uary 1, 1886. At the expiration of his term he
was appointed chief U. S. deputy marshal, under
George W. Miller, marshal for the Western Dis
trict of Pennsylvania, serving four years, and on
the latter' s removal, continued in office four months
longer, under the present marshal, but being a
Democrat, and the Government Republican, he was
removed. He then returned to Canonsburg, where
he remained unemployed until his election to his
present incumbency, overcoming a nominal Repub
lican majority of 1,800, the first Democratic treas
urer elected in the past twenty-five years. Our sub
ject is the only Democratic county official, Wash
ington being strongly Republican. While a stu
dent at college, he was a member of the Phi
Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and of the Philo-Union
Literary Society of Washington and Jefferson Col
lege. His esteem and worth as a public officer were
recognized at a banquet held by the Washington
county bar, on his retirement from the office of
sheriff, on which occasion Alexander Wilson, Esq.,
offered the following sentiment, which was unani
mously accepted by the assemblage:
William B. Chambers. Esq.: — A faithful officer, fearless
in the discharge of his duties, pleasant in his intercourse

132

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

with his fellow-citizens, kind and obliging to the mem
bers of the bar and officers of the court. He retires from
the office of High Sheriff of Washington county with an
houorable record for purity and integrity, and with the
best wishes of all who have had official and personal in
tercourse with him.

J (AMES GORDON SLOAN, M. D., one of the
leading popular physicians of Washington
county, was born at Frankfort, Beaver Co. ,
Penn., January 18, 1841.
His paternal and maternal ancestors were
from the North of Ireland. His paternal grand
parents, James Sloan and wife, came from County
Tyrone, Ireland, to Washington county, Penn., in
1801, and settled on a farm near West Middletown,
in Hopewell township, where they passed the rest
of their pioneer lives, dying at an advanced age.
They were Presbyterians of the Covenanter school.
Their children who reached the age of maturity
were Jane (who died unmarried), Robert (who
married, but had no children), James (father of our
subject), Eliza (married, but had no children), and
John C. (married, and had six children; he was
prominent in politics, and represented Washing
ton county in the Legislature; was also a promi
nent farmer).
James Sloan, son of James the pioneer of the
family, was born on the old homestead farm of his
father, in Hopewell township. He was twice mar
ried, first in 1832, to Miss Sarah Lindsey, by whom
he had one daughter, who became "tlie wife of R.
C. Mcllvain, of Somerset township, Washington
county, a cousin of Judge John A. Mcllvaine.
Mrs. Sarah Lindsey Sloan dying one year after
her marriage, her bereaved husband, for his sec
ond wife, was united in marriage in 1840 with Miss
Margaret Gordon, by which union there were two
children: James G., and Martha A., the latter of
whom died at the age of nine years.
James Gordon Sloan was educated in the com
mon school of Mordecai Hoge, in Somerset town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., then attended the acad
emy of Hon. John C. Messenger, at Hoge's Summit.
In 1859 he entered Jefferson College, Canonsburg.
graduating therefrom August 7, 1862. On August
13, same year, he enlisted in Company G, One Hun
dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Capt.
John Fraser, professor of mathematics in Jeffer
son College. Our subject served until the close of
the war, having participated in the battles of
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spott-
sylvania and Cold Harbor, and was present at the
surrender of Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant. His
credentials from his company, regimental, divisional
and corps commanders — Capt. Bingham, Brevet
Brig. -Gen. Fraser, Gen. John C. Caldwell, Divis
ion Commander and Maj. -Gen. W. S. Hancock —
all testify to his faithful service and bravery as a

soldier. At the close of the war he received an
appointment in the Interior Department, Land
Office Bureau, at Washington, where he remained
four years. He read medicine with Dr. Johnson
Eliott, of Washington, D. C, attended medical
lectures at Georgetown College, Washington, D.
C, and graduated in 1869. The Doctor first be
gan the practice of his profession in Fayette City,
Fayette Co., Penn., and in 1874 removed to Mo
nongahela, where he has been actively and success
fully engaged in the practice of medicine.
On July 5, 1866, Dr. Sloan was married to Miss
Carrie M. Hamilton, who was born near Munn-
town, Washington Co., Penn., daughter of Alex
ander and Elizabeth (Bushager) Hamilton, who
were members of the Presbyterian Church at
Pigeon Creek, of which Mr. Hamilton was a ruling
elder a number of years. Dr. and Mrs. Sloan
have one daughter, Margaret Gordon, wife of Dr.
W. W. Medill, a graduate of Washington College,
now a practicing physician in Denver, Colo. Dr.
Sloan is one of the pension surgeons for Washing
ton county.

THE MURDOCH FAMILY trace their line
age to one John Murdoch, a native of Scot
land, who came from Carlisle, Penn., to
North Strabane township, Washington
county, in 1778. His third son, Alexander
Murdoch, was born in 1770, on the home farm
near Carlisle, where his earliest boyhood was
passed. He accompanied the family to Washing
ton county, and when a young man purchased the
Canonsburg mills, together with a large tract of
land adjoining them. From these mills he loaded
two large flat-boats with flour and saddlery, land
ing them safely in New Orleans; then returned on
horseback through the unbroken wilderness. In
1803 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth,
daughter of Rev. Matthew Henderson, of Char
tiers township. In 1809 he received an appoint
ment, from the governor, as prothonotary of the
court of common pleas of Washington county,
serving in that office until 1819. Upon acceptance
of this position he sold his property in Canons
burg, and, moving to Washington, in 1822 erected
a house which is now a part of the "Hotel Main."
He resided there until 1828, during which time he
was engaged in mercantile enterprises, then pur
chased 400 acres known as the " Morganza tract,"
located two miles from Canonsburg. In 1828 he
and his family moved to this place, and he died in
1836; his widow passed her last days in Canons
burg, where she was laid to rest in March, 1863,
at the age of eighty-three years. They were the
parents of eleven children, of whom are named:
Mary M. , widow of Hon. J. L. Gow, of Washing
ton; Mrs. Sarah B. Musser, of Nelsonville, Ohio;

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

133

Mrs. E. W. Wilson, of Moberly, Mo. ; Anna, also
living in Moberly, Mo. ; and Alexander, a lawyer
of Washington, Penn. The latter practiced law
with his brother-in-law, J. L. Gow, and in April,
1861, received the appointment, from President
Lincoln, as United States marshal of western
Pennsylvania. After serving one term he was
again appointed, remaining two years, and, and in
March, 1869, was selected, by President Grant,
to again fill that position, which he resigned in
December, 1872. His son, John H. , is a lawyer
and a credit to his father.

»?pV EV. JAMES HENRY SNOWDEN, pastor
L^y of the Second Presbyterian Church, of
ll v> Washington, was born in Hookstown, Bea-
J) -^ ver Co., Penn., October 18,1852. He is a
v son of William and Violetta (Thayer)
Saowden, both natives of Hancock county, W. Va.,
whence they removed to Hookstown, Penn., aud
from there, in 1865, to Wellsville, Ohio, where they
still reside. Mr. Snowden being engaged in the
wall paper business.
The subject of this memoir received his primary
education in the country school of his native place,
and in the Wellsville High School. He early de
veloped remarkable mechanical gifts, and while a
lad constructed a small working steam engine,
which he still keeps with pride. In his youth he
worked in his father's cabinet-making shop, and
virtually acquired this trade. His deeper inclina
tion, however, led him to seek a higher education.
After teaching a year in the Wellsville common
school, and preparing himself in Greek, he entered
Washington and Jefferson College in the fall of
1872. Here he took high rank as a student, in
his senior year won the debate on the annual con
test, and graduated with the first honor of his class
in 1875. In the fall of the same year he entered
the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny,
Penn., where he maintained his high scholarship,
receiving two prizes of $100 each for superior pro
ficiency in Hebrew, and where he graduated in
1878. Mr. Snowden was licensed to preach by the
Presbytery of Steubenville, April 24, 1877. Hav
ing received a call from the church of Huron, Ohio,
he was ordained and installed pastor by the Pres
bytery of Huron on May 6, 1879. In this charge
he remained four years, when he accepted a call
from the Presbyterian Church, of Sharon, Penn.
After a successful pastorate of three years in this
field, he accepted a call, in 1886, from the Second
Presbyterian Church, of Washington, his present
charge. His ministry in this important church
has been remarkably blessed. During the last four
years an average of nearly one hundred accessions
a year have been added to its membership, which

has grown during the present pastorate from 375
to 650 members, crowding the auditorium of the
new church to its utmost capacity. This is now
the largest church of any denomination in Wash
ington county.
On August 1, 1878, Mr. Snowden was united in
marriage with Miss Mary A. Ross, daughter of
William and Abigail Ross, of Wellsville, Ohio.
Three children have come to bless their home:
Grace, born in Huron, Ohio, May 23, 1879; Roy
Ross, born in Sharon, Penn., April 22, 1885; and
Harold Winters, born in Washington, Penn., Jan
uary 2, 1889.
Mr. Snowden has a fine library, and has read
widely in modern science aud English literature.
His sermons are clear and logical, popular and
practical, containing many short sentences and
striking statements of truth, and abounding in il
lustrations drawn from literature and life.

ILLIAM P. CHERRY, sheriff of Wash
ington county, was born May 8, 1839, in
MountPleasant township. He is a grand
son of Edward Cherry, who was a native
of Scotland, having emigrated to Wash
ington county at an early day.
Aaron Cherry, father of subject, was born on a
farm in "Cherry Valley," Washington county, and
learned the carpenter' sand cooper's trades. When
a young man he was married to Margaret, daughter
of John Benward, of Lancaster county. Mr. and
Mrs. Cherry began wedded life on a farm in Mt.
Pleasant township. After raising a large family,
they moved to Urichsville, Ohio, where he followed
his trade in connection with farming, making a
specialty of violins and other fine musical instru
ments. He was a member of the U. P. Church,
and died at Urichsville, in 1875, at the age of six
ty-five years. The old house is yet standing, and
the mantels, which are in an excellent state of pres
ervation, are fine specimens of his handiwork. A
part of the home is owned by his brother Edward
P., who died in December, 1892. Since then that
portion has become the property-of our subject.
William P. Cherry grew to manhood on the farm
in Mt. Pleasant township, then learned the wagon
and carriage making business at Hickory, Wash
ington county. He first began business at Clokey-
ville, Washington county; then worked two years
at Noblestown, being afterward in the employ of
John Hallam, of Washington, for a time. In
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One
Hundred and Thirty ninth P. V. I., under Col.
Caldyer, of Pittsburgh. He took part in the fol
lowing engagements: second battle of Bull Run,
Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Fredericksburg and
Gettysburg, his regiment having been badly broken
during the last mentioned battle. At the battle

134

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of Mine Run, December 1, 1863, he was struck in
the left breast by a minie-ball, which passed through
the lung and lodged in his back, where it has yet
remained, and still causes him some trouble. In
1863 he was captured by the enemy, and first
taken to Belle Isle, where he was confined three
months, then to Andersonville prison, where he re
mained seven months, thence to Savannah, Ga.,
where he was exchanged and three months later
went home on a furlough. Some time after he re
turned to his regiment, and remained until the
close of the war. On December 25, 1865, he se
lected a life companion in the person of Harriet
E., daughter of John and Mary McBane, who
came from Scotland to Pittsburgh, Penn. , where
he died. To the union of William P. and Harriet
E. Cherry four children were born, namely: Ade
laide, who died in infancy; Birdie S. ; Lillian, and
William, a graduate of Washington Business Col
lege, and now assistant deputy for his father. In
1866 Mr. Cherry was foreman of the Penn St. R.
R. line, occupying that position for some time.
Mr. Cherry left Pittsburgh and moved to West
Liberty, Washington Co., Penn., in 1869, where
he worked as a journeyman; then opened a general
carriage business at Sodom, Allegheny Co. , Penn. ;
thence he moved to Houstonville, Penn. , and con
ducted an extensive business for eight years;
then moved to East Bethlehem township, and
conducted business for seven years. In 1888 he
was appointed deputy sheriff under George E.
Lockhart, and in 1891 became sheriff of Washing
ton county, which position he is now occupying.
Sheriff Cherry has filled township offices, and is a
member of William Harton Post, No. 519, G. A.
R. , at Centreville. He is also a member of the
U. V. U, and of the I. O. O. F. In church rela
tions he is identified with the Jefferson Avenue
M. E. Church.

u

, R. BRADLEY MINTON. Among the rep
resentative thorough business men and
wide-awake citizens of Claysville, this
gentleman stands second to none.
He is a worthy native of the county, having
been born in 1843, on a farm in Morris township,
where his early life was passed. He received his
education at the common schools of the district and
at the high schools of the county. In 1862 he
commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Whittle
sey, of Washington, this county, remaining under
his able preceptorship several years, and when
thoroughly prepared, commenced the practice of
his profession in Lawrence county, Penn., where he
remained seven years, and then removed to
Waynesburgh, Greene Co. , same State, aud here
continued practice until 1876, in which year he
purchased a drug store in Claysville, the business

of which has increased from year to year, till to
day it is unsurpassed, in quantity and quality of
stock, in the county.
While a resident of Lawrence county, the
Doctor was united in marriage with Mattie E. Gere,
who died April 25, 1889, leaving no children, and
on August 13, 1891, he was again wedded, on this
occasion to Mary L., daughter of John R. Ander
son, of Donegal toweship. Since becoming a resi
dent of Claysville, Dr. Minton has been deeply in
terested in the growth and prosperity of the
place, and has given material aid to all worthy
enterprises. Since its organization, he has been
identified with the Monongahela National Bank at
Pittsburgh, and has been interested in the well-
known drug house of L. H. Harris & Co., of that
city. On the establishment of the First National
Bank of Claysville, in April, 1890, he was elected
president, a position he has filled until the present
time with eminent satisfaction to all concerned.
The Doctor has been a lifelong Democrat, and has
always taken an active interest in the affairs of the
party, having creditably served in several offices of
honor and trust in the borough of Claysville.

J I AMES SANSOM ALEXANDER, banker and
member of the firm of Alexander & Co., third
I son of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Alexander,
was born in Williamsport (now Monongahela)
August 28, 1828. He was partly educated at
Blake's and Hazzard's academies, in Williamsport,
finishing his education at Washington College.
He then entered his father's store as a clerk,
eventually becoming a partner, and has since,
through a long term of service, been thoroughly
identified with the firm of Alexander & Co., in
whose fortunes he has been an active and important
factor. On January 16, 1859, Mr. Alexander was mar
ried to Miss Susan Stoddard King, daughter of
Samuel and Mary B. (Williams) King, of Dayton,
Ohio. The father of Mrs. Alexander wasaman of
importance in his community, an elder in the First
Presbyterian Church of Dayton, and was highly
esteemed as a Christian and a gentleman. Part
of Dayton is built on the farm he patented. Mr.
and Mrs. Alexander are members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Monongahela. They have
four children: Mary E.. Harriet K., William H.
(with Alexander & Co.) and Frederick K. (teller of
the Fort Pitt National Bank, Pittsburgh).
The subject of this sketch has devoted himself
mainly to domestic and business affairs. He has
traveled considerably, and is a frequent visitor to
the Eastern cities, where he has a large circle of
acquaintances, but his pleasures lie chiefly in his
family circle and in his library. In all matters
pertaining to the practical progress of the com-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

137

munity he takes au active interest ; but valuing the
independence of a private citizen, generally de
clines any public office, although he has served as
clerk of the councils and as treasurer of the school
board; he is now president of the board of deacons
and trustees of the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Alexander's life has been and is yet devoted to
business; with unusual health, industry and ability
he has for years given vigorous attention to the
affairs of Alexander & Co., and is always to be
found at the counter, ever ready and prompt to
meet the demands of the times.
ALEXANDER. The first of the Alexander
family in Washington county, of whom there is
any record, was one Elias Alexander, who was
born in 1680, and died in 1780. His son, Isaac,
was born December 16, 1715. Isaac had one son,
Joseph, born in Maryland July 9, 1765, and died
in Ohio July 9, 1847. Joseph married Rose Ann
Jones, also a native of Maryland, born October 17,
1765, and died in Ohio in 1850. She was a sister
of William Jones, who lived near Ginger Hill,
Washington county.
Joseph and Rose Ann (Jones) Alexander had
nine children: Elizabeth (Betsy), Sally, Mary
(Polly), Hannah, Joseph (of whom special mention
will be made hereafter), Elijah, James S„ Bela and
Rose Ann. Of these Betsy and Polly married two
brothers named Sheplar, uncles of Capt. Joseph
Sheplar, of Rostraver township, Westmoreland Co.,
Penn. The Sheplars moved to northern Ohio on
or near the Maumee river, about the year 1845,
having previous to that time lived in Holmes county,
Ohio. Elijah Alexander died at the age of nine
teen, unmarried. Hannah married Benjamin
Thomas, lived in Westmoreland county, and died
August 9, 1863. James S. was married twice, his
first wife being Miss Elizabeth Bailey (the name of
second wife can not be given at present writing).
His children by first marriage were: John Bailey.
Drummond. Martha, James, Alvira, Julia, and a
daughter who died in infancy. Of these children
Alvira married James Mills, one of the editors of
•the Pittsburgh Post. Bela Alexander was born in
Belmont county, Ohio, and married a Miss Barnes
(both now deceased). Rose Ann Alexander mar
ried John Moseley (both now deceased).
Of this family the direct progenitor of the sub
jects proper of this memoir was Joseph (the fifth
child), who was born at Ten-Mile Creek, Washing
ton Co., Penn.. April 1, 1795. and died at Monon
gahela June 20, 1871. On March 8, 1819, he was
married, by Rev. John White, to Mary Jones
(daughter of William Jones, of Washington county.
Penn.), who died August 15, 1856. They had
eight children: William Jones (of whom mention
will be made farther on). Rose Ann (born March
5, 1822, married to Dr. Nelson A. Adams), Eliza
(born in Westmoreland county, April 3, 1824, mar

ried December 28, 1846, to Capt. David B. Herron),
Elijah Bascom (born in Westmoreland county,
May 6, 1826, died June 29, 1827), James Sansom
(mention of whom will be made farther on), Mary
Emeline (born in Williamsport, now Monongahela,
April 15, 1831, died October 5, 1889), Amanda
Malvina (born at Williamsport April 29, 1833,
died April 9, 1854), and Hannah Theresa (born at
Williamsport December 31, 1835, died March 13,
1843). The early life of Joseph Alexander was spent on
the farm on Ten-Mile creek, later on a farm in
Rostraver township, Westmoreland county. Sub
sequently the family moved to Barnesville, Ohio.
where he received such education as the time and
place afforded, and it is apparent that he profited
by these opportunities, and was fairly well edu
cated for his time and circumstances. During his
life in Barnesville his father was interested in
teaming and transporting supplies for United States
troops, then engaged in the war of 1812. Joseph
was then employed by his father as a teamster,
and among his associates and companions was Tom
Corwin, who became famous in after years as a
statesman, serving as governor of Ohio, United
States senator, etc. Corwin was employed by
Joseph's father also as a teamster, the two boys
occupying the same room. After marriage he set
tled on a farm in Rostraver township, Westmore
land county, where William, Rose Ann, Eliza and
Elijah were born. In 1828 he moved to Williams
port (now Monongahela) and entered into the mer
cantile business, living there until the time of his
death in 1871, with the exception of two years be
tween April 1, 1829, to April 1, 1831, during which
interval he resided in Cookstown (now Fayette
Citv). Joseph Alexander was prominently identified
with the moral, social and business interests of
Monongahela, serving frequently as a member of
council, and school board. He was a member and
trustee of the M. E. Church; was an original stock
holder, and among the first managers of Williams
port Bridge Company. His long and honorable
career as a merchant gave him a wide acquaintance
in Washington and adjacent counties, and his
frank and manly traits of character, as well as his
uprightness and native kindness, won for him the
esteem and affection of a large circle of friends.
For a long period (since 1850) he was associated
in business with his sons, under the firm of Alex
ander & Co. , at first in mercantile and subsequently
in banking business.
Joseph Alexander was progressive and enter
prising in all hisefforts; and in the various positions
of honor and trust he occupied was always zealous
and faithful. He was a member of the school
board at the time of the building of the school-
house on Chess street, now occupied as a primary

138

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

school, and was earnest in advocating the impor
tance of the new building which met with consider
able opposition, giving much of his time and per
sonal attention in superintending the erection of
the building. He was also a member of the board
of trustees of the M. E. Church at the time of the
erection of the present edifice (as well as the edi
fice preceding it, which was erected in 1833), and
although then advanced in years and in feeble
health gave liberally and was active and earnest
in his efforts in behalf of the movement. He was
a man of uncompromising integrity and of strong
convictions — fearless and aggressive in the expres
sion of his opinions and unhesitatingly champion
ing any cause which he believed to be right. He
was one of the first to avow anti-slavery and aboli
tion sentiments, at a time when such ideas were by
no means regarded with favor. During the war of
the Rebellion he was fervently loyal to the
United States Government, and fiercely intolerant
of any other sentiments. He died at the age of
seventy-six — after a life of honest purpose and
honest industry, his declining years having been
spent in comfort and ease amongst his children,
six of whom were living, all in the course of
honorable and successful careers; his sons follow
ing along the same lines of life that he had trod
with ability and success, but with ampler means
and more extended interests.
William J. Alexander, Monongahela, is the
eldest son of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Alexander,
and the senior member of the firm of Alexander &
Co., bankers, Monongahela.
When the subject of this sketch was eight years
old his father removed to Williamsport (now Mo
nongahela), entered into the mercantile business
and lived there until his death, with the exception
of two years spent in Cookstown (now Fayette
City). The education of William J. Alexander
was such as was usually obtained at the common
subscription schools of that day, and early in life
(in 1836) he began his business career in Pitts
burgh, under the employ of Andrew Pierce. How
ever, his term of service in Pittsburgh was of short
duration, for his father requiring his assistance in
the business in Monongahela, he came home and
entered his father's Btore, where the advantage of
his energy and capacity were soon manifest. In
the spring of 1843 he became the junior partner of
J. Alexander & Son, which copartnership continued
until the present firm of Alexander & Co. was or
ganized in 1850, the style remaining unchanged
since that date. In the early days of his business
career his father, quick to recognize and acknowl
edge the son's practical business ability, and hav
ing firm faith in his sagacity and persevering in
dustry, yielded to him the responsible manage
ment of the business from the time he was admitted
into partnership. Since that date to the present

time he has been actively engaged in business, and
has been the recognized head of the firm of Alex
ander & Co., which under his lead has achieved its
present success and enviable reputation, making
fifty years of active business life. On November
14, 1844, William J. Alexander was married to
Eliza Morrison, daughter of John and Margaret
(Porter) Morrison.
Prior to the year 1864, the firm of Alexander &
Co. conducted the dry-goods business in connection
with banking. During that year the dry-goods
interests were disposed of, and the business has
since been exclusively banking. The firm is now
(January, 1893) composed of William J. Alexander,
James S. Alexander and Joseph Alexander Herron.
While Mr. Alexander has given his earnest and
active attention to his varied business interests, he
has from his earliest manhood been more or less
engaged in the promotion of every practical proj
ect for improving the material, moral and educa
tional welfare of the community in which he has
lived. He has been an active participant in the
management of municipal and educational matters,
and has enjoyed to a rare degree the esteem and
confidence of his fellow- townsmen, as has been
testified to, in numerous elections. In 1888, the
unusual compliment was paid to him of the nomi
nation as controller by both parties. He is now
president of the Monongahela Gas Company; has
been identified with the management of the Mo
nongahela cemetery since the inception of the en
terprise twenty six years ago; has been a member
and officer in the First Presbyterian Church for
nearly fifty years. Throughout the great Rebellion
he was prompt and earnest in all his duties as a
loyal citizen. He served as captain of Company
G, Eighteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia of
1862 (an organization called out by Gov. Curtin
to meet an exigency of the war), and served with
his regiment on the borders of Pennsylvania and
Maryland during the last days of the memorable
campaign which closed by the repulse and defeat
of the rebel forces under Lee at South Mountain
and Antietam. Capt. Alexander's company was
recruited in Monongahela, and was composed en
tirely of his neighbors and friends. There were
eighty-two officers and men mustered into the
United States service in Company G, etc., and of
these thirty-three are known to be dead, with date
and place of death; twenty-two are now (1893) res
idents of Monongahela; twenty seven reside out
side of Monongahela, most of their residences
known. The names of the survivors residing in
Monongahela are Alexander, William J. ; Boyd,
Reese; Blythe, James; Blythe, John; Collins,
Thomas; Corrin, Edward; Finley, J. Barclay;
Graham, A. V. ; Gibson, Henry; Linn, Dr. George
A. ; Lawrence, Hon. George V. ; McCurdy, T. Stock
ton; McGrew, James; Patterson, John; Robinson,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

141

Joseph C. ; Smith, A. Mason; Wilson, S. Clark;
King, Richard C. ; Wilson, William H. ; Kennedy,
James; Van Voorhis, Clinton; Long, J. K.
While the subject of this sketch has traveled
much, and is familiar with most points of interest
in his country, his life and habits have been es
sentially domestic. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have
no children, but their family circle was enlarged
and enlivened by the presence of the three brothers
of Mrs. Alexander — Joseph, Andrew and Dr. M.
P. Morrison. While the two former were practic
ing lawyers in Pittsburgh, yet most of their leisure
was spent at their Monongahela City home, which
being almost contiguous to the Alexander residence,
during the life of the Morrison brothers their in
timate relations and almost daily society made a
family circle of congenial, cultivated and delight
ful intercourse.
In the pursuit of Mr. Alexander's well-known
musical and literary tastes, he has accumulated a
valuable library, to which is now added the collec
tions of Joseph, Andrew and M. P. Morrison, all
of whom were collectors of books, of cultivated in
telligence and tastes. The collection now contains
many rare and valuable old editions, and editions
de luxe, besides old manuscripts of interest and
value. From this collection it has been the pleasure
of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander to donate to the Car
negie Library of Allegheny the rare and valuable
edition of "Audubon's Birds of America." We
refer to two of the many notices of this gift. The
Pittsburgh Daily Post of September 3, 1891, says:
" The arrangements were concluded on yesterday
between W. J. Alexander, the well-known banker
of Monongahela City, and Librarian Stevenson of
the Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, for the
donation to the library of the most valuable single
work, so far, which it has been the rare good fort
une of the institution to receive. The work is
the famous "Audubon's Birds of America." The
donors are Mrs. William J. Alexander, of Monon
gahela City, and Miss Sarah H. Patterson, of
Allegheny. The work presented is one of great
value on account of its excellent preservation, fine
condition, great scarcity and a demand that can not
be supplied at even great prices. There are about
500 plates over 3x2 feet, and contain the life-size
paintings of the largest birds. There are seven
volumes quarto of the text 'as good as new.'
Mr. Alexander refused all offers from the Carnegie
Free Library, as well as all others, for the pur
chase of the work, preferring to donate it for the
use of the public; and the generous gift will doubt
less be appreciated by all." The Boston Tran
script says: " The Carnegie Free Library in Alle
gheny, Penn., has become the fortunate possessor
of Audubon's 'Birde of America,' the gift of
Mrs. William J. Alexander, of Monongahela City.
The work is one of considerable rarity and of great

value, copies of the original editional selling at
from $2,500 to $4,000. It is not generally known
that the great naturalist's daughters live in the
old homestead near Audubon Park, overlooking the
Hudson. They were once possessed of consider
able wealth, but it was lost through unfortunate in
vestments, and they are now in somewhat strait
ened circumstances. Some of the big handsome
plates from which Audubon' s monumental work was
printed are preserved in the Museum of Natural
History in Central Park."
In conclusion. Mr. Alexander is still engaged in
business, but has reached that period of life, when
he must necessarily give less attention to details.
By sound and conservative business methods, he
has acquired ample means; and while business still
demands some time and attention, the principal
portion of his time is now spent at his home and
in his library.

THE MORRISON FAMILY. The profes
sional, social and personal history of Mo
nongahela City would be incomplete with
out a sketch of the Morrison Brothers, whose
personality has been so long familiar, and
still so fresh, in the recollection of most of our
citizens; and whose memory is so much revered and
cherished by them.
They were the sons of John Morrison, who was
born in 1789, near Londonderry, Ireland, whence
he emigrated to the United States about 1811, set
tling near the Mingo Creek Presbyterian church.
On February 29, 1820, he married Margaret Por
ter, daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth Porter,
who resided on a farm about two miles from Will
iamsport (now Monongahela), Penn. A short time
after their marriage they removed to a farm situ
ated two and one-half miles above Elizabeth, Alle
gheny Co., Penn., on the Monongahela river. On
this farm all the children of John and Margaret
(Porter) Morrison were born. This farm was sold
by Mr. Morrison in the spring of 1837, at which
time he removed to Monongahela, Washington
county, with his family, purchased real estate and
made it their future permanent home.. Mr. Mor
rison died October 16, 1837, aged forty-eight years,
leaving his widow (Margaret) with a family of six
children, all of whom have passed to the other side,
with the exception of Eliza, the eldest child, born
January 11, 1821, and married to William J. Alex
ander, of Monongahela, November 14, 1844. Mrs.
Alexander is the last living representative of her
generation of the Morrison family.
Mrs. Margaret (Porter) Morrison (born Novem
ber, 1798), after having lived to educate her fam
ily (excepting James Cust who died in infancy),
and see them grow up around her to adult age
under her own guidance and example, becoming

142

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

useful and honored citizens, and members of so
ciety; enjoying their love and tenderness through
a long and happy life, passed peacefully away,
September 18, 1882, aged eighty- four years. The
children of John and Margaret (Porter) Morrison
were as follows: Eliza, born January 11, 1821;
Joseph Scott, born July 5, 1824, died April 20,
1886; Mathew Porter, bom December 14, 1826,
died November 10, 1885; Andrew Porter, born
November 2, 1829, died November 5, 1890; Jane,
born December 8, 1832, died February 17, 1871;
James Cust, born September 15, 1835, died Octo
ber 6, 1837.
Joseph Scott Morrison graduated at Washing
ton College, Washington, Penn., in the class of
1844; read law with Hon. T. M. T. McKennau;
admitted to the Washington county bar 1847;
shortly after became a member of the Allegheny
county bar at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he prac
ticed law up to the time of his death, April 20, 1886.
Andrew Porter Morrison graduated at Wash
ington College in the class of 1849; read law with
his brother Joseph, and with Judge William Mc
Kennan, from 1852 to 1854. He was associated
in the practice of law with his brother. Joseph S.,
at Pittsburgh, from 1854 to 1861. On May 1, 1861,
he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment Penn
sylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps; was made a cor
poral, and was promoted July, 1862, to be ser
geant-major; was desperately wounded at the
battle of South Mountain, September 14, 1862;
was mustered out with his regiment May 12, 1864.
He was historian of the Ninth Regiment of Penn
sylvania Reserves. At the dedication of the
Gettysburg Monument, his address elicited high
encomiums as a carefully prepared and accurate
historical paper. After the war, Major Morrison
resumed the practice of law, associated (as
formerly) with his brother Joseph, until the death
of the latter in 1886, afterward conducting the prac
tice alone. Having been warned of the dangers
of heart trouble, he gradually gave up his law
practice, refusing new business, and 'rapidly clos
ing up his docket, when suddenly overtaken by
death. On September 11, 1866, he was married to
Miss Rebecca S. H. Davis, of Allegheny. Resid
ing in Allegheny, he and his wife became members
of the North Presbyterian Church, then under the
care of Dr. A. A. Hodge. After the death of his
wife (born in 1839. died September 5, 1877) he re
turned to the old family homestead in Mononga
hela City, which was his earthly home until his
departure for the heavenly, whither he was pre
ceded bv his home circle, except his greatly beloved
sister Eliza, the wife of William J. Alexander,
Esq. Major Morrison changed his membership
from Allegheny to the First Presbyterian Church,
Monongahela City, September 8, 1878. By the
unanimous voice of his church associates he was

elected a ruling elder, which office, after due con
sideration, he accepted, and was ordained March
31, 1889. Andrew P. Morrison was a man of the
highest type; the moral atmosphere which sur
rounded him was pure, the example he set was
helpful. His instincts were all gentle; his manner
urbane; his friendship as true as gold; his career
was that of honorable manhood, respected citizen
ship, unquestioned morality and professional in
tegrity. Dr. Mathew Porter Morrison. As a fitting
sketch, we take the liberty to make the following
extracts from a paper prepared by Rev. William 0.
Campbell, D. D., for a memorial volume of Dr.
Morrison, late of Monongahela. He received his
first academic training at home in the academy
conducted by the Rev. E. S. Blake, and T. R.
Hazzard, Esq. He was a graduate of Washington
College in the class of 1847. Among his class
mates were the Hon. James G. Blaine; John H.
Hampton, of Pittsburgh; Alexander Wilson, Esq.,
of Washington. Penn. ; Hon. William H. H. Pusey,
of Iowa, and Dr. John H. Storer, of West Vir
ginia. After leaving college he was engaged in
teaching school for a short time at home. Having
read a course of medicine with Dr. Samuel M.
King, he attended a full course of lectures for two
years at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and re
ceived his degree of "Doctor of Medicine " in the
spring of 1851. He subsequently attended special
courses of lectures, and hospital practice, in Phil
adelphia and Boston. In May, 1851, he opened
an office for the practice of his profession at the
"Old Home" in Monongahela. Not long after
ward he became associated in practice, as a part
ner, with Dr. R. F. Biddle. When the war of the
Rebellion broke out, Dr. Morrison joined the Union
army in the field, August 6, 1861, as assistant sur
geon of the One Hundred and Second Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Rowley's "Old
Thirteenth." He was promoted to surgeon with
the rank of major September 12, 1862, and at the
close of the war was mustered out June 28, 1865,
being at the time surgeon of the Second Division
of the Sixth Corps. His professional life covers
a period of nearly thirty-five years of active and
arduous practice — all, save the four years in the
army, among his friends and neighbors in the vi
cinity of the " Old Home." Col. Hazzard. in The
Republican, gave expression to the feelings of
many hearts when he penned this tribute to his
memory: " Of his worth as a friend; his judgment
and sagacity as a physician; his learning as a
scholar; his integrity and nobility of character in
the walks of civil life; and of his devotion to his
country as a soldier; his warm-hearted friendship;
his stern adherence to right- living and thinkiDg;
of the warm place he held in the hearts of the fam
ilies he visited, both as physician and friend — of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

143

these things, we need not speak— they are the
choicest memories of this sad hour in a thousand
hearts. Dr, M. P. Morrison brought to his pro
fession a mind thoroughly familiar with the prin
ciples and practice of medicine. He honored the
profession in which he was eminently successful.
His death brings a genuine sorrow, brightened only
by the words which his lips framed almost with his
last breath, 'Not my will, but Thine.'" Extract
from a letter of Hon. J. G. Blaine: "It was a
great surprise and personal sorrow to me. Though
we have seen each other but twice since our grad
uation (more than thirty-eight years ago), I have a
strong impression of his qualities of mind and
heart, and a vivid recollection of his person. He
was a gentle spirit — kind, considerate and gener
ous—tenderly regarded by his class-mates. I al
ways felt he had chosen wisely in his profession.
I can well imagine that his ministrations in the
sick-room were a great solace to patients. To lose
such a brother must be a lasting grief, and I ten
der you my sincere condolence."

J | ONES FAMILY. William Jones sailed from
the port of Baltimore in 1769 (his son Will-
) iam being then six years old), and the vessel
was never afterward heard from. The son,
William Jones, was born May 3, 1763, at Ellicott's
Mills, Md., and died March 14, 1863. He was
married April 23, 1789, to Elizabeth McClung,
who was born November 24, 1769, and died Jan
uary 27, 1829. About 1791 they emigrated from
Maryland to Washington county, Penn., near Gin
ger Hill, six miles from Monongahela, where they
settled on a farm on which they passed the remain
der of their days, and which farm is still owned by
a son, William McKendree Jones. They had
twelve children, viz. : (1) John Jones, born in Ma
ryland, May 23, 1790, died July 16, 1875; was
twice married, first time to Rachel Frew; second
time to Margaret Blaine, who was born October 12,
1805, and died October 29, 1890; by his first mar
riage he had six children: William (married to Miss
West), James (married to a Miss Cleaver), Eliza
beth (married to David Ritchie), Joseph (married
to a Miss Watkins), David (married to Miss Phil
lips), Samuel V. Cook (deceased, married to Miss
Gregg), Polly (married to Manuel Stoody). By
his second marriage Mr. Jones had two children —
Rachel and Jennie. (2) Elijah Jones, born in
Maryland November 20, 1791, died June 15, 1855;
was married to Mary Warren, and their children
were William (married to a Miss Frye), Eliza Jane
(married to John M. Bedall), Margaret (married to
John S. Carson), James (married to a Miss Van-
Voorhis), Wesley (married in the West), Isaac
(married to a Miss Mcllvaine), Noah (married to a
Miss Frye). (3) Mary Jones, born November 1,

1793, died August 15, 1856; married March 8,
1819, to Joseph Alexander, who was born April 1,
1795. (4) Ruth Jones, born September 4, 1795,
died January 22, 1892. (5) Delilah Jones, born
February 14, 1797, died July 22, 1882; married to
James Mills, who was born in 1801, died May 23,
1878, and their children were William (deceased),
Andrew Bascom (died May 14, 1888, married to
 Deering), Mary (married to a Mr. Dalby),
Rebecca (married to Rev. Dr. Watkins), James
(married), Charles S., Wilbur Fisk (married).
(6) Jesse Jones, born December 24, 1798, died
February 11, 1888; married Eleanor Frew, and
their children were Alexander (deceased), Jackson
(married to Miss Black), Elizabeth (married to
Rev. Mr. Snyder), Charles (married), Carrie B.
(married), Nancy (married to a Mr. Rankins, now
deceased), Jesse (died June 21, 1888), Ellen (mar
ried to Mr. McDonald, and now deceased); others
have been lost sight of in the West. (7) Samuel
Jones, born August 25, 1800, accidentally killed
June 14, 1867; was twice married, first time to
Jane Fell, and for his second wife to Mary Thomas;
the children by his first wife were William (mar
ried to a Miss Sheplar), S. Fell (married to a Miss
Thomas), Mary (married to a Dr. Watkins, both
deceased), and James (married to a Miss Finley).
•By the second marriage Mr. Jones had children as
follows: Elizabeth, Melissa, Retta, Amanda, Homer,
Luther, John and Celia. (8) Rebecca Jones, born
March 8, 1802, died July 3, 1838; married Andrew
Mills, and had one child, James Mills, editor of
the Pittsburgh Post, who married Elvira Alexan
der. (9) Rose Ann Jones, born May 4, 1804, died
September, 1870; married Francis Hull Williams,
and their children were Elizabeth (married to
Greer Mcllvaine), Elmira, John W., William, David,
James and Harvey. (10) Elizabeth Jones, born
January 15, 1806; died in September, 1830; mar
ried James McCauley, and their children were Ann
Eliza and Mary. (11) Ann Jones, born April 22,
1808, died June 30, 1889; married John Hess, born
1818, died 1883, and their children were John,
Elizabeth, Westley, Alcinous, Amanda and Maggie.
(12) William McKendree Jones, born October 29,
1809, married Sarah Fulmer,who died in 1886; their
children were Leonidas, Mary, Edward, James
Mills, Margaret, Kate, Snyder, Albert, Florence
and Rose.
The children born to (2) Elijah and Mary (War
ren) Jones were as follows: (1) William, born in
Fallowfield township, married Miss Eliza Jane
Fry, and afterward moved to Brighton, Washing
ton Co., Iowa, and still resides there; their children
are as follows: Samuel W., married to Rachel,
daughter of Manuel Stoody, of this county; Mary,
married to Mr. William Hide, of Washington
county, Iowa; Henry, married to Miss McCain;
Irilla Jane, married; Amy, married to Mr. John-

144

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

son; Josephine, married; Delia (now deceased),
married to Mr. Hedge. (2) Eliza Jane, married
to John McCutchen Bedali, as already mentioned.
(3) Margaret, married to John S. Carson, both de
ceased (their children were eleven in number, as
follows: Isaac, married to Miss Fry; Cornelius,
married to Miss Beazell; John C. (now deceased),
married to Miss Raymond; Henry, married to Miss
Furnier; Robert F. , married to Miss Odvert; Mary
Elizabeth, deceased; Van Curtis, deceased; Mar
garet M., married to I. N. Carson; Caroline Jane
(now deceased), married to J. W. Carson; Noah T,
married to Miss Sprowls; and Joseph, married to
Miss Greenlee). (4) John Westley, married to Jane
Davison, in Logan county, Ohio, and now living
near Linneus, Linn Co., Mo. (they have nine chil
dren, viz. : Margaret J., married to George Hide,
of Brighton, Iowa; Arabelle, married to a Mr. Wat-
terhouse, in Iowa; Ella, married to a Mr. Hossick;
James, married and living in Iowa; John C, living
near Linneus, Mo. ; Annie Neal, also living near Lin-
neus,Mo. ; Helen, Hester and Isaac Willfred, unmar
ried and living at home). (5) James Jones (now de
ceased), married to Miss Van Voorhis, and had chil
dren. (6)Noah, married to Mary Fry, and their chil
dren are nine in number, as follows: John T. K.,
married to Miss Gamble ; Florence C. , married to Miss
Bradley, in Missouri; Annie M., married to Mr.
Huffman; Mortimore, married to Miss Huffman
(now deceased); Eunice, married to Warren Gib
son; and Frank, Bert, Noah King, Lilley, all four
unmarried. (7) Isaac Warren, married to Mary
Agnes Mcllvaine; their children are as follows:
Dora B. , married to William Morrow; William,
unmarried; Isaac L., married to Miss Rettig; Mc
llvaine, Harry and Mary A., all three unmarried.

FORREST, ROBERT R., RICHARD R. and
J. R., Washington. These gentlemen are de
scended from stalwart Scotch and English
-" ancestors who came to America at an early
date. The great-grandfather, Johnson, was a
Doctor of Divinity in the classic city of Edinburgh,
Scotland, and some of his books are still in the
possession of his great-grandson Robert R. Forrest.
John Forrest, grandfather of the gentlemen
whose names open this sketch, was born in Scot
land, and was married in Edinburgh, the capital
of that country, to Jean Johnson, who after his
death came to America in 1839, and now lies in
Allegheny cemetery ; her husband died in London,
England. The two brothers of this John Forrest
emigrated, in the early part of this century, to
America, the one coming to Philadelphia, Penn.,
the other proceeding to a southern port.
George Forrest, father of Robert R., Richard
R. and J. R. Forrest, was born November 24, 1803,
in Penrith, County of Cumberland, England,

which county, being on the border, was for a long
time claimed by Scotland. He was married June
12, 1826, in New Marylebone Church, Parish of
Marylebone, London, England, to Alice Rhodes,
who was born in the Parish of St. George, Lon
don, England, January 6, 1808, a daughter of
Joshua Rhodes, a native of London, where he
lived and died. In 1837 George Forrest and his
brother Richard set out together with their fam
ilies for America, and were six weeks crossing the
Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which was reported
lost. Landing at New York, and their destination
being Richmond, Ind., they traveled by rail, canal
and other modes to Allegheny City, where Rich
ard's wife and two children died. The brothers
then concluded to here remain. Richard, who was
a marble cutter and sculptor, became foreman of
the Wallace Marble Works, Pittsburgh, Penn.
His last employer in the mother country had been
Sir Francis Chantry, the eminent English sculptor,
and he was in his employ at the time Allan Cunning
ham, the author and sculptor, was foreman of the
establishment, and Forrest's duties consisted, in
the placing of statuary for Chantry. About the
year 1 747 George Forrest and his family moved to
Canonsburg, Washington county, and two years
later came to Washington borough, where he
worked at his trade, tailoring, until about the time
of his death, which occurred March 28, 1865, when
he was aged sixty-three years. He was liberal of
his means and charitably disposed; in politics he
was a Democrat, in religion a Presbyterian; his
widow was summoned from earth January 28,
1885, in her seventy-eighth year; she was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were
the parents of eight children — four born in Lon
don, England, and four in Allegheny, Penn. —
Robert R. being the first of the family born this
side of the Atlantic. They are as follows: Alice
(Mrs. Boyle); Emma (wife of John B. Hallam);
George; Jane (widow of Matthew Taylor), in South
Strabane township ; Robert R. , of whom a sketch
follows; Mary (wife of John Munce), residing in
Washington, Penn. ; Richard R. and J. R. (sketches
of whom follow). George Forrest bought 300 acres
of land, on part of which the city of Kittanning,
Penn., now stands, intending to settle there, but
the country proved to be so wild he sold it before
going to Canonsburg.
Robert R. Forrest was born in Allegheny, Alle
gheny Co., Penn., October 12, 1840. He came to
Washington, Penn., with his parents, and attended
the common schools of the place until he arrived
at the age of sixteen years, when he entered Hayes'
Carriage Factory as an apprentice, remaining until
the breaking out of the Civil war. He then pro
ceeded to Wheeling, W. Va. , where he was em
ployed on Government work, chiefly in the con
structing of ambulances, and he ironed the last

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

145

twenty-five of that class of vehicle sent to the seat
of war from Wheeling. In 1867 Mr. Forrest en
tered into partnership with James House, in the
carriage-making business, in Washington, this
county, putting up for the purpose the building
now occupied by R. B. McClure & Son on East
Wheeling street. The style of the firm was House
& Forrest, but about a year after commencing
operations, Mr. Forrest sold out his interest to Mr.
House and embarked in the brickmaking business
in South Strabane township, which he still carries
on, it having now been in existence some twenty
years. The first brick made on his place were
used in the construction of the jail, and it has since
supplied the brick for many prominent buildings,
such as banks, seminaries, churches and private
residences. He was also for a time engaged in
contracting and building, in /company with his
brother, Richard R. In 1889 he commenced the
erection of his own commodious house on the
corner of Sumner avenue and Pitt street, one of
the finest residences in the northern part of the
city, and in November, 1890, moved into it.
On April 15, 1869, Mr. Forrest was married in
Washington to Miss Sarah M. Hayes, daughter of
Charles Hayes, and granddaughter of George
Kuntz, both of Washington. Six children were
the result of this union, only two of whom survive:
Sophia and Alice, both living at home. Mr. For
rest and his family are members of the Second
Presbyterian Church; politically he votes the Dem
ocratic ticket, and has frequently been solicited to
accept office, but has invariably declined the honor.
Well-known and popular in the community, Mr.
Forrest stands high in the esteem and respect of
his fellow-citizens.
Richard Rhodes Forrest, contractor and builder,
also florist and proprietor of greenhouses, in Wash
ington, was born April 14, 1844, in Allegheny,
Allegheny Co., Penn. As will be seen, he was but a
child when the family came to Washington. Here
he received his education, being among the first pu
pils to attend the new Union schools. In 1859 he
commenced to learn the trade of carriage body build
ing with S. B. & C. Hayes, serving an apprentice
ship of nearly four years; then worked for John
Hallam in building spring wagons. In September,
1862, he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Regiment
Pennsylvania Militia, and they were encamped at
a point near Chambersburg, Penn., at the time the
Confederate army learned the name of Antietam.
Afterward, August 31, 1864, he enlisted in the
army, in the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery,
Company F, was in at the death of the Confeder
acy, aud was mustered out June 30, 1865. He
became of age while in the army.
Returning to this county, he immediately re
sumed his trade, his first work being the building
of a coach for James House, called the "Queen of

the Road," which was run between Washington
(Penn.) and Pittsburgh. Afterward he removed to
the site where now stands the carriage factory of
R. B. McClure & Son. Later he sold out to James
House, who became a partner with his brother,
Robert R., in the same line of "business, and for
them he worked a considerable length of time,
constructing windmills, some sixty or seventy hav
ing been built. He then engaged with Hayes &
Wilson, working on bodies for sewing machines,
after which he became a partner for a time with
E. J. Dye in contracting and building: He had
previously put up many of the brick buildings in
the borough, and on West Beau street he erected
a house which in itself is a curiosity. He made
the molds and the brick himself for this house,
each brick having a panel on it. In 1878 he
bought the property where he now resides, the
grounds covering about twelve acres on the out
skirts of the borough. Some eight years ago he
commenced gardening, building greenhouses for
the cultivation of both vegetables and flowers, and
to-day he owns the largest conservatory in Wash
ington. On March 13, 1873, Mr. Forrest was
united in marriage with Miss Theresa Mills, a
native of Monongahela City, daughter of Andrew
and Alice Mills, who both died in the borough of
Washington. She had one sister, who married,
and two brothers, Harvey and James, the latter of
whom is now editor of the Pittsburgh Post.
To Mr. and Mrs. Forrest were born three sons, all
of whom died in early childhood. They are both
members of the First M. E. Church of Washing
ton, and in politics he is in sentiment a Prohibi
tionist, but votes independently and according to
his own judgment.
J. R. Forrest, one of the prominent members
of the bar of Washington county, was born in
Allegheny, Allegheny Co., Penn., February 21,
1847. He began life a poor boy, having to earn
by the sweat of his brow the means to secure
even a limited education, at first, in the common
schools of his district. Still, applying himself as
siduously to work, he was enabled to take himself
to the high school, from which he graduated, and
he then attended Washington College three years.
Our subject, having now completed his literary
studies, commenced reading law in the office of
Ruth & Hamilton, Washington, Penn., in which he
remained three years, and in 1868 he was admitted
to the bar. Mr. Forrest at once commenced the
practice of his profession in the borough, and has
since continued with eminent success. In Febru
ary, 1865, tired with the spirit of patriotism, he
enlisted at New Brighton, Penn., in Company H,
Eighty- seventh P. V. I., which regiment was at
tached to the Sixth Army Corps. After partici
pating in the fighting around Richmond and
Petersburg, which ended with the capture of Lee,

146

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

he was ordered with the Sixth Corps on a forced
march to Danville, N. C. , to cut off the retreat of
Gen. Joe Johnston, and was present at his capture
also. After the war closed Mr. Forrest was mus
tered out of the service in July, 1865. On Feb
ruary 21, 1871, Mr. J. R. Forrest was united in
marriage with Miss Belle, daughter of the late
Daniel Boyle, in his day a prominent stock dealer
in North Strabane township, this county, and to
this union have been born two children: Daniel B.,
now attending the sophomore class at college, and
Earle R. Politically Mr. Forrest is a Democrat,
and for the past ten years he has served as a justice
of the peace. He has a strong penchant for litera
ture, and is a writer in verse of recognized ability
and versatility. The majority of his best efforts
have not yet been published, but doubtless will
some day be given to the world in book form.
Two of his poems are here presented:
THE LORD'S PRAYER.
Our Father who in heaven art,
Look kindly on Thy wayward child;
Help me to chose the better part
And save me from the tempter's wiles.
All hallowed be Thy sacred name,
Thy kingdom here on earth be nlade ;
Pill all the earth with holy flame,
Till sin's corrupting hand be stayed.
In love and peace Thy will be done,
In every land Thy praise be beard;
Till all on earth, aye, every one,
Doth read and ponder o'er Thy word.
Give me each day my daily bread,
Thy tender hand relieve my care;
If Thou, who hath the ravens fed,
Will help me, I shall have no fear.
Forgive my debts as I forgive
The ones who do me grievous wrong;
As I let others, so let me live,
And always in Thy faith be strong.
Let no temptation lead astray
The wayward passions of the soul;
But guide me in the better way,
And save me from my own control.
Deliver me from evil tide,
Save me from its dire distress;
Open the gates of mercy wide,
Where all is love and peacefulness.
And when the light of earthly bliss,
¦Fades from my weary closing eyes,
May all the love that here I miss,
Be mine renewed beyond the skies.
Thine be the glory evermore;
Thy holy faith my best endeavor;
And when for me this life is o'er,
Take me to Thee: and Thine forever. 7. R. F.
Washington, Penn., September 8, 1884,
GATHERING HOME.
In this neglected, quiet spot,
Mid shadows soft and drear;
With tangled grass and creeping vines
And running waters near;

The old home grim and silent stands —
The fires, warm and bright,
That cracked and blazed upon each hearth,
Are dark and cold to-night.
The winter's blast amid the trees,
With low and solemn moan,
Repeats the nightbird's mournful chant,
Where once we gathered home.
I look upon the doleful scene,
The time-worn ruined place,
And fail to find amid the wreck
One faint, familiar trace.
It makes my heart o'erflow with grief,
My tears I can't restrain,
And o'er my bosom rolls a tide
Of sorrow, grief and pain.
The past doth flit before my mind —
Here once again I roam;
And once again I hear the shout
Of children gathering home.
Again I see my mother come
To meet me at the door,
And welcome home her romping ones
When school and work was o'er.
Again I feel the grateful warmth
That beamed from every smile,
When she would stoop to soothe our grief,
Our little woes beguile.
I hear again, with quickened pulse,
Re-echo from each stone
The happy, merry, gleeful laugh
Of children gathering home.
Those children who have long ago
Grown up to man's estate,
And wandered out into the world,
To strive with varying fate;
That mother who, these many years,
Mid shadows soft and still,
Hath folded up her tired handB
And sleeps upon the hill;
That happy home, this crumbling wreck,
Deserted, sad and lone,
Repeat the legend, here no more,
" Will we come gathering home."
No more within these crumbling walls,
Where build the noisy birds,
Will I behold my mother's form,
Or hear her loving words.
No more beneath this falling roof,
Each widening gap doth tell,
Will come again, with laugh and song,
Those happy ones to dwell.
No more, along these silent paths,
Their merry feet will roam;
But one by one — just over there —
They all will gather home.
Washington, Penn., May 28, 1885.

HON. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY was born
in Franklin township, Washington Co.,
Penn., April 11, 1819, and died in Canton
township, April 28, 1870.
His father was William Montgomery, a
native of Scotland, born in Ayrshire in 1792, and
was a relative of Sir James Montgomery. He re
moved from Virginia to Washington county, Penn.,
in 1817, and the same year married Elizabeth

*/

frs*^ &-$

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

149

Kelly. He died in 1858 leaving two children:
William and Martha Jane. Martha married J. F.
LinviUe, and now resides in New Castle, Lawrence
Co., Penn. They have one son, Montgomery
LinviUe, M. D.
Hon. William Montgomery entered Washington
College at an early age, and was graduated in
September, 1839, under the presidency of Dr. Mc-
Conaughy. He at once commenced the study of
law under the late John L. Gow, as preceptor, and
was admitted to practice at November term, 1841,
his examiners and certifiers being the Hon. T. M.
T. McKennan, Hon. Isaac Leet and James Wat
son, Esq. His rise at the bar was rapid and brill
iant, and in a few years he took a high position
among its leading members, enjoying to the last
an enviable reputation, as well as an extensive and
lucrative practice. In 1845 he was appointed dis
trict attorney by Gov. Shunk. In 1848 he re
ceived the Democratic nomination for State sena
tor, but was defeated by a small majority. In
1854 he received the nomination of the same party
for Congress, and during that year made some of
the most powerful speeches of his life. In 1856
he was elected to Congress, and in 1858 was re
elected by a very large majority. His career in
Congress was marked by several speeches of great
ability, which placed him at once among the rec
ognized leaders of the then dominant party.
Mr. Montgomery was known as the author of
the "Crittenden-Montgomery Resolution" on the
admission of Kansas to the Union. As a public
speaker he possessed a power that would attract
aud hold the attention and raise the highest en
thusiasm among his listeners. As a lawyer he
had few peers, and his name is handed down to
history as one of the most talented of the day.
In 1845 Mr. Montgomery married Matilda
Duvall, of Washington county, Penn., and they
had three children: Andrew Jackson, James and
William. Of these Andrew Jackson married
Martha G. Black, of Washington, Penn., and they
now reside in Canton township, same county; they
have two children, Elizabeth and George. James
married Lillias Ritner, of Washington, Penn., and
they now reside in Salem, Roanoke Co., Va. ; they
have one son, William Morgan. William, the
youngest son of our subject, died in 1880.

QEORGE WASHINGTON MINTON, a prom
inent and well-to-do lifelong farmer and
stock raiser, of Morris township, is a native
of the same, having been born January 4,
-' 1817.
His father. Philip Minton, who was a native of
New Jersey, born October 6, 1782, came about
the commencement of this century to Washington
county, settling in Morris township, where he
8

passed the remainder of his life, Indians and wild
animals being at that time still numerous and
troublesome. On January 21, 1803, he was mar
ried to Eunice Clutter, of Morrison township, by
which union there were nine children, viz. : Rachel,
Thaddeus, John, Sarah, Sophronia, Ruth, George
Washington, Sarah Ann and Harriet, all of whom
are now deceased except Sophronia and George
Washington. The subject of this memoir was married Decem
ber 20, 1838, to Jane, daughter of Stephen Day,
of Morris township, Greene Co., Penn., and the
names and dates of birth of the children born
to them are as follows: Sarah Philena, September
22, 1839; Bradley, July 25, 1842; Collins, October
30, 1845; Mary Edith, April 25, 1848; John, No
vember 13, 1850; Stephen Minton, June 9, 1853;
George Lowrie, May 22, 1856; Philip Leondus,
May 29, 1858; Oliver Homer, April 29, 1859. Of
these, Sarah Philena lives at home, unmarried;
Bradley married Mattie Gere, of Lawrence county,
Penn., who died April 25, 1889, and he then
wedded Mary Anderson, of West Alexander (he is a
druggist at Claysville); Collins married Miss Min
erva Patterson, of Franklin township, this county,
and after her death was united in marriage with
Miss Mattie Grayble, of Akron, Ohio (he is a
painter by trade); Mary Edith makes her home
with her father, and is unmarried; John is a
farmer in East Finley township, and is married to
Sarah Rickey, of Richhill township, Greene Co ,
Penn. ; Stephen is a farmer, and is married to Cora,
daughter of Artemas Day, of Morris township;
George Lowrie married Callie V. Webb, and after
her death wedded Luella Doty (he lives in Nine
veh, Greene Co., Penn., where he carries on a dry-
goods store); Philip L. is married to Emma San
ders, and lives in Washington, this county; Oljver
Homer lived only one year, dying April 29, 1860.
The mother of this family departed this life De
cember 20, 1888. Mr. Minton, in addition to car
rying on general agriculture, has been consider
ably interested in stock raising, and at the present
time has some ten horses on his place. He has
been eminently successful, and is recognized as one
of the best authorities on matters pertaining to
agricultural pursuits. Politically he is a pro
nounced Democrat, one " dyed in the wool," and
has served three years aB school director.

ALTER L. WHITING. Among the well-
known, progressive young business men
of Washington, the subject of this sketch
occupies a leading position. John Whit
ing, his father, was born in 1820, at Ports
mouth, England, where he was educated and
reared to mercantile business.
John, while yet a young man, came to America,

150

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and made a settlement in Washington county, at
Washington, in 1842. In 1844 he married Marga
ret, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth Turner,
and the children born to this union were: Edwin
(deceased), Sarah M., Mary E., William B.,
George E, John, Carroll C. , Harry D., and
Walter L. The family are members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Whit
ing is a Republican. For several years he has
been engaged in mercantile business in Washing
ton. Walter L. Whiting, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born at Washington, this county, Jan
uary 13, 1862, and received a liberal education at
the public schools. When a youth he entered the
employ of William Smith & Son, the well-known
merchants of Washington, remaining with them
eleven years, during which time he acquired a
thorough business training. In August, 1885, he
received the appointment of assistant bookkeeper
for the Citizens National Bank of Washington, and
in 1890 was chosen cashier of the Farmers &
Mechanics' National Bank, of the same place,
which position he fills with eminent ability and
complete satisfaction. On May 17, 1888, Mr.
Whiting was married to Frances, eldest daughter
of the late Edward Little, of Washington. Two
children, Haven L. and Helen L., have come to
bless their home. Our subject and wife are mem
bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In
politics Mr. Whiting is a Republican.
Edward Little, born in 1837, at Silloth, Eng
land, married Eleanor, daughter of John and
Mary Wales, of Carlisle, England, in 1861. The
children born to them are Frances, Grace, Eleanor,
Jane, Mary, Edward and Bessie. Mr. Little, wife
and two children came to America and settled at
Washington, Penn. , in 1869. He was a contractor
and builder of prominence here. Frances (Little)
Whiting was born at Workington, England,
August 30, 1864. Edward Little, her father, died
July 27, 1885, and Eleanor Little, her mother,
died March 7, 1891.

AMUEL MAXWELL was born near Car
lisle, Penn., October 23, 1776, and died Oc
tober 9, 1865. About the year 1800 he pur
chased a farm in the vicinity of New Cum
berland, W. Va. (then Brooke county, Va., now
Hancock county, W. Va.), which was his home un
til his death.
Mr. Maxwell was very highly esteemed as a
neighbor and a citizen. He was for over fifty
years a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church,
having been ordained to that office by Rev. Elisha
McCurdy, in the church known as the "Three
Springs," in the burial ground of which his body
awaits the resurrection of the just. He was twice

married: first to Miss Sarah Scott, by whom he
had five sons — Scott, Smiley, John, Robert, Will
iam (who died in infancy) — and one daughter
— Elizabeth, who became the wife of a Mr. Welsh,
whose son, Rev. Josiah Welsh, was the founder
and, until his death in 1877, the pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Mrs. Jane Fulton, a sister of the Rev. John Mc-
Cluskey, D. D., and widow of John Fulton, of
Florence, Penn., was Mr. Maxwell's second wife.
They were'married August 18, 1831. Mrs. Max
well, by her first husband, was the mother of Rev.
Robert John Fulton (a sketch of whom follows), a
brilliant young clergyman, who died at Cumber
land, Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1855. The children
of Samuel and Jane (McCluskey) Maxwell were
William (born August 9, 1832, and died at Will-
iamsburgh, Va. , May 13, 1863), James McCluskey
(a sketch of whom follows), and Joseph Henry,
who is an extensive wheat-grower near Dawson,
Minnesota. Joseph Henry Maxwell was born March 10,
1840. In the early history of the war of the Re
bellion he enlisted in the First West Virginia Reg
iment (loyal), Col. Thoburn, commander, and con
tinued in the ranks until the close of the war, re
fusing promotion and passing courageously through
more than thirty pitched battles, fortunately re
ceiving no serious personal injury, and only on one
occasion a slight wound.
Robert J. Fulton was born in the northern part
of Washington county, Penn., a son of John Fulton,
a descendant of Robert Fulton, of steamboat renown.
His mother was Jane McCluskey, a sister of the late
Catherine (McCluskey) Herriott, who was the
mother of William and John Herriott, well-known
farmers of Mt. Pleasant township, of Miss Nancy
Jane Herriott, of Canonsburg, and Mrs. Kate (Her
riott) Ewing, wife of Rev. William Ewing, of the
same place. Her son, James H. , died some years
ago at Lawrence, Kans. Mr. Fulton was one of
the brightest men that ever enlivened a dinner
party or social. He was considerably over six
feet tall, of very slender but compact build. His
manner was keen and surprisingly alert. Had he
been a heavier boned man he might easily have
been mistaken for a twin brother of Abraham Lin
coln. He had dark complexion, small, black,
sparkling eyes and a dense shock of very black hair.
He was a man of exceedingly fine taste, and very
few in the Presbyterian Church to day equal his
scholastic attainments and oratorical powers.
After teaching school in country districts for some
years while a boy, he attended the celebrated acad
emy at West Alexander, presided over for many
years by his mother's brother, the far-famed Dr.
John McCluskey. Then after teaching in this
school and reading a complete course in the classics,
mathematics and theology under the tuition of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

151

Dr. McCluskey, he was, after a most rigid exami
nation, licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Ohio, whose members declared that he had stood
a better examination than any candidate that had
ever come before them. Mr. Fulton had no brother,
but two sisters, one of whom, long since dead, was
the wife of Samuel Phillips, of Chartiers township.
She had three children: Fulton, Hibbert and
Sophie C. J., the first being the editor and pro
prietor of the McDonald Outlook, the second a
very popular and successful physician at Pitts
burgh, and the third a well-known resident of
Canonsburg. The second sister of Robert Fulton
was Mary, wife of Rev. T. B. Van Eman, of Can
onsburg, who died many years ago, leaving one
son, John William, who is a Presbyterian minister
and missionary at Geneseo, Kans. After having
been licensed, Mr. Fulton was called to the Pres
byterian Church at Cumberland, Ohio. A few
years after he went to assist at a wonderful re
vival of religion in a neighboring church where he
preached each day and each night for two weeks;
then coming home preached on Sabbath to his own
people an exceedingly impressive sermon from
Micah vi: 9, and took pneumonia and fever that
carried him off in a few days. Thus passed away
one of the brightest spirits this county ever pro
duced. Robert Fulton married Ruth Anna Lucas,
who resides in West Alexander, Penn. They had
one daughter, Kate, who married a Mr. Sproul, an
attorney, who has for some years been engaged in
one of the departments at Washington, D. C.
Rev. John McCluskey, D. D. , was for over a
quarter of a century the active and successful
pastor of the church of West Alexander, Penn.
At the age of thirty-three years he came to it, a
licentiate from the Presbytery of Philadelphia,
and was ordained by Washington Presbytery as
pastor, October 8, 1828. _ Chester county, Penn.,
claims the honor of his birth, which occurred June
17, 1795, though the discipline of his youth came
from Washington county, the future sphere of his
labors. Jefferson College sent him forth in the
class of 1822, adorned with her culture, and better
still as a new man in the purpose of his life; for
while an undergraduate he made his confession
of Christ in the Chartiers Church, then under the
pastoral care of Dr. John McMillan. Not a little
of his mental development, before and after his
collegiate training, came through his own efforts
as a teacher, and the habit thus acquired increased
and widened his influence throughout his pastoral
work. He received his theological training partly
under the instruction of Dr. Ezra Stiles Ely, of
Philadelphia, and, for one year, in the Princeton
Seminary. Dr. McCluskey was more a man of
action than of severe study. His preaching was
plain, Scriptural, sound and spiritual, abounding in
illustrations from daily life. It was attended with

steady ingathering to the communion of the church,
and often with special revivals. He was pre-emi
nently a man of affairs, even at times taking the
temporal as well as spiritual interests of his people
into his care. Thus, under his influence, the gen
eral advancement of society kept pace with the
progress of his church He was a special friend
of liberal education. He established the West
Alexander Academy, and conducted it with much
success and reputation during the pastorate, send
ing forth from its walls about fifty students who
became ministers, besides many candidates for the
other professions. He was also an active trustee
of Washington College. Dr. McCluskey's resigna
tion, April 15, 1854, in the fifty-ninth year of his
age, was not for the purpose of inglorious ease,
but rather for a change of work. After a year
spent in the service of the board of education, he
supplied the pulpit of the church of Neshaminy,
Penn., and afterward that of Smyrna, Delaware,
through a period of five years. In 1859 he found
ed a church-school in West Philadelphia. In 1864
he established an institution at Hightstown,^N. J.,
for the free tuition of the children of ministers,
and especially of missionaries. Returning to Phil
adelphia in 1870, he acted for a time as associate
principal of the Mantua Academy. The evening
of his declining life was spent among friends at
Wooster, Ohio. On March 3 1 , 1880, in the eighty-
fifth year of his age, his life work came to its end
in Philadelphia, and he aecended to the upper
skies. [From the " History of the Presbytery of
Washington."] His body was laid to rest in the old Neshaminy
Cemetery at Hartsville, Penn., where, since, at his
side was placed the body of his most estimable
and greatly beloved wife.
Rev. James McCluskey Maxwell, D. D.,was born
in the vicinity of New Cumberland, Brooke Co.,
Va. (now Hancock county, W. Va.), August 1,
1837. He was baptized in infancy by Rev. John
W. Scott, president of Washington College, at the
old Three Springs church, where his father, Sam
uel Maxwell, had been many years before ordained
a ruling elder by Rev. Elisha McCurdy. His
mother was Jane McCluskey Maxwell, a native of
Robinson township, Washington Co., Penn., and a
sister of Rev. John McCluskey, D. D., well known
in western Pennsylvania as a leading preacher and
educator in his day. At Cumberland, Ohio, and
at Miller Academy, Washington, Ohio, Mr. Max
well was prepared for Washington College, where
he graduated in 1860. The two years following
he spent in the Western Theological Seminary, at
Allegheny, Penn., going in the autumn of 1862 to
Chicago, where, in the spring of 1863, he graduated
from the McCormick Theological Seminary. Mr.
Maxwell's student life was marked by faithfulness
as well as brilliancy, and gave full promise of his

152

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

subsequent successful and eminently useful career.
He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Pres
bytery of Zanesville at its session held at McCon-
nellsville, Ohio, in April, 1862, and was invited,
immediately after completing his theological course,
to take charge of the Presbyterian Church at Fort
Madison, Iowa, also to the pastorate of the Presby
terian Church at Kirk wood, in the vicinty of St.
Louis, Mo. The latter he accepted, and was in
September, 1863, ordained a Gospel minister by
the Presbytery of St. Louis, and installed pastor
of the Kirkwood Church, which position he held
until June, 1865, when he accepted a call to the
pastorate of the Twelfth Presbyterian Church of
Baltimore, Md. The two years which Mr. Max
well passed at Kirkwood were the closing years of
the war of the Rebellion, and in addition to his
pastoral duties he gave attention to the physical
and spiritual wants of the soldiers in the barracks,
hospitals and prisons of St. Louis. He entered
upon his labors as pastor of the Baltimore Church
in August, 1865, and continued in that pastorate
for nine years, 'when, on account of impaired
health, he was advised by his physician to give up
his work entirely for a year or two, or seek a field
in which his duties would be much lighter; and in
accordance with his advice he removed, in the fall
of 1874, to the beautiful town of Belvidere, N. J.,
where he accepted a call to the Second Presbyte
rian Church, in the pastorate of which he contin
ued for six years. On October 26, 1865, Mr. Max
well was married in Hightstown, N. J., to Miss
Gertrude A. Appleget, of that town, Rev. S. S.
Shriver and Rev. John McCluskey, D. D. , offici
ating. Mrs. Maxwell is a woman of rare natural
endowments and broad culture, and she has ever,
by her sweet, Christian spirit, and her efficiency
and exceptional qualifications as a social leader
and Christian worker, won a warm place in the
esteem and affection of all with whom her position
has brought her into contact. The kindly, gener
ous and hospitable disposition of the husband has
always met with the hearty sympathy and co-ope
ration of the wife, so that the parsonage has ever
and everywhere been noted for its delightful hos
pitality. Mr. Maxwell and his wife have been
twice abroad: first for four months in 1877, visit
ing Great Britain, Holland, Germany, Belgium,
Switzerland and France. The second visit abroad
was made in 1880-81, including almost a year,
aud embraced Algeria, Spain, Italy, and, on the
part, of Mr. Maxwell, Egypt, Palestine, Greece.
Constantinople, and, westward by way of the Black
Sea, the Danube, Hungary, Austria, Venice, and
over the Simplon Pass. During this tour Mr.
Maxwell was correspondent of such well-known
newspapers as the New York Independent and
Tribune., the Interior of Chicago, and has since
been a valued contributor to the Christian at Work

and the Christian Union. In 1882 Mr. Maxwell
became editor of the Presbyterian Observer at Bal
timore, which position he held until the winter of
1885-86, much of the time supplying the Presby
terian Church of Harmony, Harford Co., Md., and
was earnestly solicited to become pastor there,
but, though the mutual attachment was very great
between the people of that church and himself, he
did not see his way clear to assume its pastorate.
In the meantime he was called to the pastoral
charge of the Presbyterian Church at Sweet Air,
Baltimore Co. , Md. , and to that of Beaver, Penn. ,
and also to the church of Monongahela City, Penn. ,
which latter he accepted, and of which he is still
the popular and . beloved pastor. Dr. Maxwell is
a preacher of rare power — fresh, vigorous and
suggestive — a pastor of exceptional tenderness and
devotion — an organizer of peculiar tact — a friend
whom one values and a companion of whom one
never tires. [By Rev. John R. Sutherland, D. D.,
of Pittsburgh.

THOMAS H. BAIRD. A conspicuous figure
on the streets of Monongahela City, elastic
in step, erect in carriage, of fine physical
proportions, still in the prime of life, and,
withal, remarkably well preserved, is the
subject of this biographical notice.
Thomas Harlan Baird, his father, was born No
vember 15, 1787, in Washington, Penn. He was
the third son of Dr. Absalom and Susanna (Brown)
Baird, the latter a daughter of John Brown, archi
tect. When quite young he was sent to a Latin
school, taught by one of the pioneer classical
teachers of that day in Brooke county, W. Va.
He was called home by the sudden death of his
father, and his education from that time had to be
completed by his own earnest efforts and scholarly
tastes. He studied law with Joseph Pentecost,
one of the most prominent lawyers of that period,
and was admitted to the Washington county bar
in July, 1808, before he had reached the age of
twenty-one. In 1818 he was selected as president
judge of Washington, Fayette, Greene and Somer
set counties, and continued to hold the position
until 1838. This commission bestowed upon so
young a man, when the Washington county bar
was quite noted for its able lawyers, was an ac
knowledgment of his legal ability. During the
ten years in which he practiced law he was in
tensely occupied in promoting by every means in
his power, the growth and progress of his native
town. Like his father, Dr. A. Baird, he was al
ways among the first to assist, by his hardly
earned money and indomitable energy, any enter
prise for that purpose. In very many cases the
credit due his indefatigable labors was given to
others, who did not hesitate to assume an honor

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

153

they had not earned, and were rewarded by polit
ical positions he could not contend for. He was,
in 1814, one of the directors and stockholders in
the Washington Steam-mill & Manufacturing
Company, in which he lost money and gained noth
ing. He was also one of the contractors on the
National Road, with Parker Campbell and Thomas
McGiffin; his energy was unbounded in this work
as in everything he undertook. The first survey
made for the Chartiers Valley Railroad, one of the
first railroads prospected, was made wholly at his
expense; which fact was not learned until after his
death, the information being given by the engineer
who surveyed it for him. He was one of the com
missioners appointed to raise stock for the Wash
ington & Williamsport Turnpike Road, and for
the Washington & Pittsburgh Turnpike Road.
In 1843 Judge Baird, and Judge William Wilkins,
of. Pittsburgh, purchased the stock raised by the
State for the Washington & Pittsburgh Turn
pike. No dividends were ever paid the purchas
ers on this stock though it was kept as a toll-road
for many years. The Monongahela Navigation
Company, having failed in its many attempts to
improve the navigation of the Monongahela river,
at last succeeded in forming a practical slack-
water navigation company, and among the many
commissioners appointed to receive subscriptions
to the stock, Judge Baird was numbered. Copies
of speeches made by him all over the counties of
Washington, Allegheny and Fayette, the numerous
articles written for the newspapers, all show how
much in earnest he was in his efforts to excite the
interest of the people in this great work. He was
also elected, in 1813, president of the board of di
rectors of the Bank of Washington, an " Original
Bank," as it was called. In November, 1818,
Judge Baird conveyed the property of the bank to
David Acheson, Alexander Murdoch and John Mar
shall, trustees. His judicial career has been the
subject of very severe criticism and comment
by his political enemies, and he was accused
by them of judicial tyranny while he was on the
bench. His great fault was that he had a very
high ideal of the dignity of his office, and he re
sented an insult offered to himself when on the
bench, as contempt for the majesty of the law, of
which he was the official representative. He was a
man who could not be bribed by flattery, or political
offices of preferment. While on the bench his life
was several times put in jeopardy, by men who
resented his legal decisions when not given in their
favor. An attempt was made by his enemies to
have him impeached before the Legislature of Penn
sylvania, for disbarring lawyers guilty of contempt
of court, but they did not succeed, in spite of all
their malignant and false accusations. Those who
wish to- ascertain the facts in regard to this case
can consult the Legislative records of that day. In

1854 an article appeared in a Philadelphia news
paper, written in defense of Judge Baird at the
time of his nomination as the American candidate
for the supreme judgeship. It says, in regard to his
impeachment: " It is well known there was nothing
shown in the investigation that could affect the
standing of Mr. Baird, either as a judge or a gen
tleman." Among the many charges brought
against him, by his political enemies, when his
name was mentioned for United States senator was
that he was Pro-slavery. This falsehood is denie d
by the same writer, whom we again quote: " Judge
Baird in all the relations of life has been a law-
abiding, consistent and benevolent friend of the
colored race, not an Abolitionist, or Pro-slavery, but
an American. By one single decision of his, given
when on the bench of Washington and Fayette,
he discharged from slavery perhaps twenty thou
sand slaves. [See the case of Miller vs. Dwelling,
14 S. &R. p. 442.]"
Judge Baird was of scholarly taste, and not only
well versed in all knowledge pertaining to his pro
fession, but was also a fine classical scholar. His
Greek Testament lay upon his study table, and not
unopened or unread — busy though he might be —
and his Horace, Cicero and Virgil were so familiar
to him that in conversation he had always an apt
quotation ready to suit the subject under discus
sion. He had also studied Hebrew, and in the last
few years of his life devoted much time in trans
lating the Psalms of David, not for any purpose
but his own pleasure. Judge Baird was not am
bitious to acquire wealth or political power. His
home was to him the dearest place on earth, and
nothing could induce him to seek for pleasure or
enjoyment out of its sacred precincts. After his
retirement from the bench, upon which he was,
much against his will or inclination, persuaded by
influential friends to remain several years longer
than he otherwise would, he practiced law at the
Pittsburgh bar, where he was engaged only in im
portant cases. In 1848 he retired to his much
ioved home, at Harlem, his country seat on the
Monongahela river, where he had for many years
spent his summers with his family and friends. In
early life he was married to Nancy McCullough,
by whom he had children as follows: Ellen B. , in
termarried with, Dr. R. R. Reed, both of whom are
deoeased, leaving a number of children and de
scendants, residing in Washington, Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia, Penn. ; Sarah A., who married George
Morgan, but is now a widow residing in Washing
ton, Penn. ; Harriet N. Baird, who died recently at
Washington; Mary, intermarried with Joseph N.
Patterson, both now deceased, leaving a son,T. H. B.
Patterson, a lawyer in Pittsburgh, and Nancy, wife
of Rev. William B. McKibben, residing in Cincin
nati, Ohio; Eliza, who was married to Robert Pat
terson, Esq., now a widow residing at Sewickley,

154

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Penn., having two daughters, Jane and Bessie, liv
ing with her, and one son, Thomas Patterson, Esq.,
who is practicing law in Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Thomas
H. Baird, subject proper of sketch; Margaret W.
Baird, residing at Washington, Penn. ; Jane R. , who
was married to Charles McKnight, now a widow,
residing at Sewickley, Penn., has three sons, T. H.
B. McKnight, Charles McKnight and Frank Mc
Knight, and two daughters, Mary B. and Eliza;
Susan C. and Emily G. Baird, who died in young
womanhood many years ago.
Thomas H. Baird. whose name opens this
sketch, was born in Washington, Washington Co. ,
Penn., December 17, 1824. He received his edu
cation at the common schools of the borough, and
at, Washington College, from which he graduated
at the early age of seventeen years; and, having
decided on following the legal profession, com
menced the study of law in his father's office in
Washington. In February, 1846, he was admitted
to the bar of Washington county, and at once com
menced practice in .partnership with his father,
continuing (with the exception of a period here
after referred to) until 1872, when he was elected
district attorney, on the Democratic ticket in a
Republican county, his opponent being John
Aiken. During his term of service he was in
strumental in securing the conviction of Briceland,
for the murder, by shooting, of John Allenham.
Briceland was found guilty after a lengthened
trial, convicted, and sentenced to imprisonment
for life. In 1850, when T. McK. T. McKennan
was appointed, by President Fillmore, Secretary of
the Interior, Mr. Baird was given the part of as
sistant chief clerk of the Census Bureau, and was
later honored by an appointment as clerk in the
Department proper. Part of his duties were to
prepare and file all papers relating to appoint
ments and removals of officers, and among them
he found some demanding his own removal on
nolitical grounds. These he filed in the regular
way, the Department yielded to the demand, and
decided on his removal, and he wrote out his own
dismissal and came home. One month afterward,
however, he was recalled and promoted. Mr.
Baird was ten years, in all, occupied in Govern
ment position at Washington, D. C, and then re
turned to Pennsylvania. For some three years
we next find him practicing his profession in Pitts
burgh, after which he was engaged a time in the
coal business on the Monongahela river. In 1869
he opened a law office in Monongahela City, where
he has since resided.
In 1849, while an attorney in Washington, this
county, Thomas H. Baird was united in marriage
with Maria L., daughter of Dr. Samuel M. King,
who, in 1820, came from Fayette county, Penn., to
Monongahela City, where he practiced his pro
fession till his death in 1882. Two of his chil

dren are yet living in Washington county: Mrs.
Baird and R. C. King, and two, Mrs. C. J: Mosely
and Dr. C. B. King, are residents of Allegheny.
Mr. and Mrs. Baird are the parents of two chil
dren, viz. : Frank E. , an attorney at Charleroi,
this county, and Maria Louise, wife of A. Q.
Mitchell, assistant engineer of the Monongahela
division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, with resi
dence in Monongahela City. The latter are par
ents of one little daughter, Maria Louise Mitchell.
Socially, Mr. Baird is a member of the Royal Ar
canum, and in church connection is a Presbyterian.
In 1886 he was nominated by his party, for Con
gress, but the county proved too strongly Repub
lican for him on that ticket, and he was defeated.
Mr. Baird is a great reader, and in his profession
keeps himself up to the times, having one of the
finest and most complete law, libraries in the
countv.

J| A. PATTERSON, M. D. , was born in East
Finley township, Washington Co., Penn.,
I April 7, 1844. His paternal grandfather, a
native of Ireland, when a young man emi
grated to America, where he married. In the war
of 1812 he enlisted in the American army, and was
never more heard of, and his wife in the meantime
died, having given birth to a son, who was named
Harrison. Harrison Patterson, father of the Doctor, was
born in East Finley township, and was reared to
the trade of stone mason, which he followed twenty
years, but later took up farm life in his native
township, where he is yet living at the age of eighty-
one years. He married Grizzella, daughter of
Daniel and Catherine Ross, natives of Scotland,
who emigrated to the United States and became
residents of Donegal township, Washington Co.,
Penn. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Patterson
settled on a farm where she died on Christmas day,
1884, at the age of sixty-six years. The children
born to them were as follows: William R., a
butcher in Claysville; John A., subject; Mary A.;
J. A. R., who died in infancy; Francis P., re
siding in East Finley township; one deceased in
infancy; Henrietta, residing in East Finley town
ship; Catherine G., a teacher in a mission school
in Indian Territory ; Josephine, who died at the age
of two years; David W. and Harrison Newton,
farmers in East Finley township. The father is
still on the old place, where he has lived for the
past fifty-six years. For fifteen years he was a
captain in the old militia, and is commonly called
by the title of " Captain."
John A. Patterson received his education in the
common schools and in the Millsburg Normal
School. For six years he was a professional school
teacher, in the meantime preparing himself for

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

155

the medical profession. He read medicine with
Dr. J. W. Kelley, of Claysville, and attended Jef
ferson Medical College during the winter of 1869-
70; then practiced the profession four years at
Zollarsville, after which he attended Ohio Medical
College, graduating therefrom in the class of 1875;
he is also a graduate in dental surgery. Return
ing to Zollarsville, he remained there until 1887,
when he moved to Washington, where he has since
enjoyed a highly satisfactory general practice in
medicine. On October 18, 1875, Dr. Patterson was
united in marriage with Miss Belle, daughter of
Isaac Leonard, of West Bethlehem township, aud
they have one son, Guy E., born July 19, 1876.
Politically the Doctor is a Democrat, and for twelve
years he was school director in West Bethlehem
township. He is a member of the Improved Order
of Heptasophs and of the Equitable Aid Union.
He is now a member of the borough council.

'/

MR. ALLENT, clerk of the courts of Wash
ington county, is a grandson of Rev. Moses
Allen, a prominent early settler of the
county, whb was born September 5, 1780, in
Westmoreland county, Penn. , and in his
youth learned the trade of millwright, which he pur
sued diligently and successfully for some years. His
classical education he secured at Jefferson College,
and he studied theology with Dr. John McMillan.
On June 23, 1807, he was licensed to preach by
the Presbytery of Ohio, and in November of same
year was ordained and installed pastor of the
united churches of Providence and Jefferson, in
Greene county, Penn. In 1816 he received a call
from the congregation of Raccoon, Washington
Co., Penn., and was installed June, 1817, and con
tinued to exercise the pastoral office for twenty -
two years.
The Rev. S. C. Jennings, who had been asso
ciated with the Rev. Moses Allen for many years,
in an address delivered at the "Centennial Meet
ing" of the Raccoon Church, spoke of the Rev.
Moses Allen, second pastor of the church, as fol
lows: "Tall in person, grave and sedate in man
ners. A preacher of ability, a great reasoner,
logical and instructive, irreproachable in character,
and diligent in oatechising the youth. His pastor
ate extended over a period of twenty- two years.
During this pastorate a new house of worship was
built, which was of brick and capable of seating
600 persons. This building continued in use
forty-two years."
In 1838 he left Raccoon, aud was afterward
pastor for nine years at Crab Apple Church in
Ohio, and he died there January 16, 1847, aged
sixty- six years. It appears from memoranda in
his own handwriting that his labors were abundant.
"I was pastor of Raccoons," he writes, "twenty-

two years, during which I preached 2,685 times;
administered the Lord's Supper seventy five times;
admitted to the communion of the church 324 per
sons; baptized fifteen adults and 558 children,
and solemnized 190 marriages." He was a man
of decided and positive character, of strong mental
ability. He was a sound theologian, and is always
spoken of as a very logical, instructive and forcible
preacher. Mr. Allen was married, in 1805, to
Catherine, the youngest daughter of Rev. John
McMillan, D. D., who was the pioneer Presbyterian
minister, and founder of the "Log Cabin School,"
which ultimately became Jefferson College, of
Canonsburg, Penn. His watch, an old English
" Bulls-eye," which he carried until the case wore
off, is in possession of subject. Ten children were
born to this union as follows: (1) John Watson,
born December 16, 1806, married September 29,
1835, Jane Patterson, and both are now deceased
(their only son, R. P. Allen, was a justice of the
peace in Sharon, Iowa; he married Annie Cleaver
in 1863); (2) Eliza Williams, born August 21,
1808, was married March 14, 1836, to John Sym
ington, and is now deceased (their only son, Allen
Harper Symington, married Miss Ellen Mcllvaine
in 1869; they reside in Cherry Valley, Mt. Pleas
ant township, Washington county, and have three
daughters and one son); (3) John McMillan, of
whom special mention is made further on; (4)
Jane M. , born October 2, 1812, died September 8,
1819; (5) Samuel Harpaer, born February 6, 1815,
was married April 26, 1838, to Mary Wallace (he
attended Jefferson College, Canonsburg, and Jef
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia; he practiced
medicine over half a century, and is now living at
Bakerstown, Allegheny Co., Penn.; he has two
daughters: Lydia A. (Mrs. Gibson), in the city of
Allegheny, where for several years he was a lead
ing teacher in the public schools, and Kate, at
home; an only living son, L. M. , is a member of
the Pittsburgh bar, with residence in Allegheny;
an elder son, John Watson, died in the service of
his country in the war of the Rebellion); (6)
Catherine Blair, born April 2, 1817, married
Thomas Morgan, April 19, 1836, and both died in
Belmont county, Ohio, where several of their chil
dren now are, others being in the West; (7) Moses
Coe, born December 20, 1820, married Ann Camp
bell November 2, 1843; they are both of Belmont
county, • Ohio, and now reside in Island Creek
township, Jefferson Co., Ohio (they had six sons,
three of whom died in early youth; the eldest one
living married a Miss Crawford, in Jefferson county,
Ohio, and they are now in Missouri; the other two
surviving sons, William Vincent and Samuel
Harper, are living with their parents) ; (8) Aaron,
born February 9. 1823, in Washington county,
married Ann Lyle in Belmont county, Ohio, and
both died about the year 1877 (one son, John,

156

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

married a Miss Pollock, another son, Moses Ray,
married a Miss Armstrong, one daughter, Catha
rine, married a Mr. Dunlap, another, Belle, was
wedded to a Mr. Pollock, and they all live in Bel
mont county, Ohio; another son, David Dinsmore,
is a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Idaho,
and Oscar, yet another son, died at the age of
twenty years); (9) William McMillan, born April
11, 1825, died May 23, 1823, and (10) Sarah J.,
born March 5. 1829, died June 23, 1833.
John McMillan Allen was born July 11, 1810,
in Greene county, Penn., and reared to agricult
ural pursuits, which he followed through life. In
March, 1837, he married Margaret Ann Riddell,
daughter of Rev. John Riddell, D. D. , first pastor
of Robinson Run Church, by the edge of Wash
ington and Allegheny counties. To this union
was born one child — Moses Riddell Allen — the
subject of this sketch. This wife dying February
28, 1856, Mr. Allen married, for his second wife,
Mrs. Margaret Ann Lockart, mother of ex-Sheriff
Lockart, and one child came of this marriage,
Annie Eliza, now the wife of J. A. Evans, an at
torney in Pittsburgh, Penn. The father died in
Burgettstown, July 15, 1860, and is buried in Rac
coon cemetery; the mother died near Noblestown,
Allegheny Co. , Penn.
M. R. Allen was born July 19, 1842, in Har
rison county, Ohio, and in 1859removed with his
father to Burgettstown, Washington county, and
has since been a. resident of the county. His edu
cation was received at the common schools and at
Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, after which
he taught school in Washington county, Penn.
For a time he carried on farming operations, also
a mercantile business, and on August 2, 1881, he
founded the Burgettstown Call, which he pub
lished till January 1, 1887, when, having been
elected to the office of clerk of courts of Wash
ington county, he sold the paper to the owner of
the Enterprise (J. H. Cramer), since when the two
have been consolidated with the title Enterprise-
Call. Mr. Allen then removed to Washington,
where he has since had his home, having been re
elected in 1890 to the office he holds.
On January 14, 1864, Mr. Allen was married to
Ella M. Daugherty, of Burgettstown, daughter of
John Daugherty (of the same place) and Abigail
B. (Canon) Daugherty, daughter of Joshua Canon,
and granddaughter of Col. John Canon, the found
er of Canonsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty were
the parents of five children: John Wesley, who
died in 1878; Ella M. (Mrs. M. R. Allen); Jennie
C. , wife of W. B. Porter, of Burgettstown; Flora
B., teacher in the East Washington public schools,
and Asenath M., who died November 3, 1804. The
father of this family, who was a wagon maker and
carriage builder by trade, well known and highly
respected, died in August, 1866; in April, 1877,

the mother followed him to the grave, and they
sleep their last sleep in the cemetery at Burgetts
town. They were both natives of Washington
county, the father born in Donegal township. To
Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born six children, of whom
the following is a brief record: John E. is with his
father; Harper Riddell is his father's assistant in
the office, and his special work now is prepar
ing the new index of the Orphans' Court, from
the organization of the county up to date; Wesley
Hays is also assistant clerk with his father (he was
married in 1891 to Miss Dora E. Mounts, of Wash
ington county; one child — a daughter — Helen M.,
has been born to them); William, died September
11, 1881, and Effie, died August 28, 1881, both in
infancy, aged eleven and seven respectively; May-
nord Robert is attending Washington and Jeffer
son College, freshman class. Mr. Allen is a Re
publican in his political preferences, and has served
as burgess of Burgettstown, also as clerk of coun
cil. In 1880 he enumerated the census of the
First Precinct of Smith township. Since coming
to Washington he has served as director of the
Keystone Building & Loan Association, a local
organization. For three generations preceding our subject, the
family has been Presbyterian in its religious affil
iations and workers in the cause; it is, therefore,
nothiug of wonder that Mr. Allen and his entire
family are followers and supporters of the same
principles and creed. Mr. Allen is a member and
deacon of Dr. Brownson's (First Presbyterian)
Church of Washington, and is also a member of the
Improved Order of Heptasophs, of Washington,
having filled the office of "Archon" in the order
since its organization. At the present time Mr.
Allen is secretary of the school board of East
Washington.

JfAMES GLENN DICKSON, M. D., a resident
for the past fifty years of Canonsburg, Penn.,
) was born February 15, 1825, in what is dow
South Fayette township, Allegheny Co.,
Penn. His parents were William and Mar
garet (Glenn) Dickson.
Dr. Dickson traces his ancestry in a direct line
through a period of over three hundred years, and
the year 1893 enables him to look upon the faces
of the tenth generation.
The earliest records, which have yet been ob
tained by Dr. Dickson, tell of one John Dickson,
a merchant, in Glasgow, Scotland, " a man of re
ligious character and possessed of considerable
wealth." This merchant with his good wife stirred
up others to pray with and for them, that the
blessing of a son might be given them, "vowing
that if their petition was granted they would de
vote him to the service of the Lord." Such a son

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

159

was the Rev. David Dickson, born possibly in 1591,
probably as early as 1583, as the exact date can
not positively be stated. He was educated in the
University of Glasgow, where he became a profes
sor in 1641, remaining in that position until 1651,
where he accepted a similar position in the Edin
burgh University. He was appointed minister to
Irvine in 1618, and of him it has been said: "The
Professor of Divinity at Edinburgh was truly a
great man; the Professor of Divinity at Glasgow was
a greater man; but the minister of Irvine was the
greatest man of all." His repudiation of the Five
Articles of Perth, as issued by the General Assem
bly of the Church of Scotland in 1618, won for him
much persecution, as well as great honor. He
was pre-eminently a scholar, a preacher, a worthy
Scotchmaa, as his biography and writings show.
In all there are seven works,, the offspring of his
master intellect, copies of three of which, with a
sketch of his life issued by the committee of the
General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland,
are in possession of Rev. David Craig Stewart, of
Hoboken, N. J. , and were obtained of him recently
in Edinburgh.
Alexander Dickson, a son of Rev. David Dick
son, wrote the dedication in 1664 to the English
preface of his father's last work, calling it a child
of his father's old age— the English translation of
Latin treatise on the subject of the Conscience; his
father having died in 1663, probably eighty years
old, certainly not younger than seventy-two. An
other son of Rev. David Dickson was John, who be
came a merchant in Edinburgh, Scotland; and this
John established his sons David and George in
mercantile business in Armagh, Ireland, as a
branch of the Edinburgh house.
The records show that three sons of the Armagh
merchant, George Dickson, came to America, in
cluding the family also of one of these three, that
of Andrew, who had married a Seceder girl in Ar
magh previous to his emigration, and whose family
record (Andrew's) is preserved in a Bible which
gives the date of birth of each of his ten children,
and the record of the marriage of nine of these.
This Andrew Dickson, of the fifth generation thus
far traced, was great-grandfather of Dr. James G.
Dickson of the eighth generation.
The six elder children of Andrew Dickson were
born in Ireland between the years 1734 and 1743,
and the other four were born in America near
Chambersburg, Penn., where their father had set
tled. The eldest of the four born in this coun
try was Andrew, whose birth was in 1748, and
who died in service in the Revolutionary army.
The Bible containing Andrew Dickson's family
record is now over one hundred and sixty years
old, and is in possession of Rev. David French
Dickson, of East Palestine, Ohio, a nephew of
Dr. Dickson. Andrew Dickson's children were

named: Hannah, George, Jean, James, Esther,
Sarah, Andrew, Agnes, Mary Ann and John.
George Dickson, the eldest son and second child
in this family, was the grandfather of the sub
ject of this sketch. George Dickson was born
December 7, 1735, and died in the fall of 1817.
He married, in 1770, Rachel McKee, then twenty-
nine years of age, a daughter of James McKee, of
Chambersburg, Penn. In the summer of 1772
George came to Black Lick creek (now in Indiana
county), accompanied by his younger brother, John,
and bought 400 acres of land. There they built
a cabin, cleared what land they could during the
summer, and then went back to Chambersburg for
the winter. In 1773 they returned and cleared
more, and in 1774 George moved his family into
the cabin. He continued to clear and cultivate the
land until 1778, when, in the greatest haste, they
were obliged to flee upon receiving news of the
Wyoming massacre and near approach of the hostile
Indians. With his wife and their small children,
James, Andrew and Agnes, all mounted upon two
saddle horses, they summarily returned across the
mountains to Chambersburg. In 1782 George and
his brother John again visited their property in west
ern Pennsylvania to find everything in ashes. Com
ing southward to Pittsburgh, suitable land was found
and purchased by George Dickson, it being some
440 acres on the north branch of Miller's run, and
purchased from one Thomas Reed, an early settler,
who held it under a patent grant. John Dickson
went further west into Ohio, where he married and
settled near Poland.
The family of George Dickson numbered eight
children — three sons and five daughters. These
uncles and aunts to Dr. James Dickson were James,
born January, 1772; Andrew, born May 27, 1775;
Agnes, born February 27, 1777; Mary, born Sep
tember 4, 1780; Rachel, born November 13, 1782;
Hannah, born November 18, 1785; Elizabeth, born
August 10, 1789; and William, the father of Dr.
Dickson, born August 2, 1791. James, the eldest,
married a Miss Frazee, and their family consisted
of several daughters; James Dickson died in
Cuyahoga county, Ohio. His brother, Andrew,
also married a Miss Frazee, a sister of James' wife;
Andrew died near DeKalb, Ohio, leaving a large
family, chiefly sons. Agnes, the third child in
George Dickson's family, died at the age of nine
teen near Noblestown, Penn.; she had doubtless
been named for her father's sister Agnes, the wife
of Mr. Bryar, of Chambersburg. Mary, the fourth
member of George Dickson's family, married
Joseph Burnside, and resided near Canonsburg,
where her death occurred at an advanced age, hav
ing for many years before her death been totally
blind; her family numbered three daughters and
one son, namely: Margaret Jane (recently de
ceased), the wife of Rev. David Thompson, D. D. ,

160

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of Monmouth, 111.; Rachel, wife of John Foley;
Mary Anne, now Mrs. Haslep, of near Monmouth,
111. ; and George Dickson Burnside, who died a
few years since on his farm near Canonsburg.
Rachel Dickson, the fifth in George Dickson's
family, died near Scottsville, Penn., and was
the wife of Solomon Irons; their family num
bered six children, viz. : James, John, Rachel,
William, Joseph and Andrew. Hannah, George
Dickson's sixth child, became the wife of Andrew
Henderson, and of their six children four were
sons, named respectively: George, John, Will
iam and Ebenezer. Hannah Dickson Henderson
died near Granville, 111. The next younger sister
was Elizabeth, the seventh child of George Dick
son; she became the wife of James Stewart, and at
her death which occurred near Clinton, Penn.,
left no family. The youngest child of the grand
father, George Dickson, was William, the father of
Dr. James G. Dickson.
William Dickson was born in South Fayette
township, Allegheny Co., Penn., in 1791. On the
death of his father he came into possession of the
homestead, and became one of the most successful
farmers in his part of the country, one of his spe
cialties being the rearing of fine-wool Merino sheep,
his flock of such being the first introduced into
his neighborhood. He was a man of exemplary
piety, and honorable dealings with his neighbors.
In the year of his father's death, 1817, he married,
and was elected ruling elder, to fill the vacancy
caused by his father's demise, in the Nobles-
town (Penn.) Associate (now United Presbyterian)
congregation, which office he continued to fill until
his death, which occurred March 18, 1872, in his
eighty-second year. He resided all his life on the
farm where his father had spent the last thirty-
four years of his life. William Dickson was twice
married, his first wife being Margaret Glenn, a
daughter of James and Jennie (Buchanan) Glenn,
who came to western Pennsylvania a few years
subsequent to the arrival of William Dickson's
parents. The Glenns came from Lancaster county
and settled in Westmoreland (now Allegheny)
county, prior to 1800. Margaret Glenn was born
in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1791. The mar
riage of William Dickson and Margaret Glenn oc
curred in 1817. Their children were as follows:
Jennie Glenn, born August 21, 1818, died in in
fancy, May 9, 1819; Rachel, born July 18, 1820;
George, born October 8, 1822; James Glenn, born
February 15, 1825; Joseph, born December 10,
1826, died February 9, 1827; Mary J., born April
28, 1828; Andrew and William A. (twins), born
June 15, 1831 (Andrew died in infancy, May 5,
1832). The mother of these children died No
vember 18, 1852. at the age of sixty-one years.
For his second wife William Dickson married, in
1857, Susan Aikins, who preceded her husband a

little over two weeks in entering the Heavenly
home, her death occurring March 1, 1872, and
their remains repose in the cemetery at Robinson
Run church, where are also the remains of Will
iam Dickson's parents.
Rachel, daughter of William Dickson, became
the wife of Robert Potter, and with her two
daughters, Maggie D. and M. Lulu, has resided
near Noblestown since the death of her husband,
July 16, 1887.
George Dickson, elder brother of Dr. Dickson,
was married to Margaret French, daughter of Rev.
David French, D. D., and her son, Rev. David
French Dickson, has been mentioned earlier in
this sketch. George Dickson's second wife was
Eliza Glenn, who left no family at her death. In
November, 1892, occurred the death of Annie
Rankin, third wife of George Dickson. James
Glenn Dickson is the next younger brother, and to
present his lineage is the design of this sketch.
Mary J. Dickson, a younger sister, married James
Clark, and resided in Buffalo township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., until 1870, when they removed to
Canonsburg, where her husband's death occurred
December 18, 1885. Their family consisted of
Nettie, who died in infancy; William Dickson
Clark, whose wife (now deceased) was Mrs. Lizzie
McKeown; Marguerite S., the wife of Culbert M.
Greer; Anna Mary, the wife of Rev. David Craig
Stewart; and James Addison Clark, who resides
with his mother.
William A. Dickson, the youngest of his father's
family, like his father, William Dickson, came
into possession of the ancestral estate, where with
his family he resided for many years until his re
moval to the McBurney farm near Midway, Wash
ington Co., Penn. His wife was Elizabeth Mc
Burney, daughter of Robert and Eliza (Welsh)
McBurney. William A. Dickson's family of eight
children are: Margaret, Elizabeth, Robert, Anna
S. , William, Agnes, Walter and Bertha. William
A. Dickson has in his possession his mother's
Bible inscribed as follows : "Margaret Glenn, her
book, August 12, 1812," which also contains
record of the birth of each of Dr. Dickson's sisters
and brothers. • The ponderous volume "Boston's
Complete Works " is in possession of Rev. David
F. Dickson, and contains the annals previously
quoted of Dr. Dickson's grandfather, George
Dickson's family.
Dr. James Glenn Dickson was brought up on
his father's farm in South Fayette township, Alle
gheny county, and received his primary education
at the subscription schools of the neighborhood,
which was supplemented by a few terms at the
public school, and instruction under the preceptor-
ship of Rev. John M. French, pastor of the Asso
ciate Church at Noblestown; then in 1843 he en
tered Jefferson College, from which he graduated

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

161

in 1847 under the presidency of Dr. Robert J.
Breckenridge, of Kentucky. In 1848 he com
menced the study of medicine with Dr. J. V. Her
riott, of Canonsburg, attending during the winters
of 1849-50 and 1850-51 Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, Penn., where in the spring of 1851
he received his medical diploma. In the summer
of that year he commenced the practice of his
chosen profession at Mount Jackson, Lawrence Co.,
Penn., remaining there one year. Then at the
solicitation of his preceptor, Dr. Herriott, he re
turned to Canonsburg and entered into a partner
ship with him, which existed about two years, at
the end of which time Dr. Herriott removed to
Philadelphia, Dr. Dickson continuing the practice
alone in Canonsburg. Upon the return of his old
partner, after an absence of several years, Dr.
Dickson again associated with him, but at the end
of three years Dr. Herriott moved to Valparaiso,
Ind., since when our subject has been alone in his
professional practice. He has enjoyed an un
broken, most successful practice of over forty years
in Canonsburg, a longer period than has fallen to
the lot of any other physician of the place.
Dr. Dickson was married September 4, 1856, to
Margaret H. Buchanan, who was born February
28, 1828, in North Strabane township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., a daughter of Alexander and Mary
(Miller) Buchanan. Two children were born to
Dr. Dickson and wife, viz. : Mary Jeannette and
William Alexander, both living with their parents.
William A. was married September 24, 1885, to
Margaret Gabby Allison (daughter of Hon. Jona
than and Margaret (Gabby) Allison), whose death
occurred September 6, 1886, followed six weeks
later by the death of their infant daughter, Mag
gie Olive. On October 23, 1890, occurred the
marriage of William A. Dickson and Mary Lizzie
Martin, daughter of Dr. John W. and Elizabeth
(Allison) Martin. Their infant daughters are
Aneita Marie and Margaret Elizabeth, who, with
their parents, are part of Dr. Dickson's household.
The family are members of the United Presby
terian Church, the Doctor having united with it
when it was known as the Associate Church. Po
litically, he was first an Old- line Whig, and, since
the organization of the party, he has been a stanch
Republican. The commodious family residence
was built by the Doctor some eight years ago, on
the corner of Pike street and Greenside avenue.
The years herein recounted bring the Dickson
lineage through ten generations; of the tenth
there are in direct line eight representatives, viz. :
Three children of Rev. David F. and Annie M.
(McCready) Dickson— George, David and Zetta;
three grandchildren of Mary J. (Dickson) Clark,
viz. : Clark and Lucile Greer, son and daughter
of Culbert Means Greer and Marguerite S. (Clark)
Greer, and Anna Mary, daughter of Rev. David

Craig Stewart and Anna M. (Clark) Stewart;
added to these the Doctor's two grandchildren, be
fore named (Aneita Marie and Margaret Elizabeth),
and the eight representatives of the tenth genera
tion from John Dickson, of Glasgow, Scotland,
are recounted.
The Doctor is wedded to his profession, and as
he is by nature, as well as by education, emi
nently qualified for his, the most benevolent of
all professions, he commands and enjoys the re
spect and confidence of his many patrons.

OL. CHILLION WASHBURNE HAZ
ZARD, editor and proprietor of the Monon
gahela Republican, was born in Mononga
hela City, Penn., May 5, 1849, in the same
house and in the same room in which his mother
was born and married. He is a son of Hon.
Thomas R. Hazzard and Harriet M. Hamilton, the
former of whom was born in Chemung county, N.
Y. The paternal ancestor of Thomas R. Hazzard
was from the North of Ireland.
C. W. Hazzard was educated in the common
schools of Monongahela City, and afterward at
tended an academy taught by Henry Lee, at West
Newton, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Mr. Lee was
formerly a professor in Washington College, and
belonged to the celebrated Lee family, prominent
in the Revolution, and some of whose descendants
were leaders in the Confederate service during the
Civihwar. After completing his education in West
Newton, he entered the Monongahela Republican
printing office as an apprentice. His father pur
chased the newspaper plant, and admitted his son
to a joint ownership. This he left, however, to
accept a commission in the Twelfth Pennsylvania
Reserves. He served through the war, and left
the service a brevet major at the close of the cam
paign. He was in forty-two fights, including
Draines ville (December 20, 1861), Mechanics ville,
Gaines' Mills, Newmarket Cross Roads, Malvern
Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam,
Fredericksburg (where he was wounded), Gettys
burg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness
(seven days), Spottsylvania (his brevet reading
"promoted for gallantry at Spottsylvania"), North
Anna and Bethesda Church. He is specially men
tioned in general orders for gallantry in action, as
ajipears in the official records of the Rebellion
published by Congress. In 1863 Capt. Hazzard
was transferred from the line to the staff as Di
vision mustering officer, and served in that capac
ity with Gens. Sykes, Crawford and McCandless.
After the war he returned home and resumed the
publication of the Monongahela Republican, of
which he then became publisher and editor. On
the formation of the National Guard of Pennsyl
vania after the war, Col. Hazzard was made

162

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Assistant Adjutant- general of the Seventeenth Di
vision, on the staff of Maj. -Gen. Thomas F. Gal
lagher, with the rank of colonel. On the reorgan
ization of the guard, he was appointed on the staff
of Gen. James A. Beaver, as a brigade inspector-
general, serving as such until his chief was elected
Governor of the Commonwealth. Col. Hazzard
then relinquished his position in the National
Guard. He has served in various military posi
tions of a civil character: as president of the
Washington County (Penn.) Veteran Association;
is one of the managers of the Gettysburg Battle
field Memorial Association; is secretary of the
Pennsylvania Reserve Veteran Association; waB
elected Commander of the Department of Penn
sylvania, G. A. R., at Readiug, January 30, 1880,
and has been several times chairman of the com
mittee on resolutions in the National Encampment,
of which body he has attended every encampment
since the organization of the G. A. R. , except that
at San Francisco, Cal. He has been somewhat in
demand as a speaker on G. A. R. occasions, and
has delivered over two hundred addresses in its in
terests. As a newspaper man, he has been thirty-
nine years a printer, during thirty years of which
he has been editor. He has been secretary of the
Editorial Association of Western Pennsylvania,
Virginia and Eastern Ohio since its organization.
He was made postmaster of his native city almost
immediately after leaving the service, and resigned
on the day when Mr. Cleveland was first inaugu
rated. He was the first State president of the Pa
triotic Order of the Junior Sons of America, and
for six years published its official organ, a monthly
journal called the Junior's Friend. In 1880 he
established the daily edition of the Monongahela
Republican, now in the twelfth year of its existence.
He is a prominent Freemason, and has taken
all of the degrees to the thirty-third, Sir Knight
twenty-second, and is a member of Syria Temple,
Mystic Shriue. He served for four consecutive
years as Grand Regent of the Royal Arcanum of
the State of Pennsylvania, and is at this writing
Supreme Vice Regent of the Order at large.
Col. Hazzard was united in marriage with Miss
Mary B. Goff, and they have two children : De-
Vernon, a student at Washington College, and
Harriet H. Col. Hazzard is ably assisted in his
editorial office by Miss Jane King, who promises
to be one of the brightest newspaper writers in the
State. He was secretary of the Monongahela
Valley Agricultural Society, and one of the di
rectors in the Monongahela Driving Association.
He is a trustee, on behalf of the State, of the Cal
ifornia Normal College, and a trustee of the Mo
nongahela Memorial Hospital. Col. Hazzard has
two brothers: Joseph De V., an orange grower in
Florida, and T. L. Hazzard, M. D., professor of
physiology in the Western Pennsylvania Medical

College, at Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Hazzard
attend the First Presbyterian Church at Mononga
hela City.

\\li N. PATTEN, M. D., is a physician of large
vl practice and wide reputation, one who has
\| earned his success in life, beginning when
I a boy on his father's farm, in the endeavor
V to climb the ladder of life. He is a native
of Pennsylvania, born in Union township, Wash
ington county, January 11, 1847, a son of William
(a farmer) and Isabella (Porter) Patten, the latter
of whom was a sister of Mrs. Morrison (mother of
Mrs. Alexander, of Monongahela City). They
were the parents of nine children, of whom the
following is a brief record: one son died in infancy;
Matthew is a farmer in Iowa; Martha and Eliza
beth are both residents of Union township, this
county; Mary is the wife of Thomas Estep, and
lives in East End, Pittsburgh, Penn. ; William J.
is a farmer in Kansas; Sarah Belle lives in Union
township; Newton N. is the subject of this sketch;
J. Alfred is in Union township. The father died
in 1886, aged eighty-seven years four mouths; the
mother is yet living, aged eighty- eight years seven
months. N. N. Patten received a liberal education at the
common schools of his native township, which was
supplemented with a course of study at Elder's
Ridge (Penn.) Academy. Subsequently he entered
Washington and Jefferson College, from which he
graduated in 1869. He then commenced the study
of medicine in Monongahela City with Dr. M. P.
Morrison, a cousin, and attended lectures at Jef
ferson Medical College, which granted him his de
gree of M. D. in 1873. Dr. Patten at once com
menced the practice of his profession in Pittsburgh,
Peon., which he followed there with eminent suc
cess for a period of ten years; then for three years
was the head, physician at the Pittsburgh City
Farm, Homestead, Penn. In 1886 Dr. Patten re
moved to Monongahela City, where he has since
been in the general practice of his profession, his
ride being a very wide one, his skill as a physician,
and his courteous and social manner as a gentle
man, having made him extremely popular, and sur
rounded him with hosts of friends. The Doctor in
politics is a Republican; in church connection, a
Presbyterian.

T OHN F. COOPER, cashier of the People's
. j Bank of Monongahela City, was born Decem-
^JJ ber 7, 1847, in Fallowfield township, Wash-
^^' ington Co., Penn., on the farm which he now
owns and occupies, and which was the prop
erty of his father before him.
One of the earliest settlers in what is now Fal-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

163

lowfield township was Frederick Cooper, a native
of Germany, who emigrated to this country prior
to 1770, and first settled in Frederick county, Va.,
where he lived until 1771. On April 20 of that
year he came to this region, which was yet a wil
derness, and purchased from Andrew Devore " one
certain tract or parcel of land lying on the north
side of the Monongahela, and bounded by lands of
Paul Froman and James Devore." A peculiarity
about the description of the said tract of land was
that the quantity was not mentioned. He retained
this tract of land about a year, and sold it to
Abraham Miller in April 1772. At that time the
boundary dispute between Pennsylvania and Vir
ginia was raging, both provinces claiming jurisdic
tion over this region. Bedford county had been
erected March 9, 1771, and the inhabitants of the
Monongahela Valley were called upon to pay their
shares of the taxes to maintain the county govern
ment. And the majority of these having come from
Maryland and Virginia, and being doubtful, in the
absence of an established western boundary,
whether they were living under the government of
Pennsylvania or that of Virginia, resistance to the
collection of these taxes followed. On this account
much ill feeling and turbulence prevailed, and con
tinued for some years, steps being finally taken by
the two colonies, in 1780, for a permanent settle
ment of the boundary contention, and the jurisdic
tion of Virginia was withdrawn. Washington
county was erected March 28, 1781.
When Frederick Cooper first came here, he left
a wife and three children — John, Mary and Eliz
abeth — in the East. Owing to the feuds, discords
and litigations amongst the inhabitants of the con
tending jurisdictions, because of the boundary con
troversy and the resultant inability of the settlers
to make adequate defense against the Indians who
had again become troublesome, he sold his land to
Abraham Miller in 1772, and returned to the East,
remaining there several years. His wife having
died, he married Elizabeth Kyle, returned to this
county with his family, and purchased 287 acres of
land which had been warranted on April 17, 1769,
¦ to Jacob Froman, and surveyed under the name of
" Wrangle." The warrant was returned to Fred
erick Cooper December 27, 1784, and he lived
upon this land the remainder of his lifetime. From
one of a series of historical sketches of early fam
ilies written by Dr. J. S. Van Voorhis is gleaued
the following: Of the children of Frederick
Cooper, Catherine became the wife of Thomas
Ward, who built the first house in Belle Vernon;
Margaret married John Roland, and both died near
Wooster, Ohio; Abraham removed to Guernsey
county, Ohio; Frederick owned a farm in the
"Dutch settlement," and was the father of Samuel
and F. K. Cooper, all now deceased; Rebecca be
came the wife of Daniel Jacobs; George removed

to Ohio; Valentine lived and died (a very aged
man) on the original Cooper homestead at the
mouth of Maple creek, a farmer and distiller by
occupation. The names of the children of Valentine Cooper
were Jackman, Washington, Jehu, Frederick,
Elizabeth, Nancy, Narcissa and Josiah C. Of
these, Jackman died in Upshur county, W. Va. ;
Washington has special mention further on; Jehu
removed to Marshall county, 111. ; Frederick was a
school teacher, and died in 1852; Nancy married
Newton Van Voorhis, and both are now deceased;
Elizabeth became the wife of Apollos Speers, who
lived in Allen township opposite Belle Vernon;
Na'rcissa married Martin Weaver, and removed to
Huron county, Ohio; Josiah C. is still living, and
is a practicing physician in Philadelphia.
Washington Cooper, second son of Valentine, al
ways remained a citizen of Fallowfield township,
where he was born. He was twice married, first
to Sarah A. Thompson, by whom he had five chil
dren: Margaret A,, Mary E., Sarah A., Narcissa
and Malinda J., all now deceased. Mr. Cooper's
second wife was Ruth A. Graves, who was born in
1815 in West Pike Run township, this county, a
daughter of John and Ann Graves, Quakers, who
came from near Wilmington, Del., and settled in
West Pike Run township, Washington county,
where they purchased a farm. They were regular
attendants of the Friends' meeting house, a short
distance from their residence, and were universally
respected. Five children were born to them, viz. :
Albina, who married Josiah John, a Quaker, and
they resided in Pike Run township; Jehu, who mar
ried and after his wife's death moved, with his
two children, to Marshall county, 111. ; Taylor, who
married Susan Borom, and lived on the homestead
farm in Pike Run township; Ruth A. ; and Mary
A. , who married Ellis Johnson, and they afterward
lived in Stark county, Ohio (he died in his one-
hundredth year, and she lived to a ripe old age;
the late Hon. James G. Blaine was a pupil of hers).
The children born to Washington and Ruth A.
(Graves) Cooper were five in number, as follows:
John F., our subject; Eli M., who was born in
1840, and died in 1889 unmarried; Charles J., de
ceased in infancy; Jehu V., a farmer in Fallowfield
township, owning a place of 106 acres, a portion
of the old homestead (he married Jennie V. Wil
son, and they have four children living); and
Annie A. , wife of William West, a farmer in Sum
ner county, Tenn. The father died in October,
1866, aged sixty-six years; the mother resides with
her son John F.
John F. Cooper attended the common schools of
his township, which were above the average of
country schools, in the meantime assisting his
father on the farm. In 1881 he was elected
register of wills for Washington county, and re-

164

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

elected in 1884, serving two terms. At the expira
tion of his term of office, in 1888, he returned to
the farm, where he remained until January 1,
1891, when he assumed the duties of cashier of
the People's Bank of Monongahela City, he hav
ing been elected to that position in December,
1890. On January 19, 1871, Mr. Cooper was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Crow, who
was born in Fallowfield township, this county, a
daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Thompson)
Crow. Squire Crow was born in Washington
county, aud was a farmer and carpenter, also a
justice of the peace a number of years. Mrs.
Crow was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. John F.
Cooper had born to them seven children, viz. :
Frederick F., clerk for the Catsburg Coal Co. ;
Olive R., Alice C, Frances J., George W., Ethel
E. and Charles Mcllvain. The mother died Janu
ary 23, 1888. She was a member of the M. E.
Church, Mr. Cooper of the Presbyterian Church.
He resides with his children on the old homestead
farm, which he owns, four mile's southwest of
Monongahela City, on the Brownsville road in
Fallowfield township. The farm comprises 113
acres, and he raises thereon grain and stock.

w

\ILLIAM BOYLE HOUSTON. The
Houston family of Canonsburg, Wash
ing county, are descended from the family
of that name in Lancaster county, same
State, who emigrated from Scotland to
Ireland and thence to this country, settling in Lan
caster county, Penn. We quote the following
from "The Encyclopedia of Contemporary-Biog
raphy of Pennsylvania:"
" The Houstons of Pennsylvania come of a race
noted for its physical and mental strength. They
trace their lineage far back into the days of chival
rous Scotland, when the destinies of the land of
heath and heather were dominated by the tyrannical
Edward I of England. The Houston came in
to existence during the life of the valorous Wallace.
Its origin, however, goes back to the time of Sir
Hugh de Pavinan, the Laird of the Lands of Kil-
peter in Strathgrief, and comes in a direct line
through the oldest sons down to the present time.
The baronetcy is now held by George Ludovic
Houston, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
The younger sons of the original family migrated
from their native land to the North of Ireland, in
the early part of the seventeenth century, and are
now scattered through the Counties of Antrim,
Tyrone, Donegal and Londonderry. From them
came that branch of the family that settled in
Lancaster county, Penn., between the years 1725
and 1730, and from the Lancaster county Hous
tons, branch out the Houstons of Virginia and
Tennessee, and the famous Sam Houston of Texas,

the hero who battled with Santa Anna, and who
was the first president of the Republic. "
The following is from the " History of Lancas
ter County:"
" The Houstons of Lancaster county, Penn., are
the descendants of John Houston, who had six sons
and two daughters born at the farm immediately
facing Gap Station on the Pennsylvania Railroad.
The sons were Daniel, John, William, James,
Thomas and Samuel. The daughters were mar
ried, one to Rev. Alexander Proudfit, the other to
Mr. John Johnson. Both daughters had large
families. The five elder boys (Samuel was too
young) were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, and
with the exception of James, who was killed at
Paoli, fought through the war. After the war
Daniel went to Franklin county and afterward to
Washington county; William went to Trumbull
county, Ohio; Thomas went to Rockbridge county,
Va. The youngest son, Samuel Nelson, remained
in Lancaster county, Penn. He was distinguished
for his splendid physical manhood. After gradu
ating from Burlington College he gave his atten
tion in his early years to the study of materia
medica and pharmacy. But he did not repress
the martial nature which was within him, for he
became an active member of Capt. Shippen's
troop of horse in Lancaster county, and took part
in the war of 1812.
" Dr. John Houston, the second son, studied in
the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated
in 1766. He studied medicine with Dr. Shippen,
of Philadelphia, and began practice in York county,
Penn., then a frontier town. In 1773 he married
Susannah Wright, of Columbia. He entered the
Revolutionary army as a surgeon. His eldest
brother, Daniel, also a Revolutionary soldier, moved
from Lancaster county to Franklin county, where
he remained a short time, then moved to Washing
ton county, settling in the neighborhood of Cross
Creek township. His son, Daniel, born in Frank
lin county, was a man of more than ordinary intel
ligence and executive ability, a worthy representa
tive of the Scotch-Irish Covenanters. He was tall,
broad-shouldered, erect and possessed of great
strength. He early engaged in buying and shipping
wool, flour and pork; loading boats with flour and
wool at the mouth of Cross creek, and boating to
New Orleans. Few people have any idea of the
courage, endurance and strength required to make
such a trip. There were no canals or railroads.
The river was full of malaria, and the channels
were not marked as now; worse than this, he was
compelled to guard against robbers and murderous
savages — both white and red — on the return walk
ing back. Mr. Houston made many trips of this
kind, and was always successful. He had the con
fidence and respect of all. He was gentle and
severe, firm and unchangeable when satisfied he

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

165

was right; he had a mind for equity, and was
chosen executor and guardian by many of the best
families, both alone and as an associate with oth
ers. The Rev. James I. Brownson informs us he
knew Daniel when he (Rev. James I. Brownson)
was a boy. He says: 'Daniel Houston was a man
of strict integrity, possessed of great mental and
physical strength, of a fine face and presence,
strong in his likes and dislikes, a firm friend and
generous to those worthy his confidence.' Daniel
Houston and Dr. Brownson's father were friends,
and were also administrators for the same estates.
Daniel Houston was opposed to slavery and was,
no doubt, connected with the underground railway,
but he had his own views. Dr. Brownson asked
him if he was going to the Abolitionist meeting at
Pittsburgh; he said: No! he was in favor of colo
nization. His religious views were the same as
his ancestors, and he always adhered to the Seceder
Church. At Houstonville a Seceder church was
erected on a lot given by David Houston, his
son, on the Daniel Houston farm. This church is
still standing, in the possession of their son, Will
iam B. Houston. Daniel Houston was one of the
organizers of the old Franklin Bank of Washington,
Penn , now known as the First National; was the
largest stockholder, aud at one time president of
the bank. He was also a trustee of Jefferson Col
lege, Canonsburg. Daniel Houston was progres
sive and public-spirited. When the Chartiers Rail
road was projected many years ago, Daniel Houston
took great interest iD it and subscribed some $6,000
to help put it through. The company that then
had charge of the work failed, however, and the
enterprise remained in a dormant condition for
many years. Finally, the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company offered to complete the road on condition
that the people would take stock to the amount of
$250,000. D. C. Houston (son of Daniel) at once
took hold of the project, subscribed liberally him
self, and worked untiringly to induce people to take
stock and secure the road. Owing to his efforts
and the confidence the people had in him, $87,000
was secured.
" Daniel Houston married Miss Betsey Clark, who
was born on the old homestead farm of her father
in Canton township, now owned by Samuel K.
Weirick. She was a daughter of David and Han
nah Baird Clark [Baird was originally Bard, and
was Scotch]. David Clark was born near Mercers
burg, Franklin Co. , Penn. , and was a son of James
Clark and Nancy (Reed) Clark; they were of
Scoth descent. James Clark was born in the North
of Ireland, and came with his brother, Thomas,
to Pennsylvania. Thomas settled in one of the
soot hern States. James Clark was married in
Laucaster county, Penn. Daniel Houston was a
great reader, and while his early opportunities for
obtaining an education were limited, he made the

most of these opportunities and became a careful,
safe and successful business man, and was univer
sally trusted and respected as an upright, honor
able man. Rev. David Riddle, president of Jef
ferson College (of which Daniel Houston was a
prominent trustee), preached his funeral sermon,
and in recounting his many sterling qualities as a
friend, citizen, neighbor and business man, said:
' You might as well try to move the Alleghany
Mountain from its base as to shake the integrity
of Daniel Houston.' Daniel Houston and wife,
Betsey (Clark) Houston, had three children — one
son and two daughters, David, the son, being the
only survivor, the girls dying in childhood.
" David Houston was born on the old farm of his
father in Independence township, was educated in
the common schools and at Jefferson College; in
earl}r life engaged in mercantile pursuits, but later
retired from mercantile life and looked after
the estate inherited from his father, who was
a large landowner. For many years David
Houston was a director in the First National
Bank of Washington. He was a resident of Can
onsburg at the time of his death, which occurred
May 27, 1888, when he was in his seventy-third
year. He was a public-spirited, charitable, gener
ous, whole-souled Christian gentleman, was active
in his efforts to secure the location of the Chartiers
Valley Railroad, and for many years, and up to the
time of his death, a trustee of Washington and
Jefferson College, a trustee of Jefferson Academy,
president of the Oak Spring Cemetery Company,
and held other positions of trust. Mr. Houston
and his father served continually as directors of
the First National Bank of Washington, Penn.,
from its organization; and the discharge of their
duties was marked by a regularity in attendance,
by uniform courtesy to other members of the
board and by a watchful care over the interests of
the institution. The funeral services of Mr.
David Houston were held in the Chartiers U. P.
Church, of which he had for many years been an
honored and worthy member. His liberality in
the church and his charities to those in need are
well known. No one in trouble or need appealed
to him in vain. He was always ready with sym
pathy and something more substantial when needed.
In 1840 he married, at Washington, Penn., Miss
Louisa Bell Sweitzer, who was born in Brownsville,
Penn. , a daughter of Dr. Louis Sweitzer, of Doyles-
town, Bucks Co., Penn., who graduated from a
medical college in Paris, France. He and his
wife had children as follows: William, who became
associated with a dry-goods firm of Philadelphia,
Penn. (he afterward went to California, where he
engaged in the mercantile and real estate busi
ness on his own account, and in which he was
successful ; he contracted a fever, and while con
valescing started for Philadelphia, but died en

166

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

route, and was buried at sea); Dr. Louis, Jr., who
became a physician and practiced medicine at
Claysville, Washington county; Alonza B., who,
previous to his emigration to Gonzales, Tex., ac
quired the profession of law and medicine, after
which he spent some time in the military academy
at West Point and was classmate of Gen. U. S.
Grant (he had been a member of the National Con
gress of Texas from the county in which he was a
resident at the time of his death, and he enjoyed
the undivided confidence and esteem of all who
knew him; he died aged thirty-three years and
some months); Mary A., who married Samuel
Wise, of Vincennes, Ind. ; Elizabeth, who died
young; Emma, who married, January 24, 1836,
Col. Marmatel Boyle, a nephew of Gen. Boyle, of
Kentucky (she was considered one of the most
beautiful women of her day; they had two chil
dren — one son who was a prominent judge, of
Vincennes, Ind.); Cecelia L., who was married
September 19, 1837, to John Imbria, of New Castle,
Penn. , and they had two sons, prominent business
men of Philadelphia, Penn. ; Louisa Bell, wife of
David Houston ; Harriet, who was married to John
Vowoll, of Washington, Penn; and two children:
Louis Sweitzer Vowell, a druggist of Washington,
Penn., and Bessie, wife of F. O. Graper, of To
ledo, Ohio. David Houston and wife had six
children — three sons and three daughters: Miss
Elizabeth, of Canonsburg; Mary wife of Rev. W.
F. Brown, D. D., also in Canonsburg; Louis
Sweitzer, who died aged twenty-four years; Will
iam Boyle, executor of the estate, Canons
burg; Harriet, who died unmarried aged twenty-
two years, and Daniel, who died in childhood,
aged three years. " Immediately after the death
of Daniel Houston his son David took possesion
of the farm, and in 1871 divided a large portion of
it into lots, which were soon sold, and now a thriv
ing town, named Houstonville, is seen, where a
few years ago were cultivated fields. The remain
ing part of this farm is now in the possession of
Mr. W. B. Houston, and thus continues to boar
the family name. The first survey of lots of
Houstonville, was made by Thomas H. Johnston,
and the first house was built by Mr. A. T. Haft in
1871.

J / AMES GIBSON HART, the subject of this
sketch, was born January 2, 1807, on Muddy
) run, Adams Co. , Penn. Looking back from
that date, beyond three generations, history
holds closed doors to the chronicler of all, or
any, of the manners, customs, sayings, doings,
facial expressions, or physical build, of that branch
of the Hart family who subsequently settled in
Somerset township, Washington Co. , Penn. ; and
within that limit, indeed, held open doors only, to

deal out material scantily that only the ground
timbers of a history have been vouchsafed to future
generations. Therefore, very little is known, save
that Nathaniel Hart (1), tired of the thraldom and
despotic rule of kings and queens, and notwith
standing Columbia was then in her infancy, yet,
rocked in the same cradle, was the Goddess of
Liberty and Freedom, the vital principles of future
America, the very pulse of the young nation, and
while at that period there could be no conception
of the magnitude of the benefits and blessings that
was to be unfolded to a future people, yet he saw
with a prophetic eye the glorious privileges of In
dependence in the land of the free, and said:
"Their land shall be my land, their God my God."
Consequently, in about 1730, he sailed fro fair
Scotia's shores to the fairer shores of America.
His journey ended when he pitched his te , on
Muddy run, Adams Co., Penn. Nothing is fur
ther known of his family, except two sons, Nathan
iel (2) and Micah. The last named afterward set
tled near Norwich, Ohio (date not known). In
1769 Nathaniel Hart (2) married Margaret Mon-
teith, and lived on Muddy run, Adams county,
Penn. In that home were born four children:
David, in 1770; Jane, in 1773; Margaret, in 1782;
Mary, in 1785. Of these, Jane married John
Kerr, lived and died near Gettysburg, and had
four children. Margaret married Nathaniel Pax-
ton, in 1804, and removed to Somerset township,
Washington Co., Penn., in 1812. The numerous
Paxton families throughout the northern part of
Washington county, Penn., and parts of Ohio, are
descendants of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hart)
Paxton. Mary came with her sister Margaret in
1812; in 18 — she married Smith McCollough, of
Pigeon Creek. But to return to Nathaniel Hart
(2). He died in 1787, on Muddy run, Adams
county; his wife, Margaret (Monteith) Hart, died
in 1785, leaving the four children, orphans. When
David was eleven years of age he assumed the
entire management of the homestead, and cared as
a father for his three sisters. He married Sarah
Paxton (sister of the above-spoken-of Nathaniel),
still remaining on Muddy run until the spring of
1807, when he and his estimable wife, feeling the
advantages aQd future welfare of their family de
manded removal farther west, sundered the strong
ties that bound them to their childhood's home,
and when James Gibson, their third child and the
subject of this sketch, was seven weeks old, started
on their journey, coming through on horseback,
and arriving in Somerset township, Washington
Co., Penn., about the 1st of April, the floors of
their dwelling being all under water the night they
arrived. In this home they lived and died. Six
children were added to their family after removal
to Washington county, making nine by first mar
riage as follows: Andrew, born in Adams county,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

169

in 1803, died in Canonsburg, Washington county,
August, 1861; Jane, born in Adams county, 1805,
married Henry Newkirk, removed to Ohio, died in
18 — ; James Gibson (our subject), born January
2, 1807, the last child born in Adams county;
David, the first child born in the new home, in
1809, died in Ashland county, Ohio, March 30,
1872; Maria Hart Fergus, born in 1811, died in
Washington January 30, 1888; William, the
youngest son by first marriage, born 1819, is still
living in the eastern part of Washington county,
Penn. (Dates of birth and death of the remaining
three of the nine are not known to the writer).
But just when youth was buoyant with hope, and
life replete with bright promises, death claimed
their two sons, John and Paxton, and daughter
Sarah. It was then the father was made to feel
deeply that " In sorrow's cup flashed bitter wines, ' '
and that his "House was left unto him desolate,"
as about the same time his wife was taken from
him, dying in 18 — . In 18 — he married Mrs.
Margery Butler, to whom were born three chil
dren: Margaret Hart Kerr, who resides in Monon
gahela, Penn. ; Eliza Hart Hosac, living in Scenery
Hill, Penn., and Dunning Hart, the present owner
of Lowland Stock Farm, Washington county,
Penn. He too was left, as was his father, at the
age of sixteen, the care of his mother and two sis
ters, his father dying October 1, 1852. His second
wife, Margery, died January 2, 1871, and, now, after
these long years, the writer feels prompted to add
a few words to his memory, not to eulogize, but
simple unvarnished truths. He was a man of no
unordinary intellect, a thorough Bible scholar, his
character unimpeachable, distinguished for up
rightness and sterling integrity; he had an indom
itable will, a characteristic inherited from the
Scotch-Irish race, and which has been transmitted
all along the line, neither friend nor foe could
swerve him from what he considered the line of
duty; yet allied to this unyielding will was a keen
discriminating judgment, and soundness of decis'-
ion, generous, gentle and kind, traits that made
him a safe counselor and guide, and secured for
him the esteem and confidence of an extended
community. In short, he was a just man who
feared God and wrought righteousness, and was
eminently useful in his day and generation, both
in the church and in the world.
This brings us to James G. Hart, the subject
proper of our sketch, who, as before said, became a
resident of Washington county, Penn. , from Adams
county, in the spring of 1807, when he was seven
weeks old. He remained in the home nest until
eighteen years of age, when self-reliance (the
strongly marked trait of his character) asserted
itself, and he determined by energy and industry
to be self-sustaining, and provide a resting place
for old age; consequently he engaged with Robert

Moore to learn the trade of carder and fuller.
Having finished his trade, he started in business
for himself, in West Pike Run township, Wash
ington Co. , Penn. , manufacturing goods of dif
ferent kinds and grades. He was always awarded
the first premium for the extra quality and texture
of his broadcloths, and other goods put on exhibition
at what was then known as the " Cattle Show,"
at Washington, now our Agricultural Fair, and
he manufactured the first piece of broadcloth ever
exhibited at a Washington county fair.
In 1831 he married Isabell Moffitt, still living,
and following his trade in West Pike Run town
ship until, 1838, he removed to Centreville, a vil
lage six miles west of Brownsville, where he
engaged in the dry-goods business. His wife
Isabell died in 1840, leaving four children, as fol
lows: David Moffitt, their eldest son, with his
family resides at this time in Brownsville, Fayette
Co., Penn., was married twice; his first wife, Miss
Pera Rex; his present wife, Miss Lissa S. Wilgus.
Maj. James P. Hart, his second son, married Miss
Lide J. Aiken, of Washington, Penn. ; was treas
urer of Washington county in 1868 and 1869; he
with his family reside in Washington, D. C. Liz
zie J., the only daughter by this marriage, mar
ried Chauncey R. Dever; they, and their only
child, James Hart Dever (the first grandchild),
are living in Washington, Penn. John T. , the
youngest child, died while in the army at Cumber-
laud, Md., April 27, 1864. In 1842 he married
Margery Gregg, by whom were six children; he
pursued the dry-goods business successfully until
1848, when, feeling that the future welfare of his
family demanded an extension of his lines, he, when
his sixthson, Brit Hart, was seven weeks old (same
age as he himself was when he came from Adams
county), removed to a farm in West Bethlehem
township, one mile from what was then Hillsboro,
now Scenery Hill.
He took a deep interest in the questions and
political issues of the day. His own community
ever found him an ardent friend and benefactor to
all worthy objects, a strong advocate of education;
but his "pet" was the common-school system,
and he zealously fed and nurtured its growth and
improvement in his county. It was years ago that,
when the president of the board of directors
(teachers being sent to him to be examined),
knowing his unfitness, he with others conceived
and agitated the question not only of teachers be
ing examined by a county superintendent, but
proposed other measures for the improvement of
the system. He eagerly watched its life and
growth, and hailed with pleasure the advancement
and stage of perfection it had attained in his day.
Politically, in the beginning he was an Old-line
Whig; in the turning of the wheel a stanch Re
publican; and was chairman of the first committee

170

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

that met in Washington, to organize the Repub
lican party. He was, in 1856, elected associate
judge, with Jacob Slagle as colleague, and was re
elected in 1861 with Robert Dinsmore as colleague.
It was due to the suggestions and efforts of Slagle
and himself that the barbarous custom of with
holding food from jurors, until their decision was
given, was done away with; they looked not only
upon the cruelty, but the desecration of principle
as well. He was a devoted friend to the soldier
and his cause, giving aid and comfort when and
where he could. But the crowning efforts of his
life was in his sacrifices, counsels and life work for
his family. In that relation he lived exalted from
the unwavering confidence reposed in him by his
own children. They knew beyond a doubt that
he in all things lived a life that was above a shadow
of suspicion. In the dark hours of sorrow and
affliction he was their Anchor, and when their
Life-boat seemed to be almost engulfed by the
grim waves of death dashing against it, and though
tempest-tossedhimself, yet he was the stay, strength
and comfort of his children. He gave to them that
restful feeling, that, if " Father is at the helm all
will be well " so far as an earthly hand can do.
Death came so often, and took from him some
loved one. His second wife, Margery, died June 2,
1855, leaving six children. Her youngest child,
Ard, diedOctober 1, 1856. Soon the death-cloud that
before had darkened the home of his father, David,
rose again and settled with sombre gloom over his
own home, by taking two sons, Thomas and
Samuel, and daughter, Sarah, to the spirit-land,
just when life was sweetest, leaving only two sur
viving children by his second marriage: Hon.
Brit Hart, who in December, 1874, married Miss
Priscilla D. Lacock, of Scenery Hill, Washington
Co. , Penn. , and who was, in 1884, elected to the
Legislature; and sister Annie E., who, in October,
1872, married Thomas Ross (they both with their
families now reside in Washington, Penn.). Mrs.
Jane B. Hopkins, of Brownsville, Fayette Co.,
Penn., his third wife, died in March, 1890. In clos
ing this sketch of the life of James G. Hart, no more
fitting tribute can be offered to his memory than
that " As the father so the son," a Christian firmly
adhering to the Calvanistic faith, a man of unblem
ished character. Firm and unyielding, though
not without charity, the promptings of duty al
ways found him sure and steadfast, of sound
judgment and decision. After a long lingering ill
ness, which was borne without a murmur, he closed
an active and useful life July 5, 1885.
The war record of the Hart family, who served
in the war waged against secession and slavery is
as follows: Two sons of David Hart (2); William,
who served in an Ohio regiment; Dunning, his
youngest, who served in the One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded at the battle of

Gettysburg. William's two sons, Emmet and
Leander, the latter losing his life at Averill's raid.
Andrew's son, David, of Canonsburg, a member
of Company A, Ringgold Cavalry, was wounded in
an engagement at Cedar Springs, Md. James G.,
two sons: Maj. James P. Hart, of Washington, D.
C, captain of Company A, Ringgold's Cavalry,
afterward promoted to major, and John T. Hart,
member of same company, who died in Cumber-'
land, Md., April 27, 1864. David Hart, Jr., of
Savannah, Ohio, was a member of the Twenty-
third Regiment Ohio Volunteers.

THE SHARP FAMILY. In the year 1749
William and Mary Sharp, of Scotch-Irish
ancestry, left their native land to seek a
home in the New World. They first located
in the State of South Carolina, where their
son Isaac was born April 13, 1750, and the family
afterward moved to Virginia.
Isaac Sharp remained with his parents until
after attaining his majority, and then left the pa
ternal roof, coming to Greene county, PeDn. He
located near Waynesburgh, following surveying
and school teaching. In those days wild hogs,
deer, turkeys and bears roamed the forests; and
many times the young pioneer stealthily crept past
bruin, who was enjoying a feast of young pork,
fearing that he might relish a human morsel as
dessert. About the year 1777 he was united in
marriage with Mary Woolverton, who was born
April 22, 1761, daughter of John and Abigail
Woolverton. In the year he was married Isaac
Sharp took the following oath: " I do hereby cer
tify that Isaac Sharp hath taken and subscribed
the oath or affirmation of allegiance and fidelity, as
directed by an Act of General Assembly, intituled:
'An Act to oblige the free male inhabitants of this
State, above a certain age, to give assurance of al
legiance to the same, and for other purposes.'
Witness my hand and seal this 13th day of Sep
tember, 1777. John Morrow." The following let
ter, written in 1776, is yet preserved as a souvenir:
My dear and affectionate son, I am glad to inform
you we are in good health at present, blessed be God for
His unspeakable favors. Hoping with all sincerity and
ardent affection, you are in the same healthful condition.
1 received a letter from you this day dated October 27
(eleven months after), which gave me much satisfaction
to hear of your bodily health, and it the more added to my
joy to hear that you are still teaching school. Dear child,
consider well, that while you are employed for your
bodily support, see that your mind be employed for the
welfare of your soul ;for if we should gain the whole world,
and lose our souls, what advantageth it us? Neither beye
conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your minds, that you may know what is the
will of God concerning you. Abstain from all evil com
pany, lest you be partakers of their evil deeds. Seek first
the kingdom of God aud His righteousness, and all other
things shall be added unto you . Keep yourself, my dear

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

171

child, unspotted from the world. You know my advice.
to you when we last parted, concerning these associa
tions, which I expect you to keep in obedience to me, as
you may readily conclude, I would in no wise advise you
to your hurt. We are talking of going to South Carolina
again next spring. John's son John, who lives there was
here, but I hardly think we will go. Be sure to miss no
opportunity of writing to me. I would be glad to see
you, and having nothing more to write, I remain your
affectionate mother.
Isaac and Mary (Woolverton) Sharp settled on
McNarlin's run, about three miles northwest of
Waynesburgh, Penn., where seven sons and six
daughters were born to them: John, born in 1779;
Thomas, born in 1781; Abigail (Mrs. John Knight),
born in 1783; Mary (wife of William Sharon),
born in 1786; Rachel (married to David Cougar),
born in 1788; William, born in 1790; Isaac, born
in 1792; Rebecca (wife of Ephraim Coruin), born
in 1794; Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Largely), born in
1796; Darby Woolverton (deceased in 1807), born
in 1798; Zachariah, born in 1800; Bittia (Mrs.
Samuel Smith), born in 1802; andManaen, born in
1805. [The above dates are taken from a Bible
published in 1793, the property of the father of
these children.] Isaac Sharp was a man of medi
um size, fair complexion and thin features. He was
a pioneer school teacher by profession, being known
throughout the country as "Old Master Sharp."
Much of his life was spent in surveying, he having
been among the first to own the necessary instru
ments and follow that vocation in Washington
county. In his chosen work he had a rare op
portunity to judge of the value of vacant lands,
and wealth was within his grasp had he but. seized
it in time. He entered into an agreement with
one Timothy Ross to make surveys, Ross promising
to furnish the money to secure the patents. Their
united efforts gave fair promise of success, but
just at the critical point Mr. Sharp unfortunately
yielded to an old weakness, and became a victim to
thef use of strong drink. This proved fatal to
their enterprise, for, although in the main a tem
perate man, he was addicted to a periodical habit,
and while in the power of its grasp another made
use of his lost opportunity. Although weak in this
respect, Isaac Sharp was an intelligent man, and
tha affection of his children is evident from the
fact that each of those who have had sons of their
own have named one in memory of their father.
He died in October, 1830, and was buried in the
old cemetery at Waynesburgh, by the side of his
wife, who had preceded him August 26, 1822, in
her sixty-first year.
Of the sons born to Isaac and Mary Sharp, as
above mentioned, the following is a brief record:
John and his wife (Elizabeth) passed their lives in
Ohio; Thomas and his wife (Unity) were early set
tlers of Ohio, where they reared a large family
(he was justice of the peace); William and Ruth
moved West; Isaac was married to Eliza Nailor,

who bore him seven children, namely: John,
William, Isaac H, Rebecca, Mary J., Rachel and
Maria (the parents resided in Millsborough, Penn.,
where the father followed the hatter's trade; he
was a sound logician, and in politics a Democrat);
Manaen was a tanner by trade, and passed his life
in Indiana (one of his children was drowned in a
tan vat); he died at the age of thirty years.
Zachariah Shjarp, the fourth son of Isaac and
Mary (Woolverton) Sharp, was born near Waynes
burgh, Greene Co., Penn. When eighteen years of
age he became an apprentice to one William Hart
ford, a blacksmith of Fredericktown, Washington
Co. , Penn. , serving his full time, and afterward
working a few months for wages. After leaving
his employer the young man began business for
himself and erected a small shop near Curry's run,
Carter's creek. A few months later he was
wedded to Elizabeth, only daughter of Jacob and
Elizabeth Yoder, residents of Fredericktown. The
parents were Germans, and called themselves
Pennsylvania Dutch. The father was a skilled
potter. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp resided on Carter's
creek about four years after their marriage, then
moved to the village of Amity, Penn., where he
followed his trade for many years with untiring
industry, also teaching many young men in the
trade. In those days everything had to be made
in a slow and laborious fashion, the sickle and
broad hoe being pounded out in the same way as
the tiniest nail. In those days a person who
brought a young horse to be shod for the first
time was expected to meet his social obligations in
a rather peculiar but most suggestive manner. A
quart bottle of whisky, called the "colt's tail,"
was brought by the owner of the animal, and
when the horse was shod the men were " switched
in the face ' ' by their favorite beverage — a pioneer
observance of the modern "treating" custom now
in vogue among different social circles. Zachariah
Sharp finally abandoned the blacksmith's trade and
became one of the leading country merchants of
the community, afterward adding a small farm
and several tenant houses to his store. Business
prospered for a time, but the constant confinement
was more than he could endure, and he began to
long for a change. In 1855 certain mill property
depreciated in value and Mr. Sharp incurred a
heavy expense in its purchase. He attempted to
repair and manage the old mill, but times were
hard, money was scarce and interest was high, and
soon, in this unfortunate experiment, the savings
of many years had vanished like a mist before the
sun. He was a total abstainer, positive in opinions
and usually following his own counsel. In politics
he was a Whig, an ardent advocate of protective
tariff and a warm admirer of Henry Clay, also fa
voring the United States Bank. Although never as
piring to political honors, he was nominally the

172

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

postmaster for many years, the actual incumbent
being a maiden lady, to whom he gave all the pro
ceeds. He was an admirer of Jack Downing' s
letters, was fond of reading (owning a good library),
and, like his relations, was a great hunter and a
very skillful marksman. In religion he worshiped
with the Presbyterian denomination, but was very
liberal in his views. After an illness of but three
days' duration he was called to rest from the la
bors of a long and busy life on September 19,
1874, in his seventy-fourth year. Mrs. Sharp was
a kind and industrious companion, an affectionate
and true mother, a zealous and devoted Christian.
Possessing a cheerful, trusting disposition, that
person was vile indeed for whom she could find no
word of praise. After months of severe pain,
caused by a fall, she passed over the river October
14, 1881, in her seventy-eighth year. Of the chil
dren of this family, the following is a brief record:
Mary Ann was born in June, 1824, near Car
ters creek, Penn. , and remained at home until
the others had all left the paternal roof. She was
then married to James Hughes, of Amity, this
county, who died some years ago, and the widow
is now residing near Washington borough with
her brother Manaen. She has been a very active
member of the Presbyterian Church for many years,
and is now sixty-nine years of age.
William Woolverton Sharp was born January 16,
1826, in the old village in this county, where he
grew to manhood. He was a fair scholar, fond
of reading, and his penmanship was remarkably
clear and graceful. He taught school during the
winter months, attending college in the summer
season, and reading medicine with Dr. Matthew
Clark. In 1847 he was married to a Miss Margaret
Sharp, of Washington county (who was no relation
to his family). He died several years ago, and
the obituary, written by his friend and comrade,
James P. Sayer, reads thus:
Dr. Sharp occupied a high position in his profession,
his apt mechanical ability enabling him to perform diffi
cult surgical operations with ease. In the sick room he
was prompt and careful. In September, 1862, when the
war cloud was darkest, he was commissioned as assistant
surgeon of the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. In
.March, 1864, he was promoted to surgeon of the
Eighteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, with the
rank of major. His arduous duties in the campaigns of
1864-65 told rapidly on his health and physical strength.
He resigned his commission in March, 1865, and sought
the quiet of home. Partially recovering his health, he
resumed the practice of medicine at Amity, this county,
where he continued to reside until his death. During
the year 1858 the Doctor made a public profession of his
faith in Christ, and united with the people of God. His
special work was in the Sunday-school, and his natural
ability to illustrate the lesson with blackboard exercises
was truly wonderful. We predict the impressions made
upon youthful minds by his crayon work will outlast the
argumentative and impassioned appeals of those who
failed to use the simpler methods that are most effective.
In his business as well as in his professional and religious

work, he was a man of method. He did nothing carelessly,
and in his work there was no room for rubbish. He never
fully recovered his health after his return from the army,
and during the winter of 1882T83 he contracted a heavy
cold, which settled on his lungs. No man ever made a
more methodical and determined resistance to disease
than did he during the spring and early part of summer,
fighting it inch by inch with Christian fortitude. He
left no remedy untried to regain his strength, yet when
he knew further resistance was futile, he met death only
as a true Christian can, confident of his trust in God, and
having met he found rest, leaving bright testimony for
the encouragement of those whom he loved. In the quiet
of the closing hours of Sabbath, August 5, 1883, his com
rades with whom he had mingled in war and in peace, in
the presence of the bereaved family and friends, laid him
to rest in the old churchyard, where his body shall rest
until in response to his dying invitation, the loved ones
shall meet him in the morning in the presence of God.
He left a wife and seven children, namely:
George W,, Mary E., Jacob R, William H. P.,
James B., Emma B. and Isabel.
Jacob Yoder Sharp, son of Zachariah and Eliz
abeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born July 16, 1828, on
the old homestead, this county. Although named
for his maternal grandfather, he resembled his
grandfather Sharp in personal appearance, having
a fair complexion and slender form. He was a
diligent student and was ranked with older pupils,
but his strength was too frail to support the brill
iant mind, and brain fever resulted from too in-
tense application. He died in his fourteenth
year, in 1842, leaving the memory of a dutiful, af
fectionate son, and a pure-hearted youth, of whom
no praise could be truthfully termed an exagger
ation. Isaac Sharp (namesake of his grandfather, who
died soon after the birth of this grandchild) was
born December 16, 1830, in Amity, Amwell town
ship, this county. An amusing anecdote is told
of his birthplace, and transpired at the time of his
birth : A Mr. Dow was lying next to the roof in a
certain house of Amity, just recovering from the
effects of an oversupply of intoxicating beverages.
Suddenly a gust of wind lifted the roof from above
him, when the inebriated gentleman was heard to
observe: "That's right, good Lord, scourge
Amity but save Dow, he's only a boarder." Years
afterward, while visiting in Charleston, 111.,
Isaac Sharp met a Mrs. Wright who had known
him in infancy. She described him at that period
of existence as a "horribly ugly baby," but com
plimented him on having at last become a more
comely specimen of humanity. In boyhood he
was bashful among older people, but his mother
used to say that Isaac was the most troublesome
of all her mischievous children. In early life he
learned the tanner's trade, following that business
in Amity, Penn. On March 5, 1851, he was mar
ried to Lavina (daughter of Abner and Mary Bane),
who bore him three children: Mary Flora (mar
ried to James P. Sayer), Lindley Bane (married

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

173

to Grace Walters) and Lizzie Ann (deceased at the
age of six months).
In August, 1862, Isaac Sharp enlisted as a vol
unteer in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth
P. V. I. The first duty of this regiment was to
guard the North Central Railroad west of Balti
more, and in December, 1862, it was ordered to
join the army of the Potomac. On December 20
they arrived at Falmouth, just too late to partici
pate in the battle of Fredericksburgh. From the
time of his enlistment until the latter part of
March, 1863, Isaac Sharp never missed a roll call
or failed in duty, though often detailed for picket
duty (a most arduous task in freezing weather). In
March he had a severe attack of erysipelas, which
disabled him until May 1, when he shouldered his
traps and joined in the march to Chancellorsville.
Wearied and worn, they arrived on the field at
9 p. m., on the evening of the third day of the
month, and the next morning they took an ad
vanced position facing toward Fredericksburg. At
this point a dispute arose between the leading gen
erals. Hooker had given repeated orders to Couch
to fall back, but the advantages of the position
were so apparent that Hancock and Warren both
advised Couch to stand his ground. Warren went
to Hooker and explained the matter, which result
ed in an order issued at 2 p. m. for Couch to hold
the position till 5 o'clock. But Couch had begun
his retreat, and said: "Tell Gen. Hooker he is
too late, the enemy is now on my right and rear,
and I am in full retreat." The regiment moved to
a position to the left of the former place, and there
passed the night in range of the enemy's batteries.
The Confederates kept up a constant fire, but the
Unionists were on too high ground, and before an
attack could be made had again moved. While
making coffee at the Chancellor House, they were
ordered out on double quick to repel an attack
made where the Wilderness road turns down the
hill. After this they were moved to the left brow
of the hill, facing the river, and began throwing up
trenches. Meantime a terrible artillery engage
ment was being waged, of which the following is
an accurate description given by Capt. C. L, Lin
ton, commanding:
What wild eyes and blanched faces there were when
the shells and solid shot came in from the right and rear
of us! Orders coming to "about face, left in front," we
advanced to the plank road in rear of the Chancellor
House to siiDport a battery. The Fifth Maine had opened
fire, to which the enemy replied so rapidly and accurately
that almost all the horses and men were killed or wounded.
Only two of the artillerists remained at their posts. While
there the Chancellor House was seen to be on fire, a detail
from Comnany F was made to remove the wounded there
from. All this time the shot and shell were coming so
thick and fast that it seemed one could not take his nose
from the dirt lest he would have his head blown off. A
call for volunteers was made to save the guns of the
Fifth Maine battery. Upon looking back, whom should
we see but our division and brigade commanders, Gen.

W. S. Hancock and Gen. Nelson A. Miles. A moment
later came our corps commander, hat in hand, and hair
streaming in the breeze. The call for volunteers was re
sponded to by a rush from Company D, and a few from
one or two other companies, through the concentrated
Are of thirty guns, into a storm of shot and shell, in th"
face of Jackson's men infused with victory, and saved
every gun. Myself and Corporal I. Sharp in the rush,
both grasped the limber of one of the guns at the same
time and on either side. With superior effort we succeed
ed in raising it a few inches from the ground, when a
solid shot or shell passed between us and under the lim
ber. At that instant Sharp gave down, and I thought he
was done for, but was rejoiced when Corporal Sayer and
others lay hold to see him straighten up again. He had
let down on account of the immense weight we were lift
ing. A corporal of the battery procured a rope, and we
soon had the gun moving from the scene of action. The
force attached was not sufficient to make fast time. Try
as we did, we stuck once or twice when running against
dead horses.
Not having fully recovered from former sick
ness, over exertion brought on disease, and after
remaining in the regiment a few weeks, Isaac
Sharp was sent to the general hospitals at Colum
bia, D. C, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and Pitts
burgh. On June 1, 1864, he was discharged from
the service, on account of physical disability. On
his return home he found the tannery closed, and
unable to engage in physical labor followed mer
cantile life, removing in 1871 to Washington bor
ough, Penn.; where he is yet living surrounded by
numerous friends. His character is best illus
trated by the history of his life, and his aspira
tions are fitly expressed in his own words: "My
life may not have been entirely void of some good.
Be that as it may, it is of small importance to me,
if at last my omissions and commissions are can
celled and a clear title to the mansions of glory
given me."
Cephas Dodd Sharp, son of Zachariah and
Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born June 21, 1834,
in the old stone house at Amity, this county.
When a young man he oameto Washington, Penn.,
working as a clerk until the war opened, when,
fired with patriotic ardor, he bade farewell to his
affianced and laid aside the vocations of peace for
the pauoply of war. He was among the first to
volunteer for the three months' service, and en
listed in Company E (oommanded by N. Magiffin).
For a time they were employed in guarding rail
roads, and then he returned home with zeal damp
ened by the harsh experiences of field life. But
he possessed the true spirit of a warrior, and in
1862, with several friends, once more volunteered
his services. This time he enlisted in Company
D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and par
ticipated in the engagements of that regiment
until his death. He was in the battle of Chan
cellorsville, and was one of the martyrs who fell at
bloody Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863, he joined
in that desperate charge across the wheat fields
which cost so many lives. A bullet

174

WASHINGTON COUNTY

through both of his thighs, and at the same in
stant another lodged in one of his knees, the latter
proving fatal. He fell and soon after received
another terrible shot which paralyzed him for a
time. Regaining consciousness, he supposed a
ball had passed through his breast, but found a
minie-ball deeply imbedded in the pocket Bible
which was carried in his breast, pocket. Night threw
her mantle over the bloody tragedy as the dying sol
dier lay where he fell among the others. Listening,
he heard the familiar voice of Bedan Bebout in
prayer. He spoke, and they succeeded in dragging
their bodies together. Isaac Lacock and Charles
Cunningham, also wounded, heard the conversa
tion and joined the group. Slowly, painfully, the
night passed on, and morning found them helpless
in the hands of the enemy. They hired rebel sol
diers to carry them to a place of greater security,
and at midnight on July 5, were found in a Mr.
Cunningham's barnyard. Lacock and Cunning
ham survived, and Bebout and Cephas were soon
freed from pain. The last words uttered by
Cephas were: "Oh, God, cut me loose, let me go."
The Bible and bullets are kept as sacred relics of
that terrible night by his brother Manaen Sharp.
Manaen Sharp was born October 22, 1837, in
Amity, this county, and in childhood was an inde
pendent, rather self-willed boy, but very careless
in dress. One suspender was as good as two in
his estimation, misplaced buttons were forgotten,
and his boots were soon run down at the heel — in
short, he was an original character. He was so
fond of hunting that his older brothers gave him
the nickname of "Nimrod." On one occasion he
caught a live rabbit, and notifying the boys to
bring their dogs, prepared to have an exciting
chase. Each boy held a dog, while Manaen with
his rabbit advanced some distance, then freeing
the animal, gave chase, the other boys and dogs
following with pandemoniac yells and whoops, and
the chase was on. It was brought to a speedy and
unexpected terminus — a large bulldog that had
never seen a rabbit joined in the chase, but he was
in pursuit of higher game, and catching the young
leader by the leg, gave him a lasting souvenir of
that rabbit chase, which the " Squire " carries to
the present day. The official title of " squire "
was bestowed upon him during an election, when
the boys held a juvenile "congress" in a tailor
shop, and a journeyman tailor coming in just as
the returns were made out, published the story.
On April 8, 1858, Manaen- Sharp was united in
marriage with Sarah A. Bebout, who has borne him
three children: James N. (married to Sarah Ellen
Dagg), Ada (Mrs. George McCollum) and Annie
(at home). After his marriage Mr. Sharp farmed
for a time, and in 1861 enlisted in Company B
(M. Zollars, Capt.), Eighty-Fifth P. V- L, Joshua

B. Howell, commanding. During the winter of
1861-62 the regiment was quartered at Fort Good
Hope, Washington, D. C. He took part in the
siege of Yorktown, and the battle of Williamsburgh,
and in September, 1862, was discharged at Phila
delphia on account of disability. Returning home
he entered mercantile life, carrying on business
successively in Amity, Beallsville, Amity and Wash
ington. He has prospered in business life, having
overcome the careless habits of boyhood, and is
now carrying on a furniture establishment in
Washington, Penn., with his son James N. , as
junior partner. In 1856 Manaen Sharp united
with the M. P. Church, of Amity, Penn., with
which his family is also connected. He is a mem
ber of the G. A. R. , and in politics was formerly
a Republican, but is now voting the Prohibition
ticket, and has been nominated for Assembly, also
as county treasurer. He owns a handsome brick
dwelling, equipped with all modern improvements,
situated just north of Washington borough.
Elizabeth Jane Sharp, daughter of Zachariah
and Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born in 1840,
in Amity, this county. In early womanhood she
became the bride of James A. Bebout. Her hus
band enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed July 2, 1863, at
Getfysburg, in the charge across the wheat field,
and no one knows his burial place. The heart
broken widow toiled for herself and two little ones
until they were old enough to care for themselves,
when her strength gave way, the needle fell from
the nerveless hands, and she died a victim of con
sumption. She was a true Christian, modest and
retiring in disposition, and deeply mourned by her
friends. Nancy Maria Sharp, daughter of Zachariah and
Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born in January,
1843, and in early life gave her hand and heart to
William Kelley, the village blacksmith. He fol
lowed his trade in Amity for several years after their
marriage, then moved to a small farm situated on
the line between Washington and Greene counties.
They have had eight children.
Zachariah D., youngest son of Zachariah and
Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born April 11. 1845,
in Amity, this county. In January, 1872, he was
married to Paulina Gaus, who has borne him two
daughters: Lillian and Elizabeth. After his mar
riage Mr. Sharp traded in country produce for
some years, then moved to Washington, Penn., and
engaged in the lumber business, also running a
planing-mill. In religion he is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, of which he was formerly an
elder, and in politics is a supporter of the prin
ciples advocated by the Prohibition party. In
personal appearance he is of a dark complexion
and a slender form.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

175

B'

R. JOHN B. DONALDSON, a physician
of Canonsburg, is a descendant of David
Donaldson (I), who lived in County An
trim, Ireland (near Castle O'Neil), until
June 6, 1771, when, with his son Dav;d (II), he
sailed for America, and settled in Cecil county,
Md. In 1792 David (II) moved to Washington
county, Penn., where the family has since re
sided. He was the father of eleven children —
eight girls aud three boys — Robert, David (III)
and William. The latter moved to Allegheny
county, Penn., and died there in 1863. He had
three sons: Hjenry, William and David (IV), the
latter of whom was the father of the subject of this
sketch. David Donaldson was born in Allegheny county,
Penn., and coming to Washington county, attended
Jefferson College, Canonsburg, graduating in
1845. He began to practice his profession in
West Virginia, and then moved to Allegheny
county. He was married to Ellen, daughter of
John Boyce, who died in 1884, aged seventy-five
years. To David and Ellen Donaldson five chil
dren were bora, viz.: John B., Annie M., Ulysses,
Robert and Harry. After their marriage, the
parents resided in Allegheny, thence moving to
Bridgeville, where the father died of heart disease
November 20, 1883, while in a buggy, on his way
to visit a patient. The wife and mother had died
in 1872 of typhoid fever. The father was an
active Republican in politics; in church matters he
and his wife were Presbyterians.
Dr. John B. Donaldson was born in August,
1848, in Marshal] oounty, W. Va. His early edu
cation was obtained in the common schools, and
he afterward attended the old Bethel Academy in
Allegheny county. He then read medicine with
his father for some time, and in 1872 graduated
from the Cleveland Medical College. He com
menced practicing at Pittsburgh, Allegheny county,
where he remained for one year, then moved to
Bridgeville, and in 1878 settled in Canonsburg,
this county, where he has continued to practice his
profession, giving special attention to diseases of
the throat and nose. On October 31, 1872, he mar
ried Elizabeth Foster, daughter of Walter Foster, of
Pittsburgh, Penn., the ceremony taking place in
Bridgeville, where the bride's father then lived.
The following children have been born to their
union :
Walter Foster, Nellie Boyce, Maria S., John
Paul, Samuel Foster and David Halsey (David
VI). In politics Dr. Donaldson is a Republican ;
in 1888 he was elected to the State Legislature,
and has also served in various minor offices. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in
religious faith is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.

H(ON. JAMES MURRAY CLARK, who has
been a lifelong resident / of Washington
county, was the only issue of David and
-* Eliza J. Clark, and was born under the
V parental roof in Hopewell township, March
7, 1828. When he was but an infant, his father
died, and from about that time until 1841 he lived
in Cross Creek village. Thereafter, until the fall
of 1887, his domicile was at Homeside, near the
village of Candor. For five years his home has
been in Canonsburg.
On January 28, 1851, he was married to Miss
Margaret A. Clark, and of their union there are
four children: Kate E. Clark, wife of Rev. Samuel
E. Elliott, D.D. ; Romaine Pauline Clark; Murray
S.' Clark, and William Baird Clark, M. D.
The first representative of the family in America
was his paternal and maternal great-grandfather,
James Clark, a native of Ireland, who with a
brother Thomas landed in the early part of the
eighteenth century. Thomas settled in the South.
James married Nancy Reed, of Lancaster county,
and settled on land near the site of Harrisburg;
thence he moved to " Clark's Fancy," which em
braced the ground whereon Upper Strasburg was
built, near Clark's Gap, Cumberland county. Sub
sequently he acquired a farm near Mercersburg,
wheron he died, leaving issue: David, married to
Hannah Baird; Thomas, to Jane Caldwell; John, to
 McDowell; Rebecca, to John Taggart; Mary, to
Jeremiah Rankin; James, to Mary Murray; Nancy,
to David Humphrey; a daughter, to Joseph Smith,
aud a daughter, to David Elder. The father of
this family, about the year 1789, bought two farms
in Washington county, one, in what is Canton
township, now owned by Samuel K. Weirich, and
the other in Robinson township, whereon his sons
John and Thomas in turn settled.
David Clark was born February 4, 1755, in Cum
berland (now Franklin) county. His wife, Hannah
(Baird), was of the vicinity of Carlisle. Their
children were all born at the Clark homestead in
Canton township, and were as follows: David, mar
ried to Eliza Johnston Clark; Esther, married to
Rev. Joseph Stockton; James, to Jane Henderson;
Nancy, to David Larimer; Betsy, to Daniel Hous
ton; Mary, to Paul Anderson, and Jane and Will
iam, who died in tender years. The father of
these died in Hopewell township June 2, 1821, and
was interred in the cemetery of North Buffalo As
sociate Presbyterian Church, whereof he was a
ruling elder.
His son David, father of the subject proper
of this article, was born February 28, 1800. On
April 1, 1827, he married Eliza Johnston Clark, a
daughter of James and Mary (Murray) Clark, of
Franklin county. David died in Hopewell town
ship November 30, 1828. His widow was married

176

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

November 1, 1841, to William Clark, of Robinson
township. She died November 7, 1842, and Jan
uary 31, 1881, her husband was laid by her side in
the cemetery of Raccoon church.

I/ESSE Y. SCOTT, M. D., one of the leading
t IN and most successful physicians in Washing-
i[ Jj ton county, is a native of the same, having
^^ been born November 13, 1848, in Fallowfield
township. His paternal great-grandfather
entered the American army at the age of seven
teen and served throughout the Revolutionary war.
He was at Valley Forge during the memorable ter
rible winter in that struggle. All the members of
his father's family, excepting himself, were killed
by Indians immediately before he joined the army.
Grandfather Scott was a native of America, and
died in Rush county, Indiana.
Joseph A. Scott, father of Dr. Scott, was born
in Washington county, Penn., October 6, 1806, and
his entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits.
In 1835 he went to Peoria, HI., and there married
Miss Eliza Sheplar, a native of Washington county,
Penn., whom he brought back to his Eastern home
on horseback, and they settled on a farm in Fal
lowfield township, this county, which was owned
by her father. They were the parents of nine
children, as follows: two that died in infancy un
named; Peoria and James Addison, both of whom
died in youth; Joseph Clark, who was killed Octo
ber 31, 1881, at the age of twenty-six by a tree
falling on him while riding in a wagon along with
two other young men; Henry S., at Bentleyville;
Smith F.. at Beallsville; Margaret M., wife of W.
H. Miller, of Washington; and Dr. Jesse Y. The
father died February 17, 1881, at the age of
seventy five years; the mother May 15, 1892, aged
seventy-seven years.
Dr. Scott received a thorough rudimentary train
ing at the common schools of his native township,
which was supplemented by a course in the South
western State Normal School at California. In
1870 he commenced reading medicine with Dr. J.
H Leyda, of Bentleyville, later attending the Uni
versity of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he
graduated with honorable mention in 1875. He
then commenced the practice of his profession.
He practiced two years in Centreville (this county) ;
at Pittsburgh, one year; at Bentleyville, eleven
years, and at Washington, now nearly four years.
On June 16, 1881, Dr. Scott married* Ella S. Mc
Lean, of Beallsville, daughter of ex-County Com
missioner Henry B. McLean. He and his wife
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. He is a member of the Improved Order
of Heptasoplis; politically he is a Republican.

ffOSEPH CLARKE, SR.,was born in 1738, in
j| Chester county, Penn., and spent his early
fl! life there, engaged in farming. About 1780
^-J he was married to Miss Elizabeth Lynn, and
soon afterward the young couple located on
Government land three miles southwest of the
present site of Washington, Penn., on land now
owned by Cornelius Clarke, a grandson. This is
said to have been the second farm located south
west of Fort Catfish, and perhaps the first within
the present limits of South Franklin township.
The whole country was a dense forest, and here
they erected their log cabin and established a home.
The woods were teeming with wild animals, some
of them dangerous to encounter ; and a few friendly
Indians still claimed the hunting grounds. Occa
sionally traveling bands of hostile Indians would
frighten them, and on several occasions they were
compelled to take flight on horseback during the
night to find shelter in Fort Catfish, which had been
erected for the protection of the early settlers.
Only men of nerve and daring could meet the re-
quirements of settling in the forest. On one occa
sion, Mr. Clarke and a neighbor were traveling
on horseback, when on the farm belonging to the
heirs of J. G. Strean (deceased) their dog attacked
a large bear. The men had no Are-arms with them,
but each prepared a heavy club, and in this way
killed the ferocious animal. Mr. Clarke was a
Seceder, or member of the Associate Church, and
took an active part in the church work of the day.
He died in April, 1829, aged ninety-one years.
His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke, died February 4,
1857, aged ninety-three years. Their children
were Elizabeth (Mrs. Archibald Brownlee), Sarah
(Mrs. William Johnston) and Joseph.
Joseph Clarke, whose portrait is here presented,
was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Clarke, and
was born near Washington, Penn., July 23, 1787.
His education was limited to the old-time subscrip
tion schools during a few months in winter. Yet
by diligent application he became a fair English
scholar. On April 14, 1814, he was united in mar
riage with Catherine, daughter of Daniel Andrews,
of the same locality, and their children were Ada-
line (Mrs. James McDonald), Mary (Mrs. Elisha
Ely). Hervey H., Cornelius, Ann Eliza, Catharine
(Mrs. James Pease, formerly Mrs. Samuel T.
Brownlee), John G., Sarah J., and Harriett (Mrs.
John Baird). In 1830 he removed from the home
farm to the one now occupied by. his son John G.,
and there spent the remainder of his useful and
busy life. Mr. Clarke began life when farming
was not very remunerative, farm productions being
very low for want of markets. There was no home
market, and means of transportation were very
poor. Mr. Clarke soon engaged in stock raising,
and drove cattle to the Eastern cities for sale. He

m.

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IslHHL.
f «* • -

KonR

W^^/*/ ^4^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

179

afterward extended his business, by buying stock,
not only in his own neighborhood, but in the new
States of Ohio aud West Virginia. He also engaged
for a few years in pork-packing, and placed a team
on the National road to transport his products to
Baltimore and other eastern cities. About the
year 1820 he purchased some imported Saxony-
Merino sheep, at what was then regarded a most
extravagant price, and was ridiculed by neighbors
for his purchase. In order to increase funds, he
sold before leaving home a favorite riding horse
for |60. One of his neighbors asserted that
he would not have given the horse for a ten-
acre field full of such sheep. However the pur
chase proved to be the foundation of his fortune.
He took great interest in the care and improve
ment of these sheep, and really made it his life
work. His flock assisted very much in giving
Washington county the reputation it had, at that
time, of producing the best and finest wools grown
anywhere. Mr. Clarke was a leader in his day, taking
taking an active part in public affairs. In school
matters he was much interested. Before the adop
tion of our present school system it was sometimes
difficult to establish a subscription school. This
work often fell to Mr. Clarke, and in some cases
where difficulties met him, he became responsible
for the teacher's wages, always maintaining that
the schools must go on even if it should cost him
more than his proper proportion. Mr. Clarke be
came a member of the Presbyterian Church in
early life, and for a long term of years held the
position of Ruling Elder in the congregation of
East Buffalo. Politically he was a Whig, taking
an active part in the politics of his section. He
was industrious and enterprising, and fortune
smiled on his labors. He accumulated considera
ble property, and at the time of his death was
owner of over one thousand acres of land in his
immediate neighborhood. He died January 27,
1856, aged sixty- nine years. Mrs. Catherine
Clarke died September 15, 1878, aged eighty-four
years. John G. Clarke, a prominent farmer of South
Franklin township, is the third son of Joseph
Clarke, whose portrait is here presented. He was
born January 24, 1829, near Washington, Penn.,
on the farm patented by his grandfather, Joseph
Clarke, Sr. He received a liberal and solid educa
tion at the district schools of the neighborhood,
and at Washington aud Jefferson College. On
May 26, 1853, Mr. Clarke married Sarah H,
daughter of Samuel Clokey, Esq., of Clokey ville,
Washington Co., Penn., and soon after settled on
the beautiful farm, where they now reside. When
a young man he took an active part in the forma
tion of the new township of Franklin, was chosen

a school director at the first election, and assisted
in re-districting the new township. Being an ar
dent friend of public schools, he was continued in
the board from year to year, and served as secre
tary for a long term of years. Soon after the. in
corporation of the Upper Ten-Mile Plank Road
Company, be was elected to membership in the
board of managers, and in 1872 was elected presi
dent of the board, and has continued in that posi
tion ever since, a period of over twenty years. Mr.
Clarke is an extensive grower of fine wool, and has
given much attention to the improvement of his
flocks. He has become known as an advocate of
tariff on wool, and has published several news
paper articles on that question. He served as
president of the Washington County Wool Grow
ers' Association for several years, and was twice
sent to Washington, D. C, to represent the in
terests of that association. In 1886 he had the
honor of making the only farmers' address in de
fense of tariff on wool before the Committee on
Ways and Means. It was extensively published
in both city and local papers, and was freely com
mented on, and pronounced by all an able presen
tation of the case. In politics Mr. Clarke is a
Republican; having been born and brought up in
the Whig party, and holding very decided anti-
slavery views, he naturally fell in with the Repub
licans at the formation of the party. In 1886 he
was nominated for a seat in the State Legislature,
and elected by a majority in advance of the ticket.
In the House he soon became known as an active,
attentive member, making it a matter of conscience
to attend promptly to all business coming before
that body. Being a farmer, he took special in
terest in all bills in which farmers were interested.
He was appointed on the Agricultural Committee,
aud gave his influence in favor of the Bill to
Equalize Taxation; the Bill for the Improvement
of the Public Roads; the Bill for the Increase
of State Appropriation to the Public Schools;
and against the repeal of the Oleomargerine
law. Mr. Clarke is an ardent churchman, and he and
his family are members of the United Presbyterian
Congregation, of Washington, Penn. He was
elected to the office of ruling elder in the congre
gation of East Buffalo when but twenty six years
of age, and again to the same position in the con
gregation of Washington, Penn., in 1864, and has
acceptably filled the position ever since. He is
the father of ten children — seven sons and three
daughters. He has lived a very busy life, and
while giving his principal care and attention to his
family and his farm, he has still evinced a deep
interest in public enterprises, and is ever found in
the front ranks of Washington county's enterpris
ing and loyal citizens.

180

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

It I ERVEY HINDMAN CLARKE, the oldest
f—A living representative of the Clarke family
P j in Franklin township, is a native of that
I) -* county, having been born November 3,
"*' , 1 820, the eldest son of Joseph and Catherine
(Andrews) Clarke.
His boyhood and youth were passed on the old
home place, and his education was received in the
schools of the neighborhood, supplemented by a
thorough course of training at West AlexanderAcad-
emy and at Washington College, where he showed
considerable ability. He was graduated in 1841,
read law with Hon. T. M. T. McKennan, and was
admitted to the bar, but did not practice. In
April, 1848, he married Margaret L., daughter of
Archibald Brownlee, of Buffalo township, and he
and his youthful bride then settled on the farm
where they yet reside. The names of the children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are as follows: Clara
V. (married to James Ely, and living in Marion
county, Kans.), Edmund H, J. Addison (both of
Washington county, Penn.), Frank, living in An
derson county, Kans.), Hervey H, Ella M. (Mrs.
Henry Rudy), Earnest B. (living in the State of
Washington) ; and Ethan (who died at the age of
four years).
Mr. and Mrs. Hervey H. Clarke were among the
charter members of the Second Presbyterian Church
of Washington, Penn. , of which he is an elder and
has repeate'dly served as trustee. Politically he
was originally a Whig, and since the formation of
the Republican party he has been an active member
of the same. He has never sought party prefer
ment, and has uniformly declined political honors,
his time having been assiduously applied to the
multitudinous duties of the farm, but has served as
justice of the peace and also filled the office of school
director for many years. Mr. Clarke's home place
consists of 250 acres of prime land largely improved
by his own industry and good management. The
dwelling, a handsome and commodious brick edifice,
stands an unimpeachable witness to the cultivated
taste of the man who built it — Mr. Clarke himself;
while the yard is adorned with many elegant trees
planted by his own hand over forty years ago — the
seal of industry and prosperity being stamped upon
everything pertaining to the place.

CORNELIUS CLARKE, the second son of
Joseph and Catherine (Andrews) Clarke, was
born in Franklin township, Washington Co. ,
Penn., November 21, 1823.
His boyhood days and early youth were passed
in assisting his parents in the improvements of the
home farm, and in attending, during a few months,
in the winter season, the old-fashioned subscrip
tion school of the neighborhood. The school-house
in those days was an old, dilapidated building,

with an uninviting exterior, the interior being fur
nished in a very rude and primitive manner.
The seats for the scholars consisted of simple
slabs supported by pegs, the floor being made of
puncheons, far from being closely jointed. The
writing desk was a slab resting on pegs which
were inserted into the wall, and placed so high
that the younger scholars could barely reach it;
while the fireplace, located at one end of the
school room, was of generous and comfortable
amplitude. On October 21, 1851, Mr. Clarke was united in
marriage with Marjory, daughter of John Wilson,
and the children born to this union are: Alice,
Joseph J. , Fannie (Mrs. E. Horn), Almeda (Mrs.
David McNairy), Emma, Catherine (Mrs. James
Magill), Cornelia and John W. On November 24,
1870, Mr. Clarke married, for his second partner in
life, Eliza Lyons, of Beaver county, Penn. In
politics Mr. Clarke was originally a Whig, and
since the formation of the party has been an active
Republican. In church connection he was first
an adherent of the Presbyterian congregation at
East Buffalo, but on the organization of the Sec
ond Presbyterian Church he united with it. His
farm consists of 250 acres of highly cultivated
land, having thereon many improvements, and the
present large and comfortable two-story brick
residence was built in 1857. "Omnia vincit
labor ' ' may be correctly given as Mr. Clarke's
motto, for hard work and good management have
placed him in the front rank of Washington
county's most prosperous citizens.

EV. WILLIAM H. LESTER. If this
honored gentleman's right to a place among
the representative men of Washington
county may not rest upon his birth, it is
well established by his continuous and use
ful life as a pastor of one of our leading Christian
congregations, and his devotion as a citizen to the
best interests of the community. His descent is
from a Puritan ancestry, which, coming from Eng
land, settled near Stonington, Conn., in the early
history of the country.
David Lester, the grandfather of Dr. Lester,
belonged to a branch of the family which estab
lished themselves at Easthampton, L. I., about
the time of the American Revolution. About the
close of that war he was married to Lois, daughter
of Deacon David Tallmage, and so became the
father of ten sons and four daughters, all of whom
lived to mature life.
Richard Lester, the youngest but one of these
fourteen children, was born in 1796, and in 1817
was married to Sarah F. , daughter of Esther and
Gordon Havens, of a Welsh family, which as early
as 1665 settled on Shelter Island, N. Y. In this

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

181

marriage, the fifth American generation of the
Havens family was represented, five children
crowned it, and of these the youngest but one, was
William H, the subject of this sketch. His father
was a farmer by occupation, and for many years a
member of the Presbyterian Church of Bridge-
hampton, L. I., prior to his death in 1879. His
wife had been called from him by death thirty-six
years before, when their son, the future minister,
was but a lad, but the memory of a sainted mother's
piety and instruction was among the effective in
strumentalities which determined the course of his
life. After the usual studies of the common school, a
year of classical study under his pastor, Rev.
Amzi Francis, and another at Southampton Acad
emy, our young student entered Amherst College,
Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1845. He was
graduated from that institution in 1849, after which
he taught in the academy at Southampton for two
years, before commencing his theological studies.
He entered Princeton Seminary in 1851, and waB
there a student ' until 1854, having been licensed
to preach in January of that year by the Presby
tery of Albany. A visit in the spring following,
by invitation, to the Church of West Alexander,
Penn., soon after the resignation of Rev. John
McCluskey, D. D., closing a pastorate of twenty-
six years, resulted in a unanimous call to Mr. Les
ter by that church to become its pastor. Accept
ing this call, he was ordained and installed by the
Presbytery of Washington the following October,
and thus commenced a relation which has contin
ued in happiness and use fulness unto this day. In
the interval between the call and installation, in
August, 1854, the young minister was married to
Miss Julia Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas B. and
Harriet R. Hand, of Bridgehampton, L. I. The
bride of twenty-four years had been thoroughly
educated, first in the select school of Mrs. Sophro
nia Burnett, and then at Mount Holyoke Seminary
for three years under the sainted Mary Lyon.
She, too, rejoices in the memory of a pious an
cestry of many generations, running down through
two and a half centuries on American soil. Her
father, a Christian and ruling elder, died in 1872,
her pious mother following in 1888, and side by
side they sleep in the cemetery at Bridgehampton,
waiting the Resurrection.
The tender conjugal tie dating with the pastoral
relation, has extended in a parallel line with it
through thirty- eight years of happy home life and
of mutual support in the work of the Lord. Of
the three children of this marriage two remain at
the parental home: Nathaniel Talmage and
Hadassah Elizabeth, the latter of whom is a gradu
ate of Washington Female Seminary. The eldest,
William Hand Lester, followed his father into the
ministry, and consecrated his life to the work of a

foreign missionary. He was graduated from Am
herst College in 1878, also from Auburn Theolog
ical Seminary in 1882'. He was licensed by the
Presbytery of Cayuga, 1881, and ordained by the
same in the following year. He then sailed for
Santiago, Chili, which has been ever since the
, scene of his missionary labors. The wife, Sarah
M. Anderson, who accompanied him to the mission
field, died in July, 1884, leaving an infant who
bears his name. He was again married in 1887,
this time to Miss Carrie M. Fields, daughter of the
late Rev. A. B. Fields, who, together with their
two children — Sarah and Robert McElery — bright
ens his home and cooperates in his work. The
writer of this sketch is quite familiar with the life-
work of Dr. Lester as the pastor of an important
church, and quite as familiar with the sensitive
modesty which keeps him from public proclamation
of what he has done for the Master. He has be
hind a record of nearly four decadesof wise, earnest
evangelical efficient service, among a people of in
telligent appreciation, with and for whom belabors
both in and out of the pulpit in unabated strength.
Coming to them without ministerial experience, at
a time of division and bitterness incident to the
agitation of the slavery question; when the church,
whose care he assumed — itself divided by the line
which separated the free from the slave States of
the Union — was depleted by the formation of a
rival organization, he was confronted with dis
couragements to be overcome only by the utmost
fidelity, guided by the greatest prudence and
patient endurance, under the stimulus of a holy
consecration to Christ. This church like many
others has suffered largely from emigration.
Many years ago the drift was to the newly settled
parts of the West. In later years it has been to
the large towns and cities. The academy, also,
which had flourished for many years under his
predecessor's oversight, had come to a crisis of de
pression, and, under the advanced methods, and
spirit of the times, demanded a different manage
ment. It is no wonder, therefore, that the first
year of the pastorate was burdened with the serious
question of continuance. But this question was
settled by the Lord, by a gracious outpouring of
the Spirit upon the church, which united and en
couraged the people, and brought seventy converts
to the Lord's table, two of whom became ministers,
and several ruling elders. Another work of Divine
power in 1861 added greatly to the membership,
as well as to the beneficence and praying force of
the church. Other special ingatherings occurred
in 1869, 1875 and 1889. But the steady progress
which comes from the Divine blessing upon thor
ough and steady Gospel preaching and faithful
pastoral work has been a distinctive feature of this
church in these years. There have not been more
than two or three communion seasons without ad-

182

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ditions to the membership. The Sabbath-school,
prayer-meetings, pastoral visitations, and all the
accustomed agencies have been kept up, and hap
py pastoral relations, a united people, and church
strength have been the fruits. While emigration
has annually removed families and members in
considerable numbers to other places and churches,
the loss has found its compensation in the wide
diffusion of benefits from the common center. In
no direction has the influence of this beloved
pastor been greater than in the introduction of
young men into the ministry, not only during the
few years of the academy's continuance after his
settlement, but ever since, as occasion offered, by
private instruction. Fifteen ministers, including
two foreign missionaries, have gone forth from the
pastorate into the work of the Lord, to extend and
perpetuate its power.
During all these years Dr. Lester has been re
garded by ministerial brethren, and by the
churches, as one of the active and reliable of the
members of the Presbytery of Washington, ever
vigilant and efficient in the management of eccle
siastical affairs. One element operating toward
all these happy results deserves special mention.
It is the work of a devoted wife. Mrs. Lester,
ever active in all the duties of her sphere, until
failing health made her a confirmed invalid, has
since, in the seclusion of her home, by her polished
and consecrated pen wielded an effective influence
through the churches of theWashington Presbytery.
She was one of the organizers of the Presbyterian
Female Foreign Missionary Society, and has
through years of its effective work been its faith
ful corresponding secretary. She has each year
written to every mission helped by the Society, and
from the return letters made her report, which has
been one of the enjoyable features of the annual
meeting. The aim and life-work of this couple has been
to promote the spiritual interests of the church
and the advancement of Christ's cause.
[Prom the pen of Rev. J. I. Brownson, D. D.

I, EV. JOHN S. MARQUIS, D. D. The fam
ily of which this gentleman is a worthy
representative is one of the oldest of Cross
Creek township. They are descendants of
French Huguenots, who fled from France
on account of religious persecutions, and settled in
Ireland. In 1720 William Marquis and Margaret, his
wife, together with their son Thomas and daugh
ter Mary, emigrated to this country from Ireland,
and settled in Frederick county, Va.j near to Win
chester. It is believed that some of the children
of this family remained in Ireland. Some years
after their parents came to America, Thomas

Marquis married Miss Mary Colville, and Mary
Marquis married John Wilson, and died shortly
after. Thomas was the father of seven children
— four sons and three daughters — named as fol
lows: William, James, John, Thomas, Elizabeth,
Sarah and Anne. Thomas Marquis; the father of
these children, was killed by the falling of a limb
of a tree, whilst gathering corn. His children
were brought up under the direction of his brother-
in-law, John Wilson, who was a school teacher,
and a religious man, consequently they were care
fully educated, both secularly and religiously.
William Marquis, son of Thomas, married Miss
Elizabeth Vance^ and reared a large family, most
of whom came to this county, but afterward moved
to Ohio. Hon. William Vance Marquis, ex-lieu
tenant-governor of Ohio, is a great-grandson.
James Marquis married Miss Mary_ Vance, a sister
of the wife of his brother William, and his~family,
which was large, came to this county, but after
ward went to Ohio. John Marquis, the third son
of this family, was the first of the name to settle in
this county, and was one of the first settlers of
Cross Creek township. He was born June 10,
1750, and married Miss Sarah Griffith, of Fred
erick county, Va. He settled, in 1774, on a tract
of land for which he obtained a warrant February
23, 1786, and afterward received a patent. This
tract was called " Marquesata," and contained 421
acres, and allowance, embracing the farms now
owned by H. C. Anderson and Robert Anderson,
and a part of the farm of Richard Wells, called the
"Mason" farm. For some time, on account of
the Indian raids, he was obliged to keep his family
in Vance's fort, while he tried to clear his farm.
Once, while in his cabin, he heard the report of a
rifle close at hand, and going out he saw a party
of Indians killing his hogs. On seeing him they
immediately gave the war whoop and rushed down
upon him. It was a race for life, and although
the Indians were so close to him at the start that he
heard their footsteps in pursuit, yet he outran
them and arrived in safety at Vance's fort. He
was noted among the scouts and backwoodsmen as
a fleet runner, and he was a man of strong and de
cided character; for many years was an elder of
the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek. He died
February 25, 1822. He raised a family of nine
children- — six sons and three daughters, viz. :
Thomas, John, Mary, Sarah, Edward, Robert,
James, Anne and William, of whom Thomas mar
ried Nancy Marquis, his cousin, and they had a
large family; John married Elizabeth Taggart,
and they spent their days on a farm in Jefferson
township, now owned by their son James T. Mar
quis (Rev. John A. Marquis, pastor of a Presby
terian Church at Greensburg, Westmoreland Co.,
Penn., is a grandson, and Mrs. Rev. J. B. Lyle,
of Scottdale, is a granddaughter); Mary Marquis

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

183

married Hon. Joshua Robb, who was for many
years an associate judge of the courts in Logan
county, Ohio, and he represented that county in
the State Legislature for several terms (Hon.
Judge T. M. Robb, of Lima, Allen Co. , Ohio, and
Hon. Vance Robb, of the same county, also Hon.
James Smith Robb, M. D., of Logan county,
Ohio, were their sons); Sarah Marquis married
John Nelson, and lived near Bellefontaine, Logan
Co., Ohio (they had a family of eleven children);
•Edward Marquis was twice married, first to Mar
garet Marquis, and then to Elizabeth Newell (he
had several children; his home was near Mt. Ver
non, Knox Co., Ohio); Robert Marquis was also
twice married, first to Hannah Van Nordstrand,
and afterward to Mary Stevenson (his children, all
of the second marriage, were Newton, Rev. John
S., Miles and Robert, of whom Newton married
Mary Patterson, daughter of Hon. William Patter
son, and granddaughter of Gen. Thomas Patter
son, of Cross Creek; he died when a young man);
Rev. John S. Marquis, D. D., married Margaretta
Bryant McConaughy (he was for seventeen years
pastor of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church in
this county; his home is now in Washington, and
he has supplied the church of Lower Ten Mile at
Amity, Penn., for nearly seven years). (Prof. J. S.
Marquis, principal of Brainerd Institute, Chester,
S. C, and Hugh McConaughy Marquis, S. K. of
the B. & O. R. R. Works at Glenwood, Penn., are
grandsons of Robert and Mary (Stevenson) Mar
quis); Miles Marquis died young; Robert Marquis
was twice married, first to Jane Patterson, daugh
ter of James Patterson, and granddaughter of Geo.
Thomas Patterson, and his second wife was Eliza
beth Scott (they now reside in Caldwell county,
Mo., and have a family of seven children — four
sons and three daughters).
James Marquis, fifth son of the pioneer John,
married first Nancy Roberts and afterward Nancy
Elliott (he died in Knox county, Ohio; Mrs. Rev.
N. C. Helfrich, of Plymouth, Ohio, is his daugh
ter); William Marquis (sixth son of John) married
Elizabeth Adams, and lived near Tiffin, Seneca
Co., Ohio (Mrs. Rev. Solomon Cook of that county
is his daughter); Anne Marquis (third daughter of
John) married Isaac Morrison, and they lived near
Bellefontaine, Ohio. The children of John and
Sarah (Griffith) Marquis were noted for their mu
sical talents and fine musical voices. Dr. John
Stockton told the writer, that Rob.ert Marquis had
the finest musical voice of any man he ever heard
sing. John Marquis and his brother Thomas (after
ward Rev. Thomas Marquis), in company with
some others, pursued a band of Indians, which had
made a raid into that neighborhood, in 1776, mur
dered one woman and took captive another woman
(Reynolds) and child. They came upon the Ind

ians just at daybreak, as they were making a raft
to cross the Ohio river opposite where is now
Mingo Junction, on the Pan . Handle Railroad.
Seven of the eight Indians were killed, and one
man of the pursuing party. The families of James
T. Marquis and of Rev. J. S. Marquis, D. D. , are
the only descendants of John and Sarah Marquis
now residing in this county.
Rev. Thomas Marquis, the fourth son of Thomas
and Mary (Colville) Marquis, was born in Opequan
Valley, Va. , in 1753; was married March 5, 1776,
to Jane Park, and some time after came to Wash
ington county. He settled on a tract of land for
which he took out a warrant February 23, 1786,
and afterward obtained a patent. This tract was
called " Marrigate " and contained 417 acres, and
allowance. The tract embraces one of the farms
now owned by Richard Wells, the farm of the Be
bout heirs, and a part of the Perrine tract. After
ward, by deed dated August 27, 1794, he pur
chased from Alexander Wells, of Cross Creek, and
Nathan Cromwell, of Baltimore, a tract of 500
acres, embracing lands now owned by Hon. J. S.
Duncan, John Lee, a tract (called the ' ' McCon
nell" farm) now owned by W. C. Lee, and a part
of the farm of Rev. J. S. Marquis, D. D. His fam
ily was obliged to live for a time in Vance's fort,
owing to the incursions of the Indians, and while
there he was converted under the preaching of Rev.
James Power, D. D. By the advice of Revs.
Smith and Dodd he commenced preparation for the
ministry. His classical education was obtained at
Canonsburg Academy, and he studied theology
under the direction of Rev. Dr. McMillan and Rev.
Joseph Smith; was licensed to preach the Gospel
by the Presbytery of Redstone at Dunlap' s Creek,
April 19, 1793. He soon received three calls —
from Bethel and Ebenezer, Ten-Mile, and Cross
Creek. He was a natural orator. The tones of
his voice were so musical that he was called the
"Silver-tongued Marquis." He was pastor of
Cross Creek Church for about thirty -three years.
While on a visit to his son-in-law, Rev. Joseph
Stevenson, he was attacked with fever, dying of
same September 27, 1827, and was buried in the
cemetery of Bellefontaine, Ohio. He had a large
family of children, and his descendants are scat
tered far and wide. Rev. John M. Stevenson, D.
D., one of the secretaries of the American Tract
Society, at New York, Rev. James E. Marquis and
Rev. Thomas Marquis Newell were grandsons.
Rev. W. S. Marquis, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of Rock Island, 111., is a great-grandson,
and Mrs. Patton, wife of Rev. Dr. Patton, president
of Princeton College, Princeton, N. J. , is a great-
granddaughter. Only one of the daughters of
Thomas and Mary (Colville) Marquis (Anne)
came from Virginia to this county; she married
Maj. James Park, who was killed by the Indians

184-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

on a farm now belonging to the heirs of Josiah N.
Scott, Esq., in Jefferson township, this county.
The other daughters married in Virginia — Sarah
married John Vance, and lived near Holstein, Va. ;
Elizabeth married Daniel McCauley, and re
mained in Virginia.
There were some others of the name of Marquis
who lived in this county, and were cousins of the
children of Thomas and Mary (Colville) Marquis.
George Marquis was one of the first bench of elders
of Cross Creek Church. Samuel Marquis also
lived near to Burgettstown, and John also lived in
the same neighborhood. If these were first
cousins of John and Rev. Thomas Marquis, as they
claimed, William Marquis, who came from Ireland
in 1720, must have left other children in Ireland,
who came to America at a later period; and this
appears most likely to be the case as all these par
ties came from near Winchester, Va. , to this
county.

TEVENSON FAMILY of Washington
county. Among the first settlers of Somer
set township, this county, were two families
named Stevenson, the one of English, the
other of Irish descent. Of the latter, Joseph Ste
venson and Margaret, his wife, emigrated from
Ireland and settled in Letterkenny - township,
Franklin Co., Penn., at an early period in its his
tory. They had two sons. The elder one of the
two was killed by the Indians, along with several
others, whilst harvesting his wheat, and his two
children, with a hired girl named Jennie Harper,
were taken prisoners. The younger of the two chil
dren, a son, was afterward murdered, having his
brains dashed out against a tree; the other, with the
hired girl, was taken to Canada, but afterward ex
changed and returned home. She was married to
Zachariah Spriggs, and they removed to a farm near
to West Liberty, Ohio Co., W. Va. Afterward
they made their home in Wheeling, where she and
her husband died. The "Spriggs House" in
Wheeling was named for her husband, and the
proprietors, the Yarnell Brothers, were her grand
sons. John Stevenson, the other son of Joseph Steven
son, was born in 1729, and for many years made
his home in Cumberland county, Penn., where he
was married, first to a Miss Mitchell, by which
union he had two sons, named Joseph and George.
His second wife was Jean McCombs, and their
children were Mary, Robert, John, James, Mar
garet, Elizabeth, Jane and Anne. In 1781 he re
moved to Somerset township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and settled on a tract of laud bought from
Philip Whitten, containing 320 acres. He lived
on the part of the farm now owned by Samuel B.
Weir. Afterward selling this farm, he purchased

the tract of land now owned by Andrew McCarrell,
and the heirs of Hon. Thomas McCarrell in Mt.
Pleasant township, this county. Having divided
this farm among his children, he removed to one
he owned near Cross Creek village, and which is
now in the possession of Hon. J. S. Duncan and
John S. Lee. He died at the age of ninety years,
and is buried in the cemetery at Cross Creek vil
lage, where his second wife is also buried, having
departed this life at the age of eighty-six years.
Joseph Stevenson, the eldest son in this family,
was in the Revolutionary army under Gen. Wash
ington, and was with him the night he crossed the
Delaware river in the ice with his army, and
fought the battle of Trenton the following morn
ing. He married Miss Mary Espy, and removed to
Washington county some years after his father had
come out. He made his home in Canonsburg,
where he died, and he is buried in the cemetery at
Chartiers Church. His children were as follows:
Josiah Espy (who was a physician for many years
at Kittanning, Armstrong Co., Penn.), Joseph,
Marrianne, Maria, George Espy and John Mitchell.
Rev. A. Russell Stevenson, pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church of Schenectady, N. Y., is a
great-grandson of Joseph Stevenson.
George Stevenson, the second son, was also a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving under
Gen. Washington at the battle of Brandywine. At
the close of the struggle' he came to the home of
Zachariah Spriggs, near West Liberty, WT. Va.,
and whilst in the field plowing corn he was taken
prisoner by the Indians under the leadership of
that renegade white man, Simon Girty. He was
compelled to carry a heavy iron kettle, lashed to
his bare back, all the way to Canada. He was also
at the same time suffering from a severe gash in
the forehead, made by an Indian striking him with
a tomahawk at the time of his capture. Three
years and five months passed before he was ex
changed as a prisoner of war. He married Cath
arine McCombs, and lived for a time at what is
now known as Hunter's Mill, on Harmon's creek
in Hanover township. He afterward removed to
Knox county, Ohio, where he died. The names
of his children are as follows: John, George,
Martha, Thomas, Eliza and Jane. Rev. George
Graham, of Clarksville, Iowa, is his grandson.
Mary Stevenson, the eldest child by the second
marriage, was twice married, first to Joseph Nel
son, by whom she had two sons, James and John;
after the death of this husband she was married
to Rev. John McPherria, who for many years was
the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Butler,
Penn. Their children were as follows: Amelia,
Samuel, William, Clark, Ebenezer, John, Ander
son, Josiah and Mary, of whom Amelia was mar
ried to Hon. Walter Lowrie, for many years sec
retary of the board of foreign missionsof the Pres-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

185

by terian Church, and Rev. JohnC. Lowrie, D. D.,
LL. D., the senior secretary of the same board,
and Rev. Walter M. Lowrie, and Rev. Reuben
Post Lowrie, both missionaries to China (now de
ceased) were her sons.
Capt. Robert Stevenson, the eldest son of John
Stevenson, Sr. , by his second marriage, was a sol
dier in the Revolutionary war, and belonged to a
company commanded by Capt. McConnell, of Cum
berland county, Penn.; he was also in the war of
1812, as captain of a company; he assisted in the
building of "Fort Stevenson" near Sandusky,
Ohio, and the fort was named in his honor; he
married Miss Mary Teeters, and came to Wash
ington cCunty at the close of the Revolutionary
war; afterward he moved to near Salem, Colum
biana Co., Ohio, where he died; he was a member
of the Legislature of that State at the time of his
death. John Stevenson, Jr., son of John, Sr.,
was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a
member of the company commanded by Capt.
McConnell ; he settled first in Somerset township,
this county, on a farm now owned by the Whitely
heirs, afterward in Mt. Pleasant township, on a
farm' now owned by James Buchanan, Esq., and
lastly in Cross Creek township, on part of a farm
now owned by Hon. John S. Duncan; he packed
on horseback over the mountains to the first store
in Washington its first lot of goods; he died June
13, 1847, aged eighty-six years, and is buried in
the cemetery at Cross Creek village; his wife was
Mary McCombs, and their children were: John,
Margaret, Jean, Mary and Malcom McCombs, all
of whom died unmarried except Mary, who mar
ried Robert Marquis, and she leaves to survive her
two sons: Rev. J. S. Marquis, D. D., who for
many years was pastor of Pigeon Creek Church
(of which his grandfather had been one of its
members at an early date of its history), and Rob
ert Marquis, now of Caldwell county, Mo.
James Stevenson died young and unmarried,
and is buried in Pigeon Creek cemetery. Margaret
Stevenson married John Cratty, and became the
mother of two children: Keziah and John Steven
son; Keziah married Robert Curry; a grandson,
Robert Curry, Jr., Ph. D., was the founder of
"Curry University" at Pittsburgh, ' was for a time
assistant State superintendent of public schools in
Pennsylvania, and afterward State superintend
ent of public schools in Nebraska. Elizabeth
Stevenson married John Stevenson, a son of the
Stevenson family who were of English descent,
of Somerset township; they lived on a farm now
owned by the McCorkle heirs near to Pigeon
Creek Presbyterian church; their children were
Jane, Joseph, John, Maria, Elizabeth, Mary,
Margaret, Emily, Frances and James Edgar, who
became a Presbyterian minister, and died at Talla
hassee, Florida.

Jane Stevenson married John Graham, of Cross
Creek, and their children were Henry, Robert,
John, Mary, James, Ebenezer Stevenson, Margery,
Elizabeth, Joseph, Thomas Smith and Anne;
Ebenezer Stevenson Graham became a Presbyte
rian minister, and was for some years pastor of
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church; he died at
Tampa Bay, Fla. Anne Stevenson, the young
est member of this family, married Col. John Vance,
of Cross Creek, and her children were John, Anne,
David, Jane, Joseph and Julia A. ; her son Joseph
was a lawyer by profession, and was a member of
the bar at Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio; in the
Civil war he was the colonel of a regiment in the
army of Gen. Banks, and was killed in the battle
of Red River, Louisiana.

HON. GEORGE S. GRAHAM, M. D., rep
resents an old and prominent pioneer
family, whose first settlement was made in
¦ -* Cross Creek township, Washington Co.,
V Penn., in 1776.
Henry Graham, the earliest pioneer, of this
family, of whom we have any authentic record,
was a native of Chester county, Penn. , where he
was married to a native-born lady, and, moving to
Washington county, settled in Cross Creek town
ship, on the waters of Cross creek, before the
Indians had left that part of the county. He died
in 1827, leaving one son, John, married to Jane
Stevenson, whose parents were also early settlers
in Smith township. The following children were
born to the union of John and Jane Graham:
Robert, who moved to Knox county, Ohio, where
he lived to old age; Henry, who went to Ohio;
Thomas, now a resident of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; John,
living in Knox county, Ohio; Joseph, who fol
lowed farming in this county, and resided on the
old homestead in Cross Creek township; Rev. E.
S., of whom a sketch follows; Ann, wife of Dr.
Boyd Emery, both deceased in Somerset township,
this county; Mary, deceased when young; Jane,
who died in early youth; Margery, Mrs. Murray;
and Elizabeth, wife of James Walker. Of these,
Thomas and Margery are yet living. The father
always resided on the farm in Cross Creek town
ship, where he died in 1830. The Grahams were
active Whigs and influential citizens; they were
zealous members of the Cross Creek Presbyterian
Church, which they assisted in founding.
Rev. E. S. Graham was born in Cross Creek
township, this county. He received his elementary
education in the rate schools of the day, then at
tended Cross Creek Academy, and finally took a
thorough course at Jefferson College, graduating
therefrom in 1834. In 1837 he was installed as
pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Pigeon Creek,
Washington county, where he remained until 1842,

186

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

proving a very popular minister. After preach
ing in a heated school- room on one occasion, he
caught a cold whieh terminated in bronchitis, and
he then took a trip to Florida in search of health,
residing at Tampa Bay for several years ; he died
in 1846. In the early part of his ministry he had
married Sarah, daughter of John Johnson, who
was born near Washington, Penn. , and died a few
years after her marriage, leaving four children,
viz.: John J., a farmer of Washington county, who
moved to Kentucky, thence to Knox county, Ohio;
Hannah J., wife of James Morrison, of Mercer
county, Penn.; George S., whose name opens this
sketch; and Sarah E., Mrs. James Maxwell, of
Mercer, Penn. , all now deceased except our sub
ject. George S. Graham, son of E. S. and Sarah
(Johnson) Graham, was born December 26, 1839,
in Somerset township, this county, and received a
limited education in the common schools. At an
early age he began working with a farmer named
Stevenson (of Somerset township), and also lived
for some time with Dr. Boyd Emery, of Somerset
township. He then resided in Morrow county,
Ohio, with an uncle, Thomas Graham, remaining
there for some time, but wishing to secure a more
extensive education finally returned to his native
county, and entered Cross Creek Academy (where
his father had also been a student), remaining in
that institution one year. He then took a three-
year's course at the Bethany Academical Institute,
under Dr. Marshall, afterward entered Jefferson
College at Canonsburg, Penn., where he was a
student at the beginning of the Civil war. Young
Graham enlisted Sunday, April 27, 1861, in Com
pany D, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve
Corps. He was mustered in at Harrisburg,
Penn., thence proceeding with his regiment to
Washington, D. C. His regiment was attached to
the First Army Corps, under command of Gen.
McDowell, and was later .attached to the Fifth
Corps, serving through the Peninsular campaign.
Our subject served in all the campaigns, marches
and engagements of his regiment during his term
of engagement. Their first engagement was at
Drainesville, Va. ; he remained in active service
until his regiment was mustered out June 12,
1864, when he received an honorable discharge,
and returned to his native county. After the war
our subject began the study of medicine, and en
tered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia,
graduating March 10, 1866. In the following
June he came to Florence, Hanover township, this
county, where he has ever since practiced his
, chosen profession. On September 22, 1868, he
was married to Sallie J. Tucker, who was born
September 15, 1846, a daughter of David and
Sarah (Watt) Tucker, of Hanover township. The
following children have been born to their union:

John T. (deceased), Lemuel F., David S., Charles
S., Bertha M. and Thomas C. They have had
excellent educational advantages. Dr. Graham
has been a leading physician of Hanover township
for many years and enjoys an extensive practice
throughout the county. Politically he has for
years been a leader of the Republican party in
Hanover township, and has never missed an elec
tion since his residence in this county. In 1884
he was elected to the Legislature, serving during
1884-85. Dr. and Mrs. Graham are active mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a mem
ber of the Session.

JOHN D. BRADEN, of Washington borough,
was born in Chippewa township, Beaver Co.,
Penn., November 21, 1826. John Braden,
Sr. , his father, was a native of County Fer
managh, Ireland, born at a town called " Five Mile
Town," near Enniskillen.
His father (the grandfather of John D. Braden)
was James Braden, and his grandmother, Marga
ret Howe, was of English parentage. They raised
a large family in Ireland, and said Margaret died
and was buried there. The grandfather, James
Braden, with his entire family, came to America
some time about the year 1789; John Braden, Sr.,
having grown up to manhood, became the owner of
a farm near Youngstown, Ohio, and resided on the
same until the breaking out of the war of 1812
with Great Britain, when he joined the army and
served therein until the close of the war. After
the war John Braden, Sr. , was married to Kather-
ine Mclntyre, daughter of William Mclntyre, who
was a native of Scotland, and in early times had
migrated to this country, settling at Hagerstown,
Md. John Braden and his wife Katherine, after
their marriage, removed from near Youngstown,
Ohio, to Chippewa township, Beaver county, where
they lived for over fifty years, having born to them
a large family, amongst whom was John D. Bra
den, the only one of the family who resides in
Washington county.
John D. Braden, the subject of this sketch, after
several years' attendance at Beaver Academy, lo
cated in the town of Beaver, Penn., came to Wash
ington in 1849, and entered the junior class atWash-
ington College, which, later, was consolidated with
the Jefferson College. Mr. Braden graduated
from this institution in the summer of 1851, and
at once commenced the study of law in the office
of Hon. George S. Hart, who at that time was Dis
trict Attorney for Washington county, and subse
quently was elected Judge of the Courts of said
county. Mr. Braden was admitted to the Bar of
Washington County in 1853, and from that time
to the present has practiced his profession with a
fair show of success, standing at all times in a

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

189

position with those in the front rank at the Bar. On
November 11, 1851, he was married to Miss Anna
C. Ruple, the youngest daughter of Col. James
Ruple, Sr. , deceased, and to them have been born
a large family, as follows: Rebecca, intermarried
with D. J. McAdam, Professor in Washington and
Jefferson College; John Mclntyre Braden, who is
a member of the Bar in this county, since 1879,
and has attained a prominent position in the ranks
of the legal profession, enjoying a large and lu
crative practice; Alfred Goodrich Braden, a grad
uate of Washington and Jefferson College, and
for the la*t eight years the successful Principal of
the schools in the borough of Washington; George
W. Braden, who is by profession a photographer,
and follows that business in said borough at the
present time; Lillie M., who teaches a select school
in said borough; Ernest Braden, who died De
cember 24, 1891; James Paul Braden, who is a
student at the before-mentioned college; Anna and
Kate Braden, who reside at home with their par
ents. There were also two other children, Arthur
and William, who died in their infancy. In poli
tics Mr. Braden has always been a Democrat, and
at all times ready and willing to do his best for
the advancement of the principles of his chosen
party. He never held office, except School Di
rector and Member of the Council, and also Presi
dential Elector in the Cleveland and Harrison cam
paign in 1892, which ended in a manner entirely
satisfactory to the subject of this sketch.

1*1 LFRED G. BRADEN, principal of the
f/V Pablic schools of Washington, was born
F^\\ October 16, 1858, in Washington, Penn., a
J I -* son of John D. Braden, Esq., and Anna
v Ruple Braden. At the high school of his
native town he received a thorough general educa
tional training, and he then entered Washington
and Jefferson College, where he, pursued a four
years' course of reading and study in classics, etc.
Mr. Braden' s first business experience after
leaving college was as civil engineer for the Pitts
burg Southern Railroad Company, in which capac
ity he served one year, and then was with the
Chartiers & Youghiogheny Railroad Company in
similar service two years. In 1884 he accepted
the appointment of principal of public schools of
Washington, which position he occupies with credit
to himself and the satisfaction of all interested.
To the management and improvement of the
schools Mr. Braden has given his entire time and
attention, and by his assiduous efforts, coupled
with those of an able corps of assistants, has ele
vated the educational institutions under his charge
to a high degree of excellency.
On July 21, 1886, Mr. Braden was united in
marriage with Ida Mann, daughter of John H.

Hall, of Wheeling, W. Va., son of Stewart Hall,
of County Tyrone, Ireland, son of John Hall, Esq.,
of Essex, England, and Irene Zane Howell, daugh
ter of James Howell, of Scotland. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred G. Braden are as fol
lows: Irene Howell, Alfred Goodrich and Ida
Rebecca. Politically Mr. Braden is a Democrat,
and in religion he is a member of the M. E. Church,
in which for some years he has taken an active
interest.

OLIN M. REED. Alexander Reed, grand
father of the subject of this memoir, was a
son of Robert Reed, who had graduated at
Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a minister of
considerable repute and high standing in that coun
try; but was called to Ireland to preach against
the Arian heresy then creeping into the Presby
terian Church. The church Robert Reed estab
lished at Manor Cunningham, in County Donegal,
Ireland, had at one time, it is said, as many as a
thousand communicauts, and hischildren and grand
children have been the sole occupants of the pulpit
for over one hundred aud fifty years. Alexander
Reed's brother, Thomas, and his mother's brother,
Alexander Cunningham, had settled in the town of
Washington, Penn., some time before the advent
of Alexander Reed, who came in 1794, from Done
gal, Ireland. The death of his brother, just men
tioned, occurring soon after Alexander's arrival in
Washington, he became sole proprietor of the store
now occupied by his grandsons, Colin M. and
Alexander (brothers), and records show that he
was in business in 1794. He became much in
terested in developing the agricultural resources of
the county, and from time to time purchased a
considerable amount of real estate. In 1821 he
bought a flock of imported Spanish Merino sheep
of Alexander Wilson, of Philadelphia, began the
business of fine-wool growing, and was the first to
send wool to the Eastern market; he lived to see
Washington the finest wool-growing county in the
United States, with a milliou sheep on her hills and
meadows. He was also among the first to intro
duce the best breeds of English horses and cattle
into this part of the State. In 1826 he sent silk
worm eggs to George Rapp, of Economy, the
founder of the Economite Society, who gave them
to his granddaughter, and it was not long before
both Mr. Rapp and his granddaughter made their
appearance in Washington, on a certain fair day,
arrayed in suits of handsome black silk, the manu
factured product of that gift of silkworm eggs.
This was in reality the beginning of the silk fac
tory at Economy, which was in operation some
thirty or forty years. In the charter of Washing
ton College, Alexander Reed was one of the trustees,
as well as of the Female Seminary. He aided in

190

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

establishing, and was president of, the Franklin
Bank of Washington (which became, in 1864, the
First National Bank) from its foundation in 1836;
he was treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church
of Washington from its organization, in 1809, till
his death, a period of twenty-seven years. He
was president of "The Moral Society" of Wash
ington borough, which was formed April 14, 1825,
its object r"being the suppression of vice and im
morality. In fact, in all projects and enterprises
tending to the advancement of the interests of
town or country; in all the institutions devoted to
the promotion of the cause of education, morals or
religion, he was prominent, active and efficient.
His regard for truth, equity and honesty was the
foundation of the universal confidence reposed in
him. In all the varied and multiplied transactions
of nearly fifty years, his truth and integrity were
never impeached, and he was never engaged in a
lawsuit. Mr. Reed was an A. F. & A. M. , and a
member of Lodge No. 54, Washington, which
dropped out of existence about the time of the
war of 1812. In his political sentiments he was
a Whig. He died in September, 1842.
In 1799 Alexander Reed was united in marriage
with Janet, daughter of Rev. Colin McFarquhar,
of Inverness, Scotland, who came to this country
during the Revolutionary war, and for thirty years
preached in an old church that is yet standing in
Donegal, Lancaster Co., Penn. The children born
to Alexander and Janet (McFarquhar) Reed were:
George, Eliza, Colin M., Robert Rentoul, Alex
ander and Sarah; the last two dying in infancy;
George died at the age -of twenty eight years, and
many cherished hopes for a brilliant future were
buried with him; Eliza was called from earth while
on a visit to Philadelphia, just in the bloom of
womanhood; Colin M. has special mention further
on; Robert Rentoul, also has special mention be
low; Janet Reed died in 1818, and Alexander Reed
married Isabella Lyon, daughter of Samuel Lyon,
of Carlisle, widow of William Hoge, of Washington,
and a sister of Hon. James G. Blaine's grand
mother; she, lived until June, 1868; Alexander
Reed died in September, 1842.
Dr. Robert Rentoul Reed, son of Alexander and
Janet (McFarquhar) Reed, was born March 12,
1807. He graduated at Washington College in
1824, studied medicine with Dr. Le Moyne, and
graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Phila
delphia. In 1848 he was nominated for Congress
in the district then compose'd of Washington and
Beaver, and represented the district in 1849 and
1850. He was a member of the Pennsylvania
Legislature in 1863 and 1864. In all benevolent
enterprises Dr. Reed was always foremost. For a
number of years he acted as vice-president and
afterward as agent of the Pennsylvania Coloniza
tion Society, in which philanthropic enterprise he

rendered most efficient service. For thirty-six
years he was a consistent member of the First
Presbyterian Church, and during seventeen of
these years he was a ruling elder, and for twenty-
six years was superintendent of the Sabbath- school.
In 1830 he married Eleanor, eldest daughter of
Judge Thomas H. Baird, and their children were:
Ann Eliza, Alexander, Thomas, Janet, George,
Eleanor, Isabel, Robert, Colin, William, Joseph
and Charles. Only four of these twelve children
are living: George, Colin, William and Joseph.
Dr. R. R. Reed died December 14, 1864; his
widow June 25, 1892.
Alexander Reed, born near Washington Septem
ber 28. 1832, graduated from Washington pollege
in 1851, and Western Theological Seminary in
1856. He was a Presbyterian minister, an eloquent
and attractive preacher of the Gospel. Princeton
College conferred the-degree of D. D. on Dr. Reed
in 1865. His first charge was Octorara, one of the
long-established churches of the Presbytery of
Chester, from 1856 to 1864. From there he went
to the Central Church of Philadelphia, and remained
until 1873. He then went to the South Church of
Brooklyn, and resigned this charge on account of
ill health. He then went to Europe with his family
for a year (having been abroad before for the sum
mer of 1869), and when he returned from Europe
he became pastor of the Central Church of Denver,
Colo., where he lived until he died, November 18,
1878. He had six children: Elizabeth, Eleanor,
James Watson, Robert Rentoul, Mary Morgan and
Alexander. Of these, Elizabeth died when an in
fant, and Alexander in March, 1889, aged eleven
years. The widow of Alexander Reed lives in
Washington with her daughter, James Watson, in
Denver, Robert in Pittsburgh. Thomas Baird
Reed was an eminent physician in Philadelphia.
He was born October 23, 1834, graduated at Wash
ington College in 1852; was medical student with
Dr. Blackburn, and graduated at Jefferson Med
ical College, Philadelphia. He was resident phy
sician in the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1859 to
1861. During the Civil war he was a surgeon in
the Pennsylvania Volunteers from 1862 to 1865.
On October 23, 1867, he married Mary G., daugh
ter of Archibald Campbell, of Carlisle, Penn., and
they had four daughters: Elizabeth, Eleanor,
Marie and Janet, three of whom are living; Marie,
the third daughter, died February 22, 1893. Dr.
Thomas D. Reed died April 1, 1891 . George W.
Reed is in business in Pittsburgh; he was in the
Civil war. He married Matilda McKennan, daugh
ter of Hon. Thomas McKennan, and sister of Judge
McKennan. They have had twelve children: Rob
ert, Thomas, Baird, Alexander, George, William,
Clark, Eleanor, John, Matilda, Joseph and Frank,
all living except Alexander and Frank, who died in
infancy. Colin graduated from Washington and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

191

Jefferson College in 1869. In 1874 he married
Lida Lord, of Mississippi, and they had six chil
dren: William, Robert, Richard, Eva, Lida and
Colin, of whom Richard died in infancy. Lida
Reed died in 1885, and Colin afterward married
her sister, Louisa Lord. William was educated at,
Washington aud Lafayette College He married,
in 1875, Mary McKnight, of Pittsburgh, and they
had six children: Margaret, Eleanor, Katharine,
Thomas, Mary and William, of whom Eleanor,
Mary and William are not living. Mary, wife of
William B. Reed, died in September, 1889. Rob
ert Reed died in the army at Georgetown, D. C,
July 16, 1863, of typhoid fever. Joseph is the
editor of Arthur's Home Magazine, and lives in
Philadelphia. All the daughters died when quite
young, and Charles when an infant.
Colin M. Reed, Sr. , was , born in Washington,
Penn., November 28, 1804. He was prominently
identified with the business interests of Washing
ton. His father, Alexander Reed, was the first
president of the Franklin Bank, which was organ
ized in 1836. Colin M. was elected to the same
position in 1852, and held it until the same insti
tution was organized in 1865 as the First National
Bank, of which he was elected president, and held
the office without intermission until his death. In
1855 he was made a director of the Hempfield
Railroad Company, and continued one until it was
merged into the Baltimore & Ohio. From 1841
he was a trustee of Washington Female Seminary,
and one of the largest stockholders. For many
years he was a trustee of Washington and Jeffer
son College and until his death. He was a mem
ber of the first board organized in 1843 for the
management of the common schools of Washing
ton. He was for years president of the Washing
ton Gas Company aud of the board of trustees of
the Washington Cemetery. During our Civil war
he acted as treasurer and general agent for Wash
ington county in behalf of the Christian Commis
sion. He was also very much interested in the
temperance cause, and in the Bible Society. He
was a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church,
and served as treasurer for twenty-seven years.
He was not a politician in the sense that he sought
office, but was always very much interested in the
success of the Republican party.
In 1835 he was united in marriage with Mrs.
Ritner, widow of Lieutenant Ritner, U. S. army.
She died in March, 1837, leaving a daughter,,
Mary, now the wife of Henry Laughlin, of the firm
of Jones & Laughlin, of Pittsburgh. In 1842 Mr.
Reed married Sarah E. Chapman, of Massachu
setts, sister of Maj. William Chapman, and the
children of this marriage were Isabella, Laura,
Helen, Alexander, Colin M., Jr., Robert, Ethelind
and Alice. Of these Isabella married William
Copeland, of Pittsburgh, and both have been dead

many years; Laura is the wife of James R. Clark,
and is now living in Mandan, N. D. (They have
three children: Colin, Anne and Isabel). Alexan
der graduated at Washington and Jefferson Col
lege in 1871, and is in business with Colin M.
Reed, Jr.; Alice married John L. Dickey, a prom
inent physician of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Alexander
and Ethelind are unmarried; Helen and Robert
died in early childhood. Colin M. Reed, Si-.,- died
January 12, 1888, his wife August 7, 1892. He
served as treasurer of the First Presbyterian
Church at Washington twenty-seven years.
Colin M. Reed, Jr., was born and educated in
Washington. In 1874 he married Ada Brownlee,
of Iowa, who was educated at Washington Female
Seminary. She was a daughter of Samuel Brown
lee and Katharine Clark, and a granddaughter of
William Brownlee and Joseph C. Clark — both men
prominently identified with the wool-growing in
dustry. Colin M. and Ada B. Reed had six chil
dren, five of whom are living: Katharine, Harriet,
Charles, Alexander and Colin; the second child
in infancy. Colin M. Reed is a director in the
First National Bank; a trustee of the Washington
Female Seminary, and trustee of the First Presby
terian Church.

11 SAAC W. MITCHELL is one of the best-known
I business men of Washington, and partner in
probably the oldest grocery house in the place.
He is descended from a Scotch-Irish family,
who in an early day emigrated from the North of
Ireland to this conntry, making a settlement on
Short creek, in West Virginia. Alexander Mitch
ell, paternal grandfather of Isaac W., by occupa
tion a farmer, was a native of West Virginia, where
were born to him five children, all deceased.
Zachariah Mitchell, father of subject, grew to
manhood at the place of his birth, and was reared
to agricultural pursuits, which he followed until
1853. In 1844 he married Miss Ann, daughter of
George and Jane (Wilson) Baird, of Washington,
Penn. This Baird family were of Scotch ancestry,
the first to come to America having been John
Baird, who was born in Scotland about the year
1730, and crossed the Atlantic with Gen. Braddock
in 1755. His only son, Dr. Absalom Baird, was
the first of the family to come to Washington,
which was in 1786; he served in the Revolutionary
war, first as ensign and afterward as assistant sur
geon. He was the one who trepanned Gen. An
thony Wayne's skull, which had been struck by a
musket ball at the storming of Stony Point, N. Y.,
on the night of July 15, 1779. After coming to
Washington, Dr. Baird built a house which, but
little changed, still stands, and during the visit of
the French king, Louis Philippe, to the United
States at the close of the last century, the royal

192

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

exile was entertained for some time in this house.
Dr. Baird died October 27, 1805, the result of a
fall from a horse. One of his sons, George, be
came the grandfather of our subject. He was born
in Kennett Square, Penn., in 1785, was educated
at Washington Academy and for a time was a
tutor. Afterward he embarked in mercantile pur
suits in Washington, in which he continued until
his death, November 1, 1860, the present business
of his son, A. Todd Baird, having been established
by him. At the age of twenty-six (1811) he be
came sheriff of Washington county; was also- a
member of the Legislature, filling an unexpired
term. He was married October 25, 1811, to Jane
Wilson, who bore him fourteen children — seven
sons and seven daughters. In 1852 Mr. and Mrs.
Zachariah Mitchell removed to Missouri, where the
latter died August 28, 1853, the mother of five
children, viz.: George B. (deceased); Alexander,
treasurer of the Mutual Savings Bank of Wheel
ing, W. Va.; and Martha B. , Isaac W., and James
K. , cashier of the Dime Savings Institution of Wash
ington, all residents of Washington. After the
mother's death the father went to Texas, and there
made his home until 1865, in which year he returned
to Missouri, where he died March 20, 1882.
Isaac W. Mitchell was born in Wheeling, W.
Va. , February 19, 1851, and was but two years of
age when brought to Washington, where, at the
common schools of the borough, and at Washing
ton and Jefferson College, he received his educa
tion. He chose bookkeeping as his life work, which
vocation he followed two years in Iowa and three
years in Chicago, 111., but on account of failing
health he returned to Washington in 1874. In
1885 he engaged with his uncle, Mr. A. Todd
Baird, in the grocery business which he has since
successfully conducted. On November 1, 1882,
Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Sarah R. Hill,
of Blairsville, Indiana Co., Penn. , daughter of Rev.
George Hill, D. D., pastor of the Presbyterian
Church, and president of the board of trustees of the
Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn.
To this union four children have been born: Elea
nor Baird, Georgia Hill, Harriet Todd and
Marthine B. , of whom two, Georgia and Harriet
Todd, are deceased. Our subject is a busy man
and has filled and is filling various offices of trust,
among which may be mentioned: borough coun
cilman; treasurer of Washington and Jefferson
College; treasurer of the Y. M. C. A.; treasurer
and director of the Washington Glass Company;
director of the Gas. Electric Light & Power and
Tyler Tube & Pipe Companies, and of the Farmers
& Mechanics National Bank. He is a member of
the Presbyterian Church of Washington, and in
1 891 was sent to Minneapolis as a delegate from
the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor.

J MORGAN MAURER, M. D., of the Homoe
opathic school of medicine, is one of the lead
ing and busiest physicians in the borough of
Washington. He was born in Pottsville,
Penn. , on October 24, 1848, a son of F. H. and
Anna M. (Morgan) Maurer, the former of whom is
now a resident of Denver, Colo. ; the latter died in
the spring of 1880. The Maurer family are of
German descent. Mrs. Maurer was a daughter of
Joseph Morgan, of Schuylkill county, Penn. Mr.
and Mrs. F. H. Maurer had a family of eight
children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the
only one living in Washington county; he has one
brother — Howard M. Maurer, and one sister — Anna
M. Maurer in Philadelphia, one sister — Kate A.
Bassett — in Sheldon, Iowa, and two brothers — John
L. and George F. Maurer — in Denver, Colorado.
J. Morgan Maurer was two years old when his
parents moved with their family to Baltimore, Md.,
and here he received a liberal common-school
education. He commenced the study of medicine
in 1871 and during 1873, '74, '75, attended the
Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, from
which he graduated. After this he practiced a
short time in Baltimore, then in Pottsville, till
September, 1877, when he came to Washington.
There being at that time no Homoeopathic physician
in the town, he had to work his way into practice,
by demonstrating (agaiht no inconsiderable amount
of prejudice) the real merits of the Hahnemann
system ; and his remarkable success is shown by an
almost unparalleled professional record, and the
general verdict of the community among whom he
practices. The Doctor makes a specialty of the
diseases of women and children, and his ride for a
long time extended throughout the entire county,
but of late years he has to a considerable extent
given up country practice.
In March, 1887, Dr. Maurer was married to
Miss Susan Jane, daughter of William H. and
Jane E. (Jones) Taylor, of whom mention is made
elsewhere, and one child has blessed their union —
Jane E. Mrs. Maurer is a member of the First
M. E. Church of Washington. Dr. Maurer is a
member of the Episcopal Church of Pottsville,
Penn. , and socially he is connected with the I. 0.
O. F. and Jr. O. U. A. M. He has been extensive
ly interested in the development of the oil fields in
and around Washington county.

ILLIAM L. McCLEARY. This widely-
known dentist is descended from rugged
Scotch-Irish ancestry, his grandfather,
Thomas McCleary, having, at an early
day, emigrated to America from the mother coun
try after his marriage in England with Mary Linn,
a native of that country.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

193

They settled in Virginia, aud had the following
family: James, Jane (married John Fowler), John
(deceased when young), Eliza (married James
Carr), Sarah (married John Fowler), William,
Ewing (married Mary A. McGee), Thomas (twice
married, first time to Kate Pryor, and after her
death to Mary McGrew; he was a Methodist min
ister for over forty years, and a recognized leader
in the community), Martha (Mrs. Lewis Carter)
and Julia (Mrs. James Reed). The father of this
family was both an agriculturist and a cooper," and
after coming to Virginia he passed his days on a
farm in Brooke county. In politics he was a faith
ful Democrat, and in religion a devout member of
the M. E. Church.
William McCleary, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born February 18, 1805, near Win
chester. His father removed to Brooke county,
Va. , where he was reared and educated, and
learned the trade of cooper. On reaching his
majority (the farm being small and the family
large), he left the parental roof for the purpose of
oarving out his own fortune, and being of a deli
cate constitution, he was obliged to look for such
work as he was best able to perform. He taught
school, took trading vessels down the Ohio, etc. ,
and after a time he engaged to drive the stage
then being run between Washington and Wellsburg.
After driving for some months on this route, he
secured employment as driver of a mail coach on
the Cumberland road. Under this engagement he
first drove from Hillsboro to Claysville, afterward
from Washington to Wheeling, and during a por
tion of the time into Ohio. He drove in all about
eighteen years, sometimes two, sometimes four.
and on special oocasions even six horses. During
his career he was associated with men, most of
whom are now forgotten, and many a tale would
he tell, in after years, of the excitement when the
opposition lines were competing for public patron
age, and when the orders to the drivers were " to
make the time or kill the horses" (ten miles an
hour); also'of the not infrequent runaways, one of
whioh well deserves to be perpetuated in history.
" Mr. McCleary was driving a large black team from
Triadelphia to Wheeling. On coming to Wheel
ing hill he threw the rubber bar down, butv the
blocks jumping out, the bar struck the off wheel-
horse, which sprang forward, and in an instant
the team beoame unmanageable and in full flight.
Reaching the oulvert at the foot of the hill, the
coach turned over, hind end foremost, threw the
driver in a hog wallow, and tumbled the passengers
and mail around generally. Finding no one hurt,
and the horses all gone, he ran for the postoffice
to have them bring their wagon and get the mail
in on time; for if he failed to get the mail to the
office at the right time, he was liable to lose his
position. Only one horse of that team was ever

fit to be hitched again, and two of them were killed
outright in the disaster." Mr. McCleary lived in
Claysville six years; then, when Col. William Hop
kins was commissioner of the road, he took charge
of the tollgate near West Alexander (at which
time the tolls often amounted to as much as $400
per month), and lived there nine years. It was not
uncommon in those days for twenty or more stage
coaches to be in full view at one time, so great
was the traffic. After leaving the tollgate, Mr.
McCleary moved to East Finley township, and
settled on a farm purchased of George Eulow.
Later he bought three other tracts of land, two in
this county, and one in West Virginia, all valu
able. William McCleary was married. January 17,
1836, to Susan G. , a daughter of Thomas Wilkin
son, of Hillsboro, Penn. Their children were
Thomas J., James C, John E., Mary J. (Mrs. .
Robert Bell), Sarah E. (Mrs. Porter McCarrell),
William L., Martha L. (Mrs. John Donely), Fran
cis M. , Lewis C, Martin L. (deceased) and Caro
line A. (Mrs. William Wachter). The father died
April 3, 1882, all his family being with him in his
last moments, except one daughter who had died
in her thirtieth year. He was essentially a self-
made man, having started in life with naught save
his industrious hands and a willing heart, and
when he was called from earth his estate wasf
valued at $50,000. He was an exemplary man in
all respects, of unquestioned integrity and truth,
a lover of home with its quiet cares and enjoy
ments. For many years he was a consistent
member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove,
East Finley township, in which he held the
office of deacon; in politics he was a pronounced
Democrat, holding at different times various
township offices.
William L. McCleary. the subject proper of this
memoir, was born May 23, 1848, in Donfegaltown-
ship, his education being received at the public
schools of the district. At the age of nineteen he
came to Washington borough, and entered the den
tal office of Dr. Samuel Fulton, where he remained
in the study of dentistry two years, and then
opened an office for the practice of that profession,
in Uniontown, Fayette county, whence, after a res
idence of four years, he returned to Washington.
On November 3, 1875, he was married to Mary E.,
daughter of S. M. Brinton, of Allegheny county,
and to this union seven children were born. viz. :
Mariana L., William M., Sarah E. (deceased), Ruth
G., Elizabeth B., Homer B., and Esther B. The
ancestors of the Brinton family of Allegheny
county came from England at an early day, set
tling in West Chester, Penn., and the grandfather
of Mrs. McCleary moved thence to Allegheny
county, making his home on a farm in the Turtle
Creek valley, where he died. He was a member of
the Society of Friends. S. M. Brinton, father of

194

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Mrs. McCleary, was born in eastern Pennsylvania.
He came with his parents to Allegheny county,
where he followed agricultural pursuits all his days.
He was twice married, first to Elizabeth Donley, who
bore liim one child Robert. His second wife was
Mary McGrew, a native of Westmoreland county,
and by this union were born: S. M., Jr., William
M., Mary E., M. H. and Sarah J. (Mrs. J. How
ard Clark). Mr. Brinton died on January 16,
1890. In religion he was a member of the Society
of Friends, and in politics was first a Republican,
later a Democrat. Dr. McCleary is a member of
the Baptist Church, and is at present serving as
trustee. In politics he is purely independent; vot
ing according to his judgment for " the right man
in the right place." Aside from his profession he
has divers interests, such as oil and gas specula
tions, as well as various farming interests. He is
a member of the People's Light & Heat Com
pany and of the Tyler Tube Works.

EV. MATTHEW HENDERSON was born
in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1735, graduated
at Glasgow, studied theology, and was
licensed to preach in 1756. Ordained in
1758, he was sent to America. Soon after
,his arrival he settled as pastor of the Associate
Church at Oxford, Chester Co., Penn., and re
mained at Oxford until 1781, when he became pas
tor of Chartiers and Buffalo churches in Washing
ton county, Penn. , being the first minister of that
denomination to settle west of the Alleghany
mountains. He remained with this people, teach
ing and preaching the Gospel, until called to his
rest October 2, 1795. A falling tree caused his
death. He was married to Mary Ferris, and to
them were born ten children, namely: Matthew,
Mary, John, Ellen, Elizabeth, Ann, Ebenezer,
Joseph, Robert and Jane. Matthew was a minis
ter and married Miss Patterson; Mary married
Samuel White, a farmer; John married Isabella
Russell; Ellen married Samuel Murdoch, M. D. ;
Elizabeth married Alexander Murdoch; Ann mar
ried Rev. Thomas Allison; Ebenezer was a minis
ter and married Miss Noble; Joseph was a phy
sician; Robert married Elizabeth Russell, and Jane
married James Clark, a farmer.
Robert Henderson, who married Elizabeth Rus
sell, lived on a farm in Chartiers township, and to
them were born seven children: Matthew, Andrew,
Ebenezer, Alexander, John, Mary and Robert.
Their eldest son, Matthew, was born December 1,
1803, in Chartiers township, was married February
11, 1829, to Mary Hutchinson, and lived here until
1853, when they moved to Mercer county, Penn.
In 1859 they moved to Lawrence county, Penn.,
and returned to Washington county in 1885.
Mrs. Mary Henderson died in Lawrence county,

January 1 , 1877. To them were born six children:
John H., Elizabeth R., Robert A., Martha J.,
Frances M. and Harriet A. John H. married
Nancy Hammond, who died, and he married Em
ma C. Robinson. By his first wife he had four
children: John Allison, Margaret, William and
Alexander. The latter died at the age of nine
teen. Elizabeth R. married Robert J. Harper, aud
to them four children were born: Anna M., Eliza
beth H., Ella (now deceased) and Eva O. G.
Robert A. married Mary Ellen Blair, to whom
three sons were born: Frank B., Audley C. and
William A. Martha J. remains single. Harriet
A. died December 17, 1881. Frances M. married
Rev. John Weir, has two daughters: Mary H. and
Margaret B. Rev. John Weir died May 28, 1873.
He was a 'preacher in Canada. In politics Mr.
Matthew Henderson was a Whig, and is now a
Republican. In religious faith he is a member of
Chartiers United Presbyterian Church.

THOMAS MAXWELL POTTS has been a
resident of Canonsburg since early in 1870.
He is a thorough American, being able to
trace every line of ancestry (with perhaps a
single exception) to progenitors upon Amer
ican soil for two centuries and longer, embracing
English, Welsh, German, Dutch, Swedish and
French original settlers. He is a descendant of
the old Cheshire (England) family of Potts, through
a branch who had settled in Montgomeryshire,
Wales, where they embraced the religious views of
George Fox and William Penn.
On account of the religious persecution of the
time, David Potts and one or two brothers mi
grated to Philadelphia county, Penn., about 1690.
In 1694 David Potts married Alice Croasdale, who
with her parents had come over with William Penn
in 1682. Their third son, Daniel, born in 1697,
married Sarah Shoemaker in 1721. Their son,
Samuel, born in 1723, married Ann Ashmead (nee
Rush) in 1751. Their son, James, born 1752,
married Sarah Wessell in 1777. Their youngest
son, Thomas Jefferson Potts, was born in 1798, and
married Margaret Carter in 1835. The subject of
this sketch was the eldest son of this marriage,
having been born February 17, 1836, in Chester
county, Penn. The other original paternal ances
tors of Mr. Potts, in America, were: Thomas
Croasdale, Peter Shoemaker, Isaac Opden Graef,
Jacob Isaacs Van Bebber, Capt. John Rush, Bryan
Peart, Henry Stirk, Edward Eaton and John Wells,
of Pennsylvania, and Wessel Evertszeu, Claes Jan-
sen Stavast, Cornelis Van Tieuhoven, Guylen Vinge
and Claes Claeszen Bording, of New York. Among
the first American ancestors on his mother's side,
may be mentioned Jeremiah Carter, William Clay
ton, Edward Bezer, Walter Marten, Joseph Bushal,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

195

William Cloud, John Butler, John Fisher, John
Hough, William Bean and Hance Pietterson, of
Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Mr. Potts spent his boyhood upon his father's
farm in Chester county, Penn., receiving his edu
cation in the schools of his neighborhood, and at
the State Normal School in Millersville, Penn.
From 1857 to 1866 he taught school at Greenwood
Seminary, Millville, Columbia county, and at the
academy in Dowingtown, Penn. In 1866 and 1867
he was principal of the public schools of Bellville,
Ohio. From 1866 to 1877 he had an interest in
the retail hardware business at Bellville, Ohio,
and at Canonsburg, Penn. He has held a num
ber of local offices. In 1867 he was mayor of
Bellville, Ohio, and subsequently a member of the
Bellville school board. At Canonsburg he has
served a number of terms as chief burgess, and as
a member of the town council. He has served
some thirteen or fourteen years as a school director,
and since 1888 has been a justice of the peace. In
politics he is a Republican, and in religion a Pres
byterian, being a ruling elder and superintendent
of the Sabbath-school of the First Presbyterian
Church of his adopted town. In 1870 he estab
lished the first permanent printing office in Can
onsburg, and in 1872 founded the Canonsburg
Herald, which he edited and published until 1888.
This paper, under his charge, was edited with
great care and considerable ability, and became a
power for good in the community. In 1888 he dis
posed of it to the present publisher. For many
years he has been an amateur antiquarian and
genealogist, and has collected a large amount of val
uable family history of Pennsylvania and New York
families. In 1877 he published " A Short Biograph
ical Sketch of Maj. James Potts," a small bound
volume of about eighty pages. In 1883 he issued
a "Bi-Centenary Memorial of Jeremiah Cartel-,
etc.," containing about 300 pages. He has now
in press a volume entitled " Our Family Ancestors,"
which promises to be a very valuable work to
genealogists. It will embrace sketches of some
fifty families, tracing each from the settlement of
the first American ancestor. The material for all
of these works has been gathered from original
sources. He has been a corresponding member of
the New England Historic- Genealogical Society
since 1887, and has_been president of the Canons
burg Library Association since 1880. Mr. Potts
has attained some distinction in Fraternal societies,
being a Past Grand and a Past Chief Patriarch of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a Past
Regent of the Royal Arcanum. As an Odd Fellow,
he has served as a deputy grand master of Wash
ington county, and has been a representative in the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania many times. He
has also been a representative in the Grand Coun
cil, R. A., of Pennsylvania.

On March 22, 1860, he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Miller, daughter of Reuben and
Sarah (Baker) Miller, of Chester county, Penn.
Mrs. Potts caii trace quite as honorable and nu
merous a lineage as her husband, being a direct
descendant of the following early settlers of Penn
sylvania and New Jersey: Gayen Miller, Dr.
Patrick Henderson, Jacob Kirk, Francis Hobson,
Henry Mitchell, Richard Gove, John Stackhouse,
Thomas Pearson, Thomas Stevenson, Samuel Jen-
ings, Joseph Baker, Richard Woodward, William
Edwards, John Ingram, Henry Hayes, Thomas
Cox, John Buzby, Archibald McNeill, Richard
Few, Francis Stanfield, John Bently, Joel Baily,
and others. Mr. and Mrs. Potts have had born
to them the following children: (1) Reuben Claude,
who married Clara B. Fife in 1882, and resides at
Parkersburg, Penn. ; (2) Thomas PliQy, now a
theological student ; (3) William Baker and (4)
Mitchell Miller, merchants at Canonsburg, and (5)
Louis Maxwell, a student in Washington and Jef
ferson College.

ILLIAM DENNEY, M. D., one of the
established and most successful physi
cians of Washington, is a native of the
State, born in Jefferson, Greene county,
October 28, 1851.
John Denney, his great-grandfather, came to
America from England at an early date, settling
in Greene county, Penn. In his native land he
was a tailor by trade, but in this country he fol
lowed agricultural pursuits, and at the time of
his death was the owner of a considerable estate.
His son, William, grandfather of Dr. Denney,
married Elizabeth Blackledge, and some time in
the " forties " they moved to Missouri, where they
died of malarial fever. A brief record of their
children is as follows: Enoch Harvey has special
mention further on; Simon died in Missouri; John
is a resident of Marion. Ohio; Benjamin is a prac
ticing physician in Waynesburg, Penn.; George
also resides at Waynesburg; William died in
Missouri; Hannah is the wife of a wealthy farmer
named R. Colony, in Johnson county, Iowa; Mary
is married to a Mr. Keefer, and lives near Monte
zuma, Iowa; Grace is married, and resides near
Tiffin, Johnson Co. , Iowa.
Enoch Haryey Denney, father of Dr. Denney,
was born near Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., in
1820. By occupation he was a carpenter, cabinet
maker and undertaker. In politics he is a Re
publican, for many years served as school director,
and has been elected a justice of the peace six
times. In 1880 he married Mary, daughter of
Evan and Nancy (Fulton) McCullough, who lived
and died on Castile run, in Greene county, Penn.
The McCullough family have been prominent in

196

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

educational matters in Iowa. The sisters Jane,
Rachel and Margaret organized and have since
conducted Mount Pleasant (Iowa) Female Semi
nary. Jane and Margaret are graduates of Wash
ington Female Seminary, and Rachel of the Steu
benville (Ohio) Seminary. The only brother was
Col. John Fulton McCullough, who, at the age of
eighteen years, entered the Uuited States army as
a private in Company F, First P. V. C. , but on
account of his father's death, in 1861, received
his discharge and returned home. In 1862 he
organized Company A, One Hundred and Fortieth
Pennsylvania Reserves, and returned to active
service; in 1864 he was promoted to major of
the regiment, and was afterward commissioned
colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty-third P.
V. I. He was mortally wounded at the battle of
Cold Harbor early in Judo, 1864, and died on the
field. To Enoch H. and Mary (McCullough)
Denney were born children as follows: William,
Isabella (wife of David Bell, of Morgan town
ship, Greene Co., Penn.), Anna N. (wife of M. S.
Smalley, president of the First National Bank of
Hiawatha, Kans.), and Evan M. , in the employ of
the Southwestern Pipe Line Company, at Morgan-
town, W. Va. The mother departed this life on
Christmas day, 1878, aged fifty-four years; the
father is still living in Greene county.
William Denney, the subject proper of this
sketch, received his primary education in and near
his native village. In the fall of 1864 he went to
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he studied for four
years in Mt. Pleasant Seminary, under the direc
tion of his uncle, Rev. E. L. Belden, who was
principal of that institution. He then entered the
Wesleyan University of Iowa, where he studied for
about two years. In 1870 he returned to his na
tive town of Jefferson and engaged in school teach
ing, which vocation he followed in different parts
of Greene county until 1876. He then entered
regularly upon his medical studies which he had
been pursuing during vacation in teaching, in the
office of his uncle, Dr. B. W. Denney, of Garard's
Fort, Greene Co., Penn. He afterward entered
Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in which
he took the progressive course, and from which he
graduated in the spring of 1879. In June of that
year he established himself in Claysville, where he
remained until December 1, 1891, when he moved
to Washington and has since continued in the act
ive practice of his profession, in which he has met
with gratifying success, being professionally and
socially highly esteemed in the community. On
March 3, 1881, the Doctor was united in marriage
with Lucinda, third daughter of John and Sarah
Bell, of Morgan township, Greene Co., Penn., and
they have two children: John McCullough and
Mary Bell. Politically Dr. Denney is a Repub
lican, and has held various offices of trust. He

served as supei visor in the Eleventh Pennsyl
vania District, in connection with the eleventh decen
nial census of the counties of Washington, Greene,
Fayette, Beaver and Somerset. He is a member
of the Americus Club of Pittsburgh, Penn., and in
religious faith is a member of the First Presbyte
rian Church of Washington. Dr. Denney is prom
inently identified with the Masonic fraternity, be
ing a member of the lodge, chapter and command
ery at Washington, Penn., and a member of Syria
Temple, Pittsburgh.

HAMBERS, "JUDGE" JAMES C, one of
the most esteemed and honored residents of
Amwell township, ranks among its first citi
zens. His grandfather, James Chambers,
emigrated from the shores of "Green Erin" to
America in the latter part of the eighteenth cent
ury, and in 1797 located in Amwell township,
Washington Co., Penn., on Bane's fork of Ten-
Mile creek. He and his wife died on the old farm,
the parents of six children.
James Chambers, son of this brave old pioneer,
at the age of eleven years emigrated from Ireland
to Amwell township with his parents, and two
bro hers who came with him died on the farm
where J. W. now lives. James learned and fol
lowed the trade of carpenter in Washington bor
ough, and was here united in marriage with Mary,
daughter of John Dodd, who settled on the farm
now owned by D. T. Morgan, and owned a house
where the Citizens' Bank now stands in Washing
ton. In 1803 he (Mr. Dodd) went on a voyage
down the Mississippi, and on his return was shot
by Indians. When he fell his horse ran with the
saddle bags and papers, by which means he was
identified as John Dodd. Mrs. Chambers died in
November, 1814, and Mr. Chambers afterward
married Sarah Hastings, who died in 1867. Mr.
Chambers was called from earth in February,
1862. He was a major in the militia, and more of
a military man than a politician.
"Judge" James C. Chambers was born January
11, 1812, in Washington, Washington Co., Penn.,
on a lot south of where the David hardware store
now stands, and afterward lived on East Maiden
street. He grew to manhood on the old farm, and
remained there until thirty years of age. His
school privileges were of a very limited character,
and in his case (to quote his own words) " pro
ficiency in the ' three R's ' was the synonym for a
' full-fledged graduate. ' " On November 10, 1835,
he was married to Miss Mary Hughes, and their
union was blessed with nine children, as follows:
Mary A. (married to T. J. Nichol), residing in
Washington county; John (married to Martha
Moninger); Margaret, deceased wife of John F.
Terrel; Warren (deceased at the age of nine years);

-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

199

Ellen, married to Richard Fitzwilliam, of Wash
ington county; Sarah, married to Joshua Dicker-
son, of FrankHn township, this county ; James C.
(deceased in his ninth year); Clarinda (married to
Samuel C. McLean, and living in Franklin town
ship), and William (who died in his twenty-first
year). In 1839 Judge Chambers removed to Mor
ris township, where he remained fourteen years.
In February, 1854, he came to his present home in
Amwell township, where his wife died February
27, 1891, at the age of seventy-three years.
In politics Judge Chambers was for many years
one of the most active men in the county, origi
nally as an uncompromising Whig, afterward as a
member of the American party, aud he was one of
the "Committee of Ten " appointed to sit in conven
tion for the purpose of organizing the Republican
party in Washington county. This convention was
held in the "Fulton House," Washington, March
18, 1856, the platform being occupied by Whigs,
Americans, and kindred others whose leanings were
toward the Republican phase of politics. The
president on this occasion was James G. Hart, the
vice-presidents being J. Clark Chambers, John
Hayes, John Johnson, Francis Fitzwilliams, David
Walker, T. J. Odenbaugh, Joshua Wright, W. H.
McNary and Samuel J. Crothers; the secretaries
were: Craig Ritchie, E. L. Christman, Joseph
Welsh and Thomas Miller. Of late years the
" Judge " has practioally retired from political life,
but he never fails to assert his rights as an Amer
ican citizen at the polls. In 1866 he was elected
associate judge for Washington county, his official
term coming to a close at the end of five years. On
same date (1866) Judge Acheson was elected pre
siding judge, and our subject is the only elected
associate judge now living in Washington county.
So highly satisfactory, and with such a degree of
integrity and strict impartiality, had he discharged
the duties of his responsible position, that at a
meeting of the members of the bar and officers of
the court, held in the court-room November 17,
1871, resolutions were passed bearing testimony to
the high regard in which the retiring judge was
held. The proceedings were presented in open
court, and Judge Acheson directed them to be filed
and entered on record, as so requested in one of
the resolutions.
On the occasion of the eightieth anniversary of
Judge Chambers' birth, about sixty of his friends
gathered at his home, and as a token of the high
regard he commands in the community, and sub
stantial evidence of the unbounded respect in which
he is held, he was made the recipient of several
valuable presents.
The Judge, in 1835, was commissioned a captain
in the cavalry. He has been a member of the Dis- ,
ciple Church fifty years, and has served as elder

in the same four decades. He is in the enjoyment
of good health, and now, as his life draws near the
close, he has the friendship and esteem of all who
have been associated with him in his earlier years
of vigorous action, as well as of those who have but
recently met this honored hero of so many conflicts
in which he has won the laurel wreath of victory.
[Many of these facts have been taken from the records,
and are known to be authentic.

//

MURRAY.— This family in Washington
county, of whom ^William M. and J. W.
Murray are worthy representatives, is de
scended from one of the Dukes of Athol
(Scotland), a son of whom, Lord Murray,
having become involved in a political conspiracy
against the reigning monarch, was compelled to
seek safety in flight. It was no easy task, however,
to elude the vigilance of his pursuers, especially as
a price was placed upon his head, but friends de
vised a means of escape for him, novel if not risky.
It is a historical fact that they placed Lord Mur
ray inside an empty hogshead, then headed it up,
being careful to leave some apertures for the ad
mission of air, carted him a considerable distance
to a convenient seaport (where was, fortunately, a
ship about to sail for America), got their "freight"
on board, one or two of the friends accompanying
"it," and as soon as the vessel was well out to sea,
they liberated the contents of the cask, and set the
cooped- up scion of a noble house on deck, once
more a free man. Ultimately they reached the
shores of America in safety, where the hero of the
adventure was no more enquired after by the Eng
lish Government. In this country Lord Murray
married and had a family of children, but the
names of all are lost except that of Nicholas, the
direct ancestor, in America, of the subject of this
memoir. This Nicholas Murray, who was a sea
captain nearly all his life, married, in April, 1775,
Temperance Bond, of Baltimore, Md., and the
names and dates of birth of their children are as
follows: Nicholas, April 16, 1776; Benjamin,
October 8, 1778; Ruth, October 25, 1781; William,
March 1, 1784; Christopher, October 26, 1786;
Charles, March 7, 1792; Kizia, September 23, 1789,
and Sarah, December 11, 1794. The father of
this family died April 10, 1812, the mother April
20. 1828.
William Murray, third son of Nicholas and
Temperance (Bond) Murray, was reared in the
State of Maryland, where he was married to Nancy
Roberts, and, their children were Samuel, Nicholas
(professor in Washington and Jefferson College),
Hanson, Elzy, Charles and William. At an early
day Mr. Murray migrated to Virginia, and made
a settlement near West Liberty, Ohio county, in that

200

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

State, becoming a prominent agriculturist. He
was one of the first members of the Presbyterian
Church at West Liberty, and in his political sym
pathies he was a lifelong Democrat.
Charles Murray was born in Ohio county, Va. ,
in 1814, where he was educated. He was there
married to Elizabeth J., daughter of William
Reed, of that State, but a native of Scotland,
whence he came when a young man to America,
making a settlement in what is now West Virginia,
at that time a wild, uncultivated region. He there
married Martha Ashinghist, of Washington county,
Penn. , and the children born to them were Ellen
(Mrs. William Brackenridge), Nancy (deceased wife
of Elijah Moore), Oliver, Elizabeth J. (Mrs.
Charles Murray), Margaret (Mrs. James McMur-
ray), William (deceased), Catherine (Mrs. James
H. Brackenridge). Mr. Reed followed farming
all his days, in which he met with success. He
was a strict Presbyterian, and a member of the
Three Ridge Church at West Alexander, Penn ;
in politics he was a Democrat until the breaking
out of the war of the Rebellion when he became a
Republican. He died in Ohio county, Va., about
186l, and is buried in West Alexander cemetery
by the side of his wife, who departed this life in
1861. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Murray settled on1 a farm in Ohio county, W. Va. ,
where they passed the remainder of their days,
dying, the father January 10, 1860, the mother
May 30, 1874, at the age of fifty-two. They were
consistent members of the West Alexander Presby
terian Church, and in politics Mr. Murray was a
Whig until the formation of the Republican party,
when he enrolled himself under its banner. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Murray
were William M., J. W., Oliver E. and Hanson E.
(twins, Hanson being deceased), Johnston R. (in
Wheeling, W. Va.), Oliver E. (merchant in Wheel
ing, W. Va.), Alfred N., Charles F. and Joseph
L. (all three deceased), and Elijah T. (in Ohio).
William M. Murray, a prosperous merchant of
West Alexander, was born in Ohio county, W. Va. ,
the eldest son of Charles Murray. He was reared
and educated on the home farm, aud on August
14, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twelfth
West Virginia Infantry, and was then sent to
the Shenandoah Valley with his regiment, where
they fought in Sheridan's campaigns. They took
part in the principal engagements, and were sent
to the front at Richmond, where they remained
until the close of the war. Mr. Murray then re
turned home. In 1871 he formed a partnership
with his brother John, and they conducted a gen
eral store at West Alexander, for eight years when
another brother, O. E. Murray, entered the firm;
the latter soon afterward sold his interest to Mr.
Valentine, who is now the partner of Mr. Murray.

They have a large store, and are very successful.
William M. Murray was united in marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Ruth, and they
have two children: Eva Belle and Charles Ruth.
Mr. Murray is an active and valuable member of
the Republican party. He and his family are
members of the Presbyterian Church, to which he
is a liberal contributor.
J. W. Murray was' born April 21, 1845, in Ohio
county, W. Va. , where he was reared and educated.
On August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company D,
Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, his brother Will
iam M. having enlisted in the same company on
the same day. (William M. never missed a day's
duty in three years, and he brought home the same
gun he had carried out). This regiment was first
attached to the army of West Virginia, and was
stationed at Clarksburg, W. Va. , whence it was
sent to Winchester, Va. , where it participated in
the battle there June 13 and 15, 1863. The
Union forces were driven back, and our subject and
his comrades afterward took part in the battle of
Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, following, after which
they participated in all the skirmishes, etc., in the
Shenandoah Valley, including the famous "Hun
ter raid." W bile charging the works at Piedmont,
W. Va., June 5, 1864, Private J. W. Murray was
wounded in the right arm, above the elbow, by a
ball (which he still carries), in consequence of which
he was incapacitated for duty for three months,
at the end of which time he rejoined his regiment.
On December 19, 1864, the regiment was trans
ferred to the army of the James, in which it served
until the close of the war. At the siege of Peters
burg, Va. , Mr. Murray was in the famous charge on
Fort Gregg; was in the chase after Lee's forces
when the latter were outflanked, and was present at
their surrender. On May 9, 1865, the war having
ended, he was mustered out of the service, June
16, 1865, returned home and took up the Arcadian
pursuit of an agriculturist, which he continued un
til 1871, when he entered into partnership with his
brother William M., in a general merchandise
business at West Alexander, this county. In July,
1891, he came to Washington, and entered into
partnership with J. I. Carson as pension agents,
also in real estate and loan business, and after
April 1, 1893, the firm will be Rodgers & Murray.
On August 14, 1875, J. W. Murray was united
in marriage with Margaret, daughter of James P.
Chambers, of Donegal township, and three chil
dren were born to them: James E., Arthur E.
(deceased) and Alford L. Mr. Murray is a mem
ber of the Second United Presbyterian Church of
Washington, Penn.; in politics he is an active
Republican, and takes a live interest in every
measure tending to the advancement of his adopted
city and the county at large.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

201

|\INFIELD McILVAINE, of Taylor &
/ Mcllvaine, one of the prominent law firms
y/ of Washington, is a native of Somerset
township, born January 30, 1856. He is
the eldest son of S. B. Mcllvaine, a substantial
farmer and one of the leading citizens of the east
ern part of the county. His mother's maiden name
was Catherine Hill, a very extended family name
in the southwestern quarter of the county. Their
other children are Arabelle, married to William M.
Irwin, and now a widow; Ella Laverne, intermar
ried with Josiah Thomas; Lena, U. G., Julia, and
Edwin L.
The subject of this sketch received his first edu
cational training in the public schools. Later he
attended Canonsburg Academy for two years, and
in the winter of 1876-77 taught in the public
schools of Somerset township. In the fall of 1877
he entered the sophomore class of Washington and
Jefferson College, and in June, 1880, was gradu
ated with honors from that institution. Previously,
in June, 1879, he had registered as a law student
with his cousin, now the Hon. J. A. Mcllvaine,
president judge of the Forty-seventh Judicial Dis
trict of Pennsylvania, completing his legal studies
under his direction. The two years immediately
following his graduation were spent partly on his
father's farm, recuperating his physical powers,
and partly in teaching. In the fall of 1882 he en
tered politics, serving as secretary of the Repub
lican County Committee during the campaign of
that and the three succeeding years. At June
term, 1883, he was admitted to the bar of Wash
ington county. In the fall of the same year he
purchased from E. F. Acheson an interest in the
Washington Observer, and from 1886 was manager
of the paper. During all this time, he still took an
active part in politics, and his paper was the rec
ognized exponent of Republican principles in
Washington county. In October, 1890, however,
he sold his interest in the Observer to his partner,
Mr. Acheson, and, on January 1 of the following
year, entered into partnership with J.' F. Taylor
in the general practice of the law, at Washington.
In religion Mr. Mcllvaine is a Presbyterian, being
a member of the First Presbyterian Church of
Washington. On October 19, 1892, he married
Miss Elizabeth S. Stewart, daughter of the late
Galbraith Stewart, of Washington, and they now
reside on Wade avenue.

ICHARD WAUGH The Waugh family
have been in Pennsylvania at least one
hundred and fifty years, and oame west
— from Adams and Cumberland counties.
Richard Waugh was born December 3,
1796, on a farm, now owned by W. W. Dinsmore,

on the road from Buffalo to West Middletown.
He grew to manhood on a farm now owned by
James Hauna, near Independence. Mr. Waugh
was a grandson of David Boyd, an officer in
the war of Independence, whose thrilling
story is mentioned in Crumrine's "History of
Washington County." Throughout life he was
noted for his energy and indomitable perseverance.
In 1823 he married Eliza, daughter of John
Moore, who owned 600 acres of land embracing
what is now known as " Waugh' s Mill." Mr.
Moore inherited part of this tract from his father,
who bought it from Lawrence Van Buskirk.
Both Van Buskirk and his wife were killed by the
Indians, the wife in 1792 and the husband in 1793.
Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Waugh re
moved to what is now Brooke county, W. Va., and
purchased from his father-in-law the old frame
mill, one of the first operated in that part of the
country. This, mill stood just where the bridge
reaches the south bank of Buffalo creek, after you
pass through the first tunnel in going from Wells
burg. Some time before Mr. Moore had attempted
to pierce the hill called "the backbone," for a
mill race, but the enterprise was abandoned for
some years. Mr. Waugh completed this work,
and the race is used to this day, as it affords the
best water-power in the county. He built two
mills, each using a tunnel for a race, and, with
these mills, he turned out as much as 10,000 bar
rels of flour in a year, besides manufacturing all
his own barrels. He also did a large amount of
country work.
He was a man of enterprise, both public and
private. He made, at his own expense, two tun
nels for the Wellsburg & Bethany road, both of
which are still in use. By these works and the
bridges he constructed, generally at his own
charges, he greatly shortened and improved the
roads of his adopted county. No man, before or
since, in his section did so much for the improve
ment of the roads. More than half of his life was
passed in Washington county, aud, as much of the
grain for his mills was purchased from the farm
ers in that section, he was well-known throughout
the county. The old mill books show that much
of the wheat brought only 37J cents a bushel, and
flour but $2.50 per barrel. Mr. Waugh was also
a farmer and stock-grower. Although he began
life in narrow circumstances, at the time of his
death he was owner of more than 2, 000 acres em
bracing some of the best lands in Brooke county.
Part of this land extended from a point below
Waugh mill for two miles along the pike toward
Bethany. He also owned a steam flouring mill in
Lagrange (now Brilliant), Ohio. He was an act
ive member of the Presbyterian Church, and his
liberality is still remembered. He offered Dr.
John McCluskey a farm of 100 acres if he would

202

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

consent to settle as pastor of the Lower Buffalo
Church. It is said that he would make up what
ever was lacking in the pastor's salary, after the
other subscriptions had been made. His death
occurred at the early age of forty -eight, and, when
his career is considered, it is surprising to learn
that for fifteen years before his decease he had
been a confirmed invalid. He left the reputation
of a conscientious, upright man and public-spirited
citizen. Joseph Waugh, the fourth son of the above, was
born in Brooke county, Va. , in 1835, and received
his education in the common schools, West, Alex
ander Academy (under Dr. John McCluskey),
Washington College, and the Western Theological
Seminary. He graduated with honor from college
in 1857, and from the Theological seminary in
1860; was licensed to preach by the Washington
Presbytery in 1859, and ordained by the Presby
tery of Mississippi in 1860. For one year, until
the outbreak of the Civil war, he preached near
Natchez, Miss. His decided Union sentiments
brought him North. He then taught two years in
Washington College, and two years in the Steuben
ville Seminary, after which he took charge of the
Hollidaysburg Seminary, being its first principal.
Here he continued eleven years, and, with the as
sistance of his devoted wife, made it one of the
leading institutions of its class in Pennsylvania.
It is still a flourishing school. On account of ill
health Mr. Waugh was forced to relinquish his
educational work, and retired to a farm in Dela
ware, where for several years he was interested in
fruit growing, and still reads the reports of the
peach crop with occasional anxiety.
The subject of this sketch married, April 12,
1864, Miss Arabella S. Todd, sister of A. M. Todd,
Esq. She was a native of Kentucky, daughter of
the Rev. Andrew Todd and Catherine (Wilson)
Todd. Mrs. Waugh was a lady of unusual intelli
gence and accomplishments, whose life was marked
by a special spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion to
duty. As vice-principal of the Hollidaysburg
Seminary, she made many ardent friends, and her
character and noble life made themselves felt upon
all with whom she came in contact. Fourteen
years before her death she received injuries by be
ing thrown from a carriage. From these she never
recovered, but bore her suffering with marked pa
tience and resignation, and continued her works of
kindness and devotion to the very day of her death,
which occurred January 21, 1892. In 1889 Mr.
Waugh returned to Washington, Penn., and has
since made it his home. He is treasurer of Wash
ington and Jefferson College, does some insurance
business, occasionally writes for the papers, is an
Independent in politics, and is suspected of having
some leanings towards free trade.

LONZO LINN has been for many years a
professor in Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, and is "Worthy of more than a passing
notice in. the pages of this biographical
record.
This highly esteemed educator is a native of
Pennsylvania, born September 26, 1827, in Butler,
Butler county. His father was Dr. George Linn,
a prominent physician of Butler. He was a native
of New Jersey, but removed in early life to Craw
ford county, and there lived on a farm with his
widowed mother. When a young man he served
as a soldier in the war of 1812, having taken the
place of an older, married brother, who was
drafted. Afterward he studied his profession,
practiced for some time in Kittanning, but finally
settled in Butler, where he was much esteemed as
a good physician, and an upright citizen, taking
an active part in all that promoted public morals
and religion. He died in the prime of life in 1834.
His wife was Elizabeth Gibson, born in Paisley,
Scotland. She was a woman of great intelligence
and force of character. After the death of her
husband she removed to Allegheny county, in the
neighborhood of Monongahela City, and there
lived with her three children : Alonzo, Hannah
(Mrs. Thornas Manown), and George A. She
survived her husband fifty -seven years.
The subject of this sketch, prepared for college
at Blake's Academy, in Monongahela City, and
was graduated from Jefferson College in 1849.
In his career at school and college he attracted the
notice of his companions and instructors as a per
son of unusual ability and great aptitude for the
acquisition of knowledge. He was modest and
retiring, but, notwithstanding, always somewhat
prominent for excellence. After leaving college
he entered the Western Theological Seminary, at
Allegheny, and completed its course, and was
licensed by the Redstone Presbytery in 1854.
From the seminary he went to the La Fayette
College as tutor, served a year, and was promoted
to be Adjunct Professor of Mathematics. He
resigned this position, and for a short time was
principal of an academy in New Brunswick, N. J.
This again he left to enter upon a professorship in
Jefferson College, in 1857. At the time of the
consolidation of Washington and Jefferson Colleges
in 1869, he removed to Washington, and here in
addition to being a Professor he was made Vice-
President of the college. In all these busy years
he has maintained a uniform reputation as an edu
cator, as a teacher and a scholar. He received the
degree of Ph.D. from his own college, and that
of LL. D. , from«La Fayette.
On November 17, 1858, Prof. Linn married
Rebecca E., daughter of Abram Fulton. Their
children are four sons: George S., a druggist in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

203

Monongahela City; Andrew M., a lawyer in Wash
ington, and Harry H. and Charles F. The Linns
and the Fultons for many generations have been
Presbyterians, even before their forefathers came
from the North of Ireland.

JAMES B. KENNEDY, register of wills for
Washington county, is descended from
rugged Scotch ancestry, and is a grandson
of David Kennedy, a weaver, who came to
America from the "land of the mountain and
the flood " in 1818, making his first home in his
adopted country in Philadelphia.
One of his sons, Peter, came, in 1826, to Wash
ington county, from Steubenville, Ohio, where he
was first married, there being four children living
by this union. Mr. Kennedy's second wife was
Mrs. Frances (Anderson) Doyle, of Steubepville,
whose father was a soldier of the Revolution at
Valley Forge. She had one son by her first mar
riage, William J. Doyle, of Washington. By Mr.
Kennedy's second union there are children as fol
lows: John H. , deputy sheriff of this county;
James B., our subject; Benjamin K., living at
Steubenville, Ohio, in the employ of the Pennsyl
vania Railroad Company; Peter G., Margaret O. and
Mary F., living at Washington. The mother died
in 1876, at the age of fifty years, the father on Jan
uary 2, 1890, in his eighty third year, and was
buried in Washington cemetery by Post 120, G. A.
R., Department of Pennsylvania, of which he was
a member. He was a most patriotic Union man
at the time of the war of the Rebellion, and, al
though aged fifty-five years, his military ardor was
fired to such enthusiasm that he enlisted in Com
pany K, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, and served
eighteen months in McClellan's Peninsular cam
paign. He commanded the company at Draines-
ville and participated in the affair at Richmond.
He was injured by a falling limb of a tree which
was knocked off by one of the enemy's shells.
James B. Kennedy was born in Washington,
Penn. , September 6, 1840, and was educated at the
common schools, which he attended until he was
fourteen years old, when he was apprenticed to the
printing business in the Examiner office, serving
at this four and a half years; then, in 1859, he
commenced to learn the trade of a bricklayer with
James Hamilton, and was so engaged when the
first gun of the war of the Rebellion was fined
at Fort Sumter. On April 15, 1861, at a meeting
of the citizens of Washington, in response to Lin
coln's call for 75,000 men, Mr. Kennedy was the
first man here to offer his services to the Govern
ment. He enlisted in Company E, Twelfth P. V.
I. , Col. David Campbell commander, and his first
duty was protecting the Northern Central Railroad
near Baltimore, Md. At the end of three months

he was discharged, and on August 31, 1861, he re-
enlisted, this time in Company A, One Hundredth
P. V. I. ("Roundheads"), of which he was ap
pointed fourth sergeant and was promoted to first
sergeant. Mr. Kennedy took part in all the en
gagements of his regiment up to and including the
siege of Knoxville, when at the assault on Fort
Sanders, November 29, 1863, he was shot in the
neck and cheek and knocked off the parapet, being
badly hurt by the fall. He lay in the hospital at
Knoxville until March following, when his father
came for him and took him home. He suffered
much, and his life was in great danger, as erysipe
las had set in and he was quite blind part of the
time; in fact he still suffers from the effects of his
wounds. Being unable, on account of his hurts,
to follow his trade, bricklaying, he resumed the
printing business, and was given the position of
foreman in the office of the Examiner, of which
paper A. H Ecker and David F. Patterson were
editors; was afterward foreman in the office of the
Cumberland Presbyterian, a journal published at
Waynesburg, Penn. ; then worked on the Washing
ton Observer. On January 16, 1879, he was ap
pointed mail messenger on the Hempfield railroad,
making trips from Washington to Wheeling, and
when the B. & O. Railroad Co. took that road and
extended it to Pittsburgh, Mr. Kennedy's route
was also increased. This position he held until
the election of Cleveland, and, being a Republican,
he resigned, as he believed that " to the victor be
long the spoils," and his health being much im
paired, he retired June 6, 1885. On November 8,
1887, he was elected register of wills for three
years, his opponent being A. C. Morrow, a Demo
crat. He was re-elected in 1890, to serve to Jan
uary, 1894. On October 15, 1867, he married
Mrs. Sarah J. Martin, daughter of Josiah Raw-
houser, of Hartford county, Md. , who died August
14, 1892, aged eighty-two years. This union was
blessed with two children: Fannie H. , clerking
for her father in his office, and Carrie B., who
died in her seventh year. Mr. Kennedy was at
one time assistant burgess of Washington borough.
He was commander of W. F. Templeton Post,
No. 120, G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania,
and is also quartermaster; he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and of the Methodist Protest
ant Church. On May 29, 1891, was unveiled, at
Knoxville, Tenn., a monument to the memory of
Isaac R. W. Garrettson and Aaron Templeton,
two members of Company A, 100th P. V. I.
("Roundheads"), who were killed at the time of
the attack and repulse of the Rebels on Ft.
Sanders, November 29, 1863. William H. Under
wood, present postmaster of Washington, Penn.,
and our subject were wounded at the same time.
Ed Memard Post, G. A. R., of Knoxville, Tenn. ,
performed the dedication ceremony, Mr. Kennedy

204

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

being the only surviving member of Company A
who was present.
John H. Kennedy learned the weaver's trade,
and when the war broke out served draft notices in
Washington county. He has been a deputy sheriff
under Sheriffs Smith, Work, Hemphill, Lockhart
and Cherry; also worked for a time with Sheriff
George Perritt. Mr. Kennedy conducted agroeery
business in the county- for several years, also
served as postmaster at Zollarsville for some time.
Before the war he was a Democrat, but since that
time he has affiliated with the Republican party.
In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist
Protestant Church. When a young man he was
united in marriage with Minerva Cox, who has
borne him four children, viz. : John, Flora, Donnetta
and Millie A.

fiONATHAN ALLISON. Prominent among
1 the foremost of Washington county's most
v J prosperous and progressive citizens stands
^^ this well-known and highly respected gentle
man. He is a native of the county, having
been born February 3, 1828, in Chartiers town
ship, his ancestry being traceable to a family who
left Scotland for -the North of Ireland during the
period of religious persecution in their native land.
James Allison, grandfather of our subject, was a
native of Ireland, whence he emigrated to Maryland,
locating in Cecil county, and thence on October 26,
1773, moved to Washington county, Penn., having
purchased from Thomas Moffatt of Cecil county a
tract of wild land in Washington county contain
ing 560 acres. This tract Moffatt had acquired by
squatter' s right, and the first patent for same was
made out to James Allison; the farm is now owned
and occupied by his grandson, Jonathan Allison.
Here the grandfather set to work to carve out a
home for himself and family, and great were the
hardships he endured and many the dangers he
encountered in his herculean task of converting a
forest wild into a smiling fruitful farm. Indians
and wild animals were numerous and ofttimes
aggressive, and many a night did this old pioneer
watch with his trusty rifle for the bloodthirsty sav
age and not less ferocious marauding wolf. In
fact, after his first visit to his tract of land the In
dians were so hostile that he had to beat a retreat,
betaking himself to the " Forks of Yough," as the
confluence of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela
rivers was then called, but, in 1774, he returned to
his new home in strength, some twenty families
accompanying him, among whom were the Brad-
fords, McDowells, Parks, Scotts, etc. As a haven
for the families to retreat to in times of danger,
they here built themselves a blockhouse or fort, in
which they lived one year, and then erected log
cabin, so that they might have individual homes,

and here they endured the many hardships and
privations incident to pioneer life, and which were
particularly distressing in the northern part of the
county. The old frame house, built by James
Allison in 1788 or 1789,, is still standing in a re
markably good state of preservation.
James Allison was married to Miss Jane, sister
of David Bradford, who was prominently connected
with the " Whiskey Insurrection " in Pennsylvania,
and by this union eight children were born as fol
lows: William, who moved in 1834 to McDonough
county, 111., where he died; James, for fifty years
an attorney at Beaver, Penn., now deceased, but
whose descendants still reside there; John, who in
1834 went to Illinois, where his descendants are
yet to be found; George, who was a merchant in
Pittsburgh, Penn., where he died; Thomas, father
of Jonathan; David, killed when a youth by kick
of a horse; Mary, married to Rev. Mcllroy, of New
York City, and Rachel, married to Dr. George
Craighead, of Washington county. Mr. Allison
was a very prominent citizen in his day, having
been associate judge of the courts of Washington
county in 1786-'87-'88, and in 1789 a member of
the Supreme Executive Council at Philadelphia,
during which incumbency he voted for the aboli
tion of slavery, the question having, in some con
nection, been brought up in that council, and thus
he became one of the first Abolitionists in the
county. He was one of the first ruling elders in
Dr. John McMillan's church in North Strabane
township, one of the first Presbyterian Societies
organized in the county. For years he was a
trustee of Jefferson College, and strongly advocated
the union of the two colleges, Washington and
Jefferson. Thomas Allison, son of this honored pioneer,
was born in 1780, in Chartiers township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he grew to manhood on
his father's farm, helping to clear it of timber and
brush. In 1817 he married Mary, daughter of
Richard Johnson, of North Strabane township,
and ten children came to brighten their pioneer
home, viz. : Jane (deceased), James (now in Char
tiers township), William and Richard (both de
ceased), Thomas (in Chartiers township), Jona
than (subject of sketch), David and Joseph (both
in Chartiers township), Uriah (deceased), and
Mary (in Chartiers township). Of these, James
served five years in Company G, One Hundred and
Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I. ; he was made a pris
oner at Gettysburg, and held by the enemy two
hours, but on account of his having rheumatism
was released. The father of this sturdy family
died October 21, 1849, at the age of sixty-nine
years; the mother, who was a "mother in Israel,"
a thorough home woman, beloved by all for her
many noble traits, passed from earth in 1884, at
the patriarchal age of eighty-six years. Mr. Al-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

205

lison was a most exemplary man, hardworking,
thrifty and scrupulously conscientious. He was a
prominent member of the Presbyterian Church,
and a trustee of the Chartiers congregation.
Jonathan Allison, whose name opens this bio
graphical memoir, received his rudimentary edu
cation at the common schools of his district, and at
the age of seventeen years entered Jefferson Col
lege, remaining two years, when, owing to the
death of a brother, he returned home and engaged.
in farming, which he has for the most part fol
lowed through life. After his marriage he bought
of William Hopkins a farm of 148 acres, situated
about one mile from the place of his birth, and
here remained eight years, when he purchased a
part of his grandfather's old farm, from the An
drew Allison estate. Here it was that a hundred
years ago, while excavating the land for drainage,
grandfather Allison discovered the first coal found
in Washington county, some of which he dug up
for blacksmith's use, and sold at 25 cents per
bushel, after hauling it many miles; but not till
long afterward was it used for house fuel. Andrew
Allison had mined coal for some time, not as a reg
ular business, however; but when in 1872 the
Chartiers Valley Railroad was built, Jonathan Al
lison opened the mine on a large scale, developing
it to its fullest working capacity, and sending the
product to the lake ports, even as far as Chicago,
besides supplying the borough of Washington and
other places with the bituminous mineral. From
1873 to 1891 he employed about fifty men at the
mine, and shipped over a million bushels per an
num; but in 1891 he sold the concern out to J. V.
H. Cook & Sons, of Canonsburg, Penn. , and re
tired from the coal interests. In 1887 Mr. Allison
removed to the "Old Acheson Homestead," in
Washington, where he now resides. On April 7,
1 857, Jonathan Allison and Margaret Gabby were
united in marriage. She is a daughter of William
and Margaret Gabby, the former of whom was a
farmer of Franklin township, where he died; the lat
ter is still living in Washington borough, at the ad
vanced age of eighty-three years, in fair preserva
tion, but blind for the past five or six years. To
Mr. and Mrs. Allison were born the following
named children: Mary, deceased when a child of
four years; Maggie, who died in Canonsburg, was
married to William Dickson, of that place; Al
bert, a farmer in Chartiers township; Thomas, in
the Citizens' National Bank; Edward and William
(twins), the former of whom is attending the Med
ical College at Pittsburgh, the latter was drowned
in 1881, when coming from school, by falling off a
foot-log laid across a creek; and John, Ralph and
Jennie, all three at home, attending school.
Mr. and Mrs. Allison are consistent members of
the First Presbyterian Church, in which he is a
deacon. Politically he was a Whig, up to 1856,

but since has been a stanch Republican. For
twelve years he served as school director, being
first elected the year he cast his first ballot; was a
justice of the peace from 1872 to 1873, but re
signed in order to accept the position of represent
ative to the State Legislature to which he had
been elected in the fall of 1872, and in which he
served with eminent ability for two terms.
Through some condition of politics, Hon. Mr. Al
lison was the only representative from Washington
county in the State Legislature at that time, since
when, however, there have been two. For a couple
of years he was a burgess of Washington borough,
during which period the town was greatly improved
in many respects. Mr. Allison was one of the
original stockholders, in 1886, of the Citizens'
National Bank, and is now one of its directors.

¥|OHN P. CHARLTON, junior member of the
, jj firm of Hart & Charlton, proprietors and
ffll publishers of the Washington Democrat, was
^^ born January 5, 1842, in South Strabane
township, Washington Co. , Penn. His father,
John Charlton, was reared to manhood in the Key
stone State, and was here married to Maria,
daughter of Peter Grounds, a native of Germany,
who emigrated to America and made his home in
the New World in North Strabane township, where
he was a farmer and blacksmith up to the day of
his death. He was a Whig in politics, and in
church connection a Lutheran; he and his wife are
now sleeping their last sleep in Washington Ger
man cemetery. The children born to John and
Maria Charlton were Samuel R., John P., Joseph
G., William J., Henry, Mary, Margaret and
Thomas J. Mr. Charlton carried on a general
store in Washington for some time, and during the
later years of his life followed the huckstering
business, his residence being alternately at Wash
ington and Canonsburg. He died in 1853, and his
widow died at Canonsburg, January 27, 1893,
aged eighty-six years. She was a member of the
Christian Church.
John P. Charlton received his education at the
common schools of the neighborhood of his birth
place, and at the age of fourteen entered, as
"devil," the office of the American Union in
Washington, Penn., but after one year's experience
there he found employment with Christman &
Clokey, with whom he remained one year, at the
end of which time he became a "typo" on the
Washington Review. While in this last office,
young Charlton, in 1864, warmed by a spirit of
patriotism, laid aside the stick and took up the
sword in defense of the Union. He enlisted in
Company K, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery,
which battery was assigned to the army of the
James, and was most of the time stationed at Fort-

206

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ress Monroe. While here our subject was detailed
to work in the Government printing office at Nor
folk, Va. , where he remained nine months and then
rejoined his regiment. He was mustered out No
vember 5, 1865, returned home, and after a brief
rest resumed the peaceful art of printing in the of
fice of the C umberland Presbyterian at Waynes
burgh, Penn. Coming to Washington, he worked
on the Reporter, then under the management of
Moore & Armstrong, for three years. In 1869 he
was nominated for the office of recorder of deeds
of Washington county, and elected on the Demo
cratic ticket; at the end of the term he was candi
date for re-election, but was defeated. Mr. Charl
ton we next find assisting in the management of
the " Valentine House," a leading hotel in Wash
ington, Capt. Hugh Keys being then proprietor.
In 1873 he was appointed deputy sheriff under
Sheriff William Thompson, which incumbency he
filled with characteristic ability for three years.
In 1876 he was nominated for sheriff of Washing
ton county, but was defeated, and soon after the
death of Mr. Thompson he took charge of the
" Fifth Avenue Hotel" at Pittsburgh, in the capac
ity of administrator. After conducting this hos
telry nine months he returned to Washington,
where he was employed as foreman in the office of
the Democrat, at that time under the management
of A.' H. Ecker, who died in February, 1881. In
June, same year, a partnership was formed be
tween our subject and Alexander Hart; under the
firm name of Hart & Charlton, they purchasing
the entire business and plant of the Democrat,
which paper they still own and publish.
On April 11, 1866, Mr. Charlton married Mary
C, daughter of John and Susan Wolf, and the
children born to their union are named respective
ly John S., Susan C, Ella M., Gertrude and David
M. Mr. Charlton's political predilections are ably
aud undisguisedly illustrated in the columns of the
Washington Democrat.

been

OYD CRUMRINE, one of Pennsylvania's
prominent men and whose name in Wash
ington county is as "familiar as household
words," is a native of the county, having
born on February 9, 1838, in East Beth
lehem township, on the farm first occupied by his
grandfather in 1800. He was a son of Daniel
and Margaret Crumrine, and, as will be presently
seen, with the exception of a great-grandfather on
the maternal side, who was an Englishman, George
Rex by name, his blood is all German, from the
upper Rhine.
From 1682 to 1776 Pennsylvania was the cen
tral point of emigration from Germany, France
and Switzerland. For the first period of twenty
years, that is until 1702, not over two hundred

German families arrived, and those settled princi
pally at Germantown and other localities near
Philadelphia. But the period from 1702 to 1727
marked an era in early German emigration, and
between forty and fifty thousand persons left their
Fatherland. Queen Anne of England, desiring to
fill up her American colonies without depleting
the British kingdom, caused copies of a book to be
distributed throughout the Palatinate in Germany
«— having her portrait as a frontispiece, and the
title in gold letters, on which account the book
was called "Das Golden Buch" — to induce the
Palatines to come to England in order to be sent
to the Carolinas, or to others of her American col
onies; and it is said that in 1708 and 1709 thirty-
three thousand Germans left their homes on the
Rhine for London. Of this large number it is said
that seven thousand, after having suffered great
privations, returned half- naked and in despondency
to their native country, ten thousand died for want
of sustenance or medical attendance, and other
causes, and the survivors were sent to America.
In 1727, during the time of Governor William
Keith, German immigration had so much increased
that it was feared that Pennsylvania was becoming
"a foreign country;" and a regulation was estab
lished by the provincial government requiring that
foreigners on their arrival should subscribe an oath
of allegiance to the kingdom of Great Britain and
of fidelity to the proprietaries of the Province.
All persons over sixteen were made to sign this
oath, and when they could not write, their names
were written for them and attested by a clerk. By
this means the names of over thirty thousand Ger
man and Swiss immigrants into Pennsylvania be
tween 1727 and 1776, when the colonies separated
from the mother country, have been preserved.
These lists are still to be seen in the Department
of State at Harrisburg, and the attention of
one who examines them will be attracted by two
things to be observed: (1) Every ship's-list of
passengers, almost, was headed by the name of the
pastor who was leading them as a flock into the
wilderness; (2) Excepting a very small percent
age of the whole number, every name is written
in German, evidently the writer's autograph, and
generally in the clear hand of a good penman.
From these lists I. Daniel Rupp made up his
" Collection of Thirty Thousand Names of Immi
grants," published a few years since in Philadel
phia. In this collection of thirty thousand names there
are but two "Krumreins." On September 11, 1732,
" the ship Pennsylvania, John Sted man, master, from
Rotterdam, last from Plymouth," landed with
" seventy-three males above sixteen, women and
children of both sexes ninety-eight, in all one hun
dred and seventy-one." In this list is thenameof
" Hans Michael Krumrein." On September 5, 1748,

/ J-lr^  ^ As^JLy/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

209

"the ship Edinburgh, James Russell, master, from
Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth," landed with
one hundred and twenty-seven persons; and in this
list of names is that of "George Lenhart Krum-
rein." Hans Michael Krumrein, after having resided
in the neighborhood of Philadelphia until after
1741, passed westward into Northampton and
finally into Centre county, where some of his de
scendants still live, others having passed on into
Ohio. George Lenhart Krumrein went into Balti
more county, Md. ; afterward, perhaps, into Geor- -
gia, returning to Maryland at a later day. In
1800 George Crumrine, a grandson of George
Lenhart, Krumrein, it is believed, passed from
Baltimore county, Md., over the Alleghanies into
the valley of the Monongahela, and settled upon
a farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington
county. One of his sons, Daniel Crumrine, was
born upon the same farm. He married Margaret,
the daughter of John Bower, Esq. The Bower
family was of Swiss-German origin, and came
west from the Juniata Valley in 1796.
The boyhood of Boyd Crumrine, the son of
Daniel, was passed upon his father's farm, and
during the winters of 1854-55 and 1855-56 he at
tended the Bridgeport schools, Brownsville, Penn.;
and in the spring and summer of 1856 he was a
student at Waynesburg College. In September of
the latter year he was admitted to the Sophomore
class of Jefferson College, Canonsburg; and at the
beginning of his second term he was permitted, at
his own request, to drop into the Freshman class,
in order that he might lay a better foundation for
a complete classical course. With that class he
continued till his graduation, on August 1, 1860,
when he divided the first honor of his class of
over fifty men with Mr. Roland Thompson, of
Milroy, Penn. , and delivered the Greek salutatory
on commencement day. Through the whole course
he was a diligent student and a vigorous thinker,
doing nothing by spurts, producing level work and
square work always, and striking the highest
grade-mark in nearly every recitation. At the be
ginning of the junior year Prof. John Fraser
formed what he called his select class, embracing
all the juniors who graded above ninety, to whom
he offered special instruction in mathematics and
general literature. The class consisted of Mr.
Crumrine and four others, who met at night for
two years in the Professor's chambers, where, as a
reward for mastering a dozen extra volumes of
higher mathematics, the privileged five were re
galed, often into the "wee sma ' hours," by the
best thoughts and noblest sentiments of the man,
who, as a teacher, stands without a rival and
without a peer in the memories of his pupils.
One year before graduation Mr. Crumrine chose
the profession of law, and entered upon it with

Hon. John L. Gow, of Washington, Penn., as his
preceptor, to whom he recited once a week during
his senior year in college. The first year after
graduation he taught a select class of young
ladies at Canonsburg, continuing his law studies
at the same time. On the twenty-first of August,
1861, he was admitted to the Washington county
bar. The war of the Rebellion interfering with his
purpose to begin legal business in the West, in the
following November he enlisted in Company B,
Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was
made quarter-master sergeant of the regiment.
After spending the winter of 1861-62 in the
trenches at Washington, he was discharged in or
der to accept a commission as first lieutenant in a
brigade of Eastern Virginia Volunteers then form
ing, but soon after his commission was received the
Government issued an order discontinuing all re
cruiting service and disbanding all uncompleted or
ganizations. This made him a citizen again; and,
returning home be opened, in May, 1862, an office
in Washington, Penn. , and began the practice of
law, in which he has continued ever since with suf
ficient business always on hand to keep him stead
ily occupied. Of his own efforts he wrote to the
class-historian for the reunion in 1885: " I have
tried to keep my little boat trimmed neatly, and to
trim it myself and after my own way. My sole
ambition has been to do as well as I could what
has been set before me. The law, to me, has been
a very jealous mistress, yet, as a relaxation and a
mellowing of the lines of toil, which otherwise
might have been hard to me, I have been a rider
of hobbies, one after another, always with the res
ervation of the liberty of changing them at my own
will and pleasure; philosophy at one time, then
entomology, the microscope, and, of late years,
history and philosophy."
In 1871 Mr. Crumrine compiled the "Rules of
Court of Washington County;" in 1872-75 he pre
pared "The Pittsburgh Reports," legal cases of
the several State courts not elsewhere reported, in
three volumes octavo. In 1878 he published
" Omnium Gatherum, or Notes of Cases for the
Lawyer's Pocket and Counsel Table," of which the
edition is now exhausted. In 1882 he composed a
large part and edited the whole of " The History
of Washington County," a quarto of one thousand
pages, small type, published by J. B. Lippincott
& Co. , of Philadelphia.
Mr. Crumrine is a Republican in politics, but has
never sought political preferment. His tastes are
altogether literary and professional. He was given
the degree of Master of Arts by Jefferson College
in 1863. From 1865 to 1868 he was district at
torney for Washington county, and in 1870 was
appointed deputy marshal of the United States for
the Western District of Pennsylvania, to compile

210

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the Social Statistics of that district for the Ninth
Census. After this temporary employment out
side of his profession, in matters in which he had
great interest, he confined his work to his practice
until April, 1887, when, without solicitation on his
part, he was appointed, by Governor Beaver, State
Reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania;* and, accepting the appointment as
one suited to his tastes and experience, he had
published at the end of his term in May, 1892,
thirty-one volumes of Pennsylvania State Reports,
which seem to meet with the approval of the bench
and bar of the State. Secretary of State Charles
W. Stoue, iu response to a letter concerning these
reports, wrote in 1889 as follows: "Mr. Crumrine
is making a model reporter, and his work is held in
very high estimation by the bench and bar
throughout the State. He is improving the style
and methods of reporting, and is exceedingly faith
ful and painstaking in his work. The profession
generally appreciates this fact, and also the
promptness in the publication of his reports, and
their improved typographical execution. You can
not speak too highly of his official efficiency." He
has also been the recipient of many other well-
merited compliments, written and verbal, from
members of both bench and bar, of all phases of
politics, which it would be superfluous to here re
iterate. Indefatigable in his work, he is a -lover
of it. In the winter of 1891-92, when Mr. Crum
rine' s name was presented to President Harrison
for an appointment as United States district judge
for the Western District of Pennsylvania, among
many letters in his favor from judges and lawyers
of the State, the justices of the Supreme Court
joined in a letter to the President which was such as
to make Mr. Crumrine feel more than comfortable,
even when he failed to receive the desired appoint
ment. At the general election in November, 1891,
he was chosen a member of the constitutional con
vention, provided for by the act of the General As
sembly of Pennsylvania passed June 19, 1891.
However, a majority of the electors of the State
voting against the convention, it was not held. At
the date of this writing his name is being men
tioned as a candidate for the office of Judge of the
Supreme Court.
On the day following that on which he was made
a Bachelor of Arts, Mr. Crumrine was married to
Miss Harriet J., daughter of George A. and Jane
B. Kirk, and they have had four children: Ernest
Ethelbert, Louisa Celeste, Roland Thompson and
Hattie J. Of these, Ernest E. is a graduate of
Washington and Jefferson College, and is partner
in bis father's law office; his wife is Gertrude,
the daughter of Rev. Dr. J. F. Magill, of Fairfield,
Iowa, and they have one child, a son. Louisa was
educated at the Washington Female Seminary,
and is now the wife of J. P. Patterson, Esq., of

the Pittsburgh bar; they have one child, a daugh
ter. Roland T. and Hattie J. both died young.
Mr. Crumrine is stalwart in form, turning the
scales at over two hundred pounds, and is as fine
a specimen of physical manhood as the eye needs
wish to look upon.
[The foregoing sketch is for the most part compiled
from "A Biographical Album of Prominent Pennsylva-
nians," published at Philadelphia in 1889.

JOSEPH RANKIN McLAIN, a citizen of
Claysville, was born January 8, 1828, in
Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn.,
a son of William and Margaret (McClelland)
McLain.
The family are of Scotch-Irish descent, the
great-grandfather, William, having come to this
country from the North of Ireland at a very early
day, settling in Adams county, Penn. Two of his
sons, who were civil engineers, assisted in locating
the dividing line between Maryland and Pennsylva
nia, and his son, John, grandfather of Joseph R.,
was born about the year 1740, in Adams county,
Penn., where he was reared to manhood aud edu
cated. When he had reached maturity he set out
for the then " Far West," arriving finally about
the year 1770, in Washington county. Here he
married Hannah Marshall, of that county, after
which they at once made their home on a farm near
Canonsburg, where they remained some few years.
The children born to this pioneer couple were: Jo
seph (who was in the service of the Government
for the suppression of the Whiskey Insurrection,
and died in the service), Mary (Mrs. John Rankin),
William, Hannah (Mrs. John Hayes), and John.
The father of this family died when he was yet a
comparatively young man. He and his wife were
members of the Presbyterian Church.
William McLain, their second son, was born in
Chartiers township, this county, June 23, 1779,
and was reared to manhood in that township. He
was a great lover of books, and, although he had
no school facilities (the death of his father impos
ing on him hard work on the farm from early boy
hood), yet, by close application to study, he overcame
what appeared to many insurmountable difficul
ties. At the age of nineteen he commenced teach
ing, continuing in same for thirty years, and prov
ing himself at once an apt scholar and skillful
teacher, besides leaving an impress on his scholars
not readily forgotten. On March 4, 1806, he was
married to Agnes Fink, who bore him two children :
John, born December 21, 1806, and Samuel A. (who
became a minister of the Gospel), born July 23,
1808. John lived with his father until 1846, when
he bought a farm in East Finley township, and
resided there until his death, March 13, 1890; he
was a zealous worker in the Church, and gave

Washington county.

211

liberally toward its support. The mother of this
little family dying August 21, 1808, Mr. McLain
married, November 7, 1811, Margaret, daughter of
Thomas McClelland, of this county, and to this
union the following children were born: Agnes
(now the deceased wife of James Sawhill, also de
ceased), born August 8, 1812; Hannah (now de
ceased wife of Ira Blanchard, also deceased),
born January 14, 1814; Mary, born November 1,
1816; Martha (deceased wife of Rev. Alexander
McCarroll, D.D., also deceased), born September
21, 1818; Thomas (deceased in childhood); Mar
garet (Mrs. Robert McKahan), born February 15,
1822; William (died in childhood); Eliza J. (de
ceased wife of James Wright, also deceased), born
February 11, 1826, died July 10, 1857; Joseph
R. (subject of this sketch), and Sarah (widow of
of Hon. A. K. Craig, deceased), born December 7,
1830. Mr. McLain remained in Chartiers town
ship until 1817, when he removed to Cross Creek
township, then in 1830 purchased a farm in Buf
falo township, on which he made his home until
1866, in which year he removed to Claysville,
where he died March 2, 1872, at the patriarchal age
of ninety-three years; on April 1, 1875, his wife
followed him to the grave. In politics Mr. McLain
was a Democrat until 1828, when he became a
Whig, remaining so until 1850, and then voted the
Free-soil ticket until 1860, after which he was a
stanch Republican until the day of his death. For
many years he was a justice of the peace. He and
his family were adherents of the Presbyterian
Church, of the Session of which he was a member
for forty years.
Joseph R. McLain received a liberal education
at the schools of his locality, and was reared to the
practical life of a farmer. On November 27, 1849,
he was married to Susanna, daughter of James
Ralston, and to this union the following named
children were born: Luretta Mary (deceased
wife of John M. Gamble), W. J. E., Maggie (wife
of Dr. J. N. Sprowls), John A., Joseph M. (now
deceased), David C, Susan, Rebecca, and George
W. Mr. McLain resided in Buffalo township from
1830 until 1856; then moved to Claysville, but
two years thereafter purchased the home farm in
Buffalo township, to which he removed, remaining
there until 1866, when he bought a farm in
Donegal township, and there he had his home
until 1872, in which year he came to Claysville,
where he is yet residing. After this he was
engaged in the general mercantile and wool busi
ness until his retirement in 1888. When about
the age of seventeen years, he commenced teach
ing school, in which he continued eighteen con
secutive winter terms.
Mr. McLain, in politics, was first a Whig, and
since the formation of the party has been an active
Republican. He has been elected to and served

in various important offices. In 1867 he was
elected a jury commissioner of the county, holding
the position one term ; in 1876 he was elected to
the Lower House of the State Legislature, serv
ing in the sessions of 1877-78. In 1878 he was
again a candidate, but was defeated by Finley
Patterson, by fourteen votes. In 1886 he was
elected to the State Senate, serving four years.
He was a school director for Buffalo and Donegal
townships and the borough of Claysville. Mr.
McLain and his family are members of the Pres
byterian Church, and since 1883 he has been a
member of the Session of the Claysville Presby
terian Church.

di HOWARD CRAMER, editor and proprietor
of The Enterprise- Call, Burgettstown, is
J a son of E. V. and Susan (Weight) Cramer,
aod was born June 8, 1856, at Spruce Creek,
Huntingdon Co. , Penn.
The history of the family, of which this gentle
man is a conspicuous and honored member, began
with Isaac Cramer, who was born near Millville,
Gloucester Co., N. J., in 1786. He was the sec
ond child in a large family, and was of English
descent, his father having emigrated to this coun
try some time before, the exact date not now be
ing known; but, at any rate, there is evidence that
he served as a soldier in the American army dur
ing the Revolutionary war. In 1807 Isaac Cramer
married Mary Van Eman, who was born in 1783,
a daughter of John Van Eman, a farmer, also of
Millville, N. J. Her parents had emigrated to
this country from Wales. After marriage Mr.
Cramer learned the trade of an iron molder. He
was drafted and served through the war of 1812,
and after the close of that struggle he moved to
Cumberland county, N. J. In 1832 he went to
Lancaster county, Penn., fourteen miles southeast
of Lancaster city. Ten children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cramer, of whom the following is a brief
record :
(1) Wilson was born in 1809; married Roxanna
Speelman, in Monmouth county, N. J. ; they emi
grated to Lancaster county, Penn., a year or two
later, and in 1843 located in the neighborhood of
Johnstown. Eleven children were born to them,
a majority of whom and their descendants are still
living in that locality; two sons were badly wounded
in the Civil war. (2) Eliza Ann was born in 1811,
and married Isaiah Hopkins in 1826. They after
ward settled in Jefferson county, Penn. ; fourteen
children were born to their marriage. (3) Luke, born
1813, was married, in 1834, to Eliza Trimble, of
Lancaster county, by whom he had eleven chil
dren; their descendants are now living in that
neighborhood; two sons were killed in the war of
the Rebellion. (4) Isaac, born 1815, married in

212

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1837, Rebecca Hunt, of Lancaster county; moved
to Philadelphia, where they lived and died; they
had three children. (5) Mary, born in 1817, mar
ried in 1835, William Stimeatts, of Cumberland
county, N. J. , and they settled in Maryland, near
Sykesville; they had seven children. (6) Sarah,
born 1819, married, 1835, William Holland, of
Virginia; moved to Virginia where they lived a
number of years, and finally returned to Pennsyl
vania, and settled near Reading; five children
were born to them. (7) Eli V., born in 1821, will
have special notice further on in this sketch. (8)
Joseph, born in 1823, married about 1846, Eliza
beth Garner, of Lancaster county, and moved to
Baltimore, but at the outbreak of the Civil war
they returned to Pennsylvania and settled near
Reading; they had three children. (9) David,
born in 1825, was married in 1848 to Mary Harri
son, of Philadelphia; they settled in that city.
The former is still living there; Mrs. Cramer hav
ing been dead a number of years; their family
consisted of three children, two of whom are now
living. (10) Isaiah, born in 1827, married, about
1850, Elizabeth Gray, of Philadelphia; they also
live in Philadelphia; two children were born to
them. Isaac Cramer, Sr. , the father of this fam
ily, died at the home of his son, Eli V., in 1857,
aged seventy-one years; Mrs. Cramer passed away
three years before at the same age.
Eli V. Cramer, born in 1821, was married, in
1855, to Susan Weight, at Spruce Creek, Penn.,
who died in 1865. She was the second of nine
children born to John H and Barbara (Zimmer
man) Weight, both Germans. John H. Weight
was the eldest of four brothers and several sisters.
His father came from Germany and settled in
Berks county, Penn., where John H. was born in
1807; he died at Altoona, Penn., in 1887. In
1866 Mr. Cramer married, for his second wife,
Mary J. Stein, eldest daughter of Richard and
Jane Stein, of Blair county, Penn. By his two
wives Mr. Cramer had seventeen children — five
by the first and twelve by the second. He is now
living at Grant, Indiana Co., Penn. Mr. Cramer
was an active participant in the two Know-Nothing
riots in Philadelphia. In 1847 he enlisted as a
recruit to the regular troops, and served for six
teen months in the Mexican war, in Gen. Scott's
army. During the invasion of Pennsylvania by
the rebels in the Civil war, he went out at the call
of Gov. Curtin, and remained until the critical
period was past, but saw no active service. Those
of his children who have arrived at maturity are:
J. Howard, the subject proper of this memoir;
Wilson T., a farmer, married and living in
Huntingdon county, Penn. ; Mary and Martha
(twins) (Mary is the wife of Mahlon Cryder, a
clothing merchant of Tyrone, Penn.; Martha is
married to E. L. Butler, of Altoona); Harry, an

iron molder, is married to Amanda King, and they
are living at Grant, Penn. ; R. H. is a printer in
Burgettstown, Penn. ; Jesse H. is a printer in
Pittsburgh, Penn.; W. A., a lumberman, and
Victor E., an iron molder, are both living at the
paternal home. It will be noted that this family
has been represented in all the wars of this country
since the emigration of the regular stock. The
great-grandfather of the present generation was in
the Revolutionary war; the grandfather in the war
of 1812; E. V. in the Mexican war, and a number
of the present generation in the war of the Rebell
ion. Isaiah also served in the Civil war, and ex
perienced the horrors of Libby Prison. A singular
fact in the history of the family is that the seven
sons of Isaac Cramer, Sr. , were iron molders, and
the three daughters married iron molders. It will
also be observed that they literally obeyed the
Scriptural injunction to "Multiply and replenish
the earth."
J. Howard Cramer, at the age of eighteen, com
menced to learn the printing trade in the office of
The Times, Curwensville, Penn., afterward finish
ing same in the office of the Raftsman's Journal,
at Clearfield, same State. In 1879 he moved to
Pittsburgh, and worked for a while in the job print
ing establishment of Myers, Shinkle & Co ; then
went to Mansfield, Penn. , and worked in The Item
office for nearly two years. The proprietor of The
Item, C. Knepper, had established a monthly paper
at Burgettstown, named The Enterprise, and in
August, 1881, sold it to Mr. Cramer, who immedi
ately commenced the publication of a weekly edi
tion. On January 1, 1888, Mr. Cramer bought
The Call from M. R. Allen, and consolidated the
two journals under the name of The Enterprise-
Call, which is now a widely-read and prosperous
paper. In 1882 J. Howard Cramer was united in
marriage with M. Jennie Row, of Clearfield, Penn.,
daughter of S. J. Row, who for thirty years was
the editor and proprietor of the Raftsman's Jour
nal, the Republican organ of Clearfield county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have been born four chil
dren, viz.: Amelia S., Ruth R., E. Kate (dead)
and Charles H. Cramer.

fTV EV. HENRY WOODS, D, D. This well-
L^y known educationist is a native of Mis-
IjM^ souri, born in Marion county, July 2, 1838.
J) -^ He is of Irish descent, his great-great-
v grandfather having emigrated from his
native land, Ireland, to America, making, in 1730,
a settlement in Chester county, where he carried
on farming.
Andrew Woods, great-grandfather of our sub
ject, was born, reared and married in Chester
county, whence he moved to Virginia, where he
died. Two of his children were named Andrew

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

213

and Archibald, of whom Andrew was born in Bote
tourt county, Va., near Charlottesville, and re
ceived his education at the public schools of the
period. When a young man, he left the paternal
roof and made a settlement in Wheeling (now in
West Virginia), at that time a fort and trading
post, and for a number of years he carried on farm
ing. He married Mrs. McCullough (nee Mitchell),
widow of Major McCullough, an Indian fighter of
considerable repute. On one occasion, the Indians
having succeeded in surrounding him, he made a
leap with his horse over a precipice that has since
been known as " McCullough' s Leap." The
children born to this union were Jane (who mar
ried Rev. James Hoge, the pioneer minister of the
presbytery of Columbus, where he preached for
over half a century), Andrew, Samuel, Margaret
(Mrs. Dr. Martin L. Todd), Robert, Alfred, and Ann
(Mrs. Dr. Archibald Todd). The father of this
family was a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, of Wheeling, of which he was one of the
founders and one of the first elders. In politics
he was a Whig of the old school.
Andrew Woods, father of Henry, was born June
17, 1793, in Wheeling, Va. (now W. Va.), and, at
the schools of the plaoe, such as they were a
hundred years ago, he received a liberal educa
tion. In 1821 he was married to Rebecca, daugh
ter of James Brison, of Pittsburgh, and their
children were James B., of New Orleans, La.;
Oliver, deceased; Luther, in St. Louis, Mo. ;
John, in San Diego, Cal. ; Archie, in St. Louis,
Mo. ; Andrew Alfred, in New Orleans, La. ; Henry,
and Francis M., pastor of the Presbyterian Church
at Martinsburgh, W. Va. After marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Andrew Woods removed to Belmont
county, Ohio, where he was engaged in milling
and farming for some years. In 1837, they first,
moved to Marion county, Mo., returned to Belmont
county, Ohio, in 1839; but in 1844 removed to
Missouri and there died, the mother in 1851, the
father in 1873. They were members of the Pres
byterian Churob* In politics, Mr. Woods was a
Whig originally, but during the period of the Civil
war he became identified with the Democratic
party. Rev. Henry Woods, whose name heads this
sketch, attended school in his native State part of
the year, and when fourteen years of age he entered
the academy at Morgantown, W. Va., where he
remained three years, and then entered the junior
class of Washington College, from which he was
graduated in 1857. After this he taught at
Morgantown, W. Va., two years, at the end of
which time (in 1859) he entered the Western
Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, from which
he graduated in 1862. He reoeived the degree of
D. D. from Westminster College, in 1879. Mr.
Woods now entered the pastorate, his first charge

being the First Presbyterian Church of Steuben
ville, Ohio, of which he remained pastor for five
years, or until 1867, when he accepted the profess
orship of ancient languages in Washington and
Jefferson College. In 1869 the departments of
Instruction were rearranged and he was appointed
to the chair of Latin. Professor Woods has ever
since been connected with this institution, and
partly to his untiring efforts is to be credited the
high standard which the college has attained, in
the classical department, among the prominent
educational institutions of the country. On June
15, 1863, Rev. Woods was united in marriage with
Mary L., daughter of Hon. John Hoge and Ellen
(Blaine) Ewing, of whom considerable mention is
made elsewhere. Seven children have been born
to them, three of whom died in early childhood;
the survivors are: Margaret, now a missionary
in China, married to Rev. William B. Hamilton;
Mary; John E., in Pittsburgh, and Frances H.
For the past twenty two years our subject has
served as pastor of the East Buffalo Church, in
Buffalo township. In his political predilections
he was formerly a Whig; but since the organization
of the Republican party has been identified with it.

JONAS ELY, M. D. , although one among the
comparatively young men in professional
life, has reached an eminence for scientific
attainments as well as thorough scholarship
that is attained by few even of those who have de
voted a long life of patient toil in the work of
their profession. He is a native of Greene county,
Penn., born March 2, 1853, near Waynesburg,
in Whiteley township. His ancestry were of Ger
many, from which country the great-grandfather
emigrated at an early day to America; on the voy
age he was so ill that at one time he was thought
to be dead and was about to be cast into the sea,
when signs of life were discovered in him, happily
in time to save him from a watery grave. Jonas
Ely, grandfather of our subject, came to Washing
ton county from Berks county, Penn., when a
young man, and followed farming and stock raising
in Franklin township; he married a Miss Euphen
Wilson, and they both died in Greene oounty, same
State, George Ely, father of Dr. Jonas Ely, was born
iu. Washington county, Penn., September 5, 1818,
and was married to Mary Warrick, also a resident
of Washington county. After their marriage they
moved to Greene county, same State, where they
made their home, having born to them seven chil
dren — four sons and three daughters. They were
both members of the M. E. Church from early
life, and were zealous, conscientious Christians.
Mrs. Ely passed away December 29, 1887, aged
sixty-two years. She died as she had lived, leav-

214

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ing testimony behind that her work was well done.
Mr. Ely is still living, and has been one of the
successful farmers and stock raisers of that county.
He has more than an ordinary mind, and has
characteristics worthy of example, always living
up to the '' golden rule." He was frugal, indus
trious, patient ;:nd upright in all his dealings.
He has the respect and esteem of all who know
him. A neighbor made the remark to an attor
ney, when riding past Mr. Ely's farm, that if all
men were like him we would have no use for
lawyers. Dr. Jonas Ely was reared on his father's farm.
He received his education at. select schools and
Waynesburg College, studying all the branches re
quired there for graduation. However, from the
age of fifteen his ambition was to become a fol
lower in the footsteps of Hippocrates and Galen,
and all his spare time he assiduously devoted to
the private study of medicine till 1883, when he
entered Cincinnati Medical College, from which he
graduated in the class of 1887 at the head of his
class. In March of that year he came to Wash
ington, this county, and commenced the practice
of his chosen profession, in which he has been de
servedly successful. On December 25, 1873, Dr.
Ely was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of Jacob and Jane Schriver, of Greene
county, Penn. , where the former is a successful
farmer. To this union two children have been
born: John R. and Tillie S. The Doctor has been
a member of the M. E. Church since the age of
sixteen yearB, and has been steward in the same
for some time.

J | AMES S. STOCKING. The family, of which
this gentleman is a worthy representative,
) are on his paternal side of Holland-Dutch
ancestry who came to America at an early
date, and on the maternal side are descended from
"Mayflower" Pilgrims who established a settle
ment near Worcester, Mass. James Phillips, a
lineal descendant of the latter, came in 1800 to
Washington, where he died. Ho had several sons,
one of whom, James, was in the Mexican war, and
was killed at Pueblo. The father of these sons
was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
Julius Stocking, father of James S., was born
near Auburn, N. Y. , was educated at the sub
scription schools of his day, and learned the trade
of weaver. In 1835 he came to Washington, where
he was engaged in trading and speculating, but
later moved to Rockport, Ind. In 1836 he was
married to Mary, daughter of James Phillips,
above referred to, and a native of Washington
county, Penn. To this union were born the fol
lowing: Alfred, now in Ohio; Mary, wife of Will
iam Jenkinson, of the firm of R. &,W. Jenkiuson,

in Pittsburgh ; and James S. The father died in
1870, aged sixty-eight years, the mother in 1874,
at the age of fifty four years.
James Stevens Stocking, the subject proper of this
memoir, was born December 4, 1839, in Washington,
Penn. ; attended the public schools until twelve years
of age, when he began to make his own living,
but found time to acquire a good education by
self -teaching. At President Lincoln's first call
for volunteers, for three months, he enlisted in
Company E, Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and served for the term of enlistment;
re-enlisted in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania
Volunteers ("Roundheads") and served two years
and eight months; re-enlisted as a veteran for
three years, and served thirteen months, making
in all full four years' service in the Union army;
lost an arm at Hatcher's Run, October 27, 1864;
entered the army as a private, and was mustered
out as first lieutenant; was appointed U. S. store
keeper in 1871; was unanimously nominated by
the Republican County Convention of 1872 for
clerk of courts, and was elected, receiving 5,465
votes to 4,818 for Samuel Ruth, Democrat, and
running 171 votes ahead of his party' s candidate
for governor; was re-nominated without opposi
tion in 1875, and re-elected, receiving 5,152 votes
1o 4,702 for W. C. Scott, Democrat, and running
235 votes ahead of the Republican candidate for
governor; was one of the editors and proprietors
of the Washington Observer from October 17,
1879, to October 17, 1882, when he sold his inter
est in the paper on account of ill health; was ap
pointed postmaster at Washington by President
Arthur in February, 1885, and served twenty
months, when he was removed for being a Repub
lican; was nominated and elected to the Assembly
in 1888; re-nominated an re-elected in 1890, as a
Republican. On November 1, 1891, without solici
tation, he was offered and accepted the position of
assistant chief and superintendent of the seed
room in the Seed Division of the Agricultural De
partment at Washington, D. C, where at present
he is located.
On January 4, 1866. Mr. Stocking was married
to Miss Elizabeth Hallam, of Washington, Penn.,
a sister of the well-known Hallam Bros., and she
bore him three children : Hugh, Harry (deceased)
and Maud, and died of smallpox February 2, 1881.
On March 17, 1883, our subject married Mary
Josephine, daughter of James Robinson, of Co
shocton, Ohio, and great-granddaughter of Gen.
Robinson, of Revolutionary fame, who made a
settlement in the Muskingum Valley, where he
took up a U. S. grant of 3,000 acres; he was
captured by Indians, made to run the gauntlet,
and was actually tied to the stake to be burned
alive, when he was rescued by Logan, the Mingo
chief, At the age of twenty-four Mr. Stocking

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

21?

lost his arm, as above related, and in his twenty -
fourth year his' son, Hugh, lost his left arm by be
ing caught in a power printing press. In 1884
Mr. James S. Stocking engaged in the real-estate
business, and laid off an addition to Washington,
Penn., known as "Kalorama." In 1887, in con
nection with B. F. Hassun, Esq. , platted and sold
another addition, named "Woodland." In 1888,
in connection with James Kuntz, Jr., L. McCar
rell and E. F. Acheson, he platted and sold the
Weaver farm, under the name of West End, and
in 1889, in connection with the same parties, he
platted and sold the Shirls Grove property.
Woodland, West Ead and Shirls Grove additions
are now consolidated into a borough, and is known
as "West Washington."

FRANCIS HANLIN. The Hanlin family have
for almost a century been identified with
the progress and development of Hanover
township. They have assisted in the ad
vancement and support of the sohools and churches,
and all other enterprises which have served to place
Hanover township in its present position with the
magnificent galaxy of townships contained in
Washington county, Penn.
The present generation of this family trace their
ancestry to four brothers, William, John, James
and Alexander, who were children of Alexander
and Nancy (Stewart) Hanlin, and natives of Coun
ty Tyrone, Ireland. The father dying in County
Tyrone, the family, consisting of the widow, four
sons and three daughters (Elizabeth, Nancy and
Jane), came to America in 1792. Their first loca
tion was in Lancaster county, Penn., where the
sons engaged in various kinds of employment.
Energy and health formed their sole capital. One
daughter, Nancy, was married in eastern Pennsyl
vania, and there passed her days. Between 1795
and 1800 the other members of the family came
farther west, locating on the waters of Buffalo
creek, in Washington county, on the " Lawton
Farm." The brothers continued to work in part
nership until the beginning of the present century,
when James purchased land near Paris, Hanover
township, this county, and followed the river, mak
ing trips to New Orleans. He was married to a
Miss Mills. William, John and Alexander jointly
purchased, of one Charles Campbell, a large tract
of land near Harmon's creek, in Hanover township,
this county, to which they moved. William was
affianced to Anna, daughter of John Fulton, of
Hanover township, and his wedding day was set,
but he died before the marriage was consummated.
John Hanlin was born in 1771, in County Tyrone,
Ireland, and in 1823 married Nancy Hanlin, a dis
tant relative, and a native of Ireland. Her parents
came to America, locating at Steubenville, Ohio,

leaving their infant daughter with an aunt in Ire
land, with whom she crossed the ocean when but
two years of age.
Alexander Hanlin was married in 1805 to Eliza
beth Scott, who was born February 14, 1780, in
Ireland, and when only two or three years of age
was brought to America. Her father, Franklin
Scott, was one of the first settlers in Jefferson
township, this county, first locating there about the
time of the Revolution. He was obliged to flee
from the country to Ireland, was married, and
again crossing the Atlantic settled in Jefferson
township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died.
After the marriage of Alexander Hanlin, the land
belonging to the three brothers was divided, and
he received the southern part of the tract, residing
there until his death. He was a consistent mem
ber of the Episcopal Church, to which he contrib
uted liberally, his wife being identified with the
Methodist Episcopal Society. Although possess
ing no property when he landed in America, by
energy and toil Mr. Hanlin accumulated a good
property. In politics he was first a Whig, then a
Republican. He died at the advanced age of
ninety years, his wife dying eight years before him,
and they were buried in the cemetery of Tucker's
Church. Their children were: Alexander, killed accident
ally by a cider press, born January 1, 1806; William,
deceased in Carroll county, Ohio, born August 20,
1807; Francis, whose name opens this sketch;
John, a farmer of Hanover township, born Feb
ruary 3, 1812; James (deceased), born Febru
ary 17. 1814; George (deceased), bom March 28,
1816; Stewart, a miner (died in California), born
March 2, 1818; Charles, a farmer of Jefferson
township, born September 26, 1820; Grant, a farm
er and miller of Hanover township, born October
28, 1823; and Eliza Ann (unmarried), born January
30, 1826. The town of Hanlin, a station on the
P. C. C. & St. L. R. R , is named from the four
Hanlin brothers, one of whom was the father of
this family.
Francis Hanlin, son of Alexander and Elizabeth
Hanlin was born April 16, 1810, in Hanover town
ship. He was reared on his father's farm, and at
tended the subscription schools of that period. In
1839 he was married to Ruth Criss, who was born
in 1821, in Hanover township, a daughter of Jacob
and Hannah (Ritenhouse) Criss. To this union
three daughters were born, namely: Nancy (Mrs.
Pressly Boyd, of Columbiana county, Ohio), Han
nah (unmarried, living at home) and one daughter,
who died in infancy. The mother died many
years ago, and on November 20, 1849, Francis
Hanlin selected as his second wife Betsy Lyons, a
daughter of James and Sarah (Steen) Lyons. The
children of this marriage were born as follows:
Sarah (deceased wife of Samuel Jackson), Stewart

216

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(a farmer of Hanover township), Mary (Mrs.
Frank Ferguson, of Colliers, W. Va. ), James (of
Irondale, Ohio, was one of twins, the other of
whom died at birth), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Ste
phenson of Hanover township), an infant daughter
(deceased), and Letitia (deceased wife of Samuel
Work). Iu 1845 Francis, Hanlin and his brother
John purchased a part of " the Davis farm " in this
county, which was divided, and the brothers located
on adjoining farms, where they have since lived.
Francis Hanlin has been a lifelong farmer, and
has passed over eighty-two years of a most indus
trious life. As a result he has accumulated a valu
able property and is an extensive landowner of
Hanover township. On July 6, 1890, Mrs. Hanlin
passed away and was buried in Tucker's Church
cemetery. For many years he has been a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
he has held numerous offices. In politics he has
always voted with the Democratic party. Notwith
standing his advanced age Mr. Hanlin is compar
atively a vigorous and well-preserved man.

V. JOHNSON. Family Record.— John
Johnston and his wife Elizabeth, of Coun
ty Down, Ireland, were Presbyterians of
Scotch-Irish descent, and their children
were: William, Esther, Jane, Margaret,
Elizabeth, Richard, and John, the last named dy
ing in Ireland. They, with their six children, em
barked for America in the year 1772, but both
died of fever on shipboard during the voyage.
The children located in Delaware, whence in the
spring of 1791 they removed to western Pennsyl
vania near Canonsburg. William married in 1774;
Esther married Hugh Jackson iu 1777; Jane mar
ried James Hindman in 1780; Margaret married
John Anderson; Elizabeth married William Camp
bell ; and Richard married Jane Bradford August
23, 1796.
Richard Johnston, son of John and Elizabeth
Johnston, was born in June, 1763; married, Au
gust 23, 1796, Jane Bradford, daughter of James
and Elizabeth (Gibson) Bradford; died November
13, 1836; their children were Mary, James, William,
Elizabeth, John, Richard, Jane and Thomas (twins),
David, George, Nancy, and one that died when
two weeks old. Mary, born September 24, 1798,
married Thomas Allison, May, 1817, and died
February 7, 1884; James, born March 10, 1800,
died in 1819; William, born May 3, 1802, married
Elizabeth Orr, May 10, 1826, and died December
27, 1838; Elizabeth, born February 6, 1804, was
married first to George Gladeri, and afterward to
Rev. John Stockton, D. D., November 19, 1861,
and died July 11, 1892; John, born March 6, 1806,
married Rebecca Van Eman March 17, 1840, and
died October 9, 1888; Richard, born July 1, 1808,

died in 1831; Jane (twin), born May 21, 1811,
married Guiane Morrison, May 23, 1833, and died
June 2. 1888; Thomas (twin), born May 21, 1811,
married Catharine Johnson, lived in Steubenville,
Ohio, and died June 19, 1879; David, born May 19,
1813, married Jane Rex, February 9, 1841, lived
in Steubenville,. Ohio, and died February 8, 1883;
George, born August T, 1815, married Mary Tracy,
August 25, 1847, lived in Portsmouth, Ohio, and
died April 14, 1875; Nancy, born April 19, 1822,
died in 1827.
John Johnson, son of Richard and Jane John
son, was born March 6, 1806, married March 17,
1840, Rebecca Van Eman, daughter of Joseph and
Isabel (Logan) Van Eman, and died October 9,
1888. Their children are Richard Van Eman,
born September 23, 1841, married West Anna Lee,
November 17, 1869; Joseph Bradford, born Sep
tember 26, 1842, married Hannah Jane Crothers,
.June 5, 1867; John Gibson, born November 13,
1845, married Annie K. Morrison, June 22, 1875.
Nicholas Van Eman, of Emmen, Holland, mar
ried Mary Wilson, of Wales, and their children
were George, Nicholas, Andrew, Garrett, Katie,
Mary, Elizabeth, Susan and Hannah. George
Van Eman, son of Nicholas and Mary Van-
En an, was born September 12, 1753, and was
twice married, first to  Little, their chil
dren being Mary and John; his second marriage
was with Rebecca Scott, and their children were
Nicholas, Scott and Jane (twins), Andrew, Rev.
George, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Joseph, Garrett, Will
iam, Sarah, Abraham, James and Hannah (twins).
The parents lived for many years on the farm now
owned by Joseph Clokey, situated four miles east
of Washington, Penn. ; they are buried at Canal
Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio; they were Presbyterians.
Joseph Van Eman, son of George and Rebecca
Van Eman, was born December 12, 1790, married
Isabel Logan February 28, 1811, and died Sep
tember 22, 1873; their children were Rebecca,
James, Samuel L. , Joseph, Mary, Rev. George,
Cyrus, Margaret, Logan and Sarah. Isabel
Logan was a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca
(Walker) Logan, the former of whom came from
Antrim, Ireland, when eighteen years of age; he
was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and was a soldier
under La Fayette, in the war of the Revolution;
they lived on the farm now owned by C. C. Rum-
sey at Van Eman Station, Chartiers Railroad.
Rebecca, born September 13, 1812, married John
Johnson March 17, 1840, and died September 5,
1889, and their children are Richard Van Eman,
Joseph Bradford and John Gibson; James, born
August 7, 1814, died August, 1819; Samuel L.,
born July 20, 1816, married Martha P. McCon
nell, September 28, 1847, and died October 11,
1891; Joseph, born October 9, 1818, was married
first to Sarah Lea, April 18, 1843, and afterward

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

219

to Mary A. Donaldson; Mary, born January 6,
1821, married Samuel Alexander, January 24, 1860;
Rev. George, born January 29, 1823, was married
first to Rachel Bowens, October 10, 1843, after
ward to Elizabeth Pogue September 8, 1847;
Cyrus, born April 1, 1825, died January, 1828;
Margaret, born December 26, 1826, married Israel
Bebout, December, 1850, and died March 31, 1869;
Logan, born April 6, 1829, married Jane Vance,
October 14, 1858; Sarah, born February 17, 1834,
married Samuel Bebout August 14, 1856.
Richard Van Eman Johnson, son of John ancl
Rebecca Johnson, was born September 23, 1841,
married November 17, 1869, West Anna Lee,
daughter of Maj. William and Jane (Craig) Lee,
of Cross Creek, Penn., and their children are
Rebecca Jane and William Lee. He lives at
Johnson Station, Chartiers Railroad, on the farm
formerly owned by his father and grandfather.

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HARLES E. BEACH (deceased) was bom in
East Bloomfield, N. Y, January 31, 1819,
a son of Chauncey, who was a son of
Chauncey, who was a son of Amos, who was
a son of John, who was a son of John, who was a
Bon of Thomas, a native of England.
In 1639 there came from England three brothers
— Richard, John and Thomas — who settled in
New Haven, Conn., where Thomas, in 1654, mar
ried Sarah, daughter of Richard Piatt, and of their
children one son, John, was born October 19,
1655, and died in 1709. John Beach had one son,
also named John, born October 15, 1690, in Wal-
lingford, Conn., who in 1738 moved to Goshen,
same State, where he died May 9, 1773. On
August 8, 1715, he was married to Sarah Taylor,
who died, leaving one son, Barney, and John Beach
then married, February 22, 1717, Mary Roys, to
which union one son, Amos, was born January 28,
1724. Amos Beach married, December 24, 1746,
Mary Rich, and their son Chauncey was born in
Goshen, Conn., November 11, 1748, and became
the grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
Chauncey Beach received his education in his
native town, and was reared to the milling business,
which he followed many years. He remained in
Goshen until 1801, when he removed to West
Bloomfield, N. Y., where he died May 13, 1825, a
consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.
In politics he was a Federalist originally, and dur
ing the later years of his life a Whig. On De
cember 24, 1772, he married Catherine Alvord, who
was born November 21, 1750, and the following
record of their family of children gives the names
and dates of birth: Erastus, June 3, 1775; Olive,
May 5, 1777; Lucy, October 6, 1778; Ambrose,
August 14, 1780; Abram, May 12, 1782; Elisha,
June 23, 1783; Theron, July 9, 1785; Catherine,
June 29, 1787; Chauncey, May 5, -1789, and
Nathaniel, October 26, 1791.
Chauncey Beach, father of Charles E., was born
in Goshen, Conn., where he received the earlier part
of his education, and, as will be seen, was about
twelve years old when his parents moved with their
family to West Bloomfield, N. Y. After leaving
school he learned the trade of cabinet maker, but
abandoned it to take up that of his father, milling,
which, having mastered, he carried on in West
Bloomfield until 1836, when he moved to Parma,
N. Y. , thence to Ohio, to a place now known as
Kent. There he remained seven years, at the end
of which time he went to Paines ville; then after a
few years he proceeded to West Cleveland. At
the latter place he resided but six months, when he
moved to Akron, and thence, after three years,
came to Monongahela City, all the time engaged
in the milling business until old age compelled
him to retire from active work. On August 19,
1813, Mr. Beach married Matilda Eggleston, of

220

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

West Bloomfield, who became the mother of four
children, viz.: Catherine, born August 2, 1814;
James W., born October 2, 1816; Charles E., born
January 31, 1819, and Cordelia, born August 29,
1821. The mother passed from earth July 21,
1866, the father May 19, 1870. He was a Whig
until the change of the party was consummated,
when he became a Republican.
Charles E. Beach was educated at the public
schools of his native town — proving a deep and
diligent student. When a young man he entered
his father's mill, and remained there several years.
In 1847 the family moved to Monongahela City,
Penn. , where he and his father bought the flouring
mill, but in 1867 sold it, and then, in company
with his father, bought an interest in the lumber
yard and planing mill in Monongahela City, now
owned by Blythe & Co. On account of poor
health he sold his interest in 1876, and retired from
business. On September 23, 1858, he married
Emma Pierce, and the children by that union were
Matilda E. , M. Edith and Amanda S. , of whom
the first and last named are deceased. The
mother of these children died January 1 , 1866, and
March 29, 1870, Mr. Beach was married to Eliza
beth, daughter of Thomas Heslep. One child,
Nellie, was born to them. Our subject was a
stanch Republican in his political views, and was
recognized as a leading and enterprising man in the
community. His widow is still a resident of Mo
nongahela City.
Thomas Heslep, father of Mrs. Elizabeth Beach,
was born in Chester county, Penn., in 1801, a son
of John Heslep, a native of the same county, who
married a Miss Grant, and had by her several
children, of whom the following names are obtain
able: Robert, John, George and Thomas. John
Heslep came to Washington county at an early day,
and purchased a farm in Carroll township where
he died. He was a Whig in politics, and in Church
connection a Baptist. Thomas Heslep was reared
partly in Washington county, partly in Pittsburgh.
He married Margaret McCormick, of Pigeon Creek,
and they then settled on a farm in Somerset town
ship, where he died in 1860; his wife is also dead.
He had two children. Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles E.
Beach) and John. Mr. Heslep was first a Whig,
afterward a Republican, and in church connection
he was a sound Presbyterian.

DR. W. H. ALEXANDER, a rising young
physician of Washington county, is a grand
son of Joseph Alexander, whose father,
Samuel, was born in Ireland, whence, in
1763, he emigrated to America, locating atChadd's
Ford, Chester Co. , Penn. He was married to a
Miss Wilson, who bore him three children, and in
1785 they moved to Allegheny county, same State.

He patented 360 acres of land, lying two miles
from Bridgeville, Penn., and both he and his wife
died on this place.
Joseph Alexander, son of Samuel, was born in
1766, on the home place at Chadd's Ford, Chester
Co.-, Penn., and in 1807 was united in marriage
with Elizabeth West. The following year he
bought and moved upon 140 acres in North Stra
bane township, this county, and died there March
23, 1828. The wife and mother passed away in
1869, leaving the following children : Mary (wife
of James Mahood), Samuel (married to Mary
Van Eman), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Dixon, of
Milan, Rock Island Co., 111.), Joseph W.,West, and
Susan (wife of William McQuail, a farmer of
North Strabane township).
Joseph W. Alexander was born April 5, 1815, on
the home place in Canonsburg, and from earliest
youth was an earnest, vigorous student. His in
clinations and natural ability soon led him to
choose the medical profession as his life work.
He entered Jefferson College in 1835, takiDg a full
course with the exception of Greek. In 1838 he
entered the office of Dr. Leatherland, and there
studied medicine, at the same time teaching school.
In 1840 he completed a thorough course at Jeffer
son Medical College, and then began to practice
his profession in Eldersville, Washington Co.,
Penn., thence moving to Hillsboro, where he re
mained several years. On June 18, 1844, he was
united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of
James and Elizabeth (Morrison) Horner. On
August 6, 1861, Dr. Alexander passed the State
Medical Examination, and in January, 1862,
passed the examination as a surgeon. He was ap
pointed surgeon of the Twenty-sixth P. V. I.,
serving three years, and after the battle of Fair
Oaks was made surgeon of the Eighty-fifth P. V.
I., then served in the same capacity with the Fif
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the army of the
Cumberland, until mustered out June 21, 1865, at
Nashville, Tenn. He was physician of the Mor-
ganza Reform School for many years, and passed
the latter portion of hislife in Canonsburg, enjoy
ing an enviable reputation as one of the most dis
tinguished physicians of Washington county. In
August, 1885, he lost his wife, who had borne him
children as follows: Laura (deceased), Elizabeth
(wife of Thomas Yates), Margaret (Mrs. James
F. Ray), Joseph H., Lola and William H. Dr.
Alexander was originally a Whig, uniting with the
Republican party upon its organization ; was chair
man of the first county convention, and served as
a member of the Legislature in 1853. He was a
member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as
elder for many years. The influence of Dr. Alex
ander will long be felt in the community where
much of his life work was accomplished. He
passed to rest April 20, 1892.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

221

W. H. Alexander, a son of the eminent physician
above mentioned, was born in Canonsburg, Penn.
He is a worthy representative of his honored
father, whose_ unfinished work it has become the
sacred duty of the young physician to take up.
W. H. Alexander entered Jefferson Medical Col
lege at the age of twenty-two years, and, graduat
ing in 1885, commenced practice with his father
in Canonsburg. He is a stanch Republican, work
ing earnestly for the success of his party, and is
undoubtedly destined to become as distinguished
in his chosen calling as was his father.

J (AMES WATSON. In recording the names
of the prominent and influential citizens of
| Washington county, our list would be incom
plete were to be omitted the name of this, in
his lifetime, well-known eminent attorney.
James Watson was born in Canonsburg, Wash
ington Co., Penn., a son of John and Mary (Miller)
Watson, both of whom died in Canonsburg. They
were the parents of six children, of whom only one
survives, a daughter, Mrs. Miller, now living with
her son in law, Mr. Haft, in Houstonville, this
county. Our subject received his primary educa
tion at the common schools of his native town, af
ter which he attended Canonsburg College, from
which he graduated. Immediately after gradua
tion he came to the borough of Washington and
commenced the study of law in the office of
Thomas McKennan, under whose preceptorship he
studied until he was admitted to the bar in 1833.
Soon afterward, Mr. McKennan being admitted to
Congress, Mr. WTatson was received into partner
ship with him in the practice of law, and during
his absence our subject had complete charge of
the office and business. His entire legal life was
at the Washington county bar, and at first his
practice was a general one, but later in life be
would take no criminal cases. On April 15, 1875,
Mr. Watson passed from earth at the age of sixty-
six years. He was a member of the United Pres
byterian congregation of Washington, and in politics
he was a Republican. On- January 15, 1835, he
was married to Miss Maria Woodbridge Morgan,
daughter of George and Elizabeth Aldrich (Thomp
son) Morgan, and ten children were born to them.
viz. : Elizabeth Thompson, living with her widowed
mother; Mary Baynton, widow of Rev. Alexander
Reed, late of the Presbyterian Church (she resides
in Washington, Penn.): George (deceased); Jane
Gilman, living in Allegheny; David Thompson, a
prominent attorney of Pittsburgh ; Matilda, wife of
A. G. Happer, iu Washington, Penn. ; James, an
attorney in New York City; William Morgan, part
ner with his brother, David T., in law business, in
Pittsburgh, and two that died in infancy. Mrs.

Watson still resides in Washington. She is a
member of the First Presbyterian Church.
George Morgan, father of Mrs. James Watson,
was born in 1780 in Princeton, N. J., a son of Col.
George Morgan who was married in Philadelphia
to Miss Mary Baynton (daughter of a merchant of
that city), by whom he had children, John, Ann,
George, Thomas and Maria. Col. George Morgan
came with his family to Washington county, set
tling on land in North Strabane township, said
land being a portion of what is known as the
"Morganza tract." Col. George Morgan died in
1810, his wife surviving him fifteen years, and they
were both buried in the family ground at Mor
ganza, and afterward removed to the cemetery at
Washington, Penn. Their son 'George was edu
cated at Princeton (N. J.) College, and came west
in 1796, after he had finished his studies. He
married Elizabeth A., daughter of David Thomp
son, of Delaware, in which State the daughter was
born, and the young couple then settled on the old
farm at Morganza, on which they resided many
years. The family of children born to them were
as follows: David T. (deceased), Mary B. (de
ceased wife of Rev. William McCombs), Elizabeth
McKennan (deceased wife of Luther Edgerton, of
Marietta, Ohio), Nancy Gibbs (widow of William
D. Morgan, and now. living in Washington, Penn.),
Maria Woodbridge (since Mrs. James Watson),
George (deceased), Matilda Bowman (first wife of
William D. Morgan, of Washington), Dr. William
McKennan (deceased), and Lauretta Thompson
(residing at Washington). The father died sud
denly while on his way home from a visit to Ohio,
the mother passing away several years after, in
Washington, at the age of seventy years. The
family is one of the best known and most highly
connected in the county.

//

MUNSON POST was born in the State of
New Jersey. He married and lived iu
Essex county, where he reared a large
family, and thence removed to Washing
ton county, Penn. , settling in Morris town
ship about the year 1781 . He brought his family
and household effects in wagons, and they were
several weeks on the way. One incident of their
journey has been handed down to the present
generation, which is about as follows: They
brought two or three cows with them, the boys of
the family taking turns driving and herding them.
When they camped for the night the cows , were
milked night and morning, and as they moved on,
the jostling of the wagon churned the milk, thus
saving the time and labor of churning the milk.
Politically Mr. Post was a Democrat, which is
largely the characteristic of his descendants.
Just what his religious faith was, is not known,

222

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

but he is supposed to have been a member of the
Church of England.
Jeremiah Post, son of Munson Post, was born in
Essex county, N. J., September 10, 1769, and at
the age of twelve years came with his father's
family to Washington, Penn. He received a
limited education, and in January, 1794, was
married to Martha, daughter of Dr. Charles
Cracraft, and she bore him four children: William,
Deborah, Charles and Joseph. For his second
wife he married, October 25, 1804, Mary, daughter
of Abraham Enlow, who resided in East Finley
township, this county, and their children were
Martha, Jemima, Martin, Jesse, Luke, Sarah,
Mary A. , James R. and Phoebe. Mr. Post for a
short time after he was married lived on a small
farm which he owned near what is now Van Buren,
which he sold and then bought the home farm, it
being a part of a tract of land called "Content,"
situated on the headwaters of Ten Mile creek,
owned by Dr. Charles Cracraft, where he after
ward resided. Politically he was a Democrat; in
religious faith he was a Cumberland Presbyterian,
and was one of the charter members of the Bethel
C. P. Church. He died June 1, 1848, and was
buried in the Bethel cemetery; his wife died
/ovember 30, 1854, and rests beside him.
William Post, son of Jeremiah Post, was born
November 12, 1795, and grew up on the home
farm. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of
.Benjamin Lindley, of Morris township, and they
live in different parts of Washington and Greene
counties, also in northern Ohio. They reared a
large family of children. He was a farmer by oc
cupation at the time of his death, which occurred
January 2, 1866, on the farm owned by his son
B. L. Post in Donegal township, where he was
then living; his remains were buried in the Bethel
cemetery near Van Buren. His wife followed
him to the grave in March, 1884, and her remains
rest by his. Their son B. L, Post, of Donegal
..township, is an enterprising and successful farmer;,
Deborah Post grew up on the home farm, and was
married to John, son of Luke Enlow, of East Finley
township. They lived for many years on the
home farm where the Pees brothers now reside, it
being his father's farm. They reared a large
family, and migrated to southern Illinois. Mr.
Enlow was a millwright by occupation, but after
they removed he engaged in farming which he
carried on successfully as long as he lived. Mrs.
Enlow was something over seventy years of age at
the time of her death ; her remains rest near her
western home. Charles Post was brought* up on
the home farm, and learned the millwright's trade
with Charles Cracraft, and worked at same for a
number of years. He married Miss Elizabeth
Bryant, and then went to Allen county, Ohio,
where he purchased a farm, built a mill thereon,

and engaged in farming and milling which he
carried on until overtaken by the infirmities of
age. They reared five children, four of whom are
settled near their old home at Spencerville, Allen
Co. , the fifth being settled in Jasper county, Mo.
Mr. Post in politics was a Republican, in religious
faith a Methodist Episcopal; he died at his home
March 28, 1884. Joseph Post when a young man
engaged in mercantile business. He married and
lived near Batavia, Ohio, and reared two children:
Samuel P. and Mary E. , who became the wife of
Hon. Darnell, of Van Wert, Ohio. Mr. Post died
when comparatively a young man; his widow is at
present residing with her daughter at Van Wert,
Ohio. Martha Post became the wife of George Eng
land, of East Finley township, and was the mother
of two children, Samuel, and Mary A., who became
the wife of G. W. Craft, of Morris township. Mrs.
England died when about thirty-one years of age.
Jemima Post married John, son of Elliott Enlow,
and they lived on his father's farm near the Stony
Point M. E. church in East Finley township.
Their family consisted of four daughters and one
son — John M — an enterprising furniture dealer in
Claysville. Mrs. Enlow was an exemplary member
of the M. E. Church at Stony Point; she died May
6, 1883, aged seventy-five years, and her body rests
beside that of her husband in the Stony Point
cemetery. Martin Post was born June 22, 1809,
and passed his youth on the home farm in South
Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., re
ceiving his education in the common schools. He
married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Hugh and
Ruth Montgomery, of East Finley township, and
they had three children: Sarah M. (deceased),
Mary E. and John M. They began life on the
home farm where they passed the rest of their
days. Mr. Post was a successful farmer, which
occupation he followed as long as he lived. He
was a great reader, and kept himself informed in
most of the leading topics of the day. Politically
he was a Democrat; in religious faith he was a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
he was one of the charter members of the Bethel
C. P. Church. On February 2, 1840, he was or
dained ruling elder of the above-named church,
and from his ordination until his death he was
clerk of the Session — a period of some forty-five
years. One of the leading characteristics of his
life was his great desire to always be right and do
right. He died January 30, 1885, and his body
was laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery, by that of
his father and mother. After his decease his' widow
lived on the home farm until her death, and she
managed the farm successfully, being a woman of
great perseverance and energy. She also was a
member of the Bethel C. P. Church. She died
February 23, 1892, in her seventy-first year, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

223

was buried beside her husband. Their daughter
Mary E. resides on the home farm. John M. is a
prominent farmer and business man of East Fin
ley township, and is a justice of the peace in said
township. Jesse Post was born December 2, 1811;
he married Margaret Dickerson, of Morris town
ship, and after living for a number of years in
East Finley township, at what is known as Post's
Mill, he removed to Washington county, Ohio, and
purchased a farm near Beverly, where he engaged
in farming. They had no children. He died
July 11, 1879; his widow is still living. Luke
Post was born August 13, 1813. He married Mar
tha McKoy, of East Finley township; was a farmer
by occupation; in politics a Democrat, and in relig
ious faith a Cumberland Presbyterian. He died
October 29, 1855,and was buried in the Stony Point
cemetery; his wife is still living, and is now the
widow of Richard Mounts, of Donegal township.
Sarah Post died when about twenty-one years
of age, unmarried; Mary Ann became the wife of
John Finley, of East Finley township, and was
the mother of seven children, namely: Jeremiah
P., Sarah J., James M. , John A., Phcebe M. (de
ceased), Robert C. and William B. The parents
lived in East Finley township. The mother was
truly a Christian woman, and as to her good qual
ities her neighbors could testify. Her kindness
has relieved many of the hungry poor of her com
munity. She was a member of the Presbyterian
Church of Claysville. She died December 8,
1877, and her body rests in the Claysville ceme
tery. James R. Post died in infancy. Phcebe
Post was born September 5, 1823, and became the
wife of Cyrus Sprowls, of East Finley township.
They began life en the old home farm now owned
by Mrs. Simeon Sprowls, and they had three chil
dren, two of whom are living: Jesse P. and Mary
A. Mrs. Sprowls was an exemplary member of
the Bethel C. P. Church. She died July 31, 1849,
and was buried in the Stony Point cemetery. Her
husband lived many years after her decease.
Their son, J. P., is a Cumberland Presbyterian
minister, now at Salem, 111. ; Mary A. is the wife
of Jacob Rockey, of Burnsville, this county.
[Prom the pen of Mary B. Post.

1TI( M. TODD, a prominent attorney at law in
// V Washington, was born September 23, 1842,
tr^\ at Jacksonville, Morgan Co., 111., a son of
Jl -* Rev. Andrew Todd, who was a native of
v Flemingsburg, Ky. The grandfather of
our subject, who was also a Kentuckian, married
there, and had a numerous family.
Rev. Andrew Todd, father of the subject of
these lines, received his primary education at the
public schools of his neighborhood, which was sup
plemented with a course of study at Washington

College and at Jefferson College in this county,
graduating from the latter in 1817. He then en
tered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he
graduated, after which he resided for a time in
Flemingsburg, Ky. , and finally moved to Jackson
ville, 111., where he passed the rest of his days,
dying at Monticello,Fla., September 2, 1850. Mr.
Todd was married to Catherine, daughter of John
and Catherine (Cunningham) Wilson, the former a
native of Ireland, the latter of Scotland. Mr.
Wilson, who was by trade a cabinet maker, came
to Washington county at an early day and made a
permanent settlement. The children born to Rev.
Andrew and Catherine (Wilson) Todd were Ara
bella (Mrs. Rev. Joseph Waugh) and A. M. In
politics Mr. Todd was a Whig.
A. M. Todd attended the public schools of his na
tive town, and at the age of fourteen entered Wash
ington College, this county, where he graduated in
1861. On completing his literary studies he entered
the law office of David S. Wilson, in Washington,
where he remained until 1868, when he was admitted
to the bar of Washington county. Mr. Todd was
married in 1874 to Annie, daughter of Joseph
Mason, a native of Steubenville, Ohio. To them
were born two children, Catharine, who died in in
fancy, and Elizabeth M. In politics Mr. Todd is a
Republican, prominent in the party. At the forma
tion of the Bar Association of Washington county
in September, 1892, he was unanimously chosen
president of that body.

Ill Hi ICHAEL G. KUNTZ, who, like his brother
I w/l James W., is one of the oldest and most
I li I respected residents of Washington bor-
J) — ough, first saw the light of day February
v 11, 1820, in an old log house which stood
on a piece of land that has been in the possession
of the family for a great many years.
His grandfather, Michael Kuntz, a laborer by
occupation, came, unaccompanied, in 1788, from
Lancaster county toWashington county, and bought
land where now stands Brady's jewelry store, in
Washington. Here he built a cabin, but on ac
count of the Indians, his family did not come out
until May, 1790. Michael Kuntz revisited Lan
caster county, but returned and died here in 1793
(he was a Freemason of high standing). His
widow, who afterward married Joseph Price, sur
vived him until about the year 1835, when she
was called from earth at the advanced age of nine
ty-three years. She was his second wife, and
there is a record of two children by his first mar
riage, John and an older brother, who was a car
penter. To his second union four children were
born, of whom we find the names of George H.,
Jacob, Sophia (Mrs. George Byrker, formerly of
Washington) and also another daughter, a Mrs.

224

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Reddick, all now passed away. They came over the
mountains on pack horses, across which were
thrown saddle-bags, made of homemade linen, and
when the little boys were tired walking they were
placed in the pockets of these saddle-bags.
George H. Kuntz, born in Lancaster county,
Penn., January 25, 1785, was about six years old
when brought to Washington. Here he lived at the
same place over fourscore years, dying July 18, 1 870.
He was a hatter by trade, and in 1810 opened a
factory at Washington, where hats were made by
hand. This business he continued until 1844,
when he retired. In 1818 he married Elizabeth,
daughter of James Wisbey, of Washington, and
seven children were born to them: Michael and
James W., both at Washington; one that died in
infancy; Brady, a physician, who died at Washing
ton, March 26, 1863; Sophia, who married Charles
Hayes, and died at Washington in 1854; Philip,
who also died at Washington, December 18, 1873,
and Stephen, who died in April, 1891, at the age
of fifty- six years. The father was called from
earth July 18, 1870, at the age of eighty-six years
(he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and for a time
served as borough treasurer; was a Freemason,
having been initiated in 1824); the mother died
April 21, 1884, when eighty-four years old.
Michael G. Kuntz received his education at the
public schools of his native place, remaining under
the paternal roof until he was eighteen years of
age, when he proceeded to Wheeling, W. Va. , in
order to learn the cabinet making trade. On
completing his apprenticeship, he returned to
Washington, where for a time he worked for
Thomas Bryson, and at journey work, until 1844,
when he opened a shop in Washington for his own
account. This he conducted until April, 1856,
when he embarked in the gents' furnishing business,
which he has since continued, having been located
at his present stand over twenty- eight years. On
October 16, 1844, Mr. Kuntz was married to Miss
Eliza Jane, daughter of John Ruth, who came to
Washington from Maryland at an early day, dying
here. This union has been blessed with six chil
dren, viz.: George B., in his father's store; Mary
Jane, married to Robert McBrury, and now keeping
house for her father; James Jr., in the real-estate
business at Washington; Elizabeth, wife of John
M. Morrow, of Washington, and John R., a drug
gist of Washington. The mother died April 19,
1886, at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Kuntz
has been a lifelong Democrat, and has not failed
to poll his vote for fifty years, his first Presidential
vote being cast in the fail of 1844, when he had to
walk sixteen miles for that purpose. He joined
the I. O. O. F. at Washington, and in February,
1843, became a charter member of Lodge No. 81.
His present home is on South Main street, where
he has resided for the last sixteen years.

HARLES B. WOOD, M.D., a prominent phy
sician and surgeon of Monongahela, is a
son of Samuel A. Wood, a native of Vir
ginia, whose family were of English birth.
Samuel A. Wood was married to Lucy M. Curl
of Virginia, whose mother was a relative of Chief-
justice Gibson, of Pennsylvania.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood were: Joshua
G., an attorney of Topeka, Kans.; Thomas S., who
died in 1892, was principal of one of the Allegheny
schools; Louis M., an architect of Denver, Colo.;
Charles B., whose name opens this sketch; Mary
G. , living in Brownsville, Penn., and Lucy, de
ceased. The parents are now living in Browns
ville, Fayette county, retired from active business.
Both are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Charles B. Wood was born at Brownsville, Fay
ette county, Penn., where he passed his youth.
He attended Oberlin College for four years, then
read medicine with Dr. W. S. Duncan, of Browns
ville, and completed his studies at the University
of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1876.
He practiced at Monongahela for ten years, then
attended the Polyclinic of New York, and in 1889
took a course in special studies at the Polyclinic
Hospital and Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia.
In 1887 he married Carrie, daughter of Hon.
George V. Lawrence, of Monongahela. One son,
Lawrence, blessed their union. Dr. Wood has
given special study to the eye and ear, but is a gen
eral practitioner, and since 1881 has been surgeon
for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He is what every
true physician must be, enthusiastically devoted
to his calling. His reputation is not confined to
this domain, however, for Dr. Wood is equally a
favorite in social and business circles, where his
original ideas and store of information are ever
fully appreciated. In politics he is a Republican,
" born and bred," and has served as a member of
the school board of Monongahela. He is a mem
ber of the American Medical Association; Pennsyl
vania State Medical Society; National Association
of Railway Surgeons; and Washington County
Medical Society.

QUIRE HENRY B. McLEAN, a well-known,
popular and successful citizen of this coun
ty, was born in Fayette county, Penn., May
19, 1822. The McLean family came to
Fayette county in an early day, where the grand
parents died many years ago. Alexander, a
brother of John McLean, the grandfather, served
his county and party as register and recorder for
many years. The grandparents had a family of
seven children, all of whom are now deceased.
John McLean, father of subject, was born in
1771. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serv
ing as captain of a company from Fayette county.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

225

He was a surveyor and farmer by profession, and
in early life was united in marriage with Mary,
daughter of John Jackson, of Washington county,
Penn. The family finally settled on a farm in
Fayette county, where Mr. McLean died in 1831,
at the age of sixty years. His widow afterward
became the wife of John Gattenby, of Brownsville,
Fayette Co., Penn. .She died in 1872, having
borne to her first husband a family of eleven chil
dren: James, Samuel, John, William, Robert,
Henry B. , Clarissa, Helen, Sarah, Mary Ann and
Margaret, of whom John, Mary Ann and Henry
B. survive. A few moved West, and they were
widely scattered, our subject being the only one who
settled in Washington county.
Henry B. McLean attended the log- cabin school
of the day, the walls of which were decorated with
pegs, whereon were placed whips of all sizes, tend
ing to strike terror into the juvenile heart. Some
times a stick, happening to be more convenient to
the hand of the irate pedagogue, was thrown at the
head of the offending urchin. He resided on the
farm until eighteen years of age, when he began
life for himself in Washington county, first learn
ing the carpenter's trade of James Rogers (de
ceased) and a brother-in-law. After serving a
three years' apprenticeship, he followed his trade
ten years, beginning work at 4 o'clock in the morn
ing and closing at 8 in the evening, receiving in
payment the munificent salary of $1 per day. On
May 19, 1847, Mr. McLean married Mary Ann,
daughter of Samuel Rogers, who came from Mary
land in 1820, and died on Squire McLean's farm a
few years ago, at the age of sixty-eight years, the
mother having passed away some years before. In
1852 our subject bought the farm he now owns,
upon which an old log house was then standing.
By hard work he continued to improve this home
until a comfortable income was secured, and in
1867 erected a dwelling-house. While working on
this building, he fell from a high scaffolding,
striking his head on a stone, and crushing his ribs.
He was senseless for over a week, and has never
fully recovered from the terrible accident. Squire
McLean has attained the prominent position he
now occupies in Washington county by years of
untiring industry, and deserves the most sincere
and hearty commendation. His marriage has been
blessed by one daughter, Sarah Ellen (Mrs. J. Y.
Scott, of Washington, Penn.). In politics he was
a Democrat until 1856, when he became a Repub
lican. He has served in all the township offices,
also filling the position of county commissioner for
one term, and has acted as justice of the peace for
fifteen years, being especially fitted for the latter
office, for he has always been a peacemaker. Mr.
and Mrs. McLean are members of the M. E.
Church. She has a brother, John A., living in
Baltimore, Maryland.

17l( C. SAMPSON (deceased) was bom Feb-
l/\\ ruary 15, 1828, in Allegheny county, Penn.,
Ip4\ near McKeesport, a son of Thomas and
JJ -* Anna (Coon) Sampson, the former of whom,
a native of Ireland, came to America at an
early day. Their children were Mary (Mrs. Oliver
Evans), A. C, Harvey, Margaret, William, John
and Letitia. Thomas Sampson was a farmer and
manufacturer of sickles, and also conducted a
flouring mill. I^e was a zealous member of the
Long Run Presbyterian Church.
A. C. Sampson received a liberal education at
the public schools in the vicinity of his birthplace,
proving an apt and diligent pupil. In his early
manhood he embarked in the insurance business,
which he followed with marked success during his
lifetime, being general agent for Western Penn
sylvania Co. He was three times married: first to
Margaret Williams, then to Fannie Moore, and
lastly to Letitia S. , daughter of James Manown,
of whom special mention will presently be made.
The children by the first wife were Nancy, and
one that died in infancy; by the second, two that
died in infancy; and by the third, five children,
viz. : Anna K. (deceased wife of Dr. Boyd, also de
ceased), Sarah M. , Letitia S. (who married Edwin
Brubaker, and died, leaving one son, Henry S.
Brubaker), A. C. and Harriet L. The father of
these children died May 10, 1872. After his first
marriage, he came, in 1853, to Monongahela City
to reside. Mr. Sampson was a progressive citizen,
a typical self-made man, than whom none in the
county enjoyed higher respect and esteem. He
was the first president of the People's Savings
Bank, Monongahela City, and was one of the
active, solid business men of the place. Politically
he was a working member of the Republican party;
socially a F. & A. M., he held a high degree in the
fraternity; in religion he was a consistent member
of the Presbyterian Church.
James Manown, father of Mrs. A. C. Sampson,
was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1781. His
father, Richard Manown, a native of the same
county, married a Miss Smith, who bore him chil
dren as follows: James, William, John, Richard
aud Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Bailie). The family
came to America in 1798, the voyage occupying
fourteen weeks, and from New York, where they
landed, they proceeded to western Pennsylvania,
making a settlement near Round Hill Church, in
Westmoreland county, where they followed farm
ing. They were members of the Episcopal
Church. James Manown, was, as will be seen,
seventeen years old when he came with his parents
to America. He had been well educated in his
native land, and on his arrival in the New World
he learned the trade of carpenter and builder
which he followed for some years. On December
6, 1808, he married Mrs. Cassandra Elliott, a

226

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

daughter of David Devore, and the widow of
George Elliott, by whom she had two children:
Burnside and Patience (Mrs. Benjamin Davis).
David Devore (the grandfather of Mrs. Letitia
Manown Sampson) came from New Jersey in
1787, with his wife Elizabeth Harvey. He and his
brother, Moses Devore, purchased, in 1788, 250
acres of land, lying opposite Monongahela City,
which land was then in Westmoreland county, now
Forward township, Allegheny qpunty, paying 50
cents per acre with interest from March 1, 1771,
agreeably to an act passed by the Assembly in
1784. David Devore was granted license to ferry
from his home on this property to the mouth of
Pigeon creek, afterward known as Parkison's
ferry. He died in 1789, leaving a widow and
one child, Cassandra. His widow some years af
terward married Major Scott, and to ber was born
one son, William. After the death of Mr. Scott
his widow made her home with this son at Vin
cennes, Ind., where she died in 1820. Cassandra
Devore married George Elliott, who was drowned
off the ferry while trying to rescue his- son Burn
side. James Manown married Mrs. George El
liott, and resided on the farm near the ferry which
James Manown bought from Moses Devore. The
ferry belonging to his wife, James Manown after
ward bought at sheriff sale the Parkison inter
est in land and ferry, and carried on the ferry
until the Williamsport bridge was built in 1836.
On this same farm now live James Manown's old
est son, Franklin, with his two sisters, Mrs. Har
riet Moore and Sarah Manown, also James Moore,
son of Mrs. H. Moore. James Manown died May
21, 1873, his wife having preceded him to the
grave in 1860. They were the parents of the fol
lowing named children: Eliza (Mrs. Asher Van
Kirk), Franklin, Nancy (Mrs. John Thickield),
Cassandra (Mrs. Alfred Thickield), James (a phy
sician, now of Kingwood, W. Va. , married to a
Miss Armstrong), Harriet (Mrs. James Moore),
Sarah, and Letitia S. (Mrs. A. C. Sampson). Mr.
Manown was an influential Democrat and a con
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He
was a remarkably enterprising man, one whose in
fluence for good was felt in the community, and
he took a deep interest in educational and relig
ious matters. For several years he served as a
justice of the peace.

HfON. JOHN A. McILVAINE, president
judge of the courts of Washington county,
composing the Twenty- seventh Judicial
-1 District of Pennsylvania, was born in Som
erset township, said county, April 13, 1843,
a son of William and Matilda Mcllvaine. His pa
ternal grandfather was Greer Mcllvaine, who re
moved to Somerset township from the eastern part
of the State in 1788 or 1789.

The early education of the subject of this mem
oir was obtained in the common schools of his
township, and September 19, 1860, he entered the
junior preparatory department of Jefferson College,
at Canonsburg; but, by doing double duty, and
being aided by a fine natural ability, he was ad
mitted to the Freshman class of the college at the
beginning of the fall term of 1861. Graduating
in 1865, he was awarded the second honor of
his class (consisting of thirty-six members), and
delivered the Latin salutatory on commencement
day. The class of 1865 was the last class gradu
ated at Jefferson College before its union with
Washington College, forming thereafter Washing
ton and Jefferson College, at Washington, Penn.
Immediately after graduation Mr. Mcllvaine en
tered as a law student with Hon. Boyd Crumrine,
at Washington, Penn., and was admitted to the
bar at August term, 1867. For two years after
his admission he was engaged as 'a clerk in the
office of the county treasurer, and then went to
Kansas, locating at Wichita. While at that place
he held the office of clerk of the district court for
one year. In July, 1872, he was called home by
the illness of his father, and, a favorable opportu
nity offering, he soon afterward opened a law
office in Washington, Penn. During the years
1872 and 1873 he served as secretary of the
Republican County Vigilance Committee. Becom
ing a candidate himself, jn 1874 he was elected
district attorney for Washington county for the
usual term of three years, and at the end of this
term was re-elected for a second term. Upon re
tiring from that office, at the end of his six yearB'
continuous service, he received most favorable
commendation from the public press for the man
ner in which he had discharged the duties of his
office. One of the leading papers of his county,
of opposite politics, said of him: "Mr. Mcllvaine
has been the chosen officer to represent the people
in all criminal prosecutions in this county for the
past six years, and we but echo the sentiment of
all conversant with the facts when we say that he
has discharged the trust with great ability and
fairness. He is a hard worker, and always had a
knowledge of the facts, and was fully prepared
to present them in a methodical and convincing
way. Although a vigorous prosecutor, he was
fair; and no defendant had just cause to complain
of any undue advantage having been taken of
him." During his term of office as district attorney,
Mr. Mcllvaine formed a partnership in professional
business with Mr. M. L. A. McCracken, and the
legal business of the firm became large and lucra
tive. This partnership continued until 1886,when
on November 4, of that year, Mr. Mcllvaine was
elected president judge of the Twenty-seventh
Judicial District, for a term of ten years. On

, ¦ . v"

&S

% CO- . c^(_ J/ls07ZA*<JZ^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

229

account of the development of his native county in
the production of oil and natural gas, his term of
office as judgef" up to the date of this writing, has
had a large and varied increase in the amount and
character of the legal business to be transacted;
but it is the opinion common to all that the Judge
has been equal to the demand made upon his
ability and strength, and not only has the business
been promptly transacted, but transacted in such
a way as to be very satisfactory to both lawyers
and clients. The cases in which his rulings and
decisions have been reversed in the supreme court
have been comparatively few in number.
On December 17, 1874, Judge Mcllvame mar
ried Miss Ada C. Shaw, of Philadelphia. He served
in the National Guard of Pennsylvania, as adjutant
of the Tenth Regiment for two years. He is a
ruling elder in the Second Presbyterian Church.
He has a beautiful and pleasant home in East
Washington, with every comfort and convenience
for himself and wife, about him, save one — the
presence of children. He is free from all osten
tatious pride, is genial and affable in his manner,
and is always ready to bestow a favor, to speak a
pleasant word, and to do a kind act.

•*•=•%, ITTENHOUSE CRISS was born Septem-
\L/y ber 17, 1817. He was a son of Jacob
l\\. Criss, whose father, John Criss, emigrated
JJ -^ from Germany and settled on a tract of
v land containing 349 acres called " Hermit
age," situated on Harmon's creek, in Washington
Co.. Penn., at what is now Hanlin Station, which
became his permanent home. He had a family of
six sons: William, Jacob, Henry, John, Nicholas,
and George, also a daughter Sarah, who became
the wife of Samuel Wright. The father of these
passed away at an advanced age. He was one of
the first pioneers, and a highly respected citizen.
He was buried in the Bethel M. E. Churchyard.
Jacob Criss, son of John, was born May 15,
1778, and on November 25, 1799, was married to
Hannah Rittenhouse, who was born April 6, 1781.
Thirteen children were born to this union, all of
whom (except one) grew to manhood and woman
hood and married. Eight of these children were
sons and five daughters. After his marriage Mr.
Criss bought and settled on a part of the home
farm which his father had owned. This farm is
now owned by the heirs of his son, Rittenhouse
Criss. He died in 1845 aged about sixty- eight years,
and was buried beside his wife in the Bethel grave
yard. Of the thirteen children of Jacob Criss,
but one is living at the date of this. writing, Febru
ary, 1893, the youngest son, Mr. Jacob Criss, of
Colliers, W. Va., aged about seventy-three.
Rittenhouse Criss, seventh son of Jacob and
Hannah (Rittenhouse) Criss, was born on the home
•12

farm, and passed his youth in agricultural pur
suits. Iu 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Fink, who became the mother of four chil
dren, two sons and two daughters. In 1853 the
mother and three youngest children were strick
en down with typhoid dysentery and died.
The eldest and only remaining child grew to woman
hood, and married John D. Robison. She died two
years afterward, aged nineteen years. Mr. Criss
afterward married Miss Eliza J. Stewart (a cousin
of his first wife), by whom he had eight children,
namely: Stewart W, Elmore R., both of Colliers,
W. Va. ; Charles L , of Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Robert
W., of Colliers, and Nicholas R., Mary M., Anna
R. and Hallie B., who reside with their mother
on the home farm. The father was long a mem
ber of the Methodist Protestant Church of Elders-
ville. He died suddenly of heart trouble, Decem
ber 4, 1882, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, and
was buried in the Eldersville cemetery. Mr. Criss
always lived on the farm on which he was born.
Eliza J. Criss, widow of Rittenhouse Criss, was
born in Brooke county, W. Va., August 10, 1835.
She was a daughter of Robert Stewart, whose
father, Samuel Stewart, emigrated from Scotland
and located on Robison's run, Washington Co. ,
Penn., and there was united in marriage to Eliza
beth McCarty, a lady of Irish ancestry. Of the
children born to them six lived to maturity, namely:
Charles, George, John, Robert, Sarah and Mary,
all now deceased, leaving numerous descendants
scattered through different parts of Ohio and
Pennsylvania. Robert Stewart was born Septem
ber 10, 1810, and received his education in the
common schools which he improved by a course of
general reading. He was married to Miss Margaret
Wilson, a resident of Washington county, born in
November, 1812. Of the eight children born to
them, seven are liviug, Mrs. Criss being the eld
est. Robert Stewart died in September, 1876,
his wife in 1855.

*>

It JlfRS. AGNES MILLER. Of the eminent
\§\ families in Washington county the name
¦i I of Miller has for many years represented
-^ a race noted for patriotism, energy and
intelligence.
In 1784 or 1785 James Miller emigrated from
his home in County Tyrone, Ireland, to Chester
county, Penn. A few years later he removed to
Washington county, then a wilderness, and took
out patents for over one thousand acres of land,
embracing that now owned by his descendants-
John, James and Andrew Miller, of Mt. Pleasant
and Chartiers townships. In 1811 Thomas Mil
ler followed his brother to this country, bringing
with him his family, consisting of his wife, Mar
garet, and their children — two sons, three daugh-

230

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ters and one daughter-in-law, viz. : Thomas, An
drew (married), Margaret (who married a cousin,
John Miller), Sarah (married to Thomas, a brother
of John Miller), and Mary, who remained unmar
ried. In March, 1812, Thomas Miller bought the
tract of land named in its patent "Peace and
Plenty." This farm, which became the Miller homestead,
was inherited by Thomas Miller, Jr., who was in
his twenty fourth year when he came to America.
He married, after coining to America, his cousin,
Margaret Miller, who died within a year. His
second wife was Elizabeth Brown, who died, leav
ing him one daughter, Margaret (now Mrs. James
¦K. Hamilton, of Brownstown, Ind.). His third
choice was Catherine Shaw, who came to this
country with her family in 1818 from County
Donegal, Ireland. She bore him seven children:
Thomas, Elizabeth, Sarah and Jane (twins), Mary
(who married Rev. I. N. White, of Fairview, Ohio),
Catherine and John Monteith. All are now de
ceased, except Elizabeth, who now lives in Avalon,
Allegheny Co., Penn. (She had been a most de
voted daughter to her parents in their old age.)
Thomas Miller devoted himself to farming and
sheep raising, making a signal success in that
business. He was a devoted Freemason, and in
politics was a Democrat, stumping the county for
Polk's election. He was a member of the old
Seceder Church, in Mount Pleasant township.
He died December 23, 1877, in his ninety- second
year. He divided his estate among his children.
John M. Miller was born March 18, 1842. At
the age of fourteen years he was sent to Elder's
Ridge Academy, then to Jefferson College, Canons
burg, from which he was graduated in 1861. He
then entered his name as a law student in Phila
delphia, but was obliged to return home and take
charge of the old homestead. On September 13,
1866, he was married to Miss Agnes White, daugh
ter of W. S. White, now of Canonsburg. Of
their children, five — three sons and two daughters
— are living.
Mr. Miller's prosperous career as a farmer is
well known among his fellow-Pennsylvanians,
among whom his position as a prominent stock
raiser was well established. He enjoyed a national
reputation as a breeder of North Devon cattle.
At the time of his death he was president of the
American Devon Cattle Club; vice-president of
the Spanish Merino Sheep Breeders' Association; a
member of the State Board of Agriculture, and a
member of the Western Pennsylvania Agricultural
Association. He was a farmer who loved his voca
tion and his home, improving not only the land
but the stock buildings and methods of farming.
In other business pursuits he was equally success
ful, his enterprising spirit prompting him to look
beyond the immediate profit of a transaction, and

to estimate the general advantages to be obtained
therefrom. He was a man of the strictest integ
rity, doing business only upon an honorable basis,
which fact, combined with his ability and good
judgment, brought him deserved success and made
him a recognized authority in business matters.
Politically, he was a Democrat, but, though inter
ested in public questions, was averse to political
preferment. He served for many years as justice
of the peace, and in other township offices. He
was deeply interested in the public schools, spend
ing much of his time in planning for their im
provement. On the morning of May 14, 1888, he was
stricken with apoplexy, and at one o'clock of the
same day he passed away, seemingly without any
pain. Mr. Miller was possessed of a fine appear
ance and of a hearty, genial manner, which, with
his generous disposition, won him friends innumer
able. His heart and hand were ever open to the
cry of suffering, and, his sympathies aroused, he
gave with a liberality not warranted by his re
sources. In brief, when he was laid to rest, the
entire community, no less than his kindred and
intimate friends, mourned the loss of a public
benefactor, a true Christian and an upright, honor
able business man.
Mrs. Miller still retains the old farm in Mount
Pleasant township, but in September, 1890, came
to her present home in Washington borough, in
order to give her children better educational ad
vantages.

IfOHN AIKEN. Joseph Aiken, the grand-
. I father of the subject of this sketch, came to
PJJ this country from Coleraine, County London-
^*^ derry, Ireland, near the beginning of the
present century. He was a Scotch-Irish Presby
terian, his ancestry having been driven over from
Scotland at the time of the persecution.
Four brothers came, first stopping in Adams
county, Penn. ; then one settled and died in Law
rence county, Penn., another removed to Harrison
county, Ohio, and two remained in Washington
county, Penh., one in the northern part and Joseph
in Canton township. The one last named was a
linen weaver. He died in 1843, and was buried in
North Buffalo churchyard. He had ten children,
of whom William was the eighth. William learned
the tailor's trade with Charles Hawkins in Wash
ington, Penn., whom he served as an apprentice
from the age of fourteen until he was twenty-one.
He started in business first at West Liberty, W.
Va. , but soon nioved to Short creek, Jefferson
county, Ohio, where he remained many years. He
is still living in a warm, heartsome old age, on his
farm at Coolville, Ohio. He first married Nancy
Daugherty — the eldest of twenty-one children — at

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

231

West Middletown, Penn., in 1843; and several
years after her death became the husband of Mag
gie StoUar, whose father belonged to the family of
that name in West Finley township, in this county.
John Aiken, the eldest of twelve children of
William, was born in West Liberty, W. Va., Feb
ruary 7, 1844. When he was a few weeks old the
family moved to McKee' s Factory, Jefferson coun
ty, Ohio. After he attained sufficient age he
worked at farming during the summer and attend
ed school in the winter, until August, 1862, when,
at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the Union
Army, in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-
Sixth O. V. I. During the first nine months he
served at Cumberland, Md. , and Martinsburg, W.
Va., when the regiment became a part of the Third
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and later of the Sixth
Corps. He served as private, corporal and ser
geant. On September 18, 1864, when he was serv
ing in this regiment under Gen. Sheridan in the
Shenandoah Valley, he received from the War De
partment a commission as first lieutenant in the
Twenty-Ninth U. S. C. T. , with an order to report
for duty in the Army of the Potomac. He re
mained, however, with the old regiment for sev
eral days, and participated in the battles of Opequan,
September 19; Flint Hill, September 21; and
Fisher's Hill, September 22. On September 28,
he started to join his new regiment, into which he
was mustered October 10, 1864, at Poplar Grove
Church, Virginia. This regiment then formed a
part of the Fourth division of the Ninth Corps. It
was afterward transferred to the Twenty-fifth
Corps, in the Army of the James, in front of Rich
mond. Ten days after he was mustered in, he was
placed in charge of and was the only officer in the
company. From that time until he was mustered
out in December, 1865, excepting a few days, he
was in command of a company in this regiment.
In the early part of 1865 he passed the requisite
examination, and was recommended for promotion
to a captaincy. He was informed that the com
mission was ordered, but as it was so near the
close of the war he never received it, and, conse
quently, was not mustered. He was in the cam
paign that ended in, aud was present at, General
Lee's surrender. He was in twelve battles and
many skirmishes, but was never wounded. In
January, 1866, Mr. Aiken became a student in
Washiugton and Jefferson College, and remained
there two years; at the end of which time he began
the study of law with Alexander Wilson, of Wash
ington, Penn. , and was admitted to the bar there,
December 13, 1869, since which time he has de
voted himself exclusively to the practice of his
profession. He was elected a ruling elder in the
First Presbyterian Church in Washington in Feb
ruary, 1883, and was commissioner to the General

Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Omaha,
Neb., in 1887, serving as a member of the judicial
committee of that body. The chief glory of his
civil life, however, is in the relation of teacher in
the Sabbath-school of the First Presbyterian
Church since March, 1866, and from 1874 of the
Students' Bible class, whose average annual en
rollment has been about fifty. Over one hundred
and twenty-five representatives of this class have
gone into the Christian ministry. He is a director
of the Washington Refining Company, also of the
Washington Fire Insurance Company, the First
National Bank of Washington, and a member of
the Board of Trustees of Washington and Jeffer
son College.
The subject of this memoir was married to Jen
nie Blaine in December, 1869, in East Bethlehem
township, Washington county, and from this union
there have come five children: Mary, attending
the Western Female Seminary at Oxford, Ohio;
Blaine, a student at Washington and Jefferson
College; Rose, also at the Western Fesaale Semi
nary, at Oxford, Ohio; and Ella and John, in the
Union School of Washington. Mrs. Aiken's fa
ther, Matthew Blaine, lives at Beallsville, Penn.
His father, Leonard Blaine, was one of the old-
time Scotch-Irish "School Masters." He did good
service in the line of his profession for many years
iu the eastern eud of this countv.

\ILLIAM HOSACK PAXTON, of the firm
of Paxton Brothers, a highly respected
citizen of Canonsburg, is a descendant of
one of the oldest families in Washington
county, Penn.
John Paxton, grandfather of subject, was a na
tive of York county, and came to Washington
county in 1782. He married Martha Paxton, also
a native of York, who, when a child, crossed the
mountains on horseback, in coming to Washington
county. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Pax
ton settled in Chartiers township, where they died.
The children born of their union were: Thomas
(who married Miss Jane Mills), Eliza (who mar
ried John Nesbit, and lived on a farm in Chartiers
township, where she and her husband died; they
had no children), Isaac, Samuel (who married Miss
Harsha, by. whom he had two sons and one daugh
ter) and John.
John Paxton, father of subject, was born in Can
ton township, September 10, 1810. He worked on
his father's farm until about sixteen years of age,
and then went -to Washington, Penn. , where he
learned the saddle and harness trade, which he fol
lowed exclusively until 1856, when, in partnership
with Matthew Wilson, he engaged in butchering

232

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and stock dealing. He was a man of more than
ordinary ability and energy, traits of character that
manifested themselves at an early date. When a
small boy, he, in company with a sister, raised a
crop of oats, threshed them with a flail, and carried
them on horseback to Washington, where they sold
them. Money was scarce in those days and strict
economy was practiced, one pair of shoes being
made to last a year. Mr. Paxton married Mrs.
Elizabeth (Wilson) Power, a widow, and daughter
of Henry and Jane (Dill) Wilson. By her first
marriage Mrs. Power had two daughters, Margaret
and Anna Power. Margaret Power married Thomas
Bell. He went to California in 1852, during the
gold fever, aud died there in 1855. To this union
was born one daughter, Anna. Mrs. Bell, after
her husband's death, lived with her stepfather's
family until her death, which occurred June 6,
1889. Anna Power married David Hart, and they
made their home with William and Oliver L. Pax
ton, in Canonsburg.
Henry a»d Jane (Dill) Wilson, parents of Mrs.
John Paxton, lived on a farm in South Strabane
township. They were members of the Presbyterian
Church. Four sons and two daughters were born
to them, viz. : Dill (a farmer by occupation, who
married but had no children), Matthew (who
learned the saddle and harness trade with his
brother-in-law, John Paxton), Thomas (who grad
uated from Jefferson College, studied for the min
istry, graduated in theology, became a Presbyterian
minister, and married Miss Margaret Sanders, of
Baltimore, and by her had two sons, Morris and
Calvin D., both of whom are Presbyterian minis
ters), Samuel J. (who graduated from Washington
College and at Allegheny Theological Seminary,
and was for many years, and at the time of his
death, professor of theology in Allegheny Theolog
ical Seminary; he had one son and two daughters,
viz. : Robert D. , a lawyer in Allegheny county,
unmarried; Catherine and Jane, both of whom are
married), Jane (who married Louis Guthrie a
tailor of Moundsville, W. Va.), and Elizabeth (who
was first married to Mr. Power and afterward to
John Paxton).
Mr. and Mrs. John Paxton were members of the
Presbyterian Church. He died December 24,
1890, at the age of eighty-one. Mrs. Paxton was
born December 10, 1809, and died October 29,
1858. Their marriage was blessed with seven
sons and two daughters, a brief history of whom
follows: (1) Wilson N. Paxton graduated from
Jefferson College in 1856, went South as a teacher,
aud after returning to Canonsburg, Penn., read
law. He was admitted to the bar of Allegheny
county, and practiced his profession in Pittsburgh.
In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred
and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served

three years as second lieutenant. He was taken
prisoner at Gettysburg on the second day of the
fight, carried to Libby Prison, and remained there
and at other prisons twenty months. He was
promoted to the captaincy of his company, and is
now in the pension office at Washington, D. 0.
He married Miss Emily J. Newkirk, but has no
children. (2) Thomas Paxton is engaged in the
butcher and cattle business. He enlisted in Com
pany D, Tenth Regiment, P. R. V. C. Reserves, in
April, 1861, and was killed at Spottsylvania, May
9, 1864, being shot through the bowels while do
ing picket duty. He was never married. (3) Mar
tha Jane Paxton died January 24, 1890, unmar
ried. (4) John R. Paxton graduated from Jeffer
son College with honors. At the time of the com
mencement of the Civil war, in 1861, he was in
the junior class at college. He enlisted in Com
pany G, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania
Volunteers; Captain Frazier, of this company, was
professor in Jefferson College. At the close of the
war Mr. Paxton came home and re-entered Jeffer
son College, where he graduated. He then entered
the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny,
graduated there, and also at Princeton Theological
Seminary. He married Miss Mary L. Lindsay, of
Allegheny. His first charge was Churchville,
Maryland, from there to Harrisburg, and then to
Washington, D. C. He is now minister of the
West Presbyterian Church, New York City. His
marriage was blessed by four children, of whom
one son and one daughter are now living. (5)
William Hosack, subject of our sketch. (6) Oliver
L. Paxton, who was born March 23, 1848, and
educated in the common schools. He is engaged
in buying and shipping stock, in partnership with
his brother, William Hosack. (7) Mary E. Paxton
married Rev. W. F. Conner, a Methodist minister,
of Johnstown, Penn. To them have been born
two daughters, Mabel and Bessie. (8) Matthew H.
Paxton was born in 1854. He entered Jefferson
Academy, and completed his education at La Fay
ette, Penn. He was appointed assistant pay
master of the Government under Maj. Keefer, and
traveled over the Northwest and Southwest. He
was married in Walla Walla, W'ash. , and was
stationed for a time in Newport, Ky. , but dislik
ing to travel, he resigned his position as assistant
paymaster, and located in Walla Walla, where he
has been elected county assessor and appraiser
three times, and where he owns land and is en
gaged in the real-estate business.
William Hosack Paxton, the subject of this
biographical sketch, was born March 9, 1846, in
Canonsburg. Politically, he is a Republican.
Mr. Paxton ranks among the prominent business
men of Canonsburg, and is highly respected both
in social and commercial circles.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

233

EV. GEORGE McDONALD, the leading
character in this sketch, was born February
25, 1825, in Donegal township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., near West Alexander.
George McDonald, his grandfather, was
a native of Scotland, from either Rosshire or
Sutherlandshire, and related to Flora McDonald,
the heroine of two dynasties and two continents.
[Flora McDonald in her youth saved the life of
the last of the Stewarts. She afterward emigrated
to North Carolina. Her husband and son being
made officers of the Highland Regiment raised for
the defense of their King, she gave her five sons
and son in-law for the cause, accompanied them to
camp, and encouraged them to fight for their
King.] George McDonald's ancestors were the
Lords of the Isles off the west of Scotland for cent
uries before these islands became subject to the
king of Scotland. Grandfather McDonald was
twice married: first to Miss Gordon, and they had
one son William. After the death of his first
wife, he married Barbara McDonald, the result of
which marriage was two sons, John and George.
He (grandfather) immigrated to America in the
good ship "Janet," in 1773, and located on the
Potomac near Mount Vernon. After the close
of the war for Independence, he with his family
crossed the Alleghanies, and purchased a farm on
Chartiers creek, near the present county home.
Here his son John was born. There he remained
from 1780 to 1792, when he purchased and moved
to a farm in East Finley township, south of Clays
ville, where he passed the remaining years of his
life. He was a most devotedly pious man, and act
ive in the building up of the church in his region.
A Presbyterian of the regular Scotch type, and
among the founders of the Presbyterian Church of
West Alexander, he never let worldly affairs inter
fere with his religions duties. Not only was he
punctual in attendance on the means of grace,
but watchful for the peace and prosperity of Zion.
He was known as the "Scotch singer," and often
led the people in the service of song. He died
November 25, 1811, and was laid to rest beside his
wife, who had preceded him, in the church burial
ground at West Alexander.
John McDonald, son of George, was born in
1788, in Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn., but in early life went with his parents to
their new home in East Finley township. In his
early manhood he married Margaret Byers, of the
same county, daughter of Thomas and Margaret
(Shannon) Byers, the former of whom was a son of
Samuel Byers, who was born in Chester county,
Penn., where the connection had resided for
generations. Samuel was there married to Jane
White, and their children were: William (who set
tled near Mavsville, Ky.), Samuel, James, Thomas
Ebenezer (of Mercer county), Andrew, Nancy and

Rachel. Samuel Byers, Sr. , came west . from
Chester county in 1777, and located on a farm
near Canonsburg. He was a stanch Presbyterian
and did good work in planting the church in that
region. Thomas, the son, with his wife was most
courageous in battling with danger in their new
home in East Finley, because of the attacks of
Indians. The following are the names of their
children: John, a physician; Sarah, wife of Adam
Wylie, M. D. ; Thomas, a farmer, married to Mar
garet Hamilton; Jane, wife of David Stewart,
Margaret, wife of John McDonald; Anne, wife of
Andrew Yates; James, a farmer, married to Mary
Stevenson; Nancy, wife of John Brice, a farmer;
Rachel, wife of Hugh Wilson, a merchant; Samuel,
a farmer, married to Anne Wilson, and William,
also a farmer, married to Rebecca McCurdy, and
then to Miss Thorn. One son and five sons-in-
law were ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church.
Thomas Byers was a vigorous farmer and a prom
inent business man. He was a bright exampie of
Christian piety. In 1813 he was installed an
elder in the Presbyterian Church of West Alex
ander, which office he filled with great acceptance,
being called the peacemaker of the Session.
John McDonald after marriage remained four
years on the old home farm in East Finley town
ship. At that time he purchased a farm in Don-
egal township, south of West Alexander, where he
passed the remaining years of his life. The fol
lowing are the names of their children: Thomas
(deceased), Barbara (wi'e of Thomas Frazier,
Esq.), Mary S., Eliza J., George, John McC,
Thomas, William and Rachel M, , all three de
ceased, Mr. McDonald was always in keeping
with the advance of the age, and being a friend of
liberal education, gave all his children favorable
opportunities for mental culture in the academy at
West Alexander. He often filled offices of trust in
the community. After the death of his wife in
May, 1867, he moved to West Alexander, remain
ing there till his death, December 11, 1868. But
his example in the church shone most conspicuous.
He made profession of his faith in early life. In
1828 he was eleoted an elder, and about the same
time Sabbath- school superintendent, both of which
offices he filled forty years. Of him his last pastor
(Rev. W. H. Lester, Sr., D. D.) writes: "He was
a wise counselor and a man in whom the pastor
could safely confide; warm-hearted and true in his
devotion to the church; a faithful student of the
Word of God, and prompt in the discharge of
Christian duty, he will long be remembered by the
people as a truly devoted and pious man. His
Godly life was an ornament to religion. His most
special gift was prayer. He loved the Savior and
the church; but in prayer he excelled. He would
take the congregation in the arms of his faith, and
lay them down at the mercy seat for a blessing.

234

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

His words were so plain and Scriptural ; his tones so
simple, childlike and tender, it could only have
been the Spirit making intercession. Deeply
moved himself, he deeply moved others. He was
pre-eminently a man of prayer. He gave his only
two surviving sons to the ministry."
Of each of the sons the following is a brief rec
ord: Each (of the sons) labored on the farm with
their father till entering their life work, as oppor
tunity afforded, he being a vigorous farmer. They
both were educated in the West Alexander (Penn.)
Academy, in the branches belonging to the college
course, and each labored with their father on the
farm. Rev. George McDonald, after having com
pleted the classical course pursued in college, at
West Alexander Academy, engaged for some years
in teaching in the public schools, and afterward
taught two and a half years in the academy of
West Alexander. During this period he com
menced the study of theology under Dr. John
McCluskey, his pastor, and completed the course of
study under Rev. William H Lester, D. D., Dr.
McCluskey' s successor. In April, 1857, he was
licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery
of Washington. Soon after licensure he received
a call to the Presbyterian Church of Beallsville,
Ohio, where he continued to labor more than
twenty-five years, giving a portion of his time to
the churches of Woodsfield and Powhatan, Ohio.
In the winter of 1883, he received and accepted a
call to the church of Upper Ten Mile, Prosperity,
Penn. , and continued his labors till May 20, 1890.
Since his resignation of the pastorate at Ten Mile
he resides at West Alexander, and is interested in
evangelistic work, not feeling sufficiently vigorous
to assume the full responsibility of the pastoral
work. Mr. McDonald was married, May 20, 1858,
to Martha S. Blayney, of West Virginia. The
following is a brief account of their children:
Nannie Maggie is the wife of Elmer Ellsworth
Miller, a merchant of Beallsville, Ohio (she grad
uated from Steubenville Female Seminary in 1879»);
John M. , a physician, was a student of Washing
ton and Jefferson (Penn.) College (afterward he
attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
and graduated in April, 1885; he is married to
Ada C. Baker, of Barnesville, Ohio, and they now
reside in Columbus, Ohio; he is a Presbyterian and
a Republican); Rev. Charles H. graduated from
Washington and Jefferson College in the class of
1886 (the same year he entered Union Theological
Seminary (N. Y. ), from which he graduated in
1889, was licensed and ordained in 1889, and
went under commission of the Board of Home
Missions to Alexandria, S. Dak., where he labored
two years. Early in 1892 he received and ac
cepted a call to the pastorate of the First Congre
gational Church of Woodbridge. N. J. He was
married November 24, 1892, to Mary M. Bell, only

daughter of James R. and Mary C. Bell, of West
Alexander); Mary Elizabeth, the youngest, has at
tended the Washington Female Seminary (she is
still at home with her parents, and is giving con
siderable attention to music). Like the parents
the children all take great delight in music, and
are blessed with great power of voice. Mr. Mc
Donald being an instructor of music, led the choir
of the old home church for several years.
Of him another friend (Rev. W. H. Lester, Sr.)
writes: "Mr. McDonald's ministry was marked
by faithfulness in labors, and witnessed precious
ingatherings. Thoroughly evangelical in spirit,
and Biblical in his pulpit ministrations, his aim
has been the conversion of souls and the building
up of Christians in the faith. He has also been
a self-sacrificing and faithful pastor, thus making
full proof of his ministry. Seldom was his seat
vacant in the church courts. In each of the con
gregations to which he ministered, he left the testi
monials of a truly devoted minister of the Gospel."
And yet another friend thus says of him: "Rev.
George McDonald inherited (as did also his wife)
the sturdy character of their Scotch and Scotch -
Irish ancestry, and in early life received careful
religious training. At the age of twenty-one he
m ide profession of his faith in Christ. At nine
teen years of age he entered on his classical course
in West Alexander Academy, and after completing
the full course of study, he was for some time
actively engaged in the public school department;
later was for two years and a half a teacher in the
West Alexander Academy. In 1853 he commenced
the study of theology under Rev. John McCluskey,
D. D. , licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in
1857, and was ordained by the Presbytery of St.
Clairsville in April, 1860. Soon after licensure he
took charge of the congregation of Beallsville,
Ohio, of which he was the installed' pastor till
April, 1883, giving for most of that period a por
tion of his time to the congregations of Woodsfield
and Powhatan as stated supply. In 1883 he was
called to the church of Upper Ten Mile, Penn.,
where he labored more than seven years. He now
resides in West Alexander, his native place, with
his noble wife, who has always been a source of
strength and comfort to him in his work. They
were both fine singers, and led the choir of West
Alexander Presbyterian Church for a number of
years. Their musical talent was valuable to them,
especially in the Sabbath-school, where they were
always prominent and active, he as superintendent
and Bible teacher, and she in charge of the infant
department, until the loss of herhearing compelled
her in later years to give up the work she so dearly
loved. She had peculiar tact for winning and
interesting little ones, afld was neyer more at home
than when surrounded by her little flock. Her mem
ory will always be green in the hearts of the many she

WASHINGTON COUNTY

235

had taught, who will see her no more in this world.
Her faithful sowing will cause many, besides her
children, to rise up and call her blessed. Mr.
McDonald was accustomed to instruct, free, the
Sabbath-school and any others who wished, in
music, and thus was instrumental in having ex
ceptionally good singing in the school. He was also
very successful in training for special exercises, and
had much executive ability. Always deliberate,
being firm in his convictions and of unalterable
purpose, with careful outlook, he seldom failed
to accomplish what he undertook.
"His ministry was richly blessed with signals of
Divine approval, by several revivals occurring
under his pastorate. The influence of his preach
ing and example was for righteousness, in build-
iDg up a moral, God-fearing and Sabbath-loving
people. Several ministers have gone out from
under his pastorate. His labors, particularly in
his first field, were arduous and exposing, but
were performed cheerfully in honor of Him whom
he served. The seed thus faithfully sown will
bring forth fruit to be gathered by other reapers.
He still takes delight in Evangelistic work, and re
joices in any opportunity to do service for the
Master. He has been a faithful and unobtrusive
minister of Christ, and is regarded universally, by
those who know him, with marked esteem and love,"
Rev. John McClusky McDonald, after complet
ing his academic studies, entered the Northwestern
Seminary of Chicago, 111. (now the McCormick
Theological Seminary), from which he graduated
in April, 1866; was licensed April 13, 1865, by the
Presbytery of Chicago; was ordained at Beaver
Dam by the Presbytery of Winnebago, June 27,
1866. He has been a home missionary; labored
at Winneconne (Wis.), Algona (Iowa), Waynesville
(111.), Carleton, Belvidere, Hubbell and Hopewell
Church (Neb.-), and Ulysses and other points in
Kansas, the last named being his present field of
labor. He has been faithful in sowing the seed,
and been cheered by the ingathering of precious
fruit. Mr. McDonald was married April 25, 1871,
to Janet Percy, of Ogdensburg, N. Y. , and they
have been blessed with six children: George
Arthur, Kenneth Percy, Gilmer Byers, Raymond
April, Rossmond May, and J. McClusky (the last
named being deoeased). Mr. McDonald takes a
¦deep interest in public affairs. In politics he is a
Republican, and, like Scotch-Irish generally, he
oonld be nothing else but a Presbyterian.

I ULIUS P. MILLER, attorney at law, Wash-
I ington, is a native of the county, having
fr\\ been born May 22, 1839, in Hopewell town-
^^ ship, and is descended from a stalwart North-
of-Ireland family.
His paternal great-grandmother, then a widow

with sixteen sons, came from the shores of Erin to
those of Columbia, and established a new home in
Washington county, Penn., where she died. One
of the sons, Patrick Miller, bought, in 1810, the
first piece of land in Hopewell township, where he
carried on farming the remainder of his life, dying
iu 1830. He was the first superintendent of the
Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Sabbath-school. He
was married to Margaret Templeton, and they had
children as follows: Thomas, of whom mention
is made further on; Margaret, wife of Col. Mc-
Nulty; Hannah, married to James Montford, of
Washington county, which family is extinct (James
Montford, son of James and Hannah, was captain
of the company in which our subject served during
the Civil war, and afterward he was appointed
assistant assessor of Internal Revenue); Eliza,
married to Rev. James Marquis; Mary, who never
married, and Matthew — all deceased.
Thomas Miller, on leaving school, attended
Washington College and Indiana University,
graduating from the latter institution in 1831,
when he went to Lexington, Ky. , where he taught
school for a time, and then moved to Missouri,
having been persuaded to proceed thither by a
prominent Missourian, James S. Rollins, who had
been a fellow-student of his at both the college and
university. Here Mr. Miller founded a school
which afterward developed into the University of
Missouri, at Columbia, Mo. On account of im
paired health he set out on a trip to Mexico, but
died on the Plains, and was buried in New Mexico,
at Round Mound.
Matthew Miller, father of our subject, was a
farmer by occupation, and in 1838 was married to
Mary McNulty, by whom he had two children,
Julius P., and a daughter that died in infancy. In
1843 the father died at the age of thirty years, and
the mother married again, the result of this second
union being three children; she died March 23,
1890, aged seventy-six years, and is buried in
Washington cemetery,
Julius P. Miller was but four years old when
bis father was called from earth, and in the follow
ing year (1844) he was taken to West Middletown,
where he attended thecommon schools, subsequent
ly taking a course at an academy in West Virginia.
In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company A, One
Hundredth P. V. I., serving three years, chiefly
with the Ninth Army Corps. In 1870 he was ap
pointed deputy collector of Internal Revenue, for
Washington county, serving until 1872, when, at
the State election, he was elected prothonotary of
the county, taking the office in January, 1873. He
was re-elected in 1875. During his second term
in the prothonotary's office, Mr. Miller studied
law, and in October, 1879, he was admitted to the
bar, since which time he has been successfully
practicing his chosen profession in Washington, of

236

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

which city he has been a resident since 1870. In
November, 1864, Mr. Miller was united in marriage
with Miss Harriet Hamilton, daughter of Dr. A.
C. Hamilton, a practicing physician in the borough
of West Middletown, and to this union ten chil
dren were born, viz. : Horatio H. (cashier of the
First National Bank of Claysville), Mary Emma,
Harry M., Julius P., Martha S., Charles F., Anna
B. and Ulysses Grant, all living in the county, and
two unnamed that died in infancy. In politics
Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican.

THOMAS McKEAN, one of the retired suc
cessful merchants of the borough of Wash
ington, is a native of the county, having
been born September 14, 1820, in Amwell
township. The first of the family to come
to Washington county was Robert McKean, father
of the above, who was born February 12, 1795, in
County Tyrone, Ireland. In 1815 he came to
America by way of Canada, landing at Montreal,
thence proceeding to Washington, this county,
where he lived until 1820, in which year he moved
into Amwell township, on a farm, and in 1828 re
turned to Washington borough. In 1832 he
started on a trip to Philadelphia, but died of
cholera while on the way. In 1817, soon after
coming to Washington county, he married Mrs.
Mary McClintock, formerly Mrs. McGowan, who
had several children by her first husband, all now
deceased. By her second marriage there were
four children, viz. : Mary, who was a Presbyterian
missionary to the Creek Indians at Tallahassee, In
dian Territory, and died there January 21, 1861;
Thomas, our subject; Alexander, who died in
Washington, Penn., March 27, 1890, and whose
family are still living here; and Sarah, who died in
infancy. The mother was called from earth March
17, 1867, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years,
at the time living with her son Thomas.
Thomas McKean, of whom this sketch chiefly
treats, was eight years old when the family came
to live in the borough of Washington. He re
ceived his education partly at the schools of his
native township, and partly in Washington,, and
learned manufacturing tobacco and cigars, which
he carried on, wholesale and retail, for forty-five
years, opening out for his own account September
25, 1843, and retiring from same in 1888. His
original stand was the room now occupied as the
office of the Washington Reporter. At, his retire
ment he was about the only man in Washington
who was in business there when he commenced in
1843. On March 14, 1844, Mr. McKean married
Fannie Jane, daughter of Samuel Snodgrass, a
farmer who came from Lancaster county, Penn.,
at an early date. He died of cholera at West
Alexander, this county, in 1832, and his wife in

Washington borough, in 1840. They were the
parents of three children, as follows: Fannie Jane-
Mary Margaret, now the widow of John V. Wil
son, a carpenter of Washington, who died July 2,
1876; and William, who died in March, 1846.
By the marriage of Thomas and Fannie J. Mc
Kean, there were ten children, of whom the follow
ing is a brief record: Mary Ellen is married to
Rev. J. C. McClintock, and lives in Burlington,
Iowa; John A. is a physician at Washington, this
county; Maria is the wife of Hon. W. J. Davis,
of Goshen, Ind. ; William is in Grand Rapids,
Mich., a traveling salesman for J. V. Farwell &
Co., of Chicago; James is married to Jennie D.
Ackelson, and lives at Abilene, Kans. ; George is
teller in Wells, Fargo & Co. 's bank at San Fran
cisco, Cal. ; Annie is the wife of Rev. W. P. White,
a Presbyterian minister at Germantown, Penn. ;
Elizabeth is the wife of Homer U. Seaman, jewel
er, Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Thomas C. is clerk in a gents'
furnishing business, Pittsburgh, Penn., and Ber
nard is an insurance agent at No. 135 Broadway,
New York.
Mr. McKean is one of the well-known citizens of
Washington. His place of business and home, No.
164 and 166 South Main street, was built by him in
1854, and he has lived on the Square ever since
coming to the borough. Politically he is a Re
publican, and has served as school director six
years, and secretary during that time. For twen
ty-seven years he has been a trustee and treasurer
of the Washington Female Seminary. Forty years
ago he was a member of the Sons of Temperance,
and continued so until they disbanded. Since
1846 he has been a member of the First Presby
terian Church, of which he was trustee for twelve
years, and since 1864 has been an elder. For
forty years he was secretary and treasurer of the
Sunday-school. He has been a director of the
First National Bank of Washington for more than
thirty years, and is now the vice president of that
financial house. Mr. McKean was interested in
the establishment of a board of health for his bor
ough, which prompted him, without compensation,
to keep a complete record of the deaths in Wash
ington and vicinity, including names, ages and
causes of death; commencing June 20, 1850, and
up to January 1, 1893, a record of 3,240 deaths
has been made by him.

TEPHEN L BLACHLY, M. D., one of the
oldest and most skillful practitioners in
Washington county, is descended from a
long line of distinguished men, eminent in
the profession; but among this galaxy of brilliant
medical lights we must look in vain for one whose
skill in any case surpassed that of his descendant,
the gentleman of whom we write, who, is not only

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

239

an ornament to the modern school of medicine, but
a worthy and honored representative of a race of
expert physicians.
Dr. Ebenezer (1) Blachly, the first physician in
the family, was a son of Aaron and Mary (Dodd)
Blachly, and lived in Huntington, Suffolk Co.,
Long Island. His children were: Elizabeth, Eben
ezer (2), Joseph, Benjamin and Daniel, of whom
Ebenezer (2), born in 1709, entered his father's
profession, and married Hannah Miller, who bore
him the following children: Francis, Zopher, Eben
ezer (3), Miller, Sarah, Cornelius, Mary and Marcy.
The son Ebenezer (3). born in 1735, was a surgeon
in the Revolution. He married Mary Wickham, and
they had twelve children, five of whom were also
physicians. He died in 1805, and his son Eben
ezer (4), born in 1760, entered the war of the Rev
olution before he had reached the required age, and
took an active part as surgeon throughout the con
flict, after which he married Elizabeth Spencer,
and reared a family of nine children: Nancy,
Ebenezer S., Henry W. (father of subject), Mary J.,
Juliana, Bayard P., Eliza, Joseph W. and Oliver;
with the latter two their mother passed the declin
ing years of her life.
Dr. Henry Wickham Blachly was born in Pater-
son, N. J., April 17, 1786. He first studied medi
cine with his father, finishing in New York City,
and finally settled in Washington county, Penn.
On January 9, 1806, he nfarried Hannah Loveridge,
who bore him twelve children: Ebenezer S., a
graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadel
phia, who practiced thirty years in Waynesburgh,
Greene Co , Penn. (he was twice married, first time
to Martha Hanna, who bore him five children, and
after her death he married Elizabeth Allison; but
one of his children grew to maturity — Byard Mil
ton Blachly, M. D., who practiced for about thirty
years in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn., where
his father practiced); Milton Blachly died at the
age of sixteen; Eveline Blachly married Dr. Will
iam B. Porter (they died leaving three children —
two daughters and one son, John H. Porter, who
was a physician and died soon after completing his
medical studies); Maria J. Blachly married Dr. Lu-
tellus Lindley, of Connellsville, Fayette Co., Penn.
(she died leaving one son, Dr. Henry B. Lindley,
of Perrysville, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Stephen L.
(subject of sketch); Eliza Blachly married John
Milton Lindley (he died leaving three children:
Byard, a banker and lawyer in Winfield, Iowa; Col
lin M., a physician in Zollers ville, Penn,, and
Sarah) ; Oliver B. Blachly married Ellen Cracraft,
by whom he had- five children: Byron, Henry, Oli-f"
ver, Mary and Howard (his second wife was Ella
Hunt); Joseph Warrin Blachly was a physician
who practiced successfully in his native county for
a number of years (he was married to Eliza Min
ton, by whom he had four children: Maria, Ella,

Joseph Warrin and Frank, a physician practicing
at Clarksville, Penn.); Lucilla Caroline Blachly
married T. N. Day, and their living children are:
Henry B., Homer (a physician practicing at Avoca,
Iowa), and Cora L. ; Harriet Newel Blachly mar
ried Harvey Lindley, and their children are: Henry
B. (who married Sarah Van Kirk), Aim Eliza (mar
ried to Sal. Cozad), Oscar, Howard and A. Lincoln;
Henry W. Blachly, a physician who practiced for
many years at Cavett, Ohio, died in 1889 (his wife
was Caroline Cracraft, and they had two children :
Mary, married to Dr. Emerick, and Henry W., a
lawyer of Van Wert, Ohio); Hannah Louisa Blachly,-;
the youngest of the family, never married, and
lives at Sparta, Penn. The father of this family
died at the age of sixty- two years, having practiced
medicine forty years in Washington county; the
mother passed from earth in 1887, ou her ninety-
seventh birthday, and they are buried at Pros
perity. Stephen L. Blachly, the subject proper of this
memoir, was born December 11, 1815, in Sparta,
Washington Co., Penn. He read medicine with
his father till twenty-two years of age, and on ac
count of the prevalence of smallpox at that time
was called upon to begin an active career before
his preparatory study was fully completed. He
was educated at Washington College, and later re
ceived his degree from Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia. On January 9, 1840, he was united in
marriage with Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Lind
ley, who was of Puritan descent, and to this union
were born five children, viz. : two died in infancy;
Mary Minerva, who has been twice married, first
to Stephen J. Day, and after his decease to S. Mc-
Vey, of Sparta; Henry Spencer, a druggist in
Waynesburgh, Greene county, Penn., and Dr.
Oliver L. , in Sparta, who married Anna, daughter
of Rev. John Sherrard. Mrs. Blachly died No
vember 25, 1857, and July 28, 1859, Dr. Blachly
married Maria, daughter of James and Margaret
Wade, of Fayette county, Penn. Dr. Blachly has
resided in the same place over fifty years, and
while engaged in general practice has become a
skilled surgeon, and has always had an extensive
practice; he has frequently been president of the
Washington County Medical Society, of which he
is one of the oldest members, and is also censor for
the Eighth District of the State Medical Society of
Pennsylvania, also a member of the American
Medical Association, and the Alumni Association of
Jefferson Medical College. He has always had 'a
very extensive practice, and he retired from active
life in 1890. Physically he enjoys good health.
He is about five feet ten inches in height; weighs
190 pounds; is erect in stature; and has become a
very strong man by exercise, and care, though he
was not robust when young. His father was about
the same height, but weighed 160 pounds. The

240

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Doctor never used intoxicating liquor; in his youth
he commenced smoking, but gave it up. He has
been a member of " Upper Ten Mile " Presbyterian
Church fifty- eight years, and has been an elder in
same thirty- five years.

If AMES HERRON was born September 18,
. I 1829, in North Strabane township, this
^Jj county, and is a son of Joseph Herron, whose
^ grandfather was a native of Ireland, and came
with his family in an early day to America.
His son James was born in County Down, Ireland,
and came to America in the latter part of the last
century, locating in North Strabane township,
Washington Co., Penn., on the farm now occupied
by his descendants. He was married to Rachel
Reed, a resident of Ohio, who bore him children
as follows: Charles, John, William, James, Robert,
John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. Mr. Herron
was an active Democrat, and in religion was a
member of the Seceder Church.
Joseph Herron was born, January 2, 1797, on
his father' s farm in North Strabane township, and
received a common-school education. On January
3, 1824, he was united in marriage with Margaret,
daughter of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset town
ship, and the young couple made their permanent
home on the old farm, where the following chil
dren were born and reared: Rachel, born Decem
ber 15, 1824; Robert, born September 30, 1826;
James, born September 18, 1828; John, born July
24, 1830; Sarah (Mrs. Jonathan L. Peese), born
April 22, 1833; Joseph, born December 8, 1834;
Margaret A. (Mrs. Robert Munnel). born October
4, 1837; and- Elizabeth M. (Mrs. John Herron),
born October 6, 1842. In politics Mr. Herron was
a Democrat, and served as judge of elections and
school director, and was also a lieutenant in the
militia. In religious connection he was a member
and liberal supporter of the Seceder Church. He
died January 25, 1852, and his wife on March 18,
1854. Both are buried in the U. P. cemetery at
Pigeon Creek.
James Herron was born on the farm where he
now resides, and attended the common schools
until almost twenty-one years of age. He then
commenced learning the carpenter's trade, which
he followed several years in North Strabane and
adjoining townships. On June 23, 1865, he was
united in marriage with Emma, daughter of John
Barr, a native of Ireland, who came to America
with his parents when but twelve years of age. He
was a son of John Barr, also a native of Ireland,
and who was there married to Margaret Dickey,
who bore him children as follows: William, John,
Robert, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Jackson) and Margaret
(Mrs. Robert Patterson). The father of these
children immigrated to America in an an early day,

locating with his family in Somerset township,
Washington Co., Penn., where the remainder of
their lives was passed. He was a Democrat in
his political preferences, and in religion a member
of the Seceder Church.
John Barr passed his youth on the home farm
in Somerset township, and was there married to
Elizabeth, daughter of James Smith. Their chil
dren were John A., James S., Margaret D. (Mrs.
James Rankin), Emma (Mrs. James Herron),
Sarah J. (Mrs. William Pollock) aud .William A.
In politics Mr. Barr was a Democrat, and served
many years as justice of the peace. He was a
member and one of the founders of the U. P.
Church at Pigeon Creek, and Served as an elder
for years. He followed agricultural pursuits.
After his marriage Mr. Herron settled on the
home place in North Strabane township, where he
has followed farming and stock raising. He and
his family are members of the U. P. Church at
Mt. Prospect. In politics he is a Democrat, and
has served as school director and judge of elec
tions. He is an enterprising and popular citizen.

di OSEPH S. HUNTER, a member of one of
I the oldest and most prominent families of
1 Washington county, Penn., is a grandson of
James Hunter, who was born of Irish par
ents about 1788, in eastern Pennsylvania. On
June 21, 1810, James Hunter was united in mar
riage with Eleanor Garrett, and they reared the
following family: Margaret (deceased), born April
12, 1811; Susan (deceased), born October 24,1814;
Elizabeth, born April 13, 1818 (widow of Robert
Marshall), living in East Finley township, this
county; James J. and William G. Mrs. Hunter
died, and on March 29, 1827, Mr. Hunter was mar
ried to Sarah Clark, of Buffalo township, this
county, who bore him two children: John Clark,
born December 24, 1827, and Sarah Ann, born
October 6, 1830, both now deceased. This wife
also died, and November 2, 1848, Mr. Hunter was
married to Jane Welsh, who died in 1888. Soon
after his first marriage he located in Buffalo town
ship, Washington county, following farming and
distilling until 1839, when he settled on the farm
in East Finley township which is now the prop
erty of his son, James J. Hunter, where he died in
the year 1858.
James J. Hunter was born October 26, 1820,
in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and
came with his father's family to East Finley town
ship, where he began life in 1843, -doing farm work
for others, and cropping on his father's place. On
October 19, 1845, he was married to Jane,
daughter of Thomas Hutchisson, of East Finley
township, and three children were born to them:
Joseph S. /born June 24, 1846 (farming in Frank-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

241

lin township); Thomas H., born June 14, 1848 (a
farmer of East Finley township); and James C,
born June 30, 1852 (a resident of Brilliant, Jef
ferson Co , Ohio). The mother of these children
died in 1853, and on November 13, 1860, Mr.
Hunter was united in marriage with Elizabeth,
daughter of Gilbert Marshall, and the following
children have been born to them: Mary E., born
March 27,1862; Jane A., born September 12, 1863,
and Florence M., born July 27, 1865. After his
first marriage Mr. Hunter lived iu West Finley
township, but finally (in 1861) settled in East
Finley township, where he now resides. In politi
cal relations he is a Republican, and in religion he
and his wife are members of the United Presbyte
rian Church of East Finley township.
Joseph S. Hunter was born in West Finley
township, and remained on the home place until he
was twenty eight years of age, obtaining his edu
cation at the common -schools. On February 11,
1875, he was united iu marriage with Mary P.,
daughter of J. W. Patterson, and to their union
were born four children: William W. , James H. .
Jennie A. and Clark P. After their marriage the
young couple settled in West Finley township, re
maining there four years, when they removed to
their present farm, which consists of 200 acres of
well-improved land. He is a member and liberal
supporter of the United Presbyterian Church at
Dog Wood Grove. In political life he is a stanch
Republican, and is one of the most energetic work
ers of his party in the township, although he has
never accepted political preferment,

JOHN G. POGUE is one of the few men who
can look back upon their past and see no fail
ures to regret, but find that step by step, and
year by year, they have risen higher on the
ladder of success, until the prime of life has
found them on the topmost round, with leisure to
pause and take a retrospective view. John G.
Pogue is a son of William Pogue, of whose father
we only know that he was of Scotch ancestry, and
(at the time of the birth of his only son, William,)
a resident of Baltimore, Md.
William Pogue was born in 1797, in Baltimore,
Md., and in early life learned the trade of a tobac
conist. He was well educated and fond of read
ing. The father dying when William was a small
boy, the latter was cared for by his mother, who
afterward moved to Buffalo township, Washington
county, and purchased a small piece of land about
three miles north of Taylorstown. The son fol
lowed farming, and also worked a small coal bank
located on the place. He was afterward married
to Sarah Allison, who was born in 1786, and they
had five children: James (who died at the age of
forty-seven years, in Cadiz, Ohio), Susan (deceased

in infancy), John G. (subject of this sketch), Will
iam (who died in Canton, 111., at the age of forty
years) and Sarah Ann (who died in Buffalo town
ship, this county). Mr. Pogue followed farming
until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1836.
He then worked at his trade with George Black,
of Washington, Penn. , and passed his later years
with his children. Politically he was a lifelong
Democrat. He died in 1859.
John G. Pogue was born March 28, 1824, in
Buffalo township, this county, and when but eight
yearsof age went to live with one Joseph Alexander.
With him he remained two years, " doing chores "
and attending the common school. In the fall of
1834 he made his home with John C. Hanna, a
farmer of Hopewell township, this county, and in
1840 again entered the employ of Mr. Alexander,
with whom he remained until 1849. Meanwhile,
this industrious youth embraced every opportunity
to secure an education. He attended Franklin
High School, which was conducted at the home of
Major Waterings by W. A. McKee; he also taught
school five winters in West Virginia and Pennsyl
vania. On October 25, 1848, Mr. Pogue was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Burt, who was born in
August, 1824, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Dryden) Burt, who were both members of old
pioneer families. Mrs. Pogue and a sister, Mrs.
Nancy McKee, of Hopewell township, Washington
county, are now the only living representatives of the
family of ten children in Washington county, the
others having settled in different places. Mr. and
Mrs. Pogue have had the following children: Sarah
Elizabeth (Mrs. John McCammon, of West Finley
township), Fannie A. (Mrs. John Atkinson, of
Brooke county, W. Va.), Joseph (residing in Wheel
ing, W. Va. ), Mary Jane (who died at the age of
twelve years), William (living at home), Martha
(Mrs. Hiram Montgomery, of Donegal township).
John J. (living with his parents), J. Burt and
Anna May (both living at home). For three years
after his marriage Mr. Pogue lived as a tenant on
the farm of J. C. Hanna, in Hopewell township, this
county. He then came to Donegal township,
and rented a farm, locating about two and a half
miles north of West Alexander, where he remained
nineteen consecutive years. Several years before
leaving this farm he had purchased an adjoining
tract of 114 acres upon which he moved in 1863.
By energetic toil and close economy, he soon saved
enough money to again invest in land, and in 1868
he bought the " Old McKeown " farm, lying just
north of his previous purchase. In 1872 betook
possession of the latter farm, and has entirely re
modeled the residence and all the other buildings.
He has few equals as an agriculturist, and his success
has been enhanced by the invaluable aid of a care
ful and economical wife. When he was first mar
ried, Mr. Pogue owed $150, since which time he

242

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

has become one of the most successful and prom
inent farmers of Donegal township. Politically he
was an ardent Abolitionist, and took a great inter
est in the freedom of the negroes. He is now a
Republican, and has often held township offices,
but has declined to enter in the more active war
fare of political life. In religious connection he and
his wife are members of the U. P. Church of West
Alexander.

1/ OHN S. BARR is a leading representative of
.1 a well-known family of Somerset township,
if}] Washington county, and an enterprising,
successful and popular citizen of Canons
burg, serving his township and county in
many ways, in addition to his usual duties as pri
vate citizen.
His grandfather, John Barr, was a native of
County Derry, Ireland, born in 1757, and died in
1838. He was married to a Miss Dickey, to whom
were born the following children: William, John,
Robert, Archie (who died at the age of twelve
years), Margaret (wife of Robert Pattison) and
Mary (wife of Andrew Jackson). In 1816 Mr.
Barr and family emigrated to America, and after
a six weeks' voyage landed at Philadelphia, finally
coming to Somerset township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he purchased a farm, making there
on a permanent home, where he died in 1838. He
was a member of the Seceder Church of Peters
Creek, and on the organization of a new congrega
tion of the same denomination called Pigeon
Creek, nearer his home, united -with it, serving
many years as elder.
William Barr was born, in 1797, in County
Derry, Ireland, and his youth was passed in his
native land, where he was educated, becoming
specially expert as a mathematician. In 1816 he
came with his parents to America, and in 1826 was
united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Hugh
Boyd. Mr. Boyd and family, consisting of five
children, came to America in 1824: Robert, Wil
son (who preceded the rest of the family five years),
Mary, Margaret and Bankhead. Both grand
parents were elders in the same church in Ireland,
and both elders in the same congregations — Peters
Creek and Pigeon Creek — in America. After his
marriage William settled on a farm where his life
was passed, and children born to him as follows :
John S. (of whom a sketch is given below); Hugh
and Eliza (Mrs. A. D. Williamson), living near
Xenia, Ohio; Margaret (wife of James H. Dickey);
William W. ; Bankhead Boyd; Mary (married to
W. G. Garrett), and Martha Jane (deceased wife
of William Berry). William Wilson Barr gradu
ated at Canonsburg in 1856, studied theology at
Xenia, Ohio; was called, accepted, and took charge
in 1859 of the Eighth United Presbyterian Church

of Philadelphia, of which he is still pastor; Bank-
head enlisted as a soldier, in 1862, in Company G,
One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Pennsyl
vania Volunteers; was wounded at the Wilderness,
and died at Alexandria, Va., his remains being
brought home and interred in Home cemetery.
The father of this family was known as one who
always acted from principle, and did what he con
scientiously thought was right. He was for many
years identified with the Seceder Church of Pigeon
Creek (now United Presbyterian), in which he was
a ruling elder, and for many years led its praise
service. He died in 1838, being followed by his
life companion in 1876.
John Scott Barr was born January 26, 1827, in
Somerset township, this county, passing his early
life at home. Receiving but a limited education
(such as the winter schools at that time afforded),
he has supplemented it by an extensive course of
reading. On November 25, 1851 (Thanksgiving
day), he embarked on the matrimonial sea in com
pany with Mary, daughter of James Gibson, a well-
known citizen of Washington county. Two chil
dren were born to this union, the first dying in
infancy. The mother died March 12, 1855, leav
ing an infant daughter of three weeks, who was
given her mother's name, and is the wife of Rev.
J. M. Duncan of the United Presbyterian Church
at Richmond, Ohio. On January 26, 1865, John
S. Barr was married to Mary S. Pattison, of Indi
ana, Penn., to whom three children were born,
viz.: William Wilson (deceased), Archie John S.
(deceased) and Martha Jane (wife of Rev. W. F.
Weir, a Presbyterian minister of Toronto, Ohio).
After the death of his father, which took place
when he was less than twelve years of age, Mr.
Barr took the principal managementof his father's
farm, consisting of 110 acres, one payment to pay
on that; but by hard work and economy, and with
the aid of a good mother and the gracious favor of
Almighty God, was added to the home place over
200 acres more. The careful and attentive habits
of his youth have attended his maturer years, and
have secured for him a comfortable home. His in
stinctive uprightness in his dealings with his fel
low-men, charity for the worthy poo,r, and gener
ous support of all measures tending to promote
the interests of Church and State, mark him as a
man worthy of the esteem and confidence in which
he is held by his friends and neighbors.
In politics the subject of this sketch was first
a Whig, then a Republican, and has held various
township offices, serving six terms as school director,
and in 1872 was elected commissioner of Washing
ton county, which office he filled very acceptably.
In response to Gov. Curtin's call for men to repel
Lee's invasion of Maryland, he enlisted in a com
pany at Canonsburg, which became part .of the
Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

243

equipped at Harrisburg, carried by rail to Hagers-
town and then marched toward Antietam expect
ing to get to the battle field that evening; but
night came on, and they encamped in a nice piece
of woods by the roadside, struck their tents and
put out pickets. About dusk word came that
they would be attacked by Imbodeu's Rebel cavalry
that night; a vote was taken whether they would
retreat or stand their ground, and the result was
that they should stay. Every gun was loaded, and
about 9 o'clock the commissary wagon drove
up and a number of shots were fired into it; the
mistake was soon discovered, no one was hurt, and
no "rebs" came. After Lee's retreat into Virginia,
they were disbanded and sent home. In May,
1889, he was appointed a manager of the State Re
form School at Morganza, for four years, by Gov
ernor Beaver.* Here from 300 to 400 boys and
about 100 girls are educated and taught some useful
trades. In June, 1891, when the Citizens' Bank of
Canonsburg was organized, he was elected one of
its directors. When sixteen years of age he united
with the then Seceder Church of Pigeon Creek
(now United Presbyterian) and was always an
earnest worker, seeking her peace and prosperity.
He was chosen an elder when thirty-five years of
age, thus holding the place of father and grand
father. In April, 1888, he and his wife and
family removed to their residence in Canonsburg,
and united with the U. P. Chartiers Church of that
town.

lILLIAM B. FLICK ranks among the
most progressive citizens of Beallsville,
and is a successful agriculturist. His
father, Daniel Flick, was of German de
scent, and his ancestors settled in the Ligonier
Valley many years ago.
Daniel Flick was born in 1802, in Fayette county,
Penn., and there learned the weaver's trade, be
coming one of the first weavers in that locality.
He was five times married: In 1822 he married
Susanna Brown, who was born September 9, 1803,
and settled in Waynesburg, Greene Co , Penn.,
where he followed hotel business, farming and
mercantile pursuits; here Mrs. Flick died, leaving
four children, of whom William B. is the only one
now living. Daniel Flick next married Nancy Stew
art. His third wife was Mrs. Nancy Haldeman, a
widow; his fourth was Jane E. Cleaver, and for his
fifth wife he married Mrs. Eleanor Freeman, Widow
of Louis Freeman. He died March 18, 1871, at
the age of sixty-eight, on the farm in West Pike
Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where he
had moved in the spring of 1856. For a number
of years he operated a keel boat in the transporta
tion of freight between Rice's Landing and Pitts
burgh, aud was also a wagoner, carrying goods

across the mountains from Baltimore to Greene
county. William B. Flick, son of Daniel and Susanna
(Brown) Flick, was born June 15, 1830, in Waynes
burgh, Greene Co., Penn., and began his education
at a tender age, being carried by his sister to
school when but three years old, in order to save
time for the busy mother. On October 10, 1850,
he was united in marriage with May Berryhill, a
native of Greene county, Penn. She died leaving
one son, William, who became an engineer, and
during a collision, November 5, 1890, at Claysville,
Washington county, was killed, having clung to
his engine to the last. Mr. Flick was married in
1853 to Miss Maria Rhinehart, who died leaving
two children : Oscar (a resident of Greene county)
and an infant. In 1855 Mr. Flick came to West
Pike Run township, Washington county, and on
May 17, 1866, married his third wife in the person
of Zobitha, daughter of James Irwin. Her only
brother, James F. Irwin, is living in Virginia.
Since coming to West Pike Run township, Mr.
Flick has resided on his present farm, which is lo
cated on the northern boundary of Beallsville. He
is a successful agriculturist, and has for the past ten
years made a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cat
tle. Politically, he was formerly a Whig and
Know-Nothing, but is now a Republican, and he
is at present serving in the council of Beallsville
borough. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F.
for twenty years, and of the Encampment, and with
all public enterprises he is prominently identified.
The following reminiscences are from the pen of
Mr. Flick:
The old log school-house that I attended for the first
time, now sixty years ago* was constructed of unhewn
logs, and put together as you would build a pen. Small
stones were set on edge between the logs, and then
dubbed with clay mortar. One log was sawed out to
make room for a sash in the west side, and on this sash
was pasted greased paper. This old log school-house was
abandoned and a new one put up eight or ten years after.
I was carried by my sister to this old school-house. I
would go to see it, and hunt squirrels with my father, for it
was a good place for game. Now, as to the floor in this
old school-house: it was laid with what was called
puncheons in those days, which were split-out logs,
dressed off as best could be done. This floor was not all
over the room, for there was a space six feet square at the
east end, for fire, and on the ground immediately above
this place, over head, were joists to serve as bearings
whereon to build a chimney. This chimney was, at the
base, six feet square and tapered to the height desired,
built out of split lath and plastered with clay mortar.
Qlapboards were split out of oak timber, three and a half
feet long, and laid down on poles; while the joists were
covered with another clapboard. And then there was
what was called a big pole to hold them down; there
were no boards over head. As to seats, they were made
of split puncheon, roughly made with legs. Three of
these were placed around this square where the fire was,
and as the pupils would get warm, they would retire to
other benches, and others would then take their places at
the fire. Daniel Flick, my father, was one of the first
teamsters who made a business of going-to Baltimore for

244

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

goods before there was any railroad; and I may here
state that while he was at Baltimore on one occasion, he
learned that the B. & O. R. R. had twelve miles of road
made, and would run three coaches, engine and tender to
Elliot's Mills. The coaches were furnished with side
seats running lengthwise. So mj7 father concluded to
take a free ride. The B. & O. company had mules sta
tioned at the heavy grades to. assist the engine in making
grade. This was in spring of 1831. This engine and the
coaches were placed on exhibition in the city of Pitts
burgh among other old relics, and were destroyed by
fire.

WILLIAM SWAN, son of Col. William
Swan (who was a son of Timothy Swan,
a Revolutionary soldier, and a native of
County Down, Ireland, and Jane (Watson)
Swan, of Westmoreland county, Penn.) and Mar
tha (French) Swan, daughter of Enoch and Mary
(McElroy) French, of Chambersburg, Penn., was
born in Trumbull county, Ohio, May 11, 1826.
His father, a soldier in the war of 1812, died dur
ing the infancy of his son William, who was the
youngest of a family of six children. In 1832
his mother removed from Ohio to the vicinity of
Canonsburg, in order that her children might
have better educational advantages.
When a very young man Mr. Swan came to
Washington to learn the printer's* trade in the
office of the Examiner, and during his apprentice
ship he was an inmate of the family of the later
venerable Judge Grayson, who was the founder
of that paper. In 1851 Mr. Swan, in partnership
with William Ritezel, Esq. , founded the Review. It
was during this partnership that Mr. Swan, leav
ing the paper in the hands of Mr. Ritezel, made a
trip across the plains to California, which trip was
made on account of bad health. His diary, kept
during the journey, is one of intense interest,
telling of many escapades happening to the trav
elers, and descriptions of some of our now great
western cities at that time. He was gone six
months, returning via the Isthmus of Panama to
New York. Upon his return to Washington, he
bought Mr. Ritezel' s share in the Review, and con
ducted the paper with ability and success until
its consolidation with the Examiner in 1865; and
published as Review and Examiner by Swan &
Ecker, Mr. Swan continuing editor and proprietor
until his death, which occurred October 10, 1876.
In 1863 Mr. Swan was the nominee, on the Demo
cratic ticket, for the office of county treasurer, and
although his party was then in the minority in the
county, yet he polled a vote which indicated the
high esteem in which he was held by his fellow-
citizens as a man of financial integrity and ability,
as well as of personal popularity. His was, in
every sense, a manly character, and as such always
commanded the respect of his opponents, and at
tracted to him troops of personal friends. Warm

hearted, gentle in manner, kind, charitable, be
nevolent and generous, he was ever ready to assist
the poor and unfortunate, and every project, which
appealed to his sympathy, never failed to receive
substantial aid at his hands.
In 1858 Mr. Swan was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah A. McClane, daughter of Ebenezer and
Jane (McMurray) McClane, of Chartiers township,
Washington Co., Penn., and by her had five chil
dren, all now deceased except one daughter, Jean
McClane Swan, who resides with her widowed
mother in the borough of Washington.

FROF. G. G. HERTZOG, a well-known
teacher, and talented professor in the South
western State Normal School, at California,
is a son of Andrew Hertzog,' whose father,
John, was born near Hagerstown, Md.
John Hertzog was educated in his native State;
he was of German descent, and spoke and read
the German and English languages .with equal
ease. Coming to Fayette county, Penn., he re
mained a bachelor until middle age, when he se
lected a wife in the person of Mrs. Sarah Burch-
inal, a widow lady, who had four children by her
former marriage, namely: Jeremiah, Luther,
Thomas and Rebecca. One son, Andrew, was
born to the union of John and Sarah (Burchinal)
Hertzog. The father followed agricultural pur
suits, and died at an advanced age. In his polit
ical sympathies he was a Jeffersonian Democrat.
Andrew Hertzog was born November 11, 1811,
in Springhill township, Fayette Co, Penn., and
there attended the subscription schools. He fol
lowed the business of building and contracting
for many years, and after his marriage settled on
the homestead farm in Fayette county. He mar
ried Susanna, daughter of George and Hannah
Gans, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the par
ents of the following children: Asenath, Susanna,
Hannah, Mary, William, Paul and Philip. Mr.
Gans was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a
member of the Baptist Church. After his death
Mrs. Gans was married to Joseph Baker, and by
him had four children, viz. : Michael, George, Jo
siah and Caroline. To the union of Andrew and
Susannah (Gans) Hertzog were born the following
children: John J., Hannah (deceased), G. G.,
Sarah (wife of William Mallory), Andrew, Amanda
(married to George Lyons), O. G. (a minister of
the Disciple Church, now acting as financial agent
for Hiram College, Ohio), Susanna (wife of Cyrus
Pyle), Caroline (married to George D. Bowers),
Mary (wife of Elza Warman) and Lizzie (wife of
J. D. West). Politically Mr. Hertzog was a Whig
and Republican, serving for years as justice of
the peace, and in religion was a member of the
Baptist Church at Mt. Zion.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

245

Prof. G. G. Hertzog was born September 22,
1837, in Fayette county, Penn., and frona earliest
boyhood developed strong intellectual capacity.
After attending the common schools, he remained
sometime at the academy at George's Creek; then
took a thorough course of instruction at the South
western State Normal School, at California. On
December 25, 1862, he was married to Emily C,
daughter of John G. Hertig, and she has borne
him four children, viz. : Lucy S. and Walter S. (who
both graduated at the Southwestern State Normal
School, the latter in 1891, and is now a teacher),
Russell T. , deceased, and Carl S. Lucy S. after
graduation took a medical course at the Homoe
opathic College, of Cleveland, Ohio, and since re
ceiving her diploma has been employed as princi
pal of the Women's and Children's Dispensary at
Cleveland, Ohio.
Prof. Hertzog was first connected with the South
western State Normal School in 1866, since when
he has been an instructor in the higher branches,
and is now professor of mathematics and book
keeping. His energetic personality is felt and
appreciated in every department of the school, to
which he has devoted many years of his life with
eminent success, as is fully evinced by the phe
nomenal progress the institution has made. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, and in religion
an earnest worker in the Christian Church, in
which he has been an elder for over twenty years,
and in the Sunday-school, of which he has been
superintendent for many years.

L

ODOWICK McCARRELL is prominent
among the leading attorneys of the borough
of Washington, aud a lineal descendant of
Lodowick McCarrell, a native of Ireland,
who came to America and to Washington county
in 1780. At Ten Mile and Hickory, in Mt.
Pleasant township, he took up a large quantity of
land, a great part of which he cleared and im
proved, and here for years he followed agricultural
pursuits. He died in 1851, at the advanced age
of eighty-four years, bearing to the last the im
press of the stalwart race from which he sprung.
Here he married Martha, daughter of John
Lemon, who, together with Andrew Eagleson, was
the first settler in Canton township, where he
died. He had several daughters, all now deceased,
our subject's grandmother being the first to pass
away, dying before her husband. The grandpar
ents of Lodowick, Jr., had a family of seven
children, of whom the following is a fragmentary
record : John died in Lawrence county, Penn. ;
Thomas is spoken of more fully further on; James
died in Beaver county, same State; Andrew died
in Mount Pleasant township, on the old homestead;

Leinan died in Buffalo township, this county,
when middle aged; Isabelle (deceased) was the
wife of Isaac Hodgens, of Buffalo township; Eliza
beth (deceased) was the wife of John Cockins, of
Mt. Pleasant township. The father of this family-
was an elder in the Seceder Church.
Thomas McCarrell, father of Lodowick, Jr. , was
born in Virginia in 1801. He was thrice mar-
' ried — first, to Miss Esther McNary, of Washington
county, who died in 1831, leaving four children,
as follows: Martha, who died in January, 1893,
at Hickory, this county: Margaret, wife of Joseph
Cowden, in Cecil township, near Venice; Dr. John
McCarrell, who died in January, 1891, in Wells
ville, Ohio, and Dr. James McCarrell, a resident
of Allegheny, Penn. For his second wife Thomas
McCarrell married Elizabeth McConnaughy, of
Washington county, a daughter of David McCon
naughy, a farmer, who had come from the North
of Ireland to this county prior to the beginning
of this century; he and his wife and children are
now all dead. Mr. and Mrs. McCarrell, after mar
riage, settled on the old farm in Mt. Pleasant
township, where were born to them the following
named children: David M. , a physician in Hick
ory, this county; Leman, farming on the home
stead in Mt. Pleasant township; Alexander D. ,
a United Presbyterian minister at Stewart's Sta
tion, Westmoreland Co., Penn., and Lodowick,
the subject of these lines. The mother died in
1859, at the age of fifty-nine years, and the father,
in 1863, married Margaret Martin, who died in
1890. The father died in 1872, a member of the
Seceder Church. Politically, he was a Democrat,
and filled various county and township offices of
trust. He was elected county commissioner in
1853, was associate judge for a term of five years,
and was justice of the peace in Mt. Pleasant town
ship seven terms.
Lodowick McCarrel, whose name opens this
biographical sketch, was born February 2, 1842,
in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co. , Penn.,
and received a liberal education at the schools of
the locality, working also at times on the farm.
Having decided to make the legal profession his
life vocation, he entered Jefferson College, from
which he graduated in 1867 in the classical course,
and then commenced the study of law in the office
of Montgomery & Gibson, Washington borough.
In 1869 he was admitted to the bar of the county,
commenced practice in the following year, and has
since continued with eminent success. Mr. Mc
Carrell was married July 25, 1876, to Lida,
daughter of Robert Jackson, and to this union one
son, Robert L. , was born. In his political prefer
ences our subject is an active member of the
Democratic party, and in religious sentiment he is
of the United Presbyterian faith.

246

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

T OHN BAIRD, son of George Baird, of whom
. I mention is made elsewhere in this work, was
(Tli born in Washington, Penn., July 16, 1816,
~ — and received his education in the public
schools in the vicinity of his birthplace. In the
earlier part of his life he was engaged in the com
mission business, which he conducted very sue
Cfsssfully until he was appointed agent of the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. in Washington,
which position he held for many years up until
nearly his retirement from active business,
Mr. Baird was married twice, first time to
Harriet N. Gilfillan, daughter of Dr. Gilfillan, of
West Alexander, Penn. She died in 1852, leaving
ing four children, of whom two are living, viz. :
Mary M., of Leetsdale, Penn., and Susan C,
widow of James C. Johnson, of Erie, Penn. For
his second wife Mr. Baird married Harriet S.
Clark, daughter of Joseph Clark, of Franklin
township, Washington county, and to them seven
children were born, as follows: Jane Wilson, wife
of Moses Atwood, of Pittsburgh; Sarah, who died
iu infancy; George, engaged in the banking busi
ness in Pittsburgh; Joseph, also engaged in bank
ing, in Washington; William, connected with a
glass company of Washington; and Eleanore and
Katharine, both at home. On March 5, 1889, the
father departed this life at the age of seventy-three.
Politically he was a Republican, and in religion a
member of the First Presbyterian Church.

It ¥ ON. JOHN BARCLAY FINLEY, a dis-
rr-A tinguished citizen and business man of
| Monongahela, was born in the city of Phil-
I) -1 adelphia, Penn. , November 17, 1845.
His grandparents came to western Penn
sylvania from Cecil county, Md. , immediately
after the close of the Revolutionary war, his grand
father having served in that war, locating first in
Allegheny City, shortly after moving to a point
eight miles west of Pittsburgh near White Hall and
Sargents Hall, six miles east of Finley ville, or as it
was then called " Rowgalley," where he had a sister
married to James Barclay, who had also come from
Cecil county, Md. John Finley was a farmer, and
owned a body of land, on which Finley ville was built.
The original tract on which the town was located was
called " Mount Pleasant." and the warrant was
taken out by John Wall, December 3, 1787, pur
chased by James Barclay, who sold the most of it
to John Finley in 1788. It was npmed Finley-
ville, in honor of John Finley. He and his wife
had children as follows: William, born January
16, 1788, never married; Robert, March 27, 1790,
never married; John, January 17, 1792; Jane, May
20, 1793; Sarah, April 19, 1795; Levi, January 3,
1798; Margaret, March 30, 1800; Isabel, March
11, 1802; Mary, November 28, 1804; James (father

of J. B. Finley), June 10, 1806, and Susan, June
23, 1808. Of these Margaret married a Mr. Bald
win; Isabel married a Mr. Cochran; Jane married
Dr. Joseph Curry; Susan married a Mr. Curry;
Mary married a Mr. St. Clair; Sarah, married a
Mr. Neil. John Finley was a very large land
owner in Washington county.
James Finley, father of subject, was born in
1806, on the old homestead six miles east of
Finley on the Pittsburgh and Brownville road.
He learned merchandising with his brother, Robert,
who was the first postmaster of Finleyville. A
short time after James went to Pittsburgh, where
he entered a mercantile house, remaining here
from the time he was twenty-five to thirty years of
age, when he proceeded to Philadelphia, and from
there traveled abroad. Returning to Philadelphia,
he there engaged, in company with a partner, in
the wholesale dry-goods business. In 1851 the
firm failed, and had to close out the business at a
great loss. Having saved from the ruin a small
amount of money, he was enabled to open a general
store at Finleyville. Here he remained several
years, dying in 1857, at the age of fifty-one years.
Mr. Finley was married to Miss Catherine O'Neil,
who was born at or near Albany, N. Y. , a daughter
of John O'Neil. To this union were born seven
children, viz.: James, who died aged seventeen;
William P. , who was but eighteen years old, when
in May, 1862, he was killed at the battle of Will
iamsburg, Va. (he was a member of the " Friend
Rifles," of Pittsburgh); John Barclay, our subject;
Byron S. , unmarried, and residing in Otley, Iowa
(he and his mother, the latter now aged seventy-
one years, and sister Florence E., reside together) ;
Rowland W. , who resides in Goodland, Kans. (he
was county clerk two terms, going out of office in
1890; he owns a considerable body of land near the
county seat, and also a flouring mill at Goodland;
he married Miss Laura White, of Iowa); Florence
E., mentioned above; Robert F., unmarried and
residing in San Francisco, engaged in the erection
of gas plants.
When six years old our subject came with his
parents to Finleyville, Washington Co. , Penn., at
the common schools of which place he received his
primary education, finishing with a course at the
normal school in Monongahela City. Soon after
leaving school he engaged as a clerk in the mer
cantile house of Alexander & Co., in that city,
continuing with them in merchandising until 1865,
when they disposed of their mercantile interests,
and engaged exclusively in banking. Mr. Finley
remained with them until 1870, when, the Peoples
Savings Bank being established, he was made
cashier. The bank was, in 1880, reorganized under
the title of "The Peoples Bank," Mr. Finley
being elected president, which position he contin
ues to fill. He was one of the original organizers

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

249

and promoters of the Monongahela City Gas Co. ,
having been a director since its organization and
treasurer since 1880; has been director of Williams
port Bridge Co. for a number of years, president
since 1888, and be rebuilt it after the fire in 1884;
he is a director, and for two years was president,
of the Bellewood & Monongahela Natural Gas
Co., and is also one of the principal stockholders
of this company; is also one of the incorporators of
Monongahela Cemetery Association; is also presi
dent and principal stockholder of the Lawrence
Gas Co. of New Castle, Penn., and of the New
Castle Electric Co., and treasurer and principal
stockholder of the City of New Castle Water Co. ;
president of and stockholder and director in the
Broad Top & Cambria Coal Co.. and is a director
in the Fifth National Bank of Pittsburgh. Polit
ically Mr. Finley is a Republican, and represented
Washington county in the Legislature 1887-88, and
was elected to fill the unexpired term of Hon.
James K. Billingsly, 1889-90; served in the House
of 1891, and resigned in April, 1892, in order to
accept office as councilman so as to more effectively
advocate improved streets and sewerage for Monon
gahela City; he had been a member of council be
fore, and president of councils three or four terms,
also clerk of council a number of years. Mr.
Finley is a prominent Freemason, having attained
the thirty-second degree; is a Sir Knight Templar
and member of the Shrine. He is a member of the
Americus Club, and the Duquesne Club, of Pitts
burgh. He was a member of the Revenue com
mission of 1887 (along with M. S. Quay, John
Faunce, W. Norris, James S. Graham, H. K.
Boyer, Christopher E. Hydrick, Jerome B. Niles.
Henry Palmer, Thomas V. Cooper, and others)
to examine into the tax lawis of the State and rec
ommend State tax legislation. During the war
of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, Eight
eenth Pennsylvania Militia, in answer to a call
of Gov. Curtin in 1862, and was stationed near
Hagerstown, Md. After Lee crossed the Potomac
his regiment was ordered back to Greencastle and
thence home.
Mr. Finley was united in marriage, Fajbruary
21, 1878, with Miss Marguerite Bowman, who was
born in Monongahela City, a daughter of Michael
Bowman. Mr. and Mrs. Finley are members of
the First Presbyterian Church.

M'RS. CLARA W. BAIRD, the widow of
Andrew Todd Baird, is a daughter of
Hugh W Wilson, of Washington county,
¦* who settled in South Strabane township,
on a farm his grandfather had purchased.
The ancestry of this family in Washington
county came to America at an early day, and six
generations have lived on the old home place estab-

4>

lished in Washington borough, the representative
of the fifth generation still living there. James
Wilson came from Bedford county, Penn., in 1781,
and purchased lot No. 291, where Smith's store
now stands. He died in 1792 in the house he had
built on the corner of Main and Beau streets. At
his death his wife (name unknown) inherited by
will the use of 200 acres of land adjoining the town
until James, the youngest son, should be of age,
when the farm was to be equally divided between
James, Thomas and John. Hugh, the eldest son.
had been provided for by certain property set off
to him previously, a portion of which was the lot
on Main street, near Maiden; and in addition to
this property he purchased, in 1786, the lot on
which Morgan's store now stands. This Hugh
Wilson was the grandfather of Mrs. Clara Baird.
He was thrice married; his first wife was Rachel
Leet, born May 31, 1769, daughter of Isaac Leet.
and sister of Maj. Daniel Leet, and by her he had
children as follows: Rebecca, Margaret, Rachel
and Hugh W. The mother of these children
dying in 1788, Hugh Wilson married Margaret
(Hamilton) Fleming, a widow with one daughter,
Catherine, who afterward became the wife of John
D. McFaddeu, jeweler, of Pittsburgh. By this
wife Hugh Wilson had one daughter, Eliza, mar
ried to Rev. Thomas Swaim, of Philadelphia, who
was pastor of the Baptist Church at Washington,
Penn., from 1846 to 1850. After the death of his
second wife.Hugh Wilson married a Miss Spencer,
an English lady, who survived him many years.
Hugh W. Wilson, the only son of Hugh and Ra
chel (Leet) Wilson, was born in Washington, Penn.,
February 22, 1812. On April 25, 1837, he was
married to Frances Emma, daughter of Thomas and
Frances Anica (Preble) Barlow, of Allegheny, and
their children were: Edward Preble, born April 25,
1838, now living in Cincinnati, Ohio; James Blaine,
born November 25, 1839, now living in Washington,
Penn.; Clara, the subject proper of this sketch;
and Frances Emma, who died in infancy. The
mother died February 12, 1845, at the age of
twenty-seven years, and Mr. Wilson married, Sep
tember 9, 1847, Sarah Neville, niece of General
Neville, and by her he had two children : Neville
Craig, born October 30, 1850, died January 1, 1887,
and Rebecca Blaine, born September 12, 1853, died
February 16, 1877. The mother of these children
departed this life September 30, 1856, aged thirty-
six years, and the father on May 13, 1862, at the
age of forty-nine years. By occupation he was a
farmer, and during the later years of his life he
followed fruit growing, also kept a greenhouse.
His death was sudden, caused by over exertion in
rapid walking, which produced internal rupture.
For thirty years he was a deacon in the Baptist
Church. On June 8, 1865, Clara Wilson was united in

250

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

marriage with Andrew Todd Baird, by whom she
had seven children, viz. : Frances Emma, Jane
Cunningham, Auica Chambers, George (deceased
at the age of five months), Andrew Todd (deceased
when aged ten and one-half years), Hugh Wilson
and Susan, the survivors all living with the mother
on Maiden street, Washington.
Andrew Todd Baird was born in 1831, at the
home of his grandparents in Washington, Penn.,
but was taken to Ripley, Ohio, where he remained
until 1836, thence moved to Wheeling, W. Va. , in
which city be lived till 1844, there receiving a part
of his education. At the age of seventeen (1848)
Mr. Baird graduated at Washington and Jefferson
College, where he took a classical course. For a
time he studied law with his uncle, but for some
reason abandoned it. He learned telegraphy, and
in 1851 had charge of the telegraph office at Wash
ington, but resigned to enter his father's store. In
1860 he b3came a partner with his father, and on
the latter's death succeeded to the business. For
twenty years (1868 to 1887) he was treasurer of
Washington and Jefferson College; was treasurer
of the First Presbyterian Church sixteen years
(1869 to 1885) and at the time of his death the
church was out of debt; for thirty years he was
librarian of the Sunday-school. Mr. Baird had
joined the church in 1856, and lived the life of a
true Christian. He was a most conscientious man
and gave liberally of his means to all deserving
charities and beneficent institutions, and on June
6, 1856, he commenced to devote one-tenth of his
income for that purpose. He was a stanch Repub
lican, at all times standing firmly and conscien
tiously by his political opinions. After marriage
he and his wife took up their residence on Beau
street, in the borough of Washington, remaining
there until 1871, moving twice before 1875, when
they took possession of the present home of the
family. Here Mr. Baird died March 25, 1887, at
the age of fifty-five years, six month.

EORGE BAIRD. This gentleman was a
typical specimen of the vigorous and hearty
Scotch-Irish race from which he claimed
descent. His grandfather, John Baird, came to
America, as a soldier under Gen. Braddock, and
shared with him the memorable defeat on the
Monongahela, July 9, 1755. He is said to have
lost his life in the disastrous battle of Grant's Hill,
in 1758, before Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh).
His widow with her infant son, Absalom, continued
to reside in the home he had established for them
in Chester county, Penn. But on arriving at a
suitable age, this son was sent to the famous
academy at Pequa, in Lancaster county, then con
ducted by that eminent educator, Dr. Robert

Smith, where, by thorough study, he prepared
himself to enter upon a course in medicine. The
outbreak of the American Revolution found him a
physician ready for practice, and opened to him a
fine field of professional energy and of patriotism
as an army surgeon, a capacity in which he served
his country until 1781, when his regiment was dis
banded under an act of Congress. Returning to
Chester county, he settled in Kennett Square, and
there practiced medicine until November, 1786,
when he removed to Washington, Penn. • In his
new sphere, Dr. Baird, besides practicing his pro
fession, soon reached eminence as a leader in the
community, as indicated by the various offices he
successively held, viz. : justice of the peace, county
lieutenant, brigade inspector, member of the State
Senate, and then of the House of Representatives,
sheriff of Washington county and trustee of Wash
ington Academy, the germ of the present Washing
ton College. He died October 27, 1805, leaving
four sons, viz. : John, who followed him in the
medical profession, but died early; George, the
subject of this memorial, and Thomas H. and Will
iam, both of whom became eminent and successful
lawyers, the former also a distinguished judge.
His first wife, Susanna (Brown), was called from
earth November 16, 1802, about three years before
his death, and his second, Margaret (Darrah), fol
lowed his remains to the grave in the year sue
ceeding their marriage.
George Baird, the second son of Dr. Absalom
Baird, was born in Kennett Square, Chester Co.,
Penn., October 28, 1785. He was taken by his
parents to their new home in Washington at the
age of eleven months, and here he grew up into
the bodily and mental strength which ever charac
terized him amidst the peculiar advantages of a com
munity whose first settlers possessed unusual cult
ure and transmitted it to their posterity. Reared
carefully amidst the best influences of. a Scotch-
Irish Presbyterian home and community, the text
ure of his youthful character was wrought after
that superior fashion. The death of his father
left Mr. Baird an orphan of just twenty years. He
had simultaneously or alternately, been for some
time pursuing classical and mathematical study at
Washington Academy, and preparing for the prac
tice of medicine in his father's office. During the
summer of 1805, he had enjoyed the instruction of
the Rev. Matthew Brown, who in the spring of that
year had become both pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of Washington, and principal of the
academy. Dr. Brown had in the academy, as as
sistant, Mr. David Elliott (afterward Rev. Dr.
Elliott), the successor of Dr. Brown both in the
pastorate of the church and the presidency of the
college. The retirement of Mr. Elliott after a
year of service to resume his studies as a candidate
for graduation in Dickinson College, at Carlisle,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

251

Penn., was simultaneous with the transition of
Washington Academy into the college under the
charter of 1806. Mr. Baird took his place as tutor,
and efficiently discharged the duties of the posi
tion for a year. The serious bereavement which
imposed upon him a large share of the support of
the family, also compelled the abandonment of a
future prosecution of collegiate studies, and, what
was still worse, of his medical studies also. This
was much regretted, in view of his special classical
taste add capacity, and a corresponding want of
adaptation to ordinary trade. But "necessity
knows no law." The aspiring student must needs
abandon his books and come down to the stress of
business. He did this with cheerful submission
and characteristic energy, ever holding the confi
dence of the community in which he lived, but not
with the degree of success with which we may well
suppose the pursuits of his preference and longing
might have been crowned. His first important
venture, along with his brother-in-law, Nicholas
Wilson, in the form of a boat-load of flour for the
market at New Orleans, was a disastrous failure,
on account of the intervening depression of prices.
Subsequently he was engaged in business for a
brief season at St. Genevieve, Mo., and also at
Nashville, Tenn. But returning to his home in
Washington, popular favor expressed itself in his
election, in 1811, to the office of sheriff of Wash
ington county, for the term of three years, re-elec
tion being forbidden by law in the case of that
office, unless after a lapse of time. During the
same years, as for the two previous years, the office
of deputy attorney- general was filled by his brother
Thomas H. Baird, who likewise was president
judge of the district composed of Washington,
Fayette and Greene counties for a continuous pe
riod of twenty years, beginning with 1818. Dur
ing the years 1816-24, William Baird, the young
est brother, was deputy attorney-general. These
facts abundantly attest both the energy of these
brothers and of their hold on the public confidence.
Two important events in Mr. Baird's life were
closely associated with his election as sheriff in
1811. One of these was his marriage, and the
other his union with the Presbyterian Church of
Washington, by public profession of his faith. On
October 25, 1811, two or three weeks after his
election, he and Miss Jane, daughter of John and
Catherine Wilson, of Washington, were happily
united for life by Rev. Dr. Matthew Brown. The
union was a thorough blending of mutual love and
devotion, of ever increasing strength, until No
vember 2, 1860, when on the verge of a half cent
ury the husband's death separated them for a little
while. Very shortly after his marriage and the
assumption of the duties of his office, Mr. Baird
took the vows of a Christian upon himself and sat

down beside his beloved bride at the communion
table of the Lord.
The expiration of Mr. Baird's term of office was
followed, after a short interval, by his election in
January, 1816, as a member of the House of Rep
resentatives at Harrisburg, to fill the vacancy oc
casioned by the death of Gen. James Stephenson.
He at once took his seat and vigilantly discharged
his duties as a legislator. Retiring then to private
life, he engaged in mercantile business, which
through several changes, and with varying fortune,
he pursued until 1829, when his financial embar
rassments culminated in bankruptcy. The trial
was in every way severe, and its experience bitter,
but conscious integrity and an unblemished repu
tation sustained his wounded spirit. It was under
the necessity which followed this reverse of fort
une, that Mr. Baird in 1830 removed to the neigh
borhood of Ripley, Ohio, and took charge of a
farm and a mill belonging to his brother-in-law,
Rev. Andrew Todd, of Kentucky. Here, too, his
life for six years was one of both struggle and
heroic endurance, as well as of success least
equal to his expectation. In 1836 another change
was made responsive to an iuvitation of his wife's
brother, Marcus Wilson, to join him in the dry-
goods business at Wheeling, Va. But their ar
rangements had scarcely gone into effect when Mr.
Wilson's death precipitated another. Alone he
then entered into the grocery business, though he
was, of course, put under unexpected stress. Yet
he pushed his way with assiduous earnestness and
established a trade which produced a comfortable
living. So he continued until 1844, when the in
creasing infirmities of Mrs. Baird's aged parents at
Washington, made a call of filial duty to return to
that place and take charge of them. Concurrent
with this was the inducement of a better oppor
tunity to educate his younger children. At Wheel
ing he had not only been reasonably prospered in
business, but his family had formed strong ties of
friendship, which still bind them. Their relations
with the First Presbyterian Church of that city,
during the seven years of their continuance, were
most cordial and satisfactory. Especially was
their union close with the venerable pastor, Rev.
Henry R. Weed, D.D.,and his family. The re
moval to Washington was the last change. En
gaging in the same business as at Wheeling, Mr.
Baird prosecuted it with vigor, having the efficient
help of his youngest son, Andrew Todd Baird,
during the last twelve years of his life. That son
succeeded him at his death, and soon, by his com
bined skill and energy, rose to the front rank of
business men, a place which by common consent
he held up to his death. The return of Mr. Baird
to Washington was speedily followed with renewed
tokens of confidence from a community which well

252

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

knew his worth. He was at once elected a trustee
of Washington College, and so continued through
the remaining seventeen years of his life. This
was but a return to a position which he had before
held for twenty consecutive years, commencing
with 1812, under the presidency of Dr. Matthew
Brown. During all of this latter period he acted
as collector and a portion of it as treasurer of this
institution. In this, too, his youngest son was his
assistant, and succeeding to the financial trust was
in full charge of the resources of the board until
his death in 1887. In 1848 he was chosen to the
office of justice of the peace, and discharged its
duties for five years. But the office which he most
of all valued was that of ruling elder in the Pres
byterian Church of Washington, to which, after
election by the people, he was ordained and in
stalled October 3, 1847, along with James Boon,
Joseph Henderson and Dr. Robert R. Reed. In
that sacred office he was ever discriminating, con
stant and true to duty, and during most of the time
was the efficient clerk of the Session. His appre
ciation by the ministry and eldership beyond his
own particular church, may be inferred from his
unanimous appointment by the Presbytery of
Washington, as one of its commissioners to the
General Assembly, which held its sessions in Nash
ville, Tenn., in May, 1855.
The character of Mr. Baird was very marked.
In him seeming opposites were wonderfully blend
ed. Decision even sometimes to sternness if not
bluntness, was joined with a tenderness of heart
seldom surpassed. He was brave to utter fear
lessness in avowing and maintaining his convic
tions, and yet modest, diffident and deferential to
the judgmeat of those in whose wisdom and truth
he confided. He would suffer loss rather than
forsake a principle or betray a friend. He was
not slow to maintain his own rights with a heroic
spirit, but he was ever more ready to forego his
own ease and interest in doing a kindness. No
parent more strictly exacted obedience, whilst no
one could exceed him in a father's sympathetic
love. He was solicitous for the spiritual welfare
of the young, an earnest teacher in the Sabbath-
school, and, during several periods, its superintend
ent. He loved the sanctuary with its sacred
word and ordinances. The family altar never fell
into neglect in his home, nor did the religious in
struction of his children. With his last breath he
uttered affectionate words of parting to his beloved
wife and children, as well as fit counsels to all that
came to his bedside. His expressions of goodwill
toward his fellow-men were hearty, and his
prayers for the coming of the Lord went up be
fore him to the heavenly throne. On November
2, 1860, he breathed out his life in the sweet peace
of Christ, and two days later his body was gently

laid to rest in the "city of the dead." He had
through grace finished his earthly course of seventy-
five years, and even then was beholding the Lord's
face, and was satisfied with His likeness.
His widow survived him until July 16, 1872,
when she departed this life in her seventy-ninth
year. She was greatly beloved in life, not only
within her own large circle of relatives but by a
still greater number, between whom and herself,
during long and affectionate intercourse, ties had
been formed which are stronger than death. The
loveliness of her manners and disposition which
made her girlhood so attractive, was thus carried
into the responsible relations of wife and mother.
She was equally at home among the refined and
the lowly; modestly diffusing the light of her own
genial spirit over all around her, and receiving
back the largest rewards of confidence and love.
Her words of encouragement and hope fell tenderly
upon sorrowful hearts. As a daughter, sister,
wife and mother, her affection, illustrated by her
daily words and acts, wrote its own history upon
the memories of those bound to her by those tender
ties, which must prove as lasting as the soul. She
was kind, tender and thoughtful in all that re
lated to the welfare and happiness of each and all
of them. She was a mother in the fulness of love
and care to a succession of orphaned children,
chiefly nephews, nieces and grandchildren, which
seldom finds a parallel. From the time of her
marriage, down through the threescore years dur
ing which she had a home, there was no time when
the blessings of that home were not shared by one
or more of this class. In her time of greatest need,
she always had somewhat to give, when the Mas
ter's cause appealed to her for help. In this, as
in a multitude of other ways, did her unselfish
preference of the good and happiness of others over
any gratification of her own, appear.
Mrs. Baird was born and reared, as she also
spent most of her life and died, on the same prem
ises. She was the fourth daughter of John Wil
son, Esq., who died in 1847, and Mrs. Catherine
Wilson, who died December 15, 1857, who, with
their firstborn child, immigrated from Ireland to
this country in 1786. After a residence of three
years in Philadelphia they settled in. Washington,
Penn., in 1789, and here, after a long life, they
came to their rest among the dead. Of five sis
ters, all of whom lived to widowhood and advanced
age, and were blended into closer union by means
of common circumstances and experiences, three
were called away within the brief space of seven
teen months. Mrs. Martha Wishart (widow of Dr.
John Wishart), the second sister, died March 1,
1871, in the eightieth year of her age; on August
2, 1872, the eldest sister, Mrs. Mary, widow of
David Acheson, fell asleep as she neared the ven-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

253

erable age of eighty-five years; Mrs. Margaret
Wilson died July 21, 1876; Mrs. Catherine W.
Todd, on January 5, 1877, and John K. Wilson
on July 4, 1883.

IV Jlf ORGAN HAYES, senior member of the
v/1 firm of Hayes & Wilson, carriage makers
It I of Washington, Penn., was born in Hart
II J ford county. Conn., March 13, 1820; re-
v ceived his education there and learned the
carriage makers' trade in the town of Hartford.
Morgan Hayes settled at Washington, Penn.,
October 15, 1841, and in partnership with his
brother and uncle (who had been keeping a hotel
in the borough) established a carriage shop in rear
of the court-house. Burned out there, the com
pany purchased the old Presbyterian church build
ing, now vacant and the property of the S. B. &
C. Hayes estate. In 1871 the shop was established
in the old Methodist church building, 54 North
Franklin street, where business is now carried on.
As a coincidence, it may be related that a brother
in Columbus, Ohio (now of the firm of M. & E. K.
Hayes), conducted an industry of the same nature
in an old church building. In 1871 our subject
formed a partnership with John S. Wilson, who
had served an apprenticeship with him, for the
manufacture of all kinds of carriages, buggies,
spring wagons, etc., which has since continued
with well-merited success. Politically, Mr. Hayes
is a Democrat, in religion a member of the Second
Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. He
is the oldest carriage maker iD Washington, and
built the first buggy in the county. He has in his
possession a buggy he made in 1843, and sold July
3, that year; but some years ago he bought it back,
and has exhibited it since at the county fair. This
vehicle is now half a century old, is good and sound,
and a venerable reminder of the days immediately
following the "Hard Cider Campaign." Some
years ago, Rev. Charles Hayes published a vo
luminous work, on the Hayes family, at Westfield,
N. Y. , which is a standard genealogy back to 1640.
It does not treat of the family before the Refor
mation.

OLIVER M. LINTON is descended from an
¦honored ancestry who came to Washington
county at a very early period in its history.
John Linton immigrated to America about
1682, and was apparently the first of the family to
set foot upon American soil. An old family Bible,
now in the possession of our subject, contains a
record of five generations, and the first item in this
record is the following: "Benjamin Linton, son of
John and Rebecca, born 6th month, 10th day,
1703."

Joshua Linton, son of the above-named Benja
min, by a second wife, nee Jane Cowgil, was born
January 22, 1738, and was the great-grandfather
of Oliver M. In early pioneer days he was a resi
dent of Bucks county, Penn. , whence, in company
with his three sons — Benjamin, Mahlon and
Joshua, Jr. — he came to Washington county
toward the close of the last century. [This is taken
from data supplied by Prof. Edwin Linton.] Of
these sons, Mahlon was born in Bucks county, at
9:30 o'clock, a. m. , February 6, 1781, was reared to
agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, after the
fashion of those early times, and also learned the
trade of weaving, both of which occupations he
followed through life. After his arrival in Wash
ington county, he purchased, on March 10, 1789,
seventy- six acres of wild land in East Bethlehem
township, where he made a settlement, clearing
his place of the primeval forest, and enduring the
many hardships incident to pioneer life. On
March 31, 1803, he married Ann Hilles, who bore
him the following named children: Sarah, born.
August 14, 1804, died in 1873; William H., born
April 30, 1806, died 1862; Samuel, born June 23,
1809, died 1864; Joseph, born January 28, 1813,
died 1882; Mary Ann, born April 27, 1815, died
1882; Isaiah, born September 29, 1817, died 1891;
Caroline, born August 21, 1820, died in girlhood,
and Margaret, born September 21, 1825. The
father died April 4, 1831, the mother following
him to the grave June 21, 1838. He was a Whig
in politics, and in his religious connection was a
Quaker. William H. Linton was born on the farm now
owned by his son, Oliver M., in East Bethlehem
township, and which has been in the possession of
the Linton family ever since its purchase in 1789
by Mahlon Linton. He received his education at
the subscription schools of the locality of his birth,
and afterward attended Westland Academy. His
brothers and sisters, who grew to maturity, all
married and became scattered, but he continued to
live on the old homestead, assisting his father in
the duties of the farm, and at the latter' s death
he inherited the property. He was married Octo
ber 31, 1832, to Matilda, daughter of Benjamin
Taylor, one of Washington county's early Quaker
citizens. To this union were born children as
follows : Eli, Caroline, Elizabeth Ann, Oliver M. ,
William Hilles, Mary and Eliza, John Francis and
Lawrence, all of whom are now deceased, except
Caroline, Oliver M. and William Hilles, the last
named being a resident of Salem, Ohio. The
father by occupation was' a farmer, shoemaker and
broom maker; in politics he was a Republican, in
religious faith a Quaker; he died March 29, 1862;
the mother was called from earth September 17,
1869. Oliver M. Linton, whose name opens this bio-

254

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

graphical memoir, was born on the farm which he
now owns, and of which he has been a lifelong
resident, with the exception of three years (1882
to 1885) he spent in Centreville. He was educated
at the common schools of his district, receiving at
home a thorough training in the arduous and
matiifold duties of ,a practical agriculturist, and
has made farming pursuits, including threshing by
horsepower, the vocation of his life. On October
26, 1865, he was married to Miss Philena Cleaver,
who was born September 18, 1841, in Columbiana
county, Ohio, daughter of Eli Cleaver, and this
union was blessed with five children, viz. : Nora
M., born August 19, 1867; Mary M., born August
2, 1869; Lizzie L., born September 10, 1871;
Cora E., born April 3, 1873, and Eva 0., born
November 2, 1882. Of these the following named
three all died in 1872 of diphtheria: Nora M.,
March 14; Mary M., February 15, aud Lizzie L.,
March 12. Mr. Linton's farm, comprising ninety-
three acres, in a high state of cultivation, is
equipped with all modern improvements, and is
devoted exclusively to general farming and stock
raising. In his political preferments our subject
is a Republican, and has served as judge of
election.

I OHN S. WILSON, of the firm of Hayes &
. I Wilson, carriage makers, Washington, is a
v\ native of that borough, born in March, 1830.
^^ His grandfather, Matthew Wilson, was of
Butler county, Penn. , whence he removed to
Morgan county, Ohio, where he carried on farm
ing, and died in 1845 at the patriarchal age of
ninety years. He was a Revolutionary soldier.
His wife, a native of Ireland, bore him five
children (all now deceased), one of whom came at
the age of seventeen years to Washington, but did
not remain long; another son and a daughter died
in Ohio.
William Jackson Wilson, a son of Matthew, was
born in Butler county, Penn., and when a lad came
to Washington, where for many years he followed
his trade, shoemaking. He was a very patriotic
man, and held a commission as major in the
militia. In 1862, then sixty years of age, he was
desirous of enlisting in the active service of his
country, but because of his white hair and beard
he was rejected. Determined, however, to get
into some regiment, he rejuvenated himself by
dying his hair, aud was then accepted, serving his
country four years with as much zeal and activity
as many a much younger man. When he reached
the age of seventy-six, he departed this life, a
stanch Republican in his political preferences,
although prior to the Civil war he had been a
Democrat. At one time in his life he was over
seer of the poor, serving eight years, Socially he

was connected with the I. O. O. F. and F. & A.
M. , and in religion he was a member of the M. E.
Church. Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Mary
Kimmons, nee Sprowls, a descendant of John
Sprowls who came from England to this county
about the time of the Revolution, settling in East
Finley township. To this union were born six
children, as follows: George, W., in Louisville,
Ky. (for thirty years he was on the L. & N. railroad);
Sarah is the wife of Morgan Hayes; John S. is the
subject of this sketch; Mary (Mrs. Daniel Mowry)
is deceased; Charlotte lives in Washington, Penn.
The mother died at McConnellsville, Ohio, in
1841. John S. Wilson received his education at the
public schools of his native place, and learned the
trade of shoemaker with his father, at which he
worked three years. Preferring, however, the
carriage- making business, he bound himself as an
apprentice to S. B. & C. Hayes, of Washington,
in that line' and served four years, after which he
worked as a journeyman, part of the time in
Wheeling, W. Va. In 1859 he went " across the
plains" to California, with oxen, the journey
occupying six months, and he has still in his pos
session a diary he kept, containing an interesting
account of his trip from the time of his leaving
home to his return in 1865. About that year he
again went to Wheeling, where he remained several
years, and then, finally, returned to Washington,
where, in 1871, he entered into partnership with
Morgan Hayes, for the manufacture of all kinds of
carriages, buggies, spring wagons, etc., under the
firm name of Hayes & Wilson, which has since
continued with unqualified success. In 1868 Mr.
Wilson was married to Miss Harriet Woodward
Kimball, of Wheeling, W. Va., a native of White
Mills, Penn., and whose parents are. now deceased.
No children have been born to this union. Polit
ically Mr. Wilson sympathizes with the Demo
cratic party, but in voting he invariably uses his
judgment, casting his ballot for " the right man
for the right place;" socially he was at one time
a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a typical self-
made man, having attained success by his own
individual efforts. Enterprising to an eminent
degree, he takes a lively interest in all measures
tending to the welfare and prosperity of his city
and county. He is a stockholder in both the Glass
Works and the Tube Works in Washington.

F. LYON, a resident of Amwell township,
Washington Co., Penn., is of Scotch -Irish
descent. His great-great-grandfather, Na
thaniel Lyon, emigrated from the High
lands of Scotland to this country in the early part
of the eighteenth century, and settled near Morris-
towD, New Jersey.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

255

Nathaniel Lyon had five sons: Ezekiel, Nathan
iel, Benjamin, Stephen and John. These brothers
all immigrated to western Pennsylvania, and for a
time remained at, or near, what is now Browns
ville, Fayette county. Here Ezekiel, the eldest,
built a woolen mill and manufactured cloth for
many years. Nathaniel, the second son of this
family, immigrated to Ohio in the early days, and
settled on the Muskingum river. Stephen, the
fourth son, was a cripple and worked at the trade
of tinsmith. The fifth son, Joho, settled in
Virginia, at or near the flats of Grave creek, and
there lived and died.
Benjamin Lyon, third son of Nathaniel, and
great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was born in 1752 near Morristown, N. J., where
he had his home until after the Revolutionary war,
in which he served during the entire conflict. He
was married in 1777, while a soldier, to a Miss
Wilcox who, with her father, mother and one
brother had started from London, England (the
father, Mr. Wilcox, during a storm while they
were crossing the ocean, was drowned). The
mother, Mrs. Wilcox, with her two children,
reached this country safely, and settled in Phila
delphia. After the war, Benjamin Lyon immi
grated to Western Pennsylvania, and settled on a
farm at the headwaters of Mingo creek, about one
mile north of Dunningsville, Washington Co. ,
Penn. This farm was for many years owned by
Andrew Crouch (deceased), and is now owned by
his son, John Crouch. The original mansion
house and home of Benjamin Lyon, on this farm,
is still standing; it is a frame building, and was
built by his own hands, he being a mechanic. He
lived on this farm until the death of his first wife
in 1801. She was buried in a graveyard on the
adjoining farm, koown for many years back as the
"Todd farm." Benjamin Lyon, soon after the
death of his wife, sold out and moved to Smith
Creek, Greene Co., Penn., where, in 1812, he
married the Widow Rogers, and by her had one son
(Mathias), born June 9, 1813 (now living in Chilli-
cothe, Mo.). By his first wife he (Benjamin
Lyon) had children as follows: Betsy, born April
27, 1778; Phcebe, born November 10, 1781; Sabia,
born December 9, 1783; Nancy, born Maroh 30,
1787; Noah, born March 27, 1790; William, born
March 9. 1795; and Joanna, born December 13,
1800. Religiously, Benjamin Lyon was a Baptist,
aud was very strong in the faith. He died in
1836, at the age of eighty-four, and was buried on
the Thomas Smith farm, two mileB from Waynes
burg. Pennsylvania.
William Lyon (grandfather of O. F. Lyon) was
born March 9, 1795, in Nottingham towDship,
Washington Co., Penn. He was married September
7, 1816, to Elizabeth Hathaway, who bore him
eight children, viz. : Morgan Lyon, bojp July 17,

1817; Thomas Harvey (residing at Linden, Wash
ington Co., Penn.), born September 4, 1819; Har
rison (deceased), born December 24, 1821; Jack
son (deceased), born October 17, 1824; Louisa
(Mrs. Horner, deceased), born May 27, 1827;'
Richmond (deceased), born January 28, 1829;
Perren (residing at Orange, Cal.), born May 10,
1832; and William Sealy (residing at Rochelle,
111.), born February 26, 1835. He lived in Greene
county for a short time, then bought a gristmill
on Ten Mile creek, Washington county (now
known as Lindley' s Mills), which he owned and
operated until 1842, when he sold out, and with
his wife and children moved to Clark connty, Ind. ,
where he remained until the fall of 1844, when, on
account of sickness of nearly all his family, and
death of two of his sons (Harrison and Jackson),
he returned to Pennsylvania and located at Beck's
Mills, three miles east of Canonsburg, Washing
ton county, where he died November 9, 1845;
Elizabeth Lyon, his widow, died April 10, 1864.
Morgan Lyon (father of O. F. Lyon) was born
July 17, 1817. His education was obtained at
common schools, and for some time he taught
school in his own neighborhood; when not teach
ing he worked with his father in the mill. On
November 25, 1838, he was married to Clarissa
Jane McVey, who bore him nine children, viz. :
Oscar F. (whose name opens this sketch); Emma
A. (Mrs. Samuel Bane, deceased), born September
17, 1841; Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Evans Bane, re-
siding in Moniteau county, Mo.), born March 22,
1844; Harvey R., born September 9, 1846, was a
soldier in Company K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, war of the Rebellion (now residing in
Denton, Tex.); William A., born January 13, 1849
(was a soldier in Company K, Sixteenth Pennsyl
vania Cavalry, died at Alexandria, Va. , June 1,
1864, of wounds received in action); David H,
born October 1, 1851 (died in infancy); Sarah L.,
born March 29, 1855 (residing in Moniteau
county, Mo.); Clara J. (Mrs. Hoge), born Decem
ber 12, 1858 (residing in Chillicothe. Mo.), and
James M. (residing in Burlington, Iowa), born
January 4, 1861.
For a number of years Morgan Lyon followed
droving, buying stock in Ohio and western Penn
sylvania and driving it across the mountains to
the Eastern cities. In 1862 he opened a store of
general merchandise at Lone Pine, Penn., and at
the same time and place owned and operated a
coal mine. Here he continued in business (which
proved to be very profitable) until 1869, when be
sold out and moved to Moniteau county, Mo., and
purchased the farm upon which he lived until his
death. Politically, he was a Whig, and after the
organization of the party he became a Republican,
being always interested in public affairs, and in
tensely loyal. He was especially earnest in pro-

256

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

•noting the welfare of the public schools, was a
great reader, well posted on the general topics of
his time. He was always an earnest believer in
the Christian religion, and died strong in the faith,
January 29. 1891.
Clarissa Jane Lyon (mother of 0. F. Lyon)
was born May 20, 1820, a daughter of Stephen
and Amy McVey, who were of Scotch- Irish origin,
and whose ancestors were among the early settlers
of western Pennsylvania. Mrs. Lyon had four
brothers and three sisters, viz. : Silas (deceased),
Harvey (residing at Washington, Penn.), Franklin,
a carpenter (deceased), Charles (a soldier in the
Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, war of the Re
bellion), Sarah Waddell (residing at Millsboro,
Penn.), Ann Vorhees (deceased), and Amy, living
at West Union, Penn. Mrs. Lyon was always a con
sistent, Christian woman, a devoted wife and
mother. Forgetting self, she lived and toiled
solely for the good of her family and those around
her. She and her husband were formerly mem
bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but
in later years both united with the Christian
Church. She is still living on her farm (left by
her husband) in Moniteau county, Mo.
O. F. Lyon, eldest son of Morgan and C. J.
Lyon, was born December 1, 1839, in Morris
township, Washington Co., Penn. At the age of
two years he went with his parents to Indiana, re
turning with them to Pennsylvania when he was
about five years old, and settling in North Stra
bane township, Washington county. Here he re
mained, going to school in the winter time, and
working on the farm in summer. At the age of
seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, which
he followed until the opening of the war of the
Rebellion, when he enlisted, September 16, 1861,
in the first three-years' call, in Company A,
Eighty-fifth P. V. I., serving until November 22,
1864. He was with Gen. McClellan in the Pen
insular campaign of 1862; with Gen. Foster's ex
pedition from Newberne, N. C, via Atlantic
Ocean to Hilton Head, S. C. , January, 1863;
with Gen. Gilmore, in the Department of the
South, during 1863; with Gen. Butler, around
Petersburg and Richmond, Va. , in 1864. He
participated in the siege of Yorktown, battles of
Williamsburg, Savage Station, Fair Oaks and
Black Water. Va..; siege of Morris Island, and
Fort Wagner, S. C. , sometimes called the Sixty-
one-days' fight; White Marsh. Island, Ga. ; Ber
muda Hundred, Ware Church, Appomattox, Straw
berry Plain, Deep Bottom, Chapin Farm, Va., and
others. At Fair Oaks his life was saved by his
belt clasp, which was struck and broken through
by an ounce minie ball. After his return from
the war Mr. Lyon entered the store of his father,
and on February 18, 1866. was united in marriage
with Catharine Ferrel. The following children

have been born to them: Jennie C, born May
26, 1867 (educated at Oberlin, Ohio, and now
teacher of music at Braddock, Penn.); Emma A.,
born August 17, 1869 (graduated at Bethany Col
lege (W. Va.), and is now missionary in Nankin,
China, under the control of the Foreign Mission
ary Society of the Christian Church); Ella L.,
born June 7, 1872 (graduate of the Washington
Business College and teacher of stenography and
typewriting); William M., born October 20, 1874,
and Sherman L., born December 12, 1883, both
students. Soon after his marriage Mr. Lyon engaged in
farming and stock-raising, and in 1872 purchased
the farm upon which he has since lived. He is
an active Republican, and has served two terms as
justice of the peace in Amwell township. He and
his family have for many years been members of
the Christian Church, and are prominent in the
community.

THE WISE FAMILY. This family, which set
tled at an early day in the southeastern part
of what is now Washington county, Penn.,
were of German extraction. Adam Wise
and his wife, the progenitors, were natives
of Rhenish Hesse, a province of Hesse Darmstadt,
and lived near the river Rhine, where his ancestors
carried on the business of milling and distillation
of wine. He and his wife, excited no doubt by
the wonderful reports which were spread far and
wide of the opportunities afforded the emigrant for
bettering his condition of life in the New World,
set sail with their first born child (Andrew, born
May 7, 1748) from Rotterdam, in the ship "Hamp
shire," Thomas Cheeseman, captain, and touching
last at Falmouth, England, landed at Baltimore,
Md., in July, 1748, the vessel after some delay
proceeding to Philadelphia, where it arrived Sep-
t ember 7 following. Adam Wise and family first
settled on Pipe creek, in Carroll county, Md., at or
near the site of Frederick City,wherehelived about
twenty-two years, and was engaged in the busi
ness of milling, distilling and farming, at which
he prospered and was well to do. Shortly after
March 10, 1763, when his son Adam, Jr., was born,
his first wife died. After a suitable period of
mourning had elapsed, the elder Wise consoled
himself for the loss by taking another wife — a
German lady — and a few years after, his no
madic spirit having revived, he closed out his busi
ness in Maryland, and started with his family, now
numerous, in search of a new home in the wilds of
western Pennsylvania (making the long and tedi
ous journey over the mountains in wagons), and
settled on North Ten Mile creek, probably about
the year 1770, if not earlier. This section of
country was then known as " The Wilderness of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

259

Ten Mile " and was very sparsely settled. Only
four years before this the first white settlement
within the present limits of Washington county
had been made near the junction of Ten Mile
creek with the Monongahela river, and about four
miles down the stream from the point where Adam
Wise selected his new home. The selection was
judiciously made. Perhaps nowhere in Wash
ington county could he have found a more invit
ing site for a homestead. On a commanding emi
nence overlooking the beautiful valley of Ten Mile
he built his cabin home. He must have been a
man of cultured and refined taste, as a family
tradition states that he was largely influenced in
selecting this location by the picturesque land
scape here presented to his view, and more particu
larly by the groves of white pine growing in this
locality — a feature of natural scenery very rare in
Washington county. Here he located a tract of
land, then in Westmoreland county, comprising
about 400 acres, by what was called a " tomahawk
improvement; " that is, he blazed the trees around
his boundaries. The tract lies on the north side
of North Ten Mile creek, about two and one-half
miles from its junction with the south branch, and
about four miles from the Monongahela river. This
tract he named " The Fishery," for the reason that
the finny tribe was very numerous at this point in
the waters of Ten Mile, and it was patented March
19, 1785, under that name, by his son Peter Wise,
who inherited it, the warrant having issued June
26, 1785. The delay in taking out a patent was
occasioned by the disturbed state of the country
caused by the Revolutionary war, and also owing
to the death of the original proprietor, which oc
curred before its close.
After the erection of Washington county, by act
of Assembly, March 28, 1781, this tract was in
cluded in Washington, and after the county was
subdivided into townships it was in Bethlehem;
then after its subdivision into East and West
Bethlehem, it was partly in both townships, the
• line passing nearly through its center. The village
of Zollarsville is now located on a part of this
tract. A recital of the adventures and hardships
experienced by this family during the first few
years of its life in the wilderness would be too
voluminous for this sketch — until the close of the
Revolutionary war the Indians were hostile and the
settlers were constantly menaced by destruction
at their hands. At one time the danger became so
threatening that they forsook their home and took
refuge in old Fort Redstone, in which one of their
children was bom. The nearest trading posts were
Winchester, Va., and Frederick City, Md., and to
one of these points journeys were frequently made
for the purchase of salt, hardware and other neces
saries which they could not produce on the farm.
These trips required about a month to make, and

several settlers generally traveled together, for mu
tual protection against the wild beasts and ma
rauding savages. Each man generally had charge
of three horses, all heavily laden with such prod
uce of their farms as could be carried on pack
saddles. At first they carried wheat, but this
proved too weighty — then they tried flax, but this
proved too bulky. At last rinding that whisky
and peach brandy were highly prized and com
manded high prices at these trading posts, small
distilleries were soon erected on almost every farm,
and their products soou came to be the chief
articles of export and trade. The sites of three of
these primitive distilleries are still plainly marked
on the old Wise plantation. This whisky took the
name of the region in which it was manufactured,
and " Old Monongahela " soon became a popular
brand — a distinction which it has retained to the
present day.
For several years the only mills for grinding
grain were run by hand or by horse power, but the
practical mind and enterprising spirit of Adam
Wise soon conceived the idea of erecting a flouring
mill to be propelled by water power, aud to him
and his son Andrew must be given the credit of
erecting the first mill built within the valley of
Ten Mile. It is not now possitively known in
what year this mill was erected, but a plat of the
land made in 1785 shows the location of the mill,
race and dam, and it was in successful operation
aud a place of note in 1788, as is shown by a peti
tion of the inhabitants of Bethlehem township to
the court in that year, which prays "that a line
dividing said township into two parts, should be
gin at Peter Drake's and thence by a straight line
to Wise's Mill which has ever been accounted cen-
treable." This mill, however, was probably in
operation about 1775, or shortly thereafter, first
with an undershot wheel, and upon a small scale,
but as the settlement rapidly increased it was soon
found to be insufficient to do the business, and it was
torn down, and a large mill with three run of
buhrs, aud overshot wheels, was erected near the
site of the old mill. For many years it did an im
mense business, having no competition, flour of its
manufacture being shipped in keel and flat boats
as far south as New Orleans. Not long after the
erection of the flouring mill, a sawmill was also
erected, which did a large business, being snr
rounded by the primeval forest, and lumber being
in great demand on account of the rapid settlement
of the neighborhood.
In the midst of all this business, Adam Wise, by
whose capital and enterprise the mills were
erected, died June 9, 1781, in his sixty-third year,
aud was buried in a graveyard on his plantation.
A plain stone, with his age and date of death
rudely cut thereon, still marks the grave where
sleeps this sturdy, brave-hearted, enterprising

260

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

pioneer. He was a useful man in his day and gen
eration. Probably no man ever lived in this sec
tion who did so much to promote its rapid settle
ment and improvement. By his enterprise in
erecting a mill, other settlers were attracted to the
neighborhood, on account of the convenience there
of, the primeval forests rapidly gave way to culti
vated fields, and the rich hills of Bethlehem were
soon covered with golden grain. This mill passed
out of the ownership of the Wise family in 1840,
and was torn down in 1867. It was sold outside
of the family for a few years, but was repurchased
and owned and operated by said family for more
than half a century. Adam Wise left a large
estate for the time, and also a large family, his
children being thirteen in number. By his first
wife, who died in Maryland, he had five sons, viz. :
Andrew, born in Germany; Peter, Frederick,
Henry and Adam, Jr. ; by his second wife, Catha
rine, he had eight children, viz. : sons— Jacob,
Daniel, Abraham and Tobias, and daughters —
Mary, Mary Ann, Ulian and Judith, some of whom
were born before he left Maryland, others, after
he came to Washington county, Penn.; of these,
Andrew patented the farm where Thomas Martin
dell now lives. He married Zeruah Hartman, and
died March 4, 1840, aged ninety- two years, his re
mains lying buried in the graveyard on his father's
original plantation. His descendants now reside
in and near Logansport, Ind., from one of whom
Mr. George C. Horn, the writer of this sketch is
indebted for much of the information used in its
preparation, Peter, the second son, inherited by the will of
his father (dated April 13, 1781) the family home
stead, and lived thereon until 1818, when he sold
it to his son Andrew, and moved to near Canton,
Ohio, where his posterity now generally reside,
constituting a numerous and influential family.
Hannah, a daughter of Peter, married Jacob Zol
lars, and lived on a part of the old Wise tract until
her death. She was the mother of four children,
all of whom are now dead or moved away from this
county except Demas Zollars, who still resides
here at an advanced age. Frederick, the third son,
founded the town of Fredericktown. situated on
the Monongahela river, upon land patented and
owned by him, and named it after its founder.
The survey was made March 8, 1790. He seems
to have been a Prohibitionist, a rare distinction
probably in' his day, for among other things he
stipulated in his deed to purchasers of lots "that
no distillery for the destruction of grain or fruits
shall be at any time erected on the premises. " Two
of the sons of Adam Wise, viz.. Henry and Daniel,
settled in Virginia, and their descendants are nu
merous in that State at the present day, but noth
ing definite concerning them is known to the writer.
Jacob lived and died in Washington county, and

some of his descendants still live here. Of Abra
ham and Tobias, with their sisters, Mary, Mary
Ann and Ulian, the writer after diligent inquiry
can find no trace. They must either have died or
moved away to parts - unknown to the writer.
They probably moved to Ohio along with their
half-brother Peter, who was made their testament
ary guardian by their father. Judith married
Rev. John Spohn, a minister in the German Bap
tist Church, and some of her grandchildren are
still residents of this county.
~- Adam Wise, the fifth son of Adam, Sr. , by his
first wife, was born April 5, 1763. He married
Barbara Zollars, a daughter of Frederick Zollars,
a pioneer in the neighborhood. He became owner
of a farm of about 276 acres adjoining the land of
his brother Peter. About 1812 he became the
owner of the old Wise mill, and of 100 acres of
the old homestead. He operated the mill in con
nection with his farms until 1824, when he dis
posed of his property among his children, and re
tired from active business life. He died July 15,
1842, aged seventy-nine years; his wife, Barbara,
died September 29, 1852, aged ninty-three years.
Adam Wise was a member of the German Baptist
or Dunkard Church, and so great was his religious
zeal, that when he erected his new brick residence,
now owned and occupied by James R. Hawkins,
he had the second story finished in one compart
ment, so that public religious services could be
held therein. His wife, however, was of the
Lutheran faith, and was one of the original mem
bers of the Lutheran Church, which was organized
here by Rev. Stowe in 1792v They were the par
ents of eight children, viz. : Elizabeth, David,
SamuelA George, ] Rebecca, Frederick, Joseph and
Solomon\_ -,'- /
Elizabeth, born May 8, 1785, married Jacob
Shidler, and settled with her husband on a farm
located on Daniels run, in West Bethlehem town
ship. She was the mother of five children — all
sons, viz.: George, Adam, Samuel, Joseph and
Jacob, all of whom are now dead or moved out of
this State. George was a minister of the German
Baptist denomination, but moved to the West
many years ago. Joseph became a noted physi
cian, and practiced his profession in West Bethle
hem township, until his death. She and her hus
band were both members of the German Baptist
Church, and the brick church on Daniels run,
still in use by that society, was built on land do
nated by her husband.
David, born March 8, 1787, located on a portion
of his father's homestead, and also purchased the
Ludwig Praker farm adjoining, on which he lived
the remainder of his life. He was twice married,
his first wife being Miss Esther Shidler and his
second Miss Rachel Garrett. He literally obeyed
the Divine command " to multiply and replenish

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

261

the earth," for he became the father of eighteen
children. By his first wife he had ten, viz. :
Adam, Jr. , Barbara, Elizabeth, David, Jr. , George,
Henry, Hannah, Anne, John and Benjamin. By
his second he had eight, viz. : Amos, Jacob, Nich
olas, Isaac, Mary, Lydia, Maria and Isabel. Of
this large family all are now living but five, and
the homes of the balance are scattered in four
different States. He was a worthy member of the
German Baptist denomination, and illustrated by
life and example the teachings of the Divine
Master whom he loved and served. Three of his
sons, viz. : Adam, David and John, are ministers
of the German Baptist Church, the latter being a
bishop of that Society. Two of his grandsons are
also in the ministry.
Samuel, born August 10, 1789, married a Miss
Shidler, a daughter of John Shidler. He first set
tled on a farm near Hillsborough in West Bethle
hem township, but subsequently removed to Knox
county, Ohio. He had a large family of which
nothing definite is now known to the writer.
/ George, born November 13, 1791, married Miss
Margaret Ulery, a daughter of Stephen Ulery, of
this county. He resided for several years near the
village of Hillsborough, but subsequently pur
chased a large tract of land situated on Ruff's
creek in Greene county. Penn. , to which he re
moved. In his old age he disposed of this home
stead and moved with his family to Marshall
county, 111. He was the father of nine children,
viz. : sons — Stephen, Jackson, Morgan and George
A. ; daughters — Maria, Elizabeth, Isabel, Mar
garet C. and Matilda. Several of these are now
dead, the balance reside in the West. He was a
minister in the German Baptist Church, and for
many years was pastor of the society of that name
on Daniels run. He was not an educated man in
the modern acceptation of that term, but his strong
practical common sense, wise counsel and earnest
piety, made him an acceptable minister to his con
gregation. Rebecca, born November 20, 1795, married Peter
Crumrine, who was a resident of Greene county,
Penn. She was the mother of three children. She.
died at an early age, and her husband, having re
married, moved with his family to Knox county,
Ohio. The writer knows nothing of the subsequent
history of this family.
Joseph, born May 22, 1797, married Miss Par-
melia Barnard, and lived on the mill property here
tofore spoken of. which he owned and operated for
several years. About the year 1824 his brother,
Frederick Wise, purchased a half interest in the
mill property and it was operated by the brothers
as joint owners until 1840, when it finally passed
out of the ownership of the Wise family. Joseph
also purchased 165 acres of the original Wise tract
from Andrew Wise, the son of Peter Wise, and re

sided thereon until his death. He was the father
of nine children, viz. : sons — Solomon B., Morgan
R. and Joseph Jr.; daughters — Elizabeth, Mary,
Emily and Rebecca (both dead), Maria and Bar
bara. Of these Solomon B. and Morgan R. both
reside in Arizona Territory. Morgan became a
noted politician, having twice represented Greene
county, Penn. , in the Legislature, and was twice
elected to Congress. Joseph Wise, Jr., inherited
his father's homestead and still resides on it, title
to which has vested in the Wise family without a
break in the succession for one hundred and twenty-
two years. Joseph, Jr., married Miss Mary Rey
nolds, who was educated at Washington Female
Seminary, and graduated therefrom in the class of
1869. The daughters living are all married, and all
reside in Pennsylvania. Joseph Wise, Sr., was a
member and for many years a ruling elder in the
Regular Baptist Church. He was a man of strong
religious conviction and was always ready to de
fend the doctrines of his church, yet he was liberal
and tolerant of the opinions of others, and had the
respect and confidence of all. He died April 20,
1873, and his mortal remains are interred in the
graveyard on the old plantation.
Solomon, born May 16, 1799, married Pamela
Alexander for his first wife, and after her death he
married Jane, her sister. He inherited the greater
part of his father's homestead, which he sold in
1854, and moved to Marshall county, 111., where
he died. His children by his first wife were —
Sarah Jane, Alexander and Adam T.; by his
second — Harriet, Emma, Leonidas and Hamlin.
The latter died in infancy, the rest are living in the
West. Solomon Wise was a member of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church, and was one of the origi
nal members of the M. E. Society at Ulery' s, or
ganized in 1840. He was one of its first bpard of
trustees, aud was a zealous and liberal member of
the church.
Frederick, the fourth son of Adam Wise in the
order of their ages, was born September 2, 1793.
He married, September 4, 1817, Elizabeth Burson,
a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Burson (nee
Blackledge), who were among the earliest settlers
in what is now Greene county. They emigrated to
this section from Bucks county, Penn., in 1789,
and settled on a farm near Clarksville, Penn.,
where Mrs. Wise was born January 26, 1799. She
had seven brothers — James, Thomas, David, Levi,
Joseph, Isaac and Abraham — and two sisters —
Sarah and Margaret. Of these, Thomas, Levi,
Isaac and Abraham were citizens of Greene county,
Penn. Thomas was a man of considerable ¦ ote,
having held public offices of various kinds during'
forty-five years of his life. He twice represented
Greene county in the Legislature, and served two
terms as associate judge of the court. Isaac also
served a term as associate judge. Abraham in-

262

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

herited the family homestead, to which his son,
James C. , succeeded, it having been owned succes
sively by members of the family for one hundred
and three years. James and David settled in Col
umbiana county, Ohio, and Joseph in Jefferson
county, Ohio. Sarah became the wife of John
Johnston, of Columbiana county, Ohio, and Mar
garet married Joseph Burson, of Guernsey county,
Ohio. Mrs. Wise was a Quakeress by birth, and could
trace her lineage through a long line of Quaker
ancestry back to Joseph Burson, who came from
London, England, to Philadelphia with William
Penn's first colony of Quakers in 1681. Her
great-great-grandmother was Mary Potts, an aunt
of Isaac Potts, at whose house near Valley Forge
Washington had his headquarters in the Revolu
tion. Frederick Wise, as before stated, was joint
owner with his brother Joseph of the mill property,
and in addition he owned about 120 acres of the
original "Fishery" tract, having purchased it
from his father, upon which he lived, and where
his useful, honorable and blameless life closed in
death, February 14, 1876, when he was aged
eighty-two years five months twelve days. He was
buried in the old Wise burying ground, already the
last resting place of many of his own kith and kin.
His beloved wife died December 23, 1879, and
now sleeps by his side. She was aged eighty
years ten months and twenty-seven days. Freder
ick Wise and his wife were both members of the
German Baptist Church, of which he was an elder
or deacon. He was of a quiet, peaceable disposi
tion, and was pre-eminently a peacemaker. He
was frequently called upon to settle disputes
among his neighbors, and especially among the
membership of his church, and so great was the
confidence reposed in his wisdom, justice and im
partiality, that his arbitrament generally proved
satisfactory, and the blessing promised to the
peacemaker by the Divine Master rested upon
him, even during his life on earth. He was the
father of four children, viz. : Adam, who died in
infancy, Margaret, Emeline and Joseph B.
Margaret was born October 2, 1818, became the
wife of James C. Hawkins, March 24, 1836, and
died January 15, 1892, less than one year after the
death of her husband, with whom she had lived
happily for fifty-five years. Her married life was
spent on a farm in East Bethlehem township,
Washington county. She and her husband were
consistent members of the Bethlehem Baptist
Church, in which faith she continued steadfast
until her death. She possessed in an eminent de
gree the qualities which adorn womanhood. We
quote the following tribute to her memory pub
lished at the time of her decease by a distinguished
minister of the Baptist Church. " She was a
woman of peace and great kindness of heart. For

many years her home was the home of her pastor,
and she was faithful to her church even at the ex
pense of her comfort and health. She possessed
those traits which endeared her to her family and
neighbors, and led her to faithful service to her
Master. ' ' She was the mother of seven children,
viz.: Emma (now dead), who became the wife of
Rev. J. L. Thompson; Dr. A. W. H. , who was a
surgeon in the United States navy, died unmarried;
Alexander L., who married Miss Cynthia Green
field (he served in the United States army as captain
during the war of the Rebellion, and is now colonel
of the Tenth Regiment, N. G. P.); Cynthia is un
married; Elizabeth, now dead, became the wife of
John Sargent; James R. married Miss Decima
Addleman; William N. married Miss Ada Far-
quhar. All of these who are now living reside in
Washington county.
Emeline, born November 28, 1820, became the
wife of Richard C. Hawkins, November 25, 1841,
and resides on a farm near Jefferson, Greene Co.,
Penn. She and her husband are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She is the
mother of eight children, viz. : Joseph W. , who
married Miss Clarinda Bailey; James T. (now de
ceased), married to Miss Anna E. Greenlee; Mar
garet V., married to William C. Bailey; Clara E. ,
married to William J. Bodley; Thomas H. , mar
ried to Miss Frances Bailey; William B., married
to Miss Mary Murdock; Samuel C, married to
Miss Mary E. Grimes; Frederick W. , deceased in
infancy ; all the survivors reside in Greene county,
Penn. , except Clara, who lives in Wheeling, West
Virginia. Joseph B., born May 29, 1833, was married
November 30, 1879, to Miss Sarah V. Stockdale, of
Morris township, Greene Co., Penn. Her parents
were William and Hannah Stockdale (nee Mc-
Quaid), both of Washington Co., Penn. Her
grandparents were James Stockdale, of Belfast,
Ireland, and Mary Wier, of Morris township,
Washington Co., Penn. Her brothers were Hon.
Thomas R. Stockdale, now member of Congress
from Mississippi; Hon. James Stockdale, of Balti
more. Md. , deceased; Hon. John M. Stockdale, of
Washington, Penn., and Robert Stockdale, Esq.,
of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Her sisters were Mary,
wife of Thaddeus Dodd, M. D., of Amity, Penn.,
and Isabel, wife of Blachley Lindley, of Morris
township, Washington Co., Pennsylvania.
Joseph B. Wise was educated at Greene Acad
emy and Waynesburgh College, Penn., at which
institution his wife graduated in the class of 1854.
He was engaged in teaching for ten years, and
then turned his attention to farming and stock
raising. He owns about two hundred acres of the
original Fishery tract, a part of which he inherited
from his father, on which he now resides. He is
now serving his third term as justice of the peace.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

263

He is the father of two children, viz. : William F.,
who graduated from Washington and Jefferson
College in the class of 1883, read law with Thomas
C. Lazear, Esq. , of Pittsburgh, and is now a prac
ticing attorney in that city; Charles S., who grad
uated from Washington and Jefferson College in
the class of 1888, and read- law with David T.
Watson, Esq., of Pittsburgh, where he is a prac
ticing attorney with his brother.
We here close the biography of the Wise family.
We regret its many omissions and imperfections,
but we plead in extenuation the meagerness of
our material. If any early records of the family
were kept, they are now lost, and we have been
compelled to rely for our information on public
documents and such family traditions as we be
lieve to be authentic. We regret that we could
not give more in detail the history of the collateral
branches of the family, but this the limited space
at our command forbids. Our object has been to
commemorate the dead rather than the living; to
brush away the dust from a few noble old burial
urns, in which repose the ashes of the founders of
our family. Our aim has been to exhibit the
trunk and primary branches from which our family
has sprung, so that the generations present and to
come may attach their branches thereto, and thus
keep alive and in vigorous growth the old family
tree. In reviewing the history of our family, we
find that they have been mostly plain, practical,
common people — generally farmers. None of
them " have stood the applause of listening sen
ates to command," or "waded through slaughter
to a throne," but some of them have honorably
filled almost every position in life. Some have
been representatives in Congress and in the Legis
latures of their respective States. Some have
been editors, some physicians, some lawyers.
Some have been ministers of the Gospel of Christ,
and some have stood as loyal soldiers on the battle
fields of their country. None of them have been
millionaires, but most of them have been well-to-
' do, and none so poor that they could not command
their own time and lead an independent life. And
best of all, none have ever lived an inebriate's life,
or been convicted of an infamous crime.
That the generations yet to be may emulate and
excel those past and present, in all that constitutes
the highest type of intellectual, moral and Chris
tian manhood, is the wish of the author — Joseph B.
Wise. 
,\ILLIAM A. PATTERSON, one of the
leading merchants of Monongahela, is a
son of Joseph, whose father was James
Patterson. The latter was born in 1790,
in eastern Pennsylvania, where he grew
to manhood, and was married to Mary Watt, who
bore him twelve children. For his second wife he

selected Miss Mary Swonger, and two children
were born to their marriage. He came to Alle
gheny county at a very early date, and was
prominently identified with its early development.
He voted with the Whig party, and in religious
faith was a member of the United Presbyterian
Church. The pioneer farm is yet owned by mem
bers of his family.
Joseph Patterson, son of James and Mary (Watt)
Patterson, was born May 28, 1828, near Buena
Vista, Allegheny Co., Penn., and was there reared
to manhood. He assisted in the farm duties during
early life, and when a young man married Rebecca,
daughter of Col. James Scott, who, in his day, was
a leading citizen of Allegheny county, and a pros
perous stockman. Mr. Scott possessed a gifted mind,
and was a brilliant military officer, having served
as colonel of the militia in the war of 1812. He
was married in Allegheny county to Mary Van-
Kirk, who bore him the following children: Diana,
wife of James Wykoff; Susan; John V.; Harvey;
Samuel; Mary, wife of Samuel Van Kirk; Joseph;
Rebecca (Mrs. Patterson); William; Sarah; James,
and Isaac. Mr. Scott was a leading politician, and
served in the State Legislature. In religious faith
he was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian
Church. Joseph and Rebecca (Scott) Patterson resided
on the home place for several years after their mar
riage. They then moved to Elizabeth, remaining
there thirteen years, after which he purchased a
farm in Nottingham township, this county. He
sold out a few years later, and coming to Monon
gahela successfully conducted a grocery store for
some time. He was a very prosperous business
man, taking an active interest in politics, and was
equally prominent in religious circles, having
served as an elder in the Presbyterian Churches at
Round Hill, Mingo, and Monongahela. He died
in 1889, having reared the following children:
James S. (deceased), William A. (whose name
opens this sketch), Mary (wife of A. J. Yohe),
Vivia (married to James Stewart), and Vernie P.
(wife of Frank Bebout).
William A. Patterson was born August 22, 1853,
near Suiter Station, Allegheny Co., Penn. , and at the
age of seventeen years came to Washington county.
He attended the public schools, and the Southwest
ern State Normal School at California, Penn. , after
ward graduating from Duff's Business College,
Pittsburgh, Penn. Upon leaving college he entered
the employ of the P. V. & C. R. R. as ticket agent
at Houston's Run, remaining there but one year.
He then embarked in mercantile enterprises and
formed a partnership with his father in the grocery
store, finally taking a trip to southwestern Arkan
sas, where he purchased a sheep ranch. One year
later he returned to Monongahela, Penn., and
opened a furniture store at the stand formerly

264

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

occupied by Swickard's shoe business. Soon after
ward he remodeled and took possession of his
present place of business which is one of the finest
stores in Monongahela. He carries a full line of
furniture and undertaking goods, and enjoys a
large amount of custom. In political opinion he
is a wide-awake Democrat, having served his party
as a member of the council, and in religion is a
member of the Presbyterian Church. He married,
April 14, 1880, Belle, daughter of Ira Bebout, of
Monongahela. Their children are Ada, Mary,
Allie, William A. and Bertha.

d/OHN WILSON, superintendent of Washing
ton County Home, located in Chartiers town-
J ship, was born September 15, 1844, in Hope
well (now Independence) township, Washing
ton Co., Penn. He is a son of John and
Ellen (Murphy) Wilson, natives of .County Down,
Ireland, whence they emigrated in 1838 to Washing
ton county, Penn., settling on a farm in Hopewell
township. Mr. Wilson owned a good farm, and
followed agricultural pursuits until his death,
which occurred in 1877, his wife surviving him
until July, 1878. They were the parents of three
children: Mary M., wife of John Adamson, of
Hopewell township; John; and Samuel, married
and residing in California.
John Wiison was reared in Independence town
ship, and received his education in the district
schools of the same. He commenced life as a
farmer boy and continued to follow agriculture till
1882. On April 22, 1875, he was married in Inde
pendence township, to Miss Lizzie A. Denny, a
native of Washington county, daughter of Walter
and Mary (Welch) Denny, also natives of this
county. Mr. Denny is a farmer of Independence
township, and has been a resident of Washington
county all his life, the Denny family having settled
here at a very early date. After his marriage Mr.
Wilson located in Independence township, and in
1877 removed to Hopewell township, where he
remained till 1882. when he abandoned farming,
and engaged in the Revenue service as storekeeper
and gauger in the Twenty-second District of
Pennsylvania, in which he continued till Decem
ber 1, 1885. He then embarked in general mer
chandising at West Middletown, this county, fol
lowing this until his appointment as superintend
ent of the County Infirmary, which took place in
1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born
two children: Annie G. and Mamie E. Mr. Wil
son and his wife are members of the U. P. Church
at Washington. He has been identified with the
county all his life, and takes an active interest in
everything pertaining to the welfare of the com
munity.

CHARLES BANFIELD. England has given
to this country some of the most loyal, in
dustrious, enterprising and thrifty citizens,
an excellent representative of such being
the subject of this sketch, who by hard work,
thrift and honorable dealings has succeeded in ac
cumulating, from absolutely nothing, a comforta
ble competence.
Mr. Banfield was born in Somersetshire in 1815,
a son of Joseph and Mary (Cook) Banfield — the
parents of twelve children, ten of whom grew to
maturity, now all scattered; some came to America,
one of whom lives in Johnstown, Penn., another in
Belmont county, Ohio; Charles and John are in
Washington county. While our subject was yet a
child his parents took him to the Forest of Done,
in Monmouthshire, England. His education was
very limited, as we find him when but a lad of
eight years acting in the capacity of "doorkeeper"
at a coal mine, soon after which he commenced to
work as a regular miner, digging from the bowels
of the earth the black diamonds. In May, 1838,
Mr. Banfield was married in England to Harriet
Chevers, and in 1842 he set sail for the United
States, landing in New York in the month of May,
with his wife and one child. His little savings be
ing now gone, Mr. Banfield set about looking for
work of any kind, and at last succeeded in secur
ing a job on a farm in Washington county, during
the summer of 1842, his wages being 31 J cents
per day. One of his hands being disabled through
some cause, he had to do all the work with the
other. In the fall of the year he returned to his
old occupation of mining in Pittsburgh, receiving
$1.10 per 100 bushels of coal. In 1846 he came
to Chartiers township and bought a fifteen- acre
farm which he continued to work until 1868, when
he moved into Amwell township, where he lived un
til 1888, in which year he retired from the farm
and came to the borough of Washington. Here he
built himself an elegant residence, into which he
moved in 1889.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ban-
field, of whom the following is a brief record:
George died in England at the age of two years;
Mary, born in England, is now the wife of Robert
Thompson, of Houstonville, this county; John,
Charles James, Joseph and George, all died young;
one died in infancy, and Harriet Maria, "last, not
least," the fifth in the family in the order of birth.
She for many years, with true filial devotion, has
taken care of her aged parents' home. The mother
for the past twenty years has been in feeble health.
In politics Mr. Banfield is independent; he has
held various township offices, such as superintend
ent of the school board. He is a man of advanced
ideas, gifted with a good mind coupled with sound
judgment, and on a foundation laid with hardships

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

265

and care3 he has built a record that places him
among the most successful men in Washington
county, in which success he has been from the out
set assisted by a good, sensible, faithful wife.

JOHN IRVIN, one of the prominent and most
successful native-born agriculturists of East
Finley township, was born August 4, 1835.
He is the only living descendant of Francis
Irvin, a native of Ireland, where he was born
about the year 1780, and whence he emigrated to
the United States a short time prior to the com
mencement of the present century. He landed at
Philadelphia, where, after a brief sojourn he mar
ried a Miss Hayney, of that city, whose parents
had come from the Emerald Isle. Francis Irvin
then moved, with his young wife, westward to
Washington county, this. State, where, for a time,
he made his residence near the village of Cross
Creek; later came to East Finley township, set-
ling near the headwaters of Wheeling creek, being
one of the pioneers of that section. Here, with
his own hands, he hewed for himself a home out
of what was then a vast wilderness, and where are
now fertile fields and fruitful valleys. To this
honored pioneer couple were born the following
named children: Andrew, Nancy, William, James,
Margaret, Sarah and Franklin, all now deceased
except Sarah, who is at present living in Adams
county, 111. In 1837 Francis Irvin moved from
Washiiigton county to Adams county, 111., accom
panied by his wife and all his children except two,
Andrew (who afterward migrated to Licking
county, Ohio) and James, the entire journey being
made in wagons, and here the grandmother died
in 1848, and the grandfather in 1849.
James Irvin, father of subject, was born
about 1800 in Washington county, Penn.,
where he was married to Martha Harvey, daugh
ter of James Harvey, of West Finley township,
this county, and to their union were born children
as follows: Elizabeth Ann, married to S. N. Far-
rabee, and died in 1855; John; Martha and
James (both deceased in infancy). The father
was called from earth March 21, 1856, the mother
having passed away October 11, 1839. Mr. Irvin,
in 1835, purchased the property which our subject
now owns and resides on, in East Finley township,
where he carried on general farming with consid
erable success; he was an extensive cattle dealer
and drover, and frequently had driven cattle from
Illinois (where he had purchased them) to the
Philadelphia (Penn.) market.
John Irvin, the subject proper of these lines,
was born in East Finley township, passed his boy
hood and youth on his father's farm, and, being
the only son, his duties were of necessity by no
means light, and but little time could be spared

for school training. His mother died when he
was four years old, and his father's sister, Marga
ret, took charge of the house. After the death of
his father Mr. Irvin took an extensive trip through
the States of Iowa and Illinois, at that time in
cluded in the "Far West," his journeyings occupy
ing over a year's time. On his return to Wash
ington county he again took up farming, and, in
connection therewith, engaged extensively in the
buying, raising and selling of live stock. On June
29, 1859, he was united in marriage with Eliza
beth Ann Blayney, of West Finley township, who
was born November 17, 1842, and this union has
been blessed with the following children: James
H, born June 29, 1860, at present managing his
father's farm; William M., born May 15, 1862,
died August 7, 1885; Martha Jane, born Septem
ber 11, 1864, married to Jesse Montgomery, of
East Finley township; Mary M. , born September
11, 1866, married to R. A. Marshall, also of East
Finley township; Ada L., born December 19, 1869,
living at home; Jonathan or "Johnnie," born De
cember 15, 1872, died March 21, 1873; Cad B.,
born June 16, 1874, died August 27, 1882; Har
vey, born February 4, 1877; Charles O. , born
April 28, 1880, and John, born January 25, 1883,
all three living at home. Soon after his marriage
Mr. Irvin took up his residence on the old home
farm, where he has since resided, carrying on gen
eral agriculture, including stock raising and deal
ing in wool, but is now retired from active work,
his farm being managed under his personal direc
tion. Politically, he is prominently identified
with the Republican party; he and his wife are
consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyte
rian Church at Old Concord, in Morris township.

fl( W. KIMMONS, a leading citizen of West^
jj l\ Alexander, and a well-known justice of the
fr^\ peace for that borough, is a native of Wash-
JJ -* ington county, Penn., having first seen the
light in West Finley township, September
20, 1829. He comes of vigorous Scotch-Irish
lineage, his grandfather, John Kimmons, having
shortly after his marriage emigrated from his na
tive Erin to the shores of Columbia, settling on a
farm' in East Finley township, this county, at a
very early day. The children born to this pioneer
were John, Thomas, Samuel, Andrew and Anna
(Mrs. Samuel McCoy). The tract of land Mr.
Kimmons settled on was then all wild wood land,
and this he and his family largely improved. Here
he died, full of years and honor, a devout mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and a stanch
Whig in politics.
Samuel Kimmons, father of the subject of these
lines, was also a native of East Finley township,
born May 4, 1790, and was there reared to agri-

266

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

cultural pursuits, his education being received at
the subscription schools of the period. In 1813
he was married to Eleanor Ross, who was born
November 1 1, 1790, in New Jersey, and they then
settled down to a co-partnership life on a farm
situated in West Finley township, near the village
of Good Intent. Here they remained until 1837,
when they moved to Marshall county, W.Va. , and
there died, the father February 21, 1875, and the
mother February 10, 1880. They were members
of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was
trustee, and his political preferences were Demo
cratic until 1861, when he donned the Republican
toga. He was a very popular man, and was fre
quently called to offices of trust and responsibility
by his fellow-citizens. The children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Samuel Kimmons were as follows: Will
iam (deceased), Anna (wife of James Potter, of
Adams county, 111.), Jane (wife of George Potter),
Thomas (deceased), Deborah (deceased wife of
Noah Trumbull), Abner (living in Dallas, W. Va.),
A. W. (a resident of West Alexander) and Alfred
(residing in Ohio county, W.Va.).
A. W. Kimmons passed his early boyhood at the
home of his birth, receiving his primary education
at the schools of the district. When eight years
old he accompanied his parents to Marshall county,
W. Va. , where he completed his education, and
carried on farmiug until 1858, in which year, on
March 25, he was united in marriage with N. J. ,
daughter of Martin Armstrongs native of Donegal
township, this county, and the children born to this
union were Laura M. (wife of W. A. McCausland),
Carrie L. (wife of Theodore Henderson), Annie
N., Minnie B. and Emma I.
James Armstrong, father of Martin Armstrong
(above mentioned), was a native of Ireland, whence
while yet a young man he came to the United States,
settling in Donegal township, Washington Co. ,
Penn. , at a time when the country was entirely
new. He married Margaret Martin, a native of
Scotland, and reared a large family of children, as
follows: Hugh, Mary, John, James, Joseph, David,
Margaret (Mrs. Robert Stewart), Martin and Sam
uel.. The father was one of the founders of the
West Alexander Presbyterian Church, and was
among the first trustees; politically he was an Old-
line Whig, and at one time served the Government
in the capacity of scout. Martin Armstrong, son
of James, was reared to manhood in Donegal town
ship, receiving his education at the local schools.
He was married to Margaret, daughter of Samuel
Jameson, of Marshall county, W. Va. , and the
young couple then settled on a farm in West Fin
ley township, this county, where they passed the
remainder of their lives. They were consistent
members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he
was a trustee. In politics he was first a Whig,
then a Republican, and was a prominent member

of the school board. The children born 1o Mr.
and Mrs. Martin Armstrong were Samuel, James,
Mary M. (Mrs. O. P. Henderson), N. J. (Mrs. A.
W. Kimmons), Thomas, Lura, Luther, Hattie N.
(Mrs. John Kimmons), William J. (living in Lin
den, Kans.) and Chester, of whom Samuel,
Thomas, Lura, Luther and Chester are now de
ceased. After marriage A. W. Kimmons settled
on a farm in West Finley township, where he fol
lowed agricultural pursuits for twenty- eight years;
he then moved into the borough of Washington,
remaining one and one-half years, or until 1887, in
which year he came to West Alexander, where he
has since made his home. The family are all
members of the Presbyterian Church, of which de
nomination at Dallas Mr. Kimmons had been an
active adherent for twenty-five years. In his
political preferences he is a straight Republican,
and has served his township with much satisfac
tion in various offices of trust; in 1891 he was
elected a justice of the peace, a position he is fill
ing with eminent ability and sound judgment.

THE CHRISTMAN FAMILY. Enos Lewis
Christman was the pioneer of the Christ-
man family in Washington county, Penn.
He was a son of George Christman and
Sarah, nee Beerbower, and was born Decem
ber 27, 1828, in Vincent township, Chester Co.,
Penn. His father passed from life in 1843, when
the subject of our notice was under fifteen years of
age, leaving a widow and two younger children,
William Davis and Jefferson. The mother was left
in circumstances which rendered it necessary for
the elder boys to take care of themselves.
Enos L. spent the summer of 1844 with an uncle,
Jacob Beerbower, who kept a store in Brecknock
township, Lancaster county, where he assisted in
attending store and working on a farm. In the
fall of that year he returned to his mother's home
and attended the public school until February 10,
1845, when he entered the office of the Village
Record, at West Chester, Penn., and was appren
ticed to the late Hon. Henry S. Evans, for five
years, to learn the art, trade and mysteries of a
printer, He was the successor as an apprentice in
that office, of Bayard Taylor, the great traveler;
Hon. William Butler, judge of the United States
district court, and of Edward M. Paxson, one of
the supreme judges of Pennsylvania. Here he
served his master so satisfactorily that when the
gold fever broke out all over the country, in 1849,
Mr. Evans not only released him from serving the
balance of his time as an apprentice, but advanced
him $400 in cash to go to California. This money
was returned at the end of two years with a hand
some percentage added.
He sailed from Philadelphia on July 3, 1849,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

269

in the good ship " Europe," Capt. Addison Plum
mer, passing around Cape Horn, and stopping a
month at Valparaiso, Chili, to repair damages to the
ship. The voyage was an eventful one, occupying
two hundred and twenty-two days, and landing Mr.
Christman in San Francisco in February, 1850. His
face, like that of all others at that time, was turned
toward the gold mines. After suffering many hard
ships he was soon at work with pick, shovel and bowl,
washing the golden sands on the upper waters of
the Mariposa river. He met with indifferent success
as a miner, and in July, 1850, he printed the first
number of the Sonora Herald, at Stockton, and
carried it to Sonora on horseback, where it was cir
culated at 50 cents per copy. A printing office
was soon established in a tent in Sonora, and a lit
tle later he entered into partnership with Dr. Lewis
C. Gunn, formerly of Philadelphia, and the paper
was published regularly for several years. After
roughing it in the Golden State until the fall of
1852, Mr. Christman returned to West Chester,
Penn., where he married Miss Ellen A. Martin, a
native of Philadelphia, whose mother dying when
she was a little child, the daughter was taken to
West Chester, and raised in the family of the late
Capt. William Apple, her uncle, as one of their
own children.
In November, 1852, Mr. Christman, with his
wife, came to Washington, Penn. , and he purchased
a half interest in the Commonwealth newspaper,
and entered into partnership with George C.
Stouch, a former fellow-apprentice in the Village
Record office. The paper had been started by
Seth T. Hurd. This partnership continued until
the death of Mr. Stouch, in December, 1855. The
Hon. William S. Moore subsequently became a
partner with Mr. Christman in the publication of
the paper, but owing to the disintegration of the
Whig party, which cause it had espoused, and the
formation of new political parties, the paper be
came embarrassed, and early in 1858 it was con
solidated with the Reporter, then, as now, the old
est paper in Washington county. After the con
solidation, without disposing of his interest in the
paper, Mr. Christman returned to West Chester,
where he was employed by his old master, Mr.
Evans, as foreman in" the Village Record office.
Here he remained until the Rebellion of the slave
holders broke out, when he promptly enlisted, in
the latter part of May, 1861, and became second
lieutenant of Company K, Fourth Regiment Penn
sylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps. With this
body he served in the field until May, 1863, when
he was appointed, by President Lincoln, provost-
marshal of the Seventh District of Pennsylvania,
embracing Chester and Delaware counties, with
headquarters at West Chester, filling the position
until the close of the war. being discharged No
vember 30, 1865. While in the field he partici-
14

pated in the battles in front of Richmond (known
as the Seven Days' fight), the second Bull Run,
South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg,
and was promoted first to captain and then to ma
jor of the Fourth Regiment. It is a curious coin
cidence that the three brothers, all in different
commands, were almost side by side in the bloody
battle of Antietam. Enos L. was under Gen.
Meade, in front of the cornfield to the left of the
pike; William Davis was a lieutenant in the One
Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, adjoining
the Reserves on the right, and near to the Dunk-
ard church, while Jefferson was in the Seventy-
second Regiment, fighting on the left of the Re
serves. At the close of the war Mr. Christman moved
with his family to Somerset county, Md., where he
engaged in farming and the timber business.
Not succeeding up to the standard of his desires,
he returned to West Chester and became assistant
editor with Mr. Edward B. Moore, in the publi
cation of the American Republican. In 1872 Hon.
William S. Moore, his old partner in the Wash
ington Reporter, having been elected to Congress,
was very anxious that Mr. Christman should return
to Washington and resume his place in the printing
office. This was agreed upon, and on April 2,
1873, Mr. Christman returned to Washington,
after an absence of fifteen years, and took charge
of the publication of the Reporter during Mr.
Moore's absence at the national capital. In Au
gust, 1876, the first number of the Daily Reporter
was issued. Shortly after this Mr. Moore died, and
his interest in the paper passed into the hands of
Alex. M. Gow, Esq. In January, 1883, Mr.
Christman purchased the interest of Mr. Gow, and
became sole proprietor of the paper. He had now
a family of eight sons and daughters around him,
and in March, 1891, the Christman Publishing
Company was chartered, being a family concern as
the name indicates. At this time Mr. Christman' s
health failed, and since then he has had but little
to do with the practical publication of the paper,
the company, under the leadership of his son
William, managing it vigorously and successfully.
The children of this family were: Mary Elizabeth,
died in infancy ; Sarah, married to Charles M. Hayes,
and has two sons, Harry and Clyde; Elizabeth and
Ella; William, married to Miss Fannie M. Morgan,
deceased in 1891, having three children, Howard L.,
Frank and Herbert; George, baggage master,
B. & O. R. R. ; Henry, married to Miss Lena
Fleissner, and has one daughter, Nellie; Edwin
A., married to Mrs. Maggie Frazier, and has two
children, Roy and Hazel; Charles F., married to
Miss Clara F. Neff. All are residents at this time
(1892) of Washington, Penn.
Mr. Christman' s youngest brother, Jefferson,
learned the printing business in the office of the

270

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Commonwealth and subsequently settled in Phila
delphia. After serving three years in the Seventy-
second Regiment, he took a situation in the Public
Ledger office, where he has been employed as a
compositor for many years. He married Miss
Maggie Powers, and they have four daughters,
two of whom are married — Lillie, to Morris Naylor,
and Ida, to Harry Conaway. William Davis, the
other brother, after following the mercantile busi
ness for many years in Chester county, removed to
Washington and took a position in the Reporter
office. He married Miss Zilpha A. Maxton. They
have two sons living, Dr. Percy, a successful phy
sician at Washington, and Frederick B. , engaged
in the printing business in Chicago. An only
daughter, Cora, died in young womanhood, at West
Chester, in 1879.
John Beerbower was the father of Sarah Beer
bower, wife of George Christman. He was born
in Vincent township, Chester Co., Penn., March
10, 1779, and died in East Vincent township, Oc
tober 20, 1858. He was a carpenter and farmer,
and was many years a justice of the peace. He
was commissioned, by Gov. Simon Snyder, as cap
tain of a company of militia in the First Brigade
of the Third Division of the counties of Chester
and Delaware, on August 1, 1814, and served a
tour of duty during the war of that time with
Great Britain. His wife was Elizabeth Fertig,
who was born July 20, 1784, and died March 29,
1828. They are buried at, (Brownback's) First
Reformed church of Coventry. This church was
organized in 1743. Herman Bierbauer was the
father of John Beerbower. He was born in Ger
many, July 16, 1741, came to America when a
young man, died December 29, 1801, and is buried
at the old Hill church, on the Ridge road, in East
Pikeland township, Chester county. His tomb
stone is lettered in German. His wife was Chris
tiana Hoffman. She was born October 7, 1747,
and died February 7, 1826.
The ancestors of the Christmans were Germans.
The Colonial records of Pennsylvania show that
between the years 1730 and 1771, eleven Christ-
mans, several with families, landed at Philadel
phia and swore allegiance to King George II.
This record states that: "Daniel Christman ar
rived at Philadelphia September 5, 1730, with
forty-five palatines and their families, 130 persons
in all, in the ship 'Alexander and Ann,' William
Clymer, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes."
Daniel subsequently settled in Worcester town
ship, now Montgomery county, and in 1734 paid
quit rents in that township. He had five sons
and one daughter. Felix, the oldest son, was
born in Germany, the other children in Pennsyl
vania, viz. : Henry, George, John, Jacob and
Magdalene. Of these Felix, Henry, George and

Magdalene settled in Vincent township, Chester
county, previous to the Revolutionary war. Felix,
when an old man, was found dead in shallow
water, in Birch run, near his home. He was a
blacksmith. Henry was a saddler and George a
miller and millwright.
Henry Christman, the saddler, was born in
Montgomery county, Penn., December 25, 1744,
and settled in Vincent township, Chester county,
as above stated, where he became the owner of a
large tract of land, situated on French creek.
Here he lived during the Revolutionary war, and
it is handed down as a tradition that he did con
siderable hauling for the patriots at that time. It
is also said that his fine, heavy draught horses
were sometimes hidden in the thick bushes along
the creek to prevent them from being seized by
the British, who ranged through that neighbor
hood while Washington was at Valley Forge. On
one occasion he traded a barrel of whisky, being
a distiller, and a set of heavy wagon harness for
forty acres of land, which afterward became valu
able. He died September 16, 1823, and is buried
in the family burial plot at Zion's church, in East
Pikeland, Chester county. He married Susanna
Keeley, who was born February 25, 1750. She
died September 19, 1823, only three days after the
decease of her husband, and is buried by his side.
This couple had three sons — Henry, Jacob and
George; and six daughters who grew to woman
hood — Madeline, married to John Young; Cath
erine, married to John Miller; Margaret, married
to Isaac Hause; Elizabeth, married to Peter Yea-
ger; Mary, married to Jacob Finkbiner and Fred
erick Yost; and Susanna, married to Frederick
Oyer. George, the younger of the brothers, married
Elizabeth Brownback, and lived on the old home
stead on French creek until his death. He was
born May 9, 1793, and died January 17, 1866.
His wife was born January 5, 1793, and died
March 19, 1870, of gangrene after having a foot
amputated. The old homestead with its many
acres is still in possession of the family.
Jacob, the next older brother, was born May 5,
1788, and died March 2, 1871. He married Mar
garet Evans, who was born December 13, 1791,
and died April 1, 1862. They lived on a farm of
about 300 acres adjoining the old homestead.
They had four children: Elizabeth, married to
Jesse Brownback; Susanna; Jacob, married to Miss
Hannah Worman, and Henry E., married to Miss
Martha Christman. The last named retain the
farm owned by the father.
Henry Christman, the eldest of these brothers,
was born March 14, 1779, and died August 12,
1864. On February 26, 1806, he married Elenor
Root, daughter of Sebastian Root. She was born

Washington county.

271

April 10, 1787, and died August 19, 1854, while
on a visit to her daughter, Margaret Buckwalter,
at Parker's Ford, in Chester county. They lived
on a large farm adjoining the old Christman home
stead as well as that of the brother Jacob. These
brothers were all stout, able-bodied men, of good
height and build. They were successful farmers
and distillers, and in their early days sold many a
barrel and tierce of first-quality apple whisky in
the Philadelphia market. Henry was also the
owner of an oil mill, which, about the year 1835
he converted into a flour mill. This with the farm
he retained until his death. He was commissioned
lieutenant colonel in the First Brigade in the
militia of Delaware and Chester counties, by Gov.
Simon Snyder, and served a tour of duty in the
war of 1812-14 with Great Britain. To this
couple was born a large family: George, February
10, 1807; Sarah, February 14, 1809; Susanna,
March 24, 1811; Henry, August 13, 1813; Cath
arine, September 22, 1816; Eliza, October 1, 1818;
Elenor, April 10, 1821; Maria, February 10, 1823;
and Margaret, November 10, 1824. Of these
Sarah and Eliza died in childhood; Margaret mar
ried Isaac Buckwalter, and died January 16, 1885,
leaving two daughters; Catharine married Isaac
Shantz, and died July 28, 1866, leaving two chil
dren, a son and daughter; Susanna married Mi
chael March, and died April 19, 1891, leaving to sur
vive her two sons, Franklin and Jefferson, and
two daughters, Mrs. Ellen Brownback and Mrs.
Emma Miller; Maria married Abraham Penny-
packer (she survives her husband and has four
sons living); Elenor resides with this sister;
Henry died suddenly July 24, 1865, and was un
married. George, the first born of Henry and Elenor
Christman, spent his childhood under his father's
roof. At the age of twenty-one, December 23,
1827, he married Miss Sarah Beerbower, and con
tinued in the service of his father as farmer and
teamster until 1835, when he moved to the Seven
Stars tavern on the Ridge road, in East Vincent
township, less than a mile from where he was
born. The farm connected with the tavern was
worn out and nearly fenceless. He worked hard,
and soon had things greatly improved in appear
ance, building an addition to the house. In the
fall of 1843, after a prolonged illness, he died of
fever, in his thirty-seventh year. He was a tall,
angular man with dark hair and eyes. His widow
subsequently married Henry Huzzard, and died
April 27, 1863, in the fifty-sixth year of her
age. All the earlier Christmans were Lutherans, and
their names are found in the church records of
that denomination in Chester and Montgomery
counties.

J%{ NDREW SCOTT RITCHIE. The family
I 1\ of which this gentleman was a worthy rep-
tr^\ resentative claim their descent from Seot-
Jl -^ tish ancestry; Andrew Ritchie, grandfather
i of Andrew S. , was a Revolutionary soldier,
and at the close of war came to Cross Creek town
ship, settling on a wild tract of land on Muller's
run. In 1796. he purchased from Ephraim Hart
the farm still owned by the Ritchie family, situ
ated about a mile from Cross Creek village. His
wife died in 1834, aged seventy-nine years, and
himself at the advanced age of eighty-five, four
years later.
James Ritchie, his son, was born in 1789, and
received his education at the subscription schools
of the neighborhood. In 1826 or 1827 he married
Matilda, daughter of Robert Bowland, a member
of an old Washington county family. James
Ritchie was a man six feet three inches in height
aud almost perfect in physique. In politics he
was an Old-line Democrat, and a substantial sup
porter of the Presbyterian Church under the guid
ance of Dr. John Stockton. They had two chil
dren: Andrew S., and a daughter who died in in
fancy. He died in 1834, aged forty-five, from
cholera contracted at Pittsburgh, Penn. His
widow married James Thompson, by which union
she had one child — R. B. Thompson — a prominent
citizen of West Middletown.
Andrew S. Ritchie was born, December 10, 1828,
and reared at West Middletown. When he had
completed his rudimentary education in the schools
of his district, he entered the Florence Academy
and then Washington College, where he graduated
in 1849, dividing first honor with three others.
He commenced the study of law under T. M. T.
McKennan and after his death continued study
with Hon. William McKennan, being admitted to
the bar in 1852. He never practiced his prof ession,
however, aud spent the next few years in teaching.
In 1865 he accepted the position of paying teller
in the First National Bank of Washington, Penn.,
which position he filled until 1890, when he was
compelled to resign on account of failing health.
During the twenty-five years of his connection
with the bank he performed his duties ably and
faithfully, so that he enjoyed the entire confidence
of the board of directors and the community in
which he lived. For many years he was a very
active member of the board of trustees in the
Washington Female Seminary and also of Wash
ington and Jefferson College. On September 10,
1851, Mr. Ritchie married Jane, daughter of
James McFadden, of West Middletown. and they
had four children, viz. : James McFadden, resid
ing at Sewickley, Penn. (auditor for the H. C.
Frick Coke Co., married to Nannie Doyle in 1884.
They have one child, Charles Lothrope); Charles

272

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Stewart (assistant cashier of the First National
Bank of Washington); Annie C. (the wife of Mr.
Owen. Murphy, a prominent operator in the Wash
ington and Sistersville oil fields), and William
Bowland (paying teller of the First National Bank).
Mr. Andrew S. Ritchie was a Whig, but later a
Republican, and his sons are all Republicans. He
died, December 10, 1892, of paralysis, from which
disease he had been suffering for two years. He
was a member of the First M. E. Church, was
loved by a wide circle of friends and relatives, and
was respected by all who knew him.

J [AMES JOHNSON VAN EMAN. Among
the leading representative families of Wash-
| ington county none are more worthy of spe
cial mention in this volume than the one of
which the gentlemen, whose name opens this
sketch, is an honored member.
James J. Van Eman is a son of Samuel Logan
and Martha (McConnell) Van Eman, both natives
of Washington county, Penn. The paternal great-
great-grandfather, Nicholas Van Eman, who was a
Hollander, was married to Mary Wilson, and their
children were George, Nicholas, Andrew, Garrett,
Katie, Polly, Susan and Hannah. Of these, George
was born September 12, 1753, iu Holland, whence
he emigrated to America, finally making a new
home in Washington county, Penn., as one of the
pioneers of North Strabane township, the place of
his settlement being a farm near Clokey ville, now
owned by Joseph Clokey. He married Rebecca
Scott, and they had children as follows: Nicholas,
George (a minister), Scott, Jane, Andrew, Rebecca,
Elizabeth, Joseph, Garrett, William, Sarah, Abra
ham and Hannah. The father of this family re
moved to Stark county, Ohio, in 1810.
Joseph Van Eman, son of George and Rebecca
(Scott) Van Eman, was born December 12, 1790,
in North Strabane township, this county. When
he reached maturity he left the paternal roof and
located on a farm (now owned by Thomas Slater)
in Cecil township, same county, which he after
ward sold, and then, in 1818, bought one near
where is now Van Eman station on Chartiers
Railroad, in the same township, and here passed
the remainder of his days. On February 28,
1811, he married Miss Isabel Logan, and the chil
dren born to them were Rebecca (married to John
Johnson), James (deceased in infancy), Samuel L.
(father of our subject), Joseph (married to Sarah
Lee), Mary (married to Samuel Alexander), George
(a minister, married to a Miss Bowers), Cyrus (who
died when young), Margaret (married to Israel Be
bout), Logan (who married Jane Vance) and Sarah
(wife of Samuel Bebout). The mother of this fam
ily was called from earth May 21, 1870, the father
in 1875. They were members of the Centre Pres

byterian Church in Peters township, in which for
forty years he was a ruling elder. He was a man
of superior mind, and of more than ordinary intel
ligence and executive ability. He was a director
of the poor of Washington county, executor and
trustee for many estates, and enjoyed the fullest
confidence and highest respect of the community
at large.
Samuel Logan Van Eman, son of Joseph and
Isabel (Logan) Van Eman, was born July 20,
1816, on his father's farm in Cecil township, this
county. On September 28, 1847, he married
Martha McConnell, also a native of Cecil township,
born in 1826 to James and Sarah (Phillips) Mc
Connell, both natives of Washington county, the
former of whom was a son of Alexander McCon
nell, who emigrated with his father from Scotland
or the North of Ireland to Cecil township, this
county, where both patented land; and the farm
which Alexander secured has never been out of the
family, being now in the possession of his great-
grandson, John P. McConnell. To Samuel L. and
Martha (McConnell) Van Eman were born children
as follows: James J. (our subject); Belle M. , born
in 1850, married to John N. Brown, son of Rev. A.
B. Brown, D. D., at onetime president of Jeffer
son College; Sadie E. (unmarried), and Joseph
Scott (deceased in infancy). The father of this
family died October 11, 1891, the mother is still
living. They were members or the Centre Presby
terian Church, Peters township, in which he served
as a ruling elder for thirty-five years; upright and
honorable in all his dealings, and, like his father,
executor and trustee for several estates, he was re
spected and esteemed far and wide.
James Johnson Van Eman was born August 31,
1848, on the old homestead in North Strabane
township, this county (near Van Eman station),
and received his education at the common schools
of his district and at an academy at Elder's Ridge,
Indiana Co., Penn., completing his literary train
ing with a course of study at Washington and Jef
ferson College. On leaving the latter institution
he took up and continued work on his father's
farm — chiefly buying and selling stock — till his
marriage, February 9, 1871, with Miss Maggie
Espy, when he opened a store in Thompsonville,
Peters township. This he carried on six years, at
the end of which time, finding his health becoming
impaired, he returned to the farm. Five years
later he went to Pittsburgh, where for two years he
had a store for the sale of agricultural implements,
on leaving which he came to Canonsburg and
established his present hardware store, tin and
steel roofing establishment, now one of the most
extensive businesses in this part of the county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Van Eman have been born six
children, viz. : M. Etta, Samuel Logan, M. Maude,
Nellie, John Espy and James Jay. Mrs. Van-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

273

Eman was born in Upper St. Clair township,
Allegheny Co., Penn., a daughter of John (a farm
er) and Margaret (Smith) Espy, both descended of
Scotch ancestry. Mr. Van Eman stands high
among the leading business men of Washington
county, and enjoys the esteem and- respect of all
who know him. He and his wife are members of
the Central Presbyterian Church, of which he is a
deacon. Mr. Van Eman is mayor of Canousburg.
In politics he is a Republican.

QEORGE O. JONES is descended from a
hardy and long-lived English family. His
paternal ancestor, Charles E. Jones, the son
of an English army officer, was born near
Leeds, England, in 1799. He served an ap
prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and by hard
work and frugal living saved enough to bring him to
America, where he came in 1827. Before leaving
he married Susan Judson, who had a brother,
Robert Judson, living near Washington, Penn.
Here Mr. Jones came, and liking the new country
immediately sent for his wife and children to fol
low him. He purchased a lot and built his home
on North Main street, where the Jones homestead,
in a more modern form, is now located.
Charles E. and Susan Jones were the parents of
ten children, two of whom died in infancy ; William
died in 1853; Sarah died in 1862; Susan died in
in 1864, just six weeks after her marriage with
William McClain; Mary married William Work
man and resides at Washington; Jane, the widow
of the late William H. Taylor, also lives at Wash
ington; James J. became a Methodist minister, but
death cut short that which promised to be a brill
iant career (he died at Denver, Colo., in 1875,
where he had gone in search of health) ; Sylvester F.
also became a Methodist minister, and is at present
pastor of Emmanuel Methodist Episcopal Church
at Evanston, 111. Mrs. Jones died in 1871, at the
age of seventy-one; her husband survived her until
1883, when his long life of eighty-four years was
brought to a close.
George O. Jones, the youngest of the family,
was born November 19, 1845, attended the Wash
ington public schools, and entered Washington
College as a student; but the Civil war called him
away from his studies, and on February 26, 1864,
he enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I.
On the second day of the battle of the Wilderness,
May 6, 1864, while making his way to the front,
he was struck in the head by a minie-ball and fell
unconscious to the ground. He was carried off the
field for dead, his knapsack emptied of rations by
W. H. Underwood, who thought George would have
no further use for such things; but as a grave was
being prepared, signs of life were discovered in
him by Dr. Wishart, a surgeon of the One Hundred

and Fortieth Regiment, and instead of being con
signed to the ground he was ordered to a hospital.
As a memento of this incident, Mr. Jones still carries
in his pocket a piece of skull bone, about the size of
a dime, which was extracted from the wound.
After recovery, he returned to his company and
served until the close of the war. He was mustered
out of service on July 24, 1865.
In January, 1866, he resumed his studies at
Washington and Jefferson College and graduated
from that institution in 1869. After graduating, he
entered the law office of John L. Gow, Jr., as a
law student, aud was admitted to the bar of this
county in August, 1871. In March, 1873, he was com
missioned a notary public, which office he has held
ever since. At present he has the honor of being
the oldest notary public, in time of service, in the
county. On May 1, 1872, he married Miss Emma
Kidd,' daughter of William and Eliza Kidd. As a
result of this union, three children have been born,
William K., Susan J. and Alice E., all of whom
are living. He is a member and past commander
of Post No. 120, G. A. R., Department of Pennsyl
vania. He and his family are members of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington.
He is also a trustee of this church.

T(OEL TRUESDELL, of West Alexander, was
| born October 17, 1822, in Claysville, Wash-
rjl ington Co., Penn., where the most, of his
^^ boyhood was passed. The Truesdells are of
English origin, and in their native country
were generally engaged in merchandising. They
emigrated to Connecticut in the early part of the
eighteenth century. James Truesdell, the great
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a na
tive of Connecticut. He enlisted in the war of the
Revolution, and died in the service. He had three
sons, Samuel, James and Joel, of whom Joel was
born in Connecticut in 1769, and was twice mar
ried, his first wife beii.g Mehetable Bradley, by
whom he had five children, viz. : Clarissa, who be
came the wife of Seth Gaylord, of New Haven,
Conn. ; Mabel, who became the wife of Ransom
Brockett, of Bristol, Conn. ; and Josiah, Calvin
and Abel. At the age of seventy-five years Joel
Truesdell married, for his second wife, a most es
timable lady, Mrs. Sarah Plumb, who lived to be
nearly one hundred years of age. Politically, he
was a Demoorat, was for many years a justice of
the peace, and for several years a leading member
of the Connecticut Legislature. He was one of the
original stockholders and directors in the bank of
Waterbury, Conn. While agricultural pursuits
were his chief life vocation, he also engaged in a
number of other lines of business, and was always
regarded as a valuable counselor, and altogether a
very enterprising man, much respected for his

274

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

excellence of character, gentleness and kindness of
disposition, and politeness of manner. .He died in
the year 1856. having been a lifelong member of
the Baptist Church.
Josiah Truesdell, the eldest son of the above,
was born July 28, 1790, in Bristol, Conn., where
he had the advantages of a superior education. In
1820 he came to Washington county, Penn., and
after a year's residence there he returned to his
native State, and on August 21, 1821, was married
to Mary, daughter of Daniel Tuttle, a member of
one of the oldest of Connecticut families. The
children of this union were: Joel, Luther C. (a
resident of Claysville), and Sarah M., the wife of
T. C. Noble.
Daniel Tuttle, the father of Mary Tuttle, was born
near New Haven, Conn., and was a son of Samuel
Tuttle, a direct descendant of William Tuttle, and
Elizabeth, his wife, who sailed from Wales in the
ship "Planter," and after a voyage of ten weeks
landed in Boston, July 1, 1635. William Tuttle
was one of the founders and original proprietors of
the city of New Haven, and owned the present
site of Yale College. His descendants were lead
ing factors in establishing and building up the
college at New Haven, and include many of the
best known names and families of New England,
amongst them being the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ed
wards, the theologian and president of Princeton
College; Rev. Dr. Timothy Dwight, president of
Yale College. Seth Thomas, who became so
widely known by his extensive clock manufactories,
was reared in Mrs. Truesdell's father's family, his
wife being her full cousin. Mrs. Truesdell died
January 30, 1876.
In the year 1821 Mr. Truesdell located in Clays
ville, and entered into partnership with his brother
Calvin. At the end of eight years the partnership
was dissolved, and Calvin removed to Wheeling,
W. Va., where he engaged in the wholesale dry-
froods business at the corner of Twelfth and Main
streets, Josiah being a partner in the same busi
ness. About the year 1834, Calvin removed to
Licking county, Ohio, where he engaged in agri
cultural pursuits. He was a delegate to the con
vention which nominated William Henry Harrison
for the Presidency in 1836. In 1838 he went to
Lake county, 111., where he resided until the time
of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1887,
when he was in his ninety-second year. His son,
Morgan, was a leading citizen of Lake county, 111.,
having held the offices of recorder of deeds and
mortgages, and also clerk of the courts. His
grandson, Gaylord Sankston Truesdell, is a well-
known American artist abroad, having resided for
the past five years in Paris. He recently contrib
uted a picture to the Corcoran Art Gallery at
Washington, D. C, which has elicited a great deal
of admiration, Josiah Truesdell and his wife were

ardent Presbyterians, and the present house of
worship, which was erected in the year 1830, and
which has been used by the Presbyterian congrega
tion at Claysville for the past sixty- two years, was
erected mainly through the combined efforts of Mr.
Truesdell and Rev. Thomas Hoge, the first pastor
of that congregation, and who, during his ministry
at Claysville, was a resident of Washington; Mr.
Hoge agreeing to furnish one-third of the funds
necessary to erect the building, on condition that
Mr. Truesdell furnish the two-thirds — a proposi-
tion which was fulfilled on the part of both, each
giving liberally of his own means. While they
lived there was the warmest friendship existing
between Mr. Hoge and Mr. Truesdell.
Mr. Truesdell was an enthusiastic admirer of
John Quincy Adams, and gave one of the only two
votes that were cast for him in Donegal township
on the occasion of his candidacy for the Presidency.
He was an enterprising man, ever having the in
terests of his borough, township and county at
heart. In school matters he was very aggressive
as a champion for a better and more advanced
system of education. He died November 3, 1830,
from injuries sustained by jumping from a stage
coach while descending the hill, just immediately
west of West Alexander on the National pike, near
the West Virginia line. He was thus early cut off
in the prime and usefulness of his life, and no one,
perhaps, who has been a resident of that section,
died more deeply lamented.
Joel Truesdell, the subject proper of this mem
oir, received his education partly in the schools of
his native place, and partly in the select schools of
Wheeling, taught at the time by Mr. Ezekiel
Hildreth. father of the late Eugene Hildreth, M.
D., and Prof. George B. Gow, a relative of the
Hon. John L. Gow, late of Washington, Penn.
In 1838 he entered the employ of Wilson & Humes,
in Claysville, for whom he worked eight years,
when he removed to West Alexander, and con
tinued in the employ of Mr. George Wilson,
senior member of the above mentioned firm, until
1852, in which year he embarked in business on
his own account in that place. This venture proved
a decided success under his superior energy and
management, and he not only conducted a general
store with an endless variety of stock, but also
dealt largely in wool. In 1870 he retired from
active business and has since been engaged in
various other enterprises. On June 30, 1852, Mr.
Truesdell was married to Elizabeth M.. daughter
of John Valentine, and two children, Mary E. and
John V.. were born to them, the latter dying
in infancy. The mother died in 1862, and in 1864
our subject was wedded to Catherine, daughter of
Isaac Mayes, of West Alexander, and one son,
Charles L. , who died at the age of five years, came
to bless this union,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

In politics Mr. Truesdell was originally a Whig,
and since the organization of the party he has
been a Republican. He has represented his party
in county and State conventions, has served his
township in all its various offices, and has held
nearly all the positions of trust in the borough of
West Alexander. He was elected auditor of the
county in 1876, the board of auditors being com
posed at that time of himself and Joseph Linton,
who served with great satisfaction to their con
stituents. His party would have been glad at vari
ous times to have recognized his high qualities for
some of the best offices in the gift of the county,
but politics not being in harmony with his tastes,
he always declined such proffered honors. For
many years he has been prominently connected
with the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander,
in which he is an elder, and he has contributed large
ly to its growth and prosperity. He was for many
years superintendent of the Sabbath-school, at all
times taking a lively interest in its success. We
may say that no one merits the esteem of the com
munity where he has so long resided, or has the
confidence of the people of the county, to whom he
is generally known, more than the subject of this
sketch. Mr. Truesdell is a man of generous in
stincts, takes a deep interest in his relatives and
friends, and during his life has taken a great deal
of pleasure out of making frequent visits to the
old New England homes of his father and mother.

QEORGE M. WARRICK, senior member of
the firm of George M. Warrick & Sons,
dealers in general groceries, Washington,
is a native of the county, bom in Amwell
township February 28, 1831, His grand
father moved, in 1795, from New Jersey to Beaver
county, Penn., where he died.
Jonathan T. Warrick, father of George M. , was
ten years old when he first came to Washington
county, and seventeen when he finally returned
to it, after a residence for a time in Beaver county.
In this county he taught sohool until he was twenty-
six years old, when he commenced carpentering
and cabinet making, but finally abandoned those
trades for farming, first in Amwell township till
1835, afterward in East Finley township, where
he died in 1846, at the age of sixty-two years. He
was a surveyor in the county. About the year
1820 he was married to Miss Mary Slack, a na
tive of Washington county, whose parents were of
English descent, and came here from New Jersey.
To Mr. and Mrs. Warrick were born nine children,
as follows: Sarah, wife of Jackson Harshman, in
South Strabane township; James, married to a
Miss Wilson, died in Davenport, Iowa, at the age
of sixty-six years; Matilda, an invalid from the
age of eighteen years, died in 1890; Mary, de

ceased wife of George Ely (one of her sons, Dr.
Ely, lives in Washington, Penn.); Charlotte, wife
of Elijah Coulson, of Buffalo township; William
W., married in 1855 to a Miss Wylie, who died
in 1891 (he was a contractor for ten years in com
pany with his brother George M., later went into
the grocery business with him, but in 1873 he
withdrew from the firm; he now resides in Wash
ington); George M. is the subject of this sketch ;
Elizabeth is the wife of W. K. Long, of Washing
ton, and Hannah C. is living iu Washington. The
mother of this family passed from earth in 1847, in
East Finley township.
George M. Warrick was educated in the t-chools
of his native township, and worked on his father's
farm until sixteen years of age, when, his parents
being now dead, he came to Washington, and
passed one summer on a farm adjoining the town.
He then commenced learning the trade of carpen
ter, and two years later began the business for his
own account. When about twenty years of age he
went to Chicago, then a growing city of 30,000 in
habitants. Returning to Washington, he for some
years followed contracting, after which, in 1858,
he embarked in mercantile business at his present
stand, forming a partnership with his brother
William W., the style of the firm being G. M. &
W. W. Warrick. About 1866 they bought the
Washington flouring mills, in partnership with John
M, Wilson, carrying on both it and the grocery
business. Some seven years later William W.
Warrick retired from both concerns, and our sub
ject and Wilson continued together till 1887, when
they sold out the mill to Zelt Bros , Wilson also
retiring from the grocery. Mr. Warrick then
associated his two sons with him in the grocery
business, in which they still continue.
In 1855 Mr. Warrick was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Wilson, of Taylorstown, daughter
of William Wilson, and five children have been
born to them, viz. : Matilda Belle, wife of Rev.
McCarroll, a Presbyterian minister at Waynesboro,
Penn.; William J., married to Anna Polen, and
then removed to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he car
ried on a drug business seven years, then sold,
returned to Washington, and is now with his father
in the store; John W. , with his father; Rachel
and Jennie, both at home with their parents. Mr.
Warrick has been a member of the M. E. Church
since eighteen years of age. When he united with
the First M. E. Church of Washington there were
300 members. Politically he was a Democrat up
to the Buchanan election, when he enlisted in the
Republican ranks. Our subject is a typical self-
made man, having had nothing but his own efforts,
industry and enterprise to aid him, and when he
went into business he possessed but a few hundred
dollars. He never speculated, and never incurred
a debt that be ooulcl pot pay inside of six days,

276

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

frNx AVID E. BAKER, senior member of the
I || well-known firm of Baker & Worrell, jew-
ill/' elers, was born in Amwell township, Janu
ary 5, 1849, a son of Nathan and Maria
(Horn) Baker. His education was received at the
common schools and Lone Pine Academy, the chief
part of his time being passed in the customary duties
of the farm until he was twenty four years of age.
In 1873 he was united in marriage with Miss
Emma, daughter of George Swart, of Amwell
township, and two children were born to them,
viz. : Winnie Myrtle and Lida Ray. Lida Ray died
November 30, 1889. The mother died in 1883, at
the age of thirty-four years, and in 1887 Mr. Baker
married Lizzie, daughter of Dr. Elijah Hoffman,
formerly of Buffalo township, this county, now of
Wisconsin. To this marriage one child was born —
Frank N. Mr. Baker opened out a general merchan
dise store at Amity, Amwell township, in 1873, which
he carried on until 1880, when he sold out. In 1885
he came to Washington borough, where he formed
a partnership with George Brady, in the jewelry
business, which continued three years, when it was
dissolved, and Mr. Baker took as a partner a Mr.
McConaghy, but in April, 1891, the latter retired,
and Frank N. Worrell took his place, the style of
the firm being now, as already intimated, Baker &
Worrell, geueral jewelers. The firm are popular
and enterprising, keeping well abreast of the times
in their line. Socially Mr. Baker is a member of
the Royal Arcanum, of the Improved Order of
Heptasophs, and National Union. Iu politics he is
a Republican, and in religion a member of the
First M. E. Church of Washington. His home is
on Prospect avenue, on the edge of South Strabane
township.

\ILLIAM P. HASTINGS, proprietor of
one of the leading hardware stores in
Washington, is of English descent, his
paternal grandfather having emigrated
from the " Old Country " to America, mak
ing a settlement in Washington, this county,
where he followed the trade of saddler, and passed
the rest of his life. He had children, of whom
John C. is deceased; William (now deceased) lived
near Brownsville, this county; Samuel died in
Indiana; Henderson is deceased; Mary is the wife
of Hiram Swart, of Amwell township; and Nancy
is deceased.John C. Hastings was born in Washington, this
county, in 1818, and received his education at the
local schools. He commenced life a poor boy, and
when but eight years of age began to work in
Jonathan Martin's fulling mill, but later was em
ployed on the National pike under this same
Martin, who was one of the contractors. He
learned the carpenter's trade with Joshua Martin, a

brother of the above-mentioned Martin, aud fol
lowed the trade until 1848, when he was appointed
clerk in the postoffice under Jonathan Leet- In
1850 he opened on his own account a grocery
store, where Brady's jewelry store now stands, and
in 1860 formed a partnership with R. F. Strean,
in hardware and agricultural implements. He
bought Strean's interest in 1869, and in 1871 he
renfoved the hardware business to the store which
his son, William P., now keeps. In 1878 he asso
ciated the latter with him, which alliance continued
until the father's death April 16, 1888, he being then
seventy-seven years old. He was originally a Demo
crat, but in 1856 became a Republican; in religion
he was a member of the Christian Church. Mr.
Hastings was twice married, first to a daughter oi
James Nichol, of Washington county, whose im
mediate ancestry were agriculturists in the early
days of the county. In 1852 Mr. Hastings mar
ried Miss Hannah, daughter of Huston Paul, and
two children were born to them: William P. and
Anna G., wife of W. S. Harrah, of Allegheny.
William P. Hastings was born at Washington,
Penn,, March 22, 1853. He received a liberal
education at the common schools of the borough,
and in 1870 commenced clerking in his father's
storo; in 1878 he was admitted as a partner, as
already related. He was married to Miss Sarah,
daughter of A. B. Ashbrook, of Buffalo township,
in 1875, and two bright boys have come to bless
their home: Harry, born in 1877, and William,
boru in 1883. Mr. Hastings is one of the well-
known and enterprising young business men of
Washington, and represents a family whose pro-
gressiveness and integrity have never been ques
tioned.

D'

AVID McMILLEN CAMPSEY, one of the
leading representative and substantial cit
izens of the county, is a native of the same,
having been born October 13, 1843, in
Donegal township.
His grandfather, James Campsey, a farmer by
occupation, was born June 22, 1772, in Mounter-
tany, Parish of Raphoe, County Donegal, Ireland,
and in 1794 emigrated to America in the ship
"Liberty." In 1792 he had married Elizabeth
Johnson, of the same county, born .February 1,
1770, and when he immigrated to the United States
he was accompanied by his faithful wife and two
children: William, born July 1, 1793, and Johu,
born May 4, 1796. For a few years, or until 1801,
they lived east of the mountains, and then proceeded
westward to Washington county, Penn., making a
settlement about two miles south of Claysville,
this section being at that time an unbroken and
sparsely settled wilderness. When they arrived,
the neighbors formed a "bee," and built them a

Vfl<nud^0<^riJi&ty d<"f

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

279

log cabin, the foundation of which was four stumps,
one for each corner, but one day being occupied in
its erection. Here our little pioneer family made
their home, gradually surrounding themselves with
the necessaries and comforts of life, and here four
more children came to enlarge the domestic circle:
Margaret, born February 20, 1798; Joseph, born
February 20, 1800; James, born February 20,
1803, and Rebecca, born June 2, 1805. The head
of this pioneer family was a vigorous, energetic
man, incessantly and assiduously toiling to make a
home for his little ones, and to convert the forest
wild into a fertile farm. On November 23, 1843,
the loving partner of his bosom was called from
earth, and Mr. Campsey, having then made an
equitable division of his property, which was con
siderable, retired from active labor, and passed the
remaining portion of his days on earth with his
son James. He died September 1, 1851, full of
years and honor, and was laid to rest by the side
of his wife in Claysville cemetery. All their chil
dren lived to adult ages, excepting Margaret, who
died in her girlhood.
James Campsey, the third son of this pioneer,
was born February 20, 1803, in Donegal town
ship, this county, and attended the subscription
schools of the neighborhood, the building being
made of logs, while the interior was furnished
in the most primitive manner, the seats being
merely slabs, and the writing desk another slab,
supported by pegs driven into the wall. The fire
place, which occupied the greater part of one end
of the school-room, was a "yawning chasm,"
wherein was thrown the wood, which was cut by
the scholars. The books used in those early times
were the English Reader, the U. S. Spelling Book
and the Western Calculator. Mr. Campsey was
a natural mechanic, and could turn his hand to
almost any kind of work in that line, being very
ingenious and skillful. He constructed a distill
ery complete, including all the plant, which he
operated for some time, until he became aware of
the harm liquor was doing among those who
could not discriminate between use and abuse; he
then gave up the business, and disposed of the
plant. Mr. Campsey was twice married, the first
occasion on November 7, 1827, to Isabella Daugh
erty. a native of Washington county, born April
21, 1811, by which union there were five children:
Mary Ann, born Mav 29, 1830; Harriet, born No
vember 18, 1832; Margaret E., born May 19, 1835;
James D., born May 24, 1838. and a son. unnamed,
born November 2, 1840, dying four days after
ward. The mother of this family departed this
life April 29, 1841, and March " 10. 1842, Mr.
Campsey wedded Mrs. Susanna Ralston (also a
native of County Down, Ireland), widow of James
Ralston, and daughter of David McMillen, of the
same township, and two children (twins) came to

this union: David M. (subject of sketch), and
Rebecca, born October 13, 1843, died February 19,
1876. Soon after his first marriage James Camp
sey purchased of Samuel Stokely a valuable farm
property, comprising 352 acres of prime land lying
one and one-half miles north of Clayhville, to
which he moved and where he followed farming
till December, 1869, when he removed to Clays
ville, and there lived a retired life, having amassed
a comfortable sufficiency by hard toil and earnest
ness of purpose. On April 4, 1883, he was called
from earth, his wife having preceded him to the
long home September 24, 1874. Mr. Campsey
was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Clays
ville, Mrs. Campsey being a member of the U. P.
Church of South Buffalo. In politics he was
originally a Whig, in later years a Republican.
D. M. Campsey received his primary education
at the common school of his district, and in 1862
entered Millsborough Normal School, where he re
mained one year; in 1863 he prosecuted his studies
in Carversville Institute, and October 19, 1865,
commenced a commercial course at Eastman's
Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , from which
he graduated in February, 1866. After his grad
uation, he entered the employ of Lord & Taylor,
of New York, with whom he remained some time.
On April 7, 1870, having returned to his native
county, our subject opened a dry-goods store in
Claysville, which he carried on eleven years, and
then in 1878 formed a partnership with R. B.
Daugherty, in the same line at West Alexander, at
the same time conducting a hardware store in Clays
ville, in company with William Wilson. For many
years he has been engaged in the wool and grain
trade, buying and selling, and he is now largely
interested in the oil business.
On July 31, 1873, Mr. Campsey was married to
Addie K., daughter of David Kennedy, and the
names of the children born to them are James
Arthur (died September 22, 1876, at the age of
thirteen months), George A., Susannah J., David
M. (born March 26, 1883, died July 29, 1891), and
Donald McLain. The family are adherents of the
U. P. Church at Claysville, of which Mr. Campsey
has been a member of Session since 1885. Polit
ically he is a Republican, and an active worker in
the party. Fired by a spirit of patriotism during
the Civil war, he enlisted for three months in Com
pany D, Forty-fifth P. V. I. , serving the full term
of his enlistment.
T If UGH ALLISON ROGERS. Hugh Rodgers
f!^| (for so the name was originally spelled)
I | came, in company with a sister, from his
Jj -1 native Ireland to America, and made a set-
v7 tlement in Chartiers township, Washington
Co., Penn. He participated in the Revolutionary
war. He was twice married, his first wife dying

280

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

soon after marriage; his second wife was Miss
Mary Cowden, of Chartiers township, who bore him
children as follows: Mary Ann, who died October 11,
1844, aged twenty-one years; John C. , who died
August 14, 1845; Elizabeth, married to Rev. John
Stream, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Ebenezer Kerr,
who died September 8, 1886, and Caroline, matron
of the Washington County Home. The father of
this family died September 7, 1845.
Ebenezer Kerr Rodgers was born October 17,
1828, in Washington county, Penn., and was
reared to farming pursuits, which he followed for
some time, but on account of ill health was obliged
to abandon and seek some lighter open-air employ
ment. During the remainder of his life he dealt
in stock, and for a time was interested in a livery
stable, which stood where Bane Bros, now are, in
Washington. On March 4, 1850, he married Miss
Margaret, daughter of Hugh Allison, of Chartiers
township. John Allison, grandfather of Mrs. Ebenezer K.
Rodgers, was a native of Scotland, whence he came
with his family to America about the year 1780,
and made a settlement in the wild woods of Wash
ington county, Penn. , which teemed with ferocious
animals and hostile Indians. The settlers at that
time never went abroad from their log houses with
out their trusty rifles, not even to church meeting,
which was held in an old log edifice that stood near
where is now the borough of Canonsburg. Serv
ices were often held in the open air, but, later,
another and a better church building was erected
at Buffalo. John Allison married Jennette Brown
lee, and by her had children as follows: Gavin,
born January 29, 1759; Archibald, born Septem
ber 29, 1760; William (1), born May 23, 1764,
died in infancy; William (2), born September 23,
1765; James, born April 8, 1768; Thomas, born
June 30, 1770, became one of the first ministers in
Washington county; Ebenezer, born June 10, 1771,
died in infancy, and Hugh, born December 2, 1773.
The parents of this family both departed this life
in Chartiers township, the father about the year
1790, and they now rest in the graveyard at
Buffalo. Hugh Allison, son of John, was four times mar
ried; the first time before he was twenty-one years
of age, to Miss Irwin, of Buffalo township, who
died leaving one child, Jane, born July 12, 1795,
who married George Morrison, and lived to the ad
vanced age of eighty -three years. Hugh Allison's
second marriage was with a daughter of John
Brownlee, and she died leaving two children:
Eliza, born August 9, 1800, married to William Scott
and died in Ohio, and Annie, born December 3,
1801, deceased when young. Mr. Allison's third
marriage was with Miss McBride, of Washington
county, and by her he had children as follows: Maria
Reed, born February 12, 1805; Rebeoca McBride,

born September 2, 1807, married to John Hanna;
Hugh, born April 27, 1810, died young; John and
Thomas, both deceased. Mr. Allison's fourth wife
was Jane Gabby, born December 14, 1771, in
Washington county, daughter of James and Jean-
ette Gabby. By this marriage eight children were
born, of whom the following is a brief record:
Jane, born August 11, 1822, is now the widow of
Joseph McNary; James, born September 18, 1824,
is now in Nebraska; Margaret, born March 6, 1826,
married Ebenezer Kerr Rodgers, and died October
9, 1892; Archibald H, born November 24,1827,
is now in Chartiers township; Hugh B. , born April
20, 1830, lives in Des Moines, Iowa; a daughter
(name not given), died unmarried; Ann Henderson,
born June 27, 1833, lives in Chartiers township,
and Ebenezer, born August 12, 1835, lives on the
old home farm in Chartiers township. The father
of these families died September 2, 1853, at the
age of eighty years. He was from early manhood
an elder in the North Buffalo Seceder Church, was
a prominent temperance advocate, and succeeded
in having the first temperance society formed in
his vicinity. He was one of the first to refuse
liquor to farm hands while working in the field.
He was a great reader, and had a large library of
books. He was a man of strong will, of very pro
nounced opinions, and was an advocate of women's
rights. At the time of his death, which occurred
suddenly from an attack of colic in 1853, he was
the owner of 400 acres of land in Chartiers town
ship. His widow passed from earth December 14,
1870, aged eighty years.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer K.
Rodgers remained a year on the farm, and then re
moved into the borough of Canonsburg, where they
resided sixteen years; thence, in 1867, moved into
Washington, where their home has since been.
The children born to them are seven in number,
viz. : Jane A., at home; Hugh Allison and Eben
ezer Allison, both in Washington; Mary, at home;
John C, in McDonald, Washington county; Frank
F., in Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Harry Hanna, a
civil engineer engaged by the Pennsylvania Rail
road. On September 8, 1886, the father of this
family departed from earth, having for the last
year of his life been confined to the house. He
was a good business man, possessed of a very even,
quiet disposition, and at all times exercised great
patience. In his political preferences he was a
Republican, and in religious sentiments a member
of the U. P. Church of Washington.
Hugh Allison Rogers was born September 24,
1855, in Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he received a portion of his education at the
public schools. About the year 1867 he came
with the rest of his father's family to Washington,
and there, at the public schools of the borough, and
by a short attepdanoe at Washington College, com-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

281

pleted his education. He then commenced the
study of law in the office of John W. & Alvan
Donnan, and on finishing his studiejs was admitted
to the bar of Washington county in 1882, prior to
which he had been appointed a notary public. In
1884 he was appointed cashier of the People's
Light & Heat Company, which position he is
now holding. Politically he is a Republican, a
strong worker for his party, but no office-holder.
He is a member of the U. P. Church, and librarian
in same; was at one time a lieutenant in the
National Guards of Pennsylvania, serving some
eight or nine years. On September 30, 1885, Mr.
Rogers married Miss Mary J. Murray, who was
born September 23, 1861, a daughter of John
Murray, of Washington. One bright little girl has
come to brighten their home, named Florence,
born July 18, 1889, and one boy, named Hugh
Donnan, born January 5, 1893. „The family resi
dence is on Jefferson avenue, in Canton township.

Ml ICHAEL RYAN, proprietor of Washing-
/l ton Carriage Works, was born at Bing-
| hamton, N. Y., September 16, 1851.
1 His parents, Martin and Mary (Fitzpat-
rick) Ryan, natives of County Galway,
Ireland, came to America in 1847, and made their
first home in New York State, where their three
children were born; subsequently the family moved
to Ohio, and thence, about the year 1854, to Wash
ington county. The father died in Ohio, and his
widow afterward married John Maloney, who was
killed on the railroad July 12, 1866. She resided
with her son Michael until she died, on January 28,
1892, at the age of seventy-five years. The chil
dren born to her marriage with Martin Ryan are
Bridget, wife of Henry Kane, of Donegal town
ship; and Michael and James, both residents of
Washington, Penn.
Michael Ryan, of whom this notice is written,
obtained his education in the common schools of
Washington county, and very early in life, owing
to the limited circumstances of his parents, had to
earn his own living. In 1868 he entered the car
riage works of S. B. & C. Hayes, where he re
mained until he finished bis apprenticeship, and
then commenced work with Hayes & Wilson, re
maining in their employ about eleven years. In
1881. in conjunction with his brother, he estab
lished a carriage factory, the style of the firm be
ing Washington Carriage Works, Ryan Bros. ,
proprietors, for the manufacture of light carriages.
This partnership continued until January, 1891,
when his brother retired. Mr. Michael Ryan has
conducted the business alone since that time. In
1889 a commodious brick building was erected on
East Beau street, which, in 1891, was remodeled
and enlarged, and the industry has grown until it

is now one of the foremost manufacturing estab
lishments of Washington, and in the carriage build
ing line it is in reality the only one devoted exclu
sively to the making of light vehicles in Washing
ton. Mr. Ryan commenced life a poor boy, but
by energy, perseverance, and strict attention to
business he has deservedly earned an almost phe
nomenal success. He never married. Politically
he is a Democrat, and has been a member of
Washington borough council.

dfAMES W. KUNTZ enjoys the distinction of
being one of the oldest residents of Wash-
) ington borough. His grandfather, Michael
Kuntz, a laborer by occupation, came unac
companied, in 1788, from Lancaster county, Penn.,
to Washington county, and bought land where now
stands Brady's jewelry store, in the borough of
Washington. Here Michael Kuntz built a cabin, but on ac
count of the Indians his family did not come out
until May, 1790. He returned to Lancaster county,
and there died in 1794; he was a Freemason of
high standing. His widow survived him until about
the year 1850, when she was called from earth at
the advanced age of eighty-five years; she was his
second wife, and there is no record of any children
by his first marriage. To his second union five
children were born, of whom we find the names of
George, Jacob, Sophia (Mrs. George Burker, for
merly of Washington) and Mrs. Reddick (deceased).
The family crossed the mountains on pack horses,
the packs or saddle-bags being made of homemade
linen, and when the little boys were tired walking
they were placed in the pockets of these saddle bags.
George Kuntz, born in Lancaster county, Penn.,
January 25, 1785, was about six years old when
brought to Washington, and here he lived at the
same place about fourscore years, dying July 18,
1870. He was a hatter, who, in 1810; opened a
factory in Washington where hats were made by
hand. This business he continued until 1844,
when he retired. In 18 18 he married Elizabeth,
daughter of James Wisbey, of Washington, and
seven children were born to them, viz. : Michael
and James W. , both in Washington; one that died
in infancy; Brady, a physician, who died in Wash
ington March 26, 1863; Sophia, who married
Charles Hayes, and died in Washington in 1854;
Philip, who also died in Washington, and Stephen,
who died in April, 1891, at the age of fifty-six
years. The father was called from earth July 18,
1870, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a
Jacksonian Democrat, and for a time served as
borough treasurer. He was a Freemason, having
been initiated in 1824. The mother died April 21.
1884, aged eighty-four years.
James W. Kuntz was born February 20, 1821,

282

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in an old log house which stood on the same piece
of land on which he now resides. He received his
rudimentary education at the public schools of the
borough, and later attended Washington College,
at which time he became acquainted with James G.
Blaine. He learned the trade of cabinet maker
with Thomas Bryson, ultimately buying a half-in
terest in the business, in which be continued
several years. In 1849, being seized with the
"gold fever," he set out for California, across the
plains, the journey occupying six months. His
health, beginning to fail in that land of promise,
and having a friend whose mind was affected, he
concluded, in 1851, to return to Pennsylvania.
While en route the friend became totally demented,
jumped overboard and was drowned, and Mr.
Kuntz, now alone, continued his homeward trip.
He then opened a leather store in Washington,
which he carried on successfully for twenty years,
when he sold out and moved on his farm in Frank
lin township, but in 1887 returned to Washington,
where he now lives comparatively retired. In
1865 Mr. Kuntz married Nancy, a daughter of
Samuel Workman, of Washington. No children
have been born to them. Politically he is a Demo
crat, and has served as burgess of Washington some
six or seven years. Socially he is a Freemason.

CHARLES G. McILVAIN, a young attorney
of Monongahela, and a progressive, native-
born citizen of the county, is a lineal de
scendant of the time-honored pioneer, Greer
Mcllvain, who came to this county from the east
ern part of the State prior to 1788, and patented a
large tract of land in Somerset township.
Charles G. was born April 6, 1862, in Carroll
township, a son of Greer and Elizabeth (Williams)
Mcllvain, the former of whom was a grandson of
the pioneer Greer Mcllvain, a sketch of whom and
the immediate ancestry of our subject appears else
where. Charles G. received his primary education
at the common schools of his district, and at the
age of fifteen he entered the Southwestern Normal
School at California, Penn., on leaving which he
for some time attended Jefferson Academy. He
then entered the law school in connection with the
University of Michigan, from which he graduated
in 1885, and on his return home was admitted to
the bar of Pittsburgh. He has succeeded in build
ing up a large practice and highly respectable cli
entage in that city, and along the Monongahela
valley. On April 9, 1890, Mr. Mcllvain was married to
Nancy M., daughter of Capt. Peter Donaldson, of
Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and one child,
Ruth, has come to brighten their home. Mr. Mc
llvain is a Republican in politics, and resides at
Monongahela.

K. LONG, one of the best-known bus
iness men of Washington and second to
none in popularity, in the county, as a
dealer *in footwear, is a native of Wash
ington, Penn., where he first saw the
light November 13, 1835.
His father, William Long, was born in August,
1786, in Manheim township, Lancaster Co., Penn.,
where he learned the wagon maker's trade. About
the year 1800 he came to Washington, where he
established himself in the wagon making business,
which he carried on up to the time of his death in
1848. By industry he amassed a competence, but
lost it all through ill advised liberality and mis
placed confidence in human nature. He was a
member of the Lutheran Church. In 1822 he mar
ried Miss Catherine, daughter of John Krider.
(This John Krider conducted a farm in Canton
towuship, but removed to Illinois, where he was
thrown from a horse, receiving injuries from which
he died at Fulton, 111., at the age of eighty-four
years.) To William and Catherine Long were
born eight children, as follows: Susan, wife of W.
W. Davis, of Guernsey county, Ohio; Nancy, John
and Catherine (all three deceased — John "at the
age of twelve, and Catherine when about eight
years old); Mary, wife of Jesse Allen, in Knox
county, Ohio; W. K., our subject; Eliza, wife of J.
O. Vankirk, in Franklin township; and Ellen,
married to J. J. McWilliams, near Edinborough,
Erie Co. , Penn. The mother of this family died
in 1872, at the age of seventy-five years, while
staying at the house of her daughter, Mrs. W. W.
Davis, then living in Canton township.
W. K. Long received his education at the public
schools of the place of his birth, and grew to man
hood on the John Coulson farm. In August, 1862,
he enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Cavalry (An
derson), in which he served until June, 1865, when
he was honorably discharged. He was with the army
of the Cumberland, participating in its almost
innumerable battles and skirmishes, but came
through without a wound, although at the battle
of Sandridge, Tenn., he had a horse shot under
him. He was sick for several months, in 1863, at
Nashville, Tenn. On his discharge he returned to
his native county, and remained in Buffalo town
ship until 1866, when he came to Washington and
clerked for Warrick Bros., grocers and millers,
until 1875, in which year he entered into partner
ship with G. M. Warrick & J. M. Wilson, grocers,
and at the end of two years they opened out a shoe
store where Mr. Long is now established, the part
nership in both industries continuing until July,
1889, when it was dissolved, our subject carrying
on the boot and shoe business alone. In Novem
ber, 1872, Mr. Long married Elizabeth, daughter
of Jonathan T. Warrick (a sketch of whom will be
found elsewhere), by which union there are two

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

283

children — Mary L. and William W. — both at home.
The family are members of the First M. E. Church
of Washington. Politically, Mr. Long is a Repub
lican. TIMOTHY HARE. To beautiful Erin, the
land of which Moore has so sweetly sung,
and which has given to the world so many
of its brilliant statesmen, jurists and soldiers,
Washington county is indebted for many of
her substantial, progressive and loyal citizens,
among whom may be justly included the gentle
man whose name opens this biographical memoir.
Timothy Hare was born in County Clare, Ire
land, in 1838, a son of Timothy and Catherine
(Holloran) Hare. The father died there in 1847.
When about sixteen years of age (1854) our subject
emigrated to America, coming to Washington county,
where he first worked on the farm of Robert M.
Patterson, of Cross Creek township, for $8 per
month, remaining with him two years. He had
been barely that length of time in the land of his
adoption when he found himself, by dint of hard
labor and careful thrift, enabled, though yet but a
mere boy, to send means to his native land to bring
to Washington county his widowed mother and
one of his sisters. The mother died in Washing
ton in 1887 at an advanced age. She was the
mother of nine children, all of whom died in Ire
land, save three: Timothy, Bridget (Mrs. Shaugh-
nessy) and Mary (Mrs. Farrell), both residents of
Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1853 the second sister emi
grated. After a time Mr. Hare commenced the
huckstering business, carrying goods to Pitts
burgh each week; then worked a farm in South
Strabane township for one year. In 1874 he em
barked in the present grocery business in Washing
ton, in which he has met with exceptional success.
In 1861 our subject was married to Margaret,
daughter of Thomas Breen. To them nine chil
dren were born, namely: John F., in Washington;
Thomas, near Pittsburgh; Timothy, a tailor in
Cadiz, Ohio; James, in Washington; Mary, Cath
erine J., William and Margaret, all at home with
their parents; Charles died some sixteen years ago,
at the age of six months. Mrs. Hare is a native of
Ireland, and was brought to this country when a
small child. In 1880 Mr. Hare built the house in
Washington, which is now the family home. In
religious faith he is a Catholic, in politics a Demo
crat, but at elections he asserts his right to exer
cise his own judgment, regardless of party lines.

JfOHN H. MURRAY. The antecedents of this
gentleman came to Washington county at an
] early day. John Murray, his father, married
Margaret Henderson, who resided near Clays
ville, this county, and by her had six children,

viz. : Hannah (deceased, was twice married. Her
first husband's name being Murphy, and her
second husband's Lavery); Michael, now living
in Sedalia, Mo. ; Charles, James and Thomas (all
three deceased), and John H. , the subject of this
sketch. The father, who was a teamster by occu
pation, died in August, 1830, when John H. was
but six months old, the youngest in a family of six
children; the mother afterward moved to Illinois,
where she died of cholera in 1852.
John H. Murray was born February 12, 1830, in
Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and at
the common schools of the neighborhood received
his education, which, as he had to apply himself
to work on the farm in early boyhood, was of
necessity very limited. In 1849 he went West, and
for two years followed agricultural pursuits in
Illinois, and worked as a farmer and carpenter part
of the time in Pennsylvania and the balance of the
time in Illinois. In 1862 he enlisted in Company
C, 22nd P. V. C, and participated in several
engagements. In January following his enlist
ment, he was taken sick, for fifteen months was
confined in hospital, and after his discharge as a
convalescent he cooked for the officers' mess, one
year. At the close of his term of service, June 1,
1865, he was mustered out with his company, and
he then returned to Washington county, taking up
his temporary residence in Buffalo township. Soon
afterward he commenced a butcher business in
Claysville, which he carried on one year, and then,
in 1871, removed to Washington and opened out a
meat market on Wheeling street, which in 1874 he
moved to Main street, and in 1886 to his present
stand, on North Main street. On February 6,
1855, Mr. Murray was married to Sarah A.,
daughter of Joseph Magill, a resident of the Clays
ville neighborhood, but in 1857 she was taken from
earth, leaving one daughter, then only fourteen
months old, now the wife of David Sample, Jr., of
Washington. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Murray married,
for his second wife, Elizabeth J., daughter of
Joseph Hutchison, now deceased. To this union
four children were born, viz. : Mary, wife of Hugh
Rodgers, Washington; William H , who is in part
nership with his father; Annie, wife of Thomas
Blair, of Wheeling street, Washington; and John
E., living with his parents. Mr. Murray is one of
the many progressive and prosperous self-made
men of Washington, and is esteemed by a host of
friends whom he has gathered around him by his
thorough business habits and social qualities. In
his political preferences he is a straight Democrat,
but finds no time for office aspirations. His com
fortable and commodious home is on Highland
avenue, one of the most beautiful streets in the
borough.

284

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS COOL. As
the student of human nature looks on the
men and women who have risen from the
ranks to positions of eminence in the world
of literature, politics, science, art or religion, he
will fain inquire, "Whence came they? Amid
what scenes did these giant minds unfold? in what
social circles were they first introduced to the world
which they have conquered?" From the vast
majority comes the ringing answer, " The dear old
farm was our childhood home; our early social en
joyments were found on the glittering pond, by
the woodland river, in the husking bee and the
harvest home. Amid these scenes our minds were
nurtured, aud 'far from the madding crowd's
ignoble strife,' we learned from self-sacrificing,
toiling parents the lessons of self-denial and per
severance, with which to conquer first ourselves,
and then our foemen." God bless the farm and the
farmers of our laud. They are the rocks on which
our nation rests, and the history of their lives
should be treasured by every patriotic citizen of
America. Gilbert Cool was born about the year 1794, east
of the Alleghany Mountains, and came to Wash
ington county, when a young man. He decided
to learn the blacksmith's trade, and accordingly en
tered a shop of one John McConnell, living near
Paris, where he learned his trade. His employer
had a fair young sister-in-law, Rebecca Moore, and
Rebecca soon became the bride of Gilbert Cool.
They located in Frankfort, Beaver Co. , Penn. ,
where he followed his trade, and being both ener
getic and industrious, soon acquired a comfortable
property. Time passed on, and one by one chil
dren came to bless their union, until the following
names were added to their family circle: William
(who died at the age of forty years), was a farmer
of Allegheny county, Penn. ; John, a farmer living
in Allegheny county; Augustine, also residing on a
farm in Allegheny county; Christopher Columbus,
mentioned below; Thomas, an agriculturist of
Allegheny county; Sarah, deceased in youth;
Verlinda, deceased wife of William Dawson; and
Alice, deceased wife of Philip Strouse, of Beaver
county, Penn. Some years after his marriage Mr.
Cool purchased and moved upon a farm near Flor
ence, in Hanover township, which he afterward
sold at a handsome profit, and then bought 175
acres in Findley township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
where his remaining years were passed. He was
a hard-working, successful business man, and in
politics was an Old-line Whig, afterward uniting
with the Republican party. He possessed a robust
constitution, and was ill but for a short time be
fore his death, which occurred November 9, 1879,
followed by his wife a year later. They are buried
side by side in Hopewell cemetery, Allegheny

county. Both were members of the Presbyterian
Church. Christopher Columbus Cool was born April 7,
1839, near Florence, Washington county. He re
ceived his earlier education at the common schools
of the neighborhood and then took a short course
at Mt, Union College, Stark county, Ohio, fitting
himself for school teaching. After leaving col
lege, he, in company with several classmates, made
a western tour, visiting the principal cities of
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky and
West Virginia, many of the present large cities of
those States being but villages at that time. He
taught school in Wayne county, 111. , also in many
of the western towns, and having satisfied his
curiosity concerning the resources of the western
States, returned to the home farm, teaching school
during the winter season. On June 14, 1865, he
was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Culbert-
son, who was born September 7, 1839, being the
youngest of three children born to David and
Elizabeth (Whittaker)Culbertson. Her father was
a representative farmer of Hanover township, and
was for many years an elder in the Cross Roads
Presbyterian Church at Florence, this county.
Two daughters have been born to the union of
Christopher Columbus Cool and Eliza Jane Cool,
namely: Allie Etta, and Effie Dora, both of whom
are living at home. Since his marriage Mr. Cool
has resided on his father-in-law's farm, one half of
which was purchased, successfully devoting his at
tention to agriculture and stock raising. He is a
progressive, energetic citizen, thoroughly posted
on general topics, and an enthusiastic supporter of
the Republican party. He and his family are
members of the Presbyterian Church at Florence.

JfOHN P. WILSON. The family of which this
gentleman is a worthy representative are of
J North of Ireland descent. Robert Wilson,
the grandfather of our subject, emigrated to
this country, and made a settlement on a farm in
Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., where he
died. He had married a Welsh lady, who bore
him seven children: James, William E., Thomas,
Isabel (Mrs. Buchanan), Mary, Annie and Jane
(Mrs. James Campbell) — all now deceased.
William E. Wilson, father of John P., was in his
day a prominent agriculturist of Smith township,
this county, where he bought a farm and made a
settlement April 10, 1829. He had married, in
1822, Miss Margaret, daughter of John Park, a
sketch of whose family follows this. To this union
were born eight children, viz. : Sarah Ann; Sam
uel P., in Burgettstown, Penn.; Martha (widow
of Alexander Russell), also in Burgettstown; Nancy
(deceased); Isabella; John P.; Rebecca, of Bur-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

285

gettstown, and William L., who lately moved to
that town. The parents both passed away on their
farm in Smith township, the father in 1871, at the
age of nearly fourscore years, and the mother in
1884, at the age of eighty-four years; they were
members of the Seceder Church of Burgettstown,
he being an elder in same.
John P. Wilson was born December 11, 1837,
on the old home farm in Smith township, and lived
thereon until he was twenty-nine years of age.
On January 10, 1867, he was married to Miss Jane,
daughter of John Reed, Esq. , a descendant of the
Reeds, who came in 1775 from Lancaster county,
Penn., to this county. They settled in Mt. Pleas
ant township, on what is now known as the Mc
Bride farm, where they made improvements. This
land, they claim, was unjustly taken from them by
Gen. Washington. Being thus deprived of their
land in Mt. Pleasant township, the family moved
to Cecil township, where their descendants are now
to be found. David Reed married Margaret May,
who bore him eight children, all now deceased,
viz. : Alexander, David, Polly (Mrs. George Mur
ray), John (father of Mrs. John P. Wilson), James,
Joseph, Jennie, and one that died in infancy.
John Reed graduated from college when sixteen
years old and on November 24, 1821, settled down
to farm life in Mt. Pleasant township, where he
passed the remainder of his days. He was mar
ried to Jane May, of Cecil township, and nine chil
dren were born to them: Phcebe (deceased);
Margaret, in Washington county; David, in Bur
gettstown; John (deceased); George Murray, living
at the old home; Jane, wife of John P. Wilson;
Samuel, in McDonald, this county; Mary, at home,
and Elizabeth, in Cecil township. The mother of
this family died in 1844, aged forty-one years; the
father in 1877, at the patriarchal age of ninety-
one years. Politically he was first a Whig, after
ward a Republican; for many years he served as a
justice of the peace, and for several terms he was
in the State Legislature; for twenty-five years or
more he was a member of the Seceder Church at
Hickory. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. John P.
Wilson remained in Smith township twenty-two
years, then for two years resided in Canonsburg,
whence in April, 1891, they moved into the borough
of Washington, where they have a pleasant home,
the residence having been built by their two sons
— J. Reed and William Park — who comprise all
their family. John P. Wilson has been a lifelong
agriculturist, but is now, although still retaining
his farm, retired from active work in that line.
The Park Family. Tradition says that in 1787
John Park, then twenty eight years of age, was mar
ried in Washington county, by Rev. John McMillan,
D. D.,to a young daughter of Hon. John McDowell,
of Chartiers township. This John Park was
born December 18, 1758, a son of Samuel and Mary

Park, who came hither before their marriage, from
the North of Ireland, the voyage lasting six
months, on the same vessel. Samuel Park was an
importer of horses from the mother country, and
in pursuit of his business he made three trips to
the land of his birth. In this country he settled
in Donegal township, Lancaster Co., Penn. In
the fall of 1777 he came to Washington county, and
for the sum of £450, or about $2,160, pur
chased of Matthew Rodgers some 566 acres of wild
land, the bill of sale being dated December 7,
1777. He then returned to Lancaster county, and
sent out his sons, John and James, to clear some
of this land, which they did, also erecting a log
cabin and planting a crop, their sister Isabella ac
companying them, to keep house for them. Sam
uel Park .was a hardworking, industrious man,
widely known and respected for his strict integ
rity. James Park, one of his sons, was born in 1760.
He was with Col. William Crawford in his expedi
tion against the Indians in northwestern Ohio, in
1782. His wife was Isabella Craighead, and their
children were: Samuel; George; James (deceased
December 8, 1811); Mary, married in 1782 to Col.
John Marshall (They then settled on Cross Creek,
this county. Col. Marshall was born in 1746, and
when the Revolutionary war broke out he entered
the patriot army as a subaltern; he participated in
thirteen battles, and at Trenton was severely
wounded, a bullet entering his left side; was then
promoted, and after the surrender of Cornwallis
was made a brevet-major, Gen. Washington pre
senting him with a sword, which is now in the pos
session of his grandson, C. R. Marshall, of Rich
land county, Ohio. The Colonel lost a brother at
the battle of Brandy wine. Col. Marshall took part
in the Whiskey Rebellion, was one of the "Coun
cil of Safety" held at Mingo Creek July 23, 1794,
and at Monongahela City August 14, following, he
presented the resolutions which were adopted; he
was colonel of a volunteer regiment. In 1802
he was elected to the Ohio State Legislature, and
reelected in 1803-04. He died in Ohio September
27, 1821, his wife several years later. They were
the parents of ten children); Isabella Park was
born in 1764, and was married in 1784, to Robert
McGee, by whom she had five children (he died iu
1796, his widow passing away in Clark county,
Ind.); Hugh Park, born in 1767, died while a
young man.
John and Sarah Park for a time lived in two
small cabins, a few feet apart, but later removed to
the homestead, or "Deer Park," as it was called
upon the death of John's father. They were the
parents of ten children, of whom the following is a
brief sketch: Agnes, born July 31, 1783 (was mar
ried to John White); John, born September 16,
1792 (married in 1820, to Ann Colmery, who died

286

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

January 8, 1823, and he afterward, in 1827, mar
ried Martha Conley); Samuel, born December 25,
1795 (graduated from Jefferson College, afterward
taught school, also surveyed; died in 1823, from
the effects of a fall from a roof); William, born
July 15, 1797 (in 1831 bought 300 acres of land in
Peters township; in 1833 he married Jane Law;
was a member of the board of trustees of
Jefferson College; a director of the Chartiers
Valley Railroad; thirty years an elder of Centre
Church; died November 6, 1870); Margaret, born
March 15, 1800 (married in 1822, to William E. Wil
son); James was born November, 30, 1802; Isa
bel, born May 16, 1805 (married in 1831, to Henry
'Vance); Sarah, born December 18, 1807 (married
JohnHickman); McDowell was born March 6, 1810;
Rebecca, born November 14, 1814 (mawied James
Rankin, of Washington, Penn., and died April 18,
1875). Th6 father of this family served as a scout
in the Revolutionary war.

C. CRAVIN is a son of Thomas Cravin,
who was a native of Mifflin county, Penn.,
where he was reared and educated. When
a young man he went to Guernsey county,
Ohio, and was there married to Sarah
Chalfant, a native of that county, who bore him six
children, namely: Mary, wife of John Reed; Edith,
married to Robert Jobes; Rachel, deceased; W. C. ;
Thomas, and Tilson, who died in infancy. For his
second wife Mr. Cravin was married to Caroline
Ingraham. He was a painter by trade, and
followed that business throughout active life.
He came to Brownsville, Penn., soon after his
first marriage, and in 1852 went to California,
Penn., where he died in 1886, and was buried in
that village. In politics he was formerly an
Abolitionist, then united with the Republican
party, and in religion was a member of the M. E.
Church, which he served as class-leader and
steward. W. C. Cravin was born February 16, 1843, in
Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and came with
his parents to California, Washington Co., Penn.,
when but nine years of age. He attended the Cal
ifornia Normal School, also Duff's Business Col
lege, at Pittsburgh. On September 21, 1861, he en
listed in Company C, 85th P. V. I., and was first
sent to Washington, D. C, thence to the army of
the Potomac. He was in the Peninsular campaign,
and being sent to North and South Carolina, took
part in the battles in the latter State. When Grant
took command of the army of the Potomac, W. C.
Cravin again entered that division, and partici
pated in Grant's advance on Richmond. After
the expiration of the three years for which he had
entered the service, he re enlisted, and was appoint
ed captain of Company E, 199th Regiment P. V. I.

He served in that rank until mustered out at Rich
mond June 25, 1865, when he returned to Wash
ington county, Penn. On December 4, 1866, he
was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of
Samuel Ray. In 1867 Mr. Cravin opened a grocery
establishment which he conducted for twelve years,
when he sold out and in 1882 entered the employ
ment of the Yohe brothers, with whom he is yet
engaged. In political opinion he affiliated with
the Republican party until the Prohibition move
ment was organized, with which he is now in hearty
sympathy. In religious faith he is a member of
the M. E. Church.

AMUEL M. TEMPLETON, proprietor of
drug store, Washington, is a native of the
borough, born in June, 1835. His grand
father, Dr. S. Murdoch, established a drug
business in Washington many years ago, which the
father, of our subject, Dr. Joseph Templeton, who
was a physician of prominence in his day, entered
in 1843.
Samuel M. Templeton attended the common
schools and college of the place of his birth, receiv
ing a good practical education, and in 1855 began
learning the drug business in the store that had
been established by his grandfather, ultimately be
coming a regular pharmacist. In 1861 he enlisted
in Company A, Twelfth P. V. I., serving three
months, and after his discharge returned to Wash
ington, where he resumed the drug business at the
same stand that had been previously occupied by
his grandfather and father.
On June 10, 1868, Mr. Templeton was married
to Rebecca, daughter of Alexander Murdoch, of
Washington, by which union there are three chil
dren — Alexander M., Nelly and Betty — all yet liv
ing at home. Politically our subject is a Repub
lican, but is no office seeker. In church connection
he is of the United Presbyterian faith. His resi
dence is on North Main street, just outside the
borough limits.

THOMAS JEFFERSON DUNCAN was born
in the. borough of Bridgeport, Fayette
county, Penn., February 11, 1845. On his
mother's Bide, his ancestry, which had been
American-born for several generations, was
of English extraction.
Dr. Benjamin Stevens, his grandfather, emigrat
ed from Maryland to Fayette county, where he
was a widely known practitioner of medicine, and
where he established and for many years operated
an iron forge. Though dying before he attained
old age, Dr. Stevens left to survive him several
children, of whom one, Priscilla, was the mother
of the subject of this sketch. His immediate

WKm't ft.

CCC^x^

•

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

289

paternal ancestors were Irish, but of Scotch origin.
The latter part of the eighteenth century was not
only a period of general European wars but of
profound discontent among the sons of Erin, and
open rebellion against English rule. The suc
cesses of Sir John Jarvis and Admiral Duncan on
the water, the overthrow of the United Irishmen
and the complete suppression of the revolt by the
storming of the camp on Vinegar Hill, established
the supremacy of England, and many a brave
Irishman preserved his life and his liberty by flight
from his native land. It was during these stormy
times that Arthur Duncan sought refuge in
America and settled in Fayette county, Penn.
There he pursued his vocation of an iron worker
at the forge of Dr. Stevens, already mentioned.
He left a family of eight children, of whom the
following are still living: Enos Duncan, Mrs.
Jane Stanford, Mrs. Elizabeth Doolittle, and Hon.
Thomas Duncan, who was the oldest, is now (1893)
eighty-seven years of age, lives in Bridgeport,
Fayette Co., Penn., and is the father of the
subject of this memoir. He was at times an active
politician and was elected commissioner of his
native county (Fayette), and for ten years served
as one of the judges of its courts. Some years ago
he withdrew from business and public affairs, and
is now leading a retired life. In early manhood
he married Priscilla Stevens, who died in 1873 at
the age of sixty- six years. She was a woman of
more than ordinary strength of character, took a
lively interest in the charitable and benevolent
enterprises of the community in which she lived,
and left a monument in the memories of the people
with and for whom she labored. The fruit of this
union was five children, viz.: Sophia, now deceased,
who was married to W. H. Laning; Elizabeth,
now widow of William Worrell (deceased), and a
resident of the above mentioned borough of Bridge
port; Dr. W. S. Duncan, a physician and surgeon
of wide reputation and extensive practice, who
died in 1892; Arthur Duncan, whose death occurred
as he was about entering manhood, and Thomas
Jefferson Duncan, whose name stands at the open
ing of this article.
His boyhood days were spent in his native town,
where he attended the graded public school.
Soon after leaving this school, he was placed un
der the tuition of E. N. Hartshorn, an enthusiastic
and successful instructor, who afterward became a
professor in the college at Mt. Union, Ohio. It
was at this time in his career that„ young Duncan,
at about the age of eighteen years, first turned his
attention to pedagogism. He was elected teacher
of a school in Wharton township, one of the
mountain districts of Fayette county. In this
region, " far from the madding crowd's ignoble
strife," he passed one winter amid experiences
that were as novel to him as the rugged and snow-
15

clad scenery of the mountains was grand and im
posing. He not only labored for the children but
lived among the people. Here were social cus
toms, phases of life, and revelations of fact that
were as strange to the new "master" as they were
real. As he once expressed the situation: "He
not only taught lessons in the three R's from the
books, but learned lessons from the pages of life
and the volume of nature." Having completed
this engagement, he entered Mt. Union College,
Ohio, and was there during the bitter contest in
1864 between the faculty and the students relative
to the authority of the former over the literary so
cieties. The college authorities, of course, tri
umphed, and several of the undergraduates who
were most active in the affair were dismissed from
the institution. Others voluntarily withdrew. Dun
can was among the latter and with one of his
friends, now Rev. John H. Hartman, was soon
afterward pursuing his studies in Vermillion In
stitute, at Haysville, Ohio. His name appears
for two years in the published catalogue of this
school, which, under the supervision of Rev. Sand
ers Diefendorf, was then a flourishing academy,
attended by hundreds of students from Canada and
eleven States of the Union. While here his
health became broken, and he was forced to return
home for its recuperation. He was able to
resume his studies in the spring of 1866, and
matriculated in Washington and Jefferson College,
at Washington, Penn., from which he was gradu
ated two years later. The class of 1868 was one of
the largest ever sent out by this institution, and on
its role of membership are the. names of gentlemen
who have since attained distinction in their several
professions. Among them are Prof. D. J. Mc-
Adam, Hon. H. J. Eckly, S. B. Fisher, C. E.,
James S. Moorhead, Esq., Rev. T. J. Sherrard,
Rev. L. M. Gilleland, Hon. W. B. Sutton and
others. During his senior year he was both
student and teacher in the college (officially tutor),
and, as such, had partial charge of the classes of
the preparatory department. After graduation he
was invited to continue this relation, but, declining
so to do, accepted the Superintendency of the pub
lic schools of his native town, and continued in that
position for two years. Throughout his term of serv
ice he was energetic in the administration of both
the methods of instruction for use by the assistant
teachers and the affairs of discipline among the
pupils; and it is said there are now men in the
community, whose heads begin to show the silvery
touches of years, who when as boys on mischief
bent, learned by experience, at this time, that the
way of the transgressor was hard. His next move
was to East Liverpool, Ohio, where lie had been
elected Superintendent of Schools. The condition
of educational affairs here required a complete reor
ganization of the system. His plans were, how-

290

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ever, supported by the Board of Control, and he
had the co-operation of a corps of efficient teachers.
The schools grew rapidly in both membership and
reputation under his management, which con
tinued two years. He had, when at college, regis
tered himself as a student of law in the office of I.
Y. Hamilton, Esq., aud he gave up his position at
East Liverpool with a view to the completion of his
professional studies. The fall of 1872, however,
found him in the ranks from which he had so re
cently withdrawn. This time "he was located in
Pittsburgh, Penn., where he continued four years,
having supervision, as Principal, of the public
schools of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Wards of
that city. As a disciplinarian he was considered
firm if not rigid; in methods of instruction he was
progressive ; and his schools were frequently visited
by teachers from other sections of the city. His
field of labor was, however, more extensive than the
district. He was an active member of the College
of Principals, a frequent instructor at teachers' in
stitutes of the city, at times accepted invitations
to render similar services for conventions in other
counties, lectured at the Teachers' State Associa
tion, and was an occasioual contributor to the press
on subjects relating to the profession in which he
was engaged. During the preceding years, he had
devoted what time could be appropriated from
other duties to his legal studies, and, in the fall
of 1875, was admitted to practice law in the courts
of Washington county. Subsequently he was ad
mitted to the Supreme Court of the State, and such
of the United States Courts as business or other
matters rendered desirable. In the summer of 1876
he first located and offered his services as a law
yer at Washington, Penn., where, without in
terruption, he has continued the practice of law
ever since. This was the year of the memorable
Presidential campaign in which Tilden and Hayes
were the rival candidates. Mr. Duncan threw
his energies into the contest, and proving an ac
ceptable speaker addressed numerous meetings
throughout the county, making acquaintances and
friends as he went. If was not long until he found
himself with a fair clientage, and his practice has
steadily increased until he is now one of the hard
est-worked members of the bar. As a lawyer he is
faithful and devoted to his clients and persistent
for their welfare and success, or, as has been
sometimes said, stubborn in the advocacy of causes
entrusted to his care. His library is well sup
plied with books, which, in the preparation of
cases, are brought into frequent requisition, and
his briefs usually tend toward elaborateness rather
than otherwise. He is an earnest, persistent
worker, valuing time according to the results that
may be wrested from it; and people who know
him attribute whatever success he has attained as
largely to levelheadedness and patient work as any

other elements of his character. In politics he
has always been a Democrat, and in the campaigns
preceding general elections usually stumps his
own and other counties in behalf of the party with
which he is identified. While thus interested in
politics, and often a participant in the counsels
and conventions of the party of his choice, he has
never sought for himself the reward of office but
has uniformly refused to be a candidate for positions
of a political character. The only apparent excep
tion to this statement was in 1876. That year he was
the nominee for district attorney, an office, which
falls within the line of his legitimate professional
life and to which only lawyers are eligible. In 1888
the Democratic Convention of the Twenty-fourth
Congressional District nominated him as the party
candidate for Congress in opposition to his known
wishes. The convention had been in session two
days, during both of which in response to inquiries
he had telegraphed forbidding the use of his name
and stating his unwillingness to accept the posi
tion, if tendered him. Disregarding his protest,
the convention proclaimed him the candidate and
appointed a committee to give him formal notice
of its action. His name was at once published
throughout the district as the party representa
tive, and it was said created enthusiasm under the
belief that it indicated party success. The com
mittee of notification just mentioned consisted of
James H. Hoover, of Fayette county ; Joseph A.
Skelly, of Allegheny; James Smith, of Greene; and
John P. Charlton, of Washington. When waited
upon by them, Mr. Duncan adhered to his original
resolution and declined to accept the nomination.
The prospects of his election were considered flatter
ing, and the district is now represented by a Demo
crat. The reasons assigned by him were of a per
sonal and private character arising chiefly from a
desire to apply his time and energies to the welfare
of his family and to business affairs. In his letter
of declination, which was widely published and
quoted from, he stated that " among his party
associates he did not recall a single individual to
ward whom he entertained the slightest feeling of
political animosity or whose advancement he would
willingly impede in the least, that he united
with unabated interest in the efforts of the people
to maintain their liberties against the encroach
ments of power unjustly exercised whether mani
festing itself in the form of monopolizing combina
tions and trusts, corporate aggregations or official
usurpation, that he was uncompromisingly opposed
to legislation in the interest of favored classes, to
the squandering of the public domain, to oppress
ive and unnecessary taxation direct or indirect,
and to the tendency during the past few years to a
centralization of power in the administration of
governmental affairs, and that he adhered to the
principles of just government administered wisely

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

291

and economically for the peace, safety and pros
perity of its citizens as a whole, without prefer
ence or favor as to class, location, race, or other
basis of distinction."
In religion Mr. Duncan is more immediately as
sociated with the denomination of Methodists, in
which he has been a communicant for many years.
At the time this sketch is written (1893) he is con
nected with the First M. E. Church of Washington,
Penn. , and has for years past been a member of its
Board of Trustees and Treasurer of its Stewards'
Fund. In addition to his professional duties Mr.
Duncan is connected with various business and
other organizations of the community and county
in which he resides, to some of which he sustains
official relations. Among them are the following:
Director and Vice-President of the Farmers and
Mechanics National Bank of Washington, Penn. ;
member of the Board of School Directors; Trustee
and chairman of the Finance Committee of the
Dime Savings Institution of Washington, Penn. ;
Chairman of the Board of Examiners of the Courts
of the county; Trustee of the Young Men's Chris
tian Association; President of the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Children; Cur
ator and Treasurer of the Citizens Library Associa
tion, and others. In July, 1880, he was married to
Miss Eleanor Morris, for a memoir of whom and for
reference to his domestic life see the article imme
diately succeeding this.
Mrs. Eleanor M. Duncan is the wife of T. J.
Duncan, Esq., whose life is outlined in the last
preceding sketch. She was born in West Browns
ville, Washington Co., Penn., December 11, 1856,
and is a descendant from two families well known in
Revolutionary and Colonial times, of whom, per
haps, the most noted representatives are Capt.
Jonathan Morris, a soldier of the Revolution, Dr.
Jonathan Morris and Benjamin West, the cele
brated artist. Her maternal grandfather was W.
H. Miller, a native of Barren county, Ky., who
was born in 1800, and died in Hart county, said
State, at the advanced age of eighty-two years.
His wife, Elizabeth, died at Louisville, Ky. , in
1857. They had issue five children, all girls —
Mary E., Emily, Louisa, Julia, and Sarah J., who
was born in February, 1825; she is the mother of
the lady whose name commences this article, and
now resides with one of her daughters at Bennett's
Station, Penn. She is said to have been a young
woman of rare beauty, and at the age of nearly
eighteen years was married to Capt. Benjamin
F. Morris, who was fifteen years her senior.
Mrs. Duncan's paternal ancestry includes two
distinguished Quaker families, the Wests and the
Morrises. David Morris emigrated from Wales,
and married Mary Phillipine in or about the year
1685. Their home was on the west bank of the
Delaware river, below Philadelphia, where their

children, David, Isaac, Elizabeth, Mordecai and
Jonathan, were born. The family increased rap
idly and was distributed through several eastern
counties of the State. A recent historian says:
"Every branch of it retained the names David,
Jonathan, Isaac and Mordecai. Notwithstanding
the fact that they were Quakers, they took part in
the Revolution, several members of the family
serving throughout the war in the Continental
Line." Among the early settlers of western Penn
sylvania was Jonathan Morris, a grandson of
David (the Welshman), who, soon afterthe Revolu
tionary war, came with his family from the East
and settled in Washington county among the
Quakers, in what is now East Bethlehem township.
He had previously married a sister of Benjamin
West, the famous painter. The Wests were also
Quakers, and members of that family came,
about the same time, to Washington county, the
name still being borne by later generations in the
eastern part of the county. Judge William West,
the blind orator of Ohio, is a descendant of Jona
than West and a relative of the Mrs. Morris al
ready named. Jonathan Morris died about 1788.
Four sons survived him. In a late publication it
stated that three of them were soldiers in the war
for American independence. They were Joseph,
David (who was for many years keeper of the cele
brated hostelry, the "Globe Inn," of Washington,
Penn. ), Jonathan (a captain of the Revolutionary
war, who is said to have equipped, at his own ex
pense, a full company of Continental soldiers; was
wounded at the battle of Brandywine, and died in
Fredericktown, Washington county, in 1838), and
Jesse (who was born in 1771).
On April 12, 1749, Jesse Morris married Sarah
Blackmore, the day before she was seventeen years
of age. Their children were eleven in number,
viz. : Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Sarah, David,
Almira, Martha W. , Benjamin F., Cynthia,
Adelia M. and Jesse J. Benjamin F. Morris, the
father of Mrs. Duncan, was born in Washington
county, May 3, 1809, and died at Fredericktown,
said county, June 18, 1882. He was for many
years a steamboat pilot and captain on the Ohio
and Mississippi rivers, where he was known not
only as a genial, kind-hearted man, but also as a
courteous, prompt and efficient officer. He aban
doned river life about the commencement of
the late Civil war. Capt. Jonathan Morris, of
Revolutionary fame, at the time of his death, in
1838, had willed or given his nephew (Capt. B. F.
Morris) his blue military cloak. For it the latter
seemed to possess a peculiar affection, and, in ac
cordance with his request, this cloak became bis
shroud and was buried with his body in the Quaker
burying ground of Westland. During one of his
trips on the Ohio river, Capt. B. F. Morris met
Miss Sarah J. Miller, at Louisville, Ky. , and they

292

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

were afterward married August 15, 1842. Their
married life was spent chiefly in Pittsburgh, West
Brownsville and Fredericktown. The product of
this union was nine children, viz. : Jesse J. , mar
ried to Nancy E. Sharpneck; Mary E., married
first to Leroy Hiller, and, after his death, to W.
W. Reeves; Adelia M., who died at the age of
about two years; Sarah Louise, married to John
Crumrine; L. Franklin, married to Jennie Cowden;
William B., who died in infancy; Samuel, married
to Annie Reece; Eleanor, the subject of this
sketch; Lorena M., married to John V. Stathers,
and died September 21, 1883. All whose deaths
are not mentioned are at this time (1893) living in
or near Pittsburgh, Penn., except Mrs. Duncan.
When Mrs. Duncan was about two years of age,
her parents changed the family residence from
West Brownsville to Fredericktown, where she re
ceived the first elements of her education in the
public school. In 1869 the Morris family removed
to Pittsburgh. Here she attended the schools of
the Seventeenth Ward, in which she completed the
course of study in 1873. At this time her present
husband, was Principal of the schools, and she
came under his surpervisory if not immediate con
trol. The acquaintance thus formed soon grew to
a friendship and ripened into that more ardent
passion that culminated in their marriage in 1880,
after Mr. Duncan had established himself in his
legal practice at Washington. They have resided
there ever since. She is a reader of books, takes
an interest in the political as well as other current
news of the day, is a ready and entertaining con
versationalist and a pleasing entertainer at her
handsome home where she receives her many
friends. They have one child, a daughter, called
Ina, who is now (1893) past eleven years of age.
Soon after completing her studies in 1872, the
subject of this sketch, then in her seventeenth
year, was elected teacher of one of the schools of
the Thirty-first Ward of Pittsburgh from which
she accepted an invitation to a position in the
Fifteenth Ward, where she continued until her
marriage in 1880. During this time she held a
Professional Certificate, received a Teacher's
Permanent Certificate from the State, and was
elected a member of the Pittsburgh Academy of
Teachers. She is a member of the M. E. Church,
and is identified with various benevolent enter
prises conducted in its behalf. As an amateur she
has for her own pleasure devoted a portion of her
ame for several years to art studies, and has pro
duced a number of paintings in oil, which have
received favorable comment from critics and pro
fessional artists. During the past year Mrs. Dun
can served as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary
Committee of Pennsylvania for the World's Fair.
She was an active worker, and rendered efficient
services in promoting an interest and securing sta

tistics or exhibits of women's work for the Colum
bian Exposition from the district to which she was
assigned.

f I AMES FRANKLIN TAYLOR, one of the
. | best known and influential native-born at-
((jj torneys of Washington county, first saw the
^^ light of day in South Strabane township,
January 15, 1854.
The first of his family to come to Washington
county was Henry Taylor, who moved hither from
Cecil county, Md., sometime prior to 1780. Wash
ington county was erected in March, 1781, and
Henry Taylor became the first judge or president
of courts therein, his appointment, which was
dated October 2, 1781, coming from the chief exec
utive council of Pennsylvania. He served with
much ability as. judge some years, and after a short
interval was reappointed September 30, 1788, to
the same position. He married Jane White, who
bore him eleven children, of whom Matthew was
the grandfather of the subject of these lines.
Henry Taylor took up a "tomahawk right" to
over 1,200 acres of land in the Rich Hills, in this
county, all of which, with the exception of the
Matthew Taylor estate, of South Strabane town
ship, has passed out of the family. This sturdy
old pioneer passed away from the scenes of his
busy and eventful life in 1800. In addition to his
civil offices, he was a general in the militia, and
his commission is still in the possession of the
family. Matthew Taylor, son of Henry, and a native of
South Strabane township, this county, is claimed
as having been the first white child born west of
the mountains. He was a farmer by occupation,
owningtheold homestead, and traveled considerably
all over the county, which, in those early days, was
a matter of no small enterprise. He married Miss
Nancy Hutchinson, a woman of strong character,
powerful will, thrifty in the extreme, the antithe
sis, it is recorded, of her husband. Of this union
were born eleven children: Matthew, James,
Thomas, George and William H. H. (all of whom
died in Washington county), Polly (Mrs. John
MacFarland), Sarah Jane (Mrs. Oliver Lindsay),
Eliza (Mrs. Van Eman, in the West, the only
member of this family now living), Henry (killed
by a falling chimney, at a fire in Washington),
Nancy (Mrs. Hugh Reynolds) and Rachel (Mrs.
Workman Hughes). The mother died at the patri
archal age of ninety-two years, leaving to her chil
dren the imprint of her resolute and startling
character. William Henry Harrison Taylor, son of Matthew
and Nancy Jane (Hutchinson) Taylor, was born
in 1830 in South Strabane township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., educated at the schools of his

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

295

district, attending also Washington and Jefferson
College, several years, and on the old homestead
was reared to the multiform duties of farm life.
In 1850 he married Miss Jane E., daughter of
Charles E. Jones, who was born in 1799 in Eng
land, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and
where he married Susan Judson. In 1827 they
came to America, settling in Washington, Penn. ,
where he continued his trade in connection with
contracting for house building. Mr. and Mrs,
Jones had the following children: Mary, Sarah,
two that died in infancy, Jane E., William, Susan,
Sylvester F. , James J. and George O. The mother
died in 1871, aged seventy-one years, the father
January 11, 1883.
To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born six children,
of whom the 'following is a succinct record: Ed
ward M., pastor of the Tremont M. E. Church at
Boston, Mass. (in 1872 he graduated from Wash
ington and Jefferson College, and afterward with
first honors at Boston School of Divinity; was on
the circuit for a time, prior to locating in Massa
chusetts; married Miss Mary Bradford, a descend
ant of a " May Flower " family); James Franklin,
the subject proper of this sketch; Emma, wife of
John A. Hall, assistant postmaster at Washington,
Penn.; Alice, who died at the age of eleven years;
William Nelson, senior member of the firm of Tay
lor & Speer, in the iron commission business at
Pittsburgh, and who married a daughter of Ste
phen Crump; Susan 'Jane, wife of Dr. Maurer, of
Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor remained on the farm until
1866, when they moved with their family into
Washington, for the purpose of educating their
children, where he opened a general fresh and salt
meat business, including pork packing and stock
buying, and formed a partnership with Robert
Charlton, which continued till the latter' s death,
after which Mr. Taylor carried on the business alone
till the time of his decease, February 9, 1884, he
being then fifty-four years old. He is buried in
Washington cemetery. A stanch Republican and
a loyal American, he took a strong interest in all
national matters, political or otherwise, but was
no office seeker. During the war of the Rebellion
he was a fearless, out-spoken Union man, frequent
ly even to the extent of exciting the ire of some
less loyal acquaintance. He was a consistent
member of the M. E. Church, and one of the lead
ers in the congregation in building the new First
M. E. church, at Washington, of which he was a
trustee. He was a pronounced advocate of educa
tion, and gave his children every advantage pos
sible in that line, sending his sons to college and
his daughters to seminaries, and held the office of
school director at different times. He was, physic
ally, a strong, vigorous man, but succumbed to

diabetes, from which he was a sufferer for several
years. Honest in his dealings, a despiser of shams
of all kinds, and a hater of deceit and mendacity,
he made and kept hosts of warm friends, who re
spected and honored him for his many virtues.
Since his departure, his widow, still hale and
hearty, has continued to reside at the old town
house on West Wheeling street.
James Franklin Taylor was about twelve years
old when the family moved to Washington, at the
public schools of which place he received a liberal
English education. He then entered the prepara
tory department of Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, and continued until the end of the junior
year, when he ceased study for a year for recuper
ation, intending to return the following year, but
changed his mind when his old classmates had
graduated and gone forth. Having decided to
take up the legal profession, Mr. Taylor, in 1876,
commenced the study of law in the office of Boyd
Crumrine, and November 10, 1879, was admitted
to the bar of the county. He at once opened an
office in Washington and commenced practice; but
later returned to Mr. Crumrine's office, where he
remained until 1883, in which year he was elected
district attorney, and after serving three years was
re-elected for another term. There was no opposi
tion to his nomination, as he was very popular
with the people, having served with full satisfac
tion to his constituents in previous offices. In
1882 he was chairman of the Republican County
Committee, prior to which he had served as secre
tary of the same; was also assistant burgess of the
borough of Washington for one term. On Janu
ary 1, 1891, our subject entered into the present
partnership with Winfield Mcllvaine, making a
strong team in the general practice of law. Mr.
Taylor's success as a lawyer has been such that he
has been prominently mentioned for the position
of judge of the several courts of his native county,
the position twice filled by his great-grandfather,
the Hon. Henry Taylor.
In September, 1884, Mr. Taylor married Annie
Walton, eldest daughter of Rev. Richard L. Mil
ler, D. D., pastor of an M. E. Church in Pitts
burgh, and of this union have been born three
children: Alice, Woodward and Virginia, all at
the parental home on East Maiden street imme
diately outside the eastern limits of the borough,
the house being of brick, comfortable and com
modious. Mr. Taylor is a director (was one of the
first directors) of the Citizens National Bank, of
which he was an original stockholder; and was
also one of the three serving as a committee on the
erection of a building for the same bank. While a
student at college he was a prominent member of
the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

296

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

EORGE T. WALKER. As citizens and
individuals, the American people have an
insatiable thirst for biographical reading.
A great man dies, and the people jostle each
other in the library, book store and news
stand to obtain the record of his life. What is the
secret? Can it be only a vulgar curiosity which
promptsus to search the lives of our public men
or more humble fellow-citizens? While in some
cases it must be admitted that this is indeed one
element of the cause, it is not the real motive of
the mass, or of even a considerable portion of
biographical readers. Our leading public men
and more successful citizens have each certain
characteristics which have contributed largely to
their success, and we, their humble neighbors,
need the benefit of their example to guide ub in
the common walks of duty. We also need the
record of lives similar to our own, for we are the
same that our fathers have been, and by studying
their biographies, we can avoid their mistakes and
profit by their wisdom.
The original Walker family were natives of
Ireland, the first of whom to emigrate being one
George Walker. He was a farmer, and coming to
America was married, and reared two children —
Nancy, wife of Zaphaniah Mercer, of Chartiers
township, this county, and Thomas. The parents
died many years ago. Thomas Walker was born
iu 1822 at Bower Hill, Allegheny Co,, Penn., and
in early life came with his parents to Washington,
Penn. He learned the carpenter's trade and fol
lowed it for several years in his native city; then
moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., but soon returned to
Washington. In 1866 he and Mr. Fitzwilliams
built a planing mill, Mr. Klevis afterward becom
ing a partner. Thomas Walker was married, while
in Pittsburgh, to Elizabeth Wilson (daughter of
William Wilson), who bore him children as follows:
William, Annie (wife of George Caldwell, of
Washington), George T., Robert, Kate, Rowena
(Mrs. William Brown, of Washington), Maria
(living with her brother George T. ) and Burns.
Of these children, William, Robert, Kate and
Burns are deceased. The father was a general
contractor and builder, and in politics a Repub
lican, serving as a member of the council several
times, also filling minor offices. He was a mem
ber of the I. O. O. F. and was always willing to
aid others. As a contractor, he had the largest
trade of the city, and erected many of the most
elegant buildings, among which may be mentioned
the United Presbyterian Church, the Second
Presbyterian Church, Hazlett' s Bank, Reed's
Block and several others. In personal appearance
he was slightly below the medium height, weighing
240 pounds. He died in 1886, in his sixty-fourth
year, of heart trouble, having been preceded to the
"long home" by his wife in 1882.

George T. Walker was born November 7, 1855
in Washington, Washington Co. , Penn. , and at
tended the public schools until 1870, afterward
spending two terms at Washington and Jefferson
College. He then entered a planing mill and
learned the carpenter's trade, when he was given
the position of foreman, which he occupied some
time. In 1878 he went to Texas, but not liking
that part of the country, returned to Washington.
In 1885 he formed a partnership under the firm
name of Walker & Son, which continued until 1887,
when he associated himself with C. M. Slater in
the general contracting and lumber business. On
December 25, 1883, George T. Walker married
Olive B. , daughter of Samuel Fulton, a citizen of
Washington. In December, 1890, she was called
from earth, leaving two children, Margaret and
Thomas. Mr. Walker built the Citizens' National
Bank, and many private residences in Washington.
In 1884 he erected his present elegant home on
West Chestnut street, and is at present engaged in
the construction of the college gymnasium. He
owns many houses and a considerable amount of
real estate in and near Washington City, having
dealt in the real estate business quite extensively,
He is also interested in the oil business, and is a
member of the Producers' Association. In politics
Mr. Walker is an active Republican, having held
various local offices; for five years he was in Com
pany H, Tenth Regiment State Militia, under Col,
Hawkins, of Beallsville, Washington county. In
brief, George T. Walker is one of the most pros
perous, well-known and popular business men of
Washington.

J DALLAS JACKSON, a typical self-made
man, whose trade banner bears the legend —
"The hammer in the hand above all the arts
doth stand" — is a native of Washington
county, having been born April 13, 1840, in
Hanover township. James Jackson, his grand
father, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, came to
Hanover township at an early day where he died.
By occupation he was a farmer, in religious faith
a member of the M. E. Church, and, in politics, a
Whig. His children were Andrew, John, Noble,
Perry and James.
John Jackson, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Hanover township, this county,
October 5, 1808, his education being received at
the subscription schools of his district. He was
reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed
all his life with marked success in his native town
ship. On March 3, 1836, Mr. Jackson was married
to Margaret, daughter of James Matthews, of Lan
caster county, Penn., and they then commenced
married life on the farm adjoining that on which
he was born. Here he remained some years, when

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

297

he sold this property and removed into the village
of Florence, in the same township, where he passed
the remainder of his life retired from active labor,
dying March 11, 1853. He was an Old line Whig
in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church.
The names of his children are as follows: Martha
J., Andrew M., John Dallas, Horatio C. and
Sarah J.
The subject proper of this biographical memoir
received a liberal education at the common schools
of his native township, and at the age of fourteen
came to Washington, where he entered the employ
of S. B. & C. Hayes, as an apprentice to the trade
of carriage builder. With this firm he remained
some sixteen years, in part as apprentice, in part
as journeyman, and then moved to Wheeling, W.
Va., but after a stay there of fifteen months re
turned to Washington. In 1874 he opened his
present widely-known carriage and wagon shop in
the borough, where is also carried on a general
line of blacksmithing, employment being given to
six hands. Here, by industry, perseverance, thor
ough, honest work, judicious economy and close
attention to business, Mr. Jackson has built up one
of the most prosperous houses of the kind in the
county. On January 8, 1859, he married Mary
E., daughter of Jacob Miller, of Washington,
Penn., and the children born to this union are
James W., Sarah M., Jacob, John, Susan (de
ceased), Ella, Wray (deceased), Emma, Daisy and
Joseph. Our subject is a member of the M. E.
Church, and in politics is a Democrat.

F'RS. ANICA CHAMBERS, a well-known
and much-esteemed lady of Washington
borough, is the daughter of Thomas Bar
low, whose ancestors were among the first
pioneer settlers of America.
Henry Preble (the grandfather of Mrs. Cham
bers) was descended from one of the oldest pioneer
families, the first of his ancestry to set foot on
American soil being one Abraham Preble. He
sailed from England about the year 1636, with the
"men of Kent," and first located in Plymouth
county, Mass. Soon after his arrival Abraham
Preble was married to Juliette, a daughter of Elder
Nathaniel Tilden. and the young couple moved to
York, province of Maine, where he died March 80,
1663. Frances Anica Preble, daughter of Henry
Preble, was born December 25, 1797, and on July
28, 1817, was married to Thomas Barlow, who was
born in 1 794 in Connecticut. Five children were
born to them, namely: Frances Emma, Anica
(Mrs. Chanibers), Harriet, Francis Joel and Fred
erick Stephen. The father died in 1859, at Wash
ington, Penn.
Anioa (Barlow) Chambers, the subject proper of
this sketch, was married in the year 1855 to John

'D. Chambers, who was born in 1818, in Washing
ton, Penn. At the age of thirteen years he entered
Smith's store as clerk, and afterward became a
member of the firm of Chambers & Matthews, the
business being established in the block now occu
pied by Morgan's dry-goods store. Mr. Matthews
died, and Mr. Chambers then closed up the busi
ness, which was very extensive. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. John D. Chambers were: Emma
(Mrs. J. S. Humbird), Anica Barlow, Mary (Mrs,
C. M. Ward), Henry Preble, and Harriet (who
died in 1868). Mr. Chambers died in 1886. He
was interested in the gas company, being one of
the early stockholders, and in politics was a Repub
lican.

LEMENT M. SLATER, of the firm of
Walker & Slater, builders, and proprietors
J) of a planing mill in the borough of Wash
ington, is a native of the county, born
August 9, 1848, in West Alexander. His grand
father, James Slater, married Catherine Martin.
and three of their children are David (father of
Clement M.), Martin (in West Alexander) and
Mrs. McKahan (in Washington, Penn.). James
Slater, who was a farmer, died in 1859 in West
Alexander at the age of seventy-one years.
David Slater was born February 28, 1818, near
West Alexander. He was educated at the sub
scription schools of his neighborhood, and fol
lowed farming pursuits in Washington county till
the age of twenty-four, when he moved to Ohio
county, W. Va., where he now resides on his farm.
In 1847 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Dwight Warren, of New Hamphire, by trade a
builder of windmills, and who came in 1837 to
Washington county, where he died at, the age of
seventy years; his wife departed this life some five
or six years later. Their children were Mrs.
McKeag and Henry C. , both in Washington ; Rose
Warren, living in West Alexander, and Elizabeth.
To Mr. and Mrs. David Slater nine children were
born, as follows: Clement M. ; Rosa; Horace M. ,
a carpenter in Oscaloosa, Iowa; William (deceased) ;
Warren, living near West Alexander, this county;
Frank, a farmer at Blue Hill, Neb. ; Augusta, mar
ried to James McMurray, a farmer near West
Alexander; Wendell P., farming on the homestead,
and Vernon, living at home.
Clement M. Slater received a liberal education
at the common schools of the place of his birth,
working on his father's farm until he attained the
age of sixteen years, when he commenced to learn
carpentering in West Alexander. This trade he
followed there some three years, and April 7, 1874,
came to Washington, and for twelve years worked
for Walker & Klevisas journeyman. On the death
of both members of this firm, our subject and

298

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

George WTalker (son of the old partner) bought out
the business, and have since carried it on jointly,
their general line being sawing and planing, house
building, contracting, etc.
On January 5, 1871, Mr. Slater was married at
Constitution, Washington Co., Ohio, to Jennie,
daughter of Rhoda Mendelhall. This wife died
November 6, 1876, leaving one child, George W. ,
who, on May 4, 1890, was run over by a train on
the B. & O. R. R., from the effects of which he
died after six hours' suffering, at the age of nearly
eighteen years. On March 16, 1887, Mr. Slater
married Miss Minerva Taylor, of Parkersburg, W.
Va. , daughter of Alexander and Delilah Taylor,
also natives of that State. No children have been
born to this union. Mr. Slater is a Republican,
and has filled various offices of trust with consider
able ability. He and his wife are members of the
First M. E. Church, he for eighteen years, and is
steward of same. He has made his own success in
life by strict attention to business, economy and
thrift. When he had finished his apprenticeship,
all he had to start on was the sum of $2.50, and
to-day he is enjoying a well-merited comfortable
competence. LON M. PORTER, one of the leading and
most artistic photographers in Washington,
I of which he is a native, was born June 24,
— 1858, a son of Hugh and Nancy Porter.
Hugh was a carpenter by trade, and was married
in 1855, in Washington county, where they were
born. In 1863 Mr. Porter enlisted in Company A,
Twenty second Pennsylvania Cavalry (Ringgold
Battalion), went South with the regiment and died
there of fever, at a place known as New Creek.
His widow is still living in Washington.
Lon M. Porter when a boy attended the Soldiers
Orphan School, Uniontown. Penn. , for five years,
and then coming to Washington, learned the
photographic art in the studio of John H. Rogers,
Liter working for J. W. Rothwell. In 1878 he
went to Pittsburgh, where he improved himself
yet more in the art, in the far-famed gallery of
Dabbs, remaining some time, and then proceeded
to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, making
an extended trip to the West and South before he
returned to Washington. This was in April, 1883.
Here for one year and a half he worked for S. G.
Rogers, in the same establishment, where he had
learned the business; then moved to Canonsburg,
bought a gallery and carried on a profitable busi
ness there for six years. In the meantime he
bought Mr. Rogers' studio in Washington, and for
some months conducted both businesses, but since
August, 1891, he has devoted his entire personal
attention to his widely patronized, thoroughly
equipped gallery at No. 143 South Main street, in
Washington.

Mr. Porter is eminently qualified for his busi
ness, having had excellent training and varied ex
perience. His work is of the best quality, and his
patrons are among the first families of Washing
ton and vicinity. Politically, he is a Republican,
socially, a member of the Masonic Lodge and
Chapter and a member of the Royal Arcanum.
For several years he was a member of the National
Guards, belonging to the First Regiment of Phila
delphia. His father died June 20, 1865, aged
thirty-five, the mother is still living, aged fifty-five,
while but one sister, Mrs. Andrew Brady, is living,
her residence being at Cornwall, Penn. One
brother who died April 4, 1892, lived in Allegheny
City.

7f\,R- SIMON SCHNIDER STROUSS. The
jl1 V first recorded history of the Strouss family
||l// in the United States was enacted in North-
 ampton county, Penn. David Strouss and
wife came over from Leipsic, Germany, about the
year 1750. Of this date we are not quite certain,
but there is conclusive evidence that they sailed
about the middle of the eighteenth century.
David Strouss was a musician and also some-
wh.it of a fighter. He was chorister in the German
Lutheran Church, and took up arms with his
adopted fellow-countrymen in the war of the Rev
olution. That he was a soldier worthy of the
name, we know from the fact that he was made
colonel under Washington. After the war he
settled down to quiet farm life in Northampton
county. His son, John Strouss, moved to Al
legheny county, Penn., in 1806. He was a mill
wright by trade, but as he grew older, country life
and bucolic charms increased in attractiveness to
him, and he started West for his fortune. He
pitched his family tent on a little creek in Al
legheny county, about twenty miles northwest of
Pittsburgh, now the junction of Allegheny, Beaver
and Washington counties. Here he spent the re
mainder of his days. When asked by his children
later in life, why he did not settle nearer the con
fluence of the two rivers, he would reply: "I could
see no great advantages then. Pittsburgh was only
a few houses near an old fort. One cart load of
produce would supply its daily demand, and if we
shipped down the river we were obliged to walk
back or row up stream, which was slower and
harder work than walking. " So he concluded to
go farther into the country and establish a little
kingdom of his own. We can look back and say:
" What' a mistake he made." But, perhaps, our
conclusion would be too hasty. Viewed from a
financial point of view, doubtless it was a mistake;
but when we consider the fact that the thread of
life has been spun to an unusual length to almost
all the descendants of this line, we may credit it

^aBSaBs^a***- '' %

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

301

to pure air, sanitary living, and muscle-making
necessities of this pioneer farmer.
John Strouss married Mary Schnip, September
10, 1795, and there were born to them four sons
and five daughters: Lydia, Elizabeth, Jonas, John,
David, Mary, Simon S. , Hannah and Martha.
Mary Strouss died in 1815, and John was married,
the second time, to Annie McCoy. There were
born to him of this marriage three sons: William,
James and Henry. Of these seven sons, Dr. Simon
S. Strouss (whose likeness appears with this sketch)
was the youngest of the first marriage. From this
brief history of ancestry we can form an idea of
the limited pleasures, and opportunities for any
thing else than farm work, that fell to him in his
youth. The paterfamilias and his wife and twelve
children all believed and practiced strict economy,
and the daily catechism of hard work, relieved on
Sundays by the austere principles and rigorous ob
servance of "Blue-Stocking" Presbyterianism,
which creed, slightly modified, has been adhered
to by nearly all this large family.
Dr. Strouss was born in Allegheny county, Penn. ,
Wednesday, January 10, 1810. His educational
advantages were necessarily quite limited. Even
public schools were unthought of in his neighbor
hood, and he was obliged to search a few of not
the best books and pamphlets for his little store of
general knowledge. Finally, to his great delight,
a Latin school was started in Hopewell church,
near his father's farm, and he, having expressed a
preference for the medical profession, was per
mitted to study this dry language in all its orig
inal dryness, for a few months. Thus equipped,
as to his mental outfit, he came to Washington
county and read medicine with Dr. Jonathan Leth-
erman, who at that time had an office near Canons
burg. On a faded sheet of old-fashioned letter
paper we find the following: "To all whom it may
concern: This is to certify that Simon Strouss has
attentively and diligently studied the science of
medicine, including anatomy, surgery, midwifery,
and therapeutics, and I can further state that his
moral character is unimpeachable. February 20,
1831. Jonathan Letherman, M. D." This was
his diploma, and now he starts out in the world,
fully equipped, as Dr. Strouss. He first went to
Pittsburgh, and practiced about one year with Dr.
Wray, of that city. In 1832 and 1833 he prac
ticed in Beaver county, located in what is now
Independence (then Hopewell) township. He
left there in the fall of 1833 and established an
office in Amity, Amwell township, Washington Co.,
Penn. It was there that a long and useful life
was spent, in service to his fellow-men. He was
eminently successful in every sense of the word.
Beloved by his clients and respected by all with
whom he came in contact. Compared with pres
ent customs, his remuneration for service was

small; yet his practice became so extensive that he
accumulated a comfortable fortune. With this he
was liberal to the end of his days. The unfortu
nate always found a sympathizing helper, and of
his church he was a strong moral and financial
supporter. Dr. Strouss first married, August 1 2, 1836, Jane
F. Dodd, who was the eldest in the family of nine
children of Rev. Cephas Dodd, viz.: Jane F.;
Sarah; Thaddeus, M. D. ; Cornelia; Elizabeth;
Hannah; James F. ; Cephas, M. D. ; and Elias F.,
M. D. Their father was the son of Rev. Thaddeus
Dodd, the founder and first pastor of Upper and
Lower Ten-Mile Churches, Washington county;
Rev. Dodd commenced his labor there in 1777,
and later in his work was one of the principal
actors in the establishing of what is now Washing
ton and Jefferson College. Mrs. Strouss died
Thursday, August 13, 1863. There were born of
this marriage two sons and five daughters. Dr.
Strouss was married, the second time, March 12,
1868, to Mrs. Anne Conger (nee Anne Day).
There were no children of this marriage. Of the
seven children we record the following: Hanna D.,
born September 20, 1837, died September 29,
1843; Mary Jane, born March 26, 1839; Cephas
D.. born January 1, 1841, died September 26,
1843; Martha Elizabeth, born November 19, 1843;
John D. , still-born; Sarah Ann, born March 13,
1846; Ruth D., born June 11, 1848, died October
3, 1858. Of these, Mary Jane married William
C. Condit, July 8, 1858; Martha Elizabeth mar
ried Demas McCollum, December 4, 1863; Sarah
Ann married David B. Baker, March 2, 1865.
These three daughters settled on farms given them
by their father, and are ¦still living in Washington
county. Dr. Strouss died Tuesday, April 24,
1883, and his wife on Wednesday, May 16, 1883.
Thus within three weeks this beloved old man and
his worthy wife passed away, breaking the Strouss
line in this branch of the family as no sons were
left to carry the name.
The life of Dr. Strouss was one of undeniable
consistency, and in his old age there was allotted
to him the esteem and regard that true worth
justly merits. He was jovial, kind-hearted and
earnest. Always willing to sacrifice personal corn-
fort aud consideration for a suffering patient. He
early acquired a practice that extended to a radius
of twelve or fifteen miles from his office. There
was considerable of a German element in his
looality, and they still reverence the memory of
Dr. Strouss. His pills and drops were a panacea
for all their ailments. Many of them affirm that
even his jolly presence was enough to put one be
yond the notice of suffering. Although he never
read psychology, yet he understood the influence
of mind over matter, and the power of the will.
He had the true secret of the practitioner. This

302

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was best evinced in his treatment of fevers, in
which he was eminently successful; often being
called as council, especially in such cases to other
localities. He was an earnest, active follower of
the Master, always at his place with heart and
purse in the Presbyterian Church of Lower Ten-
Mile. He did his life work well, and has left us
a noble example of an upright, useful and honor
able life.
As a rule, Dr. Strouss never speculated or tam
pered with the vagaries of fortune. Once he was
tempted by the Western sheep craze, and ventured
some capital; but finding himself losing, he with
drew, and devoted himself more exclusively to his
chosen profession. He has gone to his reward,
and to us, his descendants, there is left a sacred
memory and Christian example. May we strive
toward true merit as he did, and preserve the
mantle he has left to us, with his benediction, un
sullied from dishonor's pollution. For the name
and honor is ours to carry before the searching
eyes of an exacting world. This feeble tribute we
offer as a token of our undying gratitude, love and
esteem. [This sketch is from the pen of S. S. B.

THE McCR ACKEN FAMILY. The n atives of
the Highlands of Scotland have, the world
over, a reputation second to none for robust
ness, bravery, honesty and loyalty, and the
McCrackens in this county, with proper
pride, claim descent from such nobility of the his
toric soil of " Caledonia, stern and wild."
Many years ago, during religious persecutions
in Scotland, a portion, if not all, of the clan Mc-
Cracken left their heather clad hills for the North
of Ireland, where, with many more of their self-
exiled countrymen, they built up a new home in
which they were free to worship according to their
own old Presbyterian customs, without let or
hindrance. From this place emigrated to America,
in 1793, Andrew McCracken, following in the wake
of his brother David who had preceded him to the
shores of Columbia by some years. In Ireland
Andrew was a flax dresser, but in this country he
followed farming. The brother had made a settle
ment in Amwell township, and thither Andrew also
made his way, where he passed the remainder of
his days, tilling the soil aud making a permanent
home for his posterity; he died in 1837, at the age
of seventy-seven, while on a visit to Athens, Ohio.
He had married, in Ireland, Nancy Jamison, who
departed to the "other shore" in 1835, when
seventy-three years of age. They were the par
ents of six children — two sons and four daughters
— who reached maturity, but none of whom are
now living. Of these,* Archibald was the father of

M. L. A. McCracken, the subject proper of this
memoir; John went to Athens, Ohio, thence to Lee
county, Iowa, where at the age of eighty-three he
died (his sons are living on the Pacific slope).
Archibald McCracken, in 1823, married Lurena,
daughter of Luther Axtell, a farmer, who came to
Washington county from New Jersey in an early
day, in which State he had married a Miss Dodd,
and their four sons and six daughters all
grew to maturity, of whom one son is a minister in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh;
one daughter, Rachel, is at present living in Wash
ington county, unmarried ; another daughter,
Nancy, married Silas Clarke, and is now deceased.
The parents of these children both died in Wash
ington county, the father about 1870, the mother
some time later. The Axtell family are descended
from Col. Axtell who commanded a regiment of
Cromwell's guards, was present at the trial and
execution of Charles I, and was himself beheaded
not long afterward, about the time of the Restor
ation. A full account of the trial and execution of
Col. Axtell is found in "Cobbett's State Trials."
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Mc
Cracken took up their residence at the old home
stead of his ancestry, in Amwell township, where
they passed the remainder of their days. The
mother was called from earth in 1858 at the age
of fifty-four years, the father died in 1885 aged
eighty-seven years. Ten children were born to
this honored couple, as follows: Phcebe, wife of
Jehu lams, in West Virginia; Elizabeth, married
to William Watson, of Amwell township; Mary,
wife of Samuel Smith, of Franklin township;
Sarah, wife of Stephen B. Miller, of Amwell town
ship; Chloe, Rachel and Martha Jane, all deceased
in young girlhood; Andrew J., a farmer in Rus
sell county, Kans.; Martin Luther A., special
mention of whom will be presently made; and
Jonas C. , on the home farm.
Martin L. A. McCracken was born in Amwell
township, Washington Co., Penn., his rudimentary
education being received at the subscription schools
of the neighborhood, afterward improved by an
attendance at the free schools of the county, but
he was fourteen years old before he could read.
He remained at home until twenty-one years of
age, and then, having nurtured a desire to become
a lawyer, he resolved that the ambition of his
young life should be fulfilled. Leaving the pater
nal rooftree, he worked about on various farms,
teaching school in winters five years, and then
attended Pleasant Valley Academy for a time, and
Waynesburg College one session. In 1860 he
went South, and was a teacher at Mayslick Acad
emy, Ky., when the Civil war broke out — produc
ing an excitement in the State that caused the
academy, as well as other institutions of learning,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

303

to be temporarily closed up. Returning to Wash
ington, Mr. McCracken enlisted for three years in
Company K, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve Regi
ment, or Thirty -seventh Regiment P. V. I., which
was attached to the army of the Potomac, and he
served fifteen days over the term of his enlistment,
during nine of which he saw heavy fighting in the
wilderness. He participated in battles including
over thirty days' heavy fighting, besides numerous
skirmishes and minor engagements, and was four
times wounded, though not any time seriously,
unless we exeept the shooting off of the little finger
of his right hand. His army record is as follows:
Enlisted May 9, 1861; promoted to corporal then
to sergeant, and as such was mustered out with
company May 24, 1864. After his discharge Mr.
McCracken returned to Washington county, read
law in the office of the late John L. Gow, Sr., in
Washington, Penn., and was admitted to the bar of
his native county in 1867, since when he has been
engaged with well-merited success in the practice
of his chosen profession. He was partner with J.
A. Mcllvaine from 1874 until the latter' s appoint
ment to a judgeship; then was partner with M. H.
Stephenson, one year; then practiced alone, until
February 1, 1892, since when he and J. Q. Mc
Giffin have been partners under the firm name of
McCracken & McGiffin.
In 1862, while absent from his regiment on re
cruiting service several months, Mr. McCracken
was married to Martha M., daughter of John
Adams, who came from Ireland to Amwell town
ship in 1818, and died in South Strabane township
in 1873; two of his sons, William and James, now
reside in Washington, where they follow carpen
try. To Mr. and Mrs. McCracken have been born
eight children, of whom five are now living, all at
home with their parents, viz. : Minnie L. , Bertram
E., Edna L., William A. and Martha Jane. Mr.
McCracken is a typical self-made man, a living
example of what patient purpose, indomitable per
severance and hard study can accomplish. During
the early years of his manhood, from November 1 to
May 1, following year, he was accustomed to rise
at 3 o'clock in the morning and study till daylight,
which became the nucleus to his education. Po
litically he is a Republican; from 1866 to 1869 he
served as recorder, and he has filled various town
ship and borough offices. Socially he is a member
of the F. & A. M. The original farm where his
grandfather settled, in Amwell and Franklin town
ships, is now owned by him. Mr. McCracken has
in his possession an old English musket, bearing
the date 1763, which his great-grandfather Axtell
carried throughout the Revolutionary war; he was
at Valley Forge with Washington, and the musket
was one of those used in making a litter on which
Gen. Mercer was carried off the field wounded,

It NDREW W. KERR, one of the most suc-
l\ cessful and well-to-do agriculturists of
A\ Washington county, is of immediate En-
— i ryliuVi rtoc/»aTlf TTia fn+Yif*r WilllH.m A

Jj glish descent. His father, William A.
i Kerr, born in 1816, a son of Andrew, was
a native of England, as were all his antecedents.
When he was yet a child, his parents brought him
to this country, making a settlement in Washing
ton county, Penn., where they passed the rest of
their days. They were the parents of the follow
ing named children: Margaret, who died at the
age of five days; Agnes, deceased wife of William
Smiley; Hannah, who died at the age of eleven
months; Mary, married to Robert Caldwell, of
Hopewell township, both deceased (she died after
him in 1877, at the age of sixty-eight years); and
William A., father of the subject of these lines.
The father of this family died May 28. 1823, at
the age of forty-five years; his wife, Margaret,
survived him till April 20, 1865, when she, too, de
parted to the " Better Land " at the age of eighty-
two years.
William A. Kerr received his education at Frank
fort Academy, Washington county, Penn., and
taught school for several years in Hopewell town
ship. On July 4, 1844, he married Miss Margaret
Tweed, a native of Washington county, Penn. ,
born June 20, 1815, of a very early family of the
county. After marriage they located on a rented
farm in Hopewell township until 1854, when they
bought a farm in Buffalo township, on which they
lived until 1872, in which year they sold it and
bought another in the same township, where Will
iam A. Kerr died January 16, 1887, at the age of
seventy years, and which farm is at this time in the
possession of the subject of this sketch. The
widowed mother is now living in Buffalo village.
They were the parents of three children, viz. :
Elizabeth Caroline, widow of John G. Farrer (she
is now assistant matron at the County Home; Mr.
Farrer volunteered in Company K, Fifteenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the summer of 1862, and
served until the close of the war); Mary Margaret.
married to H. W. Leech, of Buffalo village, and
Andrew W. William A. Kerr was a stanch Repub
lican, and held various township offices. During
the invasion of Pennsylvania in the Civil war he
enlisted for State protection.
Andrew W. Kerr was born August 5, 1849, in
Hopewell township, Washington Co., Penn., and
received his education at the schools of the neigh
borhood of his new home in Buffalo township,
whither the family had moved in 1854. Here he
was reared to farm life, and lived over thirty years.
On December 16. 1874, Mr. Kerr married Miss
Alma V. Giles, whose father (at that time deceased)
was of Pittsburgh, Penn., and whose mother has
since departed this life. Four children have been

304

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born to Mr. and Mrs. Kerr, viz. : Annie Margaret,
William Albert, Florence Estella and James Wiley.
In 1887 the family moved into the borough of
Washington, Mr. Kerr having built an elegant and
commodious residence on Prospect avenue. At
present he is a partner in a flouring-mill in that
place. Our subject and wife are members of the
U. P. Church at Washington, and in politics he is
a Republican.

JOSEPH M. DICKSON, who, though yet a
young man, has brought himself, by ability
and acumen, into the front rank of the legal
circle of Washington, was born in Buffalo
township October 16, 1856. He is a son of James
Dickson, a native of Maryland, who, about the
year 1839, came to Washington county, where he
soon after married Miss Mary E., daughter of
Elisha 'Duvall. Her father was a blacksmith by
trade, and worked in his shop near Washington,
until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety-
one years. The Duvall family came at an early
date to this county from Wellsburg, Va. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dickson removed to
the northern part of the county, settling on a farm
in Robinson township, where they now reside. To
them eight children were born: Eliza, wife of D.
C. Reed, in Cross Creek township; William, at
New Concord, Ohio; Salem, in Jefferson township;
Joseph M. , an attorney in Washington; Mary, wife
of George Wolf, in Robinson township; Alice and
Agnes, both deceased, and I. J., engaged in the
hardware business at Washington, Pennsylvania.
Joseph M. Dickson was reared on his father's
farm, and received a liberal education at the com
mon schools of the district. Later he attended the
Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg and the Normal
School at Sewickley, in Allegheny county, after
which he engaged in teaching in the common
schools of this county. He then entered the Wash
ington and Lee University at Lexington, Va. ,
where he graduated in the classical course in June,
1880, and he at once commenced the study of law
at the same university, graduating therefrom with
the law class of 1881. Coming to Washington
county, he was admitted to the bar in 1883. Mr.
Dickson is a stanch Democrat, being one of the
active young workers in that party. For four
years he served as secretary of the Democratic
committee, and in 1884 was nominated for county
prothonotary, but, his party being in the minority,
he was, not unexpectedly, defeated, yet he had the
satisfaction of polling the largest Democratic vote
cast in the county up to that time. It was the
year of the Presidential election, when James G.
Blaine, a native of the county, was heading the op
position ticket. Mr. Dickson worked with untir
ing zeal, canvassing closely the entire county, and

receiving many compliments from friends for the
masterly fight he had made against certain defeat.
He takes an absorbing interest in all national and
local politics. He is a member of the Improved
Order of Heptasophs, and of the school board of
Washington borough.

TfAMES W. McDOWELL is a great-grandson
. |j of Thomas McDowell, who, in 1787, came
VJj from his native county, Lancaster, Penn., to
~—J this county, where he bought a tract of wild
land in Mt. Pleasant township, and hewed out
a home for himself and family. He died in 1798.
He married Janet Clark, and by her had children,
of whom James, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Lancaster county, came with his father in
1787, and married Mary McKnight, daughter of a
pioneer. The children born to them were James,
of Mt. Pleasant township; John, of whom mention
is made further on; Jane, wife of Alexander Mc-
Elroy, of Mt. Pleasant township; Eleanor, mar
ried to John Nesbit, of Chartiers township, and Re
becca, wife of William Smith, of Mt. Pleasant
township, 'all deceased. The parents of this fam
ily both died on the farm in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, the father in 1827 at the age of sixty-seven
years, the mother September 9, 1850, when about
eighty two years of age. They were members of
the Union Church.
John McDowell was born in Mt. Pleasant town
ship. Like his forefathers, he was a practical
agriculturist. In May, 1839, he was married to
Margaret, daughter of Jacob Miller, of Chartiers
township, and the following eight children were
born to them: Mary Jane, who died young; James
W. , our subject; Jacob F., on the home farm;
Margaret, wife of J. M. K. Donaldson, of Mt.
Pleasant township; Rebecca, wife of James Agnew,
of same township; Johi$ in business at Canons
burg; Sarah and Elizabeth, both living on the
home farm. The mother died February 20, 1866,
aged fifty-six years, the father August 18, 1886, at
the age of seventy five. He had lived all his life
on the old farm. Politically he was a straight
Democrat, and for some time served as school
director; in religion he was a consistent member
of Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church.
James W. McDowell was born on the family
homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, January 29,
1842, received a liberal primary education, and at
tended Jefferson College at Canonsburg, from
which he graduated in 1866. He then commenced
the study of law at Washington under Hon. Will
iam Montgomery. ,In August, 1869, he was ad
mitted to the bar, and for two years thereafter he
wrote in a law office at Pittsburgh, Penn., whence
he returned to Washington, where he has since
been successfully engaged in general practice. On

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

305

September 23, 1869, Mr. McDowell was married
to Miss Nancy J. , daughter of Joseph V. Rea, of
Mt. Pleasant township. Three children have been
born to them: Rea is a graduate of Duff's Busi
ness College of Pittsburgh, and John is attending
college. Their first born, a daughter, died at the
age of thirteen. Mr. 'and Mrs. McDowell are
members of the First Presbyterian Church, of
which he is a deacon and trustee. Bolitically a
lifelong Democrat, he has served his borough and
county in several offices of trust, and is at present
member of the city council ; socially he is a Knight
Templar, and D. D. G. M. of the F. & A. M.

QEORGE W. HAYS, member of the well-
known firm of George W. Hays & Co.,
dealers in hardware, etc., Washington, was
. born in Butler county, Penn., in 1855.
After securing a fair education at the
schools of his native place, he commenced, when
nineteen years of age, to learn the tinning trade
in Pittsburgh, and for some tiine after the expira
tion of his apprenticeship he carried on a general
tinning business in Armstrong, Penn. Thence he
moved to Freeport.
Here he followed the same line of business until
1882, when he moved to Millerstown, same State,
and there, for eight years, sold general hardware,
oil-well supplies, agricultural implements, etc. In
1890 he came to Washington and purchased the
store owned by T. A. Burkollow, where he now
carries on the leading business in general hard
ware, house-furnishing goods, etc. Mr. Hays
married Miss Anna M., daughter of D. S. McCol-
lough, o*f Butler county, Penn., March 2, 1880.
Six children have been born to them, namely:
David Charles, Russell Valentine, Mabel Lucretia,
Laura Amanda, Mary Aileen and Anna Margaret.
Mr. Hays may justly be classified among the self-
made men of the day,Jas his success in life is en
tirely due to his own' unaided exertions, and he
ranks high among the prosperous and respected
business men of Washington borough. Politically,
he is a Republican; socially, a member of the E.
A. U, and, like Mrs. Hays, is a member of the
Second Presbyterian Church, of Washington. Mr.
Hay's father, John Valentine Hays, came, with
his parents, from Germany, when nine years of
age. In 1843 the youth had grown to manhood
and married Margaret Upperman, who was born at
Pittsburgh. To this marriage six sons and one
daughter were born, of whom G. W. Hays is the
fifth in order of birth.

E

P. SWART, one of the leading photogra
phers and thoroughly enterprising citizens
of the borough of Washington, was born
J in Amwell township, Washington Co.,
Penn., July 31, 1861. His father, Amos Swart,

also a native of Amwell township, and by occupa
tion a farmer, married in 1849 Miss Sidney Horn,
a daughter of John Horn, of Amwell township.
Mr. and Mrs. Swart, resided in that township until
the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when
he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and For
tieth P. V. I., serving from 1861 until May, 1864,
when he was shot dead in the battle of the Wilder
ness, the bullet passing through his brain. Shortly
before this event, and while Mr. Swart was visit
ing his home, on furlough, his house was burned,
a melancholy verification of the adage that
" troubles seldom come singly. " The family then
moved to Washington, and some time later Mrs.
Swart was married to G. W. Moninger, of Amwell
township, where she now resides, again a widow.
By her first marriage she had five children, viz. :
John H. (deceased), Josephine (wife of William
I. Lindley, of Morris township), Mina (Mrs. A.
S. Burns, residing in Washington), Warren (in
Iowa) and E. P. Swart. By her second marriage
she became the mother of two children: Grant and
Frank I. Moninger, both residents of Amwell
township. E. P. Swart, the subject of this sketch, was
reared and educated in his native township, and in
1881 he went to Iowa, where he learned the pho
tographic art, which line of business he has since
followed with eminent success. In 1889 he re
turned to Washington, and about a year later es
tablished himself in his present businesss, which
enjoys a large and increasing patronage. In 1883
Mr. Swart was married to Miss Belle A. Beebe, a
member of one of the prominent families of Mich
igan. In February, 1889, she died, leaving three
children: Mamie, Edgar A. and Ruth, the latter
of whom died at the age of ten months. Politic
ally Mr. Swart is a Republican, and while a resi
dent of Iowa he held various township offices.
Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the
Jr. O. U. A. M., and the I. O. H. and National
Union.

Ji SHAN MARGERUM, the well-known and
popular dealer in boots and shoes in Wash-
) ington, was born June 22, 1838, at Washing
ton, Penn., a son of John and 'Eliza J.
(Smith) Margerum, both natives of Lancas
ter county, Penn. , the former born about the year
1809. John Margerum, the grandfather of our subject,
was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and was a butcher
by trade; he died in eastern Pennsylvania in 1825.
His wife lived to a very advanced age, and died at
the home of her son John, in Washington. They
had nine children, of whom but one, Robert, is liv
ing, and he resides in Washington county, now far
advanced in years.

306

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

John Margerum, the father of J. Shan, worked
at the shoemaker's trade, in Washington, for fifty-
seven years. He was blessed with an exceedingly
robust constitution, and was never sick a single day
in his life. He was called from earth in July, 1891,
at the age of eighty-three years, strong both
physically and mentally to the end, and at the time
of his death was the oldest resident shoemaker in
Washington. His wife had preceded him to the
grave in 1889, at the age of seventy-five years.
He was married in 1833 to Eliza J. Smith, daugh
ter of John and Honor Smith, and to them four
teen children were born, of whom six are now liv
ing, viz. : J. Shan, Julia Ann (wife of Charles
Wendle), John L., Eliza J., now of Wheeling, W.
Va. (wife of Julius Clark), William and Marietta
(now Mrs. Zelt) all residents of Washington, this
county, except Mrs. Wendle, whose home is at
Pittsburgh, Penn., and Mrs. Julius Clark.
J. Shan Margerum received his education at the
schools of his native town, and learned the trade
of shoemaker with his father, for whom he worked .
In August, 1862, he enlisted in the IndependentPat-
ton Cavalry, of the Ringgold Battalion, which after
ward became Company F, of the 22d Cavalry, and
was appointed brevet lieutenant, which position he
held until the rank was abolished. He served as
company artificer, and participated in most of the
forty-six battles and minor engagements of his
regiment, was twice wounded, though not seriously,
and twice fell into the hands of the enemy, but suc
ceeded in effecting his escape to the Union lines,
each time; on the first occasion he was captured
near Martinsburg, Md., by Maj. Gilmore' s cavalry,
but made his escape to a garden, and hid in a
ditch two days before he dared to venture out. In
1891 he revisited the scene of his adventure, and
although the town had grown considerably, he
found the ditch and a stone fence about just as he
saw them thirty years ago. After serving to the
close of the struggle, the war-worn soldier returned
home to the pursuits of peace, and resumed the
business he had commenced in 1861, and which he
has since continued in. About fifteen years ago
he opened a retail business on North Main street,
where he now lives. In February, 1870, he mar
ried Miss Lou A. , daughter of Matthew and Ann
Griffin, of Washington, Penn., both of whom were
early settlers of Washington, but are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Margerum have no children. He is
a Democrat in politics, as have been all the family
on both sides of the house, and is a member of the
G. A. R. He is a sportsman in the literal sense
of the word, and owns a kennel of some of
the best-bred dogs in the State. Just after the
war Mr. Margerum commenced collecting curiosi
ties, and has now one of the most valuable collec
tions in the county. Among the articles of vertu
is the first "greenback" issued by the Govern

ment, now valued at $1,000. His interesting
museum is open to the public, who are always
welcomed and courteously treated.

OBERT BIDDLE PATTERSON. This
prominent business man represents one of
the oldest families of Washington county.
His- grandfather, John Patterson, was born
of Irish parents in eastern Pennsylvania,
and came to Washington county when a boy. He
was reared and educated in this county, where he
grew to manhood, was married, and reared a family
of fourteen children. In politics he was a member
of the Democratic party, and in religion was con
nected with the Presbyterian Church.
James Patterson, his father, was born and reared
in Washington county, and attended the public
schools of Nottingham township, where he mar
ried Ann McVay, of Union township, a daughter
of Thomas McVay. To them were born the follow
ing children: Thomas, John, Mary Jane, Hannah
Z., Robert B., J. Kerr, S. R., William C, and
Annie. They resided in Nottingham township for
twenty years after their marriage, where he fol
lowed farming and stock raising; moved in 1862
to Westmoreland county, Penn. ; resided there for
six years; then went to Greensburg, where he
lived in retirement. He was an active member of,
and for many years an elder in, the Mingo Presby
terian Church. In political opinion he was a
stanch supporter of Democratic principles.
Robert B. Patterson was born November 16,
1845, in Nottingham township, attended the com
mon schools and after moving, with his paVents, to
Westmoreland county, attended the schools there,
and also the academy at Salem. He learned the
tanner's trade, which he followed but a short time,
and afterward taught school four or five years. At
the expiration of that time he opened a general
store at Greensburg, Penn. In 1880 he moved
to Monongahela, where he purchased a grocery
store of George Scott, and conducted that- business
until 1892. There he was married to Miss Agnes
Painter, August 30, 1881. Mrs. Agnes Patterson's
father's name was G. W. Painter; her mother's,
Mary A. Painter; her grandfathers', Tobias Painter
and Christian Weaver, all of Westmoreland county,
Penn. In 1892 he became interested in the Gra
ham Foundry Company, and is now taking an
active part in that enterprise. Mr. Patterson pos
sesses the characteristic spirit of energy which has
pervaded all who bpar the family name, and has
been the architect of his own success. Politically,
he is an ardent worker in the Democratic party,
and in religion is a member of the Presbyterian
Church of Monongahela. The children of this
family are: Robert J., Mary W., Edgar M. , Cath
erine E. and Kenneth McVay.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

307

It BRAHAM L. ASHBROOK. This gentle-
1\ man claims descent from Simon Ashbrook,
4\ a soldier in the German army, one hundred
-* and twenty years ago, who left the Father
land for America at the time of the Revo
lutionary war. In this country he was employed,
during that struggle, in drilling recruits for the
American service. His death occurred in Lancas
ter county, Penn., where one of his sons, also
named Simon, was born. This son, Simon, about
the year 1778, when he was in the neighborhood
of twenty-one years old, came to Washington coun
ty and purchased land in Buffalo township, where
he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1849
at the age of eighty-two years. He had married
Mary Fennell, who departed this life in Washing
ton county in 1856, at the age of eighty-eight
years. They were members of the Baptist Church.
Absalom Baird Ashbrook, son of Simon and
Mary (Fennell) Ashbrook, was born June 3, 1808,
and was reared on his father's farm. He mar
ried Miss Elizabeth Braddock, of Franklin town
ship, this county, a daughter of John Braddock,
and after marriage they made their home in Buf
falo township up to 1884, when they came to the
borough of Washington, here to pass their declin
ing years. They were the parents of the following
named children: Mary, wife of Robert Lytle, of
East Finley township; Simon F., in Buffalo town
ship; John, who died at the age of seven years;
William, died when twelve years old; Abraham L.,
subject of this sketch; William A. and John B.,
both deceased; Sarah Margaret, wife of W. P.
Hastings, of Washington, Penn., and Solomon
Luther, deceased (a dentist who practiced in Buf
falo township). The mother of this family died at
the home of her son, Abraham L., in 1886, at the
age of seventy- four years.
Abraham L. Ashbrook, of whom this sketch
chiefly relates, was born March 31, 1847, in Buf
falo township, Washington Co., Penn., and received
his education at the common schools of the dis
trict. In his youth he commenced the study of
dentistry, which he supplemented with a course of
study at the Dental College, Baltimore, Md., dur
ing the sessions of 1885-86, from which he gradu
ated in the latter year. He then came to Wash
ington, where he has since remained in active
practice, a prominent and popular leader in the
profession. In 1871 Dr. Ashbrook was married to
Miss Mary E. Stewart, of Buffalo township, daugh
ter of John Stewart, and one son was born to them,
named John Stewart, now living with his father.
Politically the Doctor is a Democrat; socially he is
a member of the Royal Arcanum, and in religion
is an adherent of the Second Presbyterian Church.
The Ashbrook family have, as a rule, been long-
lived; Margaret (Howell) died when ninety-eight
years old; John, when eighty-four; Solomon, when

ninety-three; Nancy Huston, when ninety-one;
William, when eighty-five — all brothers and sisters
of Absalom B. Ashbrook, father of Dr. Abraham
L. Ashbrook.

QEORGE H. REYNOLDS. The family, of
which this gentleman is an honored mem
ber, is well known and highly respected in
South Strabane township, and the name has
been an honored one from the time of the
settlement of the family on American soil.
About the year 1676 James Reynolds, in com
pany with a brother, emigrated from England to
the New World, and settled near Shippensburg,
Cumberland Co., Penn., where the old landmarks
of that noted family still remain. One son of this
pioneer, also named James, was a famous Indian
fighter in his day. He had a family of six sons
and four daughters, and at the commencement of
the Revolution five of these sons enlisted in the
patriot army, serving all through the war under
Gen. Washington. One son, Benedict, who was
born near Shippensburg, served in Capt. Potter's
company, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill, re
maining with Washington all through the many
trials and privations until the close of the war. A
few years after the conclusion of peace he married
Elizabeth Harmon, and a year later took up his
residence, along with four of his brothers, near
Baltimore, in Anne Arundel county, Md. In 1785,
in the early spring, he and his wife, two small
children (the eldest but three years old) and one of
his brothers, set out from Maryland with all their
goods and chattels, including four horses and a
cart, to cross the Alleghany mountains into west
ern Pennsylvania. When they reached where now
stands the town of Cumberland, near the old fort
built by Gen. Washington, one of the horses died,
so they had to abandon the cart and carry their
household effects on the other horses, in pack-sad
dles. Thus they continued their journey over the
mountains, frequently meeting with snow block
ades and Indians, until they reached where is now
Hopwood, in Fayette county. Here they met one
of Mr. Reynolds' old friends, and together they all
pushed forward into Washington county, landing
in Amwell township, near what was called Mount
Nebo, a landmark now obliterated. One year
later Mr. Reynolds purchased from the Darby es
tate the farm on which he permanently settled and
passed the remainder of his days. With the ex
ception of his three horses he had no property
whatever, but by energy and perseverance he suc
ceeded in securing a home, which he worked and
cleared up, paying for same in rye and corn, as
there was but little or no money in circulation at
that time, and soon he became comfortably settled.
He reared a family of nine children in a log cabin

308

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

having but one room 16x20 feet, afterward build
ing an addition. As there were no school-houses
in those days in that region, he used a part of his
cabin for school purposes, and here his son Zach
ariah, then but sixteen years old, taught subscrip
tion school, receiving from each scholar as a fee
for one term's tuition (about three months) a
bushel of rye. Seven of the nine children born to
this brave old pioneer were Henry, Zachariah,
Mary, Susan, Lloyd, Benedict and Sarah, all now
passed away, Sarah dying in 1885, the last of the
nine. Mr. Reynolds was generous and kind-heart
ed to a fault, ever willing and liberal in helping im
migrants to make a start in his neighborhood, and
he was always anxious to see the community in a
prosperous condition. As a citizen he was honored,
and, being an old soldier, was readily recognized
as a friend among veteran comrades he might
chance to meet; indeed, he would rather recount
reminiscences of the Revolutionary war to his
friends than talk on any other subject. He would
never accept office, but was always looked to for
advice in matters requiring judgment and care.
At the advanced age of ninety-one years he passed
from earth, a lifelong Democrat. [Written by
his grandson, Col. George H. Reynolds.]
Henry, the eldest son of Benedict Reynolds,
lived in a house that was put up by a man named
Kirk, one of the earliest settlers in the county.
It was built of brick in 1800, one of the first of the
kind in the county, and is still standing. Henry
Reynolds' family, born and reared in this house,
were Isaiah, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth, Belinda,
Emily, Rebecca, Margaret and Benedict.
Major Zachariah Reynolds, second son of Bene
dict the pioneer, was born in Anne Arundel county,
Md., and was about two years old when the family
crossed the Alleghanies. He was reared in South
Strabane township, and was self-educated. At
the early age of sixteen he commenced teaching
school, a vocation he followed for forty years, the
school-houses and their furnishings during a por
tion of that time being of the most primitive de
scription. The floors and seats were made of
puncheons, the windows of greased paper, and a
log was made into a bench, while a plank fastened
against the wall with wooden pins served as a
writing desk. At the age of eighteen, during the
days when all the men between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five were enrolled in the militia,
he was chosen captain of his district, and was
called out to muster and drill at least three or four
times every year. Finally he rose to the rank of
major, his commission being signed by the gov
ernor of Pennsylvania, in the year 1810 or 1812,
and was held in reserve in the war of 1812-15.
During that period Major Reynolds, being a self-
made man, roused the admiration of the citizens
of Washington county, and as a consequence was

elected to many positions of trust. He was a fine
penman as well as an active business man, and in
1836 waB appointed county treasurer, which office
he filled for two terms of three years each, after
which he served- as prothonotary in 1839. Mr.
Reynolds was twice married: first to Mary, daugh
ter of Moses Little, of South Strabane township,
but she died a little over a year after her marriage,
leaving one child, David L., now residing on the
farm then owned by his grandfather. Mr. Rey
nolds, for his second wife, was united in marriage
with Mary Raney Huston, whose father, Joseph
Huston, settled on and owned part of the site
where the borough of Washington now stands.
After this marriage Mr. Reynolds retired into pri
vate life on the farm in South Strabane township,
and there passed the remainder of his heretofore
busy life, dying November 8, 1865. He was a
Democrat in politics, and liberal in church mat
ters. The children by his second wife were named
George H. Mary E. and Seth H.
George H. Reynolds, eldest son of Maj. Zacha
riah and Mary (Raney) Huston Reynolds, was born
in Washington, Penn., in 1840, was educated in
the common schools, and reared to agricultural
pursuits on the home farm in South Strabane
township. During the war of the Rebellion he en
listed in Company F, Twenty second P. V. C,
known as the Ringgold Battalion, and served until
the close of the struggle. He served in the army
of West Virginia, and participated in many of the
battles and engagements in which his battalion
was concerned. On April 1, 1869, he married
Rachel Austin, a native of Bellaire, Ohio, daugh
ter of James Austin and granddaughter of Gen.
Charles De Hass. The children born to this union
are Frank S. De Hass, Eva Maud, Blanche,
Birdella, Lizzie Artemesia and Georgia Pearl,
Col. Reynolds is a Democrat in his political pref
erences, following, in this, in the footsteps of his
forefathers. He has been engaged in various occu
pations, and at the present time is general mana
ger for the Electric Belt Co., of Washington, Penn
sylvania.

»r^ OBERT W. IRWIN, one of the most elo-
Iwy quent pleaders at the bar of Washington
FT V- C0UDty! lB a 90n °f Ephraim and Margaret
11 -^ (Richey) Irwin, the former of whom was a
v native of the county. The grandparents
on both sides removed to this county from the
North of Ireland early in the present century.
The children born to Ephraim and Margaret Irwin
were: Elizabeth, married to W. J. Meloy; Esther
A., married to Jonas Mills; William R. ; J. B. ;
R. W. and Sadie M., and one son who died in
infancy. Our subject was born April 25, 1858, in West

< (

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

31

Finley township, this county, and his early life was
passed alternately in working on the farm and in
attending the common schools of his district.
When he was sixteen years of age the family
moved to Buffalo, same county, where they re
mained two years; then spent one year in Cross
Creek, when, in 1877, they moved to Hopewell
township, where the parents now live. In the fall
of 1875 Mr. Irwin commenced to teach school in
Washington county, a vocation he followed six
winters, his summers being occupied in improving
himself at the Normal Schools of Claysville and
Alexander. In November, 1877, he registered
with Boyd Crumrine, Esq. , as a student of law,
previous to which he had studied Latin with Rev.
Walkenshaw, one summer. On June 15, 1881, he
was admitted to the bar of Washington county,
and he has since practiced his profession in Wash
ington with more than average success. In court,
when pleading a case or addressing a jury, he is
the "observed of all observers," so forcible, clear
and impressive is his eloquence, each argument or
point being delivered with a grace and ease that
invariably commands the attention of his hearers.
For this gift Mr. Irwin modestly admits that he is
indebted to his connection in earlier life with de
bating societies in the country, at the time he was
teaching school.
On December 24, 1884, Mr. Irwin was married
to Miss Carrie N., daughter of William Fowler, of
Westmoreland county, and niece of William Smith,
of Smithville, in Somerset township, this county.
When she was but a young girl, her mother was
called from earth. To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have
been born four children: Nellie May, now (1892)
six years old; Earl Wilson, who died at the age of
eight months; Ray Wilson, who died at the age
of one year, and Frances Margaret, aged one year.
Politically Mr. Irwin is a Democrat, and has been
a hard worker in the interests of his party. In
1883 he was a candidate for the office of district
attorney, but the county being strongly Republican,
he was defeated. For four years he has served as
president of the school board. On the retirement
of Judge Acheson from law practice, at his request
the present, firm of Acheson & Irwin was formed.
Mr. Irwin is an elder in the Third Presbyterian
Church, of the Sunday-school of which he has
been superintendent for some time. His residence
is No. 85 Highland avenue.

AMUEL P. FERGUS, the well-known ex
tensive oil operator, is a native of the county,
having been born in South Strabane town
ship August 17, 1843.
He is of Scotch descent, the first of the family
to come to this country being John Fergus, great
grandfather of our subject, who was married in
16

Scotland and emigrated with his family to America,
settling in Huntingdon county, Penn., where he
died. His family consisted of three sons — Thomas,
John and Samuel. Of these Samuel married Mary
Paxton, and had the following named children:
Hugh, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Hart), Margaret (Mrs.
Thomas Maxwell), John, Martha, Thomas, Sarah
(Mrs. Hugh Fergus), Jane and Nancy. The
father of these died April 14, 1853, aged ninety
years, and the mother on February 18, 1861, aged
ninety-three years. Their son, Thomas, was born
November 2, 1802, on theold homestead taken upby
his father in South Strabane township, this county.
On May 3, 1831, he was married to Elizabeth,
daughter of John D. Roberts, of that township,
and the children born to them were JohnD., Mary,
Susan (deceased), Hannah J., Maria, Isabella,
Samuel P. (subject), Addison R. and Sarah M.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fergus
took up their residence on Mr. Roberts' farm,
where they remained seven years, and then came
to their present residence in South Strabane town
ship. Samuel P. Fergus, whose name opens this com
memorative sketch, was educated in the schools of
his township, continuing on the home farm until
the fall of 1861, when he entered Washington Col
lege, remaining there one year. He then enlisted
in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V.
I., in which he was, some time later, promoted to
corporal, serving as such until the fall of 1864,
when he was transferred to the Twenty-seventh U.
S. Colored Infantry with rank of second lieutenant,
being afterward promoted to first lieutenant. He
served on the Potomac, and participated in the
battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, in
which latter engagement he was shot through the
right hip with a bullet, which necessitated a twelve
months confinement in hospital. His wound hav
ing healed, he returned to his command, and he
was in the front of Petersburg, then at the siege
of Richmond, until 1864, when he took part iu the
engagements at Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, Wil
mington, North East Station, and in many skir
mishes; was in pursuit of Gen. Johnson up to the
time of the latter' s surrender. Throughout his
service he was in the army of the Potomac, for
some time under Gen. Terry, and toward the last
with Gen. Sherman. After the disbandment of
the army, his regiment was ordered to Wilming
ton, Del., where it lay ten months, he being a
member of the court-martial held there. The
regiment was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, and
our subject returned and resumed farming in
South Strabane township. In the fall of 1874 he
was elected, on the Republican ticket, treasurer of
Washington county for one term of three years.
Since the beginning of 1878 he has been engaged
in the oil business. Oil was found in South Stra-

312

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

bane township, where an uncle of his had lived,
and he has been operating some wells there, be
sides several in other States. In 1888-89 he
erected his beautiful residence on East Beau street,
in the borough, generally conceded to be the finest
in the place. On December 17, 1873, Mr. Fergus
was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter
of William Patterson, of Indiana county, Penn., but
who died in April, 1876, her babe having been
taken from her by the Grim Reaper the day pre
vious. For his second wife, Mr. Fergus married,
October 9, 1878, Miss Margaret L. , daughter of
Thomas Weir, of Somerset township, this county,
and by this union there have been born children
as follows: Thomas H. W. , Hugh Earnest and
Margaret Josephine, all three living at home, and
John Addison and David S. L. , both deceased.
Mr. Fergus has been a member of the U. P.
Church since 1870, and he is an elder in the same.
Politically he is a stanch Republican.

GYRUS MORROW. Some writer has said
that the most prominent characteristics of
the Scotch-Irish are stern integrity, high
sense of duty, hatred of tyranny, the de
fense of liberty and the love of God. Of such
a grand old race is the subject of this memoir
descended, William Morrow, his great-grandfather,
the first of the family to come to America, having
been born in the North of Ireland, where he mar
ried a native of the same locality. Here some of
their children were born, and in an early day the
family immigrated to the shores of Columbia,
making their way westward to Washington 'county,
Penn. , where they found a settlement near Hills
borough, in West Bethlehem township.
George Morrow, grandfather of Cyrus, was born
in the North of Ireland, and came to the United
States with the family. His earlier life was passed
in Bethlehem township, his later days in Donegal
township, this county, he having settled on a farm
on Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, about one mile
above where it empties into Big Buffalo creek.
Here he successfully followed farming during the
rest of his pioneer life. In West Bethlehem town
ship he had married Hester Poole, who bore him
children, as follows: David, Abraham, Noah,
Thomas, Elizabeth, Matilda and Mary, all of whom
attained adult age, except Thomas, who died young,
and three of them are yet living, viz. : Matilda (mar
ried to Milton Lamborn, of Washington, D. C),
and David and Noah (both residents of Licking
county, Ohio). Some time after his marriage
George Morrow brought his parents from West
Bethlehem to his farm in Donegal, where they
peacefully ended their days.
Abraham Morrow, father of Cyrus, was born in
1810, in West Bethlehem township, this county,

where he was reared to farm life, his education
being secured at the subscription schools of the
locality of his birth. About 1841 he married Jane
De France, a native of Washington county, born on
Raccoon creek, June 19, 1821, a daughter of Allison
De France, and to this union were born seven chil
dren, as follows: Cyrus; Salem and Parmelia Ann
(both living with their widowed mother); Ellen
deceased at the age of twelve years; a son that
died in infancy; Perry, living with his mother,
and Albert, a farmer in Donegal township. After
marriage Abraham Morrow resided for some years
in the last named township, near Atchison post-
office, then moved to Licking county, Ohio, near
Kirkersville, whence, after a residence of a few
years, he returned to his native county and finally
settled on the home farm. Here, on February 12,
1888, he passed from earth, and here his widow,
now aged seventy-one years, is calmly awaiting the
final summons. Abraham Morrow during his life
time was one of the best-known men of his town
ship. As a citizen he was public- spirited, and in
terested in the advancement and welfare of the
community. Quiet and unassuming in his way,
kind and charitable in disposition, an exemplary
Christian, he won universal respect and esteem.
He was an earnest and consistent member of the
Christian (or Disciple) Church. In Licking county,
Ohio, there was no organized congregation of this
church, and he, with a few others, became the
founder of one; he was chosen elder, and later he,
in company with a few others, at a considerable
personal sacrifice built a meeting house. After his
return from Ohio, he was an elder in the church
here until his death. He was also instrumental in
the erection of the Dutch Fork church and par
sonage. Cyrus Morrow was born February 3, 1844, in
Donegal township, this county, near the present
postoffice of Atchison, and here, under his father's
careful tuition, he learned the art of husbandry,
and received a very fair common-school education.
On August 26, 1874, he was married to Elizabeth
Condit, a native of Amwell township, this county,
bom July 1, 1853, a daughter of Cephas and Mary
(Bane) Condit, of that township. This union has
been blessed with seven children, all yet living
under the parental roof, their names being Minnie
E., Franklin S., Garfield B., Albert G., Earle,
Ethel and Elizabeth J. After marriage Mr. Mor
row remained on a farm near Atchison postoffice,
in Donegal township, until 1880, in which year he
purchased the George W. Guy farm, situated on
the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, a short distance
from where it empties into Big Buffalo creek.
Mr. Morrow is not only a general farmer on a
large scale, but also one of the most extensive wool
growers in his township. As the eldest of a family
of boys who work together, he has had the care

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

313

and responsibility of some large deals, and by his
business sagacity, excellent judgment and well-
known ability as a financier has been instrumental
in keeping the family estate in a highly creditable
shape. Despite the financial crisis of 1857 which
crippled so many, including Mr. Morrow's father,
they succeeded by strenuous efforts in pulling
through, and placing their affairs once more on a
solid foundation. To-day the "Morrow boys," as
they are familiarly known, have few equals in the
county for industry, economy, honesty and public-
spiritedness. In his political predilections our
subject is a stanch Republican, influential in the
party, and has tilled various offices in his township
with eminent ability.

THOMAS FLEMING BIRCH, one of the
leading attorneys of Washington, whose
practice is for the most part in the civil
courts of the county, is anative of Claysville,
Washington Co., Penn., born May 18, 1856.
His father, John Birch, was one of the enterpris
ing men of Claysville.
Our subject received a thorough English educa
tion at the common schools of his native borough,
which was supplemented with a course of study at
Washington and Jefferson College. He began the
study of law in the office' of Alexander Wilson,
and, in 1880 was admitted to the bar of Washing
ton county. For three years he was in the prac
tice at Washington and in 1883, formed a partner
ship with Mr. Albert S. Sprowls, under the firm
name of Birch & Sprowls, which continued until
1888, when it was dissolved, since when Mr. Birch
has again been practicing alone. Mr. Birch is un
married. In politics he is a stanch Democrat;
socially he is a Knight Templar.

THE BRADY FAMILY are numbered with
the earliest' pioneers of Washington county,
one John Brady having settled in this
county about the beginning of the present
century. He became prominently associated
with the political history of the county, and died
after a useful life, leaving no family. He was a
distant relative of Capt. John Brady, of Revolu
tionary fame, who was a native of New Jersey, and
died soon after the war, leaving several children,
of whom are named: Freeman; Moses, an attorney,
in Canada, where he inherited an estate from his
father; Andrew, an M. E. minister, deceased in
Livingston county, N. Y. ; William, deceased in
Virginia, and Jane, deceased wife of William
Gourley, of Livingston county, N. Y.
Freeman Brady was but four years of age when
his father died, and his mother (who was afterward
married to a Mr. Welch) died in 1840, in Living

ston county, N. Y. Before the death of his
mother, Freeman Brady went to live in Centre
county, Penn., with his uncle, George Brown, of
whom he learned the trade of mason. In 1816 he
left the home of his uncle, and coming to Wash
ington county took contracts for building the Na
tional pike, also serving in the capacity of super
intendent for John H. Ewing. In 1820 Freeman
Brady was united in marriage with Mary, daughter
of Benjamin and Martha Means. Her father was
a native of New Jersey, and settled about 1796 in
South Strabane , township, Washington county,
where he died in 1816; his widow passed away in
1859, at the age of over ninety years. They
reared a family of ten children, all now deceased.
To the union of Freeman and Mary (Means) Brady
children were born as follows: Sophia, wife of
James Simmons, in Washington, Penn. ; John, also
living in Washington; Andrew, deceased in 1875;
Freeman, deceased; Martha, deceased in 1845;
Samuel, a resident of Washington (a sketch^of
whom follows); James, also living in Washington;
David, deceased, and Benjamin, who was killed
on the streets of Washington, during a war riot.
The father was actively identified with the Demo
cratic party, and served in various local offices; by
President Buchanan he was made postmaster at
Washington; he was a Freemason. In 1840 he
erected the court house and old stone jail of Wash
ington county, and also put up many other prom
inent buildings. He died in 1876. his wife in
1875, having passed away at the age of eighty-five
years. Both were members of the Presbyterian
Church. John Brady, son of Freeman and Mary (Means)
Brady, was born November 20, 1821, on the home
farm in North Strabane township, Washington
Co., Penn. He learned of his father the trade of
mason, which he followed over fifty years, and has
worked on many of the public buildings of his na
tive county. He laid the foundation of the court
house of Washington county, and also assisted
with the brickwork. In 1856 John Brady married
Esther, daughter of James Thompson, of Canons
burg, and she died one year after their marriage,
leaving one son, John, who is now a railroad man.
In 1863 Mr. Brady was married to Sarah, daugh
ter of Timothy Ross, a native of West Bethlehem
township, this county, and their children were
Hetty, wife of Samuel Traster, of Washington;
Mattie, married to James S. Williams, also of
Washington, and Alexander, living at home. The
mother died in 1867; the father is now living on
the home place, which is cared for by his daughter
Hetty. In politics he is identified with the Dem
ocratic party, and has been a member of the I. O.
O. F. He attends the Presbyterian Church.
Freeman Brady (deceased), third son of Freeman
and Mary (Means) Brady, was born September 20,

314

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1827, in Washington, Penn. After attending the
subscription schools he took a course at Washing
ton College (where he was a member of the Phi
Gamma Delta Fraternity), graduating in 1851. He
then became one of the first telegraph operators of
Washington, Penn., and in 1855 served as deputy
sheriff. In 1856 he was united in marriage with
Mary E., daughter of Samuel Donley, and sister
to the late Mrs. James Brady. They began mar
ried life on West Wheeling street, and in 1857 he
was elected recorded of deeds, occupying that
position three years; he served several terms as
chairman of the Democratic County Committee.
In the meantime he devoted his leisure time to
the study of law under the guidance of John L.
Gow. In the May term of 1860 he was admitted
to the bar, and formed a partnership with Hon.
George S. Hart, which continued until 1876, when
Judge Hart was elected to the bench. After that
event Mr. Brady achieved an enviable reputation
as an able lawyer, conducting a large and lucrative
business. He was made by his party a candidate
for State senator at a special election, but as the
party was largely in the minority he was defeated.
In 1867 Mr. Brady united with the Second Pres
byterian Church of Washington; his wife was a
member of the First Church before her marriaare.
He was never absent from services when it was
possible to be present, and he filled the offices of
deacon and elder in the congregation. He died
May 14, 1891, and one hundred and four carriages
followed his remains to the grave. Resolutions
were passed by his associates of the legal profes
sion, who mourned the loss of a brilliant lawyer, a
Christian man and a true friend. He left a widow,
and five children, named as follows: James;
Charles, employed at Caldwell's place of business;
Freeman, working in Smith's establishment; Robert,
in a jewelry store; and Lydia, living at home.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Brady and
her children have continued to reside in the old
home, situated on South Main street in Washington.
James Brady, the seventh child of Freeman and
Mary (Means) Brady, was born January 31, 1833,
in Washington, Penn., where his boyhood was
passed. He attended the common schools of his
native town, and learned the trade of mason,
which he has since successfully followed, having
assisted in the erection of many of the public
buildings of the county. In 1860 he married
Julia A. Donley, daughter of Samuel and Eliza
(liettig) Donley, of Washington, the former of
whom was lost in an explosion on the lower Missis
sippi, while returning from the Southwest, whither
he had gone on a. lookout excursion. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brady made their home
continuously in Washington, and here, on January
5, 1889, she passed from earth at the age of fifty-
six years. Mr. Brady has been a lifelong Demo

crat, and under Grover Cleveland he was ap
pointed, October 7, 1886, postmaster at Washing
ton, which office he acceptably filled three years
and six months; he was* the first Democratic post
master to follow his father, who was appointed to
that position in 1861. He is a member (as was
also his wife) of the Presbyterian Church, and he
now attends the Second Presbyterian. Five chil
dren were born to this couple, of whom the follow
ing is a brief record: (1) George V. was born De
cember 11, 1861, and was married to Tillie Miller;
he is one of the leading jewelers of Washington,
Penn. (2) Edgar L. Brady was born in 1866, and his
education was received at the common schools.
Entering the office of the Review and Examiner,
in Washington, he served his time at and mastered
the printer's trade. He then for a time worked
on the Commercial Gazette, from which office he
went to the Burgettstown (Penn.) Call. Upon his
father becoming postmaster of Washington here-
turned to his native town to fill the position of as
sistant postmaster, and has since been connected
with the office, as head clerk since the appointment
of the Republican postmaster, Underwood. In
1887 he was married to Miss Mellie Perrine, daugh
ter of John Perrine, member of an old and promi
nent family of Cross Creek township. To this
union two children have been born: Edgar and
Ray Grayson. (3) Leda D. is caring for her
father's home. (4) William H. is at home. (5)
Richard D. is a butcher, of Washington, who in
1890 married Miss Lydia Uhler, of Washington
county. James Brady, the father of this family,
has been a strong, robust man all his days, and
still has good health. The home wherein he now
resides, No. 66 West Wheeling street, has been the
home of this branch of the family since Mr. and
Mrs. Brady were married.
Samuel Brady, sixth child of Freeman Brady,
Sr., was born in 1830, in Washington, Penn. He
learned the trade of saddletree maker, when such
work was all done by hand, and constituted an ex
tensive business in early times; this business he
followed several years. He is now carrying on a
general store in Washington. Mr. Brady was
twice married, first time to Sarah Rankin, who
died, leaving three children, viz.: William, Harry
and Elizabeth, all living in Washington. Mr.
Brady's second wife was Deborah Lopp, of near
Brownsville, this county, by which union there are
no children. B. MOORHEAD, one of the most suc
cessful business men of Cecil township,
was born November 18, 1825, on the farm
in Cecil township, which is yet his
home.
He is a grandson of Samuel Moorhead, who

Znji try- I.B. Ball's Sons.lfewToiJs;.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

31 r

was born in 1745, in Scotland, and when about
twenty-one years of age left his native land for a
home in America. He first located in eastern
Pennsylvania, coming to Cecil township, Washing
ton county, in 1775. In the following year he
was married to Elizabeth Sproul, a native of east
ern Pennsylvania, and a sister of Sarah Sproul,
who married James McBride, grandfather of John
B. McBride, whose biographical record appears
elsewhere. After their marriage the young peo
ple located on the timber covered farm in Cecil
township (now occupied by the W. P. Rend Coal
Co.), where at night they, in connection with other
settlers of the neighborhood, were obliged to re
sort to blockhouses, in dread of the Indians. They
finally removed to the farm located where the
subject of this sketch now lives. Here they erected
a one-story cabin, built of round logs with the bark
on. In this rude but happy home six sons —
John, James, Francis, David, William and Robert —
and one daughter — Elizabeth — were born, all of
whom moved to Ohio with the exception of John.
The father took an active part iu the Whiskey In
surrection, and other questions of the day. Samuel
Moorhead was one of a number of neighbors who
went turn about over the mountains from eastern
Pennsylvania, to carry salt in sacks on horseback,
riding one horse and leading two, and carrying as
much salt in one trip as would last the company
one year, and he was a prominent actor in the many
scenes of danger so common to frontiersmen. His
mother-in-law, Mrs. Sproul, lived to the advanced
age of one hundred and four years. He passed away
in 1805, and his widow when she was ninety-two.
John Moorhead, father of subject, was born in
1785, on the home farm in Cecil township, where
he grew to manhood, receiving a subscription-
school education. In 1810 he was united iu mar
riage with Sarah, daughter of John Buchanan, a
native of Scotland, who settled in Robinson town
ship, this county, and five children were born to
this union: Samuel (first settled in Washington
county, then moved to Beaver county, Penn.,
whore he died in 1890), John (deceased in 1886 in
this county), Eliza Jane (deceased at the age of
twenty-one years), W. B, (whose sketch follows),
and George B. (deceased at the age of twenty -
one years). The mother of this family died in
1828, and in 1837 John Moorhead was united
in marriage with Priscilla, daughter of John
Aiken, a pioneer settler, and she bore him two
children: Isabelle and Sarah (both deceased
in youth). Mr. Moorhead was an ardent Aboli
tionist, taking an active part in politics, and serv
ing his township as justice for many years. He
and his wife were members of the Assooiate Re
formed Church at Robinson's Run, later uniting
with the U. P. Church at Venice. He died in
1861, and his widow was afterward married to

David McKee, of Mt. Pleasant township, this coun
ty. She died in 1871.
W. B. Moorhead was reared on the home farm
in Cecil township, receiving his elementary edu
cation at the schools of the neighborhood, which
was supplemented with a partial collegiate course
of study in Muskingum College, New Concord,
Ohio. On February 9, 1871, he was married to
Margaret Johnston, who was born on the farm in
Robinson township, which afterward became the
site of McDonald village. Her father, Thomas
Johnston, was born iu Chester county, Penn., and
in early life was married to Susan Scott, a native
of County Donegal, Ireland, who came here in an
early day. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Johnston settled on the home farm in Robinson
township, where the mother died in 1847, and in
1869 the father was also laid to rest. Mr. and
Mrs. Moorhead have resided on the home farm,
containing 200 acres in Cecil township, which is
included in the oil belt. He has made many im
provements, erected a good house and barn, and
is operating seven oil wells, two more being now
under way. Mr. Moorhead is an active business
man, and has settled many estates. In politics he
cast his first vote for the abolition of slavery, giv
ing his assistance to the " Underground Railroad "
for the purpose of shipping fugitives to Canada;
he has since united with the Republican party,
and has served his township as justice of the peace
and in various other ways. In religious faith he
and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at
McDonald. The children of this well-known and
influential couple areas follows: RosenaE. and
Melicent Scott, attending the academy at McDon
ald, and Tolbert Buchanan and Romulus Johnston,
living at home.
Mr. Moorhead is noted for his sympathy for
people in distress, or the unfortunate from any
cause. He is much famed for his success in com
promising troubles between neighbors, and carry
ing people through when in straitened circum
stances; for securing the liberation of people who
may have been put in jail for trivial offenses, to await
their trial. Another feature of his sympathy for the
unfortunate is his attending sheriff sales, buying
in property and turning it over to its original
owner, and giving him his own time to pay for
same. Such acts of kindness and generosity have
endeared Mr. Moorhead to the community, espe
cially to the poor, who look upon him as of a verity
"a friend in need,"

( NDREW J. FORD, a representative self-
l\ made, prosperous citizen of the borough of
l\ Washington, now living retired, is a native
-^ of Pennsylvania, born December 23, 1828,
in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county.
Andrew Ford, father of our subject, was of

318

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Irish extraction on his father's side, of Scotch
descent on his mother's, and was, it is believed, a
native of New Jersey. He was left an orphan at
an early age. and coming soon thereafter from
Mt. Pleasant to Washington, this county, he
learned the trade of wagon maker. He married
Miss Martha, daughter of John Lennox, a shoe
maker by trade, who had come to Washington
county over a century ago, where he died. An
drew Ford returned with his young wife to Mount
Pleasant, where they remained some six years, and
then once more came to Washington, the subject
of this sketch being at the time not three years
old. Here the father worked at his trade for
many years with "old John Morrow." He died
in 1873, at the age of seventy-four years, a life
long Democrat. His widow is yet living in Wash
ington, at the patriarchal age of ninety-three
years. Eleven children were born to them, ten of
whom were the following: Sarah, widow of
Samuel Eckles, in Washington, Penn. ; David, de
ceased; Martha, deceased wife of C. C. Turner,
in Washington county; Mrs. Margaret Lennox
(widow), living in Washington; Andrew J. ; Sid
ney; John, in Monongahela, this county; Mrs.
Emily Wheatley (widow); Mrs. Ann Eliza Boggs.
and Mrs. Mary Ellen Hutchinson.
Andrew J. Ford, whose name opens this sketch,
received his education at the common schools of
Washington, and early in life entered the arena
of business. Of his father he learned the trade
of wagon maker, which he followed for some time,
and then commenced that of brickmaking with one
Bushfield, in the meantime working at gunsmith-
ing during the winter months. For thirty-five
years he carried on a brick yard in Washington,
supplying the brick for many of the principal
buildings in the borough. In 1874 he formed a
partnership with G. W. Moninger, in the lumber
trade, which continued thirteen years, when it was
dissolved, our subject carrying on the business
alone; but in 1888 he sold it to Pollock & Baker.
and retired. In 1880 he built his present dwell
ing house on West Chestnut street.
On March 20, 1851. Mr. Ford married Miss
Sarah Mackey, only child of Joseph aud Ann
Mackey; the father died when Mrs. Ford was a
child, and the mother passed away at the home of
our subject, in 1890, at the age of eighty- seven
years. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have no children of
their own, but several years ago they adopted a
little girl, who, in their home, grew to womanhood,
and then, marrying, left it; she died in 1876,
leaving two children, a boy and a girl, who were
taken care of by Mr. and Mrs. Ford. The boy,
Andrew Ford McConhew, was taken from them by
the hand of the Reaper on October 9. 1888, when
almost fifteen years of age; his sister, Annie, is
now living with our subject and wife. Mr. and

Mrs. Ford are adherents of the First Methodist
Protestant Church of Washington, of which he
has been a member for thirty years, and is at pres
ent a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat, has
held town offices, and has been member of the
council several times. Mr. Ford owns a fine
farm in Amwell township, comprising 106 acres,
all under cultivation.

HARLES ALEXANDER SCOTT, M. D.,
was born April 12. 1866. in Monongahela,
Penn. His paternal great-great-great
grandfather was William Scott, who came
from the North of Ireland and landed with
his family in America. September 6, 1796. He
settled near Dunningsville, Washington county,
soon after, in the same year.
Thomas Scott, son of William, was twenty-two
years old when the family landed in America, and
came with his parents to Washington county. On
March 16, 1802, Thomas Scott married, in same
county, Miss Margaret Turner; he had settled in
1 800 on Mingo creek, in what is now Carroll town
ship. They were members of the Presbyterian
Church. Thomas Scott was a man of sterling
principle, one who enjoyed the confidence of all
who knew him. He was educated in Ireland, and
was better informed than most of the farmers of
his neighborhood. He owned two mills, both on
Mingo creek, and the second mill building is at
present owned and used, by the Harrison Brothers
as a distillery. Mr. Scott built and owned the
brick house, now the property of Mark Borland,
on Main street, Monongahela. where he resided
during the latter part of his life. He died Feb
ruary 24, 1856. Margaret, his wife, on December
24, 1849. They had a numerous family, their
names and dates of birth being as follows: Re
becca. February!, 1803: William, March 16, 1804;
Joseph, January 14. 1806; Alexander, November
29, 1807; Moses, October 12, 1809; Mercy, Octo
ber 15. 1811; John, August 22, 1813; James,
April 15, 1815; Matilda, March 8, 1817; Eliza
beth, January 22, 1819. and Jane, January 2,
1821. Of these, Alexander, born in what is now
Carroll township, this county, was married July
31, 1827, to Miss Sarah Clause, of Washington
county, Penn., and they had twelve children, viz. :
Melinda, born March 19. 1829, died October 7, 1835;
Arabella, born January 8, 1831, wife of Isaac
Keeney; Benjamin F. . born September 24, 1832;
Patterson, born March 2, 1834. living in Ohio;
Moses T., born December 13, 1835, residing in
Cleveland, Ohio; Mary E., born December 3,
1837, married to Thomas Kemp, and residing at
Ironton, Ohio; Thomas O., born December 5, 1839,
residing in Monongahela (he enlisted in Company

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

319

K, Sixty-second Regiment P. V. I., served three
years, re-enlisted, and served until the close of the
war; he was wounded three times); John F., born
August 24, 1841, deceased; Joseph, born May 23,
1844, deceased; Margaret, born March 4, 1846,
married to Bernard Clinton; Melinda, residing in
Pittsburgh, and William. The father of this fam
ily was a member of the M. E. Church, the mother
of the Presbyterian.
Benjamin F. Scott, eldest son of Alexander and
Sarah (Clause) Scott, became a painter. He was
married July 3, 1856, to Miss Jennie Hogan, of
Spartanburg, S. C, born in Columbia, S. C,
daughter of Daniel A. and Sarah (Lawler) Hogan,
the former of whom was a cotton manufacturer of
Spartanburg. They were of Scotch-Irish ancestry,
and, what was very remarkable, there was but
twelve hours difference in their deaths; he was
born in the evening and died in the evening,
while she was born in the morning and died in the
morning. They were members of the Presbyterian
Church. They were the parents of one son and
four daughters, viz. : Jane, Catherine, Elizabeth,
Joseph A. and Theresa. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin
F. Scott are the parents of two children: Rosanna
A. and Charles A. Of these, Rosanna was mar
ried twice, first to Frank Miller, a farmer of Wash
ington county, Penn., by whom she had two chil
dren: Daisy M. and F. Earl. Mr. Miller dying,
she afterward married William Moose; they reside
on their farm near Woodsfield, Monroe Co., Ohio.
William Moose is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Charles A. Scott, whose name introduces this
sketch, attended the common schools, and com
pleted his education at Washington and Jefferson
College, Washington, Penn. He read medicine
with F. P. Scott, M. D., Monongahela, and one
year later entered the Western Pennsylvania
Medical College at Pittsburgh, whence he gradu
ated March 27, 1891. Immediately thereafter he
located in Monongahela, where he has since been
actively engaged in the practice of his profession,
and where he ranks among the leading physicians.
He was married January 2, 1891, to Miss Melissa
Messenger, who was born on her father' s farm on
Hoge's Summit, Washington county, Penn., a
daughter of Hon. John C. Messenger, who was
admitted to the bar of Washington county, but does
not practice. Mr. Messenger married Miss Sarah
Wilson, and they reside on their farm on Hoge's
Summit. Dr. Charles A. Scott and wife have one
child, Pauline Keys. Dr. Scott is a member of the
Junior Order United American Mechanics, and of
the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and
enjoy the respect and confidence of all who know
them.

THE COFFEY FAMILY. To "Caledonia,
stern and wild," whose hardy sons and
daughters are to be found in every clime
where it is possible for a man to live, Amer
ica is indebted for a large portion of her
most industrious, most useful, most thrifty and
most loyal citizens, and among these stand promi-
uent the Coffey family, of whom this sketch re
lates. George Coffey, a wagon maker by trade, which
he had learned in his native land, Scotland, was
the only child of George Coffey. He was married
there to Miss Agnes, only daughter of Alexander
Dickey, who came to America and made a settlement
in Buffalo township, Washington Co. , Penn. , where
he died at an advanced age; he was a typical son
of Scotia, sturdy and tenacious of life, and it is
said of him that a few months before his death he
journeyed on foot to Pittsburgh in one day. Mr.
and Mrs. George Coffey, after several years of mar
ried life in their native laud, at the desire of Mr.
Dickey followed him to his adopted home in Wash
ington county, where for a time Mr. Coffey car
ried on his trade at Rankintown, on the National
pike. He then moved to Buffalo township, and
for fourteen years was recognized as the leading
wagon maker within a radius of many miles. Re
tiring, however, from his trade, he took up the
farm where his son George now lives, located at a
point on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, known as
"Coffey's Crossing," where he engaged in agri
cultural pursuits up to the time of his wife's death,
in 1883, when he came into the borough of Washing
ton and here passed his remaining days. He died
in 1884, at the age of seventy-three years, after a
busy life, in which by hard work he had to make
his own success. When he first came to the county
there was much in his line of trade to do, repair
ing the heavy wagons used in the construction of
the National pike, besides a vast amount of other
custom, that came to his shop from far and near.
In the building up of the home the several mem
bers of the family had to do their respective parts,
and, when they moved from the shop to the farm,
even the daughters would often work in the field,
in all kinds of weather, and many a day under a
broiling sun do as much work as a man. In one
day Miss Annie Coffey and her sister cut and tied
about four acres of heavy corn. In those times
it was customary for the farmers, who had prod
uce to sell, to proceed early in the morning to
Washington market, take their places and patiently
wait for customers; and frequently Miss Annie
Coffey and her mother would work in the sugar
bush until late at night, then go to the house,
change their clothing, and start on foot for Wash
ington, a distance of five miles, carrying heavy
jugs of maple molasses, which having sold, they

320

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

would walk home, again change their garments,
and once more go to work in the sugar camp.
Thus, with little sleep or rest, did the brave women
of those early days unrepiningly labor to build up
a home for coming generations, and materially
assist in the growth and advancement of the
country. To Mr. and Mrs. George Coffey were born seven
children, as follows: Alexander, in Iowa; Mag
gie, deceased; Annie, in Washington; William,
deceased; Jennie, married to Daniel Clemens;
George, on the old home farm in Buffalo township;
and Agnes, deceased. Of this family Miss Annie,
with true filial devotion, always remained with her
parents, comforting them in their declining years,
and reverently closing their eyes in death. She
has always enjoyed good health, and it is the ear
nest prayer of her many friends that she may be
spared to them for many happy years to come.
Her home in Washington is peaceful and pleasant,
as is the life she leads in it. She is a devout mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, the faith of her
forefathers.

/

HENRY B. STANTON. Thadeus Stanton
was born February 10, 1817, in Wheeling,
Va. , and when a small boy came to this
county, making his first home here near
Ten- Mile village. Iu Washington he
learned the harness making trade, serving an ap
prenticeship of five years with Jacob Shafer. He
then moved to Hillsborough, same State, where
he resided several years, and, returning to Wash
ington, continued the saddlery and harness busi
ness until 1850, in which year he took the census
of the county. In 1852 he ran for treasurer, but
was defeated; nothing daunted, however, he ran
again at the next election, and was elected for one
term on the Old-line Whig ticket; later he became
a Democrat. At the close of his term as treasurer
ho resumed his trade, and continued it almost up
to the time of his death; he died of dropsy April
5, 1873, at the age of fifty-five years. On July 8,
1841, he was married by Rev. George S. Holmes,
in Washington, to Miss Jane Ann, daughter of
Joseph Mahaffey. who came from County Down,
Ireland, to Washington county, where he died at
the advanced age of eighty-two years. His wife,
Jane Ann (Patterson), followed him to the grave at
the age of seventy- three years; they had a large
family of children, three of whom are yet living:
Mrs. Stanton, and Mrs. McConahey (widow of
John), in Washington, and Joseph, in Harshaville,
Beaver Co., Penn. The children bom to Thadeus
and Jane Ann (Mahaffey) Stanton were seven in
number, viz. : Susan, Letitia, Elizabeth and Sarah
Agnes (all four deceased), Henry B. and J. A., in
Washington county, and J. C, in Canton, Ohio.

The widowed mother, after the death of the
father, made her home with her son, Henry, in
Washington, until her death, April 5, 1893, iu the
seventy fourth year of her age.
Henry B. Stanton, whose name opens this
sketch, was born October 2, 1845, in Washington,
Washington Co., Penn., his education being re
ceived at the public schools of the borough. In
1861 he commenced to learn the trade of saddle
and harness maker with his father, remaining with
him till the latter' s death, except a few years he
was working for others. In 1875 he opened out in
the same line of business for bis own account, and
has since successfully carried it on, doing a large
trade and enjoying a wide patronage. On Novem
ber 4, 1875, Mr. Stanton was married to Miss
Catharine, daughter of Daniel Liggett, of this
county. Politically, our subject is a Democrat,
but has no time to aspire to office, his business de
manding and receiving all his attention.

HARLES W. TOWNSEND, M. D. The
Townsend family, of which Dr. Town-
send is a well-known member, is of English
descent. Many years ago three brothers,
Elijah, John and Isaiah Townsend (cousins of Glen
Townsend, of Quebec), left the shores of England
for America, where they settled in Egg Harbor
City, N. J., and here Elijah reared a family of
children, among whom were Daniel, Isaiah, Japhet
and Elijah. Isqiah owned a line of boats to Cape
May. Daniel Townsend was born August 14, 1747, in
Egg Harbor City, N. J., where he grew to man
hood and engaged in the lumber business. In
1776 he entered the Revolutionary war, serving
about two years. He took part in the battles of
Trenton, Princeton. Brandywine and Monmouth,
and in 1779 came to Washington county, Penn.,
where he bought 400 acres of land of Joshua
Wright, settling permanently on that tract. He
married Lydia Sawens, of Massachusetts, and of
this union the following children were born : Cath
erine (Mrs. John Baird, of Beaver county), Naomi
(Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of Peter Sharp),
Margaret (wife of William Chisler, of Ohio), Rebecca
(Mrs. John Hazen, of Mercer county, Penn.), Ruth
(Mrs. Stephen Higby, in Ohio), Lydia (wife of
Arthur Devore, also in Ohio), Elijah (a lieutenant
iu the war of 1812, died in 1871), and Joseph^ all
of whom were married, and are now deceased.
The father of this family was a Democrat in poli
tics. He died September 1, 1833.
Joseph. Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia
(Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1796, on
the old place in Washington county, Penn. He
lived at home until fifteen years of age, when he
entered the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought

VtWiC/i

atcm

/^W^^^#^^^-^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

323

home by his father. A few years later the juvenile
warrior had so far modified his views as to prefer
rural life, and became an excellent farmer, de
voting much attention to sheep raising. In early
life he was united in marriage with Nancy,
daughter of Col. William Blackmore, and grand
daughter of Samuel Blackmore, who owned 400
acres on the site of the city of Washington, D. C.
The property was leased for ninety- nine years,
which expired in about 1876, the heirs having
never claimed it. William Blackmore, son of
Samuel, came with the father from Washington,
D. C, to Washington county, Penn., and there
reared six children, viz. : Thomas, Charles, Nancy
(Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, Ellen, and Arabella, all of
whom are deceased, except Arabella. To Joseph
and Nancy (Blackmore) Townsend were born three
children, namely: Charles W., Daniel B. , and
William (deceased in youth). The mother died
December 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend
married Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack, whose
• father was born in Ireland, came to America about
1800, and settled on Chartiers creek, in Peters
township, Washington Co. , Penn. To Joseph and
Nancy (Flack) Townsend were born three children,
viz. : Robert (deceased), Elijah T., and Margaret
J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of Finleyville). The father
voted with the Democratic party, and in religion
was a member of the Baptist Church. He died on
his seventy-fifth birthday, March 1, 1871, and was
followed by his wife in August, 1874, in her
seventy-fifth year.
Dr. Charles W. Townsend was born April 27,
1822, on the old farm in Peters township, Wash
ington Co. , Penn. He received an excellent educa
tion, was for some time a surveyor in Washington
county, doing much work, and then read medicine
for four years with Dr. W. B. Lank, finally graduat
ing from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
in 1849. In that year he began to practice his
profession in Peters township, and in 1854 he
married Margaret A., daughter of Rev. Joseph
Wright, of Peters township, this county. To this
union have been born the following children:
Joseph (a civil engineer), Catherine (wife of Dr.
Boyd Emery), William, Jennie L. (Mrs. Obediah
Higbee), Chatham, Charles. Nellie and Nancy, of
whom Charles and Nancy died in youth.
The Doctor has resided on a beautifully im
proved farm, on which are six large orchards of
fruit trees, situated near the old homestead. In
his chosen profession as a skilled physician he has
obtained a most remarkable record of success. In
one epidemic of typhoid fever approaching one
hundred and fifty cases, every patient recovered,
and in two other extensive epidemics of the same
fever success was equally fortunate; during a gen
eral and extended practice of over forty years, he
has not lost a lady in obstetrical practice, a fortu

nate achievement. Such history surely rests on
the foundation of solid elementary principles, and
careful thought, and now engaged in raising stock
as a specialty, he still adheres to and loves his pro
fession. In politics he is faithful to pure Demo
cratic and Jeffersonian Republican principles, and
on one occasion, in 1883, to give him a rest, his friends
elected him to the Legislature without a single
effort on his own part. With firm belief in the
orthodoxy of the Trinity, he faithfully accepts the
substantial philosophy of future entitative exis
tence. The following is a copy of an old deed given by
Hugh Sharp to Elijah Townsend, of Great Egg
Harbor, county of Gloucester, province of New
Jersey, the date thereof being June 26, 1739. It
is written in old English on sheepskin two and a
half feet long. This Elijah Townsend was the
father of Daniel Townsend, Elijah Townsend,
Isaiah Townsend and Japhet Townsend of Great
Egg Harbor, New Jersey :
This Indenture, made 36th day of June, 1739, in the
thirteenth reign of our Sovereign George the 2nd of Great
Britain, King, etc., between Hugh Sharp of the township
of Worthingborough, in the county of Burlington, prov
ince of New Jersey, yeoman, of the first part, and Elijah
Townsend, of Great Egg Harbor in the county of Glou
cester, aforesaid, province of New Jersey, yeomen, of the
other part. Now this indenture forever witnesseth that
the said Hugh Sharp for and in consideration of the sum
of four pounds current money of province of New Jer
sey to him in hand paid by the said Elijah Townsend at
or before the ensealing and delivery of said property, the
receipt whereof to the said Hugh Sharp doth hereby ac
knowledge paid in full for every part and parcel thereof,
doth hereby acquit, release, exonerate and discharge the
said Elijah Townsend, his heirs, executors and adminis
trators and every of them forever by these presents, hath
granted, bargained and sold, aliened, enfeoffed, released,
conveyed and confirmed, and doth by these presents fully
clearly and absolutely grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff,
release, convey and confirm unto the said Elijah Towns-
end and his heirs and assigns forever all that tract of land
situated near Great Egg Harbor River on a branch of the
South River in the County of Gloucester, in the Province
of New Jersey, being in two tracts, the first bounded as
follows: Beginning at a maple tree on the west side of
said river, being corner of a former survey of said Hugh
Sharp, then by the said river N. W. twenty deg. six chains,
then N. E. six deg. fourteen chains W. O. by the said
river, thence 8. 58 deg. W. thirty-four and half chains to
a post, thence S. 32° E. seventeen chains to post, N. 58°
E. 24 chains to Maple post named containing forty-five
acres with allowance for highways. The other tract be
gins at a W. O. on the other side of the said South River,
some distance from the first tract, thence south 63° E.
five chains to post S. 20° E. sixteen chains S. 62 W. six
chains and half to South River by which it is bounded
northwest to the beginning containing 15 acres and allow
ance; both tracts contain sixty acres, recorded in the Sur
veyor General's office in Burlington, in B. M. folio 97.
Reference being thereunto had will more at large appear
together with all the minerals, mines, woods, fishings,
fowlings, hawkings, huntings, and all other royalties,
propts, commodities, hereditaments, appurtenances to the
said sixtv acres of land and provisions belonging, or in
any wise pertaining, and all the estate, right, titled inter
est, property, claim and demand whatsoever of the said

324

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Hugh Sharp in law and equity of into or to the said
granted and bargained sixty acres of land and premises,
and every part and parcel thereof with their heirs, exec
utors and the revisions and remanders thereof part and
parcel, to have and to hold the said two tracts' of land
containing sixty acres and allowance and every part and
parcel thereof and a'ppurtenances unto the said Elijah
Townsend, to the only proper use and behoof of him, the
said Elijah Townsend, heirs and assigns forevermore .
And the said Hugh Sharp and his heirs doth covenant,
grant and agree to and with the said Elijah Townsend,
his heirs and assigns forever by these presents in man
ner and form following: that is the said Hugh Sharp at
the time of the entailing and delivery of these presents
is lawfully and rightfully with absolute authority to
grant, bargain and sell, alien, enfeoff, release, convey and
confirm the land confirmed, granted and bargained the
sixty acres of land and premises and every part and par
cel thereof and appurtenances unto the said Elijah
Townsend, his heirs and assigns forever, according to the
tenure purport and intent and meaning of these presents,
and that the land is free and clear and clearly acquired and
discharged from all former gifts, grants, bargains, sales,
mortgages,wills, entails, dowries, judgments, or any other
plea that may in any wise hurt the land. And that it shall
and may be lawful to and for the said Elijah Townsend his
heirs and assigns from time to time and at all times for
ever hereafter by value of these presents to have, hold,
occupy to vest and enjoy all and singular the said two
tracts of land containing sixty acres and premises by
these presents mentioned with the appurtenances with
out erection, ejectment or any other intrusions of the said
Hugh Sharp his heirs and executors or any other person
whatsoever claiming or pretending to claim the same or
any part or parcel thereof. In law whatsoever for the
better and better and more perfect assurance making,
conveying and confirming the said granted and bargained
two tracts of land containing sixty acres and allowance
with every part and parcel thereof with the appurten
ances unto the said Elijah Townsend, his heirs and as
signs forever, according the tenure purpose to the intent
and true meaning of these presents. In witness whereof
the said Hugh Sharp, party first above named in this
present indenture have unto these presents set his hand
and seal the day and year above written 1739. The
above tract of land was conveyed by Thomas More and
Johanna, his wife, to the above named Hugh Sharp bear
ing date 9th day of April, 1715, which record will more
fully and more at large appear upon the public records
in the province of New Jersey.
This twenty-sixth day of ye sixth month of June, 1739.
[Some words illegible.] I Hugh Sharp being one of ye
judges of ye common pleas for ye county of Burlington
do acknowledge that I signed, sealed and delivered ye
above said instrument as my only act and as !b above des
cribed as witness my hand.
Signed, sealed and (Signed) Hugh Sharp [SS.]
delivered in the pres
ence of '
Mary M. Osgood,
H. II. Cox,
CnARLES Scott. [88.]

CHARLES L. DRIEHORST, SR., one of the
leading business men of Washington, is a
native of the "Fatherland," born August 14,
1816, in a small town on the river Weiser,
"LauenfOrda," Kingdom of Hanover. His father
died in 1845, his mother some time later.
Before leaving his native land our subject had

learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which
he worked there for a time. Then, having de
cided to seek the New World, he set sail in April,
1841, landing on June 21 in Baltimore, whence he
at once proceeded to Washington county, Penn.,
where a sister had already settled. He immedi
ately began work at his trade, and being desirous
of obtaining, as quickly as possible, a thorough
knowledge of the English language, he spent the
winter months in school. On October 10, 1842,
he went squirrel hunting, and one of those little
rodents, which he had shot, having lodged in a
tree, he climbed to get it, but unfortunately slipped,
and fell to the ground, whereby he received inju
ries, which confined him to the house for several
years. He was first taken care of by a sister, and
afterward by the family of Judge Wotring, where
in his affliction he found a home. By the time he
was able to resume work, all his savings, laid away
by careful thrift, were completely exhausted, and
he had again to begin life at the bottom of the
ladder. In November, 1845, he set sail for the
"Fatherland," where he remained until the spring
of 1846, and on his return he again landed in Balti
more in June. On July 7, 1846, he married Miss
Amelia Klieves, in Wheeling, who was also from
the same place in Germany. She died August 15,
1861, leaving six children, as follows: Theodore,
Rosanna, Matilda, Charles, Lewis and Louisa. On
March 5, 1863, Mr. Driehorst was married to
Augusta Klieves, sister of his first wife. He worked
as contractor at his trade till 1864, after which he
entered the clothing store of J. B. Reckers as
clerk, in which capacity he worked for thirteen
years. In 1877 he began the grocery business on
his own account, opening a small store on his prop
erty on West Wheeling street; the following spring
he added to it a bakery, which by industry and
strict attention to business, and the wants of his
customers, he has built up, till it is the leading es
tablishment of the kind in the town. Politically
our subject is a Democrat, and has served both as
assessor and collector of taxes in the borough of
Washington. In church connection he is a Lu
theran, and has ever been faithful to his church
and its interests.

'/

ll JHt ATTHEW BLAINE, one of the oldest and
\//\ most prominent citizens of Beallsville,
!i I Penn. , is also a representative of one of
— the oldest families of Washington county.
His grandfather, John Blaine, was born
in County Antrim, Ireland, where he was married,
and reared the following family: John (who came
to America prior to the Revolutionary war, and
heartily espoused the cause of his adopted coun
try, after the close of the war settling in Venango
county, Penn.), James, Leonard, Matthew, Robert

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

325

aud a daughter, who died on the voyage to Amer
ica. The four younger brothers came with their
mother to America in 1779, and after a three
months' voyage landed in New York. They first
located in East Bethlehem township, Washington
Co., Penn., then purchased a small farm in Som
erset township, same county, where Indians were
very numerous. Robert, Matthew and Leonard
then moved to Venango county, where the two for
mer passed their lives. After coming to America,
Leonard Blaine (who was born in 1761, in County
Antrim, Ireland) resided in Venango county for
about eight years, then came to Washington county,
and was there married to- Margaret Isehart. The
young people settled on the wild tract of land in
Somerset township, this county, and reared the
following children: Margaret, deceased wife of
John Jones; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Joshua
Craven; William, deceased; Leonard; Jane, mar
ried to David Fleming; Mary and Matthew. The
father was a very well educated man, and taught
school until the present educational system was
organized. The schoolhouse was of the usual
primitive style, furnished in a meager way, and
the text-books then used were limited to the
" United States Speller " and the " Western Cal
culator. " The terms of tuition were $1.25 per
pupil for a term of three months, but many were
taught by Mr. Blaine without payment, and no
charge was made for old pupils. Politically he
was a Democrat, and served as clerk of the Wash -
ington county commissioners; in religious faith he
was a member of the Seceder Church at Pigeon
Creek. He died in 1848, followed by his wife, in
1850. and both were buried on the home place.
Matthew Blaine was born February 14, 1819, on
the home farm in Somerset township, Washington
Co., Penn., and attended the subscription schools
of the locality. He began life for himself at the
age of fifteen years, and on May 14, 1843, married
Mary, daughter of Bennett and Ann (Hill) Morton,
natives of East Bethlehem township, this county.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Morton were as fol
lows: Mary, wife of Matthew Blaine; Stephen;
Joseph, who enlisted in the Ringgold Battalion,
was captured and first taken to Libby Prison.
thence to Andersonville, where he died ; John ;
Eleanor, wife of William C. Sargeant; Moses, and
Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Zellars. The father was
a Whig in politics, and in religion a member of
the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Blaine resided
on the 'old homestead until 1872, when he pur
chased a farm in East Bethlehem township, this
county, remaining there until 1890, then came to
their present home in Beallsville. He has always
followed agricultural pursuits. In political opin
ion he is actively identified with the Democratic
party, and has served as justice of the peace; in
religion he is a member and steward of the M. E.

Church. Mrs. Blaine passed away July 1, 1889,
leaving two daughters, Elizabeth J., wife of John
Aiken, and Margaret M. A. , married to Stephen
W. Hill.

1LLIAM H. WITHERSPOON, one of the
most prosperous wool and grain merchants
of Burgettstown, traces his lineage to a
well-known family of Scotland.
John Witherspoon was born and reared in the
old country, where he was also married. After
the birth of their eldest son the young couple
came to America, and resided in Maryland for sev
eral years, and prior to 1800 they moved to Wash
ington county, and in 1824 he purchased a small
unimproved tract of land in Robinson township,
upon which a log cabin was erected. Their chil
dren were as follows: Jonathan, John, Azariah,
Joshua and Elizabeth. The father of this family
was a Democrat in politics, and in religion he be
came one of the first members of the Associate
Reformed Church, in which he was an elder many
years. After the death of the father, the sons
purchased 200 acres of land, and Jonathan finally
sold his share to Joshua. The rest of the tract is
the property of Thomas Biggert and Isaac Don
aldson. Joshua Witherspoon was born in 1802, in Rob
inson township, this county, and passed his boy
hood on the home farm, attending the subscription
bchools during the winter months. On January
3, 1824, he was united in marriage with Jane,
daughter of John Hooper, of Allegheny county,
Penn. John Hooper was born December 26, 1777,
and his wife, Elizabeth, was born February 26,
1776. Their children were as follows: Nancy,
born March 4, 1799; Jennie, born March 4, 1801;
William, born June 15, 1803; Peggy, born October
2, 1806; Eleanor, born December 13, 1811; aud
Elizabeth, born January 28, 1817. The parents
were members of the Sharon Presbyterian Church,
and in politics Mr. Hooper was a Democrat.
Joshua and Jane (Hooper) Witherspoon began
married life on the home place in Robinson town
ship, this county, which became their permanent
home. The children born to this union were John
(a resident of Robinson township), Elizabeth (de
ceased wife of William Gilliland, of Beaver county,
Penn.), William H. (of whom a sketch follows),
James W. (a minister of the Fifth Presbyterian
Church of Allegheny, Penn.), and Samuel (resid
ing on the home place). The father was an active
worker in the Democratic party, and in religion
was from early youth a member of the Associate
Reformed Church at Robinson, serving as ruling
elder for some time. He died April 16, 1858, and
was followed by his widow August 9, 1888; both
are buried in the church cemetery at Robinson.

326

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

William H. Witherspoon was born August 3,
1831, on the old homestead in Robinson township,
where his youth was passed, and he received a
good common-school education. On December 28,
1854, he was married to Mary, daughter of William
Hood, of Hanover township, this county. The
young people resided on the home place in Robin
son township seven years after their marriage, then
moved to Hanover township, and six years after
ward settled in Burgettstown, Smith township,
where they are now living. On coming to Bur
gettstown, William H. Witherspoon opened a gen
eral store, and also carried on a business in grain
and produce. In 1884 he made a new departure,
sold the store, and began dealing extensively in both
wool and grain, making a specialty of the former,
purchasing wool in different parts of Washington,
Allegheny and Beaver counties, Penn., as well as
in the State of Ohio. In politics he is an influen
tial member of the Republican party. His was the
first business house established on the west side of
the railroad track in Burgettstown. Mr. Wither
spoon was one of the building committee of the U.
P. Church at Burgettstown, and gave liberally of
his time and money to its erection. He was for
merly connected with the Associate Reformed
Church, which afterward merged into the U. P.
Church, of which he has been an elder for many
years, also serving in that capacity in the churches
at Robinson and Frankfort Springs.

HUGH PATTERSON, one of the oldest, most
respected and prosperous citizens of Jeffer
son township, was born November 7, 1807,
-1 near Eldersville, Washington Co. , Penn. ,
V in an old log cabin which is yet standing.
James Patterson, his father, was born, reared and
educated in Ireland, and coming to America soon
after the Revolution, remained with his brother
John and three sisters, for some months near
Philadelphia. The two brothers were, for a time,
employed in " flailing " wheat, getting one-tenth as
his share, making the sum of 33J cents per day.
Afterward they moved to Allegheny county,
where they rented a farm, remained a short
time, and then came to Washington county and
purchased a farm in Jefferson township. Hugh
was married to Sarah Given, prior to locating in
Washington county. To them the following chil
dren were born: John, Mary (wife of William
Moore), James, Sarah (married to Robert Pogue),
Elizabeth (deceased wife of Erasmus Cooper, and
mother of H. C. Cooper), Hugh and William, all
now deceased except Hugh. The father died at
the age of ninety-three years, a few months after
his wife's decease. In politics he was first a Jack-
sonian Democrat, and then an anti-slavery Whig.
In church matters he was a stanch Methodist, and,

for many years, was a class-leader. A liberal con
tributor to all worthy enterprises, he died esteemed
by all. He held the office of school director for
Bix years and treasurer of Jefferson township
school board for a decade.
Hugh Patterson grew to manhood on the old
farm which had been bought of William Wells, of
Wellsville, Ohio, and passed his youth thereon,
caring for his aged parents. He began mercantile
business in Eldersville, Penn., in company with
William Wilson for some fifteen years, and retired
about thirty years ago. Mr. Patterson is about
five feet eleven inches in stature, healthy and well
formed, possessing a remarkably clear mind, and
writing a steady hand for one of his years. In
politics his first vote was cast for Joseph Ritner,
as governor of Pennsylvania, for whom he again
voted three years later, aiding in gaining the elec
tion, also voting for him a fourth time. His first
Presidential vote was cast for Jackson. Mr. Pat
terson was an anti-slavery man, and of recent
years has been an advocate of the principles em
bodied in the Republican party. In 1842 he was
postmaster of Eldersville, also served one term
after Taylor's election, finally resigning the office.
He has been tendered other positions, among
which were those of justice of the peace and county
commissioner, but declined to serve in either capac
ity. Mr. Patterson is now reaping the reward of
early toil, and is held in high regard by all who
have known him.

\ILLIAM M. GEORGE, the proprietor of
an extensive lumber business and feed
store in McDonald, Penn., was born Feb
ruary 13, 1835, in Mt. Pleasant township,
this county. He is a son of John, and
grandson of Robert George, the latter of whom
was born in Ireland, and was married to Christiana
Plance in eastern Pennsylvania, and moved to
Miller's Run. She bore him thirteen children.
The young couple first settled on the Miller's Run
farm, and cleared and improved the pioneer home.
They were progressive citizens and among the
earliest members of the Covenanter Church, hold
ing their first meetings in a small log cabin. The
names of the family of Robert George are as fol
lows: Thomas George, of Jefferson county, Ohio;
Robert George, Carroll county, Ohio ; David George
and Jacob George, of Washington county, Penn. ;
Alexander George, of Illinois ; John George and Mar
garet Slater, of Washington county, Penn. ; Eliz
abeth McMasters, Carroll county, Ohio; Hannah
Robinson, Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Ann Ramsey and
Jane Robb, of Washington county; Robert George,
of Miller's Run, died August 15, 1819, aged sev
enty-five years.
John George was born in January, 1808, on the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

327

home place in Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
and passed his youth there assisting in the farm
work, and attending the subscription schools of the
vicinity. In early manhood he selected as his life
companion Sarah, daughter of William McCrea, of
Cross Creek township, and brought his bride to
the old home farm January 3, 1832. Two chil
dren were born to this union: Robert Jamison and
William McCrea. The mother died August 3,
1836, and for his second wife Mr. George was mar
ried in September, 1837, to Margaret Roney, who
died 'May 29, 1838. His third wife, to whom he
was married August 6, 1841, was Jane Slater, who
bore him children as follows: Christiana; Martha
A., who died May 1, 1843; Robert J.; M. G. Tag-
gart; Margaret A. Slater; M. E. Coleman; and
Mary'E. Carithers. Mr. George was a farmer and
stock raiser and an energetic business man, and in
religious connection a stanch member of the Cove;
nanter Church.
William M. George was educated in the district
schools, and on December 25, 1872, was united in
marriage with Mary E.," daughter of Robert Speer,
of Ohio. The children born to this union are:
John Ralph Speer, Robert Howard, William Mc
Crea, Arthur Melville, Louella Blanche and Mary
Edna. Mr. George learned the carpenter's and
builder's trade in early life, following it several
years. In 1873 he came to McDonald, and opened
a lumber business and a grist-mill, having recently
given his whole time to the former occupation, in
connection with a feed store, recently added. He
has the most extensive business of the kind in Mc
Donald, the old firm name, George & Wallace,
being succeeded by W. M. George & Co. (limited).
Their success is due to arduous effort. The prin
ciples of the Covenanter Church were inculcated
in the mind of Mr. George from childhood, and
he has ever been a strong advocate and earnest
supporter of that Society.

ft II A\ILLIAM B. McCORKLE is a son of
\\A\// Thomas McCorkle, who was born in
V / \ff Washington county, and married to Anna
— ' — > McCullough, also a native of the county,
born in 1833. Thomas and Anna Mc
Corkle reared the following family of children:
William B., Colwell (a farmer of Somerset town
ship), David, Lizzie, Minnie, Retta, James and
Samuel, of whom the last three are now deceased.
The father died on the home farm in 1882; he was
a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
On August 12, 1886, Mrs. McCorkle was united in
marriage with Frederick Whitely, of Somerset
township. William B. McCorkle was born December 19,
1858, on the home farm in this county, and on

April 5, 1888, was united in matrimonial alliance
with Miss Martha J. Bebout, who was born Janu
ary 7, 1868, in Washington county, Penn. , and is
a daughter of David and Dorothy (McMurray) Be
bout, who reared the following family of children:
Catherine (wife of Weir McNary), James, Belle,
Frank, Martha J. (Mrs. McCorkle), Elizabeth, and
Dora (the last named being deceased). Her father
is a farmer in Cecil township, this county, and both
her parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. McCorkle resides on the pleasant
and fruitful farm of 106 acres, where he was
born. He and his wife are members of the United
Presbyterian Church, and he is a Democrat.

1,'OHN PATRICK DARRAH, a leading re-
. 1 tired agriculturist and a representative self-
v\\ made man, is a native of County Antrim, Ire-
^ land, born in 1826. His father, William
Darrah, was married in the "Emerald Isle" to
Jennie McMuller, and they had born to them a
family of eight children, viz. : Archibald, who
died in Kansas; Alexander, who died in the East
Indies; George, who died in East Liverpool, Ohio;
John, who died in Glasgow, Scotland; John Pat
rick; William (deceased); Annie, married to
Michael Parker, and died in Pittsburgh, and Mary,
who died in Glasgow, Scotland. The parents both
died in Ireland long since.
John P. Darrah came to America about 1843,
with his brother George, landing in Montreal,
Canada, whence, two years later, he proceeded to
Buffalo, N. Y. , by way of the St. Lawrence, Lake
Ontario, etc., and thence at once went to Pitts
burgh, Penn., where he remained, however, but
one year, when he came to Washington county.
He was a poor boy, without means to pay for
stage hire or any other mode of conveyance, so he
had to walk the entire distance from Pittsburgh
to the town of Washington. Here he soon ob
tained employment on the National pike, in course
of construction between Washington and Wheel
ing, and this was his first start in life in the land
of his adoption. Mr. Darrah has been a resident
of Washington county ever since. He industriously
worked at various employments, practicing strict
economy, until he was enabled to buy, in 1861, a
farm in Morris township. This he sold, and then
bought, in Franklin township, the farm now owned
by Nelson Hathaway, where he remained some sev
enteen or eighteen years, when he moved into the
city of Washington, having erected his present
commodious residence, on the edge of Franklin
township. On October 29, 1855, Mr. Darrah was
married to Miss Catherine Naughten, a native of
Gal way, Ireland, whence her family had come to
Washington county, her brother John having

328

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

been an early settler here, but they are all now
deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Darrah were
born seven children, of whom the following is a
brief record: George B. is a prominent contractor
and builder in Washington, Penn. ; Alexander E.
is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, and for three years was a professor of Greek
and Latin in Beech Grove College, Beech Grove,
Teiin. (he is now principal of one of the ward
schools in the city of Nashville, Tenn., where he
resides); John R. is a law student in the West ;
Alexander and Robert Emmet both died young;
Jennie F. and Anna M. are at home with their
father. Mrs. Darrah (the mother of these chil
dren) died August 2, 1889, at the age of about
sixty years, and is buried in the Catholic cemetery,
near Washington. Politically, Mr. Darrah has
always been a Democrat, but never a partisan,
and he is a member of the Catholic Church. He
and his wife were the first couple to be married in
the old Catholic church building in the borough
of Washington.
When Mr. Darrah first came to what is now
the borough of Washington he found it an old,
dead-looking place, without any improvements to
speak of. When night-time oame the place was
covered as with a pall, the darkness was so impen
etrable, the only light visible being from a chance
tallow candle placed in a window here and there.
Candles were brought to the town by the wagon
load from Wellsburg, Mr. Darrah himself having
at one time brought a load. It was dangerous to
walk the streets at night, owing to the deficiency
of lights and the rude condition of the streets.
The stage coach was a daily visitor at the place,
and its arrival and departure produced about the
only excitement the staid inhabitants had an op
portunity of indulging in. Taking horses East,
"over the mountains," to sell, was at the time a
source of considerable revenue. The animals
would be taken in large droves, " double-tandem "
fashion, with a long, stout rope between each row,
to which they were fastened, and every sixth horse
had a rider in charge. Mr. Darrah had his share
of the hardships incident to those pioneer days,
and experienced many privations, but by a life of
industry, perseverance and strict temperance he
succeeded in overcoming all obstacles and evolving
a handsome competence from a commencement of
nothing, save a pair of willing hands and a stout
heart.

^ILLIAM H. MARTIN, a leading farmer
and breeder of fine cattle and sheep, of
South Strabane township, was born
September 9, 1842, on the farm where he
now resides.
Peter Martin, grandfather of subject, was born

in 1759 in York county, Penn. He was a son of
Samuel Martin, who emigrated from Scotland
along with his son James, and was the first of the
family to settle in York county, where he followed
farming and died. He had five daughters and
two sons. Peter Martin, Sr., purchased a farm of
Jacob Shively (the original patent for which, writ
ten on sheepskin, is now in the possession of his
grandsons). Peter Martin, who had been a farmer
all his days, died May 12, 1843, aged eighty-four
years, a member of the old Seceder Church. He
had four children, and among the younger mem
bers of the family was James Martin, who was born
in York county, Penn., May 12, 1792. He was
but a child when his parents came to Washington
county, and purchased the farm in South Strabane
township. James Martin was married, April 19,
1821, in Washington county, 'to Miss Mary White,
who was born April 19, 1800, on her father's farm
in North Strabane township, not far from Canons
burg. He was a farmer, and he and wife were
members first of the Seceder Church, then of the
United Presbyterian. Their children were as fol
lows: Peter, born February 4, 1822, married to
Mary J. Clokey, died December 23, 1862; Samuel,
born January 24, 1824, married to Sarah Herron;
James, born December 12, 1825, married to Eliza
beth Clokey; John W., born January 11, 1828,
married to Elizabeth Allison; Matthew A., born
December 7, 1829, unmarried; Mary J., born
September 21, 1832, died September 13, 1855, un
married; Ebenezer H., born June 21, 1834, died
unmarried (was a soldier in the Civil war, and was
drowned in the Appomattox, June 23, 1864, while
serving in the signal service corps); Ann E., born
November 2, 1837, died September 5, 1838; Will
iam H., our subject, aud Thomas Jefferson, unmar
ried. William H. Martin was educated in the common
schools of his township, and was united in marriage
January 17, 1867, with Miss Anna M. Thome, who
was born in North Strabane township, a daughter
of James Thome. They have two children, Abbie
E., wife of Rev. W. A. Jones, of Knoxville, Pitts
burgh, Penn., and Willis J. William H Martin
and his brother inherited the old homestead farm
of their father and grandfather. They now own
325 acres in South Strabane township, most of
which is under cultivation. They raise grain, but
pay chief attention to the raising and breeding of
fine cattle and sheep. William H. Martin is one
of the board of directors of the Western Pennsyl
vania Fair Association. He has held various local
offices of trust, and is now a school director, hav
ing held that office for a number of years. He
and his wife are members of the U. P. Church, and
he is an elder in the church at Pigeon Creek. In
politics he has always supported the Republican
party.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

329

D'

R. J. C. MoCULLOUGH, a well-known
physician of Amwell township, with resi
dence at Lone Pine, is of Scotch-Irish de
scent. His grandfather, William McCul
lough, born in West Bethlehem township, this
county, was married to Rebecca Dunn. He passed
all his life in that township, following the vocation
of a farmer, and died at the age of about eighty-
seven years.
David McCullough, son of William and Rebecca
(Dunn) McCullough, was born February 21 , 1818,
in West Bethlehem township, remaining there till
March, 1843, when he was united in marriage with
Catherine Lancaster, by which union there were
born the following children: Hiram, who enlisted
in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and
died in prison; Sarah Jane (Mrs. Wood), a resi
dent of Greene county, Penn. ; Rebecca, who was
killed by a falling tree when eight years of age;
John Cary; Mary Elizabeth (Mankey), residing in
Washington; Joanna (Mrs. Horn), a resident of
Amwell township; Samuel (deceased about the
year 1888), who in his lifetime was a skillful
wagon maker and blacksmith; Emma (Mrs. Scott),
living in Washington county; Ella; William Ells
worth, who died of typhoid fever in 1883; Spencer
and Newton, residents of Amwell township, both
farmers. After his marriage David McCullough
moved into Amwell township, east of Amity, near
Big creek, and in 1849 located on the hill near the
Baptist church, on the Clarktown road. He after
ward moved to his father's farm, remaining there
until the spring of 1855, when he went to Aleppo
township, Greene county, and purchased a farm
which he sold in the spring of 1876; again coming
to Washington county in 1883, he bought the place
where he now resides, near Amity. For more
than forty years he has been a member of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church, and he has been a
lay delegate to the Presbytery. Politically, he
was formerly a Whig, then a Republican, but has
never accepted any official positions.
Mrs. McCullough was a daughter of Samuel
Lancaster, and was brought up by the Spencers
near Clarksville. They formerly lived near Phila
delphia, and old Mrs. Spencer heard the firing of
the guns at the battle of Germantown, during the
Revolutionary war.
J. C. McCullough was born on the farm east of
Amity, Washington county, July 2, 1849, and re
mained at home until eighteen years of age, when
he began teaching. He taught during the winter
time, and was thus enabled to pay the expenses of
his attendance at the summer terms at Jackson
ville Academy, and at Waynesburgh, Greene coun
ty, until he was twenty-four years of age. Leav
ing college in the junior year, he began studying
medicine at Cameron, W. Va., with Dr. S. B.
Stidger, the leading physician of the county, and

under his instruction remained two years, teaching
in the winters. At the end of that time he went
to the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where
he spent the winter of 1875-76. He then prac
ticed four years in Marshall county, W. Va. , after
ward returning to the same college, where he grad
uated with honors March 1, 1881. He took one of
the prizes offered to the graduating class of 105
pupils (a case of instruments), and stood second in
the branches of chemistry and anatomy. He then
returned to Marshall county, and on March 19,
1884, was there united in marriage with Miss Jen
nie Kittle, a daughter of Samuel and Caroline
(Wellman) Kittle, at Cameron, W. Va., where he
practiced medicine eight years. Their union has
been blessed with three children : Loyal C. , Myra
J. and Samuel Smith.
In the spring of 1889 Dr. McCullough came to
Lone Pine, where he has already secured an ex
cellent practice. He is a thorough, earnest stu
dent, and has evinced great pluck and persever
ance, richly deserving the success which has
crowned his efforts. In his political opinion he is
a Republican, and he was a member of the board
of health of Marshall county, W. Va., two years.
In religious connection both he and Mrs. McCul
lough are members of the M. E. Church.

JfOSEPH WILLISON. On January 4, 1827,
one Daniel Houston purchased 256 acres of
] land in Chartiers township, and after the
Chartiers Valley R. R. was completed, laid
out Houstonville. The fertile valley was a
pleasant site for the proposed village, and lots were
soon purchased; the work of building progressed
rapidly, and ere long a beautiful little town had
sprung into existence. Among those who were
charmed with the location and appearance of the
place was Joseph Willison, a native of Allegheny
county, Penn. He is a son of Isaac Willison, who
was born in Cumberland county, Penn., and reared
on the home farm. In early manhood Isaac Willi
son selected a life companion in the person of
Martha, daughter of Stephen Long. She died at
Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn., leaving three
children, namely: Catharine, Eliza and Joseph
Willison. Catharine was married to William Chis-
holm. To this union one son was born, and in
process of time he became Dr. I. W. Chisholm, of
New Concord, Ohio. Eliza married John Cooper,
of Venango county, Penn., and to them were born
two sons and two daughters.
Joseph Willison was- born August 24, 1823, near
Noblestown, Allegheny county, and when yet a boy
hired out as a farm hand for one year at $7 per
month. His mother died when he was but two
days old, and at the age of fourteen years he was
left an orphan. At the end of his first year's work

330

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

on the farm he made another bargain, and worked
on a farm the following six years for $10 per month,
the highest wages then received. His education
was obtained at the subscription school, Moon
township, Allegheny county, and the Moore school,
near Hickory, this county, where he received in
struction at the rate of 2 cents per day — not being
a regularly enrolled student. A hard life was that
of the homeless orphan lad, but bravely, uncom
plainingly, he struggled on, rewarded at last for
his indomitable spirit of persevering industry. At
the age of twenty-one years he went to work in a
flouring mill at Canonsburg for $10 per month,
with his Uncle Butler Willison (who was a cousin
of Gen. Ben. Butler), remaining there until he
had learned the business. He then went to Pat-
ton's mill, working there two years for $12 per
month. In 1849 he returned to Canonsburg and
took charge of the flour mill (owned by James
Berry) on shares. At that time the mill was not
paying expenses, but when, fourteen years later,
he retired on account of ill health, they were doing
a very prosperous business, and 10,000 bushels of
grain were in the mill. On February 12, 1850,
this enterprising young business man decided that
a permanent partnership was essential to the high
est success in life, and to fill that important posi
tion selected Elizabeth, daughter of William and
Ellen Black. Children were born to the union of
Joseph and Elizabeth Willison as follows: Anna
Belle (wife of Charlie Jones), born January 9, 1851,
died April 30, 1880, leaving one son and one daugh
ter; Ellen Clara, born January 2, 1852, deceased Oc
tober 30, 1852; and Lizzie, born February 23, 1853,
deceased August 31, 1877. The mother passed away
March 4, 1853, and on June 22, 1854, Joseph Wil
lison was married to Anna, daughter of James and
Nancy Lyons, of Beaver county, Penn. To this
marriage the following children have been born, of
whom the following is a brief record: Linda P.,
born October 7, 1855, is the widow of John B.
Miller, who owned the grain cradle factory; since
the death of her husband Mrs. Miller has not only
conducted the business with admirable success, but
has enlarged the capacity of the mill. Homer I.,
born May 24, 1857, is now operating his father's
farm; he is married to Dorrit, daughter of Andrew
Russell. William Oscar, born August 1, 1861, is
engaged in putting down gas and oil wells; the
maiden name of his wife was Jennie Taggart,
daughter of Samuel Taggart. J. Knowles was
born May 1, 1863, and died December 30, 1880.
Walter D., born October 25, 1866, is foreman in
the grain cradle factory for his sister, Mrs. Miller.
Charlie B., born September 18, 1870, is also em
ployed in the same factory.
In the year 1863 Joseph Willison purchased a
farm of 127 acres, situated one mile west of Hous
tonville, Chartiers township. This place is under

laid with a heavy vein of coal, and contains some
of the best buildings within the limits of Wash
ington county. In 1886 Mr. Willison sustained a
very heavy loss by fire, his barn and grain being
utterly destroyed; but he, at once, erected a new
barn with the best modern improvements, costing
him over $3,000. He deals very extensively in
stock, having first invested in breeding the Black-
Top Dickson sheep, which has since been his
favorite breed. He has been very successful in
this special department of stock raising, and the
demand for his sheep is greater than the supply,
He sells at various prices, always realizing a hand
some profit from his stock, which is of the finest
quality, all being registered. In political opinion
he was a Whig and^a Republican, and since the or
ganization of the "Prohibition party" has been
one of its most ardent devotees, having cast the
first and only vote in his district. He also favors
woman's suffrage, and is interested in all the pro
gressive and educational movements of the day. In
1851 he united with the Presbyterian Church, and
twelve years later joined the United Presbyterian
Society at Canonsburg, with which Mrs. Willison
is also identified. Their home in Houstonville is
of the most modern style, lacking no comfort or
luxury which a cultured taste can suggest.

dfAMES S. McNARY. Of the McNary family
j in Washington, the first (of whom there is
I any record) was James, by trade a shoemaker,
who was born in Scotland about the year
1711, and, according to tradition, moved with his
family to the North of Ireland. After sojourning
there for a time he and his wife emigrated to
America, bringing with them their four sons and
one daughter, some of whom had married in Ire
land. In the year 1760 (as records show) James Mc
Nary bought a tract of land in York county, Penn.,
in which county he remained for a number of
years. He was made an elder (as was also his son
John) in the Seceder Congregation of Guinston,
one of the oldest congregations of that denomina
tion in America. His sons were: John, James,
Thomas and David; his daughter, Jane, married
William Robison, and remained for life in York
county. The son John came to Washington
county in 1801, and bought the tract of land in
North Strabane township on which James S. now
lives, revisited York county in the fall, expecting to
return with his family in the following spring, but
died during the winter. All the other sons of
James McNary also came to Washington county,
Thomas buying land in North Strabane township;
James in Chartiers township, and David in Hano
ver township. Their father came also, and lived,
up to the time of his death, with his son, David,

V;

t-cJ^f

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

333

dying in 1796 at the age of eighty- five years; he
was buried in the Seceder churchyard near Paris,
Washington county.
John McNary, son of the honored old Scotch
pioneer, James, and grandfather of James S. , died
as already stated in York county, after a visit to
and a purchase of land in Washington county.
His family consisted of wife (Esther Bogle, a native
of Ireland), daughters: Elizabeth (wife of William
Douglas), Jane (wife of Robert McKibben), Mary
(wife of John McCoy), Margaret (wife of James
Martin), Esther (wife of Thomas Ewing, and grand
mother of Judge Ewing, of Pittsburgh), Agnes
(wife of William Pollock) and Jennet (wife of
James Marshall); and sons: James, Malcolm, John
(father of James S.), Thomas and Alexander.
John McNary, father of subject, in company
with his brother Alexander, came into possession
of the tract of land their father had bought in
Washington county, and removed to it from York
county in 1802. John returned to York county
and settled up his father's estate there before lo
cating permanently in Washington county. The
other brothers, James and Thomas, and all the sis
ters, with their husbands, came to Washington
county except Elizabeth Douglas, who raised her
family in York county. Jennet Marshall subse
quently went to, and raised a family near, Mans
field, Ohio. After John had-closed up his father's
estate, he came to his farm, and soon after mar
ried Jane Hill, who had but recently come from
Dauphin county with her sister, Mrs. James Thome,
who had settled on a neighboring farm. After
their marriage, which occurred on New Year's Day,
1805, he settled, in company with his brother Alex
ander, on the farm bought by his father, the same
on which his son James S. now lives. This farm
had been patented by James Gott, in 1784, sold by
him to Samuel Smith, and by Smith to John Mc
Nary. In a short time Alexander sold his interest
in the farm to John, and moved to and became
permanently settled in Jefferson county, Ohio.
The family of John and Jane (Hill) McNary
were: sons —William H, John, James S., Oliver
R. and Alexander C. ; daughters — Esther, Jane E.
and Abba Caroline, with the following record:
William H. [for his record see biography of J. C.
McNary]. John lived unmarried on the old farm,
and died April 15, 1881. James S. is the subject
of this sketch. Esther married Samuel Pollock,
and their family consisted of Jennie, James, John,
Samuel (who died in youth), Oliver and Clark; Es
ther died November 9, 1890. Jane E. lived all
her life unmarried at the old home, and died Oc
tober 26, 1883. Oliver married Elien Grove, and
their family were: Tillie, married to Rev. W. C.
Williamson, D. D., now pastor of the U. P. Con
gregation at Keokuk, Iowa; Ella, married to R. L.
Munce, Esq., of Washington county, Penn.; Net-
17

tie; Hettie; James (deceased) and Clarkson, who
is surgeon in the Military National Home at Leav
enworth, Kans. (Oliver McNary was major in the
army during the Rebellion, and a prisoner of war
in the prison pens of Charleston and other places,
suffering great privation and cruelty, but survived
to get home, and is now living in Leavenworth,
Kans.). Alexander C. McNary married Maude Burk-
hart, and their children were: daughters — Loreua,
Ida, Maude and Grace; sons — Eugene, John and
Clarence. Alexander McNary died October 18,
1886. Abba Caroline, the youngest child of John
and Jane McNary, died unmarried at the age of
nineteen years.
Before leaving the biography of John and Jane
McNary we will refer briefly to their early farm
life, as it contrasts strongly with that of the pres
ent day, and serves to illustrate the noble charac
ter of those early pioneers.' They were 200 miles •
from where supplies — such as iron, salt, spices or
clothing — could be bought, and such of these things
as they did get they carried on horseback over a
roadless mountain country. They would slaughter
their meat, freeze it, do up the fall work, and start
east for salt and other necessaries which the farm
would not produce. Their clothing was all made
byr hand at home. From a few native sheep the
wool was shorn, then washed, picked, carded, spun
and woven, all in their little cabin home. The flax
for their linen was grown on the farm, pulled.
spread out to bleach, then broken in a flax ' ' break,"
scutched, spun and woven, all by hand — tools of
the most primitive character. In some parts of
this work neighbors would join in a "frolic," and
in this consisted the aniusements of those days.
A " fulling frolic" was an event that might be of
interest briefly to describe. The neighbors would
all be invited for a certain evening, a room having
the closest-laid floor would be selected, then a num
ber of chairs would be placed in a circle around
the room and tied together. The young men, in
their bare feet, and with their pants rolled up to
the knees, would occupythe chairs; the web of lin-
sey, or blankets, would be placed on the floor within
the circle, and the " machine " was then ready to
be set going. The ladies warmed and applied the
soapsuds, and the boys would kick the fabric back
ward and forward until it was pronounced properly
fulled. If the kicking should at any time lag, and
it was thought necessary to make it more lively, it
was only necessary to raise the temperature of the
soapsuds a few degrees above standard heat. Such
was a primitive fulling mill. The grain was all
taken to a mill on horseback, and ground in a horse-
mill, the mill being operated by a tramp-wheel, on
which was put the horse that carried the grain to
mill. The most primitive of all was what was
known as the " sweep" mill, but that gave way in
course of time to the less cumbersome "tramp"

334

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

wheel process. The tramp-wheel was about twenty-
five feet in diameter, standing at an angle, the
horse's weight on one side causing it to revolve, the
horse walking as the wheel passed from under him.
These mills had patrons living ten or more miles
away, who had to travel that distance, then wait
their turn at the mill, do their own grinding and
get home, perhaps, the second day afterward. The
tools used for farming purposes were principally
made by the farmers themselves, even harness
for their horses were manufactured out of the bark
of trees, or hickory withes. Only the point and
shear of the plows were made of iron; wooden
mouldboards were made from split, twisty oak;
shovels, forks, harrows, threshes — all of wood;
latches, hinges and nails (used for building) — all
made by hand. Such was farm life when young
James S. , the subject of this sketch, was a boy.
•But with all these difficulties in their way in pro
viding for bodily comfort, they did not forget the
better part — the mind and soul. John McNary
was active in establishing schools for the children,
and church privileges for all. One of the early
members of Chartiers Seceder Church, situated
five miles distant, he and his family were constant
attendants, riding horseback or walking, and often
sifting in the church through long winter days
with no fire, and walls not built close enough to
keep out the winter blasts — manifesting a love of
God and for His house, and a devotion to the prin
ciples of their holy religion that the church mem
bers of these favored days would do well to emulate.
He was early elected an elder, and served with
honor through life.
Mr. McNary lived to improve his farm; build
one of the first brick farm mansions in the vicinity;
establish one of the first Merino flocks of sheep,
the sheep that made Washington famous as the
first and best fine-wool producing county in
America; lived to see his family grow up in honor
around him, and died February 11, 1844. Jane,
his wife, survived him many years as the honored
head of the family. Being a woman of more than
ordinary physical and mental development, she de
serves special mention for her many excellent quali
ties. In the early struggles for the support of her
family she did her part. After the breakfast dishes
were set aside she would carry her infant (James
S.) to the field, lay him in the fence corner, and
take her place with the reapers, keeping her land
up with the best of them until the noon hour, when
she would repair to the house and bring out the
meal to the field, where dinner was generally eaten,
then nurse her babe, set the dishes aside, and take
up her sickle again. And this was not one day's
experience, but for days and even years. Her dis
position was ever happy and cheerful. A beautiful
singer, she would fill her home with good cheer
and hospitality, and even to old age Grandmother

McNary seemed supremely cheerful, happy and
kind, enjoying with a relish the fun and enjoyment
of children and grandchildren, who often and
gladly assembled to enjoy the loving hospitality
and tender, affectionate greeting ever sure to be en
joyed at her home. She died January 11, 1867,
at the good old age of eighty-seven years.
Before leaving this old home, which was a type
of many others in those primitive times, whose lot
would seem to be so hard and almost void of com
fort, we would record that in the midst of all there
was a happiness and enjoyment, a real pleasure
in their busy lives, of which the rich and idle in
homes of luxury never know. No jealousies were
there to rankle, no envy to corrode; no idle hours
to drag their weary blighting miasma over the life
— their very cares were their comforts, and life
was a blessing because it was filled to the brim
with doing good and enjoying it.
The above record gives some idea of the scenes
and circumstances surrounding the subject of this
sketch in his early life; and of the mother that nur
tured and trained him — all favorable to the develop
ment of a vigorous, healthy, mental, moral and
physical; and such was the nature of James S. Mc
Nary. In strength of character, integrity of pur
pose, industry, hospitality and vigor of body and
mind, his "make up," so to speak, was of a nature
to prove the value of early training and good influ
ence. Had he chosen a public profession, he would
have taken a front rank, and become the leader of
thought and progress among men ; but he chose —
partly from the need of his services at home, and
partly from native taste, being rather of a retiring
disposition — the life of a farmer, a calling as honor
able as that of the legislator, scientist, or military
hero, but one that does not usually share with
them in public applause. His renown is in richer
fields and finer flocks. His benefactions are the
making of two blades of grass grow where but
one grew before.
In person Mr. McNary was in his younger days
tall and muscular; in disposition cheerful and
happy. In vigor of constitution he had few equals;
in judgment, calm, cautious, but in the end de
cided, the wisdom of his council was sought far
and wide. In industry and perseverance he
was proverbial. He never surrendered to diffi
culties nor was faint-hearted when trials came. A
little incident illustrative of his character in this
regard might be admissible here. One day, when
he was eighty years old, he was standing in the
hind end of his wagon, when the horse, by a quick
movement forward, threw him out backward, on
the hard street, his head striking on a stone, which
cut a gash on the side of his head, rendering him in
sensible for the time. He was assisted into an
office near by, and a couch made for him to lie on
while his wound was being sewed up. When all

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

335

was ready he was told to lie down, but in reply he
simply told him to go "on with their sewing."
"No," said the others, "lie down on the lounge."
"No." Still they insisted until, becoming quite
impatient, he said: "go on with your sewing, I
ain't the lying kind." And truly it may be said of
him that in all his long life he was not one of the
lying kind. "Doing everything right" was his
motto; doing it the easy way and doing it right
was his ingenuity. And being of more than
ordinary strength of body and muscle, coupled with
a thoughtful and ingenious mind, he could accom
plish more in a day in advancing farm work than
was usual among men. When it came to doing
hard work on the farm he acknowledged no supe
rior, if any equal. When he was in the prime of
manhood the grain was cut with the cradle; the
grass cut with the scythe ; hay pitched with a fork,
in each case bodily strength and muscle being
necessary to the utmost limit, and for that very
reason he seemed to delight in doing them and doing
more than anybody else could. Mr. McNary was
married on the second Tuesday of October, 1841,
to Rachel Anderson, who with an infant son died
August 3, 1842, and they were buried in the same
grave. He never again married. He lived for
many years on his " Rich Hill " farm in South
Strabane township, until he purchased the old John
McNary homestead where he has since lived. He
delights in keeping his friends about him, and
when any one of them seems to need, a home, his
is open to them. If he did not raise a family of
his own, he helped to raise those of others, with a
father's devotion and care. Early in life he joined
Chartiers U. P. Church, and has been a member
of same all his life, and if the record were known
he has perhaps spent as many days upon the pub
lic ministry in that congregation as any member
in it, besides contributing as much to its support.
He on one occasion, as a member of the board of
trustees, while discussing the question of raising
and paying the pastor's salary, objected to the
practice then almost universal of paying when
they might have the money, saying to the board:
"Pay it when it is due; if you have not got the
money in the treasury, come to me and get it. "
And true to his promise, he made up what was
necessary and not in the treasury, on the day of
each quarter out of his own pocket when due, the
result being that the old congregation for almost
the first time paid the salary promptly when due,
until the habit of doing so became formed, and is
practiced faithfully (to its honor be it said) to the
present day.
In politics Mr. McNary was originally an Anti-
slavery Whig; was on the ground floor in the Re
publican party; rejoiced in the downfall of Ameri
can slavery, and the overthrow of the Rebellion.
He has always been a consistent temperance man,

and an earnest advocate of all moral reforms. He
was one of the incorporators of the Oak Spring
Cemetery Company, and helped by his counsel to
convert the old planless, neglected, burying
place into one of the neatest, most artistic and
worthy memorial grounds in the county. He was
a stockholder in the Canonsburg National Bank,
also of the Citizens Bank (limited), in that
borough, and of the Western Pennsylvania Agri
cultural Association, thereby showing his public
spirit and interest in all the movements tending to
promote and develop the resources of the county.
He was one of the organizing members of the
National Delaine Sheep Breeders Association, and
now owns one of the best bred flocks of Delaine
sheep in the United States, never having been
beaten in any fair for the best Delaine wool. And
now in his hospitable home, at the age of eighty
three years, he is living with an active interest in
the welfare of friends and church and country, and
awaiting the reward promised the faithful in the
world to come.

JC. McNARY, Canonsburg. W. H McNary,
the eldest son of John McNary, of North
Strabane township, was born November 26,
1805. He received his education in a log
schoolhouse under the tuition of "old Master
Howe " (as he was called), who taught for twenty-
five consecutive years in the same place, and he
was the only teacher William had. But, being a
devoted reader, and, withal, an apt scholar, he se
cured an education that enabled him to take his
place among his fellow-men as a leader of thought,
always able to give a reason for the faith he pro
fessed in an intelligent and easy manner.
On February 26, 1828, he married Margaret
Murray, by which union there were twelve children,
of whom the following is a brief record : Mary died
at the age of four years. John C. is the subject of
this sketch. Martha Jane married Robert Russel,
Esq., of Chartiers township, who was a leading
farmer, a progressive stock breeder, and an elder
in Chartiers U. P. Church, and is now deceased.
George died at the age of five years. Margaretta
died when twenty-one years old. James W. married
Hettie Williamson, a minister in the Presbyterian
Church, and they settled at Milwaukee, Wis. ; they
have three children: Nellie, Willie and Foster.
William T. married Elizabeth Graham; their chil
dren: Lida, Willie, Nora, Graham, Margaretta,
George and John; he is a minister in the United
Presbyterian Church, and settled at Tarkio, Mo. ;
had: the degree of D. D. conferred on him, and is
president, of the board of trustees of Tarkio Col
lege; was also a colonel in the army during the
Civil war. Anna Maria married Rev. E, G. Mc-
Kinley, a Presbyterian minister, and thej settled

336

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

at Bartow, Fla. ; their children: Russel, Gretta
and Louise. Thomas M. lives with his Uncle James
in North Strabane township. Oliver died at the
age of twelve years. Carrie (twin of Emma) mar
ried Rev. J. Buff Jackson, a minister in the United
Presbyterian Church, and they settled at Morning
Sun, Iowa; their children: Bessie, William, Retta,
John, Russel (twin, deceased in infancy), Reed
(twin) and Martha. Emma (twin of Carrie) died
at sixteen years of age. These are the children
aud grandchildren of W. H. McNary.
After the marriage of William they lived for three
years on the farm known as the "Rich Hill farm," in
South Strabane township; then purchased and
moved to the McNary homestead, known as the
"Fine View farm." in Chartiers township. He
was an industrious, devoted farmer, and made the
breeding of fine Merino sheep a specialty in his
farming operations, in which he was successful in
having one of the best flocks in the county. He
was a very zealous friend of education, and spared
neither labor nor expense in securing for his fam
ily the best of school privileges. He was for
thirty years an elder in Chartiers Seceder (later the
United Presbyterian) Church, a leader in church
work, and was often chosen to represent the con
gregation in the higher courts of the church. He
was conspicuous as one of the original anti slavery
men of the country. He believed slavery to be a
crime against God and man alike, and an injury to
master and slave as well — a disgrace to our fair
nation, and a blight and injury to the county and
State where it existed. He was very bold and fear
less, even at the risk of bodily harm, in denounc
ing and opposing it in those dark times, when
slavery was defended in Congress by the bludgeon,
and the slave hunter in northern States by Federal
law. He sheltered and assisted therunaway, when
to do so meant fiue and imprisonment by the laws
of the country. He was present and active at the
meeting in Pittsburgh where the Republican party
was born, and lived to see the triumph of the prin
ciples he so long defended in the overthrow of
slavery and the enfranchisement of the colored
race. He was also an earnest advocate of temper
ance; was one of the first farmers, where he lived,
to oppose and abandon the practice of the constant
use of liquor in the harvest fields and gathering of
neighbors for the assistance of one another. On
questions of right and wrong he was fearless and
uncompromising — he would denounce evil and evil
doers with a severity which perhaps at times would
do no good, but rather made him enemies at the
time. Yet, withal, he was one of the kindest of
men; no appeal for help from the needy was ever
unheeded, nor any sent hungry away from his
door, his house being proverbial for its hospitality
to neighbor, friend or stranger alike. In 1861 he
left the farm, moving to Canonsburg, and there —

busy as ever with his lots and houses — his pastime
and pleasure was to be doing something. He
could not be idle; never was known to sit and
while away the time aimlessly. Although reading
was part of his industry, one seldom saw him
without book or paper in his hand when at rest in
his home. He died September 10, 1877, more
honored in his death than in his life by all who
knew him for his many sterling qualities of head
and heart. His wife Margaret survived him but a
few years. She was a lovely woman, beloved by
everybody; of a meek and quiet spirit, a striking
contrast to the restless energy of her husband,
and yet seeming to honor him the more for what
she termed his " fuss and energy."
John C. McNary, the subject proper of this
sketch, the oldest son of William and Margaret
McNary, was born on the Rich Hill farm in South
Strabane township, July 30, 1830. He passed all
his early life on the farm with his father- in Char
tiers township, to which the latter moved in 1832.
His privilege was to attend one of the best com
mon schools of the county, which became so
through the energy and love of education of his
father, and a few other worthy patrons whom we
would take a pleasure in naming: They were John
Hays, JohnHaft,Samuel Griffith, George Barnet and
others, who from time to time came into the dis
trict. On October 20, 1859, J. C. McNary was
married to Mary Jane Rankin, of Mercersburg,
Penn., who died June 28, 1866, aged thirty- seven
years. Her six children (there being two pairs of
twins among them) all died in infancy. Mr. Mc
Nary afterward married, May 20, 1868, Abba T.
Pollock, and their children were Mary Ellen, Mat-
tie J. R., James T., William Houston, John
Thome, and Nannie Jennett. Of these, Mary El
len married George Paxton, January 20,. 1892,
and settled on a farm near Houstonville, in Char
tiers township; Mattie J. R. died September 20,
1892, of typhoid fever, at her father's home in
Canonsburg, at the age of twenty-one years; James
T. died March 30, 1880, of inflammatory rheuma
tism; William H. , John T. and Nannie J. are all
at home with their parents, and attending school.
Our subject early united with the U. P. Church of
Chartiers, of which he was elected an elder. On
the organization of a congregation in Houstonville,
he became a member there, as he felt it his duty
to take his place where he was most needed. He
remained to see the young congregation well es
tablished; and when he moved to Canonsburg (in
1892) he again united with old Chartiers, the
church of his father. Politically, Mr. McNary is
an anti-saloon Republican — an ardent Protection
ist — and as these two great principles are not em
bodied in any one party just at the present day,
he is not a very ardent party man, but hopes for
the day when, like the revolution of 1856, good

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

337

men all over the country will again unite, inde
pendent of old party trammel, in defense of all true
reform. Before the war he was a brigadier-gen
eral in the State Guards, and at times is called
"General." For twenty consecutive years, while
in the township, he was justice of the peace, and
is on that account also familiarly called " squire."
He has been entrusted with the settlement of very
many estates, and always took an active part in all
local improvements. He is one of the incorpor
ators of Oak Spring Cemetery Co., and of Western
Penn. Agricultural Association. He was one of the
original breeders of the National Delaine sheep,
and the first man to ever adopt and advertise a
flock with the title, " The Delaine Merino." He
is president of the Citizens Bank (limited), Can
onsburg, in which borough he is now living, for the
purpose of securing better school privileges for
his family, and to be near his other business inter
ests, as well as to escape the care and labor of
farm life, believing that when all the rest do as
much hard work as he has, it will be all done; and
also to be near to enjoy the religious privileges of
God's house, and attend all the meetings for
prayer and religious conference, believing them to
be our richest inheritance in this famed land.
[For the ancestry of W. H. McNary, father of J, C„
see biography of James 8. McNary,

¥ AMES HARVEY COLEMAN, an energetic,
^ I successful business man, and a representa-
\j\ tiye of one of the oldest families of Canons-
^^ burg, is a son of James Coleman, and a
grandson of Christopher Coleman.
Christopher Coleman was born in Germany, im
migrating to America during the last century. He
was married to a native of New Jersey, who died
in Washington county. He died about the year
1819, in Canonsburg, leaving the following named
sons: William, Jacob, James, David and Simp
son, some of whom were soldiers in the war of
1812. James Coleman was born in eastern Penn
sylvania, and learned the trade of cooper, which
he followed at Canonsburg for over fifty years.
He was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of
William Baxter, of Washington county. William
Baxter was a native of Ireland, and first settled in
Westmoreland county, Penn., afterward moving to
Washington county. He was married to Jane
Sealon, and passed the remainder of his life at
Canonsburg, dying in 1819. His wife died in
1840, leaving the following children: Robert,
William, Joseph, James, Jane and three other
daughters, all of whom are now deceased.
James and Jane (Baxter) Coleman made a per
manent home near Canonsburg, where the former
died in 1871. at the age of eighty years, and the
latter ten years later, aged eighty-two. Their

children were William (deceased, who was a resident
of California, and member of the Senate of that
State), David (who served in the Eighth Missouri
Regiment as adjutant, then as colonel, coming
home as brigadier-general, after participating in
twenty-two battles; he was appointed marshal of
St. Louis), John P. (deceased colonel of the Thir
teenth Missouri Infantry; served in the Civil war,
but was not wounded), James Harvey (subject of
our sketch), Joseph C. (served in an Ohio regi
ment, now a printer at Columbus, Ohio), Henry
M. (for over thirty-five years a resident of Cali
fornia), Mary Jane (deceased in infancy), Samuel
(a druggist, captain of the Thiiteenth Missouri
Infantry), Frank (lieutenant of Company D, Tenth
Pennsylvania Reserves), A. A. (a member of the
One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I.), and an un
named infant. Of the children who survived in
fancy, all lived to be over thirty years of age before
any death occurred among them.
James Harvey Coleman was born February 28,
1829, near Canonsburg, and was reared to man
hood in the vicinity. He learned the trade of
cooper, and followed it fourteen years. On De
cember 12, 1854, he and his brother Samuel
opened a drug and book store at Canonsburg. In
1857 he was married to Miss May Belle, daughter
of Robert White, of North Strabane township,
whose parents were natives of Ireland. Robert
White was formerly a cooper, and afterward fol
lowed farming. He was married to Ruth Chub-
bic, of North Strabane township, and reared a
large family, of whom eight are now living, the
four daughters living in this county. To the
union of James Harvey and May Belle (White)
Coleman the following named children were born:
Addie Jean (wife of A. C. Bane, of Pittsburgh.
Penn.), Ella Mary and Dora (both of whom are
living at home), Edward White (a druggist of
Pittsburgh, Penn.), George Curtis (living in Cali
fornia), Charles (was employed as a tailor for four
years, then opened business for himself at Canons
burg), Robert and John, the latter two being de
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have always
resided at Canonsburg, and in religious faith the
family are among the early Presbyterians of the
county. In politics he was originally a Whig,
and in 1856 became a worker for the Republican
party; he has served his constituents as treasurer
of Canonsburg, and school director.

T OHN M. GRABLE is a native of Washington
l I county, Penn., born in Fallowfield township
Vj) January 2, 1846, a son of Joel, who was a
^^ son of John, who was a son of John.
John Grable, his great-grandfather, was born in
Washington county, Md. , in 1754, and died in
1785, On December 10, 1779, he was married to'

338

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Salome Hickman, and by her had four children,
viz. : Jonathan, Jacob, John and Joseph. The
mother of this family died in 1854; she and her
husband lived in Washington county, Pennsylvania.
John Grable, grandfather of John M., was born
in Chester county, Penn., in 1787, and died in 1822.
He was by trade a tanner, in connection with
which he followed farming, being owner of 400
acres of land which had been patented by his
father under a Virginia grant, and repatentei
since the war. He married Miss Mary Carson, a
native of Washington county, and four children
were born to them: Joel, Jerome, Mary Ann and
Julia (married to John McCormiek, a farmer of
Washington county). Jonathan Grable, a brother
of John, was a major in the war of 1812.
Joel Grable, father of John M. . was born in
1819 in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where all his school days were passed.
In 1842 he married Miss Maria, daughter of John
Mitchell, a Washington county farmer, and two
sons and five daughters blessed their union, viz. :
John M., Julian, Jane, Zidana, Josephine, Rox-
anna and Carrie B. , the last three named being
now deceased. Julian married Angeline, daughter
of Henry Fry, a well-known farmer of this county,
and two sons and one daughter came by this mar
riage, all living at the home place with Joel Gra
ble, whose wife had passed away in 1888. The
farm comprises 150 acres of improved land, and
the family own 443 acres further down the river.
Joel Grable has served his township in various
offices of trust, and was a justice of the peace
eight years.
John M. Grable attended the common schools
of the district, and worked on the home farm un
til he came of age. He then embarked in the in
surance business, as solicitor for A. C. Sampson, of
Monongahela City, with whom he remained some
years; then moved to York county, same State,
where he conducted an agency in the same line of
business. Returning to Washington county, he
started a grocery store at Bentleyville, which lie
carried on for some years; then moved into Mo
nongahela City and opened an insurance office,
where he has built up a satisfactory and safe busi
ness in both fire and life insurance. On November
25, 1875, Mr. Grable was married to Margaret,
daughter of William H. Jones (of whom special
mention is here made). They have no children.
In politics our subject is a Democrat, and has for
many years taken an active interest in the affairs
of his party. He has served as mayor of Monon
gahela City several terms.
William H. Jones, one of the oldest residents of
Monongahela City, was born October 10, 1809, in
Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. His
father, William Jones, was born in Baltimore
county, Md., in 1763, a son of a resident of the

same State, who was a sailor by occupation and
was lost at sea; his children were Mary (Mrs.
Joseph Alexander) and William. After the death,
by drowning, of her husband, Mrs. Jones married
a Mr. Woods, by whom she had two children,
Eliza and John; this husband dying, she married,
for her third husband, a Mr. Morton. William
Jones was reared in his native county, and learned
the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for a
time in the town of Harper's Ferry. He married
Elizabeth McClelland, and to this union were born
children as follows: John, Elijah, Ruth, Delilah
(married to Rev. James Mills), Jesse Samuel, Re
becca (married to Andrew Mills), Rosanna F. H.
(Mrs. Williams), Elizabeth (Mrs. James McCan-
ley), Ann (Mrs. John Hess) and William H. The
father of this family came to Washington county
prior to 1790, and settled on a partly improved
farm of 350 acres in Somerset township, which
he had purchased. This property he improved, at
'the same time carrying on a blacksmith shop,
where, during the "Whiskey Rebellion," he shod
the horses of the cavalry that were sent to suppress
the rising. He died in 1863, at the patriarchal
age of one hundred years, lacking twenty days. Of
the M. E. Church he was long a member, and was
frequently elected to office in the same, but whilst
truly loyal to his own particular persuasion, he
contributed freely of his means to all churches.
" He was strictly temperate in all things, of a
quiet disposition, calm in judgment, firm in prin
ciple, inflexible in the performance of all his
duties to God and to man as was given him to see
right." William H. Jones received his education at the
subscription schools of the neighborhood of his
birthplace, and as soon as he was old enough com
menced working on his father's farm, on which he
lived and labored until 1886, when he came to
Monongahela City, where he has since had his
home. On May 1, 18 — , he was married to Sarah,
daughter of John Fulmer, of Allegheny county,
Penn., and the issue of this union are the follow
ing named children: Leonidas, William, Mary
(Mrs. William -Patton), Kate (Mr. John K. Mc
Millan), Margaret (Mrs. John M. Grable), Albert
S., Rose, Frank, Flora, and John S. Mr. Jones
is a member of the M. E. Church, in which he held
various offices while residing in Somerset township,
and he is now a trustee of the church in Mononga
hela City. Politically, he was a Whig originally,
and since the formation of the party he has been a
stanch Republican. Of the school board of Som
erset township he was an enthusiastic member.
Up to within the past few years Mr. Jones was act
ively engaged in farming pursuits, in which he
realized a comfortable competence, and now he is
living retired in the enjoyment of peace and
quietude.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

339

I OHN C. SLOAN. The most successful men
. I in the arena of life are not usually those who
rjj have been reared in the lap of luxury and
idleness, but are men who have braved the
bitter storms of hardship and poverty, hewing
their way through every difficulty to positions of
honor and prominence. Among the few who have
thus risen from the ranks to places of recognized
power and leadership, the Sloan family are most
conspicuous. James Sloan was born in 1776, iu County Ty
rone, Ireland, and when a young man was married
to Martha Sloan, who was born in 1779, also a na
tive of that county. They were distant relatives,
many of the early Sloan family having settled in
County Tyrone years before. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan
rented a farm of thirty acres, where he became a
prosperous farmer, but the tenant system of Ire
land contained many features which no high spir
ited man could brook with patience. When James
Sloan first entered the presence of his landlord, he
was required to take off his hat and place it under
his arm. He obeyed, but inwardly vowed that
never again would he submit to such an order. To
quote his own words: "I am willing to remove my
hat to superior worth, goodness or mental quali
ties, but not to a man whose sole distinction is
his riches." With true Irish independence, James
Sloan sold his lease, which was valuable, inasmuch
as he was able to employ workmen, while his own
time was occupied in attending markets. Deter
mined to seek a home where none could force his
fealty or homage, with his wife, her mother, and
two children (Jane and John), he set sail from Bel
fast, bidding farewell to one little grave on the
soil of old Erin. They touched at Liverpool, and
after a six-weeks' voyage arrived at New York.
During the trip so fierce a storm arose that the
hatches of the vessel had to be battened down, con
fining the passengers below for twenty-four hours.
In the meantime a sailor was washed overboard,
but was rescued by a comrade. The elder passen
gers were troubled with sea- sickness, but the chil
dren were well, both crew and passengers finally
arriving in New York, in the summer of 1804.
The Sloans stopped two weeks with friends, and
recruited from the long voyage, then proceeded on
their journey, whither, they scarcely knew, but
finally paused at Gettysburg, Penn., where they
secured a vacant house; the wife and her mother
then began to mend their clothing and clean the
household effects. It was harvest time, and for
three weeks Mr. Sloan assisted the farmer who
owned the house. He then secured a horse and
cart, packed the household goods, and with the
family journeyed westward to Washington county,
Penn. , where his wife had relatives. A month
later they arrived in Hopewell township, this coun
ty, and remained for a time on the farm now owned

by James Maxwell, then the home of an aunt of
Mrs. Sloan. On this farm Rob.ert was born Au
gust 8, 1804. Mr. Sloan had obtained a good sum
of money from the sale of his property in Ireland,
part of which he invested in the farm of seventy -
five acres now occupied by his son, reserving the
remainder for other uses. This land was a portion
of the 500-acre tract granted to Col. Chambers, in
consideration of his services in the Revolutionary
war. A house (the first built of hewn logs) was
then erected upon the farm (being considered a
very luxurious dwelling in those days), and new
settlers beginning to arrive, Mr. and Mrs. Sloan
were found congenial associates in their new home.
They had both united with the Presbyterian Church
in Ireland, and brought their letters with them,
which they placed in the Church. at Upper Buffalo.
After coming to this county, the following chil
dren were added to the family circle: Robert,
William, Mary Ann, Margaret, James, Eliza, Mar
tha, one deceased in infancy and John C. (whose
name opens this sketch). The father voted the
Democratic ticket until 1835, when he joined the
Whig party. He died in September, 1851, in his
sixty-fourth year; his widow reached her eighty-
fifth birthday, and passed away August 18, 1865.
Her mother, who had crossed the ocean with her
children, lived with a bachelor son in Cross Creek
township, this county, until she was one hundred
years of age. She then came to live with her
grandson, John C, where she awaited the final
call, living over again the happy days of child
hood, knowing no care or anxiety, and finally passed
away, peacefully as might a child, in her one hun
dred and ninth year.
John C. Sloan was born September 8, 1820, in
Hopewell township, this county, being nine years
younger than the other children. He passed his
boyhood on the home farm, attending the country
school, of which he retains a vivid recollection, de
scribing it as follows: "Built of round logs, the
crevices chinked with clay; the great fireplace con
structed of the same material, with an old-
fashioned stove, so large that it would hold great
logs; the seats of hewed slabs without backs, up
on which the luckless urchins sat and dangled
their short legs, which in many cases failed by
several inches to reach the floor." The first
teacher, of whom Mr. Sloan has any recollection,
was Joseph G. Chambers, son of Col. Chambers.
Joseph G. Chambers was a remarkable man in
many ways, possessing unusual intelligence; by
self-exertion he won a place for himself beyond
the reach of many even at that day. Possessing a
wonderfully active brain, he prepared a system of
English spelling; he discarded superfluous letters,
having published a book to illustrate the plan.
But, his system was not adopted, the educational
world then having had but little idea of phonic

340

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

orthography, which he was one of the first to ad
vocate in America. He was the originator of re
peating guns, and attempted to have his invention
patented, but there was much delay and trouble
on the part of the Government. Agents of the
English Government attempted to get control of
the invention, offering a large sum of money,
This fact coming to the knowledge of American
officials, Mr. Chambers was put under surveillance
for treason, being saved from harsh dealing only
by the entreaties of influential friends. In the
end he met with the fate of many inventors who
have trusted the American Government for protec
tion of genius — his invention went begging for
recognition. He was a pioneer leader in the now
modern fields of literature and education, and,
though not a lawyer, was well versed in legal
matters, possessing all the legal qualifications of a
jurist. In character, Mr. Chambers was, when
necessary, stern and unflinching in matters of
principle, withal being kind and affectionate in
disposition, qualities which are seldom blended in
one individual. A man of excellent judgment, and
calm, well-balanced mind, he was frequently called
upon to settle feuds and differences in his com
munity, his decision being accepted as an ulti
matum. John C. Sloan appreciated the advantages he
enjoyed under the tutelage of so intellectual and
cultured a professor, proving himself an apt pupil,
and learning invaluable lessons which have greatly
influenced his later life. Mr. Sloan's parents
planned to give him a classical education as a
preparation for professional life, and to that end
he was sent, at the age of thirteen years, to an
academy at Florence, this county. He remained
there eighteen months, beginning a course in Latin
literature, but was then obliged to return home
and take charge of the farm, leaving his education
somewhat deficient. He afterward attended Frank
fort Academy one winter, and has since supple
mented his early training with an extensive course
of reading and general information, gleaned from
active intercourse with business men. On October
16, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss
Ann Denny, who was born December 21, 1818, in
Washington county, Penn., daughter of Robert
and Lydia (McManus) Denny, old residents of
Washington county, and to their union five chil
dren have been born, namely: James S., Martha
Jane, Mary M., Robert D. and Lizzie A. Of this
family the eldest son is married and living in
Hopewell township; the others are yet residing
with their parents.
Mr. Sloan has inherited the characteristic spirit
of energy and principles of integrity which are
distinguishing traits of the majority of the Scotch-
Irish race. He has ever taken an active interest
in political matters, being among the first to aid

any progressive movement. In earlier life he was
and Old-line Whig, and upon the organization of
the Republican party he became an active worker
in its ranks. In 1855 he was the first represent
ative elected on that ticket to the General Assembly.
He was one of the committee on agriculture, also
on banking, and was instrumental in the passage of
numerous bills of local interest, transacting a
large amount of land-office business for his con
stituents. The principal act of that session of
general importance was the sale of the public works,
in which Mr. Sloan was actively interested. In
1857 an extra session of the Legislature was called,
to consider some method of relieving the great
financial crisis of that year, and a bill of relief
was passed, after which the Legislature adjourned.
To illustrate the financial condition of the country
at that time, Mr. Sloan was unable to pay his fare
from Washington to Harrisburg "with currency
issued by any State bank of Pennsylvania, only
three of the State banks having withstood the
crash, and they had no paper in circulation. After
his term in the Legislature had expired, Mr. Sloan
determined to retire from public life, declining a
renomination as representative, but has continued
to serve in township and county offices. He has
held all of the township offices except that of
justice of the peace, which he declined. He was
school director for twenty years, and served as
director of the County Home for twelve consecutive
years. He has kept pace with the progressive
movements of each year, learning the best methods
and systems of carrying on public work. He has
visited most of the asylums and almshouses in the
State, taking a very pardonable pride in the fact
that Washington county is equal if not superior
to any other. In his boyhood Mr. Sloan united
with the Presbyterian Church, in whose teachingshe
was reared to manhood, and with his entire family
is now connected with the Old Presbyterian
Church at Buffalo. He was for many years a
member of the board of trustees, also taking a
deep interest in the Sabbath-schooi, where he has
long taught an interesting Bible class.

J l AMES PATTERSON SAYER, whose name
and worth will long be remembered in Wash-
j ington county, throughout the length and
breadth of which he was known and respected,
was a native of the Keystone State, born in the
city of Allegheny, August 6, 1845.
He was the eldest son of Henry A. Sayer, who
was an Englishman by birth, and was the nine
teenth son in a family of twenty-four children —
full brothers aud sisters. Henry A. crossed the
great waters of the Atlantic, to make a new home on
American soil, and whether infatuated with the
ocean, or uot, the greater part of his life was spent

ht^t^-i^<J-

f^c ^Jtcyo^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

343

on the waters of our most navigable rivers, acting
in the capacity of steward. In form he was tall
and slender; in religion he was a Protestant, wor
shiping with the Methodist Episcopal denomina
tion. At the age of thirty he was married in Al
legheny to Miss Margaret Boyd Patterson, and to
them three children were given, viz. : Eliza R.,
James P. and Charles B. The duty of rearing
these children devolved largely upon the mother,
the father being absent from home much of the
time. The parents resided in the town in which
they were married until 1864, when the mother
died and was buried in the Allegheny cemetery,
where in the year 1888 kind friends conveyed the
remains of the father, and laid them side by side
with those of his beloved wife, there to repose un
til the resurrection morn.
James P. Sayer in his childhood was considered
rather delicate, and in view of the frequent attacks
of disease, the family physician advised that he be
sent to the country. Accordingly, when he was
four years old his aunt, Lizzie Snodgrass took him
to their home three miles southwest of Washing
ton, Penn. , where he soon outgrew the malady,
and developed into the robust boy that he was.
While it can be truthfully said of these foster
parents that no child received more care and affec
tion than they bestowed upon young Sayer, it can
be added that few children were more obedient,
loving and kind than was he to them. The following
incident relative to the first money he earned may
be here related: His uncle owned an interest in a
mill, and consequently there was a considerable
amount of hauling or teaming, to do which the
uncle kept four horses. One morning, when " Jem-
mie" (as they lovingly called him) was about ten
years old, his uncle offered to advance him 10 cents
if he would groom two of the horses, and the lad
earned his pay so well that he secured a steady
job; for a long time after it was his business to
clean two of the horses, while his uncle groomed
the other two and placed the harness on all four,
the one dime paying for all. At the age of twelve
years he was placed on a two-horse wagon, and for
two or more years he hauled the coal with which
to run the mill.
James P. Sayer received a good common-school
education, and in his seventeenth year (while a
student at Washington College) he enlisted in the
war of the Rebellion, entering the service as a cor
poral in 1862. He went out with the One Hun
dred and Fortieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun
teers, Company C, of which the lamented David
Acheson. who was killed at Gettysburg, was cap
tain. He was discharged with the rank of ser
geant, October 25. 1864, on account of wounds
received in action. Iu May, 1863. at Chancellors-
ville, he was one of the few who, at the call of Gen.
Hancock, volunteered to remove a battery, which

had been a special mark of the enemy, and from
which almost all the horses had been shot away.
It was a brave deed, aud was done by courageous
At Gettysburg Sergt. Sayer was terribly

men.

wounded, receiving two shots in the right arm,
one in the left shoulder, and one in the leg, which
latter finally led, twelve years later, to the ampu
tation of that limb. From the date he received
these wounds he was a great sufferer, compelled
to go on crutches, and his friends would naturally
suggest that he should have the leg amputated.
But he was a man who seldom changed his plans
after having come to a decision, and his reply to
such suggestions invariably was that when it (his
limb) went, he would go with it. Poor fellow,
life's prospects did not promise for him much
pleasure; indeed, regarding death as only a* sweet
sleep, he manifested little concern as to whether
he lived or died.
After his return home from the war Mr. Sayer
taught school for a time at Point Lookout, Amity,
and at Baker's school-house, both in this county,
and for two years he pursued the study of law un
der the direction of E. M. Sayer, of Waynesburg,
completing his course with Alex. Wilson, of the
Washington bar, and was admitted to practice
December 13, 1869. As a lawyer he was careful,
industrious and honest, for which and other reasons
be was successful, securing the confidence and
respect of the people, his brother practitioners
and the court. And he was not only successful in
his law practice, but also in his oil ventures, being
interested with John W. Donnan and others in
some wells at Coffey's Crossing, which paid him
handsomely. On August 22, 1879, he was ap
pointed judge advocate of the Staff of Gov. Beaver,
with the rank of major, serving in that capacity
five years. Early in the "seventies" he was
elected by the Republicans to the office of county
treasurer, and he discharged the duties of that
position with entire satisfaction to the county and
credit to himself. The success of the Prohibition
amendment campaign of 1889, in the county, was
largely due to the effective work of Mr. Sayer as
county chairman. His stronghold, however, was
in the line of memorial and patriotic speeches,
and he was always in demand wherever there was a
reunion of old soldiers, or when the season for
decorating soldiers' graves was celebrated with
memorial services.
In October, 1870, Mr. Sayer was married to
Mary F. , daughter of Isaac Sharp, a well-known
merchant of Washington. Penn., and one child
came to make bright their home, Mary Lavina
Boyd Sayer, born September 12, 1876, at present
a student at East End College for Women, Pitts
burgh, Penn. About a year after the birth of the
daughter, the father was informed that in order
to preserve his life, amputation of the wounded

344

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

limb was a necessity; and now with more than self
and former friends to live for he yielded to advice
and solicitation. His wonderful will power and
endurance were shown when that operation was
performed; he made all preparations for it him
self, bade his friends "good-bye" pleasantly, say
ing he would not see them for a day or two, and
to very few did he tell what was to occur. He
placed himself on the operating table, refusing to
take any anaesthetic, and directed the operation
in a measure himself.
Just eleven weeks before his death he was
taken seriously ill while in town, and was at once
removed to his home, where he grew worse, his
condition indicating an organic change in progress
in his brain, the result of wounds received while in
the service. Thus he lingered with great suffer
ing, which he bore with true Christian fortitude,
until summoned to his long home by the Angel of
Death. At five minutes after 8 o'clock on the
evening of Friday, July 22, 1892, in his forty-
seventh year, he breathed his last, and the spirit
of a worthy man was borne away. Death had no
terrors for him, and he passed from things tem
poral to things eternal with his hopes firmly anch
ored to the Rock of Ages. His wife and daugh
ter, and also a brother — Charles, in one of the
Government departments at Washington, D. C. —
and a sister — Eliza, the wife of Rev. Edwin R.
Jones, a M. E. minister, in Ohio — survive him.
Maj. Sayer had resided in Washington until about
five years ago, when he purchased the pleasant
country home about two miles west of the borough,
on the National road.
In the death of James Patterson Sayer the com
munity lost one of its best citizens, for a noble
man and valiant soldier had gone from among
them. In the Temple of Justice, the PobI room of
the G. A. R., in church, Sunday-school, and busi
ness and social circles generally, his absence is
noted with regret and his departure keenly felt.
He was a man of sterling integrity. His views on
all moral questions were pronounced, and his acts
— public and private — were invariably the consist
ent exercise of the principles of an upright Chris
tian gentleman. If one element in his nature pre
dominated over another, it, was the religions
sentiment. The following letter written by him on
his twenty- third birthday, bears testimony to the
deep religious feeling he was possessed of:
Sunset Farm,
On Buffalo's Creek, near Farmington,
Marion County, W. Va., )
August, 6th, 1868. \
Asain time in its remorseless flight has another time
brought the anniversary of my birth. I am twenty-three
(23) years of age and now, upon a close review of my past
life, the question arises, Is the world any better for my
being in it? Oh. how verv unpleasant it must be to realize
the awful fact, that, you have done nothing to alleviate the
toils and sufferings or to advance the interests of your

fellowmen. I rejoice to feel that I am, in my weak way
attempting to serve God, and although very weak I pray
to my Heavenly Father that my faith fail not, but that I
may serve Him faithfully during life, and when my race
on earth is over that I may be so happy as to reach Heaven
and there in company with God and angels spend the
countless ages of eternity.
I have spentmost of this year at Uncle R. C. SnodgrasB'
in W. Va. I went to Amity, Pa., Aug. 19th, 1867. Taught
school seven weeks. Left there Oct. 23rd, arrived at Un
cle's Nov. 6th, and was obliged to remain all winter as
my limb was so very sore that I was unable to work.
Remained until April 6th, 1868, when I returned home to
Washington Co., Pa., and remained three weeks, aud
April 19th solemnly dedicated myself to God in the M. P.
Church, J. D. Herr, pastor, and now desire to serve the
Lord. Came back to West Va. and now expect to leave
for home Aug. 31st. Have been reading law this year,
and wish to finish Blackstone this fall.
In conclusion I wish to record my thanks to a kind
Lord for having thus brought me safely through another
year. I now consign myself for future life.
James P. Sayer.
He was unfailing in his devotion to the church,
and prompt in his attendance on all its services.
As superintendent of the Sunday-school of the
Methodist Protestant Church, of which he had
been for years a consistent member, he was an in
defatigable worker, and when in charge of a Bible
class, a better or more zealous teacher could not he
found. At the close of the Sunday-school on the
Sabbath following the death of its superintendent,
after some feeling remarks made by its (then) su
perintendent, M. Sharp, the following resolutions
were presented and adopted:
Whereas, Our highly esteemed brother and fellow la
borer in the Sabbath-school, James P. Sayer, has been
called from the sorrows and afflictions of this life to his
Heavenly home; therefore,
Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Sayer we have lost
an intelligent and devoted. worker in our Master's vine
yard and one esteemed and loved by all who knew him.
Resolved, That we endeavor to follow his wise counsel
and so to live that we may meet him where sorrow and
separation never come.
The members of the bar met and adopted min
utes on the death of their respected and deeply
lamented colleague, which were ordered spread on
the records of the court. The following pertinent
remarks thereon are from the pen of H. M.
Dougan :
The memorial, just presented, embodies all of Major
Sayer's history and character which was thought by the
committee necessary to go upon the records of the rourt;
much more might with propriety have been said of him,
but to have said it, would have made the report cumbrous
and unsuited to the permanent tribute of affection and
respect which the court directs to be placed among its
records. It is proper that what was left unsaid be spoken
of at this time.
Most of those who are here will recall Major Sayer's
prominent characteristic in the conduct of legal business.
While he was always courteous, and never took an ad
vantage of his opponent which he was not fairly apd
properly entitled to, he was always combative; with him
the trial of a case before the court was a battle, and he
" fought, for his own hand." This was the natural con
duct of the man, for he was born a warrior. It was as

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

345

natural for him to oppose, and fight while there was a
chance to fight, that which he thought was wrong or
which threatened to unduly interfere with the interests
of his client, as it was natural for him to breathe. He
did not, however, fight for the mere love of fighting, his
sympathies must first be enlisted for the cause he repre
sented. Like all other lawyers, he was often on the
wrong side of a case; but whether he was on the right or
wrong side, his conduct was the same. His side was pre
sented to the court or to the jury with all the force that
he could give to it.
As I stood by his coffin, the thought that was chiefly in
my mind was that we were about to bury one who had
been a fine specimen of the patriotic young American
manhood of thirty years ago. In the years from 1861 to
1865 hundreds of the spirited youth of this county cheer
fully left their homes to encounter the hardships and
dangers' of service in the Union army; of all of them,
none rendered better service in his sphere than did Ser
geant Sayer. He remained in the army but a little more
than a year, and in that brief time he showed that he was as
patriotic and brave as any man in it. I have heard his
conduct at Chancellorsville spoken of in words of high
commendation by his comrades. When Gen. Hancock
asked for volunteers to go upon an important and very
dangerous errand, Sayer was among the very first to step
forward. In time of battle, the ordinary duty required of
a soldier in the ranks is arduous and dangerous, but the
chivalric courage of our deceased friend was displayed
at Chancellorsville, when he with a few equally worthy
and brave comrades saved Lapeine's Maine battery from
capture after all the officers and men of it had been dis
abled, and the horses all killed by the fierceness of the
enemy's fire. At the great battle of Gettysburg he was
wounded five times; one of his wounds caused the very
great disability of which the members of this bar had al
most daily vision; and I do not doubt that the injuries re
ceived at this battle were the cause of the distressing
malady which brought his life to an early close. He was,
notwithstanding his combative disposition, a man of
great modesty; but he was very proud of his army rec
ord. Of a record such as he had, it was right that he
should be proud. Under circumstances which tested
one's courage, constancy and devotion, he had shown
himself to be a soldier worthy of the cause for which he
fought. His name will not live in history as one of the
great heroes of the war; but so long as life lasts to those
who knew of him in that great army, the history of which
confers an immortality of honor on all who belonged to
it and faithfully did their duty in it, he will be remem
bered as one of the humble and modest heroes of those
splendid but dangerous days which witnessed the wicked
but futile attempt to destroy free government on this
continent. He was one of the most courageous and manly men I
ever was acquainted witlt. When he became certain that
he was stricken with a mortal disease, he retired from
public view, and calmly awaited death in the quiet of his
own house. For him death had fewer terrors than it has
for most; he had too often faced it in his boyhood to be
afraid in his maturer age, and, like the Great Commander
for whom he had so much admiration and respect, he
died as he had lived, fearlessly.
The rich joyousness of summer and the solemn gloom
of winter are now alike to him; the recollection of the
mighty events in which the part he bore was highly hon
orable, will never again thrill his breast: the call to duty
here, which he bad ever obeyed with all the alacrity of
his soldierly nature will not again receive from him the
wonted response; his army comrades and the members of
this bar will never again hear the genial and cordial
greeting of this true-hearted and loyal gentleman: but
when those who knew him recall his patriotic, unobtru
sive, helpful and altogether worthy life, his memory will

be thought of as something to be dearly loved and ten
derly cherished.
His memory. — He had a remarkable memory.
He could give the day aud date of almost every
event which came under his observation from the
time he was four years of age till his last sickness.
He could tell the kind of weather that occurred
on each day through all these years. A prominent
merchant of Washington who noted in his diary
the changes of weather for each day in the year,
at one time called Mr. Sayer into his office and
questioned him on each day of the year for some four
years, and his descriptions corresponded in every
particular with the diary. Mr. Sayer took great
pleasure in spending an evening with his old
schoolmates and reminding them of all their tricks
and the various events that once occurred in the
schoolroom. The failure of his mind and mem
ory were among the most notable features of bis
speedy decline. Punctuality. — Mr. Sayer was al
ways on time. He would allow nothing to keep
him from meeting his engagements. In inspect
ing the National Guard of Pennsylvania he was
never known to miss a train or disappoint a com
pany. This was characteristic of him from his
childhood. An engagement might extend over
months, yet at the time of meeting it he would not
vary a minute. Benevolenc. — Mr. Sayer was a
very benevolent, man. He always remembered
the poor; and was a stanch friend and helper of
the church and all its benevolent enterprises. He
was a willing supporter of every good cause.
Will power. — Mr. Sayer's success in life was
largely due to his will power. If he decided upon
a certain course, bodily sufferings, and seemingly
insurmountable difficulties never seemed for one
moment to check him. When in the hospital suffer
ing from his wounds, the attendant physician told
him that he would not live till morning; he replied
that he intended to return home in the morning
and so he did. The doctor said his will power
alone bore him through. This was characteristic
of him till his death. In his last sickness hispains
at times were almost excruciating, yet he would
bear them with scarcely a change of countenance.
The funeral services of Maj. James Patterson
Saver were held at his late residence in North
Franklin township, on Mondav following his
decease, and were participated in by several clergy
men, the funeral address proper being made by
Rev. Mr. Conway. The members of the G. A. R.
and of the bar attended in a body to the cemetery.
The hearse was followed by a large cortege of
friends. At the grave imposing ceremonies were
performed, and the impressive service conducted
by G. A. R. comrades. The choir sang one of his
favorite hymns; "Abide with me," and as the
body was lowered into the unfeeling clay, the
bugler sounded the call for " Lights out," the

346

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

chaplain delivered a short touching address, and
benediction was pronounced, and the assembled
multitude mournfully turned from the last resting
place of a brave soldier, a kind father, a loving
husband and a useful citizen.

If ARON STRAUS, a successful merchant and
l\ farmer of Donegal township, now retired
^\ from active life, is a native of Bavaria, Ger-
-* many, where he was born July 12, 1809, a
son of Myer Straus. He received a public -
school education in his native country, and then
learned the butcher's trade, which he followed in
Bavaria but a short time, as he soon thereafter
sailed from Bremen for the shores of America.
After a voyage of fifty-eight days the vessel landed
at New York, and Mr. Straus at once proceeded to
eastern Pennsylvania, where he worked in various
capacities for some time. In 1844 he came to
Donegal township, Washington county, and locat
ing in West Alexander, followed the butchering
business for eleven years. At the expiration of
that time he embarked in general merchandise,
opening a store, where he soon obtained an exten
sive custom, building up one of the largest country
trades in the county, and so continued until failing
health compelled him to retire, in 1866.
In 1844 he was married to Hannah E. Lyle,
who was born August 16, 1825, a daughter of
Jacob and Elizabeth (Arisen) Lyle. Of the chil
dren born to this union, Rosa M. is the wife of J. D.
Schaeffer, a lawyer of Allegheny county; George
A. resides in Donegal township; Louisa A. is the
wife of Dr. T. J. McKee, of Allegheny, Penn.; Jo
seph A. resides on his father's farm in Donegal
township; Lizzie M. is the wife of G. W. Lewis,
of 'Ohio county, W. Va. , and Daisy V. is the wife of
D. F. Lewis, of Ohio county, W. Va. After retir
ing from mercantile life, Mr. Straus purchased a
farm lying half a mile west of West Alexander,
and erected a commodious and comfortable dwell
ing, to which he moved. He is one of the many
prosperous and enterprising citizens which Ger
many has bequeathed to the United States. He is
a member of the Democratic party, and is ever
willing to assist in any public enterprise, but
makes no pretensions to active political work.

FRANK J. L. WILEY William Wiley,
f.ither of the subject of this sketch, was
born near Winchester, Va., in 1794, and in
1806 came with his mother, Mary Wiley, to
Washington county, where he followed his trade,
that of bricklayer, and died in 1869.
He was one of the early Abolitionists of the
cjunty. His wife, Martha Harbison, to whom he
was married in 1817, was born near Freeport,

Armstrong Co., Penn., in 1800. She was a daugh
ter of John and Massy Harbison, who were among
the first settlers of Butler (then Allegheny) county
Penn., and who were married at Brownsville
Washington Co. , same State, in 1787, the result of
their union being eleven children, two of whom
were killed before their mother's eyes by Indians,
as related elsewhere in this volume, where is also
given an account of the capture by the savages of
Massy Harbison and her children, and her marvel
ous escape from her captors. Edward White,
father of Massy, was a soldier in the Revolution,
while John Harbison, her husband, was an Indian
scout or spy. Massy was a good rifle shot, and
during attacks by the Redskins on the blockhouse,
which was within sight of her home, she would
seize her rifle and do her part in driving off the
invaders. Edward White moved from New Jersey to
Brownsville after the Revolution. To Mr. and
Mrs. William Wiley were born eleven children, as
follows: John (deceased); Martha (deceased at the
age of sixteen years) ; Elizabeth (deceased in in
fancy); Thomas, in Washington; Henry (deceased) ;
Maria (deceased), married to William Warwick;
Frank J. L. , the subject proper of this sketch;
William C. , in Washington; Ellen, wife of William
R. Donaldson, in Wheeling, W. Va. ; Jane, de
ceased wife of Capt.. Fred. Rainbow; and Annie
(Mrs. Adam Harbison), in Canonsburg, Perm. The
mother died at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1882, at the
age of eighty-two years.
Frank J. L. Wiley was born in Washington,
Penn., of which fair city he has been a lifelong
resident. He received his education at the public
schools of the borough, and learned the trade of
plasterer, which he still follows. Politically he
has been an active Republican, and has held
various offices of trust, such as borough council
man, judge of elections, etc. Socially he is a
Freemason, and in religion a member of the M. E.
Church.

BR. F. M. FINLEY. The Finley family are
j numbered with the earliest pioneers of
Washington county, and are of Scotch
origin. John Finley was born in the " land
of the mountain and the flood," whence in early
days he emigrated to America, first settling in
Maryland, whence he moved to Pennsylvania, and
took out a patent for 1,000 acres of land in Alle
gheny eounty. He was married in Maryland to Mar
garet Rowlands, who bore him the following chil
dren: William, John, Robert (who was a general
in the militia), Jane (Mrs. Curry), Margaret (Mrs.
Baldwin), Isabelle (Mrs. Cochran), Mary (Mrs.
St. Clair), Susan (Mrs. Wilson), Levi, James and
Sarah (Mrs. Neal), all of whom have passed away.

7

y

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

349

The father was a Democrat in politics, and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian (Dr. Mar
shall's) Church. Both parents died on the farm in
Allegheny county.
Levi Finley, son of John and Margaret Finley,
was born in 1798, on the home place in Allegheny
county, Penn., and his youth was passed amid the
scenes of pioneer life. He received bis primary
education in the subscription schools, and afterward
attended Jefferson College for two years, when he
returned to the old place, remaining there until
1830. When yet a young man he was married to
Rachel Neal, a native of Allegheny county, and the
following children were born to their union: Mar
garet, Melissa J. (wife of Baldwin Wallace), Susan
M. (wife of Rev. W. W. Loverty), John A. , F. M., and
Rachel Narcissa (deceased wife of John S. Collins).
Mr. and Mrs. Finley resided two years in Greene
county, Penn., on a farm at Rice's Landing. They
then returned to Union township, Washington
county, and bought the Huston and Fawcett farms,
where they remained eight years, selling a large
quantity of coal. They finally bought the farm of
500 acres in Union township, adjoining Finley
ville, and lived in that village, which was then
called "Row Galley," but nicknamed "Rogues'
Alley." The name was then changed to Finley
ville, where for thirteen years Mr. Finley managed
a hotel in the old stone house, which is yet stand
ing. In politics he was a Whig and Republican,
and in religious faith was a member of the Mingo
Presbyterian Church. He died June 21, 1861, his
widow in 1887.
Dr. F. M. Finley was born March 27, 1834, in
Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and was_
educated at the common schools and in private
academies, entering Washington College in 1850.
He graduated in 1854, and then entered Jefferson
Medical College, but was compelled to return
home on account of sickness, and there remained
after the death of his father. He was married, Sep
tember 23, 1869, to Emmeline, daughter of John
Thompson, and they have one son, Francis H. Dr.
Finley is a Republican, and has been a member of
the school board for years. He is connected with
the Presbyterian Church of Finleyville, to which
he gives a hearty support.
1/ SRAEL L. WOOD. Washington county of to
day owes her position among the foremost
counties of Pennsylvania to the presence within
her borders of such energetic men as the one
whose name opens this memoir.
Israel Lane Wood is a son of Thomas Wood, and
grandson of William Wood, a native of Maryland,
having been bora near Deer Creek, in that State,
where he was married to Margaret Mitchell, and
moving thence to Greene county, same State, set
tled near Wayuesburg. At that time, and many

years afterward, the Indians were so troublesome
that the white settlers were obliged to cross east of
the mountains time and again, in order to escape
the onslaughts of the Indians, returning when
peace would be reestablished. These journeys
were made on horseback, as a wagon could not
have followed the narrow trails which were the
only passages across the mountains. During one
of his temporary residences in Greene county, Mr.
Wood heard that Indians were near, and he again
fled across the mountains, but his neighbors disre
garded the warning, and pursued their work of
clearing the forest. Three or four of them, feeling
thirsty, started to a spring near by, and while
drinking heard the report of a rifle. Each know
ing that his neighbor had no gun, naturally inferred
that the Indians had come, and fled for his life;
but by the time one had run two or three hundred
yards, he was discovered by the Indians, and then
came a fearful race. TheRedmen were steadily gain
ing on the poor fugitive, and his only hope was an
almost impossible one — if he could only cross Ten
Mile creek he would be safe. But the bank was a
rocky precipice, thirty feet high, and a broken
limb would probably be the result of the leap,
sure to be followed by capture, then death at the
stake, or by the more merciful tomahawk. But
time was precious, and with a swift glance at the
bottom of the high bank, he sprang from the rock,
and fortunately landed unhurt, saved from his
pursuers at last. When the Indians no longer
made their terrible raids through Washington and
Greene counties, Mr. Wood took up his permanent
home in the latter, where he reared the following
children: Michiga, Isaac, Thomas, Edward, Will
iam, Mary, Nancy and Elizabeth, all of whom grew
to maturity, but are now deceased. Mr. Wood
died in 1808, his widow surviving him until 1845.
Thomas Wood, son of William Wood, was born
in 1782, in the State of Maryland, and coming to
Greene county, Penn., took an active part in the
dangers and privations incident to pioneer life. In
1807 he was united in marriage with Anna Ran
dolph, who was born in 1785, a daughter of James
Randolph, of Greene county, Penn., who had emi
grated from New Jersey, and their children were
James (a retired citizen of Waynesburg, Penn.),
William (a retired farmer of Illinois), Nancy (liv
ing with her brother James in Waynesburg),
Lucinda (residing in Florida), Osborne (who died
of cholera in 1848), Margaret (a resident of Waynes
burg), Clarkson, died in Missouri, and Elizabeth,
living in Monongahela City, this county. Mr.
Wood was a successful and prominent farmer of
Greene county, where he was at one time sheriff.
In 1842 he moved to Illinois, where he remained
for some time, finally proceeding to Missouri,
"where he died in 1846, followed in 1848 by his
widow.

350

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Israel Lane Wood, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born April 18, 1814, in Greene
county, Penn., and received but a limited educa
tion, as he had early in life to assist his father on
the farm. When eighteen years of age, he learned
the trade of a tanner, following same seven years.
In 1839 he was married to Minerva Sargent, of
Waynesburg, Greene Co., Penn., and they had the
following children: Jesse E. (residing on his
father's farm in East Finley township), Margaret
Ann (living with her parents), Catherine Mary
(deceased in infancy), Elizabeth (living with her
parents), Thomas C. (deceased at the age of fif
teen years) and William (deceased when thirteen
years of age). In 1840 Mr. Wood moved to his
father-in-law's farm, in East Finley township, near
the Greene county line, and in the immediate
vicinity of Simpson's Store postoffice, where he
has since resided, and now owns one of the finest
farms in the township. "Squire " Wood, as he is
called, was always a Democrat, until in recent
years he joined the Farmers' Alliance. In 1855
he was elected justice of the peace, which position
he filled many years. On August 21, 1861, he en
listed in the First West Virginia V. C, serving
three years, and taking part in the engagements
at Blue Gap and Blooming Gap, the fight at Cedar
Mountain, and in the second battle of Bull Run,
all of which engagements were in Virginia. Soon
after the last named battle he was injured by a
stroke of lightning, and lay for months in hospital
at Philadelphia. Receiving his discharge, he re
turned home, September 24, 1864, and has since
farmed on the place whereon he had first located.
Mrs. Wood is a member of the Disciple Church.

TfOHN A. LETHERMAN, M. D. When we
. j! pause to compare the relative value of each
rjl profession to general humanity, there is
^^ none superior, and few that are equal to
that of a true physician. His opportunities
for good are unlimited by sect or creed, as in the
case of the clergyman, and, when so disposed,
those who possess the art of healing the body can
also bring messages of peace to the weary mind or
storm-tossed soul, exhausted in the battle of life.
The noblest instances of disinterested heroism
have been found in the ranks of this profession,
which is filled with those who have braved for the
sake of suffering humanity the most horrible forms
of death. Unlike the soldier on the battle-field,
their heroism is seldom the result of an excited
impulse or heated passion, but in the silent
watches of the night, with no blare of trumpet, or
thrilling war cry to inspire their courage, these
patient martyrs give their lives as willing sacrifices
to relieve the pain of their fellow creatures. It is
both a useful and deeply interesting task to trace

the history of such unselfish lives, and following
the spring to its fountain head, we find in the an
cestry of our leading men the various traits of
character which have combined to give us the
leaders of to-day.
John Letherman (the grandfather of Dr. John
A. Letherman) was a native of Maryland, and
coming to Washington county, Penn., was there
married to Christina Myers. The young couple
settled on a farm in West Bethlehem township,
this county, and reared the following children:
Demas M. , Joseph, Sarah (wife of H. Richardson),
Lydia (married to Solomon Tombaugh), Lucy
(wife of Byron Clark) and Jane (wife of Mathias
Tombaugh). The grandfather was a soldier in
the war of 1812, and in political opinion first affili
ated with the Whig party, afterward becoming a
Republican. He was an organizer of the Brethren
(or Dunkard) Church in West Bethlehem town
ship. Demas M. Letherman, son of John and Chris
tina Letherman, was born March 8, 1817, in West
Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. His
elementary education was obtained at the sub
scription schools of the neighborhood, and after
attending the educational institutions of Belle
Vernon, Washington Co., Penn., he taught school
and did some farming on the home place. In
early manhood he was married to- Jane B.,
daughter of Joseph Munce, and she bore him
eight children, namely: Florence, deceased wife
of Adam Tombaugh; John A. ; Joseph W., a physi
cian of New Market, Ohio; Milo F., of Fallowfield
township; Horace Biddle, deceased; Lucy B. ; Ida,
deceased wife of Daniel Gayman, and Demas V.
Mr. and Mrs. Letherman always resided on their
farm in West Bethlehem township. He was act
ively identified with the Republican party, and
in 1872 was elected to the Legislature from the
districts of Washington and Beaver counties, serv
ing two terms. In religious faith he was a zeal
ous member of the Dunkard Church. He died in
1878. Dr. John A. Letherman was born February 28,
1848, on the home pi ace in West Bethlehem towD-
ship, Washington Co. , Penn . After attending
the home schools he entered Waynesburg College,
and one year later came to the normal school at
California, remaining there two years. He then
went to Long Island College Hospital at Brook
lyn, N. Y., graduating in 1873, and finally took a
course at Bellevue Medical College, receiving his
degree of M. D. in 1874. After his professional
training was completed, Dr. Letherman came to
California, Penn., in July, 1874, and entered into
partnership with Dr. James McDonough (his pre
ceptor, who died not long afterward), in the prac
tice of medicine. Since the death of his col
league, Dr. Letherman has filled his place, and ac-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

351

quired a large practice. On December 25, 1879,
he was married to Berta A., daughter of James
Ward, of Coal Centre, and she has borne him one
son, Ralph W. Politically Dr. Letherman is a
stanch Republican, and has served his borough as
a member of the council and school board al
most continuously.

THE VANCE FAMILY were among the
earliest pioneers of Washington county, and
as nearly as can be ascertained, are perhaps
the oldest settlers of Smith township. The
first ancestor of these prominent citizens, of
whom we have an accurate history, was one Maj.
William Vance. Maj. Vance was born in 1718 in
Scotland, and came to Virginia in early life, after
ward moving to Washington county, Penn., where
he died April 8, 1788. His son Joseph was born
about 1750, near Winchester, Va., where he was
married, and coming to Washington county, Penn. ,
about 1773, located three miles southwest of Bur
gettstown, in Smith township, on a large tract of
land. This land was then an unbroken wilderness,
or, to quote a pioneer phrase: " There was not a
stick amiss," but it has since been divided into
nine of the finest farms of Washington county. As
soon as a rude shelter had been erected for the
family, Joseph Vance, in company with a few of
his widely parted neighbors, began the erection of
what was known as "Vance's Fort." This was
intended to protect the settlers from the murder
ous onslaughts of the treacherous Indians, who
were yet numerous in the territory, and bitterly
resented the encroachment of. the palefaces upon
their hunting grounds. The fort was situated but
a short distance from the cabin of Joseph Vance,
and stood for many years, the only signs of its ex
istence now visible being a piece of brick- colored
ground. At the gates of Fort Vance, under a white
oak tree, on October 14, 1778, the Rev. James
Powers preached the first sermon in English known
to have been heard west of the Alleghany mount
ains in Pennsylvania. On this wild tract Joseph
Vance and his wife passed their lives, with the ex
ception of occasional visits to his birthplace, and,
as immigration increased, property rose in value.
The vast tract of land, once seemingly almost
worthless, became very valuable, and the pioneers
reaped the deserved reward of early years of toil,
privation and danger. The first wife of Joseph
Vance died many years ago, leaving him six chil
dren, viz. : William, John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jan-
ett and Mary. Of this family one son, Joseph, re
turned with his father on a visit to Virginia, then
went West and his fate was never known. For
his second wife Mr. Vance was married to a native
of Winchester, Va. , who died soon after their mar
riage, and he made a third choice in the person of

Mary Moore, a native of Winchester, Va., who bore
him two daughters: Anna Mary (wife of William
Brady, Ohio county, W. Va.), and Hannah (mar
ried to Edward Morgan, Ohio county, W. Va.).
The father died May 6, 1832, and in 1852 his
faithful wife was laid beside him.
William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born
November 30, 1775, on the old "Fort Vance
farm " in Smith township, where his boyhood was
passed in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large
portion of them falling to his share as the eldest
son. On December 24, 1799, he was married to
Rachel Patterson, who was born June 3, 1781,
daughter of William Patterson, of Cross Creek
township, this county. To the union of William
and Rachel Vance children were born, of whom
the following is a brief record: Cynthia, born
March 8, 1801, gave her hand in marriage to Will
iam Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne county,
Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, born Sep
tember 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith township,
and died in 1864; James, born July 23, 1804, fol
lowed agriculture in Jefferson township, this
county, and died in 1881; William P., born Sep
tember 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county for
some time, thence moved to Hardin, Ky., and is
now a retired farmer of Caldwell county, Mo. ; Al
lison, born December 14, 1808; Elizabeth was born
February 17, 1811, and is now living in Burgetts
town, Penn., the widow of David S. Walker; Ann
was born November 8, 1812, and was united in
marriage with Norris Walker (she died leaving a
large family of children); David was born April
14, 1815, and died in infancy; and Rachel was
born December 28, 1816 (she was married to Josiah
N. Scott, and is now deceased). On January 9,
1817, the mother of these children passed from
earth, and on June 12, 1818, Mr. Vance was mar
ried to her sister, Hannah Patterson, who was
born in 1786. Five children were born to this
union, namely: Thomas P. (deceased farmer of
Cross Creek township), born July 15, 1819; Mary
(unmarried, living in Rome, Ga.), born June 1,
1821; Caroline (deceased wife of R. S. Caldwell,
Hopewell township, this county), born December
30, 1824; John S., born June 7, 1827; and Jane
(wife of J. S. Young, of Ohio, died in Rome, Ga.,
where they resided), born September 7, 1830.
During his earlier life the father resided on the
home farm in Smith township, in company with his
brother John, whose interest he afterward pur
chased. In 1816 William Vance was elected as
representative of Washington county, in the State
Legislature. He was an enthusiastic member of
the Whig party, being a counselor and adviser
among his friends, and having favored the tariff
bill from its infancy. After the term of office had
expired; Hon. William Vance returned to his farm,
having made a signal success in the performance

352

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of his duties. He was a liberal contributor and
attendant of the Presbyterian Church with which
his wife was connected. He died April 18, 1856,
and in 1878 his widow followed him. Both are
buried in the Cross Creek Cemetery.
Allison Vance, the fifth son of William and
Rachel Vance, was born on the "Fort Vance farm"
in Smith township, receiving a limited subscription-
school education, which he afterward supplemented
by study and observation, eventually becoming a
well-informed business man. On May 30, 1839,
he was united in marriage with Margaret Camp
bell, who was born February 1, 1814, daughter of
Robert Campbell, a pioneer of Smith township.
Allison and Margaret Vance were the parents of
seven children : John (a farmer of Smith town
ship), born July 2, 1840, died August 14, 1884;
William P., born September 1, 1842; Rachel, born
February 28, 1845, died October 2, 1860; David,
born October 7, 1847, died October 11, 1860;
Robert C. (an extensive farmer of Cross Creek
township), born June 19, 1850; James L. (now
living on the old Fort farm), born October 23,
1853, and Leauder, born October 21, 1856. Mr.
and Mrs. Vance located on a part of the original
Vance tract in Cross Creek township (now owned
by his son Robert), and in 1859 settled perma
nently on the original tract. A worthy representa
tive of an honored and successful family, Allison
Vance was no exception to the rule, but on the
contrary became even more prosperous than those
preceding. Politically he was first a Whig, then
a Republican. He and his wife were members of
the Cross Creek Church, to which he contributed
liberally. His wife died December 10, 1889, and
March 8, 1890, the husband and father was also
called home. Both were buried in the Cross
Creek cemetery. A singular fact is here recorded
in connection with the death of Allison Vance.
For the past four generations, the male ancestors
of the Vance family have attained an advanced
age. The first ancestor, Maj. William Vance,
died at eighty-two; his son Joseph died in his
eighty-second year; William, the son of Joseph,
died at the same age, and, lastly, Allison Vance
breathed his last, after having passed his eighty-
first year.

^ILLIAM WALKER PRICE, an enter
prising and well-known citizen of Canton
township, is a native of the same, born
March 27, 1853. He is a grandson of
Joseph Price, a native of France, who in
early youth immigrated to America, settling in
Washington, this county, where he passed the
greater part of his life.
William Price, son of the pioneer Joseph, was
born in Washington, Penn., and received his edu

cation in the schools of his native city. He mar
ried Elizabeth, daughter of John Horn, of Buffalo
township, this county, and immediately thereafter
the young couple commenced • life upon a farm
where industrious and frugal habits brought well-
merited success. The following children were
born to them: William W., Ansodon and Silas.
Mr. Price was a member of the Republican party,
and took a deep interest in Christian work. He
died February 17, 1863, and was buried in Wash
ington cemetery.
William Walker Price, son of William and
Elizabeth (Horn) Price, passed his early years
upon the home farm, and received a liberal educa
tion at the schools of the vicinity of his home. On
June 15, 1875, he was married to Lucinda,
daughter of Uriah Clark, of Buffalo township, this
county, and the following named children have
been born to them : Charles, Lulu, Rose, Bessie
and William K. Mr. Price is a member of the U.
P. Church at Buffalo, Hopewell township, and in
his political preferences he votes the Independent
ticket. He has always resided on the home place.

HUSTON PAUL, an honored member of one
of the oldest and most prominent families
of South Strabane township, was born No-
j -* vember 10, 1805, in Amwell township,
v Washington Co. , Penn. His father, Will
iam Paul, also a native of the county, was here
reared to agricultural pursuits, and educated at
the subscription schools of the district. He mar
ried Hannah Slaught, a resident of the same county,
and they then settled on a farm in Amwell town
ship, where they lived many years. The children
born to them were James, Huston, Nathan, Sarah
(Mrs. Abel McFarland), Rosa (Mrs. Christopher
Venum), Andrew, Daniel M., Lavinia (Mrs. Michael
Schulser), John, William, Philo and Adaline Mrs.
Thomas Reese). The father of this family died in
November, 1840, in his sixty-third year, at the
residence of his son Nathan P., in Delaware, Ohio;
he was a progressive, self-made man, a Whig in
politics, and a liberal supporter of all public en
terprises. The mother passed away in February,
1865, in her eighty- second year, and is interred in
Lone Pine cemetery; she died at the home of her
son Philo, who lost his life at tfie battle of the
Wilderness in front of Richmond.
Huston Paul, whose name opens this sketch, was
carefully brought up on the home place, and early
trained to practical farm life, attending during the
winter months the subscription schools of the dis
trict. On October 4, 1827, he was married to
Nancy, youngest child of Martin and Catherine
(Battenfield) Heckathorn, who moved from Lan
caster county, Penn., to a farm near Waynesburgh,
Greene Co., same State. Martin Heckathorn died

*7fA^^ ZFLuS

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

355

near Nineveh, Greene county, his wife at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. Phebe lams, in Dayton
Ohio. They were the parents of eight children,
viz. : Elizabeth, Eva, Daniel, George, Catherine.
Jacob, Phebe and Nancy. For five years after
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Huston Paul resided
at the mill property, one mile below Amity, in
Amwell township, and in the autumn of 1833 moved
to the farm in South Strabane township now occu
pied by Mr. Paul and members of his family.
The children born to him are Hannah (Mrs. John
C. Hastings), Catherine Jane, William and Nancy
E., all yet living. Their mother departed this
life in February, 1888, in her eighty-fourth year,
having lived the life of a modest, kind and devoted
wife and mother, and her body is laid to rest in
the beautiful cemetery at Washington.
Mr. Paul for some five years carried on a grist
mill with success, and has prospered in all his un
dertakings; he at present owns 240 acres of well-
improved land. In politics he was at first an Old-
time Whig, and since the organization of the party
has been a stanch Republican. Now far advanced
on life's journey, he is calmly awaiting the sum
mons that shall call him from the cares of the
world to a home where there shall be no more pain
or sorrow.

V

\ILLIAM PAUL. Of the names that re-
... main permanently associated with the
Xf/ more recent development of the grand
— ' agricultural interest of Washington
county, there is none deserving of a more
prominent place in this volume than that of this
gentlemen. William Paul was born in South Strabane town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., June 19, 1834, a son of
Huston and Nancy (Heckathorn) Paul. His early
life was passed under the parental roof, during
which time he was attending the common schools
of the district, where he received a liberal English
education, which was supplemented by a course of
study at Washington College. He continued to
reside on the old homestead in South Strabane
township, assisting in the general work of the
farm, until 1870, when he moved into Franklin
township and bought the Hon. R. R. Reed man
sion, together with 110 acres of the very core of
this vast estate, to which he has since added thirty
acres. Upon this land there are several valuable
producing oil wells. Some time ago, no other
spot in the neighborhood of Washington being
found desirable, the borough officials, in order to
obtain pure water supply for the city, secured
some eleven acres of Mr. Paul's farm for that
purpose. From his elegant and commodious residence a
delightful view of the surrounding country is to be
18

had, the calm and peaceful fertile farms, " the or
chard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wildwood,"
having, ever and anon, glimpses of another kind
of existence, as the trains of the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad rush past, awakening momentary visions
of great far-away cities teeming with life and
seething with commercial enterprise and activ
ity. In addition to his general farming inter
ests, Mr. Paul does an extensive dairying busi
ness, the market for his product in this line being
mainly in the borough of Washington; and in this,
as in all his other undertakings, he has met with
eminent success — in fact, it may without preju
dice be said of him that in the dairy business he
is the leader in the county.
On September 10, 1861, Mr. Paul married Mar
tha, the refined and accomplished daughter of
Samuel and Mary (Fife) Vance, of South Strabane
township. Samuel Vance was a native of this
county, born in Somerset township in 1791, of
stalwart, truth-loving Scotch Irish lineage. He
died in 1874, a man of noble impulses, strict in
tegrity and high character, qualifications that shed
their influence for the public good wherever and
whenever called into requisition by the people who
honored him with many positions of trust. Seven
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul :
Philo V., Isaac E.,Mary R., N. Alice and Mattie,
living, and Samuel Huston and Cary Bell, deceased.
In the early taking away by death of these two
much-beloved and promising lads, Samuel and
Cary, the family and friends received a great
shock, and a bitter disappointment to their high
hopes. Samuel Huston Paul was born Jnne 13,
1865, and died at 1 o'clock on the morning of
September 26, 1886, after an illness from typhoid
fever of three weeks. By those who once knew
him, his fine, manly face will be no more seen. In
the home, where he was so tenderly loved for his
obedience and kindness, there is a melancholy
vacancy. Among his many friends, with whom,
because of his unflinching integrity, he was ever
popular, he is spoken of with love and honor, as
of one who could never be tempted away from
what he thought was right. While yet the fond
hearts of the family were in deep sorrow over the
death of Samuel, there came another stroke, all the
more severe because of being so sudden. On De
cember 25, 1886, Cary, in his boyish playfulness,
went out of the house, saying that he would " give
a Christmas salute." Soon afterward a loud report
was heard, and poor Cary, a few moments before
the life and soul of the family circle, cheerful and
full of play, was found lying on the ground with
his life blood fast flowing from a wound in the
neck. He had bored a hole in a log and charged
it with powder. The explosion must have been
premature — evidently while he was bending over
the log — a Bplinter entered his neck and severed an

356

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

artery. Tenderly they carried him into the house
and laid him on a lounge, but nothing could be
done; he died in a few minutes afterward. Cary
was within a few weeks of his eighteenth birthday,
having been born January 17, 1869. Endowed
with an unusual amount of good common sense, a
cheerful, generous nature, kind and companionable
in disposition, he has left to the grief- stricken family
and his friends naught but pleasant memories of
him. "Why these twin afflictions?" the soul
asks. " What I do thou knowest not now, but thou
shalt know hereafter."
There is no flock, however watched and tended,
But one dead lamb is there;
There is no fireside, howso'er defended,
But has one vacant chair.
In his political preferences Mr. Paul is a stanch
Republican, always taking an active interest in the
public affairs of his township and county, and is a
warm advocate of all measures tending to the ad
vancement of educational interests. In religious
matters he was a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, in which he was an elder for twenty years,
and on the organization of the Third Presbyterian
Church, in 1891, he became a member thereof and
an elder in same.

If M. K. DONALDSON. As the lives of our
. I leaders in literature, politics and religion
yflj have imparted inspiration to humanity and
"~^ civilization, so will the record of conscien
tious, energetic and successful men from the com
mon ranks of life be of infinite value both to their
contemporaries and descendants. Especially is
this an evident fact, when we read or write the bi
ographies of our early pioneers, whose history is
filled with the romance of "truth stranger than
fiction." Jacob Donaldson was born in 1763, in Ireland,
aud came to America in early manhood, locating
in Washington county, Penn. He was married to
a Miss McKinney, and first settled on a farm in
Hopewell township, thence moving to the farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet owned by his
descendants. He was a member of the Seceder
Church at Hickory, this county, afterward uniting
with theU. P. Church. In April, 1850, he moved
to the village of Hickory, where he died in August
of the same year, having been preceded by his
wife, who had borne him children as follows:
William (settled in Somerset township, this coun
ty), James (deceased, settled in Buffalo township),
Richard (a tailor of Hickory, afterward bought a
farm in Cecil township, and was killed while on
his way home from Noblestown), Andrew (resided
in Mt. Pleasant township), Isaac (lived in Mt.
Pleasant township), Margaret (deceased on the

farm of her brother, J. M.), and Mary (deceased
wife of James Ackleson, Hanover township).
Andrew Donaldson was born in 1802, in Hopewell
township, this county, and passed his early boy
hood on the place of his birth, afterward moving
to Mt. Pleasant township. In early life he was
united in marriage with Ellen Wilson, a native of
Cross Creek township, where the young people
lived a few years, finally settling on a farm in Mt.
Pleasant township. Their children were as fol
lows: Esther (wife of A. V. McGuyin), Eleanor
L. (married to Leman McCarrell), J. M. K. (whose
name opens this sketch), Sarah Jane (wife of W.
W. McCarrell), and W. W. (living on the home
farm), all of whom are living in Mt. Pleasant town
ship. The father and mother were first members
of the Union Church at West Middletown, then
joined the Presbyterian Church at Buffalo, finally
uniting with the Society in Mt. Prospect. He died
in 1880, on the old homestead where his widow is
yet living.
J. M. K. Donaldson was born March 5, 1843,
in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, receiving
his elementary education in the district schools,
and then attending the Academy at Buffalo village
for three terms. In October, 1869, he married
Margaret McDowell. Her grandfather, James
McDowell, was born in Lancaster county, Penn.,
and coming to Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
when a young man, was married to Mary McKnight.
They settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
and he died in 1815, followed by his widow in 1853.
They attended the U. P. Church at Cross Roads,
then known as Union Church, Chartiers township.
John McDowell was born in 1811, on the home
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where his boyhood
was passed. In 1837 he married Miss Margaret
Miller, who was born in 1810, in Chartiers township.
They were members of Mt. Prospect Presbyterian
Church. He died in August, 1886, having been
preceded in 1866 by his wife, who had borne him
eight children, one of whom is deceased. Those
yet living are James W. (an attorney in Washing
ton, Penn. ), Jacob F. (living in Mt. Pleasant town
ship), Margaret (Mrs. Donaldson), Rebecca (wife
of James Agnew), John (living in Canonsburg,
this county), Sadie P. and Lizzie.
J. M. K. and Margaret (McDowell) Donaldson
located on a place in Mt. Pleasant township, and
in February, 1875, moved to the farm they now
occupy, containing 140 acres of good land. He
has made many improvements, Saving erected a
pleasant dwelling and a good barn, 60x40 feet. He
is an active member of the Democratic party,
which he has served as a member of the school
board, also as judge of elections. Mr. and Mrs.
Donaldson are members of the Mt. Prospect Pres
byterian Church, of which he is treasurer. They
have two children: J. Alfred and Margaret M.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

357

OBERT SCOTT. The Scott family were
early pioneers of Washington county, and
are of Scotch descent. Joseph Scott, the
oldest representative, was born about 176 J,
in Scotland, coming to America during the
latter part of the eighteenth century. He first
located in York county, Penn., where he was
married to Martha Paden, who was born in 1763.
Prior to 1788, when Washington county was very
sparsely settled, he came hither, and made a home
in the eastern part of Hanover township, near Rac
coon creek, securing control of an immense tract
of wild land. A cabin was erected which furnished
them with protection, and although deprived of
many of the luxuries of life, they were soon able
to build a comfortable home.
The story of the struggles, hardships and priva
tions of early pioneers has often been told, and the
lives of this earnest and self-reliant couple were
similar to those of their comrades, who undertook
the arduous task of making, the wilderness "to
blossom as the rose." Industry finally was re
warded; they became wealthy and highly respected
citizens, passing the remainder of their lives sur
rounded by children and friends. They died at a
ripe old age, in full connection with the "Old-
School Presbyterian" Church, in which they had
been reared from infancy. Politically, the grand
father was a Democrat. To this worthy couple
were born two sons and three daughters, all of
whom lived to an adult age.
Robert, son of Joseph and Martha (Paden)
Scott, was born in Robinson township, Washington
Co., Penn. , and'in early life followed the carpenter's
trade, being naturally inclined to mechanical work.
He was twice married, his first choice being
Fanny, daughter of Edward Jackson. She bore
him children as follows: Alexander, a wagon
maker by trade, who first lived in Florence, thence
moving to Armstrong county, Penn. ; Joseph, a
carpenter of Burgettstown, Penn.; Josiah, a black
smith of Burgettstown; Andrew F., a blacksmith,
moved to Galesburg, 111., thence to Nashville,
Tenn.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Finley Wilson, of Arm
strong county, Penn. ; and Margaret, wife of
James Work. Of this family Andrew F. is the
only one living. For his second wife Robert Scott
was married to Mary Kerr, of Allegheny county,
Penn., who bore him the following children:
Samuel, a pattern maker of Wheeling, W. Va. ;
Fannie, widow of George Jackson, living in Flor
ence, Penn. ; Catherine, unmarried, is living with
her brother Robert; and Robert, whose sketch
follows. After his first marriage Mr. Scott located
near Candor, in Robinson township, where he re
sided for some time, then settled near Paris, in
Hanover township, and in 1856 came to Florence.
The latter part of his life was principally devoted
to work in the carpentry line, as his skill was well

known. In repairing violins and similar instru
ments, he was remarkably successful, also making
a specialty of ornaments, which required exquisite
care. He voted with the Democratic party, and in
religion was a valued member of the Presbyterian
Church. His death occurred November 1, 1863,
and he was followed by his widow August 30,
1880. They were laid to rest in Candor cemetery.
Robert Scott, son of Robert and Mary (Kerr)
Scott, was born November 7, 1839, in Paris, Hanover
township. His education was received at the
country schools, and when he was sixteen years of
age his parents moved to Florence. He then fol
lowed farm work at various places, and in 1869
opened a general store, having since continued in
that business. On February 16, 1871, he was mar
ried to Margaret McCullough, a daughter of John
McCullough, of Florence, who was one of the repre
sentative men of his time, and was justice of the
peace for thirty years. The children of Robert
and Margaret Scott are John M. (an enterprising
young man, who is associated with his father in
business), Mary D.,Emma E. and Charley B. , all
of whom are living at home. In 1884 Mr. Scott
mourned the loss of his wife, who was buried in
the Presbyterian cemetery. In politics he has
been a lifelong Democrat, and though taking in
terest in the success of his party, has declined
proffered nominations to township offices. He is
a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church.
By fair dealing, close attention to business and
the practice of strict economy, his business has
prospered until it has long been recognized as One
of the leading establishments of Florence.

JLLIAM N. BEBOUT, a worthy repre
sentative of the prosperous native-born
agriculturists of Washington county, first
saw the light of day in Amwell township,
February 19, 1820. The family are of
Holland-Dutch descent.
Ebenezer Bebout, grandfather of William N.,
was for a short time a resident of Washington
county, and died in New Jersey. Beden Bebout
father of our subject, was born April 5, 1773, in
Sussex county, N. J., and came to Washington
county, Penn., in 1788, accompanied by his broth
ers Moses, Peter, Ebenezer and Lewis; Moses and
Beden were tailors by trade, the others masons.
Beden was married September 25, 1794, to Mar
garet daughter of William Nemons, and thirteen
children were born to them, of whom the follow
ing is a brief record: Letitia, born August 25,
1795, married J. Fitzwilliams, and died at the age
of ninety -five years; Abigail, born January 9, 179?
married J. Huston; Naomi, born October" 16, 1798,
married J. McDonald; Elizabeth, bom September
28, 1800; Isabella, born December 1, 1802, mar-

358

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ried J. Jolly; Moses, who was a member of the
"Washington Blues," born November 25, 1805,
died in 1888, aged eighty-three years; Christian,
born January 31, 1808, married W. Gilbert; Will
iam, born August 1, 1810, died young; Margaret,
born November 18, 1811, married Richard Jolly;
Alexander, born November 24, 1813; Jane, born
September 4, 1815, married Cephas Bane; Alexan
der, born April 19, 1818; William N. (our subject)
is the youngest, and the only survivor of this large
family. In 1795 Beden Bebout bought the home
farm which his son, William N., now owns, paying
therefor $5 per acre, and here he passed the rest
of his busy life, dying February 20, 1867, at the
age of ninety-five years. After he commenced
farming, he continued his trade for several years
during the winter months, visiting the several farm
houses in the neighborhood, as was the custom in
those days. His wife spun and wove linen from
flax raised on the farm; which he would take to
Baltimore to sell or trade, and our subject was
twenty-one years old before he wore clothes made
of any other material. The mother's old spinning-
wheel and reel are still in the possession of Will
iam N. For a long time Mr. Bebout had to bring
salt iu bags all the way from Cumberland, Penn.
Mrs. Bebout died May 22, 1841, at the age of sixty-
four years.
William N. Bebout, whose name opens this
biographical memoir, attended the subscription
schools of the neighborhood and did his full share
in the labors of the home farm for several years.
On September 25, 1845, he married Susan Bebout,
whose grandfather was a second cousin of his
grandfather. She is a daughter of Peter Bebout,
who married Isabel Cooper, in Ohio, and in 1823,
came to Washington county, settling in North
Strabane township, where the father died in April,
1860, at the age of seventy years. He was a na
tive of New Jersey, and came to Pennsylvania at
the same time as did Beden Bebout; and was a
soldier in the war of 1812. His wife passed from
life in March, 1888. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Bebout lived fifteen years on the old farm,
then ten years in Franklin township, but sold out
and moved to Marion county, W. Va., where they
bought a farm and passed eight years of their lives.
This property they sold, and, returning to Wash
ington county, made their home in Buffalo town
ship until 1888, in which year they moved into the
borough, buying their present comfortable house,
which is situated on East Beau street. Their un
ion has been blessed with ten children: Alexan
der, a resident of Fairmont, W. Va. : Isabel, de
ceased at the age of four years; Margaret J., wife
of Lee Barnes, in Washington, Penn.; Elizabeth,
wife of Franklin Arneth, Marion, W. Va. ; Frank
J,, on the farm of 300 acres in Buffalo township;
Nettie, wife of George Ritchey, Morgan county,

Ohio; Thomas M. , on the old farm in Amwell
township; Ida, wife of Theodore Bell, Morris town
ship; and Beden, who died of blood poisoning, at
the age of twenty- one years, and when he was
about to be admitted to the practice of medicine.
Mr. Bebout in his religious connections is a mem
ber of the Second Presbyterian Church ; politically
he is a Democrat, and has served his township in
various offices of trust. Mr. Bebout and his
wife have been blessed with good health all their
lives, and have together shared life's joys and sor
rows for almost half a century. Before closing
this memoir it may not be out of place to state that
Mr. Bebout was an eye-witness to the execution of
"Kid," the negro slave, who had run for his lib
erty into Pennsylvania, but was overtaken and capt
ured by his owner, who proceeded to take him
baek South. Rather than return to a life of slav
ery, " Kid " slew his master, and for this act he
was hanged.

Mf OSES B. THOMPSON (deceased) was of
Irish birth and descent. His grandfather,
Adam Thompson, was born on a farm
-* four miles from Belfast, Ireland, and de-
v voted his life to agricultural pursuits and
the manufacture of linen. He was married to a
Miss McComb, who bore him five children: Adam,
Benjamin, James, Moses and Robert.
Robert Thompson, son of Adam, was born on
the home place near Belfast, where he was mar
ried to Elizabeth Wilson, and in 1811 they came
to America, the voyage -occupying six weeks.
They landed at Philadelphia, whence they came
westward to Pittsburgh, Penh., the journey of two
weeks being made by wagon. Iu Pittsburgh he
was engaged in the coal business, but later he
moved to Peters township, Washington county,
where he erected the first house in Thompsonville.
He then for a time resided in Noblestown, Alle
gheny county, from there proceeding to Finleyville,
this county, and finally opened a store in Library,
Allegheny county. He died leaving three chil
dren: John, married to a Miss Lorimer (had two
children, Emeline Finley and William, the latter of
whom died in 1889) ; Rachel, deceased at the age
of thirty-five years, and Moses B.
Moses B. Thompson was born in 1811, in County
Antrim, Ireland, and when an infant was brought
by his parents to Pittsburgh, Penn. He assisted
his father in various lines of business, and was also
engaged in buying and selling grain. In 1850 he
came to the farm in Union township, Washington
county, and carried on an extensive traffic in sugar,
making trips to the Southern States, where he
bought a large quantity, and then sold in Pitts
burgh, Penn. In 1875 he was married to Eliza Ann,
daughter of Samuel M. Wilson, a native of Ire-

yy^^f, ^y^%

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

mi

land, who in 1848 came to America, first landing
at Baltimore, Md., thence proceeding to Wheeling,
W. Va., and afterward locating in Pittsburgh,
Penn., in the courthouse of which city he was a
clerk. He was married to Elizabeth Mayne, a na
tive of County Armagh, Ireland. Mr. Wilson
bought, and moved upon a farm in Allegheny
county, Penn., near Lock No. 3, and bought
wool in addition to attending to his farming
interests. He was the father of two daugh
ters: Jane, and Eliza Ann, who was married to
Moses B. Thompson. Moses B. and Eliza Ann
Thompson began wedded life on the farm in Union
township, Washington county, where the remain
der of his life was passed, and his widow is yet liv
ing. He owned four farms, and also hotel prop
erty in the "Diamond" of Pittsburgh, which is
yet undivided. In political opinion he was an ar
dent Republican, and was one of two in his town
ship to vote the Abolition ticket. He died January
1, 1881.

<

ll JlfBS. ELIZA V. WALKER, a highly
yf/l esteemed lady of Burgettstown, was born
It | February 17, 1811, a daughter of William
Vance, who was a son of Joseph Vance,
both in their day prominent citizens of
Smith township.
Joseph Vance was born about 1750, near Win
chester, Va. , where he was married, and coming
to Washington county, Penn., about the year 1773,
located three miles southwest of Burgettstown, in
Smith township, on a large tract of land. This
land was then an unbroken wilderness, or, to quote
a pioneer phrase: "There was not a stick amiss,"
but it has since been divided into nine of the finest
farms in Washington county. As soon as a rude
shelter had been erected for the family, Joseph
Vance, in company with a few of his widely
parted neighbors, began the erection of what was
known as "Vance's Fort." This was intended to
protect the settlers from the onslaughts of the In
dians, who were yet numerous in the Territory, and
bitterly resented the encroachment of the ' ' pale
faces " upon their hunting-grounds. The fort was
situated but a short distance from the cabin of
Joseph Vance, and stood for many years, the only
sign of its existence visible being a piece of briok
colored ground and an old stone chimney, recently
destroyed. At the gates of Fort Vance, under a
white oak tree, on Ootober 14, 1778, Rev. James
Powers preached the first sermon in English known
to have been heard west of the Alleghany Mount
ains in this section of the State. On this wild
tract Joseph Vance and his wife passed their lives,
with the exception of occasional visits to his birth
place. As immigration increased, properly rose in
value, the vast tract of land, once seemingly almost

worthless, became very valuable, and the pioneers
reaped the deserved reward of early years of toil,
privation and danger. The first wife of Joseph
Vance died many years ago, leaving him six
children, viz. : William, John, Joseph, Elizabeth,
Jane and Nancy. Of this family, one son, Joseph,
returned with his father on a visit to Virginia,
then went west to Ohio, and his fate was never
known. (Governor Vance of Ohio was a cousin).
For his second wife, Mr. Vance was wedded to
a Miss Cook, a native of Winchester, Va., who
died soon after marriage; and he made a third
choice in the person of Mary Moore, also a native
of Winchester, who bore him two daughters: Anna
Mary (wife of William Brady, of Ohio county, W.
Va.), and Hannah (married to Edward Morgan,
also of Ohio county, W. Va. ; she is now living in
Kansas at an advanced age). The father died
May 6, 1832, and in 1852 his faithful wife was
laid beside him.
William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born
November 30, 1775, on the old "Fort Vance farm"
in Smith township, where his boyhood was passed
in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large portion
of them falling to his share as the eldest son. On
December 24, 1799, he was married to Rachel
Patterson, who was born June 3, 1781, daughter
of William Patterson, of Cross Creek township,
this county, and to their union children were born,
of whom the following is a brief record: Cynthia,
born March 8, 1801, gave her hand in marriage to
Peter Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne county,
Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, born Sep
tember 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith township,
and died in 1864; James, born July 23, 1804, fol
lowed agriculture in Jefferson township, this
county, and died in 1881; William P., born Sep
tember 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county for
sometime, thence moving to Hardin county, Ky ,
and is now a retired farmer of Caldwell county,
Mo. ; Allison, born December 14, 1808, lived on
the home place and died in 1888; Elizabeth was
born February 17, 1811, and is now living in Bur-
gettstown, the widow of David S. Walker; Ann
was born November 8, 1812, -and was united in
marriage with Norris Walker, brother of David S.
(she died, leaving a large family of children);
David was born April 14, 1815, and died in in
fancy; and Rachel was born December 28, 1816,
(she was married to Josiah N. Scott, and is now
deceased). On January 9, 1817, the mother of
these children passed from earth, and on June 12,
1818, Mr. Vance was married to her sister, Hannah
Patterson, who was born in 1786. Five children
were born to this union, namely: Thomas P. (de
ceased farmer of Cross Creek township), born
July 15, 1819; Mary (unmarried, living in Rome,
Ga. ), born June 1, 1821; Caroline (deceased wife
of R. S. Caldwell, Hopewell township, this county),

362

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born December 30, 1824; John S., born June 7,
1827, now in Smith township; and Jane, born
September 7, 1830 (married to J. S. Young, of
Ohio; both died in Rome, Ga. , where they resided).
During his earlier life the father resided on the
home farm in Smith township, iu company with his
brother John, whose interest he afterward pur
chased. In 1816 William Vance was elected rep
resentative of Washington county, in the State
Legislature. He was an enthusiastic member of
the Whig party, was a counselor and adviser among
his friends, and favored the tariff bill from its in
fancy. After the term of office had expired, Hon.
William Vance returned to his farm, having made
a signal success in the performance of his duties.
He was a liberal contributor toward and regular
attendant of the Presbyterian Church, with which
his wife was also connected. He died April 18,
1856, and in 1878 his widow followed him across
the dark river. Both are buried in the Cross
Creek cemetery. Of the children born to William
and Rachel (Patterson) Vance, Elizabeth grew to
womanhood, and on March 8, 1838, gave her hand
in marriage to David S. , son of Alexander Walker.
Alexander Walker was born iii Lancaster county,
Penn., and when yet a young man came west
with his brother John, locating on a tract of land
in Jefferson township, this county. Alexander
Walker was married to Betsey Norris, of Washing
ton county, Penn., who bore him children as fol
lows: Eliza, Norris, James, Susan, Alexander,
David, Isabella, Mary Ann, Drusilla and Samuel.
The parents erected a log house on the farm, and
conducted a distillery for many years. He was a
Whig in politics, and in religious connection was
a member of the Presbyterian Church at Cross
Creek. David S. Walker was born July 6, 1816, iu Jef
ferson township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving
a limited education in the log school house of those
days. After his marriage to Elizabeth Vance, he
and his wife resided four years in Cross Creek
township, this county, thence moved to Jefferson
township, and in 1875 came to Burgettstown,
where they have since resided. The following
children have been born to this union: William
H. H. (who enlisted in the One Hundredth Regi
ment P. V. I., and died in the South after four
months' service; his father went to him and brought
his remains home) ; Mary E. , who was married
twice, first to Wesley Smith who died leaving two
children, and she was afterward wedded to John
Campbell (she is now deceased); Martha A., de
ceased wife of James Anderson, also deceased;
Alexander H., a resident of Pittsburgh; Rachel A.,
wife of D. H. Hainer, of Ingram, Allegheny Co.
Penn.; Jane A., and Eva (the last named being
deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Walker commenced life
in a very humble way, and for four years after

marriage lived in an old log house. Mr. Walker
was a Whig until the formation of the Republican
party when he enlisted under its banner; on the
latter ticket he was, after coming to Burgettstown,
a candidate for the State Legislature. In religious
faith he was a Presbyterian, being an attendant of
the church of that denomination. In business
affairs he was a very successful man. On May 14,
1877, the death of Mr. Walker was recorded.

If AMES D. CAMPSEY. Of the sturdy Scotch-
. ij Irish it has been truthfully said that they are
v\j the living exponents of righteous government;
^^ the unterrified defenders of civil liberty; the
strong embodiment of virtuous manhood, and
the uncompromising advocates of the Christian
faith. These attributes, coupled with a high sense
of duty, hatred of tyranny, and the love of God,
are true characteristics of the race from which the
subject of this biographical sketch is descended.
James Campsey, his paternal grandfather, a
farmer by occupation, was born June 22, 1772, in
Mountertany, Parish of Raphoe, County Donegal,
Ireland, and in 1794 emigrated to America in the
ship "Liberty." In 1792 he had married Eliza
beth Johnson, of the same county, born February
1 , 1770, and when he emigrated to the United
States he was accompanied by his faithful wife and
two children: William, born July 1, 1793, and
John, born May 4, 1796. For a few years, or un
til 1801, they lived east of the mountains, and
then proceeded westward to Washington county,
Penn., making a settlement about two miles south
of Claysville. this section being at that time an
unbroken and sparsely settled wilderness. When
they arrived the neighbors formed a "bee" and
built them a log cabin, the foundation of which
was four stumps, one for each corner, but one day
being occupied in its erection. Here our little
pioneer family made their home, gradually sur
rounding themselves with the necessaries and com
forts of life, and here four more children came to
enlarge the domestic circle: Margaret, born Feb
ruary 20, 1798; Joseph, born February 20, 1800;
James, born February 20, 1803, and Rebecca,
born June 2, 1805. The head of this pioneer fam
ily was a vigorous, energetic man, incessantly and
assiduously toiling to make a home for his little
ones, and to convert the forest wild into a fertile
farm. On November 23, 1843, the loving partner
of his bosom was called from earth, and Mr. Camp
sey, having then made an equitable division of his
property, which was considerable, retired from
active labor, and passed the remaining portion of
his days on earth with his son James. He died
September 1, 1851, full of years and honor, and was
laid to rest by the side of his wife in Claysville
cemetery. All their children lived to adult ages,
excepting Margaret, who died in her girlhood.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

363

James Campsey, the youngest son of this revered
couple, was born, as above recorded, on the old
farm two miles south of Claysville, where he was
early inducted into farm life, and made to work
hard, at the expense of his school lessons, which
were necessarily very limited. He was a natural
mechanic, and could turn his hand to almost any
kind of work in that line, being very ingenious and
skillful. He constructed a distillery, including all
the plant, which he operated for some time, until
he became aware of the harm liquor was doing
among those who could not discriminate between
its use and abuse. He then gave up the busiuess
and disposed of the plant. Mr. Campsey was
twice married, the first occasion on November 7,
1827, to Isabella Daugherty, a native of Washing
ton county, born April 21, 1811, by which union
there were five children : Mary Ann, born May 29,
1830; Harriet, born November 18, 1832; Mar
garet E., born May 18, 1835; James D., our sub
ject, and a son, unnamed, born November 2, 1838,
dying four days afterward. The mother of this
family departed this life April 29, 1841, and March
10. 1842, Mr. Campsey wedded Mrs. Susanna
Ralston (also a native of County Down, Ireland),
widow of James Ralston, and daughter of David
McMillan, of the same township, and two children
(twins) were born to this union: David M. and Re
becca, born October 13, 1843, the former of whom
is a leading merchant in Claysville, the latter dy
ing February 19, 1876. Soon after his first mar-
riage James Campsey purchased of Samuel Stokely
a valuable farm property, comprising 352 acres of
prime land, lying one and one half miles noith of
Claysville, to which he moved and where he fol
lowed farming till December, 1869, when he re
moved to Claysville, and there lived a retired life,
having amassed a comfortable sufficiency by hard
toil and earnestness of purpose. On April 4, 1883,
he was called from earth, his wife having pre
ceded him to the long home September 24, 1874.
Mr. Campsey was a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Claysville, Mrs. Campsey being a mem
ber of the U. P. Church of South Buffalo. In
politics Mr. Campsey was originally a Whig, in
later years a Republican.
James D. Campsey. only surviving son of
James and Isabella (Daugherty) Campsey, was
born May 24, 1838, in Donegal township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and received his education at
the common schools of the district, a goodly por
tion of his boyhood days being passed in hard
work on his father's farm. On June 21, 1870, he
was married to Margaret M. Moore, who was born
in 1849, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter
of John Moore, and the results of this union were
five children, as follows: Harry 0., born April 14.
1871; Metta B., born January 14, 1873, died
October 19, 1889; Anna E., born January 14,

1876, died June 10, 1880; Thomas A., born Janu
ary 2, 1878, died June 9, 1880; and Myrtle M.,
born January 23, 1880, all now deceased except
Harry O. and Myrtle M., who are now living at
home. Our subject is a lifelong farmer, and has
always lived on his portion of the old homestead
with the exception of the two years he was en
gaged in mercantile business in Claysville, as a
a member of the firm of Sheller & Campsey. In
politics he was formerly a Republican, but of late
years he has given his moral support to the Pro
hibitionists, not binding himself, however, to any
party, as on many occasions he votes for the best
man, regardless of politics. He and Mrs. Camp
sey are members of the Presbyterian Church, and
are held in the highest esteem and respect in the
community in which they live.

HENRY CLAY COOPER, a prominent cit
izen of Jefferson township, is a sou of
Erasmus Cooper, who was born in Alle-
— i gheny county, Penn., and was united in
^/ marriage with Elizabeth Patterson, daughter
of James and Sarah Patterson, who came to Wash
ington county at an early day. He (James Patter
son) purchased a farmof William Wells, who laidthe
foundation of the town of Wellsville. Their chil
dren were James, William, John, Hugh, Elizabeth
(Mrs. Erasmus Cooper), Mary (wife of William
Moore) and Sarah (Mrs. Robert Pogue).
To the union of Erasmus and Elizabeth (Patter
son) Cooper children were born, of whom the fol
lowing grew to maturity: William (living in this
county), John (born February 15, 1836, residing
in Eldersville), Robert (living in Drakesville. Davis
Co., Iowa), and Henry C, (subject of this sketch).
The mother died in 1846, and was buried at Per-
rysville, Allegheny Co., Penn , leaving her young-
est child but eighteen months old. In 1855 Mr.
Cooper, accompanied by his sons, William and
John, moved to Iowa and purchased a large tract
of land, on part of which now stands the city of
Des Moines. This property was sold in 1887 for
$200 per acre. For his second wife, Erasmus
Cooper married a Miss Logan, of Canonsburg, one
daughter being born to their union — Mary Bethel
(now living in Des Moines). Mr. Cooper died in
1856 at the age of fifty-five years. He had three
brothers and one sister, viz. : John (killed by a fall),
James, George Fitch and Sarah, Of the sons of
Erasmus and Elizabeth (Patterson) Cooper, Will
iam oame to Washington county, Penn., in 1863,
having previously kept "bachelors' hall" together
with his brother John in Iowa. Since returning
to this county, William Cooper has been interested
in the development of the Allegheny county oil field,
with the Pioneer Oil Company, and is now living
near Eldersville.

364

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Henry Clay Cooper was born May 5, 1845, in
Allegheny county, Penn., and upon the death of
his mother, he and three brothers (John, William
and Robert) were brought to Washington county,
where he found a home with an Aunt Mary, the others
being cared for in different families. Young Henry
received a good common- school education, and on
May 1. 1867, he formed a partnership with his
brother John in mercantile business at Eldersville.
The firm continued under the style of J. & H. C.
Cooper until Aprill9, 1891, when our subject retired
from active business. On December 18, 1889, he
was married to Carrie V. McCarrell, daughter of
Thomas R. and Elizabeth McCarrell, old settlers
of this county.
Thomas McCarrell, grandfather of Mrs. Henry
C. Cooper, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in
1745, and when seventeen years of age came, to
America, and to Pennsylvania, making his first
settlement near Philadelphia. Afterward he moved
to York county, same State, and while there par
ticipated in the war of the Revolution, and mar
ried Eleanor Rusk, a native of that county. In
1793 they came to Washington county, making their
final home near Eldersville. Their children were:
Mary (wife of Robert Cresswell, a soldier of the
Mexican war), Jane (Mrs. James Moore, of Musk
ingum, Ohio), Samuel (married to Elizabeth Mc
Connell, of Hanover township), Margaret (unmar
ried) and Thomas Rusk. The father of this family
died on the home farm in this county in 1835, the
mother in 1845, both aged ninety years, and both
are buried in "The Tent" cemetery. Mr. Mc
Carrell was a Democrat in politics, and in religious
faith a member of and for many years an elder in
the Seceder Church of Brooke county, W. Va.,
known as ' ' The Tent. " Thomas Rusk" McCarrell
was born August 3, 1795, in Jefferson township,
Washington Co., Penn., and received his primary
education in the subscription schools of the vicinity,
later attending an educational establishment in
Ohio. While in that State he taught school about
ten years. Returning to Pennsylvania, he married
Ruhamah Kincaid, of Brooke county, W. Va., and
one child, Ruhamah J., was born to them. This
wife dying, Mr. McCarrell, eleven years later,
married Elizabeth McComb, of Brooke county,
W. Va., a daughter of Capt. John McComb,
a native of County Down, Ireland, who came to
this country when a young man. He became a
noted Indian fighter, and was a Revolutionary
soldier. In 1840, at the age of about eighty-seven
years, he passed from earth, a lifelong Democrat,
and a ruling elder in " The Tent " Seceder Church
of Brooke county. The children born to Thomas
and Elizabeth (McComb) McCarrell were Rachel
E., Thomas A. and John A. (all three deceased),
Elizabeth M., John T. H (deceased) and Caroline
V. (Mrs. Henry C, Cooper). The parents both

died at the home place at the age of eighty-two
years. Mr. McCarrell was a stanch Democrat,
and a member of " The Tent " Church, . in which
he was a ruling elder for about fifty-five years.
Henry Clay Cooper is one of the best known
business men in the western part of the county.
His store in Eldersville is well filled with the vari
ous articles needed in a farming community, and
his patrons are scattered throughout the county,
many of his customers also residing in West
Virginia.

If AMES NEEL (deceased). This gentleman
i I was one of the best-known citizens and pros-
ft J j perous lumbermen of what is now the city of
^^ Monongahela. He was a son of Archibald
Neel, a very prominent man, a large landowner,
who developed coal mines on his land. He re
sided opposite McKeesport, where his property ex
tended quite a distance, from directly opposite
McKeesport down to Lock No. 2, on the river. He
had a family of six children, of whom two are yet
living: Mrs. Oliver and Jordan Neel.
James Neel was born September 25, 1817, in
Mifflin township, Allegheny Co., Penn., opposite
the town of McKeesport. He attended school
during the winter time in an old log building lo
cated about four miles from the river, and worked
on the farm during the summer, having, to quote
his own words, " Little of school and lots of plow."
At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the
carpenter's trade with one William Whigam, and
then followed that business for some time in Pitts
burgh, Penn. In 1840, in company with his
brother John, he embarked in the coal business on
the opposite side of the river below McKeesport.
He afterward purchased a sawmill at that town, on
the present site of Wood's rolling mill, remaining
there fifteen years, and afterward, moving to Jeffer
son county, continued in the same line of business,
and also bought thousands of acres of timber
lands. He there erected and operated several saw
mills, etc., and carefully investing his limited cap
ital, soon amassed a fortune as a lumberman. He
then went to the Clarion, and was in partnership
with the extensive lumber firm of Blake, Neel &
Rodgers, also erecting the planing mill in Mc
Keesport. Prior to 1857 he formed a partnership
with John Wampler at McKeesport, but some years
later Mr. Wampler withdrew, and in 1870 a part
nership was formed by Mr. Neel with William
Wampler (a half-brother of his previous partner),
which copartnership continued to the end of Mr.
Neel'slife. In 1870 he also entered into business
enterprises at Monongahela City with Maj. Perry
A. Foster, and fortune continued to smile on his
efforts. After coming to Washington county, how
ever, Mr. Neel lost much money in his investments,

ft/~LsVL^4

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

367

through his inability, owing to advanced age, to
attend personally to his business affairs. His en
tire estate is now estimated at about $500,000,
accumulated by his untiring energy. For some
time he had been afflicted with a cancer in the
stomach, and finally submitted to an operation at
the St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, which re
sulted in his death. He passed away July 24,
1892, at the age of seventy-six years, leaving a
widow and two children, and was buried in the
McKeesport cemetery.
Mr. Neel was thrice married : first to Susan Samp
son, of McKeesport, a sister of Kuhn Sampson,
who was a resident of Monongahela, and three
children were born to them, as follows: Thomas,
of Brookville, Jefferson Co. , Penn. ; Anna, widow
of Ross Clark, who was a resident of Coal Centre;
and William, deceased, whose widow is now in
Brookville, Penn. For his second wife Mr. Neel
married Margaret Cochran, of McKeesport, daugh
ter of William Cochran; they had no children.
Mr. Neel's third marriage was on January 29,
1857, with Nancy Cochran, who was born December
18, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Cochran, a resident of
Indiana county, Penn. . the wedding ceremony taking
place at Iowa Mills, Penn.. Rev. C. L. Cummins offi
ciating. To this union four children were born, as
follows: Arabella, who died October 7, 1874, at
the age of sixteen years; James H. ,now a resident
of California; Charles C. , living in Monongahela,
and Nellie, deceased April 2?6, 1877, at the age of
four years.
Of Mr. Neel it may truthfully be said that he
was thoroughly self-made, and many a day would
he be found, in all weathers, working side by side
with his men. Frequently, in order to save his
lumber and other property from flood or other
danger, he would labor as long as eighteen to
twenty hours a day; and on one occasion he re
mained for hours with his clothing wet and frozen
nearly solid. He was at all times an example to
his employes of industry and perseverance. He
would frequently, with his own, hands, raft his
logs down the river, riding them over the rapids,
an enterprise often accompanied with considerable
danger. In those days there was no railroad from
Kittanning to Pittsburgh, and many a time Mr.
Neel would travel between those places on the old-
fashioned stage coach, over roads so rough that the
travelers would frequently have to alight, and on
foot help to hold the old stage coach from tipping
over the bluffs. Often, after paying his fare, would
Mr. Neel walk, in order to allow some less robust
fellow traveler to ride in the vehicle. A man of
large and generous heart, he was ever anxious to
accommodate others in such and other ways; and
not a few now successful business men, who for
merly had dealings with him, owe their success
largely to the generosity and substantial assistance

of Mr. Neel. In the conducting of his affairs he
would frequently have to rise at three or four
o'clock in the morning and set off down the river
in a small skiff, rowing all the way to Pittsburgh;
while sometimes he would take passage on one of
the larger boats at Red Bank, a place lying be
tween his home and the city. Mr. Neel was of a
hearty, jovial disposition, fond of company, but
quiet in his enjoyments, at all times speaking in
low tones, and he surrounded himself with a mul
titude of friends. While not a member of any
church, he was possessed witlral of sterling
Christian qualities, believing in deeds rather than
in professions. During the later years of his lifehe
was afflicted with partial deafness, which caused him
to seek comparative retirement from society. He
was of medium height, solidly built, and possessed
of great physical strength, his weight while in
health being in the neighborhood of 170 pounds.
In his political preferences he was a member of the
Republican party.

LARK CROW was born August 6, 1825, on
the farm where he is now living, in Allen
township, Washington Co., Penn. , a son of
Lawrence Crow, and a grandson of Law
rence aud Margaret Crow. The last men
tioned ancestors were natives of Maryland, and in
1784 settled in Allen township, this county.
Lawrence, the grandfather, applied for a patent
August 31, 1784, and on December 16, same year,
surveyed the tract called " Crow's Egg," which
contained 295 acres, and became the permanent
home of the Crow family, who lived there in block
houses for many years.
Lawrence Crow, father of Clark Crow, was born
in 1795, on the home place in Allen township,
Washington county, receiving his early education
in the country schools. On November 9, 1812, he
was married to Mary Riggs, a native of that town
ship, and daughter of William and Mary Riggs,
the former of whom was a Methodist minister;
both her parents were born in Maryland, and in
1773 came to Washington county, Penn., locating
on the Monongahela river, where they died many
years ago. To the union of Lawrence and Mary
(Riggs) Crow there were children as follows:
Elizabeth, born November 16, 1813, was married
to James Doneldson, and died October 9, 1847. in
Greenfield, Penn. ; William J. , born July 29,1815,
married Nancy Jackman, and died in Illinois in
1876; Mary Ann, born May 5, 1817, died June 21,
1856, in Pennsylvania; Margaret L., born April 11,
1820, was married to James D. Latta, and died in
Washington county, Penn., January 20, 1853;
Sarah, born May 10, 1822, was married to W7illiam
Dunlavey, and died Febrnary 11, 1850; Clark, the
subject of this sketch; and James^ born September

368

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

10, 1828, married Sarah Ward, and died October
3, 1857, Clark being now the only survivor of the
family. The father died in 1835, followed in 1865
by his widow. He was a Democrat in politics,
and he and his wife were members of the
First M. E. Church built in Allen township, this
county, and known as the "Howe M. E. Church;"
it was originally erected in 1820, taken down in
1872, and rebuilt in 1892.
Clark Crow, whose name opens this memoir,
received a subscription- school education, and as
sisted his father in clearing up the home farm. On
April 30, 1851, he was united in marriage with
Rachel, daughter of William and Rachel (Stewart)
Latta, and a native of Allen township, this county.
To this union were born three children: Ann
Salene, Charles C. (deceased September 8, 1866),
and James B. (deceased September 18, 1856). The
mother of these children died December 18, 1859,
and May 25, 1862, Mr. Crow took for his second
wife Isabel Wilkin, 8 native of Coal Centre, this
county, a daughter of Reuben Wilkin, who was
born February 9, 1799, near Lost River, Hardy
Co., W. Va., a son of George and Mary Wi)kin, of
West Virginia, who moved to Greenfield (now Coal
Centre), Penn., in an early day.
Coming to Greenfield (now Coal Centre), East
Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn.,
Reuben Wilkin was married April 2, 1826, to
Bethsheba Dowler, a native of that township, born
in 1808, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
Dowler, and to this union were born children as
follows: George W<, born January 28, 1826,
married September 13, 1849, to Margaret Ann
Addis; Elizabeth, born June 19, 1828, died June
19, 1829; Emily, born May 29, 1830, died Decem
ber 20, 1887; Henry D., born May 8, 1832, mar
ried October 18, 1860, to Anna Piper; Mary Jane,
born June 14, 1834, married to Peter Corwin,
November 23, 1837; Thomas, born April 7, 1836,
married January 1, 1861, to Mary McMillan;
Rebecca, born August 26, 1838, died September
30, 1838; Isabel, born October 3, 1839, wife of
Clark Crow; Lucinda. born July 2, 1844, mar
ried October 28, 1878. to William S. Wighams;
and Harriet, born February 25, 1847. married De
cember 8, 1878, to Robert'Moore. The father of
this family died in 1882, having been preceded to
the grave by his wife in 1869; she was a member
of the First M. E. Church in Greenfield, built in
1838. Thomas and Elizabeth Dowler were mem
bers of the First M. E. Church in Allen township,
which went by the name of the "Howe Church,"
of which mention has already been made in this
sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Clark Crow have always resided
on the home place, which is one of the oldest
farms in Washington county, and contains 190
acres of good land. In politics he is a Democrat,

and has served faithfully as road supervisor, judge
of elections and member of the school board. In
religion he and his wife are members of the M. E.
Church at Mount Tabor. Their children are Olive
E. (Mrs. Samuel Winnett, living on the home
farm) and Loretta (Mrs. W. A. Strowd, of East
Pike Run township) (twins), Eldora (wife of J. M.
McCracken, of Greene county, Penn.). William
(married to Olive Crawford, and living in Allen
township), Fred G. , Lawrence C. and Edgar J.,
all three of whom are living with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Crow are the grandparents of six
children living, and one deceased.

A. MEALY, an old and well-knownresident
of Claysville, is a native of Washington
county, Penn.. born in Donegal township
March 15, 1815. His early life was passed
with his grandfather, George Mealy, who
was born in Lancaster county, Penn. , and was
reared to manhood on the home farm. George
Mealy was united in marriage with Mary Horn, a
resident of the same county, and their children
were as follows: John, Samuel, David; Margaret,
Sarah. Maria. Elizabeth. George and William. In
1812 Mr. Mealy and his family started for Wash
ington county. Penn.. and after a long and tedious
journey by emigrant wagons they arrived in Done
gal township, and settled on the farm of 100 acres,
which Mr. Mealy had_ previously purchased. It
was partially cleared, and had some buildings on it.
He was an energetic and progressive man, taking
an active part in public enterprises. Politically he
was a stanch Democrat, and a most ardent worker
in his party. In religion he- was a member and
hearty supporter of the Presbyterian Church.
A. A. Mealv (grandson of the above pioneer)
passed his early youth in attending to the farm
duties on his grandfather's place, and during the
winter season went to the neighboring schools.
The school-house was like others of that day, a
rude affair, but within those humble little cabins
many of our most intelligent citizens received their
first instruction in literature. When fifteen years
of age Mr. Mealy was apprenticed to James Shan
non, a shoemaker, and has since been engaged in
that vocation, always recognized as one of the best
workmen of Claysville. When twenty-two years
of age he began business for himself, and opened
a shop. On July 2. 1835. he was married to Jane,
daughter of Hugh McCaskey. a native of Ireland,
who in vouth came with two brothers to America.
Mr. McCaskev settled in Lancaster county, Penn.,
remaining there several years, and was married to
Julia Haggertv. who bore him the following chil
dren: Marv (Mrs. Charles Knight). Sarah (Mrs.
William Moore). Jane (wife of A. A: Mealy) and
Margaret. When a young man Mr. McCaskey

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

369

learned the tanner's trade, which he followed sev
eral years. He then conducted a general store at
Pittsburgh for some time, but finally moved to
Canonsburg, Washington county, and resumed
his trade. In politics he was a Whig, and in re
ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
After his marriage, Mr. Mealy settled on his pres
ent home in Claysville, this county, and reared the
following children: Margaret, wife of William
Warrill; Julia A., wife of John Short; John, George
and Anthony A. The mother of these passed away
December 5, 1891, after a happy married life of
fifty-four years' duration. Mr. and Mrs. Mealy
celebrated their golden wedding July 2, 1885,
when they had all their children present with them
to participate in a most delightful family reunion.
Mr. Mealy was appointed postmaster of Claysville
in 1845, by the administration of James K. Polk,
which position he occupied sixteen years. He has
always taken an active interest in the welfare of
the community, and in politics is an active mem
ber of the Democratic party. From early youth
he has been a zealous member of the Presbyterian
Church. The following is a record of his sons:
John Mealy was born in Claysville, this county,
and received his elementary education in the town
schools, which schools he afterward taught for
several terms with great acceptance to the people.
He graduated at Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, and then entered the Western Theological
Seminary. After his graduation he was called to
the Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington,
Penn., of which he is now the pastor. "The
church of Neshanock," New Wilmington, has been
Mi-. Mealy' s only charge, covering a pastorate of
twenty-five years. He has had in the meantime
calls from a number of. churches in the largest
cities of the Union, but pastor and people being
bound together by so many endearing ties, to
gether with the accomplishment of a great and
good work, have thus far made a separation impos
sible. He is an earnest preacher, and has ever
been a power in Sabbath -school work. His pleas
ant and kindly disposition and cordiality of marf-
ner have always made him a favorite with old and
young. Mr. Mealy was united in marriage with
Ida Willmouth, and they had three children: Flor
ence, Lavina and George. Mrs. Mealy died
February 8, 1874, and for his second wife Mr.
Mealy was married to Augusta Pomery, who has
borne him one daughter, Jane.
George Mealy obtained his early education by
self-study, and at the schools of Claysville, which
he afterward taught. He then attended medical
• lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadel
phia, and Western Reserve, at Cleveland, Ohio, and
graduated. He is now practicing his profession
in New Wilmington. Penn. His wife was formerly

Mary McEnall, andthey have three children: Harry,
John and Mary.
Anthony A. Mealy was also born in Claysville,
and was educated at Westminster College, New
Wilmington, Penn . He then entered the Western
Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1877.
He is now pastor of the Central Presbyterian
Church at Pittsburgh, Penn. He was married
June 22, 1882, to Bird Dalzell, and they have two
daughters: Ellen and Lydia.

EORGE YOUNG HOLMES. George Young
Holmes, Sr., the oldest living representative
of the family, was born at Saltcoats, Scot
land, May 13, 1820. His grandfather, Will
iam Holmes, in his youth became a sailor,
and so faithful was he in the discharge of his du
ties on shipboard, that he was rapidly promoted,
rising from apprentice to the position of captain
on a large vessel plying between Norway and
Scotland. While superintending the lading of
his vessel in a Norway port, he was accidentally
killed, and his body was buried in that country
about 1781 or 1782. His clothing and other effects
were sent home to his grief-stricken family, in
an old sea-chest which half a century later was
brought to America, and is still (1893) in exist
ence. Some years prior to his death, Capt. Holmes
married Elizabeth Brown, and resided at Saltcoats,
a seaport then of considerable importance, pro
ducing large quantities of salt. Ship-building was
also in a very flourishing condition then and for
many years afterward. The family consisted of
four children: Robert, William, Martha and Eliz
abeth. Mrs. Holmes, a woman of rare ability,
possessing to a remarkable degree the energy
characteristics of the Scotch people, began immedi
ately the training and education of her little fam
ily, and she lived to see all of them respected mem
bers of society, reflecting honor upon her loving
care. ¦ The maternal grandfather, William Brown, then
a master weaver, took Robert and William as ap
prentices at hand-loom weaving, a trade of great
importance prior to the invention of the power-
loom. They continued at this trade for some time,
but Robert's taste inclined toward the study of
medicine. With William's assistance, he was
graduated from the University of Glasgow, attend
ed the medical lectures at Dublin, and began the
practice of medicine at Saltcoats, but within a year
he died of typhus fever contracted from one of his
patients. For some years William continued at
his trade, and in his spare moments, by diligently
applying himself to study, he became an excellent
English scholar and a fine penman. For some
time he held the position of clerk in the Irwin

370

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Bank, and after his marriage engaged in the gro
cery business. He was then appointed postmaster
and agent for the sale of Government stamped
paper, which positions he retained until he emi
grated to America Although holding office under
the Crown for many years with loyalty above re
proach, he was an ardent Republican, and believed
firmly in government by the people. In 1803 he
married Elizabeth, fourth daughter of John Mc-
Nilledge, of Glasgow. They had ten children,
three of whom died in infancy. Margaret, the eld
est, married and remained in Scotland, dying in
1836. The other children, namely: Robert, Eliz
abeth, Mary, Martha, George Young and Agnes
Jane, with their parents, emigrated to America in
1830. The deplorable condition of trade which had ex
isted in Great Britain from the fall of Napoleon
in 1815, until this time, induced him to sever the
ties which bound him to his native land and seek
a home and a grave in the Western World. On
April 22, 1830, he, with his family, set sail on the
" Rodger Stewart," an American-built vessel which
had been captured by the British in the war of
1812. During the long voyage of six weeks and
four days, he kept a journal accurately recording
the incidents of each day, the condition of the
weather, etc. , and from this journal, still in exist
ence, we take the following:
"Friday, May 7, 1830.— It blew hard all last
night and the ship rolled very much. George
Young (George Y. Holmes, Sr.) was sent for a
little water. Standing beside Robert, the ship
gave a heavy roll. He ran to the lee side and
struck violently against the bulwarks, then fell
and gave a cry. Robert ran to his assistance and
found that his thigh bone, right leg, was fract
ured. After a good deal of trouble and delay, we
got it set and him put to bed in a small berth in
the poop of the ship. He was rather uneasy, rest
less and pained, but behaved very well. "
Early in the morning of May 13, the passen
gers were aroused from their sleep by the cry of
" Fire! " Mr. Holmes, in his journal, says: "When
the word was given ' The ship is on fire,' one gen
eral cry of agony and despair arose from the
women and children such as I never heard before
and I hope shall never hear again." The fire had
its origin in the cabin, and had gained consider
able headway before being discovered, but by the
combined efforts of crew and passengers the
flames were finally extinguished. The journal
continues: "And now that the danger is over,
ought we not to praise God for His goodness and
His works of wonder." The remainder of the voy
age was uneventful, and at length the " Rodger
Stewart" entered the harbor of New York. On
the day he landed Mr. Holmes wrote: "God's
mercies are indeed new unto us every morning, and

great reason have we to bless His name who has so
far guided us in our way."
^After securing comfortable rooms for his .family
in New York he presented letters of introduction
to Mr. Buchanan, British consul. This gentle
man received him cordially, and gave him a letter
to the governor of Upper Canada. Accom
panied by his son Robert, he set out on his mem
orable prospecting tour from New York to Albany,
thence to Buffalo, thence to Toronto. Here he met
the Governor and also a large land-holder, a
Scotchman, named Stevens, who made him a ten
der of 200 acres of unbroken timber land, but not
being entirely satisfied with Canada, they retraced
their steps, re-entering the United States at Niag
ara Falls. Thence they journeyed southward un
til they reached Claysville, Washington Co., Penn.,
and being well pleased with this section they de
cided to locate upon the farm now owned by Mr.
D. M. Campsey, one mile northwest of Claysville.
Mr. Holmes then returned to New York and
brought his family by water to Baltimore, Md.,
thence by road- wagon to the home which he had
provided for them, and where he expected to spend
the remaining years of his life. Two years later
he purchased for $1,000 the farm of 120 acres, now
owned by George Y. Holmes, Sr. Here he resided
until his death in 1847. In his younger days he
united with the Baptist Church in his native land,
and for more than twenty years was pastor of
the church in Saltcoats. After coming to America
he continued to preach to his friends and neigh
bors who would gather in the farm house on Sab
bath days. He had been well acquainted with
Sir Walter Scott, and through the reading of his
works and his conversation with the novelist him
self, he became imbued with the spirit of the anti
quarian; he gained possession of many rare coins,
of an old family Bible published in 1576, and of a
clock which is still keeping good time at the age
of one hundred and fifty years. His wife died in
1869 at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
At the death of his father, George Y. Holmes,
Sr. , purchased the homestead upon which he has
lived continuously for sixty-one years. Of the
Holmes family who emigrated to America in 1830,
he and his youngest sister, Mrs. Agnes J. Laird,
are the only living representatives. In 1846 he
married Elizabeth, second daughter of John Snod-
grass, and they had four sons and four daughters,
all of whom are still living. Mr. Holmes is the
only survivor of the fifteen Abolitionists of Done
gal township, who voted the Free-Soil ticket unlil
the formation of the Republican party. His life
has been quiet and uneventful. Following in the
footsteps of his father, he has been a consistent
member of the Baptist Church for many years.
Although not an ordained minister, he preached
for the churches of this denomination located at

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

371

North Wheeling, Buffalo, and Washington, Penn.,
and occasionally he occupies the pulpit of his pas
tor, Rev. S. L. Parcell, of the First Baptist Church
of Claysville, Penn. Since the death of his wife,
which event occurred June 20, 1884, Mr. Holmes
•has continued to reside upon his farm, which he still
superintends, although seventy-three years of age
and past active labor. Having inherited a love
for good literature, he is an indefatigable reader
of history, poetry and the better class of fiction.
Thus he is spending the declining days of his life
in peaceful enjoyment of comfortable circum
stances, the result of many years of care and labor.

J | AMES L. WELLS was a son of William
Wells, who came to Pennsylvania from Vir-
| ginia in 1800, and settled in Woodstock,
Ohio, in 1852, from whence he moved to'
Zanesville, where he died. William Wells
.was a Methodist' in religion, a Whig in politics,
and a chair maker by trade. His children were as
follows: sons — James L., Joseph, Dennis B.,
William, Benjamin and Westley; and his six
daughters were: Martha, Eliza, Christiana, Jane,
Matilda and Mary Ann. James L., the subject of
this sketch, was born June 26, 1815, in Williams
port (now Monongahela), Penn., where he passed
his early life.
He learned the brick and stone mason trade in
Pittsburgh, Penn., and possessing a natural in
clination for mechanical work became an expert
boat builder. Politically he was a leading mem
ber of the Whig and Abolition parties, having ma
terially assisted in the famous "Underground Rail
way. ' ' He was equally interested in educational
matters, and served as president of the school
board until the time of his death. When a young
man Mr. Wells was united in marriage with Mary,
daughter of Robert Mason, and their children
were Sarah F., William W., R. M., Julius L. and
Martha A. The father was a member of the Wes-
leyan Methodist Church until that organization
dissolved, when he became a zealous worker in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He died
in September, 1888, and was buried in the ceme
tery at California, beside his wife, who had been
laid to rest in 1 874, leaving a memory sweet with
the fragnance of every virtue.
Mr. Wells, in his younger days, was an active
and powerful man, and possessed the courage to en
gage in any honorable calling promising adequate
reward. He appears not to have started in life
with a desire to become rich, but simply with an
inflexible determination to achieve honorable inde
pendence, and that he succeeded none who knew
him will deny. If he possessed one characteristic
that dwarfed and overshadowed allothers,it was per
sonal independence — that trait in man's character

that forbids him to " crook the supple hinges of
the knee that thrift may follow fawning." From
early manhood he conformed his life to the teach
ings of practical Christianity by that open-handed
charity which brings hope and comfort to mis
fortune. His family relations were of the most
pleasing and agreeable character, and his cosy
home in Coal Centre (formerly Greenfield) marked
him as a man of taste, and an advocate of system
in all the details of life. In manner Mr. Wells
was serious; by some he was even regarded as
severe; yet beneath that thoughtful and meditative
exterior there was a stratum of quiet humor, which
came to the surface in conversation, and rendered
him a most agreeable and entertaining companion.
In the evening of his life, enthroned in the affec
tions of his children, and enjoying the well-earned
respect of his neighbors, Mr. Wells could review
the events of his long and busy life without a
blush. His son, R. M. Wells, M. D., tlje only male rep
resentative of the family now residing in Washing
ton county, is a well-known physician of Coal Cen
tre, of which place he is a native, having been
born there June 22, 1846.
Dr. Wells received his elementary education
in the public schools of Coal Centre, this county.
In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-seventh
Regiment, P. V. I., and served with the army of
the Potomac until the close of the war. He *
commenced the study of medicine in 1870. In
September, 1872, he began a course in the medical
department of the University of Pennsylvania, and
in 1874 entered the College of Medicine and Sur
gery at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution
he graduated. He first began to practice his pro
fession at Dawson Station, Fayette Co., Penn.,
later moved to Greenfield, now Coal Centre, and
in 1889 moved to Davenport, Iowa. In 1890 he
returned to his present home in Coal Centre (on ac
count of the ill health of Mrs. Wells), where he en
joys a large and constantly increasing practice.
On May 8, 1879, Dr. Wells was married to Susanna,
daughter of John Wood. His brothers, William
W. and Julius Lemoine, are in business at Mo-
line, Illinois.

OWDEN. The grandfather of the present
generation, John Cowden, was born in east
ern Pennsylvania of Scotch-Irish parents,
who had settled in the State several years
to his birth. He was united in marriage
Anna Sloan, and soon afterward moved to
Washington county. They settled on a farm in Mt.
Pleasant township, a part of the original George
Washington survey, where the remainder of their
lives was passed.
John Cowden, father of our subject, and son of

prior with

372

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

John and Anna (Sloan) Cowden, was born in Mt.
Pleasant township, this county, passing his boy
hood on the home place. In 1820 he married
Mary Kelso, also a native of this township. She
was a daughter of Mark and Martha (Ewing)
Kelso, natives of Allegheny county, Penn., who
came to this county in pioneer days and died here.
Mr. and Mrs. John Cowden began their wedded
life on the farm now occupied by their son Robert,
where the following children were born: Elizabeth,
Joseph (a farmer of Cecil township), Mark K. ,
Margaret B. (married R. B. Miller, of Canons
burg, and died in 1886), Jane, John, Robert and
Mary (widow of Rev. R. C. Welch, pastor of the
Buffalo U. P. Church; she is living in Philadelphia,
and has three sons: Robert Lincoln, a U. P. minis
ter, in Iowa; James M. , an assistant U. P. minis
ter, in Philadelphia, and John C, attending the
medical college at Philadelphia). Mr. Cowden
followed farming all his life. He was an active
Whig, and in church connection he and his wife
were members of the U. P. Seceder Church at
Hickory. He died in 1854, his wife in 1883.
Mark K. Cowden was born September 27, 1827,
on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, re
ceiving his education in the subscription schools of
the vicinity. In early life he was united in mar
riage with Jane, daughter of Andrew and Eliza
beth (Bell) Thompson, early residents of Chartiers
township. Mr. and Mrs. Cowden began life on
the farm where they yet reside. This contains 204
acres of well-cultivated land, and also a good gas well.
They also own about seventy- eight acres near Hick
ory and are interested in sheep growing. They
are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Cowden are: John (who
lives in Hickory, married to Elizabeth Boyce),
Thompson (living near Hickory, married to Sarah
McKnight), Elizabeth (residing in Houstonville,
wife of Harry McNary), Robert, William, Lida,Van-
Emmon, Mary (Mrs. Joseph Little, of Cecil town
ship), and Joseph Alexander (a farmer of Mt.
Pleasant township, married to Anna Cummins).
Mr. Cowden votes with the Prohibition party.
Robert Cowden was born November 10, 1835,
on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet
his home, and received a district-school education.
In 1859 he was united in marriage with Margaret,
daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Miller) Allison,
natives of Beaver county, Penn., who settled in
Mt. Pleasant township about 1855. To Mr. and
Mrs. Cowden children were born as follows:
Elizabeth (wife of John Peacock, of Houstonville),
John (deceased in his fifteenth year), Emma (wife
of Robert Smith, of Mt. Pleasant township), Mar
garet, Jennie A., Robert and Joseph, the four
last named living at home. The mother of this
family died in February, 1877, and on September
15, 1880, Mr. Cowden married Margaret McDon

ald, a native of Beaver county, Penn., to whom
one child, McDonald Cowden, was born. Mrs.
Cowden is a daughter of John and Margaret (Bar
clay) McDonald. Mrs. McDonald resided in
Washington county, prior to her marriage, after
which they settled in Beaver county, Penn., the
birthplace of Mr. McDonald. Both parents died
in that county, the mother passing away in 1887.
Robert Cowden inherited the old homestead of
260 acres, to which he has added about as much
by purchase, all being in a good state of cultiva
tion. He devotes considerable attention to stock,
raising a high grade of Black-top Merino sheep.
In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and in
church relations he and his wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church at Venice.

TlOHN COWDEN. The Cowden family have
t I long been identified with the well-known,
v_)\ energetic and successful pioneer settlers of
^ Washington county, Penn. The grandfather
of the present generation, John Cowden, was
born in eastern Pennsylvania of Scotch-Irish
parents, who had settled in the State several years
prior to his birth. He was united in marriage with
Ann Sloan, and soon afterward moved to Wash
ington county. They settled on a farm in Mt.
Pleasant township, on a part of the original
George Washington survey, and there the remain
der of their lives was passed.
Isaac P. Cowden was born in 1 798, in Mt.
Pleasant township, this county, where he grew to
manhood, and in 1823 married Esther Nelson,
who was born in 1799, on a farm in the same
township where their son John is yet residing.
Her father, James Nelson, was born in York
county, Penn., came to Washington county when
a boy, and, locating on the home farm in Mt.
Pleasant township, married Ann Duncan, and
passed the remainder of his life there. Mr. and
Mrs. Isaac Cowden first settled on a farm near
Hickory, this county, where children were born as
follows: Lillie Ann (wife of Robert Thompson, San
Jacinto, Cal.), John (Mt. Pleasant), Martha and
Margaret (residing in West Middletown) and
James (living in Sumner county, Kans.). The
parents were both members of the Mt. Pleasant U.
P. Church at Hickory. The father died in 1865,
and in 1877 the mother passed away.
John Cowden, son of Isaac and Esther Cowden,
was born October 23, 1827, in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county, and spent his youth on the old
homestead near Hickory, this county, receiving his
education in the subscription schools of the town
ship. In 1857 he married Louisa, granddaughter
of Joseph and Martha (Paden) Scott, and daugh
ter of Joseph Scott. The latter was born in the
year 1801, in York county, Penn., coming with

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

373

his parents when a boy to Hanover township, this
county. He there married Isabelle Nelson, and
settled on a farm in Hanover township, where he
died in 1872, the mother passing away in Septem
ber, 1886. Both were members of the Presbyte
rian Church at Florence, this county. They had
six children, four of whom are living, viz. : Louisa
(Mrs. John Cowden), William (a farmer of Beaver
county, Penn. ), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Dennis,
Wellsville, Penn.) and Joseph (residing on the old
homestead in Hanover township, this county).
John Cowden and his wife first settled on the
farm of 234 acres which they still own, and have
erected a comfortable dwelling. The following is
a brief record of their children: Isaac Patterson,
born November 25, 1859, married in 1883 Mary
Alice Guthrie, who bore him two children: Elmer
and Eiva (they reside in Chartiers township); Joseph
Scottj born May 29, 1861, is a farmer of Sumner
county, Kans., and was married, in 1891, to Miss
Maggie Williams; Mary Isabelle, born March 23,
1863, was married in 1882 to James Guthrie, a
carpenter of Canonsburg (they have two children,
Nora and Ellsworth); Esther Ann, born February
16, 1865, was married in 1885 to John S. Hutch
inson, a carpenter of Houstonville, and has two
children: Jennie and John Cowden; Lillie, born
November 23, 1866, died in March, 1871; James
Nelson, born May 30, 1868, is living at home;
William Anderson, born April 27, 1870, is also at
home; John Alexander, born November 3, 1873, is
residing on the home place. Mr. Cowden votes
with the Republican party. He and his wife are
both members of the United Presbyterian Church
at Venice, this county.

J| G. HANNA. There is no more piominent
figure among the prosperous citizens of In^
I dependence township than the gentleman of
whom we write. He is a son of Richard
Hanna, who was born in 1790, in County Down,
Ireland, but, when young, moved with his parents
to County Cavan. He learned the weaver's trade,
and, like many others of his young countrymen,
struggled heroically on until he saved enough to
pay his passage to America, the Mecca of all op
pressed and persecuted nations. In 1818 he em
barked from Dublin, but when only a few weeks
from shore, the ship sprang a leak. Hoping to
reach port before the vessel sank, the crew steered
for Cork, which was reached in time, and the pas
sengers (for some reason not being allowed to
land) were transferred to another ship bound for
Halifax. After a voyage of twenty-one weeks,
the good ship anchored at Halifax, where young
Hanna followed his trade for a short period; then,
as he had a distant relative in Washington county,

Penn., he decided to attempt the journey thither.
He had previously been employed at gathering
stones, for not being able to secure steady work at
his own trade, he accepted the only employment
offered, rather than wait idly for more suitable
work, willing to earn his bread in any honorable
manner. Would that some of our modern young men
would profit by the lesson of this life, so plainly
given iu the simple facts that no moral is needed
to point the application. Having very little money
with which to pay the expenses of a trip to Penn
sylvania, the sturdy young fellow invested his
small savings in goods, which he attempted to sell
on the journey to Washington county. This ex
periment, however, was only partially successful,
and only by the strictest economy did he succeed
in arriving at the end of his journey. He had
finally reached West Middletown, six miles from
his destination, when the soles of his shoes dropped
off, but he passed on to the one or two houses then
erected on the present site of Independence, where
his relative resided. The long, tedious trip was ac
complished, and the young traveler had just one
cent in his pocket as capital stock to invest in new
speculations. The reader who has followed the
history of this brave youth so far will not ask,
" did he despair?" Such men as he, like Wash
ington, turn even defeat to victory; not that brill
iant success immediately rewarded our heroic
young pioneer, for, on the contrary, he began
working as a farm hand at the very modest salary
of $4 per month, at which he continued during the
summer — in winter following his trade. Thus he
struggled on for some time, and, although his
small pile of savings did not increase with wonder
ful rapidity, each year some addition was made.
In 1830 he joined a party, going to Richland (now
Ashland) county, Ohio, and, upon his arrival there,
purchased 160 acres of land and began the hercu
lean task of clearing it, with his accustomed tire
less energy. In 1834 he selected a life companion
in the person of Mary Gregg, who was born in
1800, daughter of James and Elizabeth Gregg,
both natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who had
emigrated to America. Soon after their union, the
young couple returned to Washington county,
Penn. , locating about a mile south of Independ
ence, on a farm which became their permanent
home. Quiet and unassuming in manner, dislik
ing all forms of publicity, and finding his chief
happiness in home life* Mr. Hanna was yet a re
markably clear-sighted business man, by natural
and acquired gifts supplying the loss of a literary
education, and, working in the face of poverty and
against such odds, he conquered. At the time of
his death, Mr. Hanna owned an estate valued at
over $40,000, this vast accumulation being the

374

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

fruit of those early years of heroic self-denial,
toil and patient waiting. Politically he voted the
Democratic ticket, and in religious faith was, with
his wife, a member of the Associate Reformed
Church. He passed to his well-earned rest Jan
uary 15, 1872, being followed by the wife of his
youth, September 6, 1876. They left two chil
dren to mourn their loss: Elizabeth M. (Mrs. J. J.
Stewart, of Cross Creek township) and James G.
J. G. Hanna was born June 5, 1837, on the
home farm in Independence township. He re
ceived a common- school education, and afterward
attended one term at the Washington and Jeffer
son College. On February 26, 1861, he was united
in marriage with Mary A. McCreary, who died
July 19, 1865, leaving one daughter, Mary A.
(widow of John T. Liggett), born June 27, 1865
(deceased April 28, 1891). For his second wife
Mr. Hanna, on March 12, 1868, married Jane A.
Scott, born September 5, 1844, in Brooke county,
W. Va., daughter of John and Jane (Henderson)
Scott. This wife died April 16, 1881, leaving the
following children: Nettie Bell (Mrs. J. H Ander
son, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Albert M. (deceased),
Robert S. (deceased), a daughter deceased in in^
fancy, Josie G., Birdie V. and Mabel J., all living
at home. On January 3, 1883, Mr. Hanna made
a third matrimonial choice in the person of Me
lissa J. Welch, who was born .May -10, 1857,
daughter of James M. and Jane (Lee) Welch, of
Independence township. Two children were born
to this union, viz.: Jane L. and Richard W. (de
ceased in infancy). The mother died October 6,
1885, and on December 28, 1887, Mr. Hanna and
Margaret L. (who was born January 24, 1848,
daughter of Walter and Mary (Welch) Denny)
were united in marriage. To them one child, Mary
G., was born June 11, 1892. They now reside in
an elegant home on the border of the village of
Independence, one of the pleasantest locations in
Independence township. Soon after his first mar
riage Mr. Hanna located on a farm about a half
mile south of Independence, and successfully fol
lowed farming, moving to his present beautiful
home in 1868. He is a recognized leader in po
litical, business and religious circles, and has set
tled up various estates, including the valuable
property of his father. Although the Democratic
party, with which he affiliates, is in the minority
in Independence township, he has been elected to
various township offices of honor and trust, men
of both parties having voted for him, regardless of
political lines, and at the present time he is justice
of the peace. He and his wife are members of
the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a hearty
supporter, having served twenty years as secretary
of the church officers, and always contributing
liberally to the cause.

EORGE W. WHERRY is a grandson of
John Wherry, a native of Germany, who
when quite young came to Washington coun
ty, Penn. , where he married and reared the
following family : James, William, Eli, John
Ellen, Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret, all of whom
have passed away with two exceptions, William
and Mary, who are residents of Somerset town
ship, this county.
John Wherry, the third son of this family, was
born on the old homestead in West Bethlehem
township. He received a common- school educa
tion, and was a man of no little practical knowl
edge, also a successful farmer. He married Cath
erine Weaver, daughter of George Weaver, who
was one of the early settlers in West Pike Run
township. To this couple were born nine children
as follows: Emma, John, William, Elizabeth,
Eleanor, George W., Eli (married Sarah A. Greg
ory), Mary and James. Emma is the wife of
Samuel Grable, Washington county; John lives in
West Bethlehem township, and is married to
Elizabeth Bigler; William married Isadore Mat
thews, and lives in the same township; Elizabeth,
who married Uriah Hill, died in 1885, at the age
of thirty-six years; Eleanor married James Harvey
Hire, and lives in West Bethlehem township,
where Mary (Mrs. Henry Hathaway), Eli and
James (who married Nancy Grable) also reside.
George W. Wherry, son of John and Catherine
(Weaver) Wherry, was born August 9, 1855, in
West Bethlehem township, and spent his youth in
attending school, which was upon his father's
farm, and in assisting with the farm work. On
September 19, 1878, he married Lucy B., a
daughter of Jacob Myers, an early settler of West
Bethlehem township. To Mr. and Mrs. Wherry
have been born six children, viz. ; Grayson, born
April 2, 18 — (who died three days after birth);
Homer M., born November 27, 1881; Vernon G.,
born September 1, 1884; Warren J., born April
10,1887; Russell R., born May 27, 1890; and
Donna L., born October 14, 1892. Mr. Wherry
enjoys great popularity, and is considered one of
West Bethlehem's promising young farmers. He
is a stanch Republican, and takes an active in
terest in political questions. He resides on the
old homestead of Jacob Myers.

BANKHEAD BOYD was born in

* EV. County Derry, Ireland, in 1809, a son of
For a

\\\ Hugh and Elizabeth (Scott) Boyd.
\\ -^ brief period he studied the classics, and
v then with his father and mother came to
America in 1824. The family settled in the bounds
of the congregation of which afterward he became
the pastor. In 1829 he graduated at Jefferson

6

2^

Vg^

^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

377

College, Canonsburg. He studied theology the
required time (four years) in the Associate Theo
logical Seminary, also near Canonsburg, which in
stitution was then under the supervision of Rev.
James Ramsey, D.D. He was licensed to preach in
the summer of 1833, and was installed pastor of
the Seceder Church, Pigeon Creek, in July, 1834.
This relationship continued pleasant, useful and
unbroken till his death, February 2, 1860, cover
ing over a quarter of a century. As a sermonizer
he was clear and methodical, thus greatly aiding
the hearer in remembering the discourse. He
sustained every sentiment by Scripture testimony.
The doctrines he presented were strictly Calvin-
istic, and were highly calculated to make strong
Christians in faith and good works. He treated
sin, and especially Sabbath desecration, in a man
ner to convince the most callous of their dark aud
degrading character. As a pastor he was honest,
faithful, conscientious. On communion occasions
he very distinctly outlined the character of the
worthy partaker of the Lord's Supper. A warm
friend of the young, his instructions always
pressed them to walk in the ways of truth and
righteousness. Whilst it is true that "winter
storms and summer's thunder can not break the
sleep of death," yet with many in his old congre
gation and community his kind admonitions are
still fresh and impressive in their influence. As
the moderator of Session he was calm, decided
and ever ready to promote whatever would advance
the spiritual interests of his people. As a presby
ter he was esteemed a wise and safe counselor.
Possessing a cultivated and well-stored mind, he
was chosen a member of the board of managers of
the theological seminary already alluded to.
On March 7, 1838, Mr. Boyd was married to
Margaret, daughter of James and Abigail Hill
Thome, the former of whom was a member of Ses
sion for many years. Five children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Bankhead Boyd, viz.: (1) Hugh Wilson
Boyd, born December 16, 1840 (he graduated at
Jefferson College in 1863, completed his theolog
ical course in Allegheny Seminary, in 1868, and
same year was licensed to preach by Chartiers
Presbytery. As a licentiate he preached nine
months in different Presbyteries. WThile engaged
in his Master's work he contracted a cold which
ended in a severe hemorrhage and resulted in his
death June 12, 1869. " What I do thou knowest
not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" is the
Scriptural key that unlocks God's mysterious prov
idences). (2) James Thome Boyd, born in July,
1843, died December 22, 1861. (3) Robert Erwin
Boyd, born December 22, 1845, died May 18,1848.
(4) Lizzie Scott Bovd. born March 24. 1848, died
July 2, 1868. (5)" Abigail Thome Boyd is the
only surviving child, and is the wife of Carson M.
'Berry (a sketch of whom follows). They reside

in the old homestead, and are workers in the U. P.
Sabbath-school and congregation of Pigeon Creek.
The bodies of those that have bowed to the sum
mons of the Pale Messenger sleep in the beautiful
cemetery attached to this church.
[From the pen of Hon. John C. Messenger.

G ARSON M. BERRY represents a prominent
family of South Strabane township. His
i grandfather, William Gilmore Berry, was
born December 2, 1781, in Lancaster
county, Penn., which locality has been the home
of the family for many years.
The parents of William Gilmore Berry came to
Washington county when he was a small boy, and
he there grew to manhood, receiving a good educa
tion. In 1804 he was married to Jane McConnell,
who bore him children as follows: John (deceased),
William, Matthew, James, Mary (who died during
the winter of 1892-93), Elizabeth, Jane and Pru
dence (both deceased). Mr. Berry was among the
first to engage in raising fine-bred sheep, espe
cially the breed known as Black-Top. He first en
tered that business in 1821, and was afterward
recognized as a leading authority in that branch of
stock raising. In politics he was a Whig, and was
one of the most pronounced Abolitionists, taking a
prominent part in all political questions; he served
several years as a justice of the peace. For many
years he was a member of and ruling elder in the
Associate Reformed Church at Robinson' s Run, to
which he gave liberal support. In addition to
general farming, Mr. Berry was interested in a
flouring mill. About the year 1850 he retired
from active work, and took up his residence in
Canonsburg, where he died October 26, 1866; his
wife passed away February 25, 1848, and they are
both buried in Canonsburg U. P. Church ceme
tery, they having been members of that Church.
John Berry, son of William G. and Jane (Mc
Connell) Berry, was born in 1805 in Cecil town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., and received a com
mon-school education, to which he afterward
added a valuable store of general knowledge. He
was married in 1829 to Jane Eagleton, and the
following children were born to their union: Jane,
Rachel, William, John M. , David W. and Carson
M. Of these, John M. and David W. were mem
bers of Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth P.
V. I. ; David W. was mortally wounded at the
battle of Cold Harbor; John M. (still living) was
wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. After
his marriage Mr. Berry remained fourteen years in
Cecil township, and then removed to North Stra
bane township, where he engaged in farming and
stock raising, also managing a gristmill. His first
wife died in 1844, and, for his second, he in 1851
married Mary Barr, who bore him one son, Joseph

378

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(now deceased). In politics John Berry was a
Whig and Abolitionist always active in the inter
ests of his party. In religious connection he was
a member of the United Presbyterian Church at
Pigeon Creek.
Carson M. Berry was born December 22, 1843,
in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and
passed his youth at home and in Canonsburg, re
ceiving his education in the common schools. On
November 22, 1871, he was united in marriage
with Abigail Thome, daughter of Rev. Bankhead
and Margaret (Thome) Boyd. After marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Berry settled on the farm in South Stra
bane township where they now reside, and three
children have been born to them: Albert, Bank-
head and Lizzie. Mr. Berry is a prominent Re
publican, and in religious connection he and his
family are active members of the U. P. Church.

OBERT HAWKINS, born in Lancashire
County, England, in 1695, came to America
in 1715, and in 1716 bought a tract of land
of 100 acres of John Miles, of Baltimore
county, Md. , called "Margarets Mount,"
situated about eight miles from Havre de Grace,
Md., and near the waters of Deer creek, in what was
then Baltimore (now Harford) county, Md. In
1730 he bought another body of about 400 acres
adjoining the first, of a man named Wells. He
was married to Lydia Cruchet, of Anne Arundel
county, Md. , in 1739, and continued to live on his
estate to the extreme age of nearly one hundred and
six years, his death occurring November 5, 1801;
his will being made April 1, 1796, and approved
November 11, 1801. His wife Lydia died about
1805, aged eighty-five years. Robert Hawkins was
strongly opposed to England's unjust and arbitrary
control of the American Colonies, and prior to
the Revolution ardently advocated a separation
from the Mother Country. The writer has authen
tic information that during the war he gave over
£2,000 sterling to the support of the Amer
ican armies, and sent his three sons into the service
to battle for the cause of freedom, his second son,
Robert, Jr., dying in Washington's memorable
camp at Valley Forge; the other sons, Thomas and
Richard, remained in service until the close of the
war. Robert and Lydia Hawkins had three sons
(but no daughters), viz.: Thomas, born in 1741;
Robert, born in 1745, and Richard, born in 1748.
Robert, the second son, died while in the Amer
ican army, as above referred to; was a sergeant in
the Maryland line; and left a widow,' Elizabeth
(maiden surname unknown to writer), and one son,
also named Robert, who was born December 14,
1773. He inherited from his grandfather, Robert,
the remainder of the latter' s landed estate by will
approved November 11, 1801, which was in part

as follows, to-wit: "I will and bequeath to my
wife Lydia all my remaining landed estate during
her natural life, and then to go to my Grandson
Robert, son of Robert, Jr., deceased, and to his
heirs and assigns forever; my sons, Thomas and
Richard being provided for, etc. " The third Rob
ert Hawkins' wife was named Ann (maiden sur
name unknown to writer), who was born in 1777
and died November 28, 1862. Robert lived on his
farm in Harford county, Md., until his death March
7, 1847, leaving his estate by will to his children.
The children of Robert, and Ann Hawkins were
Elizabeth, Mary, John, William, and George. Of
these, Elizabeth married David Silvers; she died
November 13, 1853. Their home was in Harford
county, Md. Mary married John W. Hawkins, a
second cousin, of Columbiana county, Ohio; both
are still living. John lived on part of the original
tract in Harford county, Md., and died about
1880. William, born September 11, 1799, lived
on a farm near the old home (his wife's name un
known to writer); he died September 25, 1889.
His children were three sons: John S., born De
cember 22, 1841; William A., born March 5, 1843,
and Albert T. , born March 24, 1847, all now living
near Churchville, Harford Co., Md. John S. and
William A. served in the Federal army during the
late Rebellion, as members of the Sixth Maryland
Infantry. George, born March 11, 1809, died in
South America (date unknown to writer).
Richard, the third son of Robert and Lydia
'Hawkins, was born in Harford county, Md., in
1748, and lived on part of the original farm deeded
to him by his father June 10, 1777. He served in
the American army from 1778 until the close of
the war with England. The date of his death is
unknown to writer. He was married twice; his
first wife was Elizabeth Cox, who died a few years
after her marriage. By this marriage he had one
child, a daughter named Elizabeth, who married
Gregory Barnes, of Harford county, Md., where
they resided.
Elizabeth Barnes died in 1859. They had
twelve children, of whom only four survive, viz. : —
Mary, Hosea, James, and Robert A. Mary mar
ried a Mr. Bailey; she is now a widow living with
her family near the old Hawkins homestead in
Maryland, Hosea also living near; James lives in
Mahoning county, Ohio, and Robert A. is a resi
dent of Columbiana county, Ohio. Richard
Hawkins' second wife was Avarilla Durbin (the
date of her birth and death is unknown to writer).
Their children were: Robert, Thomas, Casandra,
Lydia, Hosea, Richard, John, Nancy and William.
Robert moved to Beallsville, Washington Co.,
Penn., and married Ruth, a daughter of his uncle
Thomas Hawkins; he lived on a farm and preached
for a congregation of the Christian Church, of
which he was a member; he died May 26, 1851, *

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

379

much lamented by the community. His wife Ruth
died April 15, 1843. Thomas settled near New
Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio; married  ¦ Mo-
sier, was a wealthy landowner, and lived to an
advanced age; he has many descendants living in
Columbiana, Stark and Trumbull counties, Ohio.
Casandra married Edward Courtney ; both are now
dead; they lived in Stark county, Ohio. Lydia
was married to three husbands — Vandegrift, Gal-
lion and Barbour — and survived them all; they
lived in Columbiana county, Ohio; she is now
dead, but left descendants who live in different
parts of the West. Hosea moved to Ohio, mar
ried, and his children and grandchildren still live
in Stark and neighboring counties of Ohio. Rich
ard also moved to Ohio; married Ann Touchstone;
is now dead; a large number of his descendants
still live in Ohio and other Western States. John
and Nancy remained in Maryland; John married
Mary Vandegrift, but the writer has no further
knowledge of his family. Nancy married George
Smith, of Harford Co. , Md., and lived near Church -
ville; both are now dead, she being ninety-eight
years old at decease; three of her children, viz.:
Samuel, George and Cassie M. , still reside near the
old homestead; another son, Robert, lives in Vir
ginia, and William, a minister, is in Tuscarawas
county, Ohio; other of her children left descend
ants. William died when a boy.
Thomas Hawkins the eldest son of Robert and
Lydia Hawkins, was born in 1741 in Harford
county, Md. , was married in 1763 to Sarah Har
grove, of Kent county, Md. ; she was born in 1747.
Thomas lived on part of his father's farm. In
1777 he joined the American army as a " sergeant
of the Maryland line," and remained in the army
until autumn of 1781, attaining the rank of lieu
tenant. Dnring the winter of 1781 he bought of
William Wilson, of Harford county, Md., a toma
hawk right to a tract of land of 220 acres on the
west side of the Monongahela river, now in the
borough of Beallsville, Washington county, Penn.
In the spring of 1782 he removed with his family
to this western Pennsylvania wilderness, to found
lor himself and children a new home; and here
surrounded by the original forest, and amid the
vicissitudes and climatic changes of a newly set
tled country; contending for supremacy with the
wild beasts, and subject to incursions from ma
rauding bands of Indians, he built his cabin; and
in the future saw his sons and daughters enjoy the
comforts he was so anxious to secure. The State
of Pennsylvania granted Letters Patent to Thomas
Hawkins for this tract of land called " Smithfield,"
and of the original tract the ownership to 182
acres has never changed in name, being still owned
by A. L. Hawkins, a great-grandson. Thomas
Hawkins died May 15, 1826; his wife Sarah died
April 15, 1827, and the remains of both lie in the

family graveyard on the farm. The children of
Thomas and Sarah Hawkins were: Absalom, Rich
ard, Lydia, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, William,
Thomas, Ruth and Ann.
Absalom Hawkins was born July 21, 1765; mar
ried Elizabeth Crawford, daughter of James Craw
ford, of Fayette county, Penn. ; Elizabeth was born
in 1779; he lived on the National pike, near Hills
boro in Washington county, Penn., owned a large
body of valuable laud, kept an old-time tavern,
and owned a number of slaves. His children were
John, Cynthia and Matilda. John and Cynthia
both died unmarried; Matilda married John Cooper
and a "daughter was born to them, named Sarah J.
The husband John Cooper having died, Matilda
married Thomas Howden, and both are now dead.
Sarah J. Cooper married a Mr. Bentley who is now
dead; she is still living near Monongahela, Wash
ington Co., Penn. Absalom Hawkins died July 6,
1839. Elizabeth, his wife, died March 19, 1824.
Lydia, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hawkins,
born March 2, 1773, married Joseph Fowler, of
Washington county, Penn. ; her children were Will
iam and Thomas H The writer has no knowl
edge of William. Thomas H. was a physician,
and practiced for many years at Beallsville, Penn. ;
was prominent in his profession; removed to Illi
nois in advanced years, and died there. Lydia
Hawkins Fowler died at Cadiz, Ohio (date un
known to writer). Elizabeth, daughter of Thom
as and Sarah Hawkins, born February 23, 1775,
married Alexander McCoy, and moved to a farm
near New Lisbon, Ohio. Both are now dead. (No
dates). Their children were: Thomas, Absalom,
Ruth, Sarah, Matilda, Eliza, Mary, and a daughter
whose name is unknown to the writer.
Mary, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Haw
kins, born November 25, 1776, died April 28,
1791. Sarah, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah
Hawkins, born February 26, 1779, died March 9,
1779. William, son of Thomas and Sarah Haw
kins, born November 23, 1780, was married to Ann
Mosier, who was born in 1784. He lived on a
farm adjoining the old homestead now in the
borough of Beallsville, Penn. ; was very successful
in breeding tine sheep, and was a highly respected
citizen; owned a large body of fine land; some
years after the death of his father owning the old
homestead. His children were: John, Susan, Sarah,
Mary, Catharine, Rebecca J. and Eliza. William
Hawkins died February 8, 1853 ; his wife, Ann, died
December 31, 1876. Thomas, son of Thomas and
Sarah Hawkins, born October 14, 1784, was mar
ried to Mary Mosier, who was born in 1794. He
owned 100 acres of the old homestead bequeathed
to him by his father. In 1833 he sold this land to
his brother William, and moved to Columbiana
county, Ohio, where he resided until his death,
February 5, 1868; his wife, Mary, died September

380

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

26, 1885. His children were: William, Noah, John,
Richard, Jonathan, Thomas, Samuel, James,
Mary Ann and George.
Ruth, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hawkins,
born July 6, 1789, married Rev. Robert Hawkins;
they lived in Beallsville, Penn. ; he was a minister
of the Christian denomination, was highly re
spected, and did much good in the community.
He died May 26, 1851; his wife Ruth died April
15, 1843. Their children were: Thomas, William,
Elijah, Gideon, Louisa, Mary, Richard, Avarilla,
Elizabeth and Robert. Ann, daughter of Thomas
and Sarah Hawkins, died when a child, caused by
a fall from a swing (date of birth and death un
known). Richard, the second son of Thomas and
and Sarah Hawkins, was born August 25, 1770, and
died February 6, 1856; he married on May 12,
1803, Cynthia, a daughter of James and Sarah
Crawford, of Jefferson county, Ohio; his wife,
Cynthia, was born February 8, 1786, and died
July 16, 1845. Born in Harford county, Md., he
at the age of twelve years accompanied his father
and family to the new home at Beallsville, Penn.,
and worked on the farm until his marriage, . when
he bought of his father 100 acres of his farm, and
remained there until the spring of 1814, when,
selling his land to his brother William, he bought
a farm of 415 acres on the North fork of Ten-Mile
creek in Greene county, Penn., about two miles
from its junction with the South fork at Clarks-
ville, Penn. He lived a peaceful yet active life
until old age grew on, when he relinquished the
cares of his farm to his sons, and spent the last
years of his life in quiet enjoyment. The children
of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins were: Absalom,
Elizabeth, James C. , Matilda, Sarah, Richard C. ,
Mary A., Casandra, Thomas H, William H., John
C. and an unnamed infant daughter.
Absalom, son of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins,
was born March 4, 1805, and died July 1, 1871;
married Lydia Nyswaner September 22, 1826, who
died in 1827, leaving an infant daughter named
Lydia A. , who was born June 16, 1827. She mar
ried Rev. A. H. Deaves, and died June 16, 1850,
without children. Absalom Hawkins married
Sarah Hawkins (second wife) July 11, 1833; she
was born July 26, 1806, and died December 29,
1892, without children. After his second marriage
he bought, of William Hawkins, the Hawkins
homestead, at Beallsville, Penn., and lived on it
until his death. He erected the commodious build
ings now on the farm, which were occupied by his
widow until her death. Elizabeth, daughter of
Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born April 8, 1807,
died January 27, 1859; married to Nelson Green
field, who was born February 15, 1832, and died
August 4, 1865. Three children were born of
this marriage, viz. : Crawford, Sarah A. and Cyn
thia H. Crawford, born February 24, 1833. died

July 15, 1834; Sarah A., born April 29. 1834,
died September 4, 1891 (she married Valentine
Crumrine, and left a family oi four children); Cyn-
thia H., born March 17, 1845, was married to A.
L. Hawkins, February 4, 1869.
Matilda, daughter of Richard and Cynthia Haw-
ins, born May 5, 1810, died April 15, 1886; mar
ried to Isaac Stull, a farmer of East Bethlehem
township, Washington Co., Penn., who died De
cember 26, 1889. Eight children of this family
are living. Sarah, daughter of Richard and Cyn
thia Hawkins, born November 1, 1811, died Sep
tember 1, 1883; married James S. Crawford, a
farmer near Beallsville, Penn., who died April 3,
1869. Three children of this family are living:
One son, Edwin E., died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb
ruary 12, 1863, a member of Company K, Fif
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Richard C, a son
of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born November
11, 1814, married Emeline, daughter of Frederick
and Elizabeth Wise, November 25, 1841; his wife
was born November 28, 1820; he is a farmer,
living near Jefferson, Greene county, Penn. ; both
are still living; they have a family of seven living
children, all married. Mary A., daughter of
Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born March 17,
1817, died August 9, 1884, unmarried. Casandra,
daughter of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born
January 17, 1819, died May 17, 1841; married to
Stephen Ulery. One son, Henry H., was born
May 1, 1841; he was drowned August 21, 1850.
Thomas H., son of Richard and Cynthia Haw
kins, born January 11, 1821,died January 25, 1892.
married Emily Parshall ; he lived on a farm near
Fredericktown, Penn. From this marriage nine
children were born, all living. William H, son
of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born August 10,
1823, died October 27, 1885, unmarried. John C,
son of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born De
cember 15, 1825, married Lizzie McMurray, June
8, 1882; no children; both still living, he owning
his father's farm in Morgan township, Greene
Co., Penn.
James C. , a son of Richard and Cynthia Haw
kins, born October 8, 1808, died January 15,
1891 ; married to Margaret, daughter of Frederick
and Elizabeth Wise, March 24, 1836. Margaret
(Wise) Hawkins was born October 2, 1818, and
died January 15, 1892. James C. was born on
the old Hawkins' homestead, near Beallsville,
Penn., remained there with his parents until 1814,
and with them moved to the new home on Ten-
Mile creek. He received a good common-school
education, and some additional training in a select
school at Beallsville, Penn. Until 1835 he fol
lowed teaching and farm work, and then purchased
a farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington
Co., Penn., known as the " Montgomery Patent,"
lying on the waters of North Ten-Mile creek, im-

ptyT^tsO

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

383

mediately adjoining the farm of his father. Soon
after his marriage, in 1836, he moved on this farm,
and carried on farming, sheep breeding, and the
carding of wool and fulling of cloth. For several
years he owned a general store in Clarksville,
Penn., and bought wool for the general market
for a number of years. He was successful in busi
ness, and retired in 1881 from active life (his sons
assuming his business cares), and moved to a
home opposite Clarksville, Penn., spending his
declining years in quiet comfort. He and his wife
were for many years members of the Baptist
Church; in 1849 he built a church on his farm,
and gave it a willing support, leaving by his will
a generous annuity to its pastor. He was benevo
lent, a promoter of public enterprise, and many
will remember his acts of charity. The children
of James C. and Margaret Hawkins were as fol
lows: Emeline W. , Absalom W. H., Cynthia A.,
Alex. L., Elizabeth W., James R. and William N.
Emeline W. , daughter of James C. and Margaret
Hawkins, was born May 3, 1837, died August 24,
1864; was married to Jackson L. Thompson June
26, 1862, and two daughters were born to them,
named Eldora and Ida, both of whom died in in
fancy. Absalom W. H., son of James C. and
Margaret Hawkins, born January 22, 1839, died
November 10, 1876, unmarried; he was graduated
from Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn. , in the
class of 1858, read medicine, graduating at the
University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in the
spring of 1861 ; was appointed by President Lin
coln an assistant surgeon of the U. S. navy in May
of 1861; in 1863 he was promoted past assistant,
and in 1864 full surgeon; he was a ripe scholar,
speaking and writing fluently, in addition to the
English, the French, German and Spanish lan
guages. On account of failing health he resigned
from the navy in 1866, and was killed by the cars
at Mansfield, Ohio. Cynthia A., daughter of James
C. and Margaret Hawkins, born October 7, 1841 ;
unmarried, and since the death of her parents has
been living with her brother, A. L. Hawkins. [A
sketch of Alexander L. Hawkins (the next in order
of birth), son of James C. and Margaret Haw
kins, appears further on.] Elizabeth W., daugh
ter of James C. and Margaret Hawkins, born Octo
ber 10, 1847, was married to John C. Sargent
October 7, 1875, and died July 26, 1877, leaving
a son, Harry H. , now in his sixteenth year. James
R. , son of James C. and Margaret Hawkins, born
October 3, 1852; was married to Decema Addle-
man, February 28, 1878, and has four children ; he
lives on a farm in West Bethlehem township,
Washington Co., Penn. , and is engaged in breed
ing horses.
William N., son of James C. and Margaret Haw
kins, born July 14, 1855, was married to Mary Ada
Farquhar February 16, 1881, who died February

26, 1893, leaving five children. William N. owns
and lives on the old farm of his father, on Ten-
Mile creek, Washington Co. , Penn. ; he is exten
sively engaged in breeding fine draft horses.
Alexander L. Hawkins, the subject proper of
this memoir, was born September 6, 1843. He
was educated at George's Creek Academy and
Waynesburg College, after which he taught school
two terms. On August 7, 1862, he enlisted in
Company K, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, fill
ing the various grades of non-commissioned officer
until the spring of 1864, when he was promoted
to first lieutenant; in the spring of 1865 he was
commissioned captain, and he was mustered out of
service January 21, 1866.
He participated in the battle of Antietam, Md. ,
and his regiment then being transferred to the
"Army of the Cumberland," he was with that or
ganization in its various engagements from "Stone
River, ' ' until the close of the war. After hostili
ties ceased, he served on the staff of Maj. -Gen.
Clinton B. Fisk until mustered out. In the fall
of 1866 he went into the drug business in Pitts
burgh, Penn., continuing for two years, when he
sold his store, was married and moved on a farm
in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co. ,
Penn. He was elected treasurer of his county in
1875, served as such during 1876, 1877 and 1878, and
then returned to the farm, where he still resides.
On January 1, 1877, Capt. Hawkins entered the
National Guard of Pennsylvania as captain of
Company H, Tenth Regiment; was with his com
pany during the riots at Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1877;
on February 27, 1879, he was elected colonel of
the regiment; re-elected February 27, 1884, and
re-elected February 27, 1889, and is still in com
mand, being now the senior colonel in the State.
He was with his regiment under the call of the
governor of Pennsylvania for three weeks in April
of 1891, during the labor strike in the coke regions
of western Pennsylvania; was in command of a
Provisional Brigade for a month during the strike
of steel workers at Homestead, Penn. , in July and
August of 1892.
The children of A. L. and Cynthia H. Hawkins
are: Clyde E., Jessie B. and Frank B. Of these,
Clyde E., born November 16, 1869, entered Wash
ington and Jefferson College, leaving at close of
sophomore year in spring of 1891; was admitted
as a cadet to the U. S. Military Academy at West
Point, N. Y., June 1, 1891, by appointment of the
Secretary of War, on recommendation of Hon. J.
W. Ray, member of Congress from the Twenty-
fourth District of Pennsylvania, and he is still
there. Jessie B., born June 29, 1871, attended
Beaver College, at Beaver, Penn., for one year;
entered the sophomore class of the Western Female
Seminary, Oxford, Ohio, in September, 1890, and
is now in the class to graduate June 8, 1893.

384

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Frank B., born July 14, 1874, is now in the fresh
man class of Washington and Jefferson College.
While none of the Hawkins family have attained
distinction, it is a matter of pride that from Robert,
the founder of the family in America, through the
generations to the present, they have been quiet,
law-abiding patriotic citizens, and all loyal to their
Country.

THE HALLAM FAMILY. The Hallums de
scended from the middle classes of England,
the family there embracing the historian
and the poet. From here are descended
Governor Helm, of Kentucky, Secretary
Bristow, of President Grant's cabinet, President
Polk and a long roster on both sides of the waters,
who have never broken through the veil of honest
obscurity. " Hallam is the proper way to spell
the name. The substitution of the 'u' instead of
' a ' in the last syllable is a corruption growing out
of the freedom incident to backwoods life, and Re
publican simplicity, where heraldry is lost in the
common level. ' '
About 1770 two brothers, William and Henry
Hallam, cut off from ancestral inheritance by the
laws of entail and primogeniture, sought to lay
foundations by their own enterprise in a field of
more promise and a wider range than England ex
tended to the portionless scions of her gentry and
nobility. Imbued with the broadest spirit of re
ligious toleration, so deeply rooted in the institu
tions of Maryland, they first located in Hagerstown,
in that colony. Both married and became heads
of families. Henry settled in Virginia, William in
South Carolina, and there became one of the larg
est planters of his day. Both adhered to the fort
unes of the colonies, and became Revolutionary
soldiers. William was captured at the battle of
Germantown, October 4, 1777. The British officer,
to whom he was delivered after capture, insulted
him and slapped him in the face with his sword,
but paid the penalty of his temerity with his life,
for the brave cavalier shot him dead instantly, and
made good his escape. After peace was declared
he settled in South Carolina. He was a cultured
gentleman of the old- school brood, enlightened and
liberal, and in his will cut through the laws of
primogeniture and divided his property equally
among a large family of sons and daughters.
In that tide of emigration which came pouring
its westward flood across the Alleghanies after the
Revolution came William, Henry, John and Andrew
Hallam, to the frontier settlement of Tennessee in
1795, and they settled on the historic Cumberland,
in what is now designated as Smith county, Tenn.,
all sons of Henry, the Revolutionary sire; and with
them came Rachel, daughter of William, the
soldier, and wife of her cousin William, the

pioneer. All were possessed of courage and marked
individuality of character, and all were stanch
friends and supporters of Gen. Jackson. De
scended from these brothers may be here men
tioned, prominent of the present generation, Sena
tor Hallam, of Kentucky; John Hallam, the jurist
and historian, of Arkansas, and a long iist of emi
nent lawyers, doctors and divines, besides others
previously referred to.
Joseph Hallam (grandfather of the Hallam
brothers in Washington), who was descended from
the Hagerstown branch, was born on the farm now
owned by John G. Clark, of Franklin township,
Washington county. His parents had come hither,
bringing slaves with them, and died in this county.
Joseph entered the hotel business and became pro
prietor of the old "Valentine House" (now the
" Allison"), and died in the borough of Washing
ton. He was married in Washington county to a
Miss Zediker, and they reared a family of children
as follows : Lewis, father of the Hallam brothers of
Washington; John, living in South Strabane town
ship, this county; George, deceased; Joseph, who
allied himself with the Confederates, and remained
in the South; Levina, deceased wife of William
Wolf; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James McGui-
gan, also deceased; and Mrs. Hamilton Todd,
of Richmond, Ind.
Lewis Hallam was a blacksmith by trade, and
ran line teams over the National pike from Balti
more to the Ohio river, for the transportation of
merchandise, and owned some of the finest teams
that ever traveled over the road. He married
Rosanna Teagarden, of West Finley township,
and they then took up their home in Washington.
They reared a family of eleven children, namely:
Levina, wife of George H. Thurston, of Washing
ton; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Hon. J. S. Stock
ing; Sophia, widow of George E. Parshall, of
Washington; Joseph ; George T. ; Rosanna, at home;
Lewis F. ; Finley B. ; John W. ; Charles F. ; and
Robert H, all in Washington. The seven brothers
in this family comprise the firms of ' R. T. Hal
lam & Sons, general contractors; Hallam Bros.,
proprietors of livery and dealers in ice, etc; Fin
ley B. Hallam, attorney at law; and Robert H.
Hallam, merchant. On November 27, 1876, the
father died. At the breaking out of the Civil war
he closed his business in Washington and took up
the manufacture of wagons for the National Gov
ernment in Wheeling, W. Va. At the close of the
struggle he returned to Washington and again
built up a large business. He was originally a
pronounced Whig, Abolitionist, and later a Re
publican, but was never an active politician. After
his death, his widow, with her sons, continued the
business until in August, 1891, when she passed
from earth.
Finley B. Hallam was born November 25, 1856,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

385

at Monongahela, Penn., where his parents were
living at the time. He was educated at the com
mon schools up to eleven years of age, and then
became a clerk at the old news depot for his
brother-in-law, J. S. Stocking. He carried a news
route and learned telegraphy, the old Pacific &
Atlantic Telegraph office being in the same room.
J. S. Stocking was the manager, but Finley B. in
reality managed the business. After a time he
gave up telegraphing, and took the position of line
man, repairing lines half way from Washington to
Pittsburgh and Wheeling and Brownsville. He
continued in this until the absorbing of the
business by the Western Union. He had made up
several studies while working, and after ceasing
lineman's work he entered (1873) Washington and
Jefferson College. Here he remained a short time,
and then was with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company, as telegraph operator, at Sandpatch,
Connellsville, Broadford and Pittsburgh, in a few
months reaching the management of the last office,
the most important on the road. Two years later
he returned and entered the class of 1879 as Fresh
man, he having made up studies, and at the com
pletion of the year, his funds being gone, he
resumed telegraphy. Going to the upper oil
country, he took a position in the office of the
superintendent of the Columbia Conduit Pipe Line
Company, at Petrolia, filling also a temporary
charge of the Pittsburgh and Parker office, of same
line. In the winter of 1876-77 he left the Colum
bia Conduit and entered the service of the United
Pipe Line (Standard), taking charge of a large
pump station at North Washington, Butler county;
there he remained a short time, and then went, in
the spring of 1877, to the Argyle Pump station,
at Petrolia. As the result of the absorption by
the "United" of Antwerp, Atlantic and others, in
Clarion county, he went to St. Petersburg (same
county), headquarters for that district, first as
telegraph operator, and then as bookkeeper for the
same company. A few months later he was made
chief bookkeeper, of eight or ten men. In the
summer of 1878, in consequence of the exceptional
growth of the Bradford field, the work became too
heavy for one office, and so the Bradford field was
cut in two, and the headquarters of the second
division were made at Olean, N. Y., near the Penn
sylvania line.. Mr. Hallam was then called by the
general manager of the line to take control of the
Olean headquarters, having exclusive charge of all
accounts, with a large force of assistants. While
his promotion was exceptional, he was the young
est bookkeeper in the business. Having saved
sufficient money to see himself through college,
and having kept up his reading and study, he re
signed his position in the fall of 1878, returned
to college, entering the sophomore class, and fin
ished with the class of 1881. He led his class, but

from some cause, first honor was not awarded him,
though second honor was offered him, which he
declined to accept, feeling that he deserved first.
He was given the salutatory address, but declined
to make it, and was consequently suspended for
insubordination, his diploma and degree being
withheld. A man high in college affairs said to
Mr. Hallam: " While first honor had by accident
been nominally awarded to another man, yet your
classmates, the faculty and everybody connected
with the college will ever regard you as first-honor
man of the class of 1881."
His funds again gone, and the Mutual Union
Telegraph Company having extended a new enter
prise in competition with the Western Union, Mr.
Hallam was offered by the officials the position of
electrician and circuit manager with control as su
perintendent from Cumberland, Md., to Cincinnati,
Ohio, with electrical headquarters at Washington,
Penn. Here he remained fifteen months, when he
was called to Washington, D. C, and placed in
charge of the company's affairs there, and all
points from Philadelphia to Cincinnati. He re
mained during the celebrated strike of commercial
telegraphers, at the termination of which he re
signed his position, gave up the telegraph busi
ness, and resumed the study of law at Washington,
Penn., which he had incidentally pursued while in
college. He was admitted to the bar of Washing
ton county, November term, 1884, and has since
continued in practice, his office being in the Mur
doch Building. In January, 1885, oil developed,
and he engaged in the oil business, leasing many
fields, and drilling many wells. He was one of the
plaintiffs in the equity suit against the Union Com
pany et al., for the oil rights of the Davis property
in South Strabane township, which produced
$1,000,000 worth of oil, and which suit is still
pending. In the oil business of Washington county,
he was in a company composed of leading and
wealthy business men.
Politically Mr. Hallam has been a worker in the
Republican ranks since a boy, working for his
party earnestly; was secretary of the county com
mittee in 1891, and contributed much in time and
money to the success of his party nominees. In
1892 he was candidate for the office of district at
torney in Washington county, but the nomination
was given to Mr. W. S. Parker, who had served
one term. By the House of Representatives of
Harrisburg (of 1891 to 1893) Mr. Hallam was
elected transcribing clerk of the House, which po
sition he held to the close of the session.
In December, 1890, Finley B. Hallam was mar
ried to Miss Rosa Alba, daughter of Dr. Charles
Teagarden, of Tyler, Tex. Her grandfather, Dr.
Oswin Teagarden, a double cousin of the mother
of Finley B. Hallam, her husband, was general
purchasing agent of medical stores for the Southern

386

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Confederacy, and his most intimate associates and
friends were Jefferson Davis and Senator Reagan.
Mrs. Hallam' s mother was Florence Johnson,
daughter of Dr. Johnson, of a well-known Southern
family whose ancestry is traced to Dr. Samuel
Johnson, the first of all lexicographers. No chil
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hallam.
John W. Hallam, general contractor, Washing
ton, was born in that borough, February 24, 1859.
At the age of ten years he commenced work as a
clerk in a clothing store in his native city, where
he remained until he was fifteen years of age, when
he embarked for his own account in the general
grocery business, being at that remarkably early
age proprietor of a store in the borough for about
three years. At the end of that time he sold out,
and traveling South and West, spent a year from
home. At the age of twenty years he began tak
ing upon himself the responsibility of accepting
contracts for various improvements in and about
Washington, which was the nucleus to his present
extensive business in that line. His brother had
united with him, and since 1887 the firm name has
been " R. T. Hallam & Sons," John W. being
general manager and principal of the establish
ment. The line of work engaged in has been
chiefly stone foundations, paving, sewer building,
etc. , and no firm in Washington county is better
or more favorably known than this one for thor
ough and reliable work. During the year 1891
they contracted for and completed some 49,000
square yards of street paving, 30,000 feet of curb
ing and nine miles of sewers in the borough of
Washington, besides some 5,000 yards of paving
in Monongahela, amounting in all to over $200,000
of work.
On February 25, 1887, Mr. Hallam married
Miss Katie H. , daughter of  and Rebecca
Brady, of Washington, and one son, Harold Her
bert, has blessed this union. Mr. Hallam is a Re
publican, and has for six years served as a mem
ber of the borough council, his first election to any
office being when he was but twenty-two years of
age. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. H. and
Jr. O. U. A. M. He has taken an active interest
in all movements tending to the advancement of
his native town, and has served as one of the di
rectors of the Chamber of Commerce of Washing
ton. As a man of thorough business principle, he
is respected by all who know him, and of his per
sonal habits it may be said of him that in no form
does he use tobacco, and never during his life has
he tasted liquor of any kind.
Robert H. Hallam, merchant tailor, Washing
ton, is a native of the borough, born July 24,
1865. His education was obtained at the public
schools of the place, after which for six years
he clerked for Thomas Morgan, dealer in dry
goods. In 1888 he opened out a merchant tailor

ing and gents' furnishing establishment in Oak
Hall, No. 20 North Main street, Washington
which establishment is allowed to be the best in
the place, in that particular line. Mr. Hallam
is one of the enterprising business men of Wash
ington, wide-awake and progressive. In politics
he is a live, active Republican. In church mat
ters he is an Episcopalian ; socially he is a mem
ber of the I. O. H. He lives at the old Hallam
homestead on East Beau street.
Lewis F. Hallam, a member of the well-known
livery establishment of Hallam Bros., at Wash
ington, was born February 28, 1855, in Washing
ton county, Penn. He learned and followed the
blacksmith's trade for several years, then drove
teams, and in 1878 embarked in the ice business,
shipping from Wheeling, W. Va. On February 7,
1878, he was united in marriage with Jennie,
daughter of Hugh Hallam, of Washington county,
Penn., and she has borne him four children, as
follows: Garnet, Jay, Opal and Baby. In 1880
Mr. Hallam opened the livery establishment, which
has been most prosperous, and he has also been
interested in oil wells, besides carrying on a busi
ness in sand and stone. In political opinion he is
a stanch supporter of the principles embodied in
the Republican party, and socially he is a member
of the I. O. H.

DONALDSON FAMILY. A biographical rec
ord of the pioneer residents of Washington
/ county would be incomplete, were not prom
inent mention made of the Donaldson fam
ily of Robinson township, who have been intimately
connected with every movement tending to the ad
vancement of the interests and welfare of the com
munity at large. The first member of this prominent
family, of which we have a record, was one James
Donaldson, who came from Ireland to America in
early pioneer times. He settled on a farm in Wash
ington county, and accumulated considerable prop
erty. He left the following children: Thomas,
Andrew, John, Richard, and four daughters, the
names of two of them being Elizabeth and Jane.
Andrew Donaldson, the second son in the above-
named family, was born in 1789, and reared in
Washington county, attending school at the log
schoolhouse with its slab benches, puncheon floor,
greased paper in lieu of window panes, and other
primitive contrivances which served to answer the
purposes of our modern articles of school furni
ture. In early manhood he married Miss Jane
McBurney, who was born May 23, 1793, daughter
of John McBurney, a resident of this county. They
began wedded life on a farm located midway be
tween Bavington and North Star, where they lived
about twenty-nine years and reared children as
follows: Sally, Jane, Mary Ann, Elizabeth

<^2^^d^ Jh^i^isu^us^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

389

(deceased), Esther (deceased), James, John M. , Mar
garet, Thomas and one deceased in infancy. Andrew
Donaldson was a counselor and adviser of the
Democratic party, and held several township of
fices. In religious faith he was for many years a
member and ruling elder of the Associate Reformed
Church, which afterward became a part of the
Robinson United Presbyterian Church. He died
in 1843, in his fifty-fourth year, deeply mourned
by the entire community.
James Donaldson was born October 25, 1828, on
the old homestead in this county, receiving in the
country schools the basis of an education which he
afterward acquired by private study of all availa
ble and useful books. On March 27, 1851, he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bigger
(also a resident of this county), born October 25,
1826, a daughter of Samuel Bigger, whose father,
Thomas Bigger, came from Ireland in early pio
neer days. James and Elizabeth (Bigger) Donald
son after marriage settled on the Crawford farm,
where they still remain. They have had children
as follows: Andrew, Samuel Bigger, Jane E.,
Thomas R., Matthew J. and John M., of whom
Samuel B. is married to Miss Jean Newell, daugh
ter of Rev. John Newell, D. D., of Allegheny
county, Penn. Mr. Donaldson has been a very
successful business man, for one who began life in
comparatively ordinary circumstances, and he now
owns over 230 acres of very fine land, upon which
a beautiful dwelling has been erected. He is an
ardent member of the Democratic party. He was
the candidate of the Democratic party for Assem
bly: first in 1868, and was defeated by fourteen
votes; again, in 1872, he was candidate of same
party for same office, but was again defeated, his
District being largely Republican. It may be here
added that at the time Mr. Craig was nominated,
Mr. Donaldson's name was selected by the confer
ees of his own county in connection with the nom
ination for Congress, but he refused to allow it to
go before the meeting of conferees, whereupon Mr.
Craig's name was selected and made the unanimous
choice of the convention. He has served many
years as justice of the peace, and has held several
township offices. Being a popular and much re
spected citizen, a genial gentleman and sympa
thetic friend, Mr. Donaldson is frequently asked
for counsel and advice by many of his acquaint
ances. He possesses deep religious views, a strong
personality, and has been a consistent member and
liberal supporter of the Robinson United Presby
terian Church.
John M. Donaldson was born July 25, 1831, on
the farm of his father, and grew to manhood, as
sisting with the farm duties. In 1855 he was mar
ried to Miss Martha M. Bigger, and then settled
on the farm where they are now living, which in
-connection with 109 acres presented to them by

Mrs. Donaldson makes them a home of 279 acres.
To this union the following children have been
born: Andrew, born February 18, 1856; JaneM.,
born August 20, 1857; Thomas B., born July 28,
1859; Sarah C, born April 16, 1861; Mary E.,
born January 28, 1864; Emmett T. (deceased),
bprn August 26, 1865 ; Elizabeth H. , born March
3, 1867; James W., born February 16, 1869; Mar
garet B., born February 23, 1870; Richard M.,
born April 27, 1873, and Holland H., born August
16, 1876. In politics Mr. Donaldson has always
been a strong member of the Democratic party,
and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce. He has
been an active worker and elder in the United
Presbyterian Church for twenty-five years, and is
a citizen of whom any community might well be
proud.

1/ TfAMILTON McKINNEY BELL, usually
YrrA known as " H. K. Bell," is one of the most
[I I successful farmers and business men of
Jj -* Morris township, Washington county. Hara-
~ ilton Bell (great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch) emigrated from Ireland to America
some years prior to the Revolutionary war. His
son Hamilton (whose commission is still in the
possession of his grandson, Hamilton McKinney)
was an officer in the Revolutionary army; he mar
ried Miss McKinney, a Scottish lady. Both father
and son died of yellow fever in 1808.
Raphield Bell, father of Hamilton McK. Bell,
was born March 7, 1807, in the same house where
his ancestors died, in Buffalo township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., on the farm now owned by Thomas
Boone. His school advantages were very limited,
but by perseverance he managed to secure a fair
education for that period, and he subsequently
taught school. He learned the trade of a mill
wright, and for some time owned and managed the
"Graham Mill," now known as the "Hague Mill,"
in Buffalo township. He was married to Margaret
Woods (born May 15, 1814), of Washington county,
Penn., daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret Welch
Woods, both natives of Ireland, the former of
whom was a soldier in the war of 1812. Raphield
and Margaret (Woods) Bell had eight children, of
whom the following is a brief record : Hamilton
McKinney is the subject of this sketch; Eliza Jane
is the wife of James Patterson, of Peters township,
this county; Sample Swaney is an invalid, having
been injured at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, and is
now residing in Claysville, this county; Hazlett
M is an undertaker in Finleyville, Union township,
Washington county (was wounded at Chancellors
ville, May 3, 1863, by the explosion of a shell);
Joseph Thompson is a carpenter, residing in Clays
ville; R. T. and James M. are millwrights, both
also being residents of Claysville; Theodore Fre-

390

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

linghuyson died February 20, 1849, aged one year
and nineteen days. The father died August 15,
1872, aged sixty-five years, five months and eight
days, and the mother September 30, 1834, aged
forty years, four months and fifteen days.
Hamilton McKinney Bell was born May 30,
1837, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn.,
near the route of the Hempfield Railroad, now
called the Wheeling and Pittsburgh Division of
the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. In early life he
had learned of his father the trade of a millwright,
and from 1853 to 1855 he conducted a grocery
store at Ewings Mills, in Chartiers township, now
called "Meadow Lands." After leaving the gro
cery business Mr. Bell began to learn more thor
oughly his trade, and followed the business of
millwrighting until his enlistment, August 22,
1861, at Wheeling, W. Va., in Company B, First
West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry (for three years
or during the war; but he served his country three
years and five months on his first enlistment), which
was led by Capt. Farabee, subsequently by Capt.
H. P. Boon; said company was composed princi
pally of men from Washington and Greene coun
ties, Penn. Our subject was a duty sergeant at
the organization of said company, and was pro
moted to commissary-sergeant and afterward to
quartermaster-sergeant. He was mustered in at
Camp Carlisle on the island in the Ohio river,
Wheeling, W. Va. , and took part in several battles,
among which may be mentioned Blumery Furnace,
Winchester, Port Republic, second Bull Run, and
several other engagements; was taken prisoner at
Berlin, Penn., June 30, 1863, by the Seventeenth
Virginia Confederate Cavalry, and from there was
taken to Gen. Early's headquarters in Berlin,
where he was questioned by the General concern
ing the past and present movements of the Fed
erals ; but true to the country which was dearer to
him than liberty or life, the brave soldier turned a
deaf ear to all questions of the Confederate leader,
only replying: "I am not commanding the army
of the Potomac." He then asked the General if
he knew the nature of the oath a United States
soldier was required to take, to which the latter
replied that he did. Mr. Bell then remarked to the
General that it was not befitting either a gentleman
or a soldier to endeavor to get a prisoner of war to
perjure himself by giving the enemy any intelli
gence of the movements of an army that he knew '
of ; whereupon Gen. Early said: "I will not ask
him any more questions." Mr. Bell was then
turned over to the Fifth "Louisiana Tigers," and
while a prisoner h© witnessed the three-days' fight
at Gettysburg, employing his time during the first
day in helping to dress the wounds of his fellow-
prisoners and directing them to hospitals. On the
evening of the third day of the battle, he, with
about fourteen hundred other prisoners, was sent

under a flag of truce to Carlisle, Penn. , arriving
within our lines July 4; thence went to parole
camp at West Chester, Penn., on July 5, 1863, and
finally to Camp Stoneman to be remounted and
equipped for duty. He was honorably discharged
January 21, 1865, and returning home settled in
Prosperity, Morris township, whither he had come
prior to his enlistment. Here he resumed his
trade of a millwright, but was soon compelled to
abandon it on account of ill health, having con
tracted asthma during the war. On June 3, 1868
Mr. Bell was united in marriage with Miss Eliza
beth Ann, daughter of Simeon McClain, of Frank
lin township, this county, who was a son of John
McClain, Esq. , and brother of James McClain and
John McClain, Jr.
Mr. Bell has been for the past twenty five years
engaged in the banking and money-loaning busi
ness, in which he has been successful. He is
temporarily residing on his Highland farm, on the
road leading from Prosperity to Sparta, in Morris
township, Washington Co. , Penn. In politics he
is a war Democrat, and with his wife is an active
member of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Ten-
Mile.

S. H. KEYS, M. D. , the oldest practicing
physician in Monongahela, traces his line
age to Hibernian ancestry. His grand
father was born in Ireland, and in an early
day set sail for the New World. After ar
riving in America he located permanently on a
place now known as the Miller farm, near Bealls
ville, Washington Co. , Penn. Politically he voted
with the Democratic party, and in religion was a
member of the Episcopal Church. His children
were Andrew, Thomas and Hugh.
Hugh Keys was born in 1790, in the "Emerald
Isle, ' ' and with his parents came to America where
he learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1810 he was
married to Elizabeth Irwin, a native of Maryland,
whose parents died when she was very young. The
newly wedded couple first located in Baltimore,
Md., then moved to Hillsborough, Washington
Co., Penn. , where he conducted a hotel for many
years. He finally moved to Fayette county, Penn.,
and there followed his trade for several years. He
was actively identified with the Democratic party,
and held various local offices, having in 1840 been-
elected canal commissioner under Van Buren,
which position he held until his death. He was a
leading member of the Episcopal Church. He died
in October, 1841, his widow on January 23, 1886,
in her ninety-sixth year. They were the parents-
of the following children : Mary, wife of James
Thompson, of Beallsville; William; Margaret,
married to R. S. H. Henderson, of Lawrence coun
ty, Penn. ; Andrew, in Fayette county; Sarah,.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

391

married to Nelson Randolph, also of Fayette
county; John; Christian; George; James; Hugh;
R. S. H. and Thomas, all now deceased except
Andrew and R. S. H.
Dr. R. S. H. Keys was born March 12, 1832, in
Fayette county, Penn. When twelve years of age
he left home, first entering the general merchandise
store of E. C. Roddy, in Upper Middletown, Fay
ette county, and then worked for his brother, John
Keys, M. D. , at Bentleyville, Washington county,
remaining there several years. He finally entered
his brother's office, and after studying medicine
and dentistry for about seven years, took his
brother's place. On August 23, 1856, Dr. Keys
married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Julia
Holland, of Bentleyville, and continued to reside
in Bentleyville until 1862. He was then commis
sioned lieutenant of Company D, Twenty-second
Pennsylvania Cavalry, and went to West Virginia
and the Shenandoah Valley, but returned to Bent
leyville the same year. In the spring of 1863 he
came to Monongahela, where he has since followed
his profession with eminent success. He is a
stanch advocate of the principles embodied in the
Democratic party, and has served as a member of
the school board of the city. In religious faith he
is a member of the Episcopal Church. To his
marriage with Elizabeth Holland the following
children were born: Julia, wife of George R.
Smith, of San Francisco, Cal. ; Lizzie, wife of
Charles Oldfield, also of San Francisco; Harry K.,
in the West; John, a boatman on the Monongahela;
Vol. O., Catherine and Sophia, all three deceased;
and James Stockdale, at home. The mother of
this family died September 6, 1881, and for his
second wife Dr. Keys married, June 6, 1883, Mrs.
Emeline Howe (a native of Monongahela), widow
of Maj. S. B. Howe (to whom she was married in
1864), and daughter of Ira R. Butler, of Carroll
township, this county. Maj. S. B. Howe was a
native of Washington county, Penn. , born May 2,
1835, was educated in California, same county,
and there learned the trade of brick molding,
which he followed several years. He served dur
ing the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in the
First West Virginia Veteran Cavalry at its organi
zation, and was soon promoted to second lieutenant
and captain, respectively, in which latter rank he
distinguished himself in many hard-fought battles
of the years 1863-64. In the campaign of 1864
he was selected and detailed by Gen. Averill to
command the company of scouts, in which capacity
he performed some of the most daring exploits of
the war, and received the highest encomiums from
the commanding general. In February, 1865, he
was commissioned major, and immediately, in
command of the First Regiment West Virginia
Veteran Cavalry, started on the great raid of Gen.
Phil. H. Sheridan up the Shenandoah Valley and

to the James river. After this historic event he
performed, among other prodigies of valor and
generalship, at Little Sailor's creek, an important
part, his brigade making the best and most success
ful charge of the war, capturing Gen. Ewell and
his entire corps, cannon, battle-flags, etc. ; in
fact, it is said of him that he was "second to no
regimental commander. ' ' At Appomattox Court
house, April 8, 1865, he was killed at the close of
that obstinate engagement, at the hour of mid
night, whilst gallantly leading his regiment in his
final charge, and the following day Gen. Lee sur
rendered. Dr. Keys now confines himself to city practice,
and at special points on the line of railroad, hav
ing practically retired from country work, it being
too fatiguing. He is a Knight Templar.

+/

It JIfISS NANCY SHERRARD, for nearly
x/A twenty years principal of the Washington
XI I (Penn.) Female Seminary, is a native of
^ Ohio, born in Jefferson county. Her
parents were Robert A. and Jane Sher-
rard, the former of whom was well known in the
community in which he lived, and was noted for
his upright character and earnest convictions of
duty, the latter a woman of much strength of char
acter. From both parents Miss Sherrard inherited
strong religious impressions, which have always
been carried into her life. After attending the
public schools of her native county, she entered
the Steubenville (Ohio) Female Seminary in 1847,
and was graduated from that institution in 1851.
After an extended experience as a teacher in
seminaries and other excellent schools, she was,
in 1874, elected principal of the Washington
Female Seminary, entering upon her duties in
September of the same year.
This excellent and time-honored school was
established in 1836. From that time until the
present it has always had the reputation of keep
ing abreast with other institutions of its class. It
has been noted for the excellence of its teachers in
all departments, and the Christian influences which
have been exerted in the school and which have
gone out from it. The school has steadily in
creased in numbers and influence, until the cata
logue for 1892-93 shows a larger attendance than
ever before.

H. P. CHRISTMAN, M. D., a leading
homoeopathic physician in the county, with
residence in Washington, is a native of the
Keystone State, having been born in Upper
Uwchlan township, Chester county, Febru
ary 12, 1859. His ancestors on the mother's side
came to this country from Maxton Parish, in Scot-

392

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

land, and settled in Chester county some two hun
dred years ago, his great-great-grandfather, George
Maxton, having been the keeper of the once famous
hostelry known as the "Yellow Springs" Inn, at
one time a fashionable health resort, at which place
he had the honor of entertaining George Washing
ton. Our subject's ancestors on the father's side
came to this country from Schleswig-Holstein (then
a province of Prussia), landing at Philadelphia
September 15, 1730; they also settled in Chester
county, and became a prominent family in the
affairs of the county.
William Davis Christman, father of Dr. Christ-
man, a native of Chester county, served with dis
tinction in the Union army. He married Zilpha
A. Maxton, of the same place, and they became
the parents of three children, viz. : Cora (who died
in young womanhood), G. H. P. and Frederick B.,
the latter at this time (1893) being engaged in bus
iness in Chicago.
The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood
and youth principally in West Chester, Chester
county, receiving his education in the common
schools and graduating at the high school (being
the only male member of his class); he also re
ceived private instruction from Prof. Franklin
Taylor, late superintendent of the schools of Phil
adelphia. In 1877 he commenced the study of
medicine in West Chester under Dr. Joseph E.
Jones, a graduate of the University of Pennsylva
nia; then entered the Hahnemann Medical College,
Philadelphia, graduating with honors March 10,
1881, and afterward attended lectures in New York.
At Baltimore, Md. , and at Wilmington, Del., he
was assistant to well-known physicians of those
places. He practiced medicine in Philadelphia
for a time, and came to Washington, Penn., in
1890, where he has since been engaged in a lucra
tive practive which is rapidly expanding. Polit
ically the Doctor is a straight Republican, and
while a resident of West Chester was especially
active in the interests of his party. The Doctor is
unmarried and resides with his parents.

tion,

I OHN M. FULTON, dentist, Washington, is
. [ a native of the county, born in South Strabane
jrlj township, July 14, 1858, a son of Samuel
^^ Fulton, also a native of South Strabane town
ship. The family are of Scotch-Irish extrac-
and John Fulton, grandfather of subject,
came to this county in an early day, settling in the
original township of Strabane, where he died. He
had married Hannah McMillan, granddaughter of
John McMillan, who founded the college at Can
onsburg. She died in 1891 at the age of seventy
years, the mother of the following children : Sam
uel (deceased); James R., in South Strabane town
ship; Thomas, in Illinois; William and John, both

in South Strabane township; Elizabeth, wife of
William Pry, in Virginia; Belle and Robert. The
grandfather, John Fulton, died in 1869, at the age
of fifty-nine years.
Samuel Fulton received a liberal education at
the common schools of his native township, and at
Jefferson College, where he took a literary course
and graduated in the class of 1857. He then
studied dentistry in Washington, and subsequently
entered into partnership with one Robertson, in
1866, which continued for a short time when he
bought out his partner's interest in the business,
and continued with eminent success up to his
death, which occurred February 11, 1890, when
aged fifty-seven years, the result of an attack of
the "grip." He was originally a Democrat, but
in the later years of his life was a pronounced Pro
hibitionist. In 1857 he was married to Miss Mar
garet J., daughter of John Rankin, of North
Strabane township, and five children were born to
them, as follows: John M. (subject of sketch);
Mary Hannah, wife of Rev. John Scouller, in
northwestern Pennsylvania; Ollie Belle (married
to George Walker), now deceased; Anna H. and
Ada M. , the last named dying from the effects of
the "grip." The mother is yet living in Wash
ington. John M. Fulton, the subject proper of this mem
oir, received a thorough common-school training,
and began studying his profession in his father's
office. In 1879 he entered the Pennsylvania Den
tal College at Philadelphia, from which he gradu
ated in 1881, and he then at once commenced the
practice of dentistry in Washington, in partnership
with his father, which existed until the latter's
death, since when our subject has continued the
business alone. He is well skilled in his business,
and has a wide circle of friends. On December 4,
1883, Dr. Fulton was married to Elizabeth, daugh
ter of John E. and Julia A. (Winters) Bell, of Wash
ington, to which union two children have been
born — John Donnan and Samuel Floyd. The Doc
tor is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church,
and in politics is a Democrat.

The Bell family are prominent in Washington
county. Thomas Bell and Agnes Scott were mar
ried February 3, 1814, and became the parents of
ten children, whose names and dates of birth are
as follows: Robert, March 3, 1818; William, Octo
ber 23, 1820; John E., September 24, 1822;
Rachel, August 2, 1824; Josiah S., June 23, 1826;
Thomas C, Julv 24, 1828; Esther, January 13,
1831; Violet, August 5, 1832; Boyd and James.
Of these, John E. married Miss Julia A. Winters,
and their children were as follows: Millie (now
deceased), Gretta (wife of John Donnan, of Wash
ington), Lula (wife of John Sweeney, of Elm Grove,
Penn.), Sadie (wife of Dr. Thistle, of Washing-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

393

ton), Carrie (wife of Horace P. Rose, of Johns
town, Penn.), and Elizabeth (wife of Dr. John M.
Fulton). The father of this family died December
29, 1874, in Washington; the mother is still liv
ing, and is now in her seventy-third year. Mr.
Bell was a Republican, and held the offices of
county treasurer, prothonotary, clerk of commis
sioners, and at the time of his death was Deputy
United States Collector of Internal Revenue, all of
which incumbencies he filled faithfully and to the
satisfaction of all. He was a most highly es
teemed citizen, and after his death was much
missed in the community, for his uprightness and
integrity of character had won him hosts of friends.
His widow, Mrs. Agnes (Scott) Bell, is a daughter
of Alexander and Rachel (McDowell) Scott, and a
granddaughter of Josiah and Violet Scott. Alex
ander Scott (born in December, 1763) and Rachel
McDowell (born November 17, 1773), were mar
ried November 18, 1790, by Rev. John McMillan,
aud were the parents of children, whose names and
dates of birth are as follows: Violet, August 15,
1791; John, January 7, 1793; William, April 8,
1794; Agnes, January 24, 1796; John, September
29, 1798; Sarah, January 30, 1801; Josiah,
December 1, 1803; James, March 26, 1807, and
Rachel, August 18, 1810.

I/OHN M. STOCKDALE. "Hie et ubique"
t I might justly be applied as the motto of the
fr II sturdy Scotch-Irish race, who have so deeply
^^ made their impress, the wide world over, as
champions of liberty and civil rights, and
are ever to be found in the van of civilization and
progress. Of such strong, hardy and brave people
comes the gentleman whose name appears at the
opening of this biographical sketch.
Mr. Stockdale is a native of Greene county,
Penn., born in 1824, a son of William and Han
nah Stockdale. James Stockdale, the grandfather
of John M., came from the North of Ireland
about 1787, on a visit to America, and was led by
circumstances to remain. Having exhausted his
funds in traveling about the country, he began
milling, which business he had learned of his
father in Ireland, intending to make money enough
to return home; but the Fates ordered otherwise,
for he fell in love with and married Miss Weir,
and never went back. In 1790 the young couple
settled in what waB then Washington (now Greene)
county, where were born to them children as fol
lows: William, Nancy (now Mrs. Robert Patton,
of Fayette county, Penn.), Sarah (wife of Maj.
James Ringland) and Elizabeth, wife of Squire
Benjamin Jennings, of Waynesburg, Greene Co.,
Penn. The mother of these children died in 1823,
and the father in 1840, at the age of eighty-six
years.

William Stockdale, father of our subject, was
born in 1792, on the homestead in Morris town
ship, Greene Co., Penn., and was brought up
there. He married Hannah McQuaid, a daughter
of John McQuaid, of Washington county, Penn.
Their residence was the old home place, where
they passed the remainder of their lives. The
children born to them were: (1) James, whose death,
at forty-five, was the result of an accident at a
railroad station in Lancaster, Ohio; he had lived
for a number of years in Baltimore, and was twice
a member of the Legislature of Maryland. (2)
John M. (3) Robert P., who lives in Mt.
Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. (4) Thomas R., who
left Jefferson College (Penn.) with the class of
1856, and located in Summit, Miss., where he con
tinues to practice law; he has represented his Dis
trict for several terms in Congress, and is now a
member. (5) Mary, the wife of Dr. Thaddeus
Dodd. (6) Isabella, who married H. B. Lind
ley, of Morris township, Washington county, and
(7) Sarah P., who married Joseph B. Wise, Esq.,
of West Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,
Penn. The father died at the age seventy-one
years, on the farm upon which he was born, and
the mother in 1873, aged seventy-six years.
John M. Stockdale was born and reared on the
farm, was sent to an academy to prepare for col
lege, and graduated from Washington College in
1849. He studied law with T. M. T. McKennan,
and his son Judge William McKennan, of Wash
ington, Penn., and was admitted to practice in
1852. In 1853 he became the owner and editor of
the Waynesburg (Greene county) Messenger, the
only Democratic newspaper in the county. In
1854 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to
represent Greene county in the State Legislature,
and was re-elected in 1855. In 1856 he went to-
the Northwest for recreation and health, but be
came connected with business matters in Fort
Dodge, on the Des Moines river, Iowa, and re
mained there until 1865. In the meantime he was
appointed (in 1857) Register of the Government
Land Office in Fort Dodge, which he held until
July, 1861. During his residence there he dealt
very largely in real estate, having bought and sold
more than two hundred thousand acres of land, as
the records show ; but the Civil war depressed or
destroyed, for the time, nearly all land values in
the Northwest, and made real estate a hazardous
investment. In 1863 Mr. Stockdale, in his ab
sence, was nominated for the State Senate from his
district in Iowa, but declined to accept the nomi
nation. In 1864 he was an elector on the McClel
land ticket. In 1865 he removed to the city of
Baltimore, where he engaged in the wholesale
drug trade in the well-known house of Stockdale,
Smith & Co., on the corner of Howard and Ger
man streets, and also in a Petroleum Oil Refinery

394

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

near the shipping wharves, until the Standard Oil
Co. , by methods now well known, secured control
of all pipe lines and means of transportation, in
cluding heavy special rebates that crushed all com
petitors. In 1881 Mr. Stockdale removed to Washington,
Penn., and published the Revieiv and Examiner
until 1886 when he retired from journalistic work
and is now in a law office in Washington. In 1884
he received the nomination of the Democratic
party for Congress in a District embracing Wash
ington, Beaver and Lawrence counties. In 1883,
when the project was untested by experience, he
applied for and secured a State Charter, for the
transportation and consumption of natural gas for
"heat and light." The prosecution of the project
by a company of enterprising citizens resulted in
the development of natural gas and oil in the imme
diate vicinity, stimulating enterprise, and Washing
ton, Penn. , is now th e most beautiful, attractive
and flourishing town on the waters of the Ohio.
In 1857 Mr. Stockdale married Miss Martha,
daughter of Abner Clark, of Ten Mile Valley,
Washington Co., Penn. , whose grandfather was an
early settler of the county. She has a sister, Mrs.
Logan, of Philadelphia, Penn. , and two brothers,
William E. and James E. Clark, both married and
living in Washington, D. C. One child, Elizabeth
C. , has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale, and
lives with them at their home on East Wheeling
Street, Washington, Pennsylvania.

C. CARMACK. This gentleman, the genial
and popular landlord of the well-known and
widely patronized hotel in Monongahela,
known as the "Sheplar House," comes of
German ancestry.
Peter Carmack, the first of the family known to
have been born in America, was reared and mar
ried somewhere "east of the mountains," and in
an early day came to Bedford county, Penn., set
tling in the town of St. Clairsville, where he fol
lowed his trade of shoemaker during the rest of his
life. He was in politics an Old-line Whig. The
children born to him, eight in number, were Abra
ham, Daniel, Peter, Rachel, Susanna, Maria, and
two whose names are now unknown. Of this fam
ily, Abraham Carmack was born in Bedford county,
Penn., and at the early schools of St. Clairsville
received a fairly liberal education for those days.
Learning blacksmithing, he followed that trade in
his native county, in Somerset county, and for a
time in Monongahela, whither he had come in
1839. Shortly after his arrival here, he took up
the trade of stone mason which he followed during
the rest of his life. He died in 1864, a Democrat
in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church.
He married Susanna Wickham, of Hancock, Md. ,

and the following named children were born to
them: Josiah W. , Zachariah, Hezekiah, Zephaniah
Jeremiah, Ameriah, Soriah, Maria, Annah Sophia
Margaret Keziah, and Rachel Soriah and Savanah,
The mother of this family departed this life in
1884. In 1852 Hezekiah Carmack married Miss Louisa
Crall, of Monongahela, and they had two children:
S. C. and Susie V. Mr. Carmack went to Califor
nia in March, 1852, by the overland route, the trip
occupying five months, and while en route he fell
exhausted from thirst. A friend ran three miles
for water, and returned with some just in time to
save the life of the nearly expiring man. When
he arrived in Sacramento, Mr. Carmack worked for
a time at his trade, that of molder, and then took
up land and commenced farming, but a disastrous
flood came, which so discouraged him that he be
took himself to the mountains, there to try his luck
at mining. Here he, I. Shelby Crall and Lenard
Savage located the "Savage Mine" at Virginia
City, Nev. After leaving that place, Mr. Carmack
located in North San Juan, where he built a saw
mill, at the same time interesting himself in mining.
He afterward sold out and proceeded to Chico,
Butte Co. , Cal. , and again took up farming, in
cluding the raising of stock, which he is yet en
gaged in at the same place. In politics he is a
straight Democrat.
S. C. Carmack, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born February 28, 1862, in North San Juan,
Cal., where he received his education. In 1882 he
came to Monongahela, and here for some three
years worked in Mark Boreland & Son's clothing
store, and then for H. Landefeld two years. In
April, 1892, he took charge of what is now known
as the "Sheplar House," a hostelry he conducts
with characteristic ability, care and judgment,
and where he is building up a reputation as caterer
for the traveling public and others, second to none
in the county. On April 1 3, 1888, while employed
in the store of M. Boreland & Sons, Mr. Carmack
was married to Lillie, daughter of the late James
P. Sheplar (of whom a brief sketch follows), and
one child, Prescott, has been born to them. In
his political preferences Mr. Carmack is a Repub
lican. James P. Sheplar (deceased), who in his lifetime
was one of the best representative men of Monon
gahela, was a native of the county, born in Peters
township April 21, 1822, a son of Philip and Mary
(Hill) Sheplar, the former of whom first saw the
light in Washington county, where he was reared
and educated. He married Mary, daughter of
Henry Hill, of the same county, and the children
born to them were John (deceased), Jacob (in
Davenport, Iowa), James P. (deceased), Henry
(deceased), Nancy (wife of Capt. James Campbell,
of river fame, now residing at Huntington, W. Va.),

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

395

Marvin (deceased), Samuel (on a stock ranch, Santa
Rosa, Cal.), Josephine (wife of Dorvile Libbey, in
San Francisco, Cal.), and Cyrus (deceased). Philip
Sheplar was all his life an enterprising agriculturist
in the county, and for years was proprietor of the
' ' Nation Hotel ' ' in Pittsburgh. In politics he was
a Wrhig and Republican, and in church connection
a Baptist. He died in Pittsburgh about the year
1862. James P. Sheplar attended the common schools
of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, and
when eighteen years of age went to West Alexan
der where he learned blacksmithing with a man
named McGowan. Afterward he worked at his
trade in Washington, Manchester, Connellsville
and West Newton, and later was engaged in ped
dling stoves in Washington county. In 1852 he
went to California by the overland route, the
journey taking from March to July 4, following,
and here followed his trade for a short time until
he commenced mining; but at the latter occupation
he did not long remain, for we find that he soon
returned to his old trade among the ' ' gold dig
gers." Returning to Washington county in 1852,
he concluded to make his future home in Monon
gahela, and having purchased the "Hempfield
House," he successfully conducted the same until
1883, when he retired from the hotel business and
removed to a comfortable dwelling he had erected
in the same town. Some time after taking the
hotel he changed its name to " Sheplar House," by
which it is now known. In connection with the
hotel business Mr. Sheplar at one time dealt largely
in sheep, leaving the "House" in the care of his
wife while he was absent in Texas buying sheep.
There he left them, however, as the war was then
in progress, and returned to Washington county,
but afterward revisited Texas and sold of his pur
chase what of the sheep could then be found. He
also paid no little attention to the oil development
in the vicinity of Oil City, Penn., being interested
in several wells there.
On September 10, 1851, Mr. Sheplar was mar
ried to Sarah A., daughter of Abraham Teeters, a
native of Monongahela, where he was educated and
learned the trade of hatter, which he followed
some years. He married Nancy Marshall, of
Maryland, and their children were Eliza, Mahala,
Washington, Marshall, Sarah A., Susan, Daniel,
Bird and John, of whom but two survived: Sarah
A. (Mrs. Sheplar), and Washington (a resident of
Chicago). In politics Mr. Teeters was an active
Democrat, in religion a prominent member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, being an officer
in the same. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Sheplar were as follows: Josephine (now living at
Riverside, Cal., the widow of I. B. Miller), Wilbert
(in San Francisco, Cal.), Cora and Arba (both de
ceased), and Lillie (Mrs. S. C. Carmack). Mr.

Sheplar died September 18, 1891, aged nearly
seventy years; his widow is still a resident of Mo
nongahela, at the old hotel site. Mr. Sheplar was
a conservative business man, careful and prudent,
and at the time of his death was the owner of
eleven distinct properties in Monongahela, his
estate being computed as worth something over
$60,000. In early life he was a Whig, but in 1856
he changed his politics, and from then till his de
cease was an enthusiastic Democrat. He fre
quently served his city as councilman (at one time
as president of the council), school director, etc. ,
and twice was placed in nomination by a Democrat
county convention, once for treasurer and once for
assembly; he also was once a candidate for the
position of sneriff. In religion he was an Episco
palian, and was one of the original vestrymen of
St. Paul's Church in Monongahela. Socially he
was a leading member of the I. O. O. F. , having
been one of the organizers and charter members of
the Lodge in Monongahela. At a meeting held in
Council Chambers, Monday, October 5, 1891, the
members of the Select and Common Councils of
Monongahela passed appropriate in memoriam res
olutions upon the death of their justly esteemed
friend and colleague.

ARSON, JACKSON and ALEXANDER S.
The Carson family have for many years been
prominently identified with the leading cit
izens of Washington county, and a record
of the ancestry of the gentlemen, whose
names introduce this sketch, will be found at page
1268 in this volume.
Thomas G. Carson was born, about the year
1792, on the home farm in Fallowfield township,
Washington county, and received his education in
the county schools. In early life he married Eliz
abeth Scott, a daughter of Parker and Sarah (Car
son) Scott, natives of the county, and who lived
on a farm in Fallowfield township. They had a
family of one son and twelve daughters, one of
whom, Lucy Ann, is yet living, near West Belle
Vernon, the wife of John Sphar. The children
born to Thomas G. Carson were Thomas, Parker,
Lucy Ann, Charlotte, Sarah, Washington, Jack
son, John and Alexander S. Thomas G. Carson
was an ardent Democrat, and in religious faith he
and his wife were members of the Baptist Church.
They passed their lives on the old place where Mrs.
Carson died in 1858. Mr. Carson was then mar
ried to Esther Mcllvaine, a native of Somerset
township, this county. He died in 1880, having
passed his eighty-fourth year. The following chil
dren were born to his first marriage: Thomas (who
died near Rushville, Ind.), Charlotte, wife of Jo
seph Rider (in Fallowfield township), Parker;
Washington ; Jackson ; John, in East Pike Run town-

396

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ship; Lucy Ann; Sarah (unmarried) and Alexan
der S.
Jackson Carson was born April 3, 1827, on the
old homestead in Fallowfield township, Washings
ton Co., Penn., and received a subscription-school
education. On October 3, 1852, he was united in
marriage with Mary, daughter of John B. and
Sarah (Scott) Carson, special mention of whom will
be found at page 1268. After his marriage Mr.
Carson settled on the 140 acres in Fallowfield
township which is now his home, running in debt
for same; he also owns 139i acres in East Pike
Run township. He has made many improvements
on both farms, and has erected fine residences
and three barns on his land. This fine property
is the fruit of patient toil and ceaseless industry.
He takes some interest in politics, voting with the
Democratic party, and has filled many township
offices. Three sons have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Carson, namely: William Henry, deceased at
the age of twelve years; Isaac Newton, married and
living in East Pike Run township, and John Wes
ley, a widower, living at home.
Alexander S. Carson was born May 10, 1838,
on the homestead in Fallowfield township, where
he now resides, and was educated in the schools
of his district. In December, 1871, he was mar
ried to Annette, daughter of Henry and Emily
(Duvall) Hanan, all three being natives of East Pike
Run township, this county, where the marriage
took place. Her father died in 1868, and her mother
in February, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Carson began
wedded life on the farm of 130 (now 206) acres in
Fallowfield township, where she died in November,
1880, leaving one son, Walter. In 1882 Mr. Car
son married Elizabeth Myers, a native of Somerset
township, this county, daughter of John and Mary
(Ross) Myers, who were born in Germany, and
about the year 1854 came to America, locating in
Washington county, where both died. To this
union four children have been born, namely : Jesse,
Frederick Ross, Harry Fell, and Elmer Clarence.
Mr. Carson' s farm is Well conducted, and on it, in
addition to general agriculture, he raises a fine
grade of Short-horn Jersey cattle. Politically he
votes with the Democratic party, and he has held
local offices; Mrs. Carson is a member of the Pres
byterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

JAMES AGNEW, a prosperous farmer of Mt.
Pleasant township, is a son of James Agnew,
whose father was a pioneer settler of Wash
ington county, coming here in about 1784.
James Agnew, father of subject, was born in
1803, in Chartiers township, this county, and was
reared and educated on his father's farm. He was
united in marriage with Nancy Jane Buchanan, a
native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and

the young people began life in a rude log cabin
on a farm now owned by their descendants, which
was then as unbroken forest. The children born
to these pioneers were Elizabeth, deceased wife of
Joseph Porter, of Canton township; two sons that
died in infancy; James and Nancy Jane (twins-
Nancy Jane is the wife of William Stewart, of Wash
ington, Penn.). The father of this family. died in
1880, in Mt. Pleasant township, his wife having
passed away many years prior to his death. He
was an active member of the Democratic party.
James Agnew was born in 1 842 on the farm in
Mt. Pleasant township which he now owns, and
received his education in the common schools of
the neighborhood. In 1881 he was married to
Rebecca McDowell, a native of the same township,
and daughter of John and Margaret (Miller) Mc
Dowell, also natives of Mt. Pleasant township,
where they passed their married life. Mr. Mc
Dowell died in 1886, his wife several years before.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
After his marriage to Rebecca McDowell, James
Agnew settled on the farm of 115 acres, which he
has since been employed in managing. Mr. and
Mrs. Agnew are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Mt. Prospect, and are always ready to
do all in their power to further any laudable object.

lit Mr ATTHEW TAYLOR, who in his lifetime
I V/l wa8 a rePresentative of one of oldest and
I Ml I most prominent families in the county,
J) -* was born March 5, 1817, in South Strabane
v township, Washington Co., Penn.
His grandfather, Henry Taylor, was a native of
Wales, and about the year 1770 took a " tomahawk
right" of 1,200 acres of land in this county, and
added thereto until the amount aggregated some
1,700 acres, all lying in what is now South Strabane
township. He was a member of the M. E. Church,
a Whig in politics, and was the first judge of the
courts. He married Jane White, and by her had
seven sons and six daughters, of whom Matthew
(the eldest) was the first white male child born west
of the Alleghanies, his birth occurring on the prop
erty above referred to. Matthew married Nancy,
daughter of Thomas Hutchinson, on February 14,
1803, and settled on part of his father's tract. The
children born of this union were Henry, born March
6, 1804; Jane, born August 12, 1807, married Oliver
Lindsey; Thomas, born September 21, 1805, mar
ried Susan Donington; Mary, born April 8, 1809,
married John McFarland; James, born April 11,
1811; Julia, born April 4, 1814, married Hugh
Reynolds; Eliza, born March 12, 1805, married
Andrew VanEman; Matthew and George (twins),
born March 5, 1817, the former of whom is the
subject of this sketch, the latter married to Jane
Munnell; Rachel, born March 28, 1824, married
Workman Hughes; and William, born April 3, 1830.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

397

These were all born where the family now reside.
Mr. Taylor died June 19, 1852. By profession he
was a civil engineer. He was a consistent mem
ber of the M. E. Church, and in politics was a Whig.
Mrs. Taylor died March 19, 1877.
Matthew Taylor, whose name appears at the open
ing of this biographical sketch, was educated at the
subscription schools in his locality, and was brought
up to farm life from early boyhood. On May 26,
1864, he married Jane, daughter of George Forrest,
a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who when but a
boy moved with his parents to Penrith, Cumberland,
England, and when eighteen years of age he
moved to London, where he married Miss Alice
Rhodes, of that city. The children born to this
union were Alice (Mrs. Hugh W. Boyle), Emma
(Mrs. John B. Hallam), George, Jane (Mrs. Matthew
Taylor), Robert R., Mary (Mrs. John Munce),
Richard R. and J. R. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
were born three children, viz. : George Forrest,
Rachel Mary and John Richard. Mr. Taylor
passed from earth October 15, 1889, and was buried
in Washington. For many years he was connected
with the M. E. Church, of which he was a trustee.
In politics he was an Abolitionist, later a Repub
lican, and held many offices of trust in the township.
The fine farm, whereon his widow continues to re
side, was improved by Mr. Taylor himself, and he
built the commodious and elegant brick family
residence.

THOMAS LILLEY, a prominent and highly
respected agriculturist of East Pike Run
township, iB a grandson of Walter Lilley,
who was born in Ireland, and immigrating
to America died in Chester county, Penn.
Thomas Lilley (father of subject) was born and
reared on a farm in Chester county, and coming to
Washington county in 1801, bought 160 acres in
East Pike Run township, where he followed the
blacksmith trade in connection with farming. In
1810 he erected a large stone house and barn upon
the place. He was an active worker in the Whig
party, and in religious faith he and his wife (who
w'as formerly Ruth Woodard) were members of the
Society of Friends. They were the parents of ten
children, of which large family Thomas is the only
one yet living. The father died in 1840, aged
sixty-eight years, followed by the mother in 1845,
who had passed her seventy-fifth year.
Thomas Lilley, whose name opens this sketch,
was born October 12, 1814, on the farm in East
Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where
he is yet living. He attended the subscription
schools when a boy, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits. In 1842 be was married to Susan Ulery,
born in 1815, in this county, a daughter of Stephen
and Christina Ulery, who were of German de

scent and pioneer settlers of Washington county.
To the union of Thomas and Susan (Ulery) Lilley
six children have been born, namely: Jacob,
Thomas E., Simeon, Ruth J. (wife of John Elliott),
Eli (deceased), and Stephen (deceased). Mr. Lilley
owns the old homestead, consisting of 230 acres of
prime land. In politics he is a Republican, and
has served as school director for several years.
His wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

El N. LILLEY, who in his lifetime was an in
fluential citizen of California, Penn., was a
son of Ellis Lilley (who was a native of this
— county) and a nephew of Thomas Lilley,
a sketch of whom precedes this. In early man
hood Ellis Lilley was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Phillips, also a native of this county,
and the young couple settled permanently on a
farm in East Pike Run township. They were the
parents of six children, namely: Solomon, Ruth
(wife of B. C. Jackman), Thomas, Ellis N. , Eliza
beth (wife of Dr.' Johnson) and Phcebe (married
to Arthur Hulis). Mr. Lilley was a leading mem
ber of the Westland Quaker Church, and in poli
tics was a Whig and Republican. He and his wife
were buried in the home cemetery.
Ellis N. Lilley was born July 19, 1837, on the
farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co.,
Penn. , where he received the advantages of a pub
lic-school education. After leaving the public school
he devoted some time to teaching, and he entered
this work with his characteristic energy, which
meant success. He proved a power for good, which
was felt long after he was gone. He was married No
vember 1, 1866, by J. C. Momyer, pastor of Green
field C. P. Congregation, to Kate, daughter of Dr.
Lewis Marchand, a native of Westmoreland county,
Penn. The latter attended the public schools,
and deciding to study medicine entered the office
of a physician, with whom he remained several
months. He then took a medical course, and
after graduating began to practice his profession
at Uniontown, Penn., where he continued to re
side until failing health compelled him to seek
rest in his country home. He was married to
Sarah Sackett, a native of Fayette county, Penn.,
who bore him children as follows: Samuel,
Rachel, Elizabeth, Louisa, Caroline, Lucius and
Kate (Mrs. Lilley). Dr. Marchand possessed as a
family heritage the receipt for the cure of hydro
phobia, from which many wonderful cures have
been reported. He was an ardent Whig and Re
publican in politics, and in religious faith was a
leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Ellis N. and Kate (Marchand) Lilley resided on
the home farm until 1881, when, his sight failing,
he moved to California, same county. He died

398

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

July 25, 1891, leaving three children, viz.: Sarah,
Henrietta and Wilbur. He was buried in the Mar
chand family burying ground, across the river
from California. In political opinion Mr. Lilley
was an enthusiastic Republican, and in religious
faith he gave liberally of his time and money to
the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. He was deeply interested in the found
ing of the Southwestern State Normal School at
California, Penn., and put his first earned money
into it. He served as trustee until his health
failed. Patience in sickness and trouble, and a
kind heart that reached all the poor and needy,
were his notable characteristics, and by everybody
could this be emphasized.

d'fACOB M. STEWART. The Stewart family
| are numbered with the leading pioneers of
I this county, and have ever been distinguished
as successful, enterprising and popular citi
zens. Archibald Stewart was born in Ireland,
and coming to America in early manhood, was
married to Rebecca Reed, a native of Pennsylvania.
They settled in Chartiers township, Washington
county, where he followed farming and blacksmith
ing. Their children were: James R., Mary (wife of
Samuel Griffith, of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county), Jane (deceased in 1883, wife of
William S. White, of Canonsburg), Joseph (de
ceased in Illinois, where he was married), William
(married and living in Villisca, Iowa), Margaret
(deceased in 1872, wife of David Miller, of this
county), Sarah (married to Andrew Miller, of Mt.
Pleasant township), and John (deceased in 1886,
in Donegal township, this county). The father
died June 5, 1812.
James R. Stewart was born in 1812, on the home
farm in Chartiers township, where his widow is now
living. He received a meager education in the
district schools, then learned the blacksmith's trade
of his father, which he afterward followed in con
nection with farming. On May 23, 1839, he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Miller, a
daughter of Jacob Miller, who was born in eastern
Pennsylvania, and there married to Jane Filston,
also a native of eastern Pennsylvania. Soon after
their marriage, the young couple came to Wash
ington county, locating near McConnell' s Mills, in
Chartiers township. Some years later they moved
to the old Col. Robert Miller farm, where the fol
lowing children were born: Rachel (wife of
Thomas Sproat, living in South Strabane township),
Mary (wife of Samuel McNary; both were twice
married), Nancy (wife of John Boon), Jane (wife
of Richard Sproat, in Ohio), Samuel (a wagon-
maker of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township), Cathe
rine (wife of James McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant),
Jacob (who married and moved to Ohio), Margaret

(was married to John McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant
township), Sophia, Robert W. (deceased in August
1891), Elizabeth T. (Mrs. James R. Stewart) and
Sarah (unmarried). Of this family Mrs. Stewart
is the only living member. The father was an
active member of the Washington Presbyterian
Church. In politics he voted with the Democratic
party. After his marriage, James R. Stewart settled on
the home farm, where his widow is yet living, and
continued to follow his trade in addition to farm
work. He was actively interested in religious work
he and his wife being earnest members of the Char
tiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church. In
politics he voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Stew
art died May 22, 1880, mourned by the many friends
who knew and valued his sterling worth. He left
a widow and two children: Rebecca and Jacob M.
Rebecca Stewart was born on the home farm in
Chartiers township, and on October 20, 1864, was
married to William H. Thompson, a native of Can
onsburg. He was born May 17, 1837, and is the
eldest son of Joseph Thompson, who married Emily
Gabby, and lived near Canonsburg until his death.
William H. and Rebecca (Stewart) Thompson set
tled in Canonsburg after their marriage, where
he followed his trade of wagon-making, finally
moving to the farm. He was an active worker in
the Republican party, and in religious faith a mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Canons
burg. He died February 1, 1873. Mrs. Thompson
is living on the home place. She has had five chil
dren, viz.: James Stewart, born February 10, 1867;
Joseph (a graduate of Duff's Commercial College,
Pittsburgh, Penn.), born January 30,1869; Eliza
beth Emma, born December 8, 1872 (deceased in
infancy); Millie R., born February 26, 1872, and
an infant, who died in 1871. The mother has
given her children the advantages of a good educa
tion. Mrs. Stewart is a worthy representative of
her family, which has been one of the earliest in
the county, and is ever ready to aid in any enter
prise to promote the public welfare.
Jacob M. Stewart was born September 28, 1842,
on the home farm in Chartiers township, and at
tended school in District No. 3, Chartiers town
ship, and after leaving school assisted in clearing
and improving the home place. On May 28, 1861,
he was united in marriage with Rebecca J., daugh
ter of Rev. John Todd, who was born near Green
Garden, Beaver Co., Penn., and was married
in Canonsburg, Washington county, to Rebecca
Thompson, a native of Canonsburg. He was a
minister of the United Presbyterian Church, and
first settled in Jefferson county, Penn. , but after
ward moved to Washington, Iowa, thence to Bur
gettstown, Penn. , where he and his wife died.
To Jacob M. and Rebecca J. Stewart five chil
dren were born, viz.: Blanche L., Frank L., Grace

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

399

Mabel, Edith Rebecca and Myrtle May. The mother
of this family died March 9, 1879, and December
28, 1881, Mr. Stewart was married, at Hickory,
this county, to Lizzie J., daughter of John and
Jemima (Buchanan) Grounds, natives of this county.
Both parents are yet living in Hickory, this county,
and the father has passed his ninetieth birthday.
Mr. Stewart received 133 acres from the paternal
estate, and he has added 110 acres to the original
tract, making a good farm, which is well stocked,
and improved with all necessary buildings, the hand
some brick residence having been erected before
the death of his father. Jacob Stewart votes the
Prohibition ticket, and has served as a member of
the school board, and iu various offices of trust.
He and his wife are members of the U. P. Church
at Hickory, of which he is an elder.

ni LEXANDER DEVORE is a son of An-
I l\ drew Devore, who was born in Washington
Ip4\ county, Penn., where he was married to
Jl — ¦ a Miss Steele, of Redstone, Penn. She
v bore him five children, as follows: Henry,
Lydia A.- (Mrs. Crookham, living in this county),
Eliza (Mrs. Seeley), David (deceased) and Alex
ander. The mother died in 1880, aged seventy-
five years, having been preceded by the father,
who passed away before the birth of his youngest
son. Alexander Devore was born March 20, 1830, on
the home place in Nottingham township, this county.
On January 15, 1851, he 'was united in marriage
with Miss Martha Thomas, of this county, and the
following children were born to their union : Jona
than T., Abigail A., Elizabeth J., Liverton D. and
Nancy B. The mother of this family died in 1865,
and October 11, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth
Robb, who has borne him eleven children, five of
whom are yet living, viz.: Edwin L., Owen W.,
Oscar C, Maud and Lydia A., all at home.
Mr. Devore began life on a farm, at the age of
sixteen years, without a penny to pay his expenses.
He worked for board and clothes until twenty-one
years of age, when his employer, Andrew Crouch,
gave him $100. With this small amount as capi
tal he rented a farm, and then began saving his
money until able to purchase one. When the
war began he secured many recruits for the army,
and on February 14, 1865, sent as his own substi
tute, one Matthew Crookham, who received an hon
orable discharge at the close of the war. In 1865
Mr. Devore bought sixty-seven acres in Somerset
township, which he sold after the war was over.
He then purchased the home place of eighty acres
in Nottingham township, to which he has added
from adjoining farms, now owning 207 acres of well-
-cultivated land worth from $80 to $90 per acre,
¦and has erected a fine house and barn on the place.

Mr. Devore has engaged somewhat extensively in
stock, and now has over 300 sheep, twenty head of
different stock of cattle, and twelve horses, of the
best grade of stock.

If J. CHESTER. Among the prominent agri-
. I culturists of Allen township, none are more
ft"!/ deserving of special mention than this pros-
^^ perous gentleman, whose name has from an
early time been associated with the best interests
of Washington county.
Many years ago Joseph and Elizabeth Chester,
natives of eastern Pennsylvania, came to Wash
ington county, and there made a home on a tract
of land which he patented. Among the children
who came to this pioneer couple was one son, S. A. ,
whose brothers were Morrison, who resided in
Guernsey county, Ohio, and died January 21,
1893, and Benjamin, who died in California.
S. A. Chester was born March 16, 1818, on the
home farm in Allen township, Washington county.
He was there married to Margaret Jackman, who
was born on the farm their children now occupy.
Mr. Chester affiliated with the Whig and Repub
lican parties, and served in many local offices.
Mrs. Chester died about the year 1871, leaving the
following children: Joseph W. (who died in 1873 in
Vernon county, Mo.), John A. (living in Mound-
ville, Vernon Co., Mo.), Elizabeth Ann (deceased
at the age of eight years), J. J. (whose name
opens this sketch), James Harvey (who died in 1875
in Allen township), Margaret Ann (deceased wife
of Irving McKenna, of Fayette City), Jane A.
(deceased wife of Allen Ailes, of Columbus, Kans.),
S. T., and Fremont (who died when twelve years
of age). S. A. Chester died in March, 1888.
J. J. Chester, the fourth son of S. A. and Mar
garet Chester, was born July 4, 1846, in Allen
township, Washington county. He attended the
home schools and assisted on the farm during boy
hood. On August 15, 1863, he enlisted at New
Brighton, Penn. , in Company A, Forty-sixth P. V.
I., for three years, or during the war. He was
mustered into service at New Brighton and as
signed to the old Twelfth, Army of the Potomac,
which, combined with the Eleventh, formed the
Twentieth corps, army of the Cumberland. Mr.
Chester participated in the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Resaca, at which latter he received
a gunshot wound in the face and right arm. He
was taken to the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn.,
thence transferred to Pittsburgh, Penn., and on May
18, 1865, received his discharge, returning to
Allen township. On September 8, 1869, Mr.
Chester was united in marriage with Miss E. A.
Gatts, who was born in West Virginia, a daugh
ter of C. D. and Mary (Riggs) Gatts, also

400

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

natives of West Virginia, and who, while cross
ing a railroad track were accidentally killed.
The paternal grandfather of Miss Gatts was
a native of Washington county, Penn. After
their marriage (the ceremony having taken place
in Virginia) Mr. and Mrs. Chester first located on
the home farm in Allen township, Washington
county, but in 1878 he bought the 107| acres of
land which they now occupy, and where he has
since followed farming. The children born to
them were Avolena, living in Los Angeles, Cal. ;
Raymond H. ; Christian L. ; Lydia May, deceased
at the age of seven weeks; Blaine, and Neva, the
last named being deceased. Mr. Chester takes an
active interest in the success of the Republican
party, and is a member of the "Harry Billingsley"
Post No. 168 G. A. R. , at California, this county. He
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco
pal Church at Mount Tabor.

ri( LEXANDER McCLEERY, one of the old-
II V. est native-born citizens of West Finley
Ip4\ township, if not the Oldest, was born July
JJ ^ 28, 1820, and is of Irish descent.
v His grandfather, John McCleery, was
married in 1788 to Miss Jane Brooks, in County
Down, Ireland, and December 15, 1789, they set
sail from Londonderry for America, landing at
New Castle, Del., February 13, 1790, after a long
and perilous voyage of eight weeks and four days,
during which they encountered a severe storm
which threatened their destruction. They brought
with them their eldest child James, who became
the father of Alexander McCleery, and from Del
aware they proceeded to Winchester, Va. In
Winchester they remained until late in the year
1799, when they emigrated to Washington county,
Penn., and settled iu Donegal township for several
years, his last place of residence there being on the
farm of Joseph Hupp (deceased), on the waters
of Buffalo creek. While moving' they spent their
Christmas on the Alleghany mountains. The
roads across the mountains were difficult to travel
at that time, and when starting on their journey
from Winchester, they were weighed as freight
and charged accordingly. John McCleery, grand
father of Alexander McCleery, continued to work
at his trade of shoemaking and at farming. He
and his wife were the parents of six children,
namely: James (who as above stated was born in
County Down, Ireland, October 15, 1789), Nancy,
Betsey, Jane, Thomas and John, none of whom
ever married except James and Thomas. The
family continued to live where they had first
settled on Buffalo creek, Donegal township, until
the spring of 1818 (on August 26, 1816, the hus
band and father, John McCleery, died), in which
year they removed to West Finley township, and

bought a tract of 106 acres of land entirely in the
woods, built their cabin, cleared up a large por
tion of the land, and made a good living and some
money besides. About the fall of 1848 they sold
the farm and removed to the State of Illinois set
tling in Adams county. (The farm they had
settled on in West Finley township is at the present
time owned and occupied by Mr. George S.
Eckles). They are all now dead but Jane, who is
over ninety years of age. Thomas McCleery and
Miss Martha Lawson were united in marriage
about the year 1823, and settled in Marshall
county, Va. ( now W. Va. ), and lived there till the
fall of 1833, when they emigrated to Adams county
111. They reared four sons and seven daughters
some of whom are dead, the rest of them are mar
ried and living in the West; the parents are both
deceased. James McCleery, father of Alexander McCleery,
was reared on his father's farm to the life of an ag
riculturist, and his education was obtained at the
subscription schools of the period. He and Miss
Catharine Forbes were united in marriage March
24, 1818, and settled on the first day of the follow
ing April in West Finley township, on a farm he
had bought the previous year, and which is now
owned and occupied by Mr. John McCammon.
Alexander Forbes (father of Mrs. James McCleery)
and a Miss Boyd were united in marriage about the
year 1774, in York county, Penn., and several years
later they migrated to Washington county, set
tling first on the waters of Pigeon creek, Washing
ton county, afterward in Donegal township. They
were the parents of four children: Mary, Catha
rine, Sarah and John. At this time there are none
of the Forbes family living in Washington county,
all having either died or moved to other parts. Our
subject well remembers his mother telling about
the insurgent army of the whisky insurrectionists
passing her father's house, when on their way to
Inspector Neville's residence. They compelled her
husband to go along with them, and he started
with the crowd (some 500 or 600 men), but after
proceeding several miles he observed that the men
were traveling at loose ends, no military discipline
being observed, and so decided to make his escape
from among them. Accordingly, an opportunity
presenting itself, being near the rear he slipped
into the brush by the roadside, and laid down be
hind a log for some time till all stragglers had
passed. He then sped homeward by a different
route from the one he had come by, so as to avoid
any straggler that might have lagged behind. The
burning of Neville's house history says was done
July 17, 1794, so Alexander Forbes and his wife
must have first settled on the waters of Pigeon
creek sometime prior to that year.
James and Catharine McCleery were the par
ents of six children, as follows: <.John, Alexander,

^A£^C<><^LO^>^- yb^ytej^y

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

403

James (who died when eight years old), Joseph,
Thomas and Jane. Of these John married Sarah
Irwin in 1844, and emigrated to Fairfield, Iowa
(he and his wife are now both deceased) ; Joseph
married Sarah Patterson in 1855, and in 1870
moved to Marshall county, Iowa, thence to Holt
county, Neb; Thomas married Sallie Davidson, and
lives in West Finley township; Jane, on May 12,
1851, married Henry Giles, who died in West Finley
township in October, 1875 (she is now living in
Claysville, Washington Co., Penn.). The parents
continued to live where they first settled and there
the father died October 28, 1859, aged seventy
years, the mother on May 27, 1864, aged seventy-
seven years.
Alexander McCleery, the subject proper of this
memoir, was reared to the vocation of a farmer.
The first school he attended was in a vacant cabin,
prepared for a school-house by cutting out a log
on each of the three squares nearly the whole
length of the square (the chimney or fireplace being
on the other square), and greasing paper and
pasting it to the logs above and below the opening
to allow light for the school. The seats were made
of small chestnut logs, flattened on the top for the
scholars to sit on, which were supported by two-
inch pins in the under side, thereby making the
seats as high as a chair. At that cabin he attended
two terms of five months each, with five or six
weeks' vacation between terms of school, and at no
school thereafter did he make as good progress.
He got all his schooling at the common schools —
first at subscription schools, afterward at the free
schools. They did not have school every winter. After
the two terms' in the cabin, people interested
in schools concluded to build a new school-house
by voluntary labor, and the work was parceled out
in about this order: one man was to hew two logs,
another four logs, another seven, and so on, accord
ing to the number of scholars each had to send; a
cabinet. maker, named Daniel Sutherland, for his
share made the door and window-sash, and laid the
floor; stone masons built the chimney for their
part — so there was no money paid for anything
except the glass and nails. The work moved slowly,
and it was about the fourth winter before school
opened in the new building. School was held in
this building seven winters on the subscription
plan, when the free-school system was adopted,
which caused another halt in the schools for sev
eral years, or until enough taxes were collected to
build a new frame school-house. After the new
house was built, Mr. McCleery attended four terms,
and got through all the branches taught in common
schools at that time.
When nearing his twenty-third year, Mr. Mc
Cleery left his father's home, and for three years

labored on the farm of James Davidson, West
Finley township; and on the latter's death the fam
ily employed him to manage the farm and stock, in
which capacity he worked five years. On March
13, 1851, Alexander McCleery and Miss Mary
Davidson (eldest daughter of James Davidson)
were united in marriage, and on the 24th day of
the same month they moved to the farm on which
he has ever since resided. Their family numbered
four children, namely: William D. (now a prac
ticing physician in Hanovertown, Columbiana Co. ,
Ohio; is married to Miss Lida Brown, and they
have three children — two girls and one boy), James
(married to Miss Lula Sutherland, of West Alex
ander, Penn., and living on his farm in Hopewell
township; has two children — one boy and one girl),
Henrietta (married to R. G. Buchanan, of West
Virginia; they are living in Ohio county, W. Va. ;
they have five children — four girls and one boy) and
Robert D. (still at home, unmarried). The mother
of these children died March 31, 1866, and Mr.
McCleery married, October 5, 1870, Miss Lizzie
Ackley, daughter of Joshua Ackley, of Greene
county, Penn. She died December 7, 1871, leav
ing a young daughter, then two months old, named
Mary Lizzie, who is still living at home with her
father. The McCleerys all belonged to the old Whig
party until after the Harrison campaign of 1840,
when the Anti-slavery question arose, at which time
they joined the Abolition party, and so remained
until the Republican party made known its princi
ples, since when they have voted and worked with
the latter.
Alexander McCleery united with the Free Pres
byterian Church in 1851, and remained with it
until it disbanded in 1868, after which he united
with the Presbyterian Church in West Alexander,
in charge of Dr. W. H. Lester, and has been one
of the elders for a number of years. He has been
repeatedly called to fill the various township offices:
served four full terms as justice of the peace (his
successor is his brother Thomas), and served one
term as county commissioner of Washington county;
of late years he has had to deoline the office on ac
count of increasing deafness. Mr. McCleery has suc
ceeded in his financial affairs beyond his early
expectations, and is the owner of 282 acres of land,
where he now lives. His son, Robert D., has 103
acres which he aided him to pay, making a total
of 385 acres in a square tract, beside 170 acres in
Hopewell township, Washington county, he paid
$65 per acre for, and which he has deeded to his
two sons, James and Robert D. ; James owns it all
at this time, and lives on the farm. Mr. McCleery
spent a considerable amount of money sending his
older children to college; but with all his liberal
outlays he is entirely free from debt.

404

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

,\ILLIAM MASON CAMPBELL ranks
among the first of the prominent and suc
cessful business men of Cross Creek town
ship. The pioneer of the family of whom
he is a prominent member was one John Campbell,
who about 1780, came from York county, Penn., to
this county, finally settling on a farm of 191 acres
in Cross Creek township. In those early days the
Redmen yet roamed through their native forests,
looking with jealous eye and lowering brow upon
the pale-faced intruders. Of the many traditions
rife concerning the adventures of John Campbell,
the following is told: While he was mowing a
small meadow near his house, a sudden and pecul
iar noise broke the silence; turning hastily he
discovered several Indians advancing toward him.
He fled to the house, the Indians in hot pursuit,
but managed to get inside and bar the door before
they could overtake him. He then opened fire on
them through the windows and succeeded in driv
ing them away. On March 31, 1772, John Camp
bell was married to Miss Mary Hammond, a native
of York county, Penn., and to this union children
were born as follows: Ann, March 27, 1773; Gris-
elda, February 19, 1775; John, January 30, 1777,
William, August 11, 1779; James, November 9,
1781 (these three sons settled in Belmont county,
Ohio); David, March 25, 1784; Charles, October
31, 1786; George, June 5, 1789 (the latter three
remained in Cross Creek township); Mary, Feb
ruary 4, 1792, married to William Fulton, of Mt.
Pleasant township; and Elizabeth, October 9, 1793,
wife of William Rea, all now deceased. The father
died August 13, 1807, aged sixty-three years, the
mother on March 18, 1817, aged sixty-four years.
Charles Campbell was born and reared on the
home farm in Cross Creek township, and in his
boyhood received a common-school education,
which was afterward supplemented by current
reading. In early life he learned the carpenter's
trade, but a few years later devoted his attention to
tilling the soil. On February 22, 1810, he was
maried to Miss Esther Mason, also a native of Cross
Creek township, and after their marriage the
young people settled on the home farm. They
reared children, whose names and dates of birth
are here given: Lucinda, January 9, 1811; Mary,
February 27, 1812; Elizabeth, August 7, 1813;
John, July 23, 1815; William Mason, November
10, 1816; Louisa, February 25, 1818; David, March
20, 1820; Hannah, April 10, 1822; and Easter,
July 23, 1824. Of these but one survives, William
Mason. The father of this family died June 4,
1832, the mother having passed away February 1,
1825, aged about thirty-five years. They were
both members of the Presbyterian Church, in
which he was an elder many years. He was a man
of considerable ability as a writer in his day.
William Mason Campbell was born on the old

homestead which was patented in 1787 by his
grandfather, who had taken out a warrant in 1785.
He attended the schools of the day, then held in
rude log cabins erected for that purpose, the only
light afforded coming through window-panes made
of greased paper. In September, 1842, Mason
Campbell (as he is usually called) married Isabella
Ramsey, of Buffalo township, this county, and one
son came to their union, David, born November 14,
1851 (he studied at Oakdale Academy, and is now
a professional teacher of McKeesport, Pen-n.). The
mother died a few days after the birth of her son,
and was interred in the cemetery at Mt. Prospect,
this county. On January 3, 1856, Mr. Campbell
was united in marriage with Annie E. Mcllvaine,
of Mt. Pleasant township, who bore him the fol
lowing children: William C, born October 28, 1856,
Mary E., born March 30, 1858; Jennie, born
February 6, 1860 (wife of Edward McNary, of
Ingram, Penn.); Charles L., born February 15,
1862 (a practicing physician of Hickory, this
county); John L , born August 11, 1864 (a farmer
and ranchman of Wyoming); Annie L., born July
17, 1867 (wife of Robert Farar, a merchant of
Hickory, Penn.); James C, born March 18, 1870
(a student in the mercantile college at McKeesport),
and Alexander M., born June 22, 1874 (living on
the home farm). Soon after his marriage Mr.
Campbell settled on the farm of 186 acres of fine
land in Cross Creek township, where he is now
engaged in farming and stockraising, usually keep
ing about 300 sheep. Politically he has always
been a stanch Republican, and has held many
township offices, notwithstanding the fact that his
township is strongly Democratic. In religious
faith Mr. Campbell has been a member of the Mt.
Prospect Presbyterian Church since a young man,
and has been an elder in same for about forty years.

( "VILLIAM MARTIN, a prosperous farmer
A/f and substantial citizen of Smith township,
1/7 is of Irish descent. James Martin, his
grandfather, was born in Ireland, where
he was married, afterward coming to America, and
locating permanently in Jefferson township, Alle
gheny Co. , Penn. , where they lived to an advanced
age. The children born to this pioneer couple
were: James (who was a shoemaker of Holmes
county, Ohio), John (a former resident of Ohio),
Robert (who lived in Ohio), Ann (first married to
David Canada, then became Mrs. Deerfield, and re
sided in southern Indiana) and William. All of
this family are now deceased, there having been
thirteen children, of whom those named lived to a
mature age.
William Martin was born July 4, 1802, in Jef
ferson township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and re
ceived a common-school education. He learned

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

405

the carpenter' s trade, passing his earlier life in the
pursuit of that vocation, and assisting with the
farm duties during the busy season. On March 9,
1826, he was united in marriage with Jane Walker,
who was born October 6, 1800, in the eastern part
of Pennsylvania, but came when a small child with
her parents to Washington county. The children
of William and Jane (Walker) Martin were as fol
lows: Nancy, born March 5, 1827 (first married to
William Figley, now the wife of Robert Deerfield,
of Nebraska); Margaret, born September 6, 1829,
(Mrs. James Arbuckle, of Pine Run, Jefferson
township, Allegheny Co., Penn.); John, born De
cember 19, 1831 (deceased September 13, 1851);
William (mentioned below), born September 24,
1833; Morgan, born March 28, 1835 (drowned July
11, 1848); Eliza J., born March 4, 1837 (deceased
October 17, 1870) ; Prudence Ann, born May 30,
1840 (Mrs. Joseph Castor, of Union township, Wash
ington county); Robert J., born November 19,
1843 (deceased January 12, 1864), and Perry
A., born September 11, 1846 (a carpenter of Union
township, this county). After his marriage the
father of this family first settled near Finleyville,
Washington county, and followed the carpenter's
trade, also making grain cradles. In 1855 he lo
cated in Jefferson township, Allegheny county,
where he died March 11, 1874, and October 1,
1884, his wife was laid to rest beside him. In poli
tics he was a life-long Democrat, although politi
cians of other parties made frequent attempts to
change his views. He and his wife were highly
respected members of the community.
William Martin was born in Union township,
this county, was reared on his father's farm, and
educated in the country schools. On September
4, 1862, he was united in marriage with Kate,
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Bebhanna) Shep-
ler, born November 8, 1835, in Snowden town
ship, Allegheny Co. , Penn. The children born to
William and Kate Martin are as follows: John A.,
born September 3, 1863 (living on a farm near
Oakdale, Allegheny Co. , Penn. ) ; Sarah, born March
14, 1865 (Mrs. William Snyder, of Snowden town
ship, Allegheny county); Mary (Mrs. S. H. Watters,
a farmer near Oakdale, Allegheny county); James
S., born July 2, 1869 (living at home); William,
born February 9, 1871 (living with his parents);
Jane, born March 20, 1874 (deceased August 15,
1877), and Thomas S., born July 26, 1878 (deceased
June 4, 1879). Mr. and Mrs. Martin first settled
in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, then
moved to Snowden township, same county, remain
ing there some time. In 1881 he located near
Finleyville, Union township, this county, and in
1886 settled on a part of the old " Phillis tract,"
one of the oldest farms in the county, lying about
one and a half miles west of Bulger, in Smith
township. It was the first piece of land in the

county for which a genuine title was made out.
Mr. Martin is a successful farmer and gives con
siderable attention to dairying, and by industry
combined with careful management, has amassed a
competence. He began life with little capital save
the valuable inheritance of good principle instilled
by his father, but since his marriage has had the
assistance of a good business manager in the per
son of his wife, who superintends her household
with careful economy. Politically William Martin
has always been a Democrat, and in religion he
and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church of Burgettstown.

I OHN L. McGOUGH, one of the representa-
. j tive and prosperous young farmers of Han-
rj over township, is a descendant of a well-
^^ known pioneer family. His grandfather,
named Robert McGough, was born in Ireland, and
when a young man came to America, first locating
in Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn.
He there married Mary Provines, a native of County
Tyrone, Ireland, who came to America with her
parents in early girlhood. To this union were
born children as follows: William, went to Jeffer
son county, Ohio, where he died; John, of Colum
biana county, Ohio; Mary Ann, widow of E. S.
Campbell; Robert, of whom a sketch follows; Sarah
(Mrs. Absalom McCullough) and Rebecca, widow
of James Neil, Wellsville, Ohio, twins; Samuel of
Wellsville, Ohio, and Andy (deceased). The only
capital of Robert McGough was a good supply of
energy and industry. Year after year saw his
possessions increase, and at the time of his death
he owned six farms, with which he gave all his
children a good start in life. In politics he was a
Democrat, and in religion he and- his wife were
members of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.
They were buried in the Burgettstown U. P.
cemeterv. Robert McGough, son of Robert and Mary
(Provines) McGough, was born in 1831, in Jeffer
son township, and received a good education. He
partially learned the surveyor's profession, but de
voted most of his life to farming. In 1860 he was
married to Mary M. Lee, daughter of John Lee, of
Jefferson township, who bore him the following
children: John L., William W. (a carpenter of
Steubenville, Ohio), Mary (wife of William An
derson, of Jefferson township) and Samuel B.
(deceased in youth). After his marriage Robert
McGough lived for some time with his father in
Jefferson township, and in 1861 came to Hanover
township, locating on the farm where he died in
October, 1880, and was buried in Burgettstown. He
was an excellent judge of cattle, and devoted con
siderable attention to that department of agricult
ure. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic

406

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

party — and held various offices in the township.
After his death Mrs. McGough resided for seven
years on the old home farm, then removed to Steu
benville, Ohio, where she is living.
JohnL. McGough was born December 25, 1860, in
Jefferson township, having been but an infant when
his parents removed to Hanover township. He was
reared to manhood on the farm which is his pres
ent home, receiving a common-school education.
On September 25, 1884, he was married to Belle
Stephenson, who was born May 14, 1860, a daugh
ter of David and Rachel (Noah) Stephenson, of
Jefferson township. To this union two children
were born: Vance L. and Elsie D. Mr. and Mrs.
McGough have always resided on the home place,
following farming and stockraising. The spirit
of progression, so characteristic a trait in the lives
of father and grandfather, is equally marked in
the acts of John L. McGough. Politically he is a
Democrat, and in religion both he and his wife are
members of the M. E. Church.

P. FULTON, a prosperous and well-
known liveryman of Canonsburg, is a
grandson of William Fulton, whose par
ents were of Scotch-Irish descent, and first
located in Baltimore, Md., where many of the family
yet remain. The branch of which William was a
member finally settled in Smith township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. He was born in Maryland,
and was a young man at the time the family moved
to the county. He was married to Mary Campbell,
whose parents were also pioneer settlers of Wash
ington county, and the young people settled on the
old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, this county.
They were both members of the Mt. Prospect Pres
byterian Church.
George Fulton, a son of William and Mary
(Campbell) Fulton, was born on the home farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, where his early education
was received. When a young man he was united
in marriage with Jemima J., daughter of Benja
min and Rebecca Pinkerton. He always followed
agricultural pursuits on the old place, where his
children were born as follows: David, Minerva
(wife of John Christie), W. P., Greta O. and Lulu
M. The father took an active interest in all public
movements, and voted with the Democratic party.
In religion he was a member and liberal supporter
of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. He and
the wife of his youth lie side by side in the Mt.
Prospect cemetery.
W. P. Fulton was born August 10, 1865, on the
old home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this
coun'y, and attended the neighboring schools. In
1888 he took a trip West, remaining one year in
Nebraska, then returning home settled in Hickory,
this county. In March, 1891, he purchased the C.

R. McCloy livery establishment, which he is now
conducting. He is an active politician of the
Democratic party, a progressive citizen and ener
getic man.

JAMES PROVINES, a well-known farmer of
Jefferson township, was born February 13,
1816, on the farm which he now owns. He
is a son of William Provines, whose father,
John, was born and reared among the hills of
Scotland, where he was married, and whence, a few
years later, he moved to Ireland. William, the son
of John Provines, was born in Scotland, and came
with the family to Ireland when a boy. He was
there reared to agricultural pursuits, and was mar
ried to Rebecca Hemphill, a native of Ireland.
William Provines remained in Ireland about ten
years after his marriage, and there his three eldest
children — Mary, Samuel and Andrew — were born.
In 1812 the family came to America, locating in
Washington county, Penn., where children were
born as follows: John, Robert, Margaret, James,
Sarah, Jane and Rebecca.
James Provines was early trained to agricultural
pursuits, and has always followed that vocation.
He was first married November 13, 1851, to Mary
Campbell, of Smith township, Washington Co.,
Penn. ; she was born January 4, 1817. After their
marriage the young people settled on the home
farm, and four children were born to them, namely:
Mary S. (living with her parents); Rebecca H,
wife of W. P. Shillito; John C, and Margaret, the
two latter being deceased. Mrs. Provines died
November 20, 1856, and Mr. Provines was after
ward married March 7, 1861, to Mary L. Mort-
land, who was born January 16, 1824, a daughter
of Robert and Jane (Provines) Mortland, natives
of County Tyrone, Ireland. Politically Mr. Pro-
vines is an active Democrat, although not a strict
partisan. He has been an earnest member of the
United Presbyterian Church of Burgettstown for
many years, and is one of its most liberal sup
porters.

CAPTAIN J. FULTON BELL, a gallant
officer of the Civil war, was born near Jeffer
son, Greene Co., Penn., August 23,1841.
His father's ancestors in this country were
of Scotch descent, and his paternal grandmother
was a near relation of Harrod, of Boone county,
Ky., fame, hence the bravery and daring of the
descendant. The parents of Capt. J. F. Bell were both natives
of Pennsylvania, born in Morgan township, Greene
county, the father, Levi Harrod Bell, on March 12,
1807; the mother, Sarah Fulton Bell, on July 2,
same year. They were married February 2, 1826,

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

409

and had a family of three sons and ten daughters,
as follows: Mrs. Catherine Greenlee (deceased),
born August 9, 1828; Rachel, born January 4, 1831,
died September 19, 1837; Jane, born March 15,
1832, died November 2, 1852; Mrs. Elizabeth
Galbraith, born March 20, 1834, now living in
Des Moines, Iowa; Mary, born July 23, 1836, died
March 22, 1837; Sarah F., born December 31,
1837, married to Col. Hiram Milligan Miller ,
late of the Second Missouri Cavalry, and now in
Kahoka Mo. ; Mrs. Letticia Reynolds (deceased),
born December 1, 1839 (she was a student, at
Lewisburg (Penn.) Seminary (Baptist), now Buck-
nell University, and graduated from same); Capt.
John Fulton (subject of sketch); Mrs. Eliza
beth Hughes, born July 7, 1843, now living near
Des Moines, Iowa (she was a student' at same sem
inary as her sister Letticia) ; Isaac, born February
24, 1845, now in Kahoka, Mo. ; Mrs. Margaret
Anne Shaw, born December 15, 1846, now a resi
dent of St. Paul, Minn. ; James McVay, born
April 13, 1848, residing in Morgantown, W. Va. ;
and Emma, born July 15, 1850 (deceased). The
father of this family died in 1862, in Amwell town
ship, Washington county, and was buried at Mt.
Hermon; the mother passed away in 1871 at St.
Francesville, Mo., and her remains lie interred
near that place. Mr. Levi H. Bell was ordained
one of the deacons of Jefferson Baptist Church, and
on his removal to Washington county was ordained
a deacon of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church.
Capt. J. Fulton Bell lived near Jefferson, Greene
county, until he was nineteen years of age, and in
the summer of 1860 he attended George's Creek
Academy, Fayette county, Penn. He removed
with his father to Washington county in Novem
ber, 1860, the latter having purchased what is
known as the old "Paul Farm," it being a portion
of the old " Cook Patent." On August 22, 1862,
he enlisted at Amity, Washington county, in
Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V.
I., and was promoted June 21, 1,863, from the
rank of corporal to that of sergeant. On Novem
ber 1, 1863, he became first sergeant; on July
20, 1864, near City Point, Va. , he was commis
sioned, by Gov. Andy Curtin of Pennsylvania
(known as the " War Governor"), first lieutenant.
On May 17, 1865, he became captain of his
company, in which capacity he remained until
mustered out May 31, 1865, near Alexandria
Va. Having been promoted from the ranks, he
was afterward known as " the boy who went out as
eighth corporal, and came back as captain." The
regiment in which he served (One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I.) ranked third in casualties, and
was perhaps entitled to the first place in regard to
enlistments and length of time in service. On the
second day at Gettysburg, near Little Round Top,
or "Devil's Den," this regiment lost 276 officers

and men in less than an hour, Col. Richard P.
Roberts and Capt. David Acheson, senior captain,
' being among the number. This regiment was in
service thirty-three months, and took part in some
twenty-five engagements, beginning at Chancellors
ville and ending at Appomattox. After his return
from the war Capt. Bell engaged in farming
(having purchased in 1868 the home farm) and
stock raising, of which he has made a success.
On May 6, 1868, the captain was married to
Lydia Ross, daughter of Judge Benjamin and
Hannah (Johns) Ross, of Ruff Creek, Greene Co.,
Penn., who were born March 17, 1802, and June
9, 1811, respectively. They were the parents of
eleven children, as follows: Mrs. Catherine Cox
(deceased), born September 20, 1829 (she was
educated at a school in Chester county, Penn.);
Mrs. Rachel Dunn (deceased), born July 7, 1831;
Thomas, born October 8, 1833 (crossed the Plains
to California in 1858); Elizabeth Ann (deceased),
born December 2, 1835; Abner, born March 30,
1838 (he is ex-State senator and ex-sheriff of
Greene county), Jacob, born July 17, 1840 (he
served in the Anderson troops in the Civil war);
Mrs. Lydia Bell, born January 6, 1843; Benjamin
F., born November 18, 1846 (he spent several
years in the mines of Colorado) ; Nathaniel
(deceased), born August 12, 1849; Hannah Maria
(deceased), born June 9, 1853; and Heath J., born
July 12, 1858 (is at present district attorney of
Greene county). Capt. Bell and his wife have five
children, Benjamin Harrod (was for two years a
student of Monongahela College), Sarah Frances
(educated at Waynesburg College), now engaged in
teaching, Lyda Emma (attending Washington Fe
male Seminary), Abner Ross, and James Franklin.
Politically the Captain has always been a Repub
lican, and with the exception of one year has been
commander of Philo Paul Post No. 458, G. A. R.,
ever since it was organized, in October, 1884. In
1890 he was enumerator for the second precinct of
Amwell township. Capt. Bell is one of the most
highly esteemed residents of Washington county,
enjoying the record of an honorable career in the
service of his country, and he has faithfully dis
charged his duties of a private citizen in all times
of peace. Both the Captain and Mrs. Bell are
members of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (Wash
ington county), as are their three eldest children,
the former being elected to the office of Deacon
several years ago. On the contemplating of the
building of the Waynesburg & Washington Narrow
Gauge Railroad, Capt. Bell was a member of one
of the soliciting committees to raise money and
procure the right of way, and was in a measure
successful, subscribing several shares of stock.
After the completion of the road he was elected
one of the directors and reelected for two suc
cessive terms.

410

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

TjOHN FRESHWATER, a leading farmer and
. 1 1 small fruit grower of Hanover township, is a
v\\ native of Brooke county, WT. Va. , of which lo-
^-^ cality his ancestors were early residents. This
gentleman and his family are descended from three
brothers who came into West Virginia soon after
the beginning of the present century, and located
in the territory which is now Brooke county.
The brothers were named, respectively, Reuben,
Archibald and David, who came from east of the
mountains, and were born east of the mountains.
Of these, Archibald was the grandfather of our
subject. After locating in West Virginia he was
married to Sarah Gardner, a native of Jefferson
township, Washington county, who bore him the
following children: John, who went to Armstrong
county, Penn., afterward settling in Pittsburgh,
Penn. ; Archibald, of whom a sketch is given; Will
iam, moved to Van Buren county, Iowa; Fanny,
married to Josiah Jones, a resident of Wellsburgh,
W. Va. ; David, moved to Wood county, W. Va. ;
and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Wright, resided near
Chambersburgh, Penn. Of this family David is
the only one living. The parents passed their lives
on the farm in Washington county, where the
father was a successful agriculturist, and where he
died in 1856 at a ripe old age. After his death
his widow remained for some time on the home
place, then went to Wood county, W. Va., and
lived with her son, David, until she too was called
to enter the "valley of the shadow of death."
Archibald, son of Archibald and Sarah (Gardner)
Freshwater, was born March 16, 1814, in Brooke
county, W. Va., remaining on the farm during his
boyhood and attending the subscription schools.
In 1837 he was married to Elizabeth Truax, who
bore him the following children: William, a farmer
of Hanover township, born July 22, 1838; Archi
bald, deceased farmer of Hanover township, born
October 6, 1839; Sarah Ann, deceased wife of
David Smith, of Hanover township, born February
28, 1841; David, born June 9, 1843; Elias, a black
smith of Paris, Penn., born March 22, 1845; John,
whose name opens this sketch; Mary Jane, of Col
liers, W. Va., born September 22, 1849; Elizabeth
Amanda, Mrs. James Caldwell, of Hanover town
ship, born March 5, 1852; and James, a farmer of
Hanover township, born December 5, 1854. After
his marriage Archibald Freshwater rented a farm in
Hancock county, W. Va. ; remaining there for some
time, then went to Brooke county, W. Va. , and in
1853 came to Hanover township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where his latter days were passed in agri
cultural pursuits. He died in 1883, having been
preceded by his wife in 1876, and both now lie
buried in the Paris cemetery. Mr. Freshwater was
a member of the Methodist Church, his wife hav
ing been identified with the Baptist Society. In
politics he was a Democrat.

John Freshwater was born February 10, 1847
and when but six years of age came with his pai^
ents to Washington county. He attended the com
mon schools of the home district, and when a young
man began to learn the blacksmith trade, but after
serving three months of an apprenticeship gave up
the trade, and later was employed on the P. , C. &
St. L. R. R. for two years. On December 15
1870, he was united in marriage with Margaret
Wells, who was born June 23, 1847, in Brooke
county, W. Va., a daughter of James and Margaret
(Crall) Wells. The Wells family were among the
leading pioneers of Brooke county. The children
of John and Margaret Freshwater are as follows:
Lawrence A., Fred C, Emma F., Harry B., John
W. , Oscar G, Beulah J. and Lydia E., all of whom
are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Freshwater be
gan wedded life on a farm in Hanover township.
In 1881 he purchased the "Matthew Russell" farm,
where he has ever since resided. In addition to
farming he is extensively engaged in the raising
of small fruits and berries, and belongs to the pro
gressive, wide-awake type of agriculturists. In
politics he is a Democrat, and is a highly esteemed
citizen of the community. Mrs. Freshwater is a
member of the Presbyterian Church.

>Jp^ EZIN C. WOODFILL. Among the pre-
Iwy Revolutionary settlers of Washington
w\> county was Joseph Woodfill, who was born
JJ => September 17, 1754, and six years later
v came to East Bethlehem township, Wash
ington county. Here he studied after the fashion
of boys of that period, and became a Methodist
Episcopal preacher. His marriage with Miss Cath
erine Gudshell took place October 20, 1777, and to
this union the following named children were born:
Joseph, Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth, Rezin and
John. Rezin Woodfill was born December 20, 1792, in
East Bethlehem township, and there was reared to
manhood in a pioneer log cabin. His educational
advantages were necessarily limited, as opportuni
ties were few, and time was money in those early
days. On December 4, 1817, he married Miss
Sarah Dotson, and to this union were born: Jo
seph D., July 30, 1819 (a farmer of East Bethlehem,
who married Mary White, November 7, 1844, and
they are the parents of Andrew, Margaret, Ella,
White, Oliver, Mary and Bert Woodfill); John B.
(a farmer of Fayette county, Penn.); William M.
(a grocer in Washington borough) ; Mary (widow
of S. Bromfield, of Fayette county, Penn.), Andrew
(who died while at college, Meadville, Penn.);
James (who died at California, Penn.); Melinda (de
ceased); Charles W. (a physician, who died in
Preston county, W. Va.); Rezin C. (the subject of
this notice) and Lizzie Ball. The father of this

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

411

family voted with the Republican party, and in re
ligious affairs affiliated with the Methodist Episco
pal Church. Both parents are numbered with the
majority. Rezin C. Woodfill, son of Rezin and Sarah Wood-
fill, was born July 9, 1833, on the home farm.
Having received the education which the schools
of the district afforded, he set out for Iowa with the
intention of remaining in that State; but his health
failing, he returned to Pennsylvania, and worked
for his father on the home farm ; after his mother' s
death he bought the interests of the other heirs in
the estate. On October 11, 1862, Mr. Rezin was
married to Maggie C. Ridlingshafer, of Browns
ville, Penn., and to this marriage were born Will
iam J. (a carpenter), Charles R., John C, Frank
G., Jesse S., Ollie B., Le Roy, Sallie J., Annie
L. and May L. With the exception of John C.
and Frank G.,who are clerks at Brownsville, all re
side with the parents. All are members of the
M. E. Church. Mr. Rezin C. Woodfill is a Repub
lican. The home farm embraces seventy-six acres
of fertile land, which is devoted to agriculture.

CHRISTIAN HOOTMAN is a well-known and
prosperous representative of one of the
pioneer families of Washington county. He
is a grandson of David Hootman, who was
of German birth, and as a Hessian soldier, in the
pay of the British, came to America in the Revo
lutionary war. No sooner did an opportunity
offer, than the brave young German deserted from
the British ranks, and enlisted as a drummer-boy
with the patriots in their struggle for liberty.
After the close of the Revolution, he remained
in America, and it is supposed located in Donegal
township, Washington Co. , Penn., about the year
1780, where he remained until his death, in 1859,
after a life of nearly a century. He was married
in Washington county, and to this marriage were
born: Henry, Jacob, John, David, Christopher,
Mrs. Fannie Miller, and Mrs. Catherine Shaler.
Mr. Hootman was a Democrat, and held several
offices in the township.
David Hootman, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in 1793, in Donegal township,
this county, where he passed his whole life. He
attended the rate schools, and became a very well-
informed and successful man. When about fifteen
years of age he learned the blacksmith's trade, and
after an apprenticeship of four years, opened an
office on the Monongahela pike. In 1815 he mar
ried Nancy, daughter of Benjamin Parkson, of
Nottingham township, and she bore him nine chil
dren: Benjamin, David, John, Clarinda, Polly,
Mrs. Nancy Hill, Christian, William and Anderson.
David Hootman began life with 6J cents, and at
his death the estate was valued at $40,000. For

many years he was captain in the State militia,
and at one time was a candidate for the State Leg
islature, having been a prominent man in the Jef-
f ersonian Democratic party. He was a member of
the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. Mr.
Hootman died in 1868, followed by his wife in
1878. Washington Parkson, a brother of Mrs.
David Hootman, was a prominent actor in the
Whisky Insurrection, and the pardon which he re
ceived from George Washington is still in the pos
session of Mr. Hootman' s brother.
Christian Hootman was born in 1828-in Notting
ham township, and attended the home schools
during his boyhood. When a young man he was
united in marriage with Ursula Myers, who has
borne him the following children: David H.
(deceased), William W., James P., Jerry M., and
Dora A. Mr. Hootman has served his township in
various offices, and votes the Democratic ticket.
He owns 120 acres of the old home place, having
remained at home until the death of his parents.
He and his family are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Pigeon Creek.

dfAMES C. WALKER, a wealthy and influen-
i rial farmer of Jefferson township, is a son of
| James Walker, whose grandfather, David,
was born in New Jersey, and was there
married to Elizabeth Elliott, of the same State.
Soon after their marriage David and Elizabeth
Walker moved to Huntingdon county, Penn. , and,
about 1772, settled near a little town called Burnt
Cabins. Here the following children were born
and reared; Alexander, John, David, James,
Martha, Sarah (Mrs. Cree), Susan, Polly and Isa
belle, all of whom are now deceased.
Alexander Walker was born May 10, 1773, in
Huntingdon county, Penn., and worked on the
home farm until 1795. He then came to Wash
ington county, settling in Jefferson township on
the place now owned by his son Samuel. Here
Alexander Walker was married, October 26, 1800,
to Elizabeth Norris, who was born December 8,
1778. The young people settled on the home
farm, which Mr. Walker managed in connection
with distilling, the latter being at that time as im
portant an industry as milling. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Walker were as
follows: Elizabeth, born February 22, 1802; John,
born June 8, 1803; David, born September 19,
1804; James, born January 1, 1807; JohnN, born
June 24, 1808; Susanna, born December 22, 1809;
Alexander, born June 21, 1811; Mary Ann, born
February 7, 1814; David S., born July 6, 1816;
Isabella, born November 17, 1818; Drusilla, born
February 16, 1821; and Samuel, born April 18,
1823. The father of this family died September

412

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

8, 1854, and was followed by the mother Decem
ber 17, 1855.
James Walker (the father of subject) passed his
youth on the old Walker homestead, and October
9, 1828, was married to Elizabeth Graham, a native
of this county. They have passed all their wedded
life in the old house on the home farm, where six
children have been born to them, namely: Olivia,
born in March, 1830; John G., born in August,
1831; Alexander, born in August, 1833; William
W., born in August, 1836; Ann D., born August
28, 1838; and James C, born August 14, 1842.
James C. Walker was born and reared on the
old farm, and in early manhood was united in
marriage with Eliza, daughter of William Vanord-
strandt, a native of Washington county. After his
marriage James immediately bought out the inter
est of the other heirs in the homestead, and made
it his permanent home. One daughter blessed
this union: Anna E., born in 1862 (now married to
B. B. Stroud, of Independence). The mother died
October 12, 1862, and Mr. Walker married Hannah
E. Caldwell, November 21, 1867, of Hanover town
ship, who bore him two sons: Norris, born Novem
ber 24, 1868, and James, born February 5, 1873.
Mrs. Hannah E. Walker died January 26, 1875,
and March 20, 1878, Mr. Walker married Belle
Sutherland, of Smithfield, Ohio. They have three
children, namely: Mary M., born May 3, 1881;
John Sherman, born January 9, 1883; and Bessie
Graham, born April 19, 1884. Mr. Walker is a
farmer and stock raiser, and owns 200 acres of fine
land, upon which he has erected a handsome resi
dence. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and
in religion a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian
Church. M. HANLIN. The Hanlin family for al
most a century have been identified with the
progress and development of Hanover town
ship. They have assisted in the advance
ment and support of all enterprises which
have served to place this township in its present
position among the magnificent galaxy of town
ships contained in Washington county, Penn.
The present generation of this family trace their
ancestry to four brothers, John, William, James
and Alexander, who were children of Alexander
and Nancy (Stewart) Hanlin, and natives of County
Tyrone, Ireland. The father dying in County Ty
rone, the family, consisting of the widow, four
sons and three daughters (Elizabeth, Nancy and
Jane), came to America in 1792. Their first loca
tion was in Lancaster county, Penn., where the
sons • engaged in various kinds of employment.
Energy and health formed their sole capital.
One daughter, Nancy, was married in eastern Penn
sylvania, and there passed her days. Between 1795
and 1800 the other members of the family came

farther west, locating on the waters of Buffalo
creek, in Washington county, on the " Lawton
Farm." The brothers continued to work in part
nership until the beginning of the present century
when James purchased land near Paris/ Hanover
township, this county, and followed the river
making trips to New Orleans. He was married
to a Miss Mills. William, John and Alexander
jointly purchased of one John Campbell a large
tract of land near Harmon's creek, in Han
over township, to which they moved. William was
affianced to Anna, daughter of John Fulton, of
Hanover township, and his wedding day was set
but he died before the marriage was consummated.
John Hanlin was born in 1771 in County Tyrone,
Ireland, and in 1823, married Nancy Hanlin, a
distant relative and native of Ireland. Her parents
came to America, locating in Steubenville, Ohio,
leaving their infant daughter with an aunt in Ire
land, with whom she crossed the ocean when
but two years of age. To the union of John and
Nancy Hanlin the following children were born:
A. M. , Margery (unmarried, living with her broth
er in Hanover township), William, John (a farmer
of Hanover township), James (deceased) and Eliza
(unmarried, living with her brothers). After
his marriage John Hanlin located on that por
tion of the original tract which the three broth
ers had purchased, where he resided the re
mainder of his life. He died in 1846, a respected
citizen, kind-hearted and generous. In 1878 his
widow passed away at the advanced age of eighty-
Bix years. She was buried beside her husband in
St. John's Protestant Episcopal cemetery, Brooke
county, W. Va. They were both members of that
church. A. M. Hjanlin was born June 18, 1824, on the .
old farm which is yet his home, where he was
reared to manhood, and attended the country
schools of the time. He married Rowena Swear-
ingen May 1, 1860. She was born in 1832, and
was a daughter of Capt. Samuel Swearingen, of
Beaver county. Their children are as fol
lows: Lewis S., Anna E., Samuel A., James L.,
and Maud L. , all of whom are living at home. Mr.
Hanlin has always resided on the old place, being
engaged in general farming and stock raising. He
has given considerable attention to the sheep in
dustry. He was first a Whig, then a Republican,
having taken an active interest in politics, but now
gives way to the younger politicians. Both he and
his wife are members of the Disciple Church.
THE ANDERSON FAMILY are among the
most prominent and esteemed citizens of
Cross Creek township. They trace their
ancestry to one Francis Anderson, of Butler
county, Penn. He was of Scotch parent
age, and when a young man came west to try the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

413

hard and perilous life of a hunter. In this vo
cation he soon achieved a reputation as one of
the most skilled and successful hunters of the
day. In a short time, he had saved a portion
of his earnings, and buying a small farm, com
bined agricultural pursuits with his former vo
cation. As old age drew near, the excitement
and danger of life among the forests lost its
power to charm, and he longed for the more
quiet, if less eventful, life of the home. He
retired from the ranks of Nimrod's followers,
being at that time the owner of over 1,000 acres
of land, and devoted the remnant of life to agri
cultural pursuits. With his children and grand
children around' him, the old hero would then
relate exciting tales of adventures with panthers,
bears and other wild animals of the forest. Thus
living again the hunter life, he would for the time
forget his surroundings, and with flashing eye and
panting breath describe some fierce contest with
savage beasts. In peace and comfort the old man
passed his declining days, and died at a good old
age, leaving children as follows: John, Francis,
Robert, James, Samuel, Elizabeth, Jane and Sarah,
of whom Elizabeth and Sarah are living.
Robert Anderson was born June 17, 1809, in
Butler county, Penn., where he grew to manhood
on the farm. At the age of nineteen years he
began working on the Pennsylvania Canal, thus
earning enough money to enter an academy,
which he attended for some time. He then entered
the Jefferson College, of Canonsburg, Penn. ,
graduated in 1832, and began the study of medi
cine under the celebrated Dr. Jonathan Leather-
man, of Canonsburg. While pursuing his medical
studies, the young man frequently taught short
terms of school, finally graduating from the Jeffer
son Medical College, of Philadelphia. He began
to practice his profession in the town of Hickory,
Washington county, but soon after came to Cross
Creek village, remaining there until his death.
Robert Anderson was united in marriage with
Miss Agnes Cochran, a native of Canonsburg, a
daughter of the late Henry Cochran, a prominent
farmer and stock raiser of that place. The chil
dren born to this union were: Henry C. , Jane,
Lizzie, Francis, James E. , Robert and Joseph.
Mr. Anderson was a member of the Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a stanch
Republican, being one of the leaders of that party.
In the year 1860 he was elected to the State Legis
lature, holding that office two years, meanwhile
winning a reputation for strict integrity and honor
as well as intellectual power. Of his children
there are yet living: Henry C. , Robert and Joseph.
Henry C. Anderson (the eldest son) was born
November 9, 1834, at Canonsburg, and when but
two years of age was brought to Cross Creek vil
lage by his parents. He passed his youth on the

farm which his father purchased soon after arriv
ing in Cross Creek, and attended the academy at
that place for several terms, thus laying the foun
dation for the extensive literary work in which he
has been employed. After leaving school he
selected as his life companion, Margaret J. McFar-
land, daughter of Andrew McFarland, a tailor of
Grant City, Mo. Their children are as follows:
Flora, Francis, Emma, Charles E., Cassius B. ,
Hattie May, Laura Jeanette, James L., Sarah
Isadore and Robert Harold. Henry C. Anderson
is an ardent Republican, is connected with Grange,
and for many years has been a correspondent of
the Farmers' Friend, of Mechanicsburgh, also of the
Presbyterian Banner, of Pittsburgh. He has
written much valuable history for the county pa
pers, and in church work has been superintendent
of the Presbyterian Sabbath-school four years.
Robert Anderson was born October 8, 1846, in
Cross Creek village. He remained on the farm
during boyhood, assisting in agricultural work,
and receiving a common-school education. He
afterward attended the Duff Business College,
from which he graduated in 1865. He married
Sarah N. Stephenson, of Smith township, Wash
ington county, daughter of Mark Stephenson, a
prominent farmer of that neighborhood. They
have three children: Nannie I., Robert S. and
Edna O. , all living at home. After his marriage
Mr. Anderson settled on the place in Cross Creek
where he has since resided, with the exception of
three years, during which time he kept store in
Cross Creek village. The farm consists of 120
acres of good land. Robert Anderson is a mem
ber of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, to
which he gives liberally. In politics he is a Re
publican, being an active and influential member
of that party, having served his township as road
supervisor and census enumerator. Mr. Anderson
is one of the most respected citizens of the com
munity, and a successful, honorable business man.

QEORGE JEFFERSON LONG. This well-
known citizen of East Pike Run township
was born at Brownsville, Fayette Co. Penn.,
November 9, 1826. He is descended from
' the early Irish colonists of Maryland.
Luke Long, paternal grandfather of our subject,
was born in Harford county, Md. , early in the eight
eenth century, and there passed his entire life, as an
agriculturist. His wife was a Miss Whittick, also a
native of Maryland, who bore him three sons and.
two daughters: John (father of George Jefferson),
James (who when a young man took a trading boat
down the Ohio, and was never after heard of),
Isaac, Mary and Priscilla, all of whom died un
married except John. In religious faith these
children were Methodists, and in political affilia-

414

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

tions the sons, like their immediate antecedents,
were Democrats. The father of this family died
at the patriarchal age of ninety- seven years, the
mother at the age of fifty-six.
John Long married Eliza, daughter of Jonathan
and Jane Worrell, who were the parents of chil
dren as follows: Stephen, Samuel, George, Na
than J., Leonard, John, Eliza, Jane and Elmira.
Of these Stephen (of Lancaster county) died leav
ing four children — two daughters, and two sons
George and Leonard; Samuel married a Miss Mc
Clain, and had five children; George wedded a Miss
Hall, and had two children; Nathan J. married a
Miss Hall and had children as follows : Albert,
Jane and Samuel; Leonard married Melley Stew,
and died leaving no heir; John wedded Hannah
Worrell, and had by her the following named
children: Hiram, Nathan, William, Dix, John,
Samuel and Ann; Jane was married to Robert
Raley, and had children; Elmira became the wife
of John Bowers, and their children were Frank,
John and Mary. The Worrells were of Dutch
descent, Whigs and Republicans in their political
predilections. Shortly after marriage John and
Eliza (Worrell) Long moved to Brownsville, Penn.,
where children were born to them as follows:
Isaac, Mary Jane (married to Isaac Wright and had
children of whom Luke, William, Samuel, Eliz
abeth and Mary survive), George J., John H.,
Sarah Ann (married to I. N. Duval, and has chil
dren), and James L. The last named, who is a
resident, of Reynoldsville, Penn., and a carpenter
by trade, married Louisa Powell, of California,
this county, and has one daughter, Kate V., with
whom her father resides, her mother having died
in 1 888. John H. and James L. both served in the
Civil war. John Long, the father of this family,
was a painter. He was born in Hartford county,
Md., died at Coal Centre, Penn., April 2, 1864.
George Jefferson Long was, as has already been
stated, but a child when his mother died, and the
family, bereft of a loving mother's care, were all
separated and widely scattered, to live in new
homes. On New Year's Day, 1839, then a lad of
some thirteen summers, our subject became one of
the family- of Isaac Ailes, in the house where now
resides Coleman Ailes, and here the orphan boy
found a home in truth; so kind to him were these
noble people that a stranger could not distinguish,
from any word or act, that he was other than one
of their own progeny. Here he remained until at
taining his majority, in the meantime learning the
trade of carpenter, which he followed to some ex
tent in after life. In 1861 he commenced the busi
ness of undertaker at Coal Centre, which he has
since successfully carried on, although he is now
comparatively retired.
At the age of thirty-five Mr. Long was united
in marriage with Frances, daughter of Andrew H

and Mary Holmes, and one son blessed their union
named Walter A. , now in the coal business at Cin
cinnati, Ohio. Mrs. LoDg was called to her final
rest May 13, 1883. She, as has always been her
husband, was an earnest supporter of the M. E.
Church. Mr. Long united, June 22, 1869 with
the Pike Run I. O. O. F., at California, and was a
charter member of Vista Lodge at Coal Centre-
he has filled all the Chairs in the Lodge, and is a
member of the Encampment. In politics he acts
with the Republican party.

[( LBERT R. COLWELL traces his geneal-
l\ °gy to his grandfather, Jarhes, who was the
l\ first of his family to locate in America.
-^ James Colwell was born, reared and
married in Ireland. Emigrating to Amer
ica, be located near Paris, in Hanover township,
Washington Co. , Penn. In the midst of the forest
his cabin was erected, and he passed the remainder
of his life as a "tiller of the soil." He and bis wife
died, and were buried in the Paris cemetery.
James Colwell was a prominent man, highly re
spected by all, and was elected squire by the
Democratic party, of which he was an enthusiastic
supporter. The children of his family were as
follows: Samuel, whose life was passed on the home
farm; William lived in .Carroll county, Ohio; Jo
seph resided in Hanover township, this county;
Elizabeth married Matthew Russell, of Hanover
township; Thomas; Jane, Mrs. Parks; Andrew;
Robert and James. All are now deceased.
Andrew Colwell was born in 1808 on the farm
where his father located on coming to this county.
His active, energetic spirit became apparent from
childhood, and when a young man he took
charge of the home farm, which prospered under
his care. In 1838 he married Isabella McGon-
nigle, who was born about 1811, in Hanover town
ship. She was the daughter of William McGon-
nigle, a native of Ireland, who was there married,
and coming to America located in Maryland, and
came to Hanover township about the beginning
of the present century. Five children were born
to Andrew and Isabella Colwell, namely: Robert,
residing in Brooke county, W. Va. ; James, of New
ton county, Mo. ; Albert R., our subject; William
H, living in Brooke county, W. Va. ; and Martha
E., Mrs. John Freshwater, of Toronto, Ohio. After
his marriage Andrew Colwell continued to reside
on the old farm until 1854, when he went to Han
cock county, W. Va. Beginning life with little
capital, he improved every opportunity, and at the
time of his death owned over 400 acres of land in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He was among
the first to engage extensively in the wool industry,
in which he was very successful. Politically he
was a Democrat until the time of Henry Clay's

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

415

nomination for President, when he joined the Whig
party, finally becoming a Republican. Both he
and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church. He died in 1870, and was buried in the
cemetery at Paris, this county, where his wife was
also laid to rest in 1880.
Albert R. Colwell was born February 27, 1842,
in the old home in Hanover township, which
he now owns. He attended the common schools of
his neighborhood, and worked on the farm until his
enlistment, August 9, 1862, at Wellsburg, W. Va. ,
in Company K, Twelfth West Virginia Infantry.
His first active engagement was at Winchester,
Va. He was wounded June 9, 1864, at New Mar
ket, having been shot through the side, and was
sent to the hospital at Martinsburgh, remaining
there three months, then rejoined his regiment,
and served until the close of the war, when he was
honorably discharged, and returned to Brooke
county, W. Va. On May 29, 1877, he was married
to Mary Criss, who was born in 1854, a daughter
of Nicholas and Nancy (Wilson) Criss, of Hanover
township. The young people first settled in Brooke
county, W. Va., on a farm owned by his father,
and in 1891 came to the old home place where he
was born, and is now residing. Mr. Colwell follows
general farming, and is a leading agriculturist of
Hanover township. In politics he votes the Re
publican ticket, but devotes his principal attention
to private business. Mrs. Colwell is a member of
the Methodist Protestant Church of Eldersville,
Penn. They have one daughter, Nancie Evelyn,
who was born November 13, 1879.

El LMOR H. GRIFFITH is a member of one
of the oldest leading families of Washington
county, and is himself a prominent, progress-
— ' ive citizen of East Bethlehem township.
Some time between the years 1682 and 1690,
over a couple of centuries ago, there left their na
tive Welsh home and well-to-do parents, five
brothers named Griffith, who, having set sail for
America, landed, after a tedious and stormy pas
sage across the Atlantic, at New York. Here they
remained together for a short time, and then sep
arated, drifting in various directions, William, one
of the five, coming westward and making a perma
nent settlement in what was then Newcastle county,
Md., at that time the home of the "Pennamites."
Here he passed the rest of his life, dying at the
advanced age of one hundred and five years.
William Griffith, son of this avant-courier of the
family under consideration, was born in Newcastle
county, Md., in 1714, and in 1735 he moved
to Beaver Creek, York Co., Penn. , -where the re
mainder of his days was passed. He married
Esther Hussey, daughter of Richard and Marion
Hussey, the former of whom died in 1785, the

latter in 1807. William Griffith departed this life
September 21, 1778, his wife having preceded him
to the grave in the spring of 1762. He was a rigid
and zealous follower of the faith of the Society of
Friends, scrupulously honorable in himself, and
severely exacting that the same quality should
exist in all others. He and his wife reared a large
family of children.
Jacob Griffith, son of William and Esther
(Hussey) Griffith, and grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, was born February 27, 1757, in
Pennsylvania. In 1796 he came to Washington
county, Penn., when, as one of the pioneers, he en
dured all the hardships incident to the clearing
and opening of a new country. He was somewhat
small in stature, but nevertheless strong and ath
letic, quick of foot, and even when an old man he
could walk with greater rapidity and apparently
less exertion than when he was many years younger.
When he came here he was in very moderate cir
cumstances, but was able to buy a small farm in
what is now West Pike Run township. On April
16, 1778, he married Lydia Hussey, who bore him
children as follows: David, Isaac, Israel, Jason,
Esther and Amos, all long since deceased. The
father of this family died August 2, 1841, on the
home farm in West Pike Run township. Like his
father, he was in religious faith a Quaker. His
wife met with an accident four years prior to her
death which crippled her for the rest of her days.
In fact, she never left her bed until death relieved
her of her sufferings September 21, 1843. Of
their children, Israel, father of Elmor H, was born
December 28, 1784, in York county, Penn. , coming
to this county in 1796, where he received a good
education at the subscription schools, which he
supplemented with close study and a considerable
amount of reading at home. In early life he was
trained to the arduous duties of farm life, and
when old learned the trade of a cooper, and later
that of miller. For several years he owned and
conducted the West Pike Run saw and flouring
mills, and during the winters of his earlier life
taught the district school, which was held in an
old log cabin, furnished with the most primitive
seats, desks, etc. On November 27, 1826, Mr.
Griffith married Letitia Shaw, who was born De
cember 14, 1784, a daughter of Samuel Shaw, an
early settler of eastern Pennsylvania, and the fol
lowing named children were born to them: Eliza,
born September 30, 1807, now living in Marshall
county, Iowa, the wife of Milton Marsh; Joel, born
October 13, 1809, who, a miller by trade, con
ducted his father's mill (he was the father of a
large family, who are now residents of Alliance,
Ohio); Eli R., born June 14, 1811, also deceased;
Hannah, born January 25, 1818, married John
Marsh, and now lives in Marshall county, Iowa:
Israel, born May 29, 1820, also a resident of that

416

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

county, and Elmor H. , the subject of these lines.
The mother passed away August 30, 1849. Polit
ically, Israel Griffith was originally a Whig, and
afterward, on the formation of the party, a Repub
lican. In religion he followed in the footsteps of
his forefathers, and he was a man remarkable for
his extremely temperate habits, sturdy manhood
an'd sterling integrity, commanding theesteem and
respect of all with whom he came in contact.
He died in 1862.
Elmor H Griffith was born December 23, 1827,
on the old homestead farm in West Pike Run town
ship, where he was reared, and where he has passed
his entire life with the exception of the summer of
1844, which he spent visiting the homes of his
brothers and sisters in Iowa. He at one time en
tertained an idea of moving to and making a new
settlement in the " Far West," but ill health dis
suaded him. In his boyhood he attended the com
mon schools of his district, and being an apt scholar
succeeded in securing an education better than the
average in these early days, so that be was well
qualified to teach school, which he did with emi
nent success during some of the winter months in
his earlier manhood, the remainder of the year be
ing occupied in the cultivation of the farm products,
and in the management of his father's mills. In
1856 Mr. Griffith married Cynthia, daughter of
Thomas Heald, of Columbiana county, Ohio; by
which union there were no children. Mrs. Grif
fith departed this life May 25, 1883, and our sub
ject married, in 1885, Miss Emma McConnell, who
was born March 22, 1846, a daughter of Austin
and Edith McConnell, the result of this union
being three children, as follows: Austin Oliver,
born April 29, 1886, died April 24, 1891; Edith,
born January 2, 1888, and Carrie Augusta, born
May 20, 1891. Mr. Griffith is a "dyed-in-the-
wool" Republican, and at this writing is filling
the office of justice of the peace. In 1865 he em
barked in general mercantile business at Centre-
ville, which he is still conducting, at the same
time devoting some attention to the repairing of
clocks, watches and jewelry, a varied stock of
which he always carries. He is a liberal supporter
of the Methodist Church which he attends, while
his wife, a devout Christian lady, is a faithful mem
ber of the Society of Friends.

DAVID WAUGH is a native of County Down,
1 Ireland, having been born there May 24,
/ 1828. He is a son of James Waugh, who
was also born in County Down, Ireland,
about 1778, and grew to manhood on the home
farm. On February 18, 1798, he was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Cummings, a native of
the same county, and then settled upon a farm of
his own, where the following children were born

and reared: Elizabeth, Jane, Mary (living in San
Francisco), Margaret (deceased), Susanna (living
in Ireland), James (also living in Ireland), John
(deceased in Ireland), Isabella (living in Australia)
David (subject of this sketch), Joseph and Alex
ander. The parents of these children passed their
entire lives in the Emerald Isle, toiling for tlie
welfare of their children, and were long since laid
to rest.
David Waugh assisted his father with the duties
of the farm until he attained the age of twenty
years, when he came to America, landing in New
York with 25 cents, which he spent the next
day to get a tooth extracted. He located in Mont
gomery, a town situated about ten miles from
Philadelphia, Penn., which home was but a few
rods from the present residence of John Wana-
maker. Five years later he came to Pittsburgh,
Penn., where he lived eleven years, and finally
made a permanent home in Washington county,
Penn. While living in Montgomery he was united
in marriage with Miss Catherine Dougan, daughter
of W'illiam Dougan (a native of County Tippeniry,
Ireland, where Catherine was born), and they have
had four children, of whom the following is a brief
record: James resides in Allegheny City, Penn.,
and is a veterinary surgeon; William is living in
Texas, and is a veterinary surgeon of the Third
United States Cavalry; Maggie J. is married, and
living in Taylorstown, Buffalo township, this
county; David remains at home, and assists hiB
father on the farm. Since the day Mr. Waugh
landed in New York, and began work for a farmer
near Montgomery, he says he has found no time
for one idle day. By perseverance and the prac
tice of strict economy, he now owns 156 acres of
land, and has given his children a good start in
life. He is a Republican.

THE WEIR FAMILY of Pigeon Creek. In
July, 1770, there arrived in Philadelphia,
Penn., a company of emigrants from County
Antrim, Ireland, among whom were Robert
Robinson (born 1739, died June 23, 1836,
aged ninety-seven years), his wife, Rachel Weir
(born 1738, died October 21, 1823, aged eighty-
five years) and Samuel Weir (brother of Rachel)
and his wife, Lavina Robinson, sister of Robert
Robinson. These families remained near each
other, tarrying in Lancaster and Dauphin coun
ties, finally proceeding to Big Sewickley, West
moreland county, where they separated about the
year 1777, Robert Robinson settling four miles
north of Saltsburgh, Indiana county, and Samuel
Weir coming to the vicinity of Zollarsville, Wash
ington county. Here he tarried for a while, but
finally settled on Pigeon creek near the present
town of Vanceville, where he died in 1821. His

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

419

wife, Lavina (Robinson), died about 1816. They
are buried in Pigeon Creek churchyard. Their
children were (I) Thomas, (II) Jane, (III) James,
(IV) William, (V) Elizabeth, (VI) Adam, (VII)
Lavina and (VIII) Samuel.
(I). Thomas Weir married Nancy Whitehill, and
died in December, 1848, in his eighty -third year;
Nancy, his wife, died August 31, 1822, aged fifty-
four. Their children were Samuel, died August
1, 1855, aged fifty-seven; Margaret, died August
28. 1853, aged forty-nine; Lavina, died April 20,
1860, aged fifty-five; Jane and Eleanor (twins),
the former of whom died February 23, 1884, aged
seventy-eight, the latter dying March 16, 1885, aged
seventy-nine; Nancy, died June 12, 1887, aged
seventy-three; Robert, born May 7, 1808, married
Sarah L. Donley, who was born December 25, 1808,
and died without issue March 4, 1878, Robert
dying April 19, 1886; Eleanor married her cousin,
Col. Samuel Weir, son of (III) James; Nancy mar
ried Robert Erwin, who was born October 4, 1814,
and died May 14, 1874, leaving issue — James, who
died September 22, 1883; Thomas; Margaret; La
vina; Nancy; Susan and William. Of these, Mar
garet married Joseph Smith, and had children as
follows: Iva Sella, Lola Siretta, Robert Erwin,
Margaret Cook, Lavina Elizabeth and Edna Myrtle.
Lavina married Robert Morrow (now deceased),
and had issue — Nannie Ellnora and Thomas Weir;
Nancy married William Cook, and have issue —
Margaret Reed and Nannie Maude; William mar
ried Bell Mcllvaine, and had a son James (William
died May 10, 1886).
(II). Jane Weir married James Robinson, and
had issue — John, who died August 28, 1864; Eliza
beth W., who died in November, 1868; Samuel W.
and Margaret. Their father died July 13, 1856,
their mother November 3, 1856. This family
lived near Donegal, Westmoreland Co., Penn.
(III). James Weir first married Mary Lawrence,
who died September 2, 1808, aged fifty-six, leaving
issue — Col. (1) Samuel and (2) Joseph; the second
marriage of James was to Sarah Jenkins, daughter
of Eliezer Jenkins, Esq., she died March 15, 1829,
aged fifty- five, and their issue — (3) Thomas, (4)
Mary, (5) Rebecca, (6) Lavina. Their father died
December 5, 1827; aged fifty- seven years. Col.
(1) Samuel, born April 3, 1800, died June 5, 1892;
married his cousin, Eleanor Weir, daughter of (1)
Thomas, and had issue— (1) James, (2) Nancy
(died September 6, 1863, aged thirty- three), (3)
Mary, (4) Thomas, (5) Sarah, (6) Eleanor, (7)
Joseph, (8) Samuel, (9) Susan M. (died January
6, 1870, aged twenty-two), (10) Martha and (11)
Robert. (4) Thomas, born January 19, 1838, was
married on January 1, 1860, to Lavina Hasting,
who was born January 16, 1833, and died June 28,
1886, leaving issue— (1) William E., born May 29,
1862, and (2) S. W. Grant, born March 13, 1865.

Of these, (1) William E. married on November 16,
1882, Enfma F. Jennipgs, born October 6, 1861
(they have issue — Nora M. , born March 3, 1885;
Mary, born July 11, 1887; John Blaine, born No
vember 3, 1889; Minnie, born October 27, 1891).
(2) S. W. Grant married January 6, 1887, Mar
garet McCallister (issue one daughter, Maude
(living), and a son Frank (deceased). (8) Samuel,
born May 27, 1842, married, September 27, 1866,
Lottie Evans, born September 1, 1843 (they have
issue — Emma E., born September 24, 1868);
Joseph M., born September 28, 1872; Emma E.,
married John H. Huffman, September 24, 1890
(issue — Homer Russell, born December 28, 1891).
(11) Robert married Miss Kale (issue — Ellsworth
and Pearl).
(2) Joseph Weir, son of (III) James, married
Mary Smith, who died August 31, 1886, aged
eighty-seven ; issue — George, died April 1", 1830,
aged sixteen months; Mary, Margaret, and James.
Margaret married, and lives in Muskingum county,
Ohio, and James was Presiding Elder in the Meth
odist ministry in the London (Ohio) Circuit in
1891. (2) Joseph, Sr., emigrated from Washing
ton county, Penn., to Muskingum county, Ohio, in
1837, and now lives in Perryton, Licking Co. ,
same State.
(3) Thomas, son of (III) James, was born
March 21, 1811, married February 2, 1832, Mary
Denniston, born August 6, 1808; Thomas emi
grated to Carroll county, Ohio, in 1834, where he
died March 1, 1863; Mary (Denniston) died Octo
ber 28, 1889. They are buried at Mechanicstown,
Carroll county, where he was a member of Session
in the Presbyterian Church of Corinth. He was
prominent in the civil affairs of that county in his
day. He had children as follows: (1) James R.,
born February 15, 1833; (2) Andrew D. , born
January 21, 1835; (3) Sarah Ann, born November
30, 1836; (4) Elizabeth, born March 8, 1839; (5)
Nancy Jane, born September 12, 1841, died Janu
ary 6, 1843; (6) Samuel, born October 13, 1843;
(7) Rebecca Jane, born March 31, 1846; (8) Will
iam Thomas, born July 1, 1848; (9) Robert
Brough, born August 19, 1851. Of these, (1)
James R. married Rebecca Cameron (now dead),
and had issue — Addison, Durell and Charles. Of
these, Addison married Catharine Wilcoxon; they
have issue — Rebecca Jane; Durell, married to
Mary S. Stevens (they have a daughter, Grace);
Charles, married to Jennie Moore (they have issue
— Ellis McCoy and Lila Belle); (1) James R.
Weir's second wife was Mrs. E. L. Huston. (2)
Andrew D., son of Thomas and Mary (Denniston)
Weir, married Emily Figley; they have issue —
Thomas Corwin, William Figley and Mary Luella,
of whom, Thomas Corwin married Frances E. Rob
inson, May 10, 1883; they have issue — William
Clyde, born March 6, 1885; William Figley, mar-

420

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ried Mattie J. Barr, October 29, 1889 (they have
issue — John S. Barr); William Figley is a Pres
byterian minister in Toronto, Ohio; Mary Luella
married James Smith (they have issue — Chal-
mer, Roy, Edna, Corwin), (3) Sarah Ann, daugh
ter of Thomas and Mary Weir, married Samuel
Stenger (they have issue — William Thomas, Rob
ert Grant, Eddie Elmer, George Weir, Charles
Otis, Mary Venetta, Maggie Maud); of these,
Robert Grant married Ida Johnston (they have is
sue — AltaBell); Mary Venetta married Grant Alr
lison (they have issue — Leila Maud, Lowell Mont.
and Mary). (4) Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas
and Mary Weir, married  Croxon, and lives
in Nebraska. (6) Samuel, son of Thomas and
Mary Weir, married Mary Jane De Ford (Issue —
Oliver C, Edwin V., John B. and Thomas D.). (7)
Rebecca Jane, daughter of Thomas and Mary Weir,
married Alex Boyd, and died July 30, 1874 (Issue
— Mary A.). (8) William Thomas, son of Thomas
and Mary Weir, married, February 2, 1871, Sarah
E. Marshall, born October 24, 1848 (Issue — Calvin
R., born March 8, 1874; Albert M., born April 9,
1876;WillardOrvin, born December 27, 1879; Elsie
M. , born April 9, 1882). (9) Robert Brough, son of
Thomas and Mary Weir, married Eljaretta Fran
ces McLain, April 11, 1878.
(4) Mary Weir, daughter of (III) James, mar
ried Lewis Roberts, who removed to Carrolton,
Ohio, where he died (Issue — Susan, Rebecca, Will
iam, who died in the army, and Thomas W.); of
whom, Susan married John G. Wetzall (has issue
— Lula May, Louis Ira and Loreuzo Thomas); Re
becca married David Schultz (Issue — Charles and
George). (5) Rebecca, daughter of (III) James, was
born April 27, 1813, married April 11, 1833,
James W. Robinson, of SaltBburgh, Penn. , a
grandson of Robert Robinson, Sr. ; James W.
died February 4, 1865. Issue — (1) Sarah Maria,
born October 30, 1834, died September 17, 1851.
(2) Rebecca Jane, born September 25, 1836,
married September 21, 1871, Rev. W. W. Wood-
end (a Presbyterian minister), born June 25,
1816; issue— J. W. Robert, born June 5, 1872;
Thomas Edwin, born August 10, 1876; Ella Maud,
born February 16, 1883. (3) Martha Eliza, born
June 20, "1839, married January 1, 1861, Rev.
Solomon Jesse Berlin (a Lutheran minister),
born May 29, 1831, died January 21, 1870;
Martha E. died January 21, 1$70, having had
issue — Ella Lula, born December 16, 1861; Eliza
Rebecca, bom March 10, 1863; Elsie Mary, born
November 24, 1864. (4) William Thomas, born
April 27, 1841, died January 14, 1865. (5) Ella
Mary, born September 13, 1849, died October
29, 1871. (6) Adam James Weir, born August
14, 1856, married February 16, 1882, Eva Lizzie
Guthrie, born January 14, 1859 (they have

a daughter, Ella Maud, who was born Februarv 1fi
1883). ' '
(6) Lavina, daughter of (III) James, in 1835
married Levi Marshall, of Carroll county, Ohio
where she died April 10, 1873, aged fifty-seven.'
Issue— (1) Thomas Weir, (2) Mary, (3) Horace
(4) James Robinson, ((5) Samuel Weir, (6) Josiah
and (7) Jason. Of tnese, (2) Mary married Ben
jamin Hole, and had issue — Rosella (married
Mr. Cunningham), Lavina, Linnaeus (married
Miss Roach) and Lemuel Garfield. (7) Jason
married to Maggie Dillon (they have a son, Edwin)!
(IV). William Weir, son of Samuel, Sr., mar
ried Jane Lawrence; William died July 19, 1840
aged sixty-nine; Jane died February 11, 1847
aged seventy. Issue — Samuel L., born Septem
ber 10, 1809, and Sarah M., born January 22
1813, who died October 31, 1867, aged fifty-four.'
Samuel L. was married, June 13, 1839, to Jane
McCorkle, who was born December 22, 1811, who
died January 24, 1849, aged thirty-eight; Samuel
L. died February 26, 1875, leaving issue— (1)
Mary Jane, (2) William, (3) Elizabeth E. ; of these,
(1) Mary Jane, born May 2, 1840, married John
M. Berry, December 22, 1870 (they have living
issue — Minnie Jane, born June 13, 1875; John
Lawrence Weir, born April 7, 1878; William
Eagleton, born August 15, 1881).
Samuel L., only son of William, was born,
lived, and died on the homestead of his father on
Chartiers creek, in Somerset township. His
mother, for many years a helpless invalid, was a
sister of Joseph Lawrence, of honored memory in
this county. He (S. L.), intellectually strong,
took an active interest in every object that would
elevate and promote the welfare of the com
munity in which he lived; especially so was he in
everything that would tend to promote the glory
of God, and the welfare of the Church of which he
was for many years an active member of Session,
the U. P. congregation of Pigeon Creek; in his
liberality, spending of time and labor unrequited.
He was an efficient leader in the erection of the
elegant church building in which that congrega
tion now worships. Dying before he had attained
his three score years, his maDtle has fallen on his
only son William, who is worthily following his
father's footsteps.
(2) William Weir, a prosperous farmer and
stock raiser of Somerset township, of which
he is a native, was born December 12, 1842.
He received a liberal education at the district
schools of the neighborhood of his place of
birth, and was reared to agricultural pursuits.
On December 21, 1870, he married Lizzie
M. Reynolds, a native of North Strabane township,
this county, born December 12, 1842, by which
union there are three children, viz. : Samuel R.,
born October 5, 1871; Sarah Lizzie Huston, born

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

421

July 4, 1873, and J. Howard, born August 27,
1880. (3) Elizabeth, born August 27, 1849, mar
ried Seth H. Reynolds, June 5, 1879. (They have
issue — Mary Jeanette, who was born September 9,
1882). (V). Elizabeth Weir, daughter of Samuel, Sr.,
married Matthew Morrow, pf Canton township;
Matthew died September 28, 1842; Elizabeth died
September 9, 1842. Issue — (1) Mary, born October
31, 1786; (2) Samuel, born March 4, 1788; (3)
Thomas, born March 3, 1790; (4) Lavina, born
January 10, 1792; (5) Catharine, born November
16, 1793; (6) John, born March 4, 1796, died Oct-
tober 4, 1842; (7) James, born February 7, 1799,
died September 16, 1818; (8) Jane, born March 5,
1801, died August 24, 1853; (9) Anna, born
December 25, 1802, died December 1, 1832; (10)
Elizabeth, born May 12, 1805, died September 2,
1808; (11) William, born May 23, 1807, died
August 10, 1892; (12) David, born March 31, 1809,
died in 1891; (13) Adam, born May 7, 1811, mar
ried June 1, 1843, Jane Clark, and died November
2, 1861. Of these, (1) Mary married William Kyle;
(4) Lavina married Robert Taggart; (5) Catharine
married Samuel Taggart; (8) Jane married Robert
Gailey; (9) Anna died unmarried; (11) William
married Miss McClay; (12) David first married
Miss Johnston, and his second wife was Miss Bell
Work. The parents and Mary, Samuel, Thomas,
Lavina, John, William, David and Adam are buried
at Upper Buffalo, this county; Catharine, at Piney
Fork, Harrison Co., Ohio; James and Anna, at
Dalton, and Elizabeth, at Orville, Wayne Co.,
Ohio; Jane, at Mingo, this county.
(VI). Adam Weir, son of Samuel, Sr. , was
born in Lancaster county, Penn., and married
Mary Hall (daughter of Thomas Hall, Sr. , who died
in 1814) who died March 22, 1813, aged thirty-
two; Adam died February 27, 1847, aged seventy-
three. Issue— (1) Thomas, (2) Lavina and (3)
Samuel; of these, (1) Thomas, born September 2,
1802, married, March 1, 1832, Margaret M. Scott,
who was born February 9, 1807; Thomas died
April 26, 1847, in his forty-fifth year (was of an
active temperament, which called him into trusted
service, in the Old Seceder (now U. P.) congrega
tion of Pigeon Creek, of which he was a member.
He also did much service with fidelity in the civic
trusts of guardian, executor and administrator.
Was ever an active friend of the common-school
system, created in 1834, serving frequently as a
director in the township of Somerset, in which he
lived. He mingled in military life too, was
admitted to be, in his day, the best commander in the
battalion which usually met for drill in Bentley
ville. He was an ardent Whig, but never in polit
ical office. He died lamented by the community in
which he lived). Margaret M., died March 10,
1887. Issue— (1) Adam, (2) Josiah Scott, (3)

Samuel Baird, (4) Hugh, (5) Mary Jane, and (6)
Margaret Lavina; of these,
(1) Adam Weir was born in Somerset township,
Washington Co., Penn., January 13, 1833, and
is a farmer, both intelligent and progressive. He
is an elder in the U. P. Church of Pigeon Creek,
besides which he has acceptably filled several civil
positions of trust and honor. His relations embrace
a wide range of upright and leading citizens. On
May 14, 1856, he was married to Miss Catharine
Wilson, who was born December 26, 1831, a
daughter of James Wilson, and died February 26,
1 889. This marriage union was crowned with love
and felicity, that ever mark the true and desirable
home. (2) Josiah Scott, born April 10, 1836, mar
ried, November 29, 1859, Sarah Ann Hicks, who
was born in Clark county, Ky*, November 30,
1839 (live in Stanford, McLean Co., 111.).
(3) Samuel Baird, born January 9, 1838, in
Somerset township, where he now lives; married
on December 2, 1863, Margery Winnett (daughter
of Jonathan Winnett), who was born June 4, 1843,
and died June 12, 1875, leaving issue — Hugh Fin
ley, born October 24, 1864, married February 8,
1893, to Miss Carrie Myers; Mary Lizzie, born
July 20, 1866; Ada Margaret, born January 13,
1873, and Winnett Wallace, born February 3,
1875, all at home except Hugh who is traveling
(S. Baird is a Republican,, and has served as road
commissioner; is a member of the U. P. Church of
Pigeon Creek, of which he was a trustee when a
young man, before he became a member). (4)
Hugh, born June 3, 1840, enlisted at the close of
junior year at Jefferson College, in the One Hun
dred and Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded at Gettys
burg, July 2, 1863, and died in rebel hospital,
July 5, same year. (5) Mary Jane, born June 14,
1842. (6) Margaret Lavina, born April 20, 1847,
married October 9, 1878, Samuel P. Fergus, who
was born August 17, 1843. Issue — Thomas Harold
Weir, born August 11, 1879; Hugh Earnest, born
January 16, 1881; John Addison, born July 3,
1883, died May 14, 1885; David S. Littell, born
March 5, 1885, died December 29, 1885, aud Mar
garet Josephine, born June 20, 1887.
(6) Lavina Weir, daughter of (VI) Adam, born
December 14, 1805, married on May 16, 1827, to
David McDonough, who was born November 14,
1799; David died February 20, .1859; Lavina died
March 2, 1876. Issue— (1) Joseph, (2) Thomas, (3)
Adam and (4) Henry H. ; of these, (1) Joseph, born
July 4, 1828, married Elizabeth Pangburn, March
27, 1851, who died December 26, 1874, having
had issue Lavina, born February 17, 1853, married
Sample Closser; Mary Jane, born October 11,
1856, died January 12, 1866; John D., born Octo
ber 26, 1860; Samuel E., born April 15, 1864;
Sue Envena, born January 28, 1870. (Joseph's
second marriage was to Mrs. Martha Pangburn

422

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

December 19, 1878). (2) Thomas, born October
27, 1830, first married December 31, 1857, Jane
McGregor, who was born March 23, 1830, who
died December 30, 1872 (Issue: Willie H. , who
died February 3, 1862, aged three years, an infant,
died April 4, 1867); his second marriage was
August 25, 1874, to Miss Cassandria Burgan, of
Terre Haute, Ind. ; they have a daughter, Ger
trude, born January 16, 1879. (3) Adam, born
October 6, 1833, died September 25, 1841; (4) Dr.
Henry H, born October 30, 1836, first married,
October 22, 1861, Elizabeth Winnett, who died
March 6, 1879 (on October 24, 1882, Dr. H. H.
married Margaret L. Lindley ; issue — Anna Estella,
born August 31, 1883, and Charles Lawrence, born
May 23, 1885).
(3) Samuel W»ir, son of (VI) Adam, was born
September 30, 1810. Samuel lived unmarried on
the homestead of his father in West Bethlehem
township, where he died April 6, 1890, in his
eightieth year. This farm, at his death, had been
in the Weir family name for nearly 100 years. Of
a quiet, steady,- even temperament, it was re
marked of him that he was rarely if ever seen
angry. By constant industry, frugal economy, and
good management, he was possessed of a large per
sonal property and valuable real estate at his
decease. Like his brother, Thomas, he was ever
reliable and trustworthy. For the last fifty years
or more of his life he was never free from civic
trusts of some kind or other, in Church or State.
In many such trusts, large, financially, he was
seemingly weighed in the balance, but never found
wanting. Born a Whig, he consistently voted with
that party until, with the change of name in 1860,
he was with the Republicans, but he was never a
political aspirant for office. He united as a mem
ber, in his mature years, with the U. P. Congre
gation of Pigeon Creek, where from a child he had
been a regular and constant attendant upon Divine
worship, and a liberal supporter thereof.
(VII). Lavina, daughter of Samuel, Sr. , married
James Erwin, who was born January 6, 1785, died
May 13, 1851, aged sixty-six years; Lavina, died
September 24, 1854, aged sixty-eight, without
issue. (VIII). Samuel Weir, son of Samuel, Sr., died
unmarried February 28, 1845, aged sixty-nine
years; lived and died on his father's farm, the
original Weir homestead, in West Bethlehem town
ship, now owned by Robert Heney.
The original parents — Samuel andhis wife — and
their children — Thomas and wife, James and-
wives, Adam and wife, William and wife, are
buried in the old churchyard of Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian, while Lavina Erwin and husband
and her brother, Samuel, lie in Pigeon Creek
U. P. churchyard. Elizabeth Morrow and hus
band lie in Upper Buffalo cemetery. Jane Robin

son and husband lie in or near Donegal, West
moreland Co., Penn. — Themselves all, and their
descendants with very few exceptions, being
members and adherents to the Presbyterian Church
in some one of its numerous branches. rMarch 1
1893.

the
has

THE HUGH SCOTT FAMILY and connec
tions, of Nottingham township. Tradition
says Hugh Scott, Sr. , came to Pennsylvania
from the North of Ireland, and settled
within the bounds of Chester county about
year 1670. The original county of Chester
been divided and sub -divided many times
since. Hence we see, in local histories of the Scott
family, the names of Lancaster, York, and Adams
counties mentioned, area embraced in original
Chester, and also Cecil county, Md., contiguous
territory. (1) Hugh Scott had a son (2) Abraham (born in
Chester county in 1677), who had children: Anne,
born October, 1699; Samuel, born about 1705; Ee-
becca, born December 17, 1707; Alexander, born
in 1716 or 1717; Grace; (3) Hugh, born in 1726;
(4) Josiah, born in 1735. These two last were
among Washington county's early immigrants.
(2) Anne married Arthur Patterson about 1720;
Arthur died in 1763, aged sixty-three; his wife died
in 1792, aged ninety-two years, three months. Their
children were William; Rebecca; Samuel, born
1727, died November 15, 1820, aged ninety-three;
Arthur; Ellen; James, born February 7, 1731, died
May 19, 1789, aged fifty-eight years, three months;
Catherine; Elizabeth; Jane, born 1739, died May
2, 1800.
(2) Rebecca became the second wife of James
Agnew, in 1737. They had children: Samuel,
born Janury 29, 1738, married Elizabeth Johnston
(they had six children); Martha, born September
9, 1740, married Samuel Patterson (four children);
James, born May 1, 1742, married Mary Ramsey
(eight children); David, born July 17, 1743, mar
ried Mary Erwin (twelve children); Margaret, born
August 27, 1745, married James Patterson (nine
children); Rebecca, born May 3, 1747, married
John McLanahan (two children); Sarah, born May
15, 1749, married Archibald Douglass (two chil
dren); Abraham, born December 23, 1750, died
March 11, 1753; Anne, born October 3, 1753, mar
ried Rev. John Smith (ten children); Rev. John
Smith and family were at, one time residents of
Washington county. Ephraim Johnston Agnew,
of Chartiers township, is a grandson of Samuel
and Elizabeth Johnston. Dr. Agnew, of Philadel
phia (President Garfield's physician), was a de
scendant of James Agnew, Sr. Smith Agnew, Esq,,
of New Castle, Penn., who died in September,
1881, aged ninety years, was a son of David and

/p^ /frju*

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

425

Mary Erwin. (3) Hugh Scott, who lived on Millers-
town road, five miles from Gettysburg, Penn. , was
a left-handed blacksmith, and emigrated (as sup
posed) to Washington county in 1773 or '74. He
was certainly here when Dr. McMillan on the third
Sabbath of November, 1776, ordained five elders
in Pigeon Creek congregation, of whom Hugh
Scott was one. His name is also found in the first
grand jury panel of October 2, 1781 ; also one of the
four trustees who purchased ground from David
Hoge on the 18th of October, 1781, for public
buildings for the county. He was commissioned
justice of the peace November 8, 1788. He settled
on a tract of land in Nottingham township (where
his great-grandsons, James Kerr Scott and Hugh
C. Scott, yet live), for which he received a patent
dated January 23, 1799, in pursuance of a warrant
dated September 22, 1788. He died October 11,
1819, aged ninety-three. His wife, Jennett (Ag
new) died October 9, 1814, aged seventy-seven.
Their graves are still legibly marked in Pigeon
Creek graveyard. His sons Abraham and James
are said to have returned to Adams county when
young men, where they married, lived and died.
(3) Hugh Scott, son of Abraham, born in 1726,
married in 1754 to Jennett Agnew, born August
23, 1735, a daughter of his brother-in-law James
'Agnew, Sr. , by a first marriage. Their children
were (3) Rebecca, (3) Abraham, (3) James, (3)
Hugh, (3) John, (3) Elizabeth, (3) Sarah, (3)
Margaret and (3) Josiah.
(3) Rebecca, born March 20, 1756, was married
in 1776, to George Van Eman. Their children
were (1) Nicholas, born April 7, 1782, married
Anne Riddle, and had issue: Andrew, James,
George, Samuel, Scott, Oliver, John Cyrus, Martha,
Rebecca, Anne, and one other daughter. He was
an elder in the church. Lived in Girard, Trum
bull Co., Ohio, dying in 1832. (2) Scott and (3)
Jane were twins, born May 24, 1783. Scott mar
ried Margaret Dawson. Two sons, George and
Dawson, lived in Stark county, Ohio; (3) Jane
married John Dawson, and lived in Wayne county,
Ohio; (4) Andrew, born October 22, 1784, was twice
married, first to Elizabeth Haines; issue: Joseph
Haines, Eliza, Ann, Mary and Rebecca; Andrew's
second marriage was with Jane Van Eman; issue:
John and James (both died in youth) ; Rev. Craig
R. married to Miss McLenathan, lives in Burnet
county, Texas; Harriet H. , married William
Walker, died in 1888, lived in Monroe county, Mo. ;
Andrew died in Canonsburg, Penn. ; his wife Jane
died at her daughter's home in Missouri.
(5) Rev. George, born April 23, 1786, was
twice married, first time to Miss Cooper; issue:
John, Cooper, Sarah (who married Mr. Cusic),
Anne (who married Mr. Hall), another daughter (a
widow) now living in Findlay, Ohio; George's
second marriage was to Miss Flannegan ; no issue.

George was a minister in the Presbyterian Church.
In the early years of his ministry he organized the
congregation of Newark, Ohio. He died in Find-
lay, Ohio, March 21, 1877, aged ninety-one.
(6) Rebecca, born December 7, 1787, died Jan
uary 4, 1822, married Hon. Joseph Lawrence;
issue: Joseph, Hon. George V., Sarah and Samuel.
Joseph and his wife, Eliza (Horner), died in Feb
ruary, 1842, leaving children: Maria, Elizabeth,
Rebecca and William. Hon. George V. 's first
marriage was to Miss Welch, in 1839; she died in
1854; two children, Mary V. and Joseph; George
V.'s second marriage was to Miss Reed, in 1857;
three children, of whom two, George and Carrie
Bell, attained mature age; George is since deceased.
Hon. George V. was elected representative from
Washington county in 1843, 1846, 1858, 1859 and
1892; State Senator in 1848, 1860, 1874, 1876 and
1878; Speaker of the Senate in spring of 1863;
and to Congress in 1864 and 1866; delegate-at-
large to Constitutional Convention, 1872. Sarah
married Ard Moore, now dead. Their children
were Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Robert and Fannie.
The mother now lives with her sons in Carthage,
Mo. Joseph Lawrence, Sr. , was representative in
1818, '19, '20, '21, '22, '23, again in 1834, '35,
State Treasurer 1835, member of Congress in 1824
and '26, and in 1840. Died April 17, 1842. Bur
ied in Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D. C.
(7) Elizabeth, born May 7, 1789, married David
Riddle; issue: Rebecca, John, and others. Lived
in Trumbull county, Ohio.
(8) Joseph, born December 12, 1790, married
Isabella Logan; issue: James (who died in youth),
Rebecca, Samuel, Rev. George, Joseph, Mary,
Logan, Cyrus (who died in youth), Margaret,
Sarah. Of these (1) Rebecca married John Johns
ton (both dead); issue: Richard Van Eman, Brad
ford and John. (2) Samuel died September, 1891,
was married to Miss Martha McConnell; issue: two
sons — James J., and Joseph S. (dead) — and two
daughters — Bell M. and Sadie E. (3) Rev. George
married Rachel Bower, second marriage to Eliza
beth Pogue. (4) Joseph's first marriage was with
Miss Sarah Lea, and his second marriage was with
Mary Anne Donaldson; now lives in Delano, Minn. ;
(5) Mary married Samuel Alexander (now dead);
issue: one daughter, who died in adult age. (6)
Logan married Jane Vance (now dead); issue:
Charles, Fannie, Isabella, Joseph and James. (7)
Margaret (now dead) married Israel Bebout. (8)
Sarah married Samuel Bebout, East End, Pitts
burgh. Joseph, Sr. , died September 22, 1873; his
wife, Isabella, died May 21, 1870; they are buried
in Centre Presbyterian churchyard; he was a mem
ber of Session in that congregation for many years.
(9) Garrett, born October 3, 1792, was married
first to Rachel Logan; issue: James, Rebecca,
Amelia, Rachel, Bell, Lee, Scott and Margaret;

426

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

second marriage to Miss Sprowl; was an elder in
Raccoon Presbyterian Church; died at Candor,
Washington Co., Penn.
(10) William, born June 15, 1794, married
Mary Bracken; issue: Rev. Thomas B. , Mary Jane,
and Sarah Anne (twins), Hannah, William, and
Rebecca; he died in Cecil township, four miles from
Canonsburg in his thirty-fifth year.
(11) Sarah, born December 15, 1795, married
Steven Wilkie; issue: Maria, Wilkie, and others.
Maria married Rev. Jonathan Wilson, a missionary
to Siam. Sarah, Sr. , lived and died iu Sidney,
Ohio. (12) Abraham, born August 12, 1797, was an
elder at Canal Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio.
(13) James and (14) Hannah Were twins, born
July 1, 1799. Hannah married a Mr. Fulton, and
lived at Canal Fulton, Ohio. George Van Eman,
Sr., and his wife, Rebecca Scott, lived and raised
their family on a farm known as Clokey, six miles
east of Washington, Penn. In their old age they
removed to Canal Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio, to live
with their children; they died and are buried in the
old churchyard about one mile from that place.
(3) Abraham Scott died in Adams county,
Penn., March 1, 1834, aged seventy-seven years.
He first married Margaret McClain, who died Feb
ruary 2, 1789, aged twenty-six years; issue: (1)
Hugh, (2) John, (3) Margaret, and (4) Jane.
Second marriage to Jane Kerr, who died December
6, 1813, aged forty-seven; issue: (5) George K.,
(6) William M., (7) Abraham, (8) Polly, (9) James;
third marriage to Margaret McMillen, who died
October 25, 1833. aged fifty; no issue. Of these
(l)Hugh married Betsy Kerr, and died August 17,
1849, aged sixty-five, leaving children: (1) Abraham,
(2) John, (3) Margaret, (4) George, (5) William,
and (6) Mary Ann. Of these Abraham married
Mary Downs; issue: James Hervey, Elizabeth Mar
ion, Hugh Alfred, and William Elliott. (2) John
married Martha McAllister (and died February 11,
1882, aged seventy-one); issue: Hugh D. , John
W. , William, Mary, and Dr. Joseph Byron. (3)
Margaret never married. (4) George died in
youth. (5) William married Julia Anne Newman;
a son, Newman. (6) Mary Anne married John
Galbreath; issue: William and Laura. (2) John
married Mary Trenkle, and had one son and nine
daughters; soon after marriage he emigrated to
N. Carolina where he died several years ago;
his widow was still living December 13, 1882. (3)
Margaret married Mosob Gourley; issue: Isabella,
Jane, Margaret, and Thomas. (4) Jane married
Stuart Speer, and died in Ohio, February, 1866,
aged seventy- eight; Rev. J. S. Speer, of Canons
burg, Penn., is a grandson. (5) George K. , of the
second marriage, born in Adams county, emigrated
to Washington, Penn., in 1824, where he engaged
in teaching school for several years. Afterward

embarked in mercantile business, in which he was
eminently successful; in 1830 he married Mary
Ann Holbert, by whom he had four children:
Abram B., Catherine H, John H. , and George
K. ; the mother died in 1840, when the children
were very young; he afterward married her sister
Catherine (born in Maryland September 18, 1798)
who proved to be a mother indeed to her sister's
children, and on their part they ever affectionately
venerated her as a mother; Bhe died in Washing.
ton, January 20, 1888, aged ninety. George K.
Sr., died in 1867. Abram B. was twice married
first to Sarah Evans; issue: Mary A., William E.,
and Sarah. William E. married Susan Goughner;
issue: Chester G. , Blanche, Mary Louisa. Abram' s
second marriage was to Rebecca Lacock; he lives
in Fairfield, Iowa. Catherine H. first married S.
S. Fowler; issue, five children: (two died in in
fancy) Kate, Georgiana and Gertrude; her second
marriage was with W. B. Whittaker, of Fairfield,
Iowa; Georgiana married James C. Hanyson, and
had one daughter. John H. married Jane McCaskey,
December 11, 1862, and died March 17, 1891;
George K., Jr., married Grizella Beatty, November
24, 1859; issue: Charles B., Samuel Preston, Katie
F., George K., Mary, May, and William Taylor.
Five of these died in early life. Katie F. married
Frank G. Puliver, and lives in Mobeetie, Tex.
William Taylor is still single. Rev. George K.,
Jr., died in Mobeetie, Tex., January 10, 1889.
Was a Presbyterian clergyman, licensed in April,
1858, ordained by Washington Presbytery in 1859,
a home missionary in Texas.
-(6) William M. married Jane Kerr; issue: Dr.
A. O., Margaret Rebecca, George W., Mary Jane;
three died in infancy. Dr. A. O. married Jane
Wilson ; issue : David W. , Netty R. , Mary L. , Jane
Sherman, Clara M., Fannie and Genevie. Mar
garet Rebecca married John Cunningham, Esq;
issue: James, Jennie K. , Elizabeth S., Mary, Will
iam Scott, Maggie R., Fannie F. (William M.
died August 15, 1852, aged sixty; his wife died
August 18, 1867, aged seventy-two). (8) Polly died
unmarried August 28, 1875, aged eighty years.
(3) James married Rebecca Patterson in 1790,
who was born September 25, 1768; he sold his farm
some seven miles south of Gettysburgh, and built
the hotel there known as the "McClelland House,"
where he died October 1, 1806, aged forty-six.
Their children were Hugh, born July 17, 1791,
died March 25, 1874; Margaret, born 1793, died
February 10, 1868; Dr. James Patterson, bom in
1795; John, born 1798; William, born 1800, and
Jane, born 1803. His widow afterward married
Col. James Agnew, and died January 28, 1827.
Capt. James, son of Hugh, first married Lena
Spangler, and had one son, James, who was living
in or near New Orleans in 1877. Capt. James'
second marriage was with Margaret Dickson. Hugh

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

427

died previous to 1877, in Gettysburgh, Penn., at 'an
advanced age. Dr. James Patterson died suddenly.
Margaret died a few years ago unmarried. Jane
married a Mr. Ashman, and lived in Ohio. Of
William and John there is no information.
(3) Hugh, born 1763, married Jane Latta, and
emigrated with nine living children from Washing
ton county, Penn. , in 1811, and settled four miles
south of Newark, Licking Co., Ohio, where he died
in April, 1849, aged eighty-seven; his wife, Jane
(Latta), died in 1837, aged seventy. Their chil
dren were John Agnew, born 1790, died in Illinois,
1876; Isabella, born 1792, died in Illinois, 1867;
Sarah, born 1794, died in Illinois, 1867; Jane, born
1796, died in Ohio, 1867; William, born 1798, died
in Illinois, 1870; Hugh, born 1800, died in Illi
nois, 1863; Robert, born 1802, died in Newark,
Ohio, 1879; James, born 1804, living in Marysville,
Ohio, in 1892; Abraham, born 1809, died in 1881.
(3) John, born in Adams county in 1772, mar
ried in Gettysburgh, Penn., about 1796, to Martha
Patterson, who was born in Lancaster county, De
cember 10, 1777. Their children were all born in
Washington, Penn. : Margaret, born May 10, 1797,
married Robert Officer, May 4, 1819, died Decem
ber 12, 1880, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the
family had resided a number of years; Jane, born
May 12, 1799, died unmarried near Washington,
111., April 19, 1869; Rebecca, born July 9, 1803,
died February 24, 1818, of smallpox, at Washing
ton, Penn. ; James Patterson, born November 6,
1805, married Margaret Sample, of Washington,
Penn., April 23, 1835 (Patterson died August 21,
1866); his wife died April 11, 1884. They are
buried in Washington, 111. Their children were
Elias Cornelius, born June 30, 1836; Martha Jane,
born September 6, 1838, married David E. See-
dom, December 22, 1887 (she died in Hubbell, Neb. ,
April 6, 1890); John Workman, born September
28, 1840, died June 30, 1867; Sarah Olivia, born
October 28, 1842; Elizabeth Gertrude, born Sep
tember 29, 1844, married September 29, 1870, to
Marshall W. Woodbury; issue: Cornelius Welling
ton, born April 1, 1870, died August 30, 1875; Na
than Patterson, born February 28, 1881, lives in
Hubbell, Neb. ; Mary Roxanna, born February 25,
1846; Rebecca Violet, born May 7, 1849; Hester
Ellen, September 17, 1851, married John M. Mar-
ton, February 19, 1885, and had a daughter, Lucia
Ethel, born April 5, 1887 (live in Ocoya, 111.);
Margaret Lucia, born February 4, 1854; James
Patterson Scott emigrated from Washington, Penn.
to near Washington, 111., in 1837, where as a
teacher and farmer he spent his life. Dr. John,
born April 20, 1808, married June 18, 1833, to
Margaret Sloan, of Pittsburgh, Penn., in which
city he spent his after life in his chosen profession,
dentistry (died October 19, 1888, on train while
en route home from Duluth, Minn. , where he had

been on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Cash) ; Hugh,
born July 4, 1810; John Randolph, born December
12, 1812, married Asenath Hicks, November 25,
1847; issue: Anna Martha, born January 13, 1849,
married George Tobias October 8, 1874, and had
a son, born December 29, 1879, died in infancy.
Quincy A., born August 10, 1850, married Lucy J.
Hatfield, October 26, 1882 (lives in Wayne county,
Iowa); Emma Julia, born November 19, 1854.
Roenna Elliott, born July 19, 1853, died September
30, 1853; Charles Sumner, born November 7, 1857,
murdered (as supposed) in July, 1880; Lincoln R.,
born June 23, 1860, married Minnie R. Beck,
October 24, 1888 (lives in Idalia, Col.); William
Goodel, born February 18, 1862, married La Tina
Myers, October 7, 1885 (lives in Peoria, 111.); John
Randolph emigrated from Washington, Penn., in
spring of 1837, and settled on Government lands
which he had entered the previous year, four miles
south of Washington, 111., where he yet resides, a
wealthy, intelligent farmer.
(3) John Scott, Sr. , was a general trader on
the river to New Orleans and returned across the
country with horses and mules. He established
the stage lines from Washington to Pittsburgh, to
Brownsville to Wheeling, and to Steubenville, Ohio.
Had three paralytic strokes at different times, and
after the third could not walk; had use of his arms,
but no control of his limbs; had to be lifted and
fed for twenty years. He died from effects of
cholera, October 17, 1834, taken the previous
August; his wife, Martha Patterson, died of cholera
about August 10, 1834. The father, mother and
son, Decatur, are buried- on the farm on which
they lived, one and one-half miles east of Wash
ington, Penn., now owned by William Davis.
(3) Elizabeth married Edward Todd. They
emigrated to the vicinity of Steubenville at an early
day. Mr. John Johnson, a grandson, writes under
date of April 25, 1887: "My grandmother, Eliza
beth Todd, died in West Virginia, opposite Steu
benville, at the residence of her son-in-law, Daniel
O. Neal. I have no dates. She had six daughters
and one son, William, who died when a young man.
The oldest daughter, Jane Carroll, died in Cincin
nati two years ago, aged eighty-seven. Three of
her children live in Cincinnati: Edward Carroll,
Sarah Anne Clemens and Rebecca Mansure. Re
becca (Todd) Jewett died in Illinois; her family of
five sons and one daughter live in Kansas. Le
titia (Todd) Finley died some years since; her
husband, William Finley, and family are living
near Brown Station, in Jefferson Co. , Ohio. Sarah
Todd died many years since; her husband, James
Trumbull, and two daughters — Mrs. James Surratt
and Mrs. John Olive — are living in Steubenville.
Mr. Trumbull is very old and wealthy, Rosanna
(Todd) Johnston, my mother, is the only one of
the family now living; she was eighty-six years

428

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

old February 22, 1887. Of mother's family there
are five boys and two girls; Rebecca McKinney
lives in Steubenville, Elizabeth in St. Louis, Curtis
and Edward in Iowa, Daniel in Nebraska, William
in Kentucky, and your humble servant in Jeffer
son county, two miles west of Steubenville, Ohio."
(3) Sarah married John Jordan. Of her and
her family nothing is now known, save that she
and her husband emigrated to the Sandusky
Plains, Ohio, at an early date.
(3) Margaret married James Ramsay, a cap
tain in the war of 1812; emigrated to the vicinity
of Steubenville, Ohio, at an early date; had one son
and four daughters; twin daughters married
brothers by the name of Maxwell — Thomas Max
well, of Wintersville, and James Maxwell, of Steu
benville, Ohio, are grandsons.
(3) Josiah married Jane Darragh, born Feb
ruary 19, 1799. Josiah Scott died of cholera
August 16, 1834, aged sixty-four. Jane Darragh,
his wife, died December 20, 1841. These parents
and their son Hugh, and her parents, John Dar
ragh, Sr., who died March 11, 1814, aged seventy-
seven, and Margaret Darragh, who died August
20, 1824, aged eighty-seven, and the daughter
Margaret, who died December 5, 1851, aged eighty-
one, widow of Dr. Thomas Baird, of Washington,
Penn. , are buried in the Presbyterian Mingo grave
yard. Josiah's children were: (1) Margaret Mc-
Kinley, born February 9, 1807; (2) James S., born
April 27, 1808; (3) John Darragh and (4) Absalom
Baird (twins) born August 31, 1809; (5) Hugh,
born October 26, 1811, died November 2, 1832;
(6) Archibald Darragh, born December 11, 1815;
(7) Mary Jane, born February 15, 1819. (1) Mar
garet McKinley, on February — , 1832, married
Thomas Weir, born September 2, 1802; issue:
Adam, born January 13, 1833, married May 14,
1856, to Catherine Wilson, born December 26,1831,
and died without issue February 26,1889. Josiah
Scott, born April 10, 1836, married November 29,
1859, Sarah Ann Hicks, born in Winchester, Ky.,
November 30, 1839; no issue; live at Stanford, 111.
Samuel Baird, born January 9, 1838, on December
2, 1863, married Margery Winnett, born June 4,
1843, died June 12, 1875; issue: Hugh Finley,
born October 24, 1864; Mary Lizzie, born July 20,
1866; Ada Margaret, born January 13, 1873;
Winnett Wallace, born February 3, 1875; Hugh,
born June 3, 1840. At the close of his junior
year in Jefferson College (1862), enlisted in Com
pany G, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry; was wounded July 2, 1863, at
Gettysburgh, died in Rebel Hospital July 5, 1863;
Mary Jane, born June 14, 1842; Margaret Lavinia,
born April 20, 1847, married October 9, 1878,
Samuel P. Fergus, born August 17, 1843; issue:
Thomas Harold Weir, born August 11, 1879; Hugh
Earnest, born January 16, 1881; John Addison,

born July 3, 1883, died May 14, 1885; David S.
Littell, born March 5, 1885, died December 29
1885; Margaret Josephine, born June 20, 1887.
(2) James Smith, born April 27, 1808, died Jan
uary 1 , 1869, married February 14, 1832, to Mary
Cubbage, born 1809, died May 14, 1877; issue:
Josiah L., born March 20, 1834, died April 3,
1847; James Cubbage, born June 25, 1836, died Sep
tember 19, 1841 ; John Alexander, born March 8,
1839, died September 10, 1841; Almira Jane, born
February 18, 1841 ; William Wallace, born January
30, 1843; James Herron, born August 10, 1846;
George Winfield, born April 20, 1850; Louisa
Maria, born February 20, 1845, died September 7,
1 845. Almira Jane married John B. McBride May
1, 1873, died November 17, 1884; issue: James
Scott, born November 23, 1874; John Bavington,
born September 8, 1876; Charles Cubbage, born
September 17, 1878; Samuel Bruce, born June 2,
1880; Mary Alice, born September 28, 1883, and
George Wallace, born November 17, 1884. William
Wallace married Mary J. Roddy May 14, 1868, at
Sidney, Ohio; issue: Mary Winifred, born Novem
ber 27, 1870; Gertrude R., born November 5, 1872;
Jean Alice, born December 3, 1874; William Wal
lace, born June 4, 1880 (live in Sewickley, Penn.).
James Herron married Mildred Agnes Bell in
1876; she died in Washington, Penn., in 1877. His
second marriage was in 1879 with Frances Ramsey
Kuhn, who died in McKeesport, Penn., in 1887;
living issue: John, Mary Ella, and Gertrude; he
lives in Pittsburgh, Penn. George Winfield mar
ried Adeline Speer, October 26, 1882 (lives in
Des Moines, Iowa).
(3) John Darragh was married May 28, 1839,
to Sarah Vance, born October 16, 1811. John D.
died March 6, 1880. He was a farmer. Issue:
Sarah Jane, born February 1, 1840, died October
2, 1840; Mary Elizabeth, born February 3, 1843;
Henry Vance, born September 5, 1841, died April
5, 1842; Margaret Jane, born May 16, 1845; Isa
bella, born May 3, 1848; John Vance and Josiah
Lawrence (twins), born November 28, 1850. Of
these Mary Elizabeth was married on August 15,
1860, to Hiram Winnett, born in 1836, died August
18, 1872; issue: John Hudson, born June 15, 1862;
Finley Scott, born August 23, 1864; Elizabeth B.,
born November 15, 1866; Catherine A., born Jan
uary 23, 1869; Sadie E., born April 1, 1872; John
Hudson was twice married, first time to Rebecca
Devore, born July 5, 1862, and, second time, April
27, 1892, to Mary Winnett, born April 11, 1871.
Scott married Bell Waller in 1891, and lives at
Columbia Falls, Mont. Elizabeth B. married
James McDonough in February, 1891, and has one
son, George Otto. Catherine A. married Frank
Wright April 15, 1891, and has one son, Winnett
Wilson, born February 26, 1892. Margaret was
married October 15, 1863, to Levi G. Rainey, born

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

429

July 7, 1842; issue: Eunice Bell, born May 30,
1865, died September 7, 1868; Frank Wilbert, born
April 17, 1871; Walter Scott, born August 20,
1874; Sadie Bell, born December 30, 1879, died
September 11, 1880. Isabella married Dr. Finley
B. Winnett, issue: a son, Elmer, who died May
3, 1892, aged twenty-four, and a son, Ray. John
Vance married Margaret Miller November 30,
1876; issue: Maud, born August 2, 1878; Sarah
Bell, born September 3, 1880; Wylie Vance, born
December 1, 1883; Isaac S., born July 29, 1886;
Waid W. , born August 27, 1889. Josiah Lawrence
married Tillie Ross December 21, 1876; issue:
Pearl, born November 12, 1877; Eddie, born De
cember 11, 1879; and Ely, born May 13, 1882, and
John V., Tillie and Otto.
(4) Absalom Baird was married September 18,
1834, to Rebecca Finley, born August 11, 1811;
Absalom died May 1, 1861; Rebecca Finley died
February 15, 1892; issue: Mary Jane, born Feb
ruary 14, 1836; John Finley, born April 2, 1838;
Josiah Scott, born July 27, 1840, died April 2,
1843; James Kerr, born December 18, 1842; Mar
garet Baird, born May 24, 1845; Hugh Clemens,
born August 18, 1847; Frances E., born May 15,
1850; Sarah, born August 30, 1852, died January
29, 1892. Mary Jane married February 22, 1859,
JohnD. Henry, born October 12, 1834; issue: Allie
Margaret, born December 22, 1859; Edwin Absa
lom, born April 29, 1862; Frances Rebecca, born
March 27, 1865; Etta Mary, born December 20,
1868; Reid Scott, born May 9, 1873. They live in
Idlewood, Allegheny Co., Penn. John Finley
married Maggie Davis, born January 16, 1842;
issue: Mary Frances, born October 24, 1864, mar
ried Leaman Brownlee; Rebecca, born January 5,
1867, died November 13, 1875; George Davis, born
November 29, 1869; Anna Maud, born August 9,
1872; Hugh Baird, born October 20, 1874, died
August 5, 1875. James Kerr was twice married,
first time November 16, 1865, to Sarah Ellen Rob
erts, born May 12, 1844, died November 2, 1875;
issue: Laura and Albert; his second marriage was
with Jennie Logan in 1891. Margaret Baird mar
ried Charles Jones November 25, 1883; issue: one
son, Chauncey.
(6) Archibald Darragh was married October 30,
1839, to Tamar Crawford, born October 11, 1818;
Archibald D. died March 2, 1891; Tamar, his
wife, died August 8, 1863; issue: (1) James
Crawford, born August 30, 1841, married May 4,
1872, to Mary Underwood, born August 15, 1850;
no issue; live in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. (2) Nancy
Jane, born July 11, 1843, died June 22, 1847.
(3) Mary Elizabeth, born July 30, 1845, was
married October 19, 1871, to Steven Beatty, who
died February 5, 1883. (4) Margaret Jane, born
December 28, 1847. (5) Josiah L., born January

4, 1850, was married December 25, 1882, to Mrs.
M. L. Wise Shields, born January 22, 1862; live
in East End, Pittsburgh, Penn. (6) Andrew
Winfield, born May 16, 1852, married May 30,
1877, Dora P. Shields, born September 1, 1861;
issue: Tamar Etta, born January 2, 1878; Archi
bald James, born November 30, 1880; and Josiah
Vance, born February 10, 1882; lives in East End,
Pittsburgh, Penn.
(7) Mary Jane married, in 1837, William
Sample, born July 14, 1815; emigrated to Taze
well county, 111., in 1838; William died June 5,
1871; Mary Jane, his wife, died November 15,
1874; they with three of their children (save the
first) are buried in El Paso, Woodford Co., 111.;
issue: Josiah Scott, born June 20, 1839, died
November 7, 1839; Hugh Workman, born July
27, 1843, died June 8, 1872; Theodore, born
November 5, 1846; Sarah Jane, born September
9, 1849, died April 18, 1875; John William, born
March 11, 1858, died February 14, 1881; Ida
Violet, born February 16, 1861. Of these, Theo
dore married December 24, 1874, Jennie Toole,
born in Ireland January 25, 1853; issue: Theo
dore Tilden, born July 20, 1876; Ida Mary, born
June 12, 1878; William Montana, born July 22,
1885, and Harry, born October 11, 1888. Ida
Violet was married December 9, 1879, to John
Wesley Kennedy, born August 16, 1851; issue:
Walter Scott, born August 15, 1882; Harry
Sample, born January 19, 1885, and Ida Violet,
born June 9, 1889, died August 23, 1889. Theo
dore and Ida Violet with their families reside in
Logansport, Ind.
The following additional matter was written by-
Col. John Scott, of Nevada, Iowa: In the old
cemetery near Washington, Penn., repose the
ashes of one of the pioneers, over which is this
inscription: "In memory of Josiah Scott, who
died on the 20th day of February, 1819, aged
84 years. Having sustained a character exem
plary for honesty, piety and usefulness, he came to
the grave in a full age, as a shock of corn cometh
in his season. Job, 5th chap, and 26th verse."
Josiah Scott, the youngest son of (2) Abra
ham Scott, was born in Chester county, Penn.,
in 1735. His father was born in the same county
in 1677, and was a son of Hugh Scott, a native
of the North of Ireland, who came to Penn
sylvania about 1670. At least two of the sons
of Abraham Scott, Hugh and Josiah, were pio
neers in the county of Washington. They lived
to an advanced age, both dying in 1819, and each
of them leaving a numerous posterity, now widely
separated. Josiah Scott married* Violet Foster in
1760. He was a blacksmith — a maker of edge tools,
especially of sickles — and was a skillful and

430

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

rapid reaper, being stout, muscular, and robust.
He was of vigorous constitution, plain and simple
in manners, habits, and tastes, and noted for his
strong common sense and sound judgment. He
was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian
Church, and was highly respected for his ability
and many virtues. His early home was at Peach
Bottom, where the Susquehanna river crosses the
State line. From thence he removed to the wilds
of Washington county, and became a resident of
Catfish, now Washington. This change of loca
tion occurred in 1773-74. He worked at his trade
and at farming till his death, at the age of eighty-
four. To Josiah Scott and Violet (Foster) were born
eight children, six of whom reared families, whose
descendants are in many States. The two elder
sons, Alexander and Abram, married, respectively,
Rachel and Rebecca, daughters of Hon. John Mc
Dowell, aud Agnes (Bradford), his wife. The late
Hon. Josiah Scott, of Bucyrus, Ohio, a distin
guished scholar and jurist, for many years a judge
of the Supreme court of Ohio, was a son of Alexan
der Scott. The late Hon. Josiah Scott, of Cadiz, Ohio,
a member of the convention which passed the Con
stitution of that State, and his brother, the late
Hon. William Scott, of Guernsey county, Ohio,
were sons of Abram Scott. The latter was a min
ister in the Presbyterian Church; so, also, was his
brother James, who for more that forty years was
pastor of a church at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Josiah,
the sixth child of the first Josiah, became a farmer,
settled in Columbiana county, Ohio, and reared
a large family. The elder daughter of Josiah, Sr.,
Mary, married William Cotton, and settled in
Beaver county, Penn. The younger daughter,
Elizabeth, married Robert Stevenson, and ako
settled in Beaver county. Their descendants are
numerous, and widely scattered. By a second
marriage Josiah Scott had four sons. Robert set
tled in Carroll county, Ohio, and has many de
scendants. Hugh and Gen. Sam. Scott remained
in Washington county, where they are still rep
resented. John died on the old homestead,
near Washington, in his early prime, leaving
a family of three daughters, Mrs. Workman Hughes
being one of them.
Among the representatives of this old blood of
Washington county may be named Hon. A. W.
Scott, of Toledo, Ohio; Rev. W. W. Colmery, D.
D., of Oxford, Ohio; Rev. R. C. Colmery, of San
dusky, Ohio; Rev. D. R. Colmery, D. D., of Los
Angeles, Cal. ; Rev. Alexander Scott, of Denver,
Col.; Col. John Scott, of Nevada, Iowa; Prof. E.
M. Cotton, of Chester, Iowa; Dr. J. E. Scott, of
Chicago, and Hon. Lawson Scott, of Mendota,
111.; all of whom are great-grandsons of "Old
JoBiah."

1/ RA BEBOUT, prominent in agricultural circles
as a well-to-do farmer and successful stock-
raiser, is a native of Jefferson county, Ohio
J born September 4, 1828, a son of Peter and
Isabella (Cooper) Bebout.
John Bebout, grandfather of Ira, was a native
of Holland, whence, when a boy, he came to Amer
ica with his parents, who made a settlement in
New Jersey. Here John learned the trade of tan
ner, which, in connection with farming, he carried
on in New Jersey and afterward in Washington
county, Penn. , for a period in all of some thirty
years. In 1796 he came to this county, and pur
chased a tract of land (covering 300 acres) in
what is now North Strabane township. _ At .that
time men never went abroad without their guns
and a plentiful supply of ammunition. Here
Mr. Bebout lived until he was seventy years of age,
when he moved to Mercer county, Penn. , and there
died. He was a member of Dr. McMillan's Church
(Presbyterian), and while in New Jersey was an
elder in the church there. As a Revolutionary
soldier he served under Gen. Washington, rising
from the ranks to a captaincy, and receiving a pen
sion. He was the father of nine children, Will
iam, Sarah, Peter, Susan, Elizabeth, Israel, Ira,
John and Mary.
Peter Bebout vyas born in New Jersey in 1776, and
was twenty-one years old when he first came to this
county. In 1804 he moved to Ohio, where he took
up a piece of wild land which he cleared and cul
tivated and lived on until 1830, when he returned
to this county and settled in North Strabane town
ship, taking a portion of the home place his father
had bought, and which he materially helped to
improve. He died in 1859. Mr. Bebout was twice
married, first to Betsey Kinney, who bore him
children as follows: John, William, James, Levi,
Peter, Israel, Sarah and Elizabeth. The mother
of this family dying, Mr. Bebout married Isabelle,
daughter of Joshua Cooper, of Jefferson county,
Ohio, and the children of this marriage were Mary
(Mrs. William Hays), Susan (Mrs. William Be
bout), Ira (our subject), Margaret (Mrs. Cephas
Cochran), David, Isabel (Mrs. John Crouch),
Stephen (deceased), Joshua, Caroline (Mrs. Joseph
Maines), Jane and Hermon H. Bebout. In poli
tics Mr. Bebout was a Democrat; in religions
faith a Presbyterian. He served in the war of
1812, under Gen. Harrison, until the close of the
struggle. Ira Bebout, after a thorough educational train
ing at the common schools of his native district,
settled down to regular agricultural pursuits on
the old home place, and by his own unaided efforts
made a success of all his undertakings, being a
thoroughly representative self-made man, enter
prising and progressive. He was twice married,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

431

first time October 6, 1856, to Mrs. Jane Hamilton
(nee Hamilton), a native of Ireland, who came to
the United States at the age of seventeen, and was
married to Charles Hamilton, a second cousin, who
died. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bebout
were Isabella (Mrs. W. A. Patterson, who died
August 20, 1892), Elmira (Mrs. -William Scott),
and Elmer, who married Jane Thomas, living in
Hamilton county, Neb., where he carries on farm
ing operations. This wife dying in October, 1884,
Mr. Bebout married, for his second wife, Mrs.
Anna Raney, of Nottingham township. Our sub
ject, in his political preferences, was originally a
Democrat, but since the outbreak of the Rebellion
has allied himself with the Republican party. He
is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Monon
gahela City, formerly of Dr. McMillan's Church,
and of the U. P. Church at Munntown. He owns
a fine residence on Main street, where he resides,
renting his farms. He enjoys the confidence and
respect of all.

If OHN C. VAN KIRK. Among the many well ¦
< I known and highly esteemed families of Am-
PJI well township, the name of Van Kirk ranks
with the first. Jacob Van Kirk, grandfather
of our subject, was a native of New Jersey, where
he married Elizabeth Lee and in 1785 moved to
Washington county, Penn. To this couple were
born four children: Enoch, born April 14, 1796;
Joseph, born January 17, 1798; Ann, born Febru
ary 13, 1806; and Leah, born May 19, 1817.
Joseph Van Kirk was born in Washington county,
Penn. , and passed his entire life in Amwell town
ship, the farm on which he was born. On Feb
ruary 27, 1823, he was united in marriage with
Eliza Corwin, and his children were as follows:
Hiram, Charles, William (deceased), Mrs. Charlotte
McElree (deceased), Mrs. Anna Van Kirk, Mrs.
Sarah Van Kirk (the latter two having married dis
tant relatives of the same name), Norma (deceased)
and John C. Joseph Van Kirk was a captain in the
Pennsylvania State Militia, and was one of the
most energetic and active citizens of Amwell town
ship. After a long and useful life he passed to
his long home August 24, 1878, at the ripe age of
eighty- two years.
John C. Van Kirk was born September 15, 1828,
on the old home farm in Amwell township, which
is now owned by his brother Charles. His youth
and early manhood were passed in assisting his
father to fell the forest trees and transform the
rugged hills and valleys into fertile fields of grain.
On April 1, 1851, he was married to Esther Buck
ingham, who died September 2, 1855, leaving a
child that died four days later. On February 19,
1857, Mr. Van Kirk wedded Mary McClanthan,
who bore him two children: Irena M, born March

27, 1858, and Catherine F., born March 30, 1861,
both of whom are yet living at home. Our sub
ject has a well- cultivated farm of 244 acres, which
is considered one of the best in the township, and
stands a solid witness to the thrift and prosperity
of the owner. He has ever been foremost in all
matters of public interest, and while an adherent
of the Democratic party, has always voted for
what in his opinion would result in good to the
largest number, irrespective of party lines. His
family are Presbyterians, though he himself is not
a member of any church.
JOHN S. PATTERSON, a well-known repre
sentative of one of the oldest, most influen
tial and prosperous families of Cross Creek
township, is a lineal descendant of James
Patterson, the earliest pioneer of the family name.
James Patterson immigrated to America in 1728,
settling in Little Britain township, Lancaster Co.,
Penn., where he was married and reared a family
of ten children, of whom the sons were William,
John, Samuel, James and Thomas.
William Patterson was born in 1733, and was
first married to Rosanna Scott, who bore him chil
dren as follows: Mary, Moses, Samuel, Thomas
and JameB. The mother died April 5, 1769, and
on April 10, 1770, William Patterson was again
married, his second choice being Elizabeth Brown,
and ten children were born to the latter union:
John, Rosanna, William, Nathaniel, Rachel, Eliza
beth, Josiah, Hannah, Nathan and Eleanor. In
1779 the family removed to Cross Creek township,
this county, settling on a farm now owned by R.
M. Patterson. The father was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. He died June 29, 1818, and
his wife passed from earth about 1828.
Nathan Patterson, a son of William and Eliza
beth (Brown) Patterson, was born September 11,
1788, in Cross Creek township, this county, and
on October 14, 1816, was married to Lydia Hous
ton. The young couple settled in Cross Creek
township, and reared the following children : Dan
iel, William J., John, Nathan and Mary. The
father of this family died in February, 1846, at the
age of fifty-eight years.
William J. Patterson was born May 10, 1820,
on the home farm, and passed his boyhood in at
tending to the agricultural duties. He began the
milling business in early life, and always followed
that vocation. He was first married on May 5,
1849, to Elizabeth Reed, of Washington county,
and they had one child, Agnes A. Mrs. Patterson
died August 17, 1857, in Iowa, and Mr. Patterson
was afterward married to Eliza Snodgrass, of Al
legheny county, Penn. , daughter of Robert Snod
grass, one of the pioneer lumbermen of that county.
At this time he bought and moved upon the Pat
terson's Mills property. Four children weie bom

432

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson: Lydia H, Hannah M.,
Lizzie M. (a student in a seminary at Washing
ton) and John S. William J. Patterson was a life
long Democrat in politics, and in religious connec
tion was an elder in the Union Presbyterian Church
of Patterson's Mills until 1876, when he withdrew
from that body, and united with the Presbyterian
Church at Independence, this county, of which he
was also an elder. He died September 4, 1889,
followed by his widow January 28, 1892.
John S. Patterson was born July 12, 1860, on
the old Patterson homestead, where he remained,
assisting with the duties of the farm and mill until
he arrived at man's estate. His early education
was received at the common schools. He then took
a course at the Cross Creek Academy, and finally
graduated from Duff's Commercial College of Pitts
burgh. On June 3, 1886, he was united in mar
riage with Miss Elizabeth Dunbar, daughter of
William Dunbar, a resident of Cross Creek town
ship, this county. In political matters Mr. Patter
son has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers,
and votes the straight Democratic ticket. He is
an honorable and conscientious Christian gentle
man, who well merits the esteem in which he is
universally held, and in religious faith is a mem
ber of and elder in the Presbyterian Church of
Cross Creek.
Kr\ OBERT LAW PARK is descended from
\L// Irish ancestry. His great grandfather,
|| V Samuel Park, came from the North of Ire-
\\ — ' land and settled in Lancaster county, Penn.
v He afterward married Margaret Marshall,
who had crossed the ocean in the same ship, and
they had five children.
John Park, son of Samuel and Margaret, was
born December 18, 1758, and in 1777 came to
Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. In June,
1787, he married Sarah, daughter of Judge John
McDowell, who resided in North Strabane town
ship, this county. Their children were ten in
number. John Park died May 31, 1832, and
Sarah, his wife, passed away April 6, 1857; their
remains lie in the Chartiers graveyard.
William Park, son of John and Sarah, was born
July 15, 1797, in Cecil township, Washington Co.,
Penn. In 1831 he bought some 300 acres of land
in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. On
October 29, 1833, he was married to Jane Law,
and they had seven children. William Park en
tered into his eternal rest November 6, 1870; Jane
his wife, survived him till July 15, 1892; their re
mains rest in the Centre graveyard.
Robert Law Park, son of William and Jane, was
born May 11, 1847, and was married February
1 2, 1874, to Mary McClelland. They, with their
two children, reside on apart of his father's origi
nal purchase in Peters township.

[I BRAM ELLIOTT, one of the prosperous
l\ and enterprising farmers of Morris town-
^\ ship, was born April 20, 1817, near the
-A place where he now resides. William
Elliott, a native of Maryland, located near
the present residence of Abram Elliott, about three
miles west of Prosperity, in the early days of the
county. He reared a family of seven children, of
whom William Elliott, the father of Abram was
one. William Elliott, Jr. , married Jemima Winget,
and to their union nineteen children were born, of
whom three sons and four daughters are living, as
follows: Luther, living near West Alexander;
William, living in Kansas; Mrs. Emeline Mont
gomery, living in East Finley township; Mrs. Mar
garet Montgomery, also living in East Finley town
ship; Anne, also in East Finley township; Mrs.
Salvina Ashbrook, living in Morris township, and
Abram. Abram Elliott was reared on his father's farm,
and his only education was received at the district
schools. At the age of seventeen he learned the
trade of cabinet-maker, at which he worked at
Washington, West Alexander, Monongahela City
and other places, for a number of years. For the
past twenty-five years however, he has given his
attention to his farm, where he was reared. He
was married in 1840 to Mary Ashbrook, who was
born in 1815, a daughter of Simon Ashbrook, of
Buffalo township. To their union one child has
been born, Jemima, who was bom August 24,
1843, and still makes her home with her parents.
Though not an active politician, Mr. Elliott is a
strict adherent to the principles of the Democratic
party. 
ISAAC C. AILES, who is a member of one of
the oldest families of Pennsylvania, is of early
Welsh ancestry. Stephen Ailes was born and
oassed his whole life in Chester county, Penn.,
where his son Amos was born in 1751, and grew
to manhood. In early life Amos Ailes was mar
ried to Ann, daughter of Joseph Brown, a farmer
of Chester county, Penn., and soon after they came
to Washington county, locating on a tract of land
in East, Pike Run township, which had then been
in the possession of Joseph Brown for about two
years. At the time Amos Ailes settled upon it, the
place was an unbroken wilderness, inhabited only
by wild beasts and wandering Indians. Two young
girls named Scott were killed by the Redmen about
this time; and Mrs. Ailes shot a deer in her door-
yard soon after their arrival. In this wild forest
home children were born to these pioneers, and
reared, as follows: Joseph, Stephen, Aaron, Mary
(wife of Eli Gause), James, Sarah (wife of John
Waites), Isaac and Amos. Mr. Ailes was a Whig
in politics, and in religion a member of the Society
of Friends. He died in February, 1835, and was

S$K?

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

435

buried by the side of his wife in the Westland
cemetery in East Bethlehem township, Washing
ton county.
Isaac Ailes was born March 21, 1794, on the
home farm in East Pike Run township, Washing
ton county. He attended the Union school-house,
which was one of the first erected in East Pike
Run township, and built over a century ago. On
May 24, 1824, he was united in marriage with
Nancy, daughter of Nathan Coleman. Mr. Cole
man was born and reared in eastern Maryland,
where he was married to Elizabeth Duncan. In
1802 they came to West Pike Run township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and a few years later moved to
Ohio. Their children were Sophia (wife of Elisha
Mayhorn), Maria (married to Nathan Rice) and
Nancy (wife of Isaac Ailes). After their mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Ailes settled on the home place
where they passed the rest of their lives. He was
a Whig and Republican, and in 1840 was elected
justice of the peace, holding that office until 1850,
also serving as school director several years. He
was an energetic, enterprising man until rheumatism
compelled him to retire from active work and
spend the last twenty-eight years of his life an in
valid. He died February 28, 1874, having been
preceded by his wife in August, 1872, and they
were buried in the home cemetery. Mrs. Ailes was
a devout Methodist, while Mr. Ailes was reared in
the Quaker faith. Their children were born as
follows: Ann (wife of Samuel Sickman), Jane (mar
ried to Wesley White), Matilda (wife of William
Stockdale), Isaac C, and Stephen H. (deceased).
Isaac C. Ailes was born December 4, 1834, in
East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and attended the home schools during his boyhood,
afterward taking charge of the home place. On
February 6, 1855, he was united in marriage with
Margaret M. , daughter of Jacob Snyder, who was
a son of Nicholas Snyder. The latter was a native
of Westmoreland county, Penn., where he grew to
manhood, and was married to Eva Hough, who bore
him the following children: John, Jacob, Mary,
Charlotte (wife of Joseph Krepps), William, Henry,
Joseph, David, Louisa (wife of William Norcross),
James and Margaret (married to Harvey Seymour).
The father of this family was a Democrat in polit
ical opinion, and in religious faith a member of
the Lutheran Church. Jacob Snyder was born in
1804, on the home place in Westmoreland county,
where he was reared and educated. He was mar
ried to Hannah, daughter of Thomas Stockdale, a
native of Washington county, Penn., born Novem
ber 15, 1808, and to their union were born eight
children, namely: Stockdale, Allen (deceased), Amy
A. (deceased), Margaret M. (wife of Isaac C. Ailes),
Charlotte (deceased), William, Louisa (wife of
Philip Smith) and Deborah A. (deceased wife of
Caleb Porter). Soon after his marriage Mr. Sny

der moved to a farm in Fayette county, same
State, where the remainder of his life was passed.
Politically he voted with the Democratic party, and
in religion was a member of the Cumberland Pres
byterian Church, of which he was an elder for
forty years.
Isaac C. and Margaret M. (Snyder) Ailes began .
wedded life on the home place in East Pike Run
township, where they are yet living. They have
had five children, as follows: Allen H. (married
Jenna A. Chester, March 21, 1877, and the same
year they moved to the State of Missouri; she died
August 21, 1881, and he died November 21, same
year, leaving one son, Renald, who, when about
two years old, was sent to his grandparents on the
home farm); Anson A. (married to Lizzie M. Ly-
tle, of Allegheny county, Penn., aud they reside
on the home farm) ; Rilla A. (deceased) ; Irena (mar
ried to James H. McCrory, and living on an ad
joining farm; they have four sons: Ralph A., Al
bert J., Clarence H. and Ira C); and Luella (re
maining at home). Mr. Ailes is a stanch mem
ber of the Republican party, and has served his
township for twelve years as township auditor.
He has been president of the California National
Bank since its 'first organization, August 6, 1891,
with William H. Binns as cashier. He is a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving it
liberal support, and has been Sunday-school super
intendent at the Union schoolhouse near the
home place.

^r-\ W. DODDS, an energetic and prosperous
l>rfy young farmer of Donegal township, is a
l| V. native of Washington county, Penn., born
j\ -^ September 12, 1858, in Independence, In-
v dependence township.
His grandfather, JohnDodds, was born in 1771,
in County Donegal, Ireland, and when but a mere
boy ran away to sea, first becomipg an apprentice
on a British merchantman bound for India. He
followed a sailor life for some time, but at length
became tired of adventure, and when ashore one
day while his ship was in the harbor of Philadel
phia, he concluded to remain on land, and did so.
He afterward entirely abandoned ' ' a life on the
ocean wave," and deciding that a home in the for
est wilds offered superior attractions to " a home
on the rolling deep," he came west, walking the
entire distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh,
Penn. On his arrival in the latter city he en
gaged in the river trade with Malcolm Leech,
taking merchandise to New Orleans, which at that
time was a good market, the return journey to
Pittsburgh being made on foot. After steam
power was applied to river navigation, this practice
was abandoned, and he did but little in that busi
ness after 1836. In 1818 John Dodds was united

436

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in marriage with Sarah McKeever, of West Middle-
town, Penn., who was born in 1797, and they had the
following children: Agnes (deceased), Thomas (de
ceased), James, Margaret (widow of Lewis Ap-
plegate, of Brooke county, W. Va.), Mary Ann
(Mrs. William Dodds, of Washington, Iowa),
John (also living in Washington, Iowa), and
William deceased). Soon after his marriage Mr.
Dodds purchased the farm known as the "Old
Dodds homestead," lying two and one-half miles
south of Independence. In 1826 he moved to
West Middletown, in order to secure better edu
cational opportunities for his children, but ten
years later he returned to the farm, and lived
a retired life. He was of a very generous dis
position, and many poor Irish emigrants received
money from him to pay their passage to Amer
ica. Among the number he brought a brother
and family from Ireland, and purchased a home
for them in Harrison county, Ohio. Politically
he was a Whig, and in religion a member of
the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1850; his
widow is now living with a daughter in Iowa,
almost a century having passed over her head.
James Dodds, father of subject, was born Feb
ruary 26, 1822, on the farm in Independence town
ship which is his present home. He received a
common-school education, working on the home
farm during his younger years. In 1848 he was
married to Elvira Vance, who was born in 1828,
daughter of James Vance, and they had three chil
dren: James V. (residing in Independence town
ship), Joseph C. (living at home), and R. W. Mr.
Dodds resided on the home farm in Independence
township for some time after his marriage; then
farmed two years in Brooke county, W. Va., and
afterward lived in Independence seven years, where
he was dealing in stock. In 1859 he purchased
the "home farm," upon which he is now living.
Mr. Dodds has traveled a great deal, and is a rep
resentative man of his neighborhood. In politics
he is an active Republican, and has held various
township offices.
R. W. Dodds was brought from the village of
Independence to the old home farm in Independ
ence township at an early age, and obtained a
common-school education at the schools of the
township, as well as the necessary experience for
the making of a prosperous farmer. On December
21, 1882, he was married to Laura Hair, who was
born November 7, 1864, in Fayette county, Penn.,
a daughter of Abraham Hair, of Donegal township,
and to their union the following children were
born: Mary, Alma, Bertha M., Carrie and James
A. Mr. Dodds lived with his parents some time
after his marriage, and in 1887 purchased a part
of the "Dickey tract," located in Donegal town
ship, about one and one-half miles south of Duns-
fort, near the West Virginia line. He has since

been engaged in general farming and stockraising.
He is a very progressive and energetic young agri
culturist, sure to succeed in life. In political
opinions he is a Republican.

TOHN M. McILVAINE, a prominent farmer of
. I Mt. Pleasant township, is descended from one
Vj\ of the earliest pioneers of Washington county.
^^ He is a son of Guyan and Jane (Ferguson)
Mcllvaine, and a grandson of Greer and Eliza
beth (Morrow) Mcllvaine. The last mentioned
couple were natives of Lancaster county, Penn., of
Irish descent, and were married in their native
county. Greer Mcllvaine, with his wife and brother
George, came to Washington county, Penn., in an
early day, and on May 20, 1788, took out a war
rant for a tract of land in Somerset township con
taining 407 acres. This was surveyed to him
February 11, 1789, as "Calydon." To Greer
and Elizabeth (Morrow) Mcllvaine were born the
following children: John, Guyan, Greer, George,
William, Andrew, Margaret (Mrs. William Den
niston), Mary (Mrs. James Greenlee), Ruth (Mrs.
Joseph Moreton), Catherine (Mrs. Samuel Smith),
Elizabeth (Mrs. William Campbell), Esther (Mrs.
Thomas Carson), Ann (wife of Joseph Scott), and
Eleanor (married to David Scott). Greer Mcllvaine
and his wife were members of the old Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian Church.
Guyan Mcllvaine was born about 1792, in Somer
set township, this county, and was reared on the
home farm. He was first married to Jane Fergu
son, who was also born in Somerset township, and
four children were born to this union: Lydia (widow
of John Phillips, living in Greene county, Penn.);
William Greer (married in Vicksburg, and died in
1882 at Memphis, Tenn.), Robert F. (living in
Rochester, Beaver Co., Penn.) and John M. (our
subject). The mother of these children died in
1823, and about 1830 Guyan Mcllvaine selected a
second wife in the person of Jane Bratton, a native
of Lancaster county, Penn. Their children were
Harvey (living in Kansas), Ann Eliza (wife of Will
iam M. Campbell, of Cross Creek township), Joseph
Lawrence (an editor, residing in New Philadel
phia, Ohio), Isabella (a maiden lady, living in Mt.
Pleasant township), Mary Esther (also unmarried),
Boyd (living in Illinois), James A. (living in Mt.
Pleasant township, this county) and Martha Ellen
(wife of Harper Symonton, of Mt. Pleasant town
ship). Guyan Mcllvaine followed agricultural pur
suits all his life. He served as a soldier in the war
of 1812.
John M. Mcllvaine was born in 1821, in Somerset
township, on the home farm. His boyhood was
passed in farm work, and in attending the schools
of the township and of Hickory village. He came
to Mt. Pleasant township at the age of fourteen

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

437

years. In 1856 he was married to Margaret Ann
Carter, daughter of William and Ann Carter, na
tives of Scotland, who settled in Mt. Pleasant town
ship in an early day, and there passed the rest of
their lives.
John M. and Margaret Ann (Carter) Mcllvaine
began their married life on a farm south of Hickory,
this county, where three children were born to them,
namely: Anna Jane, Maria Belle and. William El
mer (a carpenter, married to Miss Anna Leach, of
Smith township). The mother died in 1864. In
1881 Mr. Mcllvaine bought a farm of seventy-five
acres, which is in a prosperous condition. He is
active in politics, and casts his vote with the Re
publican party; at a special election held in May,
1842, he cast his first vote for Thomas M. T. Mc
Kennan for Congress, to fill a vacancy caused by the
death of Joseph Lawrence. In religion he is con
nected with the Presbyterian Church at Mount
Prospect.

JOHN BIRCH. This venerable and justly-
honored citizen of Claysville is a native of
the Keystone State, born August 5, 1810, in
Cumberland county, near Shippensburgh.
John Birch, his paternal grandfather, was by
, birth an Irishman, of Scotch descent. He early
learned the trade of a weaver, which he followed
nearly all his life, both in his native land and in
America, and for twelve years he served as a sol
dier in the British army. He was married in his
native country to Miss Jane Bright, and the chil
dren born to them were William, Valentine, James,
Jane, John, David, Thomas and Ann. In 1801
he came with his family to America, and made a
home in Cumberland county, Penn., for a short
time; then came to Washington county, settling in
Amwell township, where he continued to follow
his trade of weaver to the day of his death.
William Birch, eldest son of the old pioneer,
was born in Belfast, Ireland, February 3, 1788,
where his early education was received. Coming
with the rest of the family to this country, as
above related, he completed his school training in
Cumberland county, Penn. In the course of time
he formed a partnership with a Mr. Campbell in
the manufacture of various kinds of cloth, in
which business he remained for several years.*
While yet a young man he was married to Eliza
beth Mitchell, who was born in 1791, in Cumber
land, county, Penn., a daughter of John Mitchell,
a Scotch-Irishman, who came to this country about
1760, and the children born to this union were
John, Mary, William, David, George Bright,
Thomas L., Drusilla, Margaret J., Mitchell, Joseph
and Elizabeth. Mr. Birch and family in 1818
emigrated from Cumberland county to Washington
county, locating on a small farm in Amwell town

ship for a couple of years, and then moving to the
farm now occupied by W. C. Ramsey, in Canton
township, on which they remained four years.
From there they came to Buffalo township, where
they resided ten years, and from here proceeded,
in 1835, to Holmes county, Ohio, where he lived
until the death of Mrs. Birch, which occurred in
1844, when the bereaved husband went to Fulton
county, 111., thence to Birmingham, Van Buren Co.,
Iowa, where he died April 20, 1879. Politically
he was on Old-time Whig, and in religion a Pres
byterian. The boyhood and early youth of John Birch were
passed on the home place in Cumberland county
and in Canton township, this county, in the sub
scription schools of which latter he received his
education. At the age of sixteen he was appren
ticed to Jacob Sharp, a tanner, with whom he
remained four years, at the expiration of which
time he commenced as a journeyman, working
nearly a year for Mr. Sharp. He then, in 1832,
came to.Claysville, and here entered the employ of
a tanner; but it was not long before he commenced
on his own account by starting a tannery in that
borough, which he operated for fifty years with
every success. On May 5, 1835, he was married
to Harriet Reed, who was born in Amwell township,
Washington county, October 15, 1815, daughter
of James Reed, and by this union were the follow
ing children: George W. F., born March 26, 1837
(was educated at Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, and is now a Presbyterian minister in New
York City); Francis A., born April 26, 1840, died
September 13, 1863 (also educated at Washington
and Jefferson College); William T., born Septem
ber 2. 1842, died February 4, 1864; Edward P.,
born February 1, 1845, died 1847; Henry B. , born
January 9, 1849; John M., born July 7, 1851 (was
educated at Washington and Jefferson College);
Elizabeth M. , born June 1, 1854 (married to Rev.
J. J. McCarrell, of McKeesport, Penn.); Thomas
F., born May 18, 1856 (educated at Washington
and Jefferson College), and Harriet J., born Janu
ary 9, 1860 (married to Frank T. Wray, a druggist
of Apollo, Armstrong Co., Penn.). The mother
of this family died June 14, 1877, and on February
28, 1882, Mr. Birch was united in marriage at
Beaver Falls, Penn, with Elizabeth, daughter of
Dr. Samuel P. Todd, who was born February 24,
1792, in New York. He studied for the medical
profession at Schenectady, N. Y. , and commenced
practice in New York, proving an able and suc
cessful physician. He was married to Susan,
daughter of Aaron Kerr, a native of New Jersey,
and she bore him eight children. Dr. Todd was a
member and warm supporter of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics he was an active Whig.
Mr. Birch has always been a strong Democrat,
and has served with commendable zeal in various

438

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

positions of trust. His first office was that of jus
tice of the peace, to which he was four times re
elected; in 1848 he was elected county commis
sioner, serving three years; in 1860 he was one of
the census enumerators; in 1875 he was nominated
and elected representative to the State Legislature,
receiving a flattering majority of over one hundred
votes in a Republican county. Mr. Birch and his
family are members of the Presbyterian Church,
of which he has been trustee and a liberal sup
porter for years.

<J

li I ATHAN ROSEBURG TANNEHILL, a
vi prominent farmer and stock raiser of Char-
\| tiers township, and breeder of Registered
National Delaine Merino sheep and Regis
tered Jersey cattle, was born October 13,
1847, in Chartiers township on the farm where he
now resides, and in the same house where he and his
children live and were born.
His grandparents, John and Catherine. Tanne-
hill were natives of County Antrim, Ireland. John
Tannehill, in company with three brothers — Nathan,
Adamson and James — came from Ireland to this
country, and were soldiers in the war of the Revo
lution. John settled in Washington county and
here dying was buried in Oak Spring cemetery in
Chartiers township.
Nathan Tannehill, father of Nathan Roseburg
Tannehill, was born near Miller's run, some two
and one-half miles from Noblestown, and received
his education in the common schools of the dis
trict. On February 26, 1828, he was married to
Jane Orr, and April 6, following, they moved to the
old homestead farm in Chartiers township, where
they passed the remainder of their useful lives,
and where their children, nine in number, were
born as follows: Nancy, September 2, 1829 (she
married Robert Sample, and they live in Washing
ton, Penn.); Mary Ann, July 27, 1832 (died Octo
ber 11, 1833), Jane, January 8, 1834 (widow of
Moses McKeag, and residing in Washington,
Penn.); John Orr, January 25, 1836 (married
Maria Wilson, and they live at West Alexander,
Donegal township, this county); Mary Ann, May 31,
1838 (married Robert G. Taylor, and died in
1876); James, September 24, 1840 (resides near
Canonsburg, Penn.); Nathan R. , May 16, 1844
(died November 12, 1844); Nathan R. (subject
of these lines), and Emeline, June 17, 1850 (she
died September 15, 1851). The father of this
family, who was a prominent man in his township,
died September 18, 1878, in the eighty-seventh
year of his age, the mother following him across
the dark river May 2, 1880, when in her seventy-
fifth year.
Nathan R. Tannehill was educated in the com
mon schools, and graduated from Duff's Business

College, in Pittsburgh, Penn. He was married No
vember 7, 1877, to Miss Mary C. Sample, who was
born in West Finley township, Washington Co.
Penn. , a daughter of Robert and Mary Elizabeth
(Burns) Sample, both also natives of West Fin
ley township. Robert Sample was a son of David
Sample, who came from County Derry, Ireland
and settled in what is now West Finley township
this county. - Elizabeth (Burns) Sample was a
daughter of David Burns, who was a son of Robert
and Catherine (Sutherland) Burns, latter a daugh
ter of George Sutherland, and both of whom were
over seventy years of age at the time of their death.
Mr. and Mrs. Nathan R. Tannehill after their
marriage took up their permanent home on the
farm in Chartiers township, which was willed him
by his father. They have three children: Robert
Nathan, born November 14, 1880; James Smiley,
born July 24, 1883, and Newton Alexander, born
September 23, 1886. The parents are members
of the Chartiers U. P. Church at Canonsburg.
Mr. Tannehill is a member of the National Delaine
Merino Sheep Association, and is recognized as a
leader among the agriculturists and stock breeders
of the county. He owns 185 acres of well-culti
vated land — 112 in one tract and seventy-three in
another. In his political affiliations he is a stanch
Republican.

DAVID HIGBEE. The earliest ancestors of
the Higbee family in America were two
/ brothers, who left England about 1680, ac
companied by an aged father who died on
the passage. The brothers, with their families,
settled on Long Island. They had left England
on account of religious persecution, and they be
longed to the class called Puritans or Nonconform
ists. Two sons of one of these brothers settled in
New Jersey, one, named Peter, near New Bruns
wick, and the other, whose name was Abijah, near
Princeton. Peter Higbee was born about 1690, and married
about 1721. He had seven sons and one daughter,
of whom five sons died early; the surviving sons
were named Obadiah and Abijah. Obadiah was
born in 1732, and was married to Anna Brown
November 13, 1762. He settled in New Jersey,
and, as also his father, was a farmer. He had no
son old enough to do military duty during the con
tinuance of the Revolutionary war, but two young
men raised by him entered the army and did good
service, while he acted at times as a courier for the
Continental armies. In 1784 he sold his farm in
New Jersey, and moved to Washington county,
Penn. Wishing to look around before purchasing,
he rented from Henry Magner a farm near what is
now called Finleyville, formerly Rogue Alley. He
had accepted, in a large measure, Continental

'cvimLefr f£ *ck^v££^-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

441

currency for his New Jersey farm, and this became
worthless before he purchased, entailing a very
serious loss, and making it necessary for. him to
rent for some years. Nothing daunted, he perse
vered, and in about ten years was able to buy a
farm in Allegheny county, near Castle Shannon.
Obadiah and Anna Higbee had eleven children,
six sons and five daughters, their names and dates
of birth being as follows: Mary, December 1, 1764;
Sarah, February 12, 1767; Abigail, July 1, 1769;
Stephen, July 5, 1771; Joseph, November 25, 1773;
Benjamin, April 11, 1776; Rhoda, January 4, 1779;
William, January 7, 1781; Obadiah, February 11,
1782; Anna, June 1, 1786; Samuel, March 29,
1791. Of this family all lived to have families
of their own, except William, who died in his first
year. Mary and Sarah remained in New Jersey at
their grandfather's (Mary married Edward Riggs,
and moved to Allegheny county, Penn. , near Li
brary; Sarah married Abijah Applegate, and lived
near Heightstown, N. J. , where numerous descend
ants are still to be found); Abigail married Major
Edward Wright, and settled in Lawrence county,
Penn., near Mt. Jackson; Stephen settled near
Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio; Joseph remained on
the old homestead, which is still owned by his son
James; Benjamin settled near Finleyville, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he died at an advanced
age, leaving a numerous family (some of his de
scendants occupy a part of his old farm yet);
Rhoda married a Mr. Hull, and settled on the
Shenango river in Mercer county, Penn. ; Anna mar
ried Mr. Fletcher, and settled in southern Ohio;
Samuel settled in southern Ohio.
Obadiah Higbee, son of Obadiah and Anna Hig
bee, married Sarah Phillips, daughter of Joseph
Phillips Esq. , who came from Wales. They set
tled in Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny Co. ,
Penn., eight miles from Pittsburgh, and they had
eleven children, five sons and six daughters: (1)
Jesse, the oldest son, born August 18, 1808, and
still living in Iowa, had eight children — six living
and .two dead; three live in Iowa, one in Missouri
and two in Kansas. (2) John, born February 4,
1810, died in 1832 leaving no family. (3) Joseph
P., born May 23, 1812, settled on a part of his
father's farm, which he occupied until his death,
September 25, 1892; he had four children — one
son and three daughters; his son John is an active
partner of the firm of Bryce, Higbee & Co. , largely
engaged in glass manufacturing, Pittsburgh, Penn. ;
two daughters also survive him: Mrs. Kelso and
Mrs. Lesnett. (4) Anne Higbee, born August 18,
1814, married Samuel Blackmore, grandson of
Samuel Blackmore, one of the pioneer settlers of
Washington county; one daughter survives them,
Mrs. Galley. (5) Mary, born August 25, 1816,
married Josiah Phillips, a grandson of Rev. David
Phillips, the first pastor of Peters Creek Baptist

Church; Josiah' s death occurred about one year
after their marriage; one daughter survives him;
about eight years later the widow married James
Boyer, a son of one of the pioneers of Washington
county. (6) Obadiah, born December 21, 1818,
married Eliza Riggs, and after a short stay in
Pennsylvania settled on a farm in Iowa, near Iowa
City, where he lived up to within three or four
years of his death, when he moved into Iowa City,
remaining there until his. death, which occurred
March 11, 1890; he had five children: Caroline, D.
Webster, Sarah, Obadiah F. and Lizzie, all living
but Caroline. (D. Webster is a prominent lawyer
of Iowa; Obadiah F. is a physician of more than
ordinary ability residing at Shireoaks, Union
township, Washington Co., Perm.); (7) Sarah, born
December 10, 1823, married Richard Phillips, and
they had seven children, viz. : Obadiah H. and Alex
ander C. , preachers of the Gospel in the Church of
Christ; three daughters married, viz. : Mary E.
Phillips, Sarah A. Wood and Abigail Lightcap,
and two children deceased, Ettie and  . (8)
Abigail, born May 28, 1827, married N. S. Gay,
of New York, and they live on a plantation in east
ern Virginia, near Spottsylvania C. H. ; they have
three children living and married, viz. : Amy E.
Pendleton, Sarah H Wilson and Mary B. Smith ;
two sons are deceased — Obadiah and George. (9)
Elizabeth, born August 12, 1830, married Hilery
T. King, of Illinois, near Moro, where they lived
for some time on a farm, thence removing to Davis
county, Iowa, where she died October 30, 1886,
leaving three sons : Obadiah H. , Ulyssus Grant and
William, the two former being preachers of the
Gospel. (10) Susannah was born December 20,
1833, and died in 1835.
(11) David Higbee was born October 1, 1821.
His schooling commenced in a log school-house
furnished with slab benches, and boards resting on
pins driven into the wall served as writing desks;
teachers were paid by subscription and boarded
around among the patrons. He attended public
school after that system was introduced, also
Bethel Academy for a time. After teaching school
a short time, he took charge of his father's farm.
He lived with and took care of his parents up to
the time of their death, his mother dying January
17, 1865, and his father June 6, 1866. He was
married November 13, 1851, to Elizabeth, daugh
ter of Samuel andMary Boyer, and they had four
children: Mary, Sarah, Anna Elizabeth and Oba
diah Carson. Of these, Sarah (now Mrs. Scholes)
and Obadiah Carson are living, the others being
dead. The mother of these children died July 23,
1862, and on August 30, 1865, Mr. Higbee was
married to Lucinda B. Boyer, and removed to
Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., March 6,
1867, where he still lives. By his second wife he
had six children, all still living, their names in the

442

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

order of their birth being: Elizabeth B., John
Newton, Delia L. , Ella Dora, Amy V. and David.
A small part of the early portion of this history is
traditional, but as Mary Higbee alias Mary Riggs,
with whom the writer was intimately acquainted,
lived for some years in the family of her grand
father, Peter Higbee, who was a son of one of the
brothers who came to this country from England,
it will be seen that the mediums of communica
tion are few and direet. The Higbees, especially
the earlier generations, were tall, active and long-
lived. Their occupation generally was farming,
and the majority of them were Baptists.
The business of the subject of this sketch has
been farming and stockraising (principally sheep).
In politics he was first a Whig and Anti-Mason.
He was a deeply interested observer of the forma
tion of the Republican party, attended as a spec
tator its first National Convention, approved its
principles, has given the party his support, and is
proud of its general record. At the age of seven
teen he united with an infant Church of Christ'
(Disciples), now known as the Peters Creek Church
of Christ, which church had been organized two
years previous (1836). With six members it met
in a private house until the fall of 1839, when the
Church commenced worshiping in a brick meeting
house just completed by it. It became necessary
to rebuild in 1858. With this Church he wor
shiped about fifty years, during about forty years
of which time he was an elder. From 1882 to
1888 a most determined effort was made to intro
duce into this Church what were usually termed
"progressive views and practices." The effort
was only too successful. Many were leavened
with the new doctrines. Those opposed to these
innovations, as subversive of the faith and practice
of the Church, became objects of abuse and slan
der. Strife ensued. The subject of this sketch
being an elder, and unyielding in his opposition to
a new order of things, was particularly the subject
of these attacks, which resulted in an effort to re
move him from the eldership and finally led to the
withdrawal of himself and family and a number of
others from the Church. He claims for himself to
be open to conviction on every important subject
coming before him, but nothing but convincing
evidence will satisfy him. Fidelity to principle,
rnd a conscientious discharge of duty — these have
been, in an eminent degree, the characteristics of
his ancestors, running through five generations up
to our Puritan ancestry. May we not claim it as
the potent effect of their transmitted blood ?
If the Higbee family, among the pioneer families
of this county, with their descendants, have con
tributed in any measure in bringing in the present
advanced, enlightened, civilized and religious state
of society of which this biographical history is to
lie a record, it is because of deep convictions of

right, and a courage "to do their duty as they saw
it." This is the legacy they would leave behind
them and commend to those coming after.
[Mr. Higbee has furnished his portrait and biographical
sketch for insertion in this work on the assurance of
the biographer that he was selected as one among the
representative men of Peters township.

E! H. DENNISON. Among the progressive
wide-awake, and prosperous agriculturists
of Donegal township, the name of this
gentleman is very prominent. He is a son
of James S., whose father, Thomas Dennison, was
a native of Ireland, and was united in marriage
with a lady of Scotch birth. The young couple
immigrated to America soon after their marriage,
locating in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., and three
children were born to them, viz. : Maria, wife of
Washington Bennett, a prominent iron manufact
urer, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Thomas, living in Ohio,
and James S., father of our subject. Mr. and
Mrs. Dennison passed the remainder of their lives
in Virginia, and died there at an advanced age.
James S. Dennison was born in 1801, in the
Shenandoah Valley, Va. , and there received his
early training in farm work, obtaining an educa
tion, which, though of the usual primitive log-
cabin type, afforded a basis for the general infor
mation and practical knowledge of his riper years.
When a young man he came to Washington county,
Penn., locating in Claysville, where he became
acquainted with, and was married to Mrs. Catherine
(Stevenson) King, widow of William King. By
her first marriage Mrs. King had one son, W. C.
(now cashier of the National Bank of Claysville,
Penn). She was born in 1803, and was the
daughter of Hon. James Stevenson, a member of
one of the oldest and best families of Washington
county. He was a prominent pioneer settler of
Donegal township, and a soldier in the war of the
Revolution. He died in Harrisburg, Penn., while
a member of the Legislature. To Mr. and Mrs. James
S. Dennison were born the following children:
James (living in Claysville, Washington Co., Penn.),
Jane E. , John (a saddler and harness-maker, now
farming in Warren county, 111.), Eldridge (residing
in Claysville) and E. H. Mr. Dennison resided a
short time after his marriage on the farm now
owned by his son E. H. He afterward began the
hotel business in Claysville, thence moving to
Uniontown, Fayette Co., Penn., where he was
engaged in business until his tragic death in 18ol.
This sad event occurred when on a business trip
to Brownsville. He was thrown from the stage upon
which he was riding, receiving injuries which soon
resulted fatally. Politically he was a Democrat,
but not an active politician, and was respected by
all who knew him. After the death of her husband,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

443

Mrs. Dennison returned to Donegal township,
Washington county, and located on the ' ' Old
Stevenson" tract, lying one mile west of Claysville,
which was part of a vast amount of land once
owned by Hon. James Stevenson. Mrs. Dennison
was a consistent member of the Presbyterian
Church for many years, and was a very popular
lady. She continued to reside on the farm until
her death, which occurred October 7, 1889.
E. H Dennison was born July 4, 1840, in Done
gal township, in the same house which is his
present home, and received a common-school edu
cation. His father died when he was a mere boy,
but this event did not impede his progress in life,
for the instructions of his mother almost compen
sated for the loss of the father. In 1868 he was
united in marriage with Salena Reed, who was
born January 5, 1845, daughter of Rev. William
Reed, D. D., an eminent Presbyterian divine of
western Ohio. The following children were born
to this union: Katherine, Edith, Joseph D. , Harry
G, William R. and Edwin H, all of whom are
living with their parents, the eldest daughter being
employed as a stenographer in Washington, Penn.
Mr. Dennison has always lived on the place of his
birth, which is situated one mile west of Claysville,
along the National Pike, and is an exceptionally
desirable location . He is a farmer and is exten
sively engaged in stock dealing, having made a
success of the latter business by shrewd and skilful
management, combined with fair and honest deal
ing. Much credit is due to this enterprising and
public-spirited citizen for the success with which
he has conducted both his own affairs, and the
business which others have intrusted to his care.
Mr. Dennison is ever interested in any movement
tending to advance the interests of the community,
and in politics is a Democrat. He and his wife, a
deservedly popular lady, are members of the Pres
byterian Church.

T. CHESTER. Among the prominent agri
culturists of Allen township, none are more
deserving of special mention than the pros
perous gentleman whose name has from an
early time been associated with the best interests
of Washington county.
Many years ago Joseph and Elizabeth Chester,
natives of eastern Pennsylvania, came to Washing
ton county, and there made a home on a tract of
land which he patented. Among the children born
to this pioneer couple, one son is named S. A.,
whose brothers were Morrison, now residing in
Guernsey county, Ohio, and Benjamin, who died
in California. S. A. Chester was born August 18,
1818, on the home place in Allen township, Wash
ington county. He was there married to Margaret
Jackman, who was born on the home farm De

cember 24, 1814. Mr. Chester affiliated with* the
Whig and Republican parties, and served in many
local offices. Mrs. Chester died November 8, 1872,
leaving the following children: Joseph W. (who
died in 1873 in Vernon county, Mo.), John A.
(living in Mound ville, Vernon Co., Mo.), Elizabeth
Ann (deceased at the age of eight years), J. J.
(born July 3, 1847), James Harvey (deceased in
1875, in Allen township), Margaret Ann (deceased
wife of Irvin McKenna, of Fayette City), Jane A.
(deceased wife of Allen Ailes, of Columbus, Kans.)
S. T. (whose name opens this sketch) and Fremont,
(born July 4, 1857, died February 20, 1865). Af
ter the mother of these children died, S. A. Ches
ter married Mary Stevenson, who is now living in
Fayette county, Penn. He died March 15, 1888.
S. T. Chester was born March 8, 1853, in Allen
township, Washington county, and has continued
to reside on the old place. In June, 1879, he made
choice of a life companion in the person of Ollie J.
daughter of 0. D. and Mary (Allen) Latta, all of
whom were natives of Allen township, this county,
where the father died, Mrs. Latta making her
home with Mrs. Chester. Mr. and Mrs. Chester
have always resided on the homestead, which con
tains 177 acres of well-cultivated land, equipped
with two substantial brick edifices. He has made
a specialty of raising blooded stock, having a num
ber of fine driving and draft horses of Clyde, Nor
man and Ethan Allen breed, also a fine grade
of Alderney and Shorthorn cattle. In political
opinions he advocates the principles embodied in
the Republican platform. Mrs. Chester is a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount
Tabor, and the sympathies of Mr. Chester are the
same. They have four children, namely: Charley
L. , Montie Ray, Harry and Ralph.

/

Hi UGH M. GLASS is one of the most enter
prising and prosperous young agriculturists
of Robinson township, and is, as are so
many of our thrifty and successful citizens,
a descendant of Irish ancestors. His grand
father Samuel Glass, came from Ireland and settled
in Allegheny county, Penn., where he was soon
afterward united in marriage with a Miss Stewart,
of the same place, who bore him eight children,
four of whom are now living, namely: William,
Hannah (Mrs. Stewart), Elizabeth (Mrs. Cubbage)
and Sarah Ann (Mrs. Logan).
William Glass was born November 9, 1811, in
Allegheny county, Penn. , growing to manhood on
the home place. He was then married to Miss
Sarah McCurdy, who was born in the year 1817,
also a native of Allegheny county, and daughter of
Andrew McCurdy, a prominent farmer of that
vicinity. To William and Sarah (McCurdy) Glass,
nine children were born, of whom are now living:

444

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Elizabeth (Mrs. Spears), Samuel S., Hugh M.,
Letitia J. (Mrs. McCormick), Rocsa Lenia and
Emma Leah. Mr. Glass has owned 340 acres of
land, but since becoming advanced in years has
disposed of the greater part of his real estate,
having retained a farm of ninety-six acres upon
which he is now residing. He has been a member
of Session of the U. P. Church for forty years. In
politics he was formerly a Democrat, then joined
the Know-nothing party, finally becoming a Re
publican, being now identified with the latter
party. He has served in various capacities, having
been tax-collector over twenty years, and school
director forty years.
Hugh M. Glass was born April 8, 1843, and
passed his youth in attending the common schools
of the home neighborhood. On December 30, 1863,
he entered the army, enlisting in Young's Inde
pendent Battery, where he remained until the
summer of 1865, then receiving his discharge from
the hospital by the War Department. After the
war he returned to Allegheny county, and on
December 9, 1869, was united in marriage with
Miss Evaline Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Glass lived on a
part of the old place for twenty years after their
marriage. They then purchased 170 acres of good
land in Washington county, Penn., where they are
now living. Their children are Albert P., born
September 26, 1870; Samuel J., born March 1,
1873; William H, born June 10, 1877; Robert J.,
born September 20, 1881, and Sarah E., born-
March 31, 1884. Mr. Glass votes the Republican
ticket, and in church connection is a member of the
Robinson United Presbyterian Church, of which he
is treasurer.

li JlfRS. BYRON PAINTER. Thomas Stock-
vXI ton died at Mercersburg, Penn., May 31,
*/ 1 1795, aged about eighty- six years. He
I had lived near Chambersburg with his
v son Robert, and was an elder in the
Presbyterian Church. In his will he mentions his
children: Thomas, John, David and Robert,
Elizabeth Waddell, Isabella Neilson, Mary Bard
and Margaret Johnson.
Robert Stockton, his son, was born in 1737, and
was married in 1761 to Mary Makemie. He was
an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Rocky
Spring, near Chambersburg, Penn., and served
in the Revolutionary war with a company formed
from that church, with their pastor, the Rev. John
Craighead. After the war, in 1784, he emigrated
to Washington, Penn., and in July purchased 340
acres of land of Peter Jolly, named in the survey
"Beaver Dam." It is situated in Franklin town
ship, three and one-half miles west of Washington,
and still occupied by his descendants. He was
one of the four elders of the Presbyterian Church

when organized, and the first delegate to the Pres
byterian at old Redstone. His children were
Thomas, married to Sarah Graham; Margaret
married to Col. John Cotton; Francis, married to
Charles Stewart; Jane, married to Rev. John
Brice; Col. Robert, married to MissGallion; John
married to Margaret McCombs; Rev. Joseph,'
married to Esther Clark, and Elizabeth, married
to Rev. James Cunningham.
In colonial times, about the middle of the
eighteenth century, when the country about the
base of the Kittatinny Mountains was yet a
primeval forest, James Clark, from the North of
Ireland, took up a tract of 220 acres of Government
land, to which he gave the appropriate name of
"Clark's Fancy," in accordance with a custom of
the times. This tract embraced the land upon
which the town of Upper Strasburg was subse
quently built. In 1787 he received a patent for
his lands from the Supreme Executive Council of
Pennsylvania, in which it is described under the
title already specified. In 1787 the State made a
public road over the mountain through "Clark's
Gap," and some of the broad stones with which it
was built are yet visible below the mountain near
Strasburg. Clark sold part of his tract to Dewalt
Keefer, by whom the town of Strasburg was laid
out in 1789. James Clark came to America with
his brother Thomas, who settled in one of the
Southern States (probably Georgia), and Mrs.
Myra Clark Gaines was a descendant of Thomas.
James Clark purchased a large tract of land near
where the city of Harrisburg now stands, after he
arrived in this country. Here he settled and
married a Miss Nancy Reed, of Lancaster, Penn.
Afterward he settled at " Clark' s Fancy," then
purchased a large tract of valuable land lying
south of the town of Mercersburg, where he died.
He was buried in the Slate Hill cemetery, located
about a mile east of Mercersburg, a short distance
from the turnpike. In 1789 this pioneer visited
Washington, Penn., and purchased a 400-acre
tract styled the "Big Level," a 300-acre tract at
Candor, and in Canton township and Clark's
Mills, for his children. David married Hannah
Baird; Thomas married Jane Caldwell; John mar
ried Miss McDowell, and all settled in Washing
ton county. James married Mary Murry, and
remained on the home farm at Mercersburg.

OBERT WYLIE (or better known as "Bob
Wylie, the wool buyer"), the subject of this
sketch, is of Scotch-Irish descent. His an-
^ cestors were known as leaders in the ref
ormation of the Church of Scotland, and
several of them were banished from Scotland and
Ireland for their adherence to the principles of
the new Church. His grandfather, Robert Wylie,

•i-aiv- _,.'.i,' ^']--<'i^' :'.:'..,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

447

was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1743, and
came to America with several of his half-brothers
about 1761. They first stopped in the east, and
further west, at Thompsontown, on the Juniata
river, he married, about the close of war of the
Revolution, Jane Thompson, daughter of John
Thompson, and sister to Col. William Thompson
and Capt. Isaac Thompson, of the Revolutionary
army. About 1780, with his wife, he came west to
Washington county, and took up a tract of 600
acres of land (the main body of which is now
owned and occupied by the four sons of the late
David McClay, of Canton township), and on this
land he built a log house in which he lived for
some years, or until about 1800, when he put up
the stone house which still stands, and is the pres
ent dwelling of Samuel McClay. Through this
farm was the main Ijidian trail from the west to
the dwelling of the great Chief Catfish, whose
cabin stood on the bank of. Catfish creek, at the
foot of what is now' Main street in Washington.
(A chief watering place was a spring on this farm,
where the wandering Indian always stopped to
quench his thirst). He built a trade mill and dis
tillery, thus opening a market for the grain
raised in the neighborhood; he was also
largely interested in salting pork for many years;
later he started a wagon train, hauling products
east, principally to Baltimore. He was a member
of the Associate Reformed Church, and for many
years an elder in the church at North Buffalo. In
the burying ground around this old church his
and his wife's remains lie at rest. Their family
consisted of three sons — Robert, William and
John — and five daughters — Ann (Brownlee), Jane
(Humphreys), Sarah (Hodgens), Elizabeth (Moore)
and Mary (Crothers). Many of the descendants
of his daughters reside in Washington county and
eastern Ohio. John Wylie married and settled in
Ohio, where he became a successful stock dealer
and farmer; William and Robert remained at home
until 1834, when William sold his interest in the
home farm to Robert; later, Robert sold the farm
to David McClay and Bros., and soon followed his
old partner in business, John Garrett (they having
been associated together for several years in a
store at West Middletown), to Baltimore, Md.,
where he acquired a considerable fortune. He died
in 1872, unmarried.
William Wylie, father of Robert Wylie, Jr.,
was born on the old Wylie farm, September 25,
1800, and received a good education, having at
tended Washington College several terms. In
1829 he was married to Mary, daughter of James
Clark, of Hopewell township, and after marriage
he remained on the home farm four years, having
in the meantime built a frame residence a short
distance from the old stone house. In 1834, three

years after the death of his father, he moved to
the Razor Town farm of 210 acres, which he had
purchased a year or two before. Razor Town,
from which the farm took its name, was a village
of twenty-six houses and cabins, with one good-
sized tavern having a dozen rooms, and a blacksmith
shop, race-course, etc. This point was known as a
horse-trading post, and from the fact that many
sharp deals were made there the place took the name
of "Razor Town. " William, thinking that creditable
neighbors could not dwell in such houses, immedi
ately set about to remove them, and in a few years
the little town passed out of existence. On the
spot where the old tavern stood he put up a set of
weigh scales, which continued in use until 1878;
he built the present farm house, and occupied it
until his death in 1877. His occupation was that
of a farmer, and for many years he killed and
salted about 1,000 hogs annually at his home. He
was also a stock dealer (buying stock in West
Virginia and Ohio), driving it east to Philadelphia
and New York, and strange to say he never made
but one trip over the mountains with his stock, as he
trusted them to employes until his son Robert was
old enough to take charge of them, which he did
at a very early age. In partnership with his
brother-in-law, David Clark, he owned and kept a
general store for fifteen years in what is now known
as the "Howe building" on Main street, Wash
ington, between Chestnut and Beau streets. He
hoped to make a store keeper of his son Robert,
but the latter strongly objected to being tied down
so closely to business. He sold the store in about
1849. He also dealt in wool, and in 1845 he built
the frame warehouse on West Chestnut street,
which is now occupied by R. Wylie & Sons, in the
same business. William Wylie was a member of
church for fifty years, first at North Buffalo and
then at Washington, and was one of the organizers
of" the U. P. Church at Washington, of which he
was a member. In politics he was originally a
Whig, afterward a Republican. He was never an
aspirant for office, but nevertheless was recognized
as one of the best posted men of his time in matters
political, and always took an active part in the
issues of the day. His hospitality was widely
known, and his table never wanted for guests.
His rifle shooting was the one thing upon which
he prided himself, and stories of putting three out
of five bullets in a cap box (about two inches in
diameter) with his old squirrel rifle, at one hun
dred yards distance, off-hand, are familiar ones to
his grandsons and nephews. The children of
William and Mary (Clark) Wylie were Robert;
Jane (Beall), wife of John Strieker Beall, banker
of Wellsburg, W. Va. ;' Mrs. Annie E. Thompson,
living in Washington, widow of Rev. Joseph R.
Thompson, late of the Associate Reformed Church;
and James Clark,whodied at the age of twentyyears.

448

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Robert Wylie, the subject proper of this narra
tive, was born August 25, 1830, on the old Wylie
farm in Canton township, Washington Co. , Penn.
He attended the district schools, and later took an
irregular course at Washington College. He was
not a rugged boy, and could not stand close con
finement at school, so he early took to the roads
where he might breathe a more free air. At the
age of thirteen years his father intrusted to his
care a drove of cattle and sheep to be driven across
the mountains and sold in Philadelphia, the money
to be brought back by him in saddle-bags on horse
back. He liked this business better than going to
school or staying in the store, so he continued at
same for some years, at first driving to Philadel
phia and New York, later to Harrisburg. When
the Pennsylvania Railroad was being finished to
Pittsburgh, he early took advantage of this means
of transport, being one of the first shippers on the
road passing over the nine inclines through the
Alleghany mountains. In 1861 he moved with
his wife and family to a farm in Cumberland town
ship, Greene Co., Penn., where they resided until
1865, when he purchased the Dr. Stevens farm in
Canton township (340 acres), situated two miles
west of Washington on the Taylorstown road, upon
which he erected all the buildings which now
stand upon it. He now resides there, surrounded
by his children and grandchildren. With farming
he combined the wool commission business, in
which connection he is probably best known, his
figure being a familiar one in his own and adjoin
ing counties — in fact, to the people within a radius
of fifty miles of his home his is a well-known,
welcome face. His two sons, William and James
B., became associated with him in business some
four years since, the firm name being Robert
Wylie & Sons, and the amount of wool bought and
handled by them runs well toward a million pounds
annually, the bulk of it being bought by the senior
member of the firm, who gives to this branch of
the business the greater part of his time. He is
now sixty-two years of age, but looks younger, and
is yet in the prime of life. In his rides through
the country he fears no kind of weather or roads,
nor does the worst seem to affect his iron consti
tution. On February 3, 1857, he married Elizabeth,
daughter of James and Mary McCormick Beall, of
Independence township. James Beall was a farmer
and storekeeper in Wellsburg, W. Va.,for some
years, and before the time of railroads he rode to
Philadelphia on horseback to purchase dry goods.
His wif e' s father, who was also a merchant, lost his
life in one of his trips to New Orleans, whither he
was traveling to buy sugar, having, while en route
overland on horseback, been murdered in Ken
tucky, supposedly for the money on his person,
having a considerable amount at the time. The

Bealls were among the early settlers of Baltimore
county, Md., and Mrs. Wylie's grandfather and
grandmother Beall both came from Baltimore- her
grandfather was a soldier in the early war and
his wife was a sister of Gen. Strieker, who so ably
defended Baltimore against the British in 1814.
They came West about 178-, and purchased a
farm on the edge of West Virginia, near Inde
pendence, Washington county, where they raised
a large family, whose descendants are now widely
scattered both east and west, though many of
them are in Washington county, W. Va. , and east
ern Ohio. A brief record of the children of Robert
and Elizabeth (Beall) Wylie is as follows:
William Wylie, born November 10, 1859,
in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn.,
up to the age of fourteen years attended the
common schools of his district, and then went
to Washington and Jefferson. College, where he
remained four years, Returning home he en
gaged in the wool business with his father, and
at the age of nineteen entered the Iron City
Business College at Pittsburgh, Penn., where
he graduated. He then embarked in the wool
and farm implement business with his father,
which they carried on for three years, when his
younger brother James B. entered the business
with them. They then abandoned the farm imple
ment branch of their business, and have since been
engaged exclusively in the wool business, which
they have greatly enlarged, having extended their
operations over a half dozen of the adjoining
counties. They do business under the firm name
of R. Wylie & Sons, and they are among the
heaviest wool dealers in western Pennsylvania,
enjoying the confidence of the people far and
wide, to which their proverbial fair dealing justly
entitles them. On June 16, 1885, William Wylie
was married to Mary W., daughter of Joseph C.
Gist, of Brooke county, W. Va., and they have
been blessed with two children: Lizzie B. born
October 6, 1887, and Clara V. born November 21,
1891. After marriage Mr. Wylie settled on his
farm in Canton township, two miles west of Wash
ington* Penn., where he still lives. He is'a mem
ber of the U. P. Church at Washington; and in
politics is a Republican.
Mrs. William Wylie was born August 27, 1861,
in Brooke county, W. Va. Her father, J. C. Gist,
was born March 16, 1820, in the same county. He
was a large farmer and was engaged in the breed
ing and sale of fine sheep all his life. He was a
Republican, and served one term in the West Vir
ginia Legislature; was in the Senate in 1861, at
the time of the war, one term. He was also talked
of for governor of his State at one time, but for
some reason best known to himself he did not run,
although his friends assured him he would win.
He died November 22, 1892. On August 10, 1848,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

449

J. C. Gist married Elizabeth Culver, of Jefferson,
Penn., born February 12, 1826, at Jefferson,
Greene Co., Penn., daughter of Thomas Culver, a
farmer. Mrs. William Wylie has three brothers
and one sister living: Samuel C. Gist, J. W. Gist,
and J. C. Gist, Jr., all living in Brooke county,
W. Va. , and Mrs. John C. Roseborough, of Brown-
wood, Tex. Mrs. Wylie' s great uncle, Christer-
phor Gist, was a member of Gen. George Wash
ington's staff in the Revolutionary war.
James Beall Wylie, second son of Robert and
Elizabeth (Beall) Wylie, born September 24, 1862,
married June 24, 1890, Helen Cornelia, daughter
of William D. and Elizabeth (Williamson) Rose-
borough, of Sardis, Miss. William Roseborough
was a cotton planter, as were his father and grand
father before him; they were formerly of South
Carolina. Her grandfather lived in Chester, S. C,
and was clerk of the courts for fifty-two years; his
wife, Eleanor (Key), was a daughter of Martin and
Nancy (Bibb) Key, of Albemarle county, Va. ; her
great -grandparents came from Ireland to South
Carolina about the time of the Revolution, and
their families were both of French Huguenot ances
try, who left France about the middle of the
seventeenth century; her great-grandmother Rose-
borough's maiden name was Gaston, and she
was a daughter of William Gaston, of Cloughwate,
Ireland, who was a grandson of the Duke of Or
leans (the leader of the Huguenots, banished from
France in 1642; some history says 1652), brother
of Louis XIII and son of Henry IV, King of
France and Navarre. J. B. and Helen R. Wylie have
one child, a daughter, named Marion Marguerite
Wylie, born May 14, 1891. Their home is in
Canton township.
Laura Virginia, the only daughter of Robert and
Elizabeth (Beall) Wylie, was born October 7, 1867,
and was married October 1, 1890, to Joseph C.
Gist, Jr. , son of Hon. J. C. Gist, of Brooke county,
W. Va., where they now reside. They have- one
child, a son, born June 11, 1892, named for his
grandfather, Robert Wylie.

^ILLIAM KNOX, a progressive and suc
cessful farmer and business man of Buf
falo township, is a son of John Knox, an
early settler in the county, whose father,
Thomas Knox, was born in County Antrim, Ireland,
and came in 1811 to Washington county, with his
wife, and died there at the age of eighty-five years.
John Knox was born in 1777, in County Antrim,
Ireland, whence, in 1811 he emigrated to the shores
of Columbia, landing at New York. After about two
years, moving from place to place and prospecting,
he settled in Washington county, Penn., in 1813,
where he purchased 110 acres of land at $10 per
acre, having ten years in which to pay the amount.

This tract was then nearly all wildwood, but, night
and day the ringing blows of the woodsman's mer
ciless axe might be heard felling the giant mon-
archs of the forest, clearing the way for the van of
civilization's mighty army. Thus by toil, energy,
judicious economy and good management, in course
of time the stern and uninviting haunts of the Red
man, and the savage wolves, were made to "blossom
as the rose," and smile with radiant meadows ripe
with corn. To day for beauty and fertility, this
farm is second to none in Washington county. Mr.
Knox, before leaving the " Green Isle of Erin," had
married Margaret McKay, a lady of Scottish birth,
and in the round-log cabin on their American home
stead were born to them the following children:
Jennie (wife of Dr. Milliken), residing in Texas;
Nancy (deceased wife of Alexander Gabby) ; Thomas,
now a resident of Kansas; Robert (deceased); Jane
(deceased wife of Jacob Alter); Elizabeth (deceased
wife of John Danley); William (subject); John,
residing in Claysville, Washington county, and
Margaret (Mrs. George Smith), in Buffalo town
ship. The mother was gathered in by the ' ' Grim
Reaper" in 1837, when she was forty-seven years
old, and the father in the spring of 1866. They
were faithful. God-fearing members of the United
Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Knox was
an uncompromising Democrat, his first vote in the
land of his adoption being cast for Andrew Jack
son. William Knox was born April 29, 1827, in Buf
falo township, this county, and here he was reared
to practical farm life, which was relieved by occa
sional attendance at the schools of the locality,
which education he supplemented with a consider
able amount of reading and home study. In Oc
tober, 1856, he was married to Wilhelmina Maloy,
a native of Lewistown, Penn., and their union has
been blessed with the following named children:
Margaret Jane (now the wife of Thomas Caldwell,
of Washington county), John (living at home),
William (dead), Minnie (now the wife of William
Ellwood), in Franklin township, Robert Welch (a
student at Washington and Jefferson College),
Mary Jeanette, Annie Elizabeth and Thomas Ed
ward, all at home. On October 13, 1876, the mother
departed this life in her thirty-sixth year. After
his marriage Mr. Knox took charge of his father's
estate, which he successfully conducted for several
years, his home being a log house which is still
standing. There he lived until 1875, in which
year he erected his present handsome and commo
dious residence, and moved into it. In, fact, he
has put up all the new buildings on the property,
and made many other substantial improvements.
As a result of thrift, enterprise and good manage
ment, Mr. Knox is now the owner of six farms,
aggregating 800 acres of prime land, in which have
been sunk as many as forty oil wells. In addition

450

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

to general farming he is an extensive stockman and
¦ grower of fine wool. He and the family are mem
bers of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his
political views Mr. Knox is a supporter of Protec
tion at Presidential elections, but at other times he
casts his vote for the candidate he deems best
fitted for the office, regardless of party interests.

DAVID CRAFT, prominent in Morris town
ship, was born in Washington county,
September 9, 1824. His father, William
Craft, was a grandson of John Craft, of
whom mention is made in connection with the his
tory of the Craft family in the sketch of William
E. Craft.
William Craft, born 1789, was the eldest of four
sons born to Lawrence Craft. He married, in 1811,
Mary Elliot, born in 1794, a daughter of William
Elliot, of Morris township. They became the
parents of eleven children as follows : Betsey, Law
rence, Annie, William E. , Martha, Malinda, Jane,
David, George W. , Mary and Isaac. William died
in 1856, and his wife in 1871. David Craft, the
subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and
spent his boyhood in attending the district school
and assisting with the farm work. His education
was thus necessarily limited, though it has been
greatly improved by reading and observation. He
married, in 1861, Sarah Lindley, a daughter of
Zebulon Lindley, of Morris township, born Sep
tember 26, 1837. Their union has been blessed
with eight children, as follows: Flora J., wife of
J. N. Winget, of Pittsburgh; William L. , at home;
MaryH, wife of S. J. Bell, of Claysville; Homer
L., Lillie M. , Maurice D., Lizzie S., and Forest
Z., all at home. Mr. Craft is one of the influen
tial and prosperous farmers of his township. In
politics he has always been a stanch Democrat.
Both he and his wife are members of Mt. Zion
M. E. Church.

If If ARMON H. RAINEY was born March 14,
I «J 1841, in Somerset township, Washington
! j Co., Penn. His paternal grandparents were
Jj -* natives of Ireland, coming to this country
at an early day, where James Rainey fol
lowed farming, and served several years as justice
of the peace.
James Rainey, son of James, was born Septem
ber 3, 1803, on the farm now owned by heirs of
James Rainey-. At the age of nineteen years the
former learned the tanner's trade, but followed it
only a short time. In 1836 he was united in mar
riage with Jane Thomas, who was born November
1 1, 1811, in Nottingham township. Their children
were Lydia A. (Mrs. Dabout), Sarah E. (Mrs.
Hyde), Mary J. (wife of William McGregor),

Harmon H. and one deceased. The father owned
and managed a large stock-farm containing 222
acres of land. He died in September, 1875.
Mrs. Rainey passed away August 11, 1890.
Harmon H. Rainey passed his youth on his
father's farm, attending the schools of Somerset
township, this county. On October 10, 1872, he
was married to Lucy B. Hixon, daughter of Capt.
James Hixon, of North Strabane township. They
have a son and daughter: James H. and Retta A.
The father lives on and owns the home place, and
devotes his principal attention to raising sheep.
He is an advocate of the principles embodied in
the Democratic party. For fifteen years he has
been school director, and recently was given a new
lease of this office. In religion Mr. and Mrs.
Rainey are members of the United Presbyterian
Church. H. H. Rainey also served as one of the
managers of the Morganza Reform School for four
years, under appointment by Gov. Pattison.

El D WARD G. CUNDALL, of the firm of E.
G. Cundall & Sons, dealers in clothing and
gents' furnishings, Washington, was born
November 7, 1832, in 'what is now Canton
township (then part of Chartiers), Washington Co.,
Penn. His father, also named Edward G., was
born in 1791, in Rhode Island, where he was mar
ried to Patience R. Bailey, of Newport, that State,
who bore him eight children, of whom three are
yet living, viz. : Mrs. Mary E. Mcllroy, of Wash
ington, who has been a widow since 1854; Emily
M. , wife of S. P. Morgan, residence, Jefferson
avenue, Washington; and Edward G. One daugh
ter (now deceased) was married to R. W. Miller,
who recently died. Mr. Cundall, Sr., came to
Washington county, bringing his wife and two
children, and purchased property in Cross Creek
township, whence after a time they moved to
Chartiers township. In April, 1865, they came to
Washington, where the father died December 4,
1866, aged seventy-four years; the mother passed
away in 1881 at the age of eighty-two.
The early life of our subject was passed on the
old homestead in Canton township, his education
being received at the common schools of the dis
trict. In 1866 he removed to South Strabane
township, and in 1870 to Buffalo township, where
he owns a farm. . In November, 1891, he purchased
the clothing and gents' furnishing business of W.
C. Baldwin, and now has an extensive trade, his
place being one of the best known in that line in
the city. On October 5, 1854, Mr. Cundall was
united in marriage with Miss Martha W. , daughter
of W. H. Cook, of Canton township, and to this
union five children were born, viz. : Maggie R.,
wife of Deforest Wilson, of Taylorstown; Emma
J., wife of William McManus, of Taylorstown;

.m

3 ^J&. £L^t^<3^~-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

453

W. G. , on a farm in Buffalo township, married to a
daughter of Thomas Clark, of Chartiers township;
Edward M., a dentist in Washington, and W. Harry,
with his father in the store. On December 10,
1889, the mother died at the age of fifty-six years.
Politically Mr. Cundall is a Republican, and he
has served as school director in Canton township.
On April 2, 1877, he was appointed superintendent,
secretary and treasurer of the County Home, in
which position he served fourteen consecutive years,
when he resigned.

^ILLIAM BRIMNER, proprietor of one of
the oldest business houses in Burgetts
town, is of Scotch descent. William
Brimner (the grandfather) was born and
reared in the Highlands of Scotland. When a lad
of but twelve years he resolved to see for himself
the wonderful country of which so many exciting
tales were told, and escaping from his friends em
barked on an American-bound sailing vessel. He
landed in New York, and came immediately to
Berks county, Penn., there passing his youth in
agricultural pursuits. In early manhood he was
married to Elizabeth Burnett, a Quaker lady of the
same county. They soon afterward moved to west
ern Pennsylvania, carrying all their worldly pos
sessions on pack-horses. He first settled in Han
over township, this county, and purchased the land
patented by Mr. Bavington. At that time the
tract was covered by forests, and the young pioneer
was compelled to clear a space for the log cabin,
which was then erected. The cooking was all done
in one frying pan, and the other household uten
sils were similarly utilized as necessity required.
But time brought conveniences within their reach,
and ere many years the rude homes of the fron
tiersmen were adorned with many of the comforts
though but few of the luxuries, of our modern life.
Children came to bless the home of William and
Elizabeth Brimner, and were named as follows:
John, Mary A. (Mrs. Hugh Barton), Robert and
James. In politics the father was an active work
er of the Democratic party, holding various town
ship offices. In religion he was one of the first
members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church,
now called the Florence Presbyterian Church. He
died in his ninety-second year, in 1850, on the place
where he first located, and his wife passed to her
rest in her eighty-ninth year.
James Brimner, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in 1800, on the home farm in
Hanover township, this county, receiving a meager
education in the rude log-cabin school-house erected
in the heart of the mighty forest, and furnished
with slab seats, paper windows and puncheon
floor. Much of his boyhood was passed in farm
duties, and on March 10, 1832, he was united in

marriage with Martha, daughter of William Dun
bar. After their marriage the young people set
tled on the home farm, where children were born
and reared as follows: Mary (wife of Samuel
Scroggs, Lenox, Iowa), William, Thomas (residing
in Hanover township, this county), Eliza J. (Mrs.
James Russell), James (living in Robinson town
ship, this county) and Rebecca S. (Mrs. J. J.
Campbell, of Wilkinsburgh, Penn.). Politically
Mr. Brimner was a Jacksonian Democrat, and he
was a prominent, enterprising citizen. He served
for years as a trustee of schools. He was a mem
ber of the Florence Presbyterian Church, giving
that body a liberal support. He died in 1848, and
in 1883 Mrs. Brimner was laid to rest by the side
of her husband in the Florence cemetery.
William Brimner, son of James and Martha
(Dunbar) Brimner, was born November 12, 1836,
in Hanover township, on the old homestead of his
grandfather, and passed his boyhood on the farm,
receiving a common-school education. After the
death of his father he assumed the management of
the home place, having since that time won success
by his own efforts. On November 15, 1860, he
married Susan, daughter of James Aiken, of Law
rence county, Penn. They have three children,
namely: Ethie (Mrs. J. A. McKeown), Thomas R.
(electrical engineer in Philadelphia) and W. F.
(a book-keeper at Pittsburgh, Penn.). In 1875 Mr.
Brimner became engaged in the mercantile busi
ness in Burgettstown, where he is still one of the
leading business men. In church connection he is
a Presbyterian.

If S. ESPEY. The Espey family were origi-
. I| nally natives of Scotland, the pioneer settlers
rjl of the name having emigrated to America
^^ about the time of the Revolution, settling in
Pennsylvania. James Espey, grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was born, in 1780, in Allegheny county,
Penn., and was married to Jane Fife, who was
born September 18, 1782, in the same county.
The young people settled in Upper St. Clair town
ship, and always remained iD their native county.
James Espey was an active politician, and served
as postmaster at Upper St. Clair, also as a justice
of the peace. At the time of his death, which
occurred in 1853, he was a member of the U. P.
Church at St. Clair; his wife passed from earth in
March, 1852.
James Espey was born July 23, 1815, in Alle
gheny county, Penn., and was reared and educated
on the home farm. In 1838 he was married to
Susan Sill, who was born March 7, 1816, in West
moreland county, Penn. James and Susan Espey
first located on a farm in Upper St. Clair town
ship, Allegheny county, and in 1867 moved to a

454

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

farm in Cecil township, this county, finally settling,
in 1875, in Canonsburg. James Espey was active
ly interested in politics, and voted with the Whig
party, serving some years as justice of the peace.
He and his wife were members of the Presby
terian Church, in which he was ruling elder at
Upper St. Clair, Cecil and Canonsburg. He died
at the last mentioned place July 11, 1883; his
widow is yet living in Canonsburg. They were
the parents of the following children: Jane, mar
ried to Moses Hickman, of Cecil township, and
died April 1, 1888; J. S., subject of our sketch;
Ann Emeline, married to Joseph E. McCabe, of
Peters township; James Thomas, living at Centre-
ville, Washington Co., Penn., married to Millie
Jones; Maria Margaret and Laura, both at Canons
burg. Laura was married to J. C. Bebout, near
Canonsburg. J. S. Espey (whose name opens these lines)
was born July 16, 1841, in Allegheny county,
Penn., and received his education in the dis
trict schools of that county. In April, 1861,
he enlisted at Pittsburgh, Penn., in the three
months' call for troops, and on July 4, 1861,
reenlisted, this time for three years, or during
the war, in Company H, Sixty- second P. V. I.
He was mustered into the service at Pittsburgh,
and assigned to the Second Brigade, First Divis
ion, Fifth Army Corps, soon thereafter being
promoted to the rank of sergeant of the company.
He participated in the following engagements:
battle and siege of Yorktown; Hanover C. H,
May 27, 1862. Mechauicsville, June 26, 1862;
Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862; Malvern Hill, July
1, 1862; Harrison's Landing, July 31, 1862;
Gainesville, August 27, 1862; Antietam, Septem
ber 17, 1862; Blackford's Ford, September 20,
1862, Kearneysville, September 29, 1862; Fred
ericksburg, December 13, 1862; Chancellorsville,
May 1, 2, 3, 1863; Gettysburg. July 2, 3, 1863;
Funkstown, Md. , July 12, 1863; Rappahannock
Station, November 7, 1863; New Hope Church,
November 28, 1863; Mine Run, November 30,
1863; Wilderness, May 30, 1864. At the battle
of Spottsylvania Court House Mr. Epsey was
wounded on the left shoulder, on account of which
he was confined in Lincoln Hospital, Washington,
D. C. He went home on a furlough, but returned
to Washington, and on July 13, 1864, received an
honorable discharge at Pittsburgh, Penn. He
then returned to Allegheny county, and on De
cember 27, 1866, was united in marriage with
Sarah A. Woods, a daughter of Samuel Woods,
who was born in 1798, in Allegheny county,
and was married to Elizabeth Fife, born, in
1800, in the same county. Samuel and Eliza
beth Woods made a permanent home in Snowden
township, Allegheny county, where he died in
1867, having been preceded by his wife in 1865.

J. S. Espey and his wife came to Cecil township,
in 1868. In 1874 he bought an improved farm of
fifty acres in Mount Pleasant township, moved
upon it same year, and has since been engaged in
farming and stockraising. The following chil
dren have been born to this couple: Minnie L.,
bom September 3, 1867 (married December 31,
1890, to Howard Herriott. She died February
14, 1892, leaving one child, Joseph Roy Herriott,
born February 8, 1892); Ada S., born August 25,
1870, a teacher in Washington county; James J.,
born February 9, 1876; Carrie May, born May 1,
1879, and Joseph W., born November 15, 1880,
died May 25, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Espey were
formerly members of the U. P. Church, in which
Mr. Espey was a member of the Session, but they
are now. adherents of the Presbyterian Church at
McDonald. In politics he votes the Republican
ticket, and is one of the commissioners of Mount
Pleasant township.

THOMAS W. ELLWOOD is a son of William
Ellwood, who was born in Ohio, and coming
to Washington county, Penn. , when a boy,
was here reared to manhood. William Ell
wood was twice married: first time to a Miss
Greer, who bore him six children, viz. : William,
Clarissa (wife of Harrison Bishop), Martha (mar
ried to Harrison Thompson), Margaret, and two
who died in childhood. For his second wife Mr.
Ellwood married Ruth, daughter of Thomas Lilley,
a native of East Pike Run township, this county,
and their children were Thomas W., Robert and
Jefferson. Mr. Ellwood learned and followed the
blacksmith trade, oftentimes working day and night,
until by years of patient toil he secured a comfort
able competence. He afterward became a farmer.
He voted with the Democratic party, and took an
active interest in all public matters. His first wife
was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His
second wife was raised a Quaker.
Thomas W. Ellwood was born May 29, 1848, in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn.
He first attended the common schools of that local
ity, then entered the Southwestern State Normal
School, at California, afterward taking a commercial
course at the Iron City College. On February 13,
1868, he was united in marriage with Rachel,
daughter of Thomas Richardson, who was born in
Scotland, and coming to America at an early date,
settled near Port Perry, Allegheny Co., Penn., later
coming to Lock No. 5, Washington county. He
was a farmer, and also served as lock-keeper on the
Monongahela river. He was married to Janett
Clendenning, who bore him the following children:
James, Thomas, John and Rachel (wife of Thomas
W. Ellwood). His second wife was a Miss George.
Thomas W. and Rachel Ellwood began wedded life

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

455

on a farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington
county, where they resided thirteen years. He then
sold the place and came to a farm in Fallowfield
township, upon which he lived twelve years, finally
moving to his present home in Charleroi, where in
1892 he opened, in partnership with Gus Mount-
ser, a feed, grain and produce business. He affili
ates with the Democratic party, and has served in
many local offices; in religion he is a member of
and ruling elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church at Charleroi. Mr. and Mrs. Ellwood have
three children: Clara J. (wife of Alpheus C. Scott),
William T. and Lorena M. The family are all
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
William T. Ellwood engaged with the Charleroi
Plate Glass Co., to learn the machine trade, on June
2, 1891.

JR. WINNETT, a representative farmer of
Fallowfield township, is the eldest child of
Lot Winnett, who was a son of William
Winnett, and was born and reared in Fallow
field township, where he married Hester, a daughter
of Joseph Budd. They settled on the home farm,
and children were born to their union as follows:
J. R., the subject of this sketch; Hannah, married
to Henry Cooper, and their children are Peoria (wife
of Abraham McCracken), Lizzie (wife of Franklin
Bly, of Charleroi), Hester, Grant, Clinton, Jennie
and Hannah; Rachel, wife of James Stillwell ;
Elizabeth, wife of Peter Cooper (of Lock No. 4),
now deceased (they had children as follows : Flora
Bell, Ida J. and Canada); Christina, who married
Charlie Reed (their children are Joseph, Rachel,
Lot, James, Lissie, Ory and Elsie); Hester, who
married Frank Harrison, and their children were
John, Dezzie, Anna and Allie (the mother died in
1888); Isabelle, married to Ellis Allman, of West
Pike Run township (their children are Josephine,
Etta, Anna Mary, Willie and Bessie), and Joseph,
who married Malissa Sphar, and had the following
children: Cora Jane, Bertie, James, Hettie May,
Stella and Ollie. The father of this family was a
stanch advocate of Whig and Republican principles,
and filled many local offices. He and his wife were
originally members of the Free- Will Baptist
Church, afterward uniting with the Methodist
Episcopal Society, and finally espoused the cause
of the Disciple Church. He died in 1890, at the
age of seventy- six years; his widow is yet residing
on the home place.
J. R. Winnett was born in 1839, on the place
in Fallowfield township where he is yet living. In
1868 he was united in marriage with Jennie,
daughter of Joseph Sphar. Her parents were
born in Washington county, where the father died,
the mother having passed away near West Newton,
Penn. Mr. Winnett has passed his life in tilling

the soil on the place of his birth, which now con
tains eighty-five acres of well-cultivated land. He
is an active member of the Republican party, and
is now serving as a member of the school board.
He and his wife are identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Ebenezer. Their children
are Lot, Olive May (wife of Paul Hughus, of
Clarion, Penn.), Charles and J. Kingsley.

lit H RS. MARGARET MINTON, widow of
I \/i\ Matthias Minton, a native of Morris
I il I township, was born December 26, 1824,
II -> and is a daughter of John V. Hanna. She
v was married to Mr. Minton March 8, 1849.
Matthias Minton was born April 3, 1826, in
Morris township. His father Matthias Minton,
moved to Washington county from New Jersey, in
the early history of the county. He was by trade
a blacksmith, to which, in conjunction with farm
ing, he gave his attention. He married, early in
life, Miss Sally Lindley, and of their children is
named one son, Matthias Minton. The latter
received educational advantages as a youth, and
by private application in reading and otherwise,
prepared himself for the successful pursuance of
his vocation, farming, and later merchandising and
hotel-keeping, having succeeded not only in leav
ing his family a competence, but an honored name.
Public spiritedness was a prominent attribute of
his nature, and the community in which he lived
attest with pride to what an extent he exercised it.
In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I. , but on account of
poor health was compelled to return home in
July, 1862. He was a life-long Democrat, and for
twenty-four consecutive years served as justice of
the peace. He was a zealous Christian, being
united with the Presbyterian Church, in which he
was deacon. Generous and charitable, he was
revered by his neighbors, who often went to him
for advice. He was justly called- the poor man's
friend. In 1890 he sustained injuries from a
horse kick, which resulted in his death seven
weeks later.
To the marriage of Matthias Minton and
Margaret Hanna four children were born: the
eldest, John Vance, is a tanner by trade; he
served as gauger under President Cleveland's
administration. He married Miss Mary J. Mer-
riman, of Canonsburg, Washington county.
Henry Collins, the second son of Matthias, was
educated at Washington and Jefferson College,
from which institution he graduated with honors
in 1879 ; he then entered the Western Theological
Seminary, of Allegheny, Penn., and having
completed the course, accepted the call to the
pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church of
Duluth, Minn. His health failing him, he re-

456

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

signed the charge after a short term of service, and
passed some time in Florida. Receiving a call
from the Second Presbyterian Church of Balti
more, Md., he entered upon the labors of this
charge, but after a brief time, on the advice of his
physician, resigned, the climate proving unfavor
able to his health, and accepted a call to the
pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church, of San
Jose, Cal. This congregation he served six years,
when he resigned to accept a call to the charge of
St. John's Church, of San Francisco, which he
still holds. He was united in marriage with
Claire Louise Smith, an accomplished Philadel
phia lady, and the daughter of a prominent Pres
byterian divine. Miss Sarah Lydia, the third
child of Matthias and Margaret Minton, resides
with her mother. Isa D., the fourth child, was
united in marriage to W. S. Guttery, and resides
in Prosperity.

JOHN RUSSELL. This highly prosperous
farmer represents one of the oldest pioneer
families of Washington county. His grand
father, Andrew Russell, was born in 1732,
in Scotland, and came to America in 1758. He
was married in this country to Isabelle Mays, a
native of Ireland, and the youDg couple settled
near Oxford, Chester Co. , Penn. , afterward mov
ing to Canonsburg, this county, where they re
sided till 1782. Andrew then bought the farm in
Chartiers township, which is yet owned by his
grandson. He was a blacksmith by trade, having
brought his tools from eastern Pennsylvania, and,
being the only one for miles around, his services
were in constant demand.
Andrew Russell, a son of the pioneer just men
tioned, was born January 3, 1777, in Cecil town
ship, this county, and in 1782 was brought by his
parents to their new home in Chartiers township,
where his youth was passed. In 1800 he was
married to Ann McClellan, who was born in 1784,
in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and after
marriage began to manage the home farm. He
was a Whig, taking an active part in the early
political history of the county; he had a brother
who served in the war of 1812. In religious
faith Andrew Russell was first a Seceder, then
joined the United Presbyterian Church of Canons
burg. .He died March 2, 1861, in his eighty-
fourth year, being followed February 17, 1868, by
his wife, who had borne him children as follows:
Jane, married to Samuel Lee, and died January
24, 1880; Isabelle, married to William McCall, and
died in 1845; James, married in 1844 to Elizabeth
McElroy, and died in January, 1890; Ann, living
in New Concord, Ohio; Elizabeth, married to
Robert Jeffrey, of Mt. Pleasant township, and
died January 10, 1878, in her sixty-fifth year;

Andrew, married in April, 1839, to Jane Miller
and died in April, 1891 ; Alexander, married first
to Magaret Ann Acheson (deceased), then to Lavina
Cockins, and died September 29, 1886, in his sixty-
eighth year; Robert, married first to Elizabeth
McConaughy (deceased), then to Martha Jane
McNary, and died in May, 1887; John, a sketch
of whom follows; William (married to Margaret
Thompson, who died in 1892), living in Chartiers
township, and Nancy, who died in 1849.
John Russell, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born in 1821, on the farm in Chartiers town
ship which is his present home. His early edu
cation was obtained in the subscription schools
which were then sustained by a few families inter
ested in the literary culture of their children. In
May, 1866, John Russeil was united in marriage
with Elizabeth G. Morrison, a native of Chartiers
township. She is a daughter of William and
Sarah (Munce) Morrison, both of whom were born
and reared in Chartiers township, where the father
followed farming. He was an ardent member of
the Whig party, and both parents were members
of the Presbyterian Church. The father died
about 1860, in this county, and the mother waB
laid beside him in March, 1885. To the union of
John and Elizabeth G. (Morrison) Russell four
children have been born, namely: Lizzie Luella
(wife of J. R. Hosick, a theological student at the
Allegheny Seminary; Anna; J. Mack, a student of
the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland,
Ohio, and Frank (deceased in infancy). Mr. Rus
sell owns the home farm, which has been in the
family over one hundred and ten years, and con
sists of 160 acres, upon which comfortable and
commodious buildings are erected. He makes a
specialty of raising a high grade of English Shire
horses. Mr. Russell has in his possession many an
tique relics of the past generations, among which
may be mentioned an anvil which was brought
from Scotland by his grandfather, also a day-book
over one hundred and twenty years old. He has a
small trunk, or case in trunk shape, that was owned
by his father, and is very old ; it is 4x7 inches, leather
covered, and is quite a curiosity. He and his wife
are both members of the United Presbyterian
Church, at Canonsburg, this county. He was
formerly a ruling elder in Chartiers Cross Roads
U. P. Church. Mr. Russell died ou Monday,
January 16, 1893, after only twenty-four hours
illness.

J A. LITTLE. There is a pleasurable interest
aroused in the minds of both reader and
writer of biography, as from the life of some
earnest, intelligent citizen of to-day, we
wander back through the years until centuries
have vanished, and in spirit we are standing in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

457

the presence of our ancestors. Our eyes brighten,
and pulses thrill with unwonted inspiration as we
eagerly study the words and acts of these heroes
of the past. There is a wonderful fascination in
this form of psychological study, for, as through a
mirror, we see the hidden motives and desires of
our own lives displayed in the record of our fathers
from which (if we so will it) priceless lessons may
be obtained.
Nicholas Little was born in Ireland many years
ago, and about 1770, with his wife and little son,
sailed across the ocean, to find a home in fair
America. He located in the eastern part of Wash
ington county, Penn., where his son James grew to
manhood, and when twenty-one years of age came
to Cecil township, this county. In 1790 James
took a patent for 200 acres of land in Cecil town
ship, and immediately began the task of clearing it
for cultivation. With his gun by his side the
young pioneer felled the trees of the forest, sleep
ing at night in a blockhouse near location of the
village, now known as McDonald, for protection
from Indians. He married Isabelle Robb, who
bore him children as follows: John (deceased in
1823, in Cecil township), Nicholas (lived on the old
homestead, and died in 1859), James (deceased in
1876, in Guernsey county, Ohio; his daughter, Mrs.
Emerick, is now living on the homestead), David
(first settled in Ohio, then moved to Lee county,
Iowa. He died in 1870, at Paxton, Ford Co.,
111.), Elizabeth (deceased in 1819), Nancy (was the
wife of John McConaughey, Mount Pleasant town
ship), Jane (deceased in 1868, married to Joseph
Craig, Belmont county, Ohio), and Isabelle (died
July 17, 1877). The father died in 1834.
Joseph Little was born October 25, 1806, on the
old homestead in Cecil township, and in 1838 was
united in marriage with Mary Robb, a native of
Logan county, Ohio. The young people settled on a
farm adjoining the old homestead where he followed
farming. He was a man of decided views, in poli
tics a Whig and Republican, and voted for John
C. Fremont. He and his wife were first members
of the Associate Presbyterian Church, at Nobles
town, Penn. He afterward united with the Asso
ciate Congregation of Millers Run, at Venice, serv
ing as a ruling elder from the time of its organiza
tion. Mrs. Little died September 15, 1860, and
on February 23, '1885, he was laid by her side.
They were the parents of two children: J. A., and
Samuel Reed (deceased in 1874, in his twenty-
ninth year).
J. A. Little was born December 1 2, 1840, on the
home farm in Cecil township, which is yet his
home, receiving his education in the country
schools. After leaving school he began to follow
farming and stock raising on the home place. On
March 22, 1866, Mr. Little was united in marriage
with Mary E., daughter of Cornelius and Rebecca

(Kelso)Borland, natives of Allegheny county, Penn. ,
who came to Cecil township many years ago, where
the father died in 1872, and where the mother is
yet living. Of this union five children have been
born, viz. : Joseph (married to Mary, daughter of
Mark Cowden, living on home farm in Cecil town
ship), Edwin C. (attending the Theological Semi
nary, at Allegheny, Penn. ), Annetta, Ida B. and
Clara R. The farm of Mr. Little at present con
tains 347 acres of good land, upon which are five
dwelling houses, in one of which the present tenant
has been living forty years. He does an extensive
business in stock raising. In politics he votes
with the Republican party, and has filled various
township offices. He and his wife are active
members of the U. P. Church, at Venice.

RS. ELMIRA TILTON (widow of Daniel
Tilton) was born in Fayette county, Penn.,
June 12, 1825. She is the daughter of
George and Eleanor (Layton) Whiting, and
was first married to Jesse Jackman, but
some time after his death became the wife of Dan
iel Tilton, who was of English ancestry.
James Tilton, grandfather of Daniel, was a na
tive of New Jersey, where he was married, three
children — John, James and Nancy — being born to
this union. He afterward moved to Pennsylvania,
remaining in Greene county a short time, and while
there almost decided to purchase the wood-covered
tract on which the town of Waynesburgh, Greene
county, has since been built.
John Tilton, the only son of James, was born in
New Jersey in 1785. He moved to Washington
county, Penn., with his parents, where, in 1806, he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Paden, of East
Finley township, Washington county. To their
union were born eleven children, but one of whom
is still living, Elvira (unmarried, a resident of
Franklin township). Mr. Tilton was a devoted
member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove,
and confirmed the donation of the land, made by
James, upon which it was built, becoming one of
the first deacons of that church.
Daniel Tilton, son of John and Elizabeth (Paden)
Tilton, born February 6, 1815, on his father's farm
near Pleasant Grove, died March 4, 1890. His
education was received in the schools of the period,
and his boyhood was passed in attending them and
assisting with the farm duties. He also partially
learned the carpenter and cooper trades. In 1835
he was married to Abigail Pratt, who died in 1859,
leaving him one child, Mary, now the wife of Henry
Enlow, of East Finley township. Five other chil
dren were born to them, but none lived to an adult
age. On August 23, 1860, Mr. Tilton was united
in marriage with Mrs. Elmira Jackman, and to
their union the following children were born:

458

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

George W., born September 14, 1861, now man
aging the home farm (married to Maggie F. Fer-
rell, of West Finley township, and has one child,
Harry W.); Louisa Catherine, born January 14,
1863, died December 23, 1865; Eleanor W., born
April 5, 1864, married to David K. Bell, and died
October 1, 1889, and Laura E. , born December 20,
1866, an accomplished young lady, residing with
her mother. In 1838 Mr. Tilton purchased a part
of the "Old Byers" tract of land, situated about
three miles south of Claysville, in East Finley
township, where he successfully followed the vo
cation of a farmer the rest of his life. He was a
zealous Christian, liberal contributor and hearty
supporter of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church,
of which he was a member and deacon. Politically
he was a Republican. His widow, who is also a
member of the Baptist Church, resides on the home
farm, her son, G. W. Tilton, managing the farm,
and taking the place in church affairs held for so
many years by his father.

JOHN A. FLACK. Among the early pio
neers of Washington county was John Flack,
who came from Lancaster, Penn., to Wash
ington village, where he purchased a town lot
in the year 1784, becoming one of the first lot owners
in the borough. In 1788 he removed to Buffalo
township, where he purchased a farm upon which
he erected the first frame house in that section of
the country. This home is still in a good state of
preservation, and there may be seen, to-day, mem
bers of the fourth generation of the family, born
therein, the homestead having remained constantly
in the possession of the family.
John Flack married Jane Gault, a native of Can
onsburg, Washington county, and to them were
born the following children: James, John, Samuel,
David and Mary. The mother of these children
died on the homestead in Buffalo township, Decem
ber 14, 1823, in her sixty-third year. John Flack
was known among the earliest settlers of Buffalo
township, and resided there until the time of his
death, which occurred in 1832.
John Flack, second child of John and Jane
(Gault) Flack, was born October 23, 1788. He
married Miss Ann Anderson, daughter of Rev. Mr.
Anderson, of Upper Buffalo, Washington county,
and a pioneer minister there. The young couple
took up their residence in Buffalo township, where
they reared a large family, and passed the remain
der of their useful and honorable lives, the father
dying September 13, 1842, the mother several
years later.
John A. Flack, son of John and Ann (Anderson)
Flack, and at present one of the oldest and best
known residents of Buffalo township, was born
February 6, 1824, on the old homestead where he

now resides. He spent his boyhood days upon the
farm, amidst the trials and limited advantages of
that pioneer period. The little subscription
school, held in an humble log cabin, whose primi
tive furnishings of puncheon floor, slab desks and
benches were eloquent witnesses of the privations
of the day, was the only "college" afforded him.
There, for a few weeks during the winter, the chil
dren from the surrounding country would assem
ble, and while one-half of their attention was em
ployed in extracting wisdom from the old-fash
ioned spelling book and reader, the other half
would be utilized in directing the struggle with the
cold which came in through many a crack and
crevice in the building. Amidst such scenes as
this Mr. Flack spent his boyhood, and in his later
years, when the advancement of our day has pro
vided the youth with greater comforts, he looked
back with pleasure upon the past, and related many
amusing incidents of his early struggles. He died
January 17, 1893, in his sixty-ninth year.
On February 24, 1846, Mr. Flack was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Mc Williams, daughter of
Gen. Wallace Mc Williams, of Buffalo township,
who had represented his district in the State Legis
lature, and was a major-general of the State mili
tia. Four children were born to this union: Wal
lace McW. (who now conducts the home farm),
Annie (deceased at the age of twelve years), Lizzie
and Nannie died in infancy. Mrs. Flack died
December 22, 1886, in her sixty-fifth year, having
been a devoted member of the Presbyterian
Church. Politically Mr. Flack was an ardent
Democrat, and in early life he took an active part
in the political questions of the day.

\ILLIAM McOASLAND, a well-known,
wide-awake farmer of West Bethlehem
y/ township, was born February 20, 1840,
— ' upon the old homestead in that township,
a son to Matthew McCasland, who was born in
1802 in County Derry, Ireland, and died June 18,
1883. When twenty years of age the father left
the "Emerald Isle," coming first to Quebec,
Canada, then to Washington county, Penn. He
began to work at the tailor's trade in Mononga
hela, and continued in that business there and in
other cities for many years. He then purchased
the farm which is now the home of his son, and
spent the remainder of his life in agriculture. He
wedded Sibbie Wilson Moore, September 10,
1825, daughter of James Moore, of West Bethle
hem township, and the children born to them were:
Martha (deceased), Catherine (deceased), SaraK,
Hugh (deceased), Henderson and William. Mat
thew McCasland was a Democrat, and, although
not an active politician, he was ever on the alert
to the interests of his partyr. His wife, who died

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

459

August 20, 1879, was a member of the Lutheran
Church. William McCasland received a limited educa
tion in the common schools of the neighborhood
of his place of birth, but is a well-informed man,
fond of reading. He managed the home farm
some years previous to the death of his father, and
has always been a successful business man, prac
ticing in every-day life the principles of honor
which he believes to be the only foundation of
true success. He was married November 23, 1876,
to Miss Martha Shrontz, and they have two chil
dren: Robert Wilson and Viola Rebecca. Mr.
McCasland is a Democrat, and has served as school
director for his township. He and his family are
members of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine.
Mrs. Martha McCasland was born September 20,
1846. Her grandfather, Frederick Shrontz, came
to Pennsylvania from Germany, when a youth, and
married Elizabeth Shidlen. Her parents were
George and Rebecca (Carter) Shrontz. Rebecca is
the daughter of John and A. (McFarland) Carter.
Her husband died in April, 1885.

I AMES E. RIAL is a worthy representative
-of a patriotic and soldierly family. The
v J family history is one of loyalty. They have
^^ ever freely given of their best and dearest to
aid their native land in her agonized struggles for
liberty. "Life for a life" in their bible was
interpreted as the life of the hero for the existence
of his country; and nobly did this pioneer family
answer to the call for volunteers.
Isaac Rial was born in New Jersey, and the
blood of Scottish patriots coursed through his
veins. He was a prosperous planter before the
Revolution, having been among the first to shoul
der arms in that mighty struggle, and the last to
lay them down after twelve years upon the battle
field. He was the father of five children.
Daniel Rial, the oldest son of Isaac, was born in
1796, in the State of New Jersey, and when the
war of 1812 opened was too young to enlist. But
"we are the same that our fathers have been," and
the soldier spirit of his ancestors was burning with
unquenchable fire in the bosom of the child. He
volunteered to help build the fortifications at New
York, and was permitted to assist in that task.
He well remembered seeing the entrance of the Brit
ish fleet into New York harbor. His mother,
worthy of her warrior son and husband, bound up
the wounds of the American soldiers. After the
war the lad returned to the farm, and devoted his
time to agricultural pursuits. In 1820 he chose a
wife in the person of Susan Allfree, who was born
in 1801, in Carroll township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He settled on a farm in the district known
as the Dutch settlement, in the same township,

and lived there till his death, in 1880, when, in the
fullness of a ripe and honored age, he went down
to the grave, esteemed by all who knew him.
Eleven children were born to them, of whom the
following are yet living: Allfree H., Isaac T.,
Susan, Katherine (living in Ohio), Joseph Y. (in
Missouri), Daniel E. (in Westmoreland county,
Penn.), and James E. (in Nottingham township).
The father was a devout Christian gentleman.
He was a member of the Baptist Church for over
sixty years, and helped to organize one of the first
congregations of that denomination and build one
of the first churches in the Monongahela Valley.
Susan, his wife, was a daughter of John and Het-
tie Foster Allfree.' They were among the first
settlers along the Monongahela river. They
raised a family of nine children — eight daughters
and one son. Abraham, the son, moved to Iowa,
where he died at the age of eighty-six years, leav
ing an influence for good. He was an active worker
in the Methodist Church for sixty years, and held
an exhorter's license for most of that time. He
was always able to help the needy, and did much
in the way of benevolence. Susan, the widow of
Daniel Rial, who is in her ninety-second year, is
living with her son, James E. Rial. She has been
a member of the Baptist Church for more than
seventy years.
James E. Rial was born December 31, 1840, in
Carroll township, Washington county, receiving a
good education in the schools of the vicinity.
The war of the Rebellion broke out in the midst
of his school years. He enlisted September 26,
1862, under Capt. J. Y. Chesrown, in Company D,
Ringgold Cavalry, which was soon after consoli
dated with the Twenty-second P. V. Cavalry,
his company being then Company E, of said
regiment. The regiment was commanded by Col.
Greenfield, of Washington county. Mr. Rial was
with the regiment in many prominent engagements:
in the noted battle of Gettysburg, in command of
a detachment of cavalry; under Gen. Lew Wallace,
at Monocacy river; he was with Sheridan in his
famous campaign in the Shenandoah Valley,
which meant fighting from Harper's Ferry to Rich
mond, and in the memorable battle of Winchester,
where thousands were killed. His regiment, led
by Col. Greenfield, charged the fortifications, capt
uring a piece of artillery and many prisoners.
Two days later Sheridan attacked Early at Fisher' s
Hill. His squadron, Companies E and F, charged
the rifle-pits, with loss; in this charge a ball
passed through his coat; the squadron dismounted
to hold their position. In the grand and final
charge, along the whole line, his squadron charged
on foot. He, with Col. Greenfield and Jacob
Wise, of Company F, and William Starr, of Com
pany E, were among the first inside the fortifica
tions. One month later came the battle of Cedar

460

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Creek, during which Sheridan made his famous
ride. It was one of the hardest-fought battles
of the war. His regiment was in that great
charge, which gave victory to the Union boys. His
horse fell in that engagement, injuring his right
leg. Numerous were the hardships which he
encountered, best known to the soldier. He was
promoted from the ranks to orderly sergeant, and
received his discharge July 5, 1865.
Leaving the scenes of carnage for the peaceful
pursuits of rural life, Mr. Rial settled on a farm in
Washington county. He was married November
1, 1871, to Anna A. Bryant, a native of this coun
ty, daughter of James M. Bryant and Sarah Curry
Bryant. They had three children: William C,
Moore M. and Anna A. Mr. Bryant was a pros
perous farmer. He was a ruling elder in the U. P.
Church for forty years, and a man of honor and in
tegrity. He died in 1880, aged seventy-nine.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rial has been
blessed by four children, two of whom are living:
Susie S. and Lizzie A. Both are in school, Susie
attending school at Pittsburgh, Penn. Mr. Rial
has a very desirable home, and takes great pleas
ure in his fine fruit and thoroughbred Jersey cat
tle. He has belonged to the Prohibition party for
eleven years. He is an honorable gentleman, a
reader well posted on the events of the day, and
takes an active part in all moral movements. He
and his family are members of the first Presby
terian Church of Finleyville.

JAMES L. PATTERSON, banker, Burgetts
town, is one of the most prominent citizens
and successful financiers in the northern part
of Washington county.
The family have been residents of Pennsylvania
for many years, and Josiah Patterson (grandfather
of subject) was born, about the year 1750, on a
farm in the Cumberland Valley, eastern Pennsyl
vania. He was there united in marriage with Mary
 , and in 1806 came with his wife and four
children to Washington county, the journey being
made in an emigrant wagon, which carried the
family and all their worldly goods. He purchased
and located upon a farm 'of 197 acres in Smith
township, near Burgettstown, the land having been
a part of the Samuel Whittaker tract. Of the
children born to Josiah and Mary Patterson, Eliz
abeth was married to Ebenezer Smith, and died in
Guernsey county, Ohio; Mary was never married,
and took care of her mother until the death of the
latter (this daughter died in her eighty-third year) ;
Robert is spoken of farther on. Josiah Patterson
always followed farming, and in religion was a
member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in
1823, and was buried in Cross Creek cemetery.
The farm was left to his son Robert, and the wid

owed mother then resided with her daughter, pass
ing away in 1856, at the patriarchal age of ninety.
seven years. Before the death of Mrs. Mary Pat-
terson, there were four of the same name living
together at one time: grandmother, daughter
granddaughter and daughter of James L. Patter
son, the subject proper of this sketch.
Robert Patterson, son of Josiah and Mary Pat-
terson, was born in 1786, in the Cumberland Val
ley, Penn., and when twenty years of age came 'with
his parents to Washington county. He enlisted
in the war of 1812, serving a short time, aDd in
1814 was married to Mary, daughter of James
Linn, both of whom were born in the Cumberland
Valley. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pat
terson located on his father's farm near Burgetts
town, Penn., and he followed the profession of
surveyor. He became a very successful business
man, settling up various estates and dealing exten
sively in wool. In political opinion he was origi
nally a Whig, then a Republican, and served as
justice of the peace for many years. In religious
faith he and his wife were members of the Presby
terian Church at Florence, at which place he was
elected an elder in 1832, and served in that capac
ity until the organization of a Presbyterian Church
at Burgettstown, in 1849, to which place he trans
ferred his membership; he was made an elder there
also, and served in that office until his death, which
occurred in February, 1861. He was regarded as
the founder of the church in Burgettstown. Mrs.
Patterson died of consumption in 1854, and was
first buried at Florence, but her remains were af
terward interred in the cemetery at Burgettstown,
where they now rest. Three of their daughters
died of consumption, viz. : Eliza, at the age of
twenty-two; Sarah, who had been married but six
months, and died aged twenty, and Jane, who had
been twice married, and died at the age of thirty.
James L. Patterson was born November 12,
1824, on the farm in Smith township where he is
yet living. After attending the common schools,
he entered the academy at Florence, then took a
course at Washington College, graduating there
from in 1842. He always excelled as a pupil,
having read Latin at the age of nine years, and
graduated when but seventeen. After leaving col
lege he read medicine at home a short time, and
about the age of nineteen years he taught school-
in Burgettstown one winter. In 1849 he began
business in a general store, remaining there three
years, thence returning to rural life. On April 20,
1854, he was united in marriage with Sarah A.,
daughter of William Linn, of Cumberland Valley,
Penn., and she has borne him the following chil
dren : Robert and William (both deceased in infancy),
Mary (at home), Addie J. (instructor of instrument
al music in Richmond College, Jefferson county,
Ohio) and Elizabeth K. (of whom special mention

Engrarel ly Hhnan Bros . Pklala

¦7--/7^_

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

463

is made further on), J. Fred, (clerking in the Bur
gettstown National Bank) and Anna (living at
home). Miss Elizabeth K. Patterson was in Au
gust, 1890, taken by her father to Paris, France, in
order to be placed under the far-famed instructor
of vocal music, Madame Marchesi, and here she
has since remained. Miss Patterson possesses a
fine soprano voice, and bids fair to become promi
nent in her profession. She was three years at
Forest Park University, St. Louis, building up the
music department, of which she was instructor;
and so efficient was she in her duties that the
managers of the university, after she had gone to
Paris, wanted her back even to the extent of cab
ling her to return. Mr. Patterson was elected an
elder in the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown
in 1862, and still holds that office. The member
ship of that church is 430 at the present time.
In 1865 Mr. Patterson was appointed the first
agent of the P. C. & St. L. R. R. Co. in Burgetts
town, also of the Express company, and opened a
store at ' ' the station' ' as it was then called. In
1867 he left the railroad company, and again began
farming. In 1872 he organized the Burgettstown
Savings Bank, of which he was secretary and
treasurer, and in 1879 (the bank having become
the Burgettstown National Bank), was made
cashier, which position he has since held. He has
been the sole manager of the bank business in
Burgettstown, and has been the prime mover in the
success of the institution. The bank is in a
remarkable state of prosperity, having materially
thriven under Mr. Patterson's management. It
has a deposit of $300,000, and surplus and undi
vided profits of $65,000, the capital stock being
$80,000. Our subject inherited a tendency to consumption,
and at the age of twenty years was examined by
Dr. Lane, of Washington, who decided that he
had symptoms of tuberculosis, and that, to pre
serve his life, he would have to go South. Agree
able to the advice of his physician, he set out in
search of health, journeying to Louisiana in 1844.
He arrived there in November, and engaged in
teaching school in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, re
turning to his home the following spring. In June,
1845, he fell from a cherry tree, on his father's
farm, spraining his left hip joint, from which he
has never recovered. Soon thereafter he started
with crutch and cane on a Southern trip. He pro
ceeded to the eastern sea-board, and at Wilming
ton, N. C, embarked on a vessel for Charleston;
thence sailed to Savannah, and after spending
some time on the trip returned to his home, sup
posing he had not long to live. On June 18, 1892,
he fell from a street car in Washington, and again
injured his hip, besides having his shoulder injured,
from which he suffered for a considerable time.
Mr. Patterson has been a victim of dyspepsia all

his life, and has not been a day quite free from
pain. He is a man five feet nine inches in height,
weighing 144 pounds. Has' sandy hair, now tinged
with gray, and is possessed of a pleasant Roman
cast of countenance. He still lives on the farm
where he was born, and which he now owns.

[( LEXANDER A. GUNN. A biographical
|\ record of Washington county would be in-
^\ complete were not prominent mention made
of the distinguished Gunn family, who have
been connected with the history of the
county from its earliest settlement.
The Gunns, of whom we now write, trace their
ancestry to Holland, whence, at the close of the
fourteenth century, a branch of the family mi
grated to Scotland, where they found occupations,
some as weavers, others as herdsmen. There, amid
the beautiful and romantic scenery of the High
lands, were, for the first time, opened to the light
of day the eyes of Alexander Gunn, who became
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
and who was the first of the family of whom there
is any definite record. He never left the mother
country, but died among his heather-clad hills at
an advanced age. His son, William, was the first
of the family to emigrate to America. He was a
native of Aberdeenshire, where he married, about
the year 1770, Anna Gunn (no relative). One
child, Neil, was born to them prior to their leaving
their native land. Sailing from Glasgow, this little
family, after a voyage of nine weeks and three days,
landed at Philadelphia, Penn., where they re
mained some little time, and here was born, in
1778, John Gunn, father of the subject of these
lines. In 1780 the family, now consisting of
father and mother and two children, set out for the
then "Far West," over the mountains, the mother
seated on a horse, on either side of which was
hung a hickory basket, like a pannier, in which each
of the children was placed. In this manner they
reached Washington county, where they settled
near where Brownsville now stands, in the wild
forest, from which they hewed out for themselves
a primitive home, and developed the fertile farm
that is now the property of A. G. Patterson.
When Gen. Wayne started out on his expedition
against the Indians, William Gunn joined him at
Cincinnati, and remained with him until the expe
dition came to an end in 1792. During his ab
sence the Indians raided his home, but his wife
fortunately escaped in time with her two children,
Neil and John, to Roney' s blockhouse, less than a
mile distant. The raiders did little damage, how
ever, merely killing a couple of cows, and carrying
off part of their carcases to their camp. After his
return Mr. Gunn lived upon his farm until his
death, without being further molested by the

464

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Indians. He died in 1826. He had a family of
eleven children, all now deceased, their names being
as follows: Neil, John, William, Levi, Eliza and
Christian (twins), Mary, Alexander, Marquis, Ad
dison and David.
John Gunn assisted his parents in the arduous
work incident to the clearing up of a new farm in
those early days, until 1814, when he became
united in marriage with Martha McClure, a native
of Washington county, and a graduate of Washing
ton Seminary. Eight children were born to them,
their names and dates of birth being as follows:
Margaret Ann, 1816; William, 1818; Denny M.,
1821; Mary Jane (Mrs. Carroll), 1823; Neil, 1825;
Alexander A.; Catherine (Mrs. J. H Carroll), 1830;
Martha E., 1832; of these, three are deceased:
Margaret, in 1869; William, in 1862, and Martha
E. in 1852. John Gunn, the father of these chil
dren, died in West Finley township, October 8,
1848, the mother on March 26, 1833.
Alexander A. Gunn was born October 14, 1828,
in West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn.
He attended school in the old-fashioned log school-
house of those days, a few weeks in winter time,
the remainder of the year being occupied in assist
ing his father in the general duties of the farm.
On March 18, 1851, he was married to Mary Burns,
who was born October 18, 1830, on the farm where
she and her husband now reside in West Finley
township, 'a daughter of John and Martha Burns.
Ten children came to bless this union, of whom the
following is a brief record: JohnB., born Jan
uary 12, 1852, died in 1855; Martha, born in 1854,
married Rev. W. J. Fisher; Will R., born Decem
ber 8, 1856, married Miss Belle Pattison; R. D. A.,
born March 10, 1859, is a practicing physician in
Cleveland, Ohio; Mary L., born April 29, 1862;
Ada B., born August 8, 1865; Sadie E., born June
25, 1868; Lottie B., born October 9, 1870; Lynn
C, born February 9, 1872, and Robert, born July
9, 1874, died July 5, 1879. After his marriage
Mr. Gunn rented an unimproved part of his
father-in-law's farm in West Finley township, on
which he erected a cabin, and then proceeded to
clear the land of the timber and underbrush, and
make for himself and bride a comfortable though
primitive home. When the Civil war broke out
Mr. Gunn enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth P. V.
C, serving until March, 1863, his term of enlist
ment having expired, and he was discharged from
the service with the rank of second lieutenant.
During his absence with his regiment his house
and barn were destroyed by fire, and on his return
he moved to Buffalo township, where he resided
six years, engaged in agriculture; he then came to
the farm on which he now lives, in West Finley
township, and which comprises 250 acres of fine
land, all in a good state of cultivation; Mr. Gunn

is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church at Burnsville.
Mrs. Gunn is a granddaughter of Alexander ¦
Burns, who was born in Ireland, and who at the
age of fourteen years was " pressed " on board a
British man-of-war on which he served as "powder
boy ' ' for seven years. At the end of that time
his ship being in the New York harbor, he made
his escape, and in that city he lived seven years
before he could find a favorable opportunity to
return to his native land. When he did at last get
there, he found his mother had died, his father
married again, and his brothers and sisters all
gone from the old home — some dead, others mar
ried. Finding his old home so different to his ex
pectations, he decided to return to America, which
he accordingly did, settling about the year 1783 in
Washington county, Penn. , on the farm now owned
by Alexander A. Gunn, the subject proper of this
memoir. Here he built himself a rude cabin out
of hewn logs, which still stands — a mute yet elo
quent relic of the past — and commenced to clear
sufficient land whereon to grow enough grain to
maintain himself and horse (his only companion)
until the following summer. But all his pains
were dissipated " like castles in the air;" for not
long after he had begun to hew out his little farm
from the dense forest, he was captured by Indians
who carried him off to their camp, where he was
tried before a "council," and condemned to be
burned at the stake. He was then taken to the
place of execution, and tied to a tree, wood being
piled around him, and set on fire; but before the
consuming element had made much headway, an
old squaw, who had lost a son in battle a short
time before, interceded for his life in such strong
terms that the victim was released and given to the
old woman. He was then put through some
"purifying" process (Redskin fashion) "to drive
the white blood out of him," and attired in Indian
raiment, feathers being about the most prominent
article in the wardrobe. With this tribe Mr.
Burns remained four years, at the end of which
time he managed to effect his escape after a good
deal of strategy. In order to reach his pioneer
hut which he had built in Washington county, he
had to journey on foot from near where the city of
Toledo, Ohio, now stands, but he got home, at last,
in safety, footsore and weary, and then found his
faithful old gray horse browsing near the cabin
just as he had left him four years before. He then
set to work and completed the clearing up of his
land, soon afterward marrying Miss Jane Carroll,
of East Finley township, who had lately come
from Ireland in company with her brother Hamil
ton. They had been married about one year,
during which time they had seen no hostile Indians,
till one morning Mr. Burns came running in from

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

465

the field, shouting: " Jennie, the Indians are
upon us. We must go to Lindley' s blockhouse. or_-
we'll be murdered inside of "an hour!'' At once
they set out, and had not proceeded far in their
flight, when they heard the savages shoot the
dog which had been left behind. This added
fresh impetus to their speed, and the fort was
soon reached in safety, when the inmates and
surrounding settlers were warned of their danger.
During the night succeeding this eventful day,
Mrs. Burns gave birth to her first-born, an infant
boy, whom they named James, and who in after
life became the uncle of Mrs. Alexander A. Gunn.

TlOSEPH RITNER CUNNINGHAM. Fore-
. || most in the ranks of those who have hewed
't(JJ their way to success, and are now standing
^^ in positions of honor and trust, stands the
subject of this sketch. He is a worthy representa
tive of a cultured and intellectual family, who were
of Irish ancestry. Dr. Cunningham was born in
the Emerald Isle, and received a thorough medical
education at Dublin University. He came to
America at an early day, and settling in Washing
ton borough, Penn., soon obtained a lucrative
practice, leaving a considerable property to his
children. Gustavus Cunningham was a son of Dr. Cun
ningham, and learned the tailor's trade. In early
life he was married to Elizabeth, a sister of Gov.
Joseph Ritner, and she bore him four children,
viz. : Sarah (wife of James Denny, Iowa), Matilda
(married to David Le Fevre, Cumberland county,
Penn.), Catherine (widow of Henry Canarr, of
Iowa) and Joseph Ritner. The father died when
his youngest son was yet an infant, and the mother
married again, -giving her babe to the care of his
uncle, Joseph Ritner, of whom a sketch is given.
Joseph Ritner was a son of Michael Ritner (ma
ternal grandfather of Mr. Cunningham). Michael
was born in Germany, and after coming to this
country, adopted the cause of the persecuted colo
nists. He enlisted in the Revolutionary war, fight
ing gallantly under Gen. Washington, and at the
battle of Long Island, swam across the sound, car
rying his musket by its strap in his mouth. He
then returned to Schuylkill, Penn. , and followed
the weaver's trade for some time; but his martial
spirit rebelled against the monotony of private life,
and once again the German patriot shouldered arms
in defense of his adopted country. He participated
in the siege of Yorktown, and was present at Corn-
wallis' surrender in 1781, the crowning triumph of
the war. Joseph Ritner was born March 25, 1780,
on the Schuylkill, in a village now included in the
¦city of Philadelphia. He soon proved himself a
worthy son of his brave and patriotic father, and
when the war of 1812 began he was numbered

with the earliest volunteers, serving six months
-with Harrison and Scott. Soon after his marriage,
Joseph Ritner came to Washington county, and
purchasing 140 acres began, with characteristic
energy, the task of clearing it. His early neigh
bors afterward loved to tell how the sound of his axe
was heard far into the night, as his stout arms cleared
the forest, while the faithful wife, no less persever
ing than her husband, stood by his side, burning
brush, that he might see to work. Such an indom
itable nature as he possessed knows no such word
as fail, but ever climbing higher and higher, pauses
not till the pinnacle of success is attained. Pros
perity came to Joseph Ritner. Fortune smiled
upon him, and his axe was heard no more in the
forest, for men had need of the mighty intellect
which had been fitted and strengthened for hercu
lean tasks by early development of the muscular
powers, no less than by intellectual training. Great
questions were before the people, a crisis in the
history of the United States and of the New World
was rising before the people, and confusion reigned
supreme. Leaders must be found, men of power
who could guide the swaying mass of struggling
humanity into at least a semblance of order, and
such men are ever rare. Among the few who
instantly responded to the agonized call of their
suffering country, and bending all their powers of
soul and body to the mighty task, brought some
order out of the chaos and a faint light from the
midnight darkness of the impending rebellion —
among these heroes is enrolled the name of Joseph
Ritner. From the beginning of the struggle, his
influence was exerted on the side of freedom, being
bitterly opposed to the extension of slave trade,
and eventually opposing secret societies. He was
elected to the Legislature six times in succession,
serving three times as speaker, and having once
been elected by the unanimous vote of the House.
It is said that while serving as speaker, not one of
his rulings was ever reversed, an enviable and un
usual distinction for a man in that position, and
especially among the exciting scenes then trans
piring. He was afterward elected as governor,
evincing in that responsible position the same traits
which had characterized his services in minor
offices. He was a member of the College of Elect
ors on the Whig ticket of 1840, taking an active
part in the campaign of that year. He possessed
the warm personal friendship of Gen. Harrison,
who, after his inauguration as President appointed
him treasurer of the Mint. The Senate declined
to confirm the appointment, an act said to be due
to Gov. Ritner' s opposition to the Masonic Frater
nity. At last the storm, which had been gathering
for years above the Nation's sky, burst with tre
mendous violence, all the pent-up rage, jealousy
and pride of a divided people swept furiously over
the puny barriers erected, wrath and passion ruled

466

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the hour, Ft. Sumter fell, and the great Rebellion
had begun at last. Gov. Ritner had then grown
old in the service of his country, his hair was
whitened with the snow of more than eighty years,
but the fire of youth flashed from the eyes of the
aged veteran as he sprang to arms when the cannon
of Fort Sumter sounded on his ears. Eagerly the
gallant soldiers rallied around the standard of their
white-haired colonel, who led them to Harrisburg,
Penn. , and there tendered his services to the Gov
ernment. But his age proved an insurmountable
objection, and the noble warrior-statesman was
forced to accept the less dangerous, and yet scarcely
less important, position of an honored counselor to
the active workers in the great struggle. Although
prohibited from active participation, the veteran
continued to watch the terrible conflict with una
bated zeal. His attitude toward the belligerent
States is best illustrated by an extract from a letter
which he wrote March 22, 1863, to Mrs. Cunning
ham. He wrote as follows: "If I live until the
day after to-morrow I will be eighty-three years
old. My health is good, I am free from aches and
pains of all kinds. God has been very kind and
good to me thus far, and I hope and trust that He
will permit me to live to see this wicked, unholy,
Godless and causeless rebellion crushed, so that I
may leave the world and my country in peace,
united and prosperous under the best government
vouchsafed to man in any part of the world." His
prayer was answered, and he passed away in his
ninety-fifth year, having seen the end of the great
struggle which had filled so much of his life.
Gov. Ritner possessed deep and sincere piety,
more than ordinary intelligence, remarkable per
ceptive power, and was firm in every conviction of
duty. He had an iron constitution, robust frame,
and wonderful vitality. Words can not do justice
to the life of this heroic patriot, brilliant states
man, valued citizen and consecrated Christian man.
Joseph Ritner Cunningham was born Septem
ber 18, 1824, in Chartiers township, Washington
Co., Penn., and remained with his illustrious un
cle during his minority, receiving a good English
education. In 1839 he went with his uncle to
Cumberland county, Penn. , returning to Washing
ton county in 1846. He then worked six months
for William Jamison for $60, receiving $9. 50 per
month the latter part of the year. From these
scanty wages he managed to save some money,
and the next year rented the farm and fixtures,
which he worked for one-third of the crops, re
ceiving $10 per month when not busied with the
crops. The following year he rented the farm for
three seasons, paying an annual cash rent of $250.
At the expiration of that time he rented a farm
near West Middletown, this county, and marrying
Miss Nancy Meloy, November 19, 1857, began
housekeeping. The young people resided there

three years, when he purchased a farm in Buffalo
township, this county, where he lived three years
then selling out, bought his present well-cultivated
farm of 179 acres, situated near Buffalo village
Mr. Cunningham has been a very successful busi'
ness man, having amassed a comfortable com
petence, but unlike many who have achieved suc
cess in this life, he has not neglected to prepare
for a future home, and lay foundations for a "house
not made with hands." He and his wife are de
voted members of the United Presbyterian Church
at West Middletown, Penn. , taking an active in
terest in both church and Sabbath-school work.
He has served as a member of the board of trustees
also attended to much of the financial business of
the church, and has ever given liberally to the sup
port and upbuilding of the cause of Christianity.
Political life has no charm for Mr. Cunningham
although he evinces an intelligent interest in the
leading questions of the day. He was formerly a
Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican
party espoused its principles, being a strong op
ponent of slavery. Mrs. Cunningham is a cult
ured and refined lady, highly esteemed by all
who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.

^ORKMAN HUGHES, a retired agricult
urist, than whom none is better known in
his township, or more highly respected, is
a native of the county, born Febuary 5,
1822, in South Strabane township.
John Hughes, grandfather of Workman Hughes,
was a native of New Jersey, born of Irish ancestry,
and when a young man moved to Carlisle, Penn.,
where he enlisted in the Continental army; in July,
1775, his company was formed; with eight others,
into a battalion of riflemen. Mr. Hughes partici
pated in the disastrous expedition to Canada under
the command of Col. Arnold, and was present at
the attack on Quebec. He remained in the army
to the close of the struggle, rising from the ranks
to captain. After the war he came to Washington
county, where he subsequently (in 1784) bought a
tract of land on what is known as Hughes' branch
of Ten-Mile, creek. In 1802 Mr. Hughes pur
chased a lot on Main street, Washington, and in
1809 two lots on Maiden street. He was a car
penter by trade, which he followed at Washington
for a considerable period from 1784, and also at
Ten-Mile creek. For some fourteen years he was
captain of a company that guarded the Surveying
Corps. On retiring from active life, he settled in
Amwell township, where he died September 15,
1818, aged sixty-eight years.
Samuel Hughes, father of Workman Hughes,
was born January 23, 1786, in Amwell township,
this county, where he was married to Mary Work
man, who was born January 13, 1786, in the build-

jZL^L^

1 ' is<j2mn_£c7

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

469

ing that afterward became the first depot for the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Washington; she
was a daughter of Hugh Workman, who settled in
the borough many years ago. Mr. and Mrs.
Hughes after marriage made their home in Wash
ington borough until 1820, in which year they
came to South Strabane township, where they re
mained until 1850, and then went to Iowa. The
names of their children are Margaret, Elizabeth,
Hugh W., Samuel, Sarah, Mary, John, James,
Workman, Martha and Jackson. Mr. Hughes, in .,
addition to his farming interests, followed carpen
tering for some years. He was a member and
liberal supporter of the Disciple Church of Wash
ington, and in politics he was an active Democrat.
He died October 2, 1862, aged seventy-six years,
his wife, Mary, on March 10, 1802, aged seventy
years. The early life of the subject of this memoir was
passed at the paternal home, his education being
secured at the subscription schools of the neighbor
hood, which was held in an old, abandoned log
dwelling. On June 8, 1847, he was married to
Rachel, daughter of Matthew Taylor, and their
union has been blessed with the following named
children: Samuel T., James W., John H, Will
iam, Mary (Mrs. B. F. Closser), Nannie J. and
Rachel (Mrs. William Myers). The mother of
these children dying May 12, 1862, Mr. Hughes
married, March 15, 1864, Miss Margaret, daughter
of Samuel Vance, but she departed this life August
22, 1879, and in December, 1880, the bereaved hus
band took unto himself a third life partner in the
person of Miss Martha, daughter of John Scott.
After his first marriage Mr. Hughes remained on
the old home place till 1850, when he moved to
the other farm and resided there until 1863, in
which year, having bought the old McGiffin prop
erty, he removed to Ten -Mile, where he made his
home until 1879, when he came into the borough
of Washington, and has since resided, having built
his present commodious residence. The family
are members of the First Presbyterian Church at
Washington. In politics Mr. Hughes has been a
lifelong Democrat, and in 1870 he was elected
director of the poor for a three years' term; he
has also held various township offices with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his constituents.

'HARLES O'CONNOR, one of the best-
known representative citizens of Donegal
township, claims his descent from one of the
kings who, at an early period of the history
of Ireland, governed the provinces, and who were
subject to the "Ard-Righ," or monarch of the
whole, who usually resided at Tara, in the County
Meath, Province of Leinster.
The grandfather of our subject (also named

Charles O'Connor) was a native of County Kildare,
Ireland, born about the year 1740, and was there
married to a Miss Simpson, also a native of the
Emerald Isle, who bore him three children: Patrick,
John and Mary Ann. This wife dying in 1788,
Charles O' Connor married, for his second wife, a
Miss Hughes (an aunt of the late ' Archbishop
Hughes), of New York, and by this union three
children were born: Martin, Bridget and Winifred.
The parents both died in Ireland, the father in
1832, and all the children emigrated to America,
except Martin, who died in his native land.
John O'Connor, who was the second son of
Charles O'Connor by his first marriage, was born
in 1786 in County Kildare, Ireland, where in early
life he learned the trade of a weaver, serving a
seven years' apprenticeship, afterward following
same there until 1816 when he came to America.
Landing at Philadelphia, he there carried on his
trade one year, and in 1817 moved to Pittsburgh,
thence to Washington borough, this county, where he
secured work as a laborer on the National pike, then
in course of construction. Here his steady habits and
honest dealings were soon recogpized, and it was
not long before he was promoted to overseer of the
work between Washington and West Alexander, a
position he held with great credit until the comple
tion of the road, frequently being entrusted with
large sums of money for the "pay sheet." In
1820 he was married to Eliza Aston, who was born
in Lancaster county, Penn. , in 1800, and the chil
dren by this union were fifteen in number, as fol
lows: Samuel (died in 1889 in South Dakota), and
Charles, John, George and Martin, all of whom
died young; Charles (our subject); Mary Ann, who
died in 1858; one that died in infancy unnamed;
John, in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail
road Company, and living near Claysville; Mar
garet, living near Dunlap, Iowa; Elizabeth, a
spinster; a son deceased in infancy unnamed;
Teresa, deceased wife of William Coyne, died
December 28, 1887; Martha, who died in 1865
while attending Mount-de-Chantal College, near
Wheeling, W. Va., and a twin sister to Martha
who died young. After leaving the National pike
Mr. O'Connor purchased a farm about two miles
northeast of West Alexander, known as the " Old
Higgins farm," where he followed agricultural
pursuits up to the time of his death, which
occurred March 22, 1872, his wife following him
to the grave May 1, 1875. They were both mem
bers of the Catholic Church, and in politics he was
a Whig originally, but in later years voted the
Democratic ticket. John O'Connor was a cousin
of the eminent lawyer, Charles O'Connor, late of
the New York bar.
Charles O'Connor, of whom these lines chiefly
treat, was born September 8, 1830, in Donegal
township, this county, where he was reared to farm

470

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

life, receiving his rudimentary education at the
common schools. He then attended, for two years,
the academy at West Alexander, under the head
preceptorship of Rev. Father McClusky, after
which he was for some time a student at St. Vin
cent College, near Latrobe, Westmoreland Co.,
Penn., which is in charge of the Benedictine
Order. On April 15, 1857, Mr. O'Connor was mar
ried to Margaret Hickey, a native of County Kil
kenny, Ireland, born in 1836, to which union there
are no children. She died October 25, 1888.
After marriage our subject settled on a farm in
Donegal township, one mile east of West Alexan
der, immediately adjoining the National pike,
where he is yet living, carrying on general farm
ing with marked success. His home is a model of
neatness and good order, entirely attributable to his
good taste and untiring energy. Mr. O' Connor is
a typical representative of the race from which
he sprung, and, although over sixty years of age,
can do as good a day's work as many a younger
man. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion
a Catholic, being one of the substantial support
ers of the Claysville Church.

W. CUMMINS is a well-known citizen of
Chartiers township, Washington county,
having achieved an eminent and unusual
success in his chosen vocation as an auc
tioneer. He has followed' this business
over eighteen years, his first trial having been
made in March, 1874. Mr. Cummins is of Scotch
descent (a country noted for the thrift and energy
of her people, is "Bonny Scotland"), his grand
father having immigrated to America many years
ago. He settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., rented a farm of Mr. McElroy,
w ho waB blind, but had perfect confidence in his
tenants who lived there for thirty-three years.
Mr. Cummins was a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Miller's Run.
Robert Cummins was born August 19, 1836, in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and in early
life was married to Maria Dougherty, who was
born on a farm that stood exactly on the line be
tween Pennsylvania and Virginia. The Dougher
tys were early settlers of Virginia, where John
Dougherty (father of Maria) grew to manhood and
was married to Margaret Wilson. They lived and
died near the Pennsylvania line in Virginia. To
the union of Robert and Maria (Dougherty) Cum
mins three children were born: A. W. (subject of
this sketch), Elizabeth (wife of John Patterson, of
Cross Creek township, this county), and Thomas
(living on the farm with his brother, A. W.).
The mother died in 1859, and for his second wife
Robert Cummins was married to Esther Jane,

reared in Chartiers township, daughter of John
Howell, an early pioneer of Finley township, who
passed his life in this county, dying about the year
1882. He was a strong and powerfully built man
in robust health, and died very suddenly. His
widow is yet living in McConnell' s Mills. Robert
Cummins followed farming in both Chartiers and
Mount Pleasant townships. In politics he was an
ardent Republican, and in church connection a
Presbyterian. A. W. Cummins (the subject proper of this
sketch) was born June 15, 1853, in Mt. Pleas
ant township, this county, being reared on the
farm and educated in the country schools. On
February 22, 1876, he was united in marriage
with Jane Ann, daughter of Hugh and Jane (Shaw)
Sprowl, the wedding taking place at the home of
the bride in Harrison county, Ohio. Hugh Sprowl
was born in 1823, and at the age of twelve years
came with his parents to Harrison county, Ohio.
In early manhood he was married to Jane Shaw,
and settling on a farm in Harrison county, re
mained there all his life. He died in 1874, fol
lowed by his wife in November, 1881.
After his marriage to Miss Sprowl, A. W. Cum
mins attended Duff's Commercial College for some
time, and in 1877 settled at McConnell' s Mills,
engaging in the mercantile business, which he con
tinued until 1885, soon becoming an expert sales
man. He then began his prosperous life as an
auctioneer and agriculturist, the latter vocation
serving to aid the former profession, as a farmer
would naturally know whereof he spoke, in esti
mating the qualities and value of an animal. In
April of 1889 Mr. Cummins moved to the old Mc
Elroy homestead of 103 acres, which was settled
over a century ago, the house having been erected
many years. His property has been acquired by
tireless industry, vim and perseverance, coupled
with an eloquent flow of language when describ
ing goods, which gift has proved a valuable acqui
sition both to himself and those who have needed
his services. He began the world at an early age,
and undaunted by the harsh experiences of life, has
been a "hustler" from the first. He owns nearly
all the good buildings in McConnell' s Mills. He
is dealing extensively in stock, making a specialty
of raising the National Delaine Merino sheep, sell
ing nearly $2,000 worth of that breed last year.
He is also raising Jersey cattle, and ships large
quantities of both kinds of stock to all points
north, east and west. He is an active member of
the Republican party, being chairman of the Re
publican committee in Chartiers township. Mr.
and Mrs. Cummins are members of the Cross
Roads United Presbyterian Church at Chartiers.
The children born to their union are as follows:
Nora Belle, Andrew Irvin, George Dilworth, How
ard Leslie, Hugh Sterling and Laura Jane.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

471

^p^ B. BELL is descended from an old Scotch-
]L/y Irish family who fled from Londonderry,
!f| V. Ireland, to Scotland, during the religious
II = persecution. From Scotland they emi-
v grated to New Jersey, where William, the
first pioneer of the name, located. His wife's
maiden name was Lea.
John Bell, son of the William Bell above men
tioned, was born in the year 1732. He was mar
ried to Elizabeth, a daughter of Robert Boyd, and
on April 7, 1793, purchased from William Luckie
a farm in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. , ¦
where he spent the remainder of his days, and died
in 1809.
Robert, son of John Bell, was born in Lancaster
county, Penn. He served in the Revolutionary
war, entering the service when about sixteen years
of age. On May 29, 1788, he was united in mar
riage with Rachel Espy, by whom he had seven
children. In the year 1793 he purchased from
Anthony Boly the farm in Peters township, which
is to this day in the possession of his descendants.
He died October 17, 1849, aged about eighty-five.
Of the seven children born to Robert and Rachel
Bell, John married Nancy Porter, of Clarion county,
Penn. , to which county he removed soon after his
marriage. Here he died, leaving behind him a
large family. Thomas married Nancy Scott, and
died in Clarion county. Elizabeth married Benja
min Coe, who moved to Jefferson county, Ohio,
where she died. William married Jane Caldwell,
and died in Richland county, 111. Robert mar
ried Susannah Tidball. James married Sarah
Reasoner, and moved to Richland county, 111.,
where he died. Ann married William Barr, and
spent the last years of her earthly pilgrimage in
Nottingham township, this county.
Robert, son of Robert and Rachel Bell, was born
aud died on the home farm in Peters township.
He first saw the light of day in 1801. He grew to
manhood under the parental roof, and on August
28, 1828, married Susannah, daughter of Abraham
Tidball, of Allegheny county, Penn. He died
December 11, 1890. His children were: Rachel
(died in infancy); John B. (married June 24,
1869, Sarah Ann Dunlap, of Cecil township, and
have one son, Robert Francis Bell); Robert Boyd,
unmarried, living at present on the home farm;
Sarah, married June 19, 1864, to Robert Gillespie,
M. D., and died August 29, 1868, leaving one son,
Lorenzo James Gillespie; Abraham T. , a graduate
of Washington and Jefferson College, class of 1870,
also of Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny,
Penn., class of 1872 (at the present time (1893),
he is preaching in Indiana county, Penn. ; was
married May 8, 1872, to Mary Watson, by whom
he has had two children, one daughter, Sarah
Emma, is living); Susannah, married James John
ston, of Cecil township, Washington county,

November 24, 1874, and died March 7, 1892, leaving
a husband and five children — three sons and two
daughters. The farm is still in the possession of
the family. It contains 105 acres of excellent land
situated in a bend of and nearly surrounded by
Chartier's creek. The Chartier's railway passes
through and under a portion of the farm.

HARPER SIMANTON. In tracing the
genealogy of this prosperous agriculturist,
we find that the family have been prom
inent residents of Pennsylvania for many
years.
Peter Simanton (the grandfather) was born in
Northampton county, Penn., and about the year
1795 was united in marriage with Margaret Mc-
Farren, also a native of Northampton county, born
December 26, 1764, the wedding ceremony being
performed by the Rev. Asa Dunham. In 1810
Mr. and Mrs. Simanton moved to Cherry Valley,
Washington county, and September 9, 1811, bought
344 acres of the original Cherry tract, which be
came their home. He was a Whig in politics, and
in church connection both he and his wife were
members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.
They were the parents of three children, of whom
the following is a brief record: Jennie, born in
1800, was married to Samuel Farrar, and died in
September, 1882 (her children were John, deceased
in Smith township; Robert S., living in Mt. Pleas
ant township; William McFarren, deceased in Jan
uary, 1892, at Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio;
Aaron, deceased in 1873, Mt. Pleasant township;
Samuel L., deceased in 1891, Washington, D. C. ;
Julia A., deceased in 1885, wife of John McElroy;
and Simanton, living in Mt. Pleasant township);
John (of whom a sketch follows) and Isabella (wife
of Robert Johnston, of Smith township), died some
years ago, having reared three children, viz. : Mar
garet A. (Mrs. Finley), William and John, all
three now residing in Missouri. Peter Simanton
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He died
in 1826, at the home of his grandson, and his wife
passed away June 5, 1835.
John Simanton was born in 1802, in Northamp
ton county, Penn. In 1810 he came with his
parents to Cherry Valley, Mt. Pleasant township,
Washington county, where he was reared and
educated. In early manhood he was married to a
Miss Ramsey, and settled on the old home farm
in Mt. Pleasant township, where three daughters
were born to him: Margaret, wife of William Camp
bell, of Midway, Penn. ; Isabelle, Mrs. Robert Pat
terson, of Bolivar, Westmoreland Co. , Penn. , and
Martha Jane, who died when young. The mother
died soon after the birth of her youngest child,
and Mr. Simanton married, for his second wife,
Eliza Allen, who was born in 1806, in Greene

472

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

county, Penn., and came to Washington county
with her parents in childhood. To this marriage
one son, A. H. , was born. Mr. Simanton was an
active worker in the Whig party, afterward uniting
with the Republicans, and serving the party by
filling several township offices. He and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian Church at Can
dor, this county, in which he was a ruling elder
for many years. He died in 1871, his wife in 1884.
A. Harper Simanton was born March 16, 1843,
on his present farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
passing his boyhood in attending the country
school, and assisting with home duties. On Novem
ber 19, 1868, he was married to Ellen, daughter of
Guyan Mcllvaine who was born in 1792, in Somerset
township, on the home farm, where his early years
were passed. He was united in marriage with
Jane Ferguson, a native of Somerset township,
who bore him four children : Lydia (widow of John
Phillips, living in Greene county, Penn.); William
Greer (deceased in 1882, at Memphis, Tenn.), was
married in Vickbsurg; Robert F. (residing in
Rochester, Beaver Co. , Penn.); and John M. (liv
ing in Mt. Pleasant township). Mrs. Mcllvaine
died in 1823, and in 1830 Guyan Mcllvaine married
Jane Bratton, a native of Lancaster county, Penn.
In 1835 he settled in Mt. Pleasant township, on
the home farm. To this union the following chil
dren were born: Harvey (residing in Kansas),
Anna'Eliza (married to William M. Campbell, of
Cross Creek township), Joseph Lawrence (editor
of the Advocate, New Philadelphia, Ohio), Boyd (a
resident of South Dakota), Belle Jane (of Mt.
Pleasant township), James A. and Martha Ellen
(Mrs. A. Harper Simanton), both of Mt. Pleasant
township, and Mary Esther. Mr. Mcllvaine was
first a Whig, then a Know-nothing, and afterward
a Republican. He and his wife were members of
the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. He died
in 1868, having been preceded by his wife in 1859.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Simanton
settled on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, containing 200 acres of valuable land, to
which his time is devoted. Four children have
blessed their union, namely: Maud, Maggie Belle,
Walter and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Simanton are
members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, of
which he is a trustee. He is a Republican.

IlAMES E. SMITH, a prominent farmer of
^ I West Pike Run township, is a son of Henry
vl\ Smith, who was born in 1806, in Washington
county, Penn., and was a farmer.
In early life Henry Smith was married to Nancy
Norris, a native of this county, who was born in
1816, and they were the parents of thirteen chil
dren, namely: Mary A., wife of John Hilton, of
Monongahela; Henderson; James E.; Nancy, mar

ried to John Reed, of Lucyville, Penn. ; Hannah
B., wife of Joseph Bell, a Methodist minister lo
cated at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Joseph H. •'
Lydia, wife of George Flood; Roxanna, married
to Edwin Sutton, of Chillicothe, Ohio; Tilly, wife
of Nathan Thomas ; Howard, living in Uniontown,
Fayette county; Lizzie; Harrison and an infant,
of whom the latter three are deceased. The father
was a member of the M. E. Church, with which
his widow is yet associated. He died May 10,
1880, and Mrs. Smith, aged seventy-six years, is
now residing on the home place.
James E. Smith was born November 27, 1838,
on the home farm in West Pike Run township, and
grew to manhood with but few opportunities for
securing an education. He was married on Octo
ber 21, 1877, to Aquilla Palmer, a native of this
county, daughter of Ephraim and Hannah (Bren-
ton) Palmer, natives of Fayette county, Penn., the
father being born in 1817, and the mother in 1818.
Their children were Aquilla, wife t>f James E.
Smith ; Sarah W. , married to William Johnston,
of Fayette county, Penn.; Addison R., a Method
ist minister of Champaign county, Ohio; Ephraim;
Hannah P. , wife of Daniel Moore, a Baptist min
ister of Washington county, Penn. ; James; Sabria
(deceased) and Cornelius (deceased). Mr. Palmer
learned the trade of barber at Brownsville, Penn.,
and continued to follow same during most of his
life; he died in 1,890, followed by his wife in April,
1892. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Smith are residing
on a pleasant, well-cultivated farm of thirty-seven
acres. He is a member of the F. & A. M. at West
Brownsville.

QEORGE SWART. Among the many prom
inent agriculturists who have contributed
substantially to the material prosperity of
Amwell township, and indeed it may be
said of the entire county, stands the worthy
gentleman whose well-known name opens this
biographical sketch.
He is a grandson of the noble old pioneer, Philip
Swart, who emigrated from Germany to America,
locating finally, during the early part of the pres
ent century, in Amwell township, this county,
where he took up what is recognized by the family
as the "old home farm" of 315 acres. He had
two children, Jacob and Susie (Mrs. Phillips), and
died about the year 1811; his wife survived him
many years, passing away at a ripe old age.
Jacob Swart, son of Philip Swart, was born
near the old home in Amwell township, and was
educated at the local schools of his early day. He
was married to Sarah Evans, of the same township,
and the children born to this union were: Dorothy
(Mrs. Mustard), Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs.
Huston), Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and

m

ii?

¦*

^^a^C^^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

475

Charlotte. Jacob Swart died in 1815 on the old
home farm, his wife, Sarah, on June 11, 1846. He
was an excellent business man, and during his
comparatively short life accumulated much prop
erty, leaving a fortune as an unimpeachable wit
ness to his characteristic energy and sound judg
ment. At the time of his death he owned six farms
aggregating 1,000 acres of land. Politically he
was a Whig, and he was respected and esteemed by
all who knew him.
George Swart, the subject proper of these lines,
was born beside Ruff's creek, Greene Co., Penn.,
April 23, 1810, and when four years of age was
brought by his father to the farm which is now the
property of Andrew Horn, in Amwell township,
this county. He received a necessarily meager
education in the primitive schools of his early day,
but he has been a diligent reader, and a devoted
student of Biblical literature. Mr. Swart has been
twice married, first on January 14, 1830, to Eliza
beth Smith, of Greene county, Penn. , born October
9, 1814, and died March 4, 1876. Their union
was blessed with twelve children: Jacob, born
July 13, 1831 (deceased March 3, 1833); Harvey,
born March 30, 1833 (was married February 22,
1877, to Jane Arnold); Dennis born Junuary 31,
1836 (was united in marriage April 30, 1857, with
Lydia Huffman, and is now residing in Missouri) ;
Simon, born January 29, 1838 (died May 3, 1848);
Sarah, born June 19, 1840 (was married Septem
ber 15, 1859, to Harrison Sowers); Lucinda, born
October 29, 1842 (March 11, 1864, became the wife
of John Hopkins; deceased June 8, 1881); Hiram,
born October 10, 1844 (died September 29, 1851);
Elizabeth, born August 27, 1847 (died January 1,
1853); Emeline, born November 5, 1849 (was
united in marriage October 30, 1873, with David
Baker, and died March 26, 1884); George, born
January 20, 1853 (died August 15, 1865); Deborah,
born February 7, 1855, died March 13, 1883 (she
was married February 10, 1875 to James Hughes);
and Alice L., born April 20, 1857 (on November
16, 1876, she became the wife of John J. Hoffman).
On December 4, 1877, Mr. Swart was united in
marriage with Mrs. Ellen Hopkins, of Greene
county, a very estimable lady, and who makes him
a most congenial and lovable companion in his
declining years.
In February, 1831, Mr. Swart moved to his
present home, where he is now enjoying a well-
earned peaceful repose from the labors of an hon
ored and useful life. The comfortable competence
he possesses has been accumulated by years of assid
uous industry and indefatigable effort. Politically,
Mr. Swart was formerly a Whig, afterward a Re
publican, and he has always taken an active inter
est in public affairs. He and his family have for
many years been members of the Methodist Protes-
ant Church.

MITH McCREIGHT. Among the influen
tial and intelligent citizens of Hanover town
ship, none occupies or deserves a more
prominent place than this gentleman, a native
of Jefferson county, Penn., where he was born
July 18, 1832. He is a son of Andrew McCreight.
The father was born in 1787, in Ireland, and when
but seven years of age was brought to America, and
grew to manhood in Pennsylvania. In 1812 he
was married in Armstrong county, Penn., to Ann
Sharp, who was born in 1795. Her family were
pioneers of Armstrong county.
The children of Andrew and Ann McCreight
were: James, a wheelwright and carpenter, de
ceased in 1888, at the age of seventy-five years,
in Armstrong county, Penn. ; Sharp, a retired
farmer of Indiana county, Penn. ; Sarah (Mrs.
Abraham Neil), of Jefferson county, Penn. ; Joseph,
a farmer of Jefferson county, Neb. , where he died ;
John, a farmer of Jefferson county, Penn.; Ann
(wife of William Caldwell), of Clearfield county,
Penn. ; Jane (Mrs. Joseph McNeil), of Clearfield coun
ty, Penn. ; Thomas S. , a farmer and miller of Jeffer
son county, Penn. ; Smith, of whom further men
tion is made; Nancy, deceased in 1891 (married to
Benjamin Hawk) ; Jamison, a farmer in Kansas ; and
Hannah, an unmarried lady, living in Kansas.
The parents began life as tenants in a humble
home located on Plum creek, Armstrong Co. ,
Penn. , where he worked as a tenant and cropper.
By industry he prospered, and soon accumulating
some money, went to Jefferson county, Penn., and
purchased a tract of uncleared land, which was
cheaper in that county. The young couple re
moved to their new home, and, after much hard
work, succeeded in clearing enough of the land to
carry on farming. With that undying spirit of
pluck, which is the national characteristic of the
true Irishman, he finally obtained enough property
to provide all necessary comforts of life, which he
enjoyed. In politics he was an Old-line Whig, and
then a Republican, taking an active interest in the
success of his party. Both he and his wife were
consistent members of the U. P. Church. He died
in 1861, his wife having entered the " valley of the
shadow " in 1858. They were buried on the farm
in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania.
Smith McCreight was reared to manhood on his
father's farm, and there inducted into the myster
ies of agriculture. He attended the common
schools, and in early life took charge of the home
place in company with his brother, Thomas S.,
caring for the father and mother until they died.
On March 14, 1863, Smith McCreight was married
to Sarah E. Murphy, who was born in 1842, in
Westmoreland county, Penn., a daughter of James
and Susan (McMurray) Murphy. James Murphy
was a tailor by trade, also working on a farm.
Mr. and Mrs. McCreight have passed all their

476

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

married life on the old homestead farm in Winslow
township, Jefferson Co., Penn., and his brother
Thomas S. followed lumbering in the winter sea
son and farming in the- summer for some years.
They afterward purchased one-half interest in a
grist and saw mill, and the following year bought
the other half. As the business increased they
made extensive improvements on the property,
placing $1,500 worth of new machinery in the
gristmill. Just when the business had become
profitable the destructive fire of August 25, 1877,
swept away all their property — 1,500 bushels of
grain and 100,000 feet of dry pine lumber. No
insurance was carried. This was a terrible trial,
but their energy and enterprise were indestructible,
and before the smoke of the debris had ceased to
curl upward they had begun the erection of a
modern mill. It was rapidly pushed to comple
tion, and within four months of the date of the fire
these "hustling brothers" were again ready for
customers on a more extensive basis than before
the fire. In 1881 the mill property was disposed
of, and Smith McCreight began farming. In the
autumn of 1884 he purchased and moved upon 200
acres of land in Hanover township, Washington
county, known as the "Martin Tucker" farm.
His enterprising and progressive spirit is evinced
in the many improvements which have been made
since his residence on the place. A handsome
new dwelling was erected in 1890. It is located
on an elevated spot, one of the highest in Wash
ington county, affording a most delightful view of
the surrounding country for many miles. Mr.
McCreight was a Whig, afterward uniting with the
Republican party. He and his wife are members
of the U. P. Church at Paris, and their children
are Thomas A. , a farmer of Hanover township, liv
ing on the home place; Clara A., studying teleg
raphy; Anna, and Beulah S., living at home.

W. MORGAN is a son of William M. Mor
gan, whose father, William Morgan, was

II ll born in Maryland, and attended the schools
of his native State, then learned the cooper's
trade, becoming an expert in the finer parts of the
business. When a young man he was married to
Hannah Matthews, a native of Baltimore, Md. ,
who bore him the following children: Oliver,
Rachel, Miriam, William M. , George, Ruth (wife
of W. W. Jackman) and Esther (married to Ares-
lead Carroll). In an early day they came to
Greene county, Penn., and in 1830 moved to Wash
ington county, locating in East Bethlehem town
ship near Westland Church. Mr. Morgan kept a
hotel on the National pike, near Centreville, for
several years, and finally moved to Coal Centre,
Washington county, where he died at the age of
seventy-four years. He was a strong Abolitionist,

and in religion was a member of the Society of
Friends. William M. Morgan was born near Baltimore
Md. , where his boyhood was passed. In early life
he was married to Mary, daughter of Thomas and
Elizabeth (Lewis) Whittaker, the former of whom
was a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland. Mr.
and Mrs. Whittaker had four children, viz. : Eliza
beth, Thomas L., John D. and Mary. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morgan settled in Waynes
burgh, Greene Co. , Penn. , where he followed the
trade of cooper. In 1844 he moved to Coal Centre,
this county, and here continued in the same business
until his death. He was a Democrat, favoring the
Abolitionists, and in religion was a member of the
M. E. Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were born
the following children : L. W. , Eliza J. (deceased),
George (living in Oklahoma), Hannah (deceased),
and Thomas P. (in Pittsburgh).
L. W. Morgan was born November 5, 1830, in
Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn., and remained
on the home place during early life. At the age
of twenty years, in company with Solomon Sibbitt,
he opened the first general store in California,
Penn., conducting it for five years. On October
27, 1857, he was married to Ann J., daughter of
John R. Gregg, and their children were Mary W. ,
P. W. , William W. , John, Charles, L. L. , Elizabeth
and Albert T. Of these children P. W., Elizabeth
and Albert T. are yet living. After selling the store
in California, Mr. Morgan followed river traffic a
few years, then opened a grocery in Coal Centre,
which he conducted but a few months, and return
ing to California invested in his present store, and
opened a coal office. He has been a Republican,
but has voted the Prohibition ticket since the
organization of that party. In religious faith he
is a member of the M. E. Church, of which he is
steward and treasurer, and of the Sunday-school
he has been superintendent twenty-six years.

EORGE TAYLOR was a son of Robert
Taylor, who was born in 1764, and emi
grated from County Cavan, Ireland, in 1810.
Three weeks before leaving the old country
he was married to Mary Pattison, a daugh
ter of William Pattison, a merchant of Belfast.
The young couple came to America to seek their
fortunes, and locating upon a farm near Hills
borough, this county, Mr. Taylor began working
it on shares, finally purchasing it in 1816. The
children born to this pioneer couple were : Mrs. Jacob
Shepler (deceased), William (deceased), George,
Mrs. William Robinson, Mrs. Jacob Qualk, and
Robert (deceased). Though receiving a somewhat
limited education in Ireland, Mr. Taylor was a
very successful business man, and was especially
admired for his benevolence. He was an Old-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ill

line Whig, but never accepted office, and was a
devout member of the Church of England. After
passing a useful life of nearly a century, he died
in 1859. His widow, a member of the Methodist
Church, followed her husband to the grave in 1862.
George Taylor, the subject of this memoir, was
born January 27, 1816, upon the home farm where
he now resides. He received a limited education,
but was an eager reader until his eyesight failed.
He remained on the farm until tweuty-two years
of age, when he took charge of a store at Hills
borough which he managed for three or four years,
then sold to William Bell, and engaged in farming
and buying stock. He has been very successful in
this business, which he has continued to follow.
In 1844 he married Charlotte Miller, daughter of
Charles Miller, and their children are: Mary Eliz
abeth, born December 6, 1845 (deceased); Robert,
born September 1, 1848; Mrs. Samuel Barber,
born January 14, 1851; George William, born May
7, 1853 (deceased) ; Charles Taylor, born December
6, 1854; Clarence Raymond, born July 26, 1857
(deceased); George William, born May 13, 1861;
Frankie Addison, born January 19, 1864, and
Emma Jane, born August 4, 1866. Mr. Taylor
was a decided Republican, and, ill his younger
days, one of the most active men in the county.
When but twenty years of age, he was elected con
stable, and held that office several years. When
about thirty-five years of age he was elected justice
of the peace, which position he filled twenty years,
and in 1859 was elected one of the county com
missioners for a term of four years. He was a
member of the Methodist Church, with which his
wife was also united until her death, September
8, 1887. He died September 2, 1892.

' AD WALLADER BLAYNEY. A biograph
ical record of Washington county would
be incomplete were not special mention
made in its pages of the Blayneys, who have
their descent from an illustrious family of that
name, for many years residents of Ireland. Cad-
wallader Blayney, a Welshman by birth, and a
gallant officer in the British army of long ago, for
meritorious services to his country was made a
general, and soon thereafter was given an estate
in Ireland, the mansion on which came to be known
as "Blayney Castle," while the new occupant
was raised to the peerage with the title of ' ' Lord
Blayney. ' ' This lord had a brother, a rector in
the Established Church of England. For twelve
generations Castle Blayney has been represented
by a Cadwallader Blayney, that being the name
of each succeeding son-in-heir, and the tenth Lord
Blayney, the great-grandfather of the subject of
this memoir, had several sons, one of whom,
Cadwallader, became the grandfather. He was a

wealthy landowner, and in early pioneer times
came to America, making a settlement in Ohio
county, W. Va., but on the death of his wife he
made his home with his son, Henry, during the
remainder of his life.
Henry Blayney was born in Ireland in 1792, and
was there married to Jane Rogers, by whom one
child, Mary, was born in their native land. In
1832 Henry and his family came with his father
to this country, and here were born to him six
more children, viz. : Hannah, Jane Cadwallader,
Margaret, Henry, John R. and Elizabeth Ann.
Henry Blayney finally settled in West Finley
township, where he died on his farm in February,
1873, honored and respected by all who knew
him. His wife died December 22, 1847. He was
a leading member of the Presbyterian Church of
West Alexander, and in politics was a stanch
Democrat. Cadwallader Blayney, the subject of these lines,
was born July 12, 1829, in Ohio county, W. Va.,
where he received his education. When a young
man he came to the farm in West Finley township,
this county, where he has since resided, engaged
in agricultural pursuits. When he first started
out for himself, his uncle gave him a colt, and this
was the beginning from which, by industry, per
severance and thrift he has achieved the success
that brought him a competence for his declining
years. His first purchase was an old water-power
gristmill that is still standing, adjoining his resi
dence in Good Intent. This mill he operated
eleven years, and then bought a farm near Good
Intent, on which he lived six years, at the end of
which time he moved into the village, and here
embarked in mercantile business which he con
ducted nineteen years. He then sold out his store
and retired to his farm above referred to. Mr.
Blayney was twice married: first time to Miss
Elizabeth Rogers (January 13, 1853), who bore him
eight children, viz. : JohnR., Henry B., William
L., Ida Jane, Belleville C, Elmer E., Orange
Griffith and Cadwallader, of whom the last two
died in infancy. The mother of this family died
February 2, 1872, and Mr. Blayney afterward
married Miss Jennie Blayney, a cousin, a daugh
ter of John Blayney, a native of Ireland, whom
the last Lord Blayney (who died childless) named
as his heir, in his will. This John Blayney came
to the United States in 1848, and there made his
home until the death, in 1875, of his wife, whose
maiden name was Fanny Alcorn, when he came to
live with our subject. On the death of the last
Lord Blayney, inquiry was made for "Uncle John,"
as t>he heir by will was familiarly known; they
discovered, however, that a John Blayney, a
minister, had died a few months before, and con
cluding that he was the last heir, returned to
Endand, and made their report accordingly. The

478

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Blayney estate in Ireland, having thus no immedi
ate heir to it, reverted to the Crown. " Uncle
John ' ' Blayney is still living at the patriarchal
age of ninety- four years, making his home with his
daughter, Mrs. C. W. Blayney. By his second
marriage Mr. Cadwallader Blayney had five
children, as follows: Edward C, born July 13,
1873; Freddie L. and a twin, born December 4,
1875, both deceased, the former November 7, 1879,
the latter in infancy; Harold L., born October 17,
1879, and Fannie, born May 25, 1883, died June
7, same year. Mr. Blayney has been very success
ful in all his business relations, and has accumu
lated a considerable amount of property, being now
the owner of over 300 acres of prime land, also
owning a storeroom and several dwelling houses in
Good Intent. He is a member of the Windy Gap
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which he has
served as trustee, and, socially, is popular and
highly respected. Politically he has been a Demo
crat, but not active in his party, and during
Hayes' administration, at the request of his
Republican friends, he was appointed postmaster
of Good Intent, which office he held until selling
out his store. He also held various township
offices conferred upon him by the people irrespect
ive of party. ^ILLIAM C. ROBISON, postmaster at
Monongahela, is a native of Pittsburgh,
Penn., and born of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
Robert Robison, his grandfather, was born
in Strasburgh, Penn., in 1789, and in 1825 moved
to Pittsburgh, where he embarked in the wholesale
grocery trade, conducting same until 1868. He
also carried on an extensive pork-packing business,
purchasing green meats in St. Louis and Chicago.
He was twice married, and by his first wife had
two children: Samuel B. and Margarette (Mrs.
F. F. Kernan); by his second wife (who was a
Miss Eliza Cummings), he had three children:
Robert, Lydia and Quincy. Mr. Robison was a
Whig until the organization of the Republican
party, when he enrolled himself under their ban
ner; in religion he was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Samuel B. Robison, father of William C. , was
also a native of Strasburgh, Penn., born in 1816.
He became a partner with his father in the whole
sale grocery business in Pittsburgh, and after the
hitter's death continued the same under the firm
name of S. B. Robison & Co. until his decease in
December, 1870. In 1850 Samuel B. Robison was
united in marriage with Rebecca Gallagher, of
Pittsburgh, and the children born to them were
Robert B. (in Pittsburgh), Emma, Samuel D. , Will
iam C, IdaB., Charles W., B. Frank, Henry C. and
Garnet G. Mr. Robison was a Republican. During
the Civil war he was master of transportation of mil

itary supplies from Pittsburgh, an office he filled
gratuitously, although there was a salary attached.
William C. Robison received a liberal education
at the schools of Pittsburgh, and was afterward
engaged in business in that city until 1880, in
which year he came to Monongahela City, where
he has since resided. He is an active Republican
and in January, 1890, was commissioned post
master of that city. In 1870 Mr. Robison was
married to Rebecca, daughter of Silas Haley, and
the children born to this union are Silas Robert and
Frederick. AMUEL YOUNG, a prosperous farmer of
Morris township, Washington Co. , Penn. , is
a grandson of Thomas, Young, who was born
in Maryland in 1745. He was a Revolution
ary soldier. In 1809 he removed to a farm near
Jefferson, Morris township, Greene Co., Penn., and
there died in 1824. His son Thomas, father of
subject, was bom on the farm, and from there re
moved to Morris township, Washington county,
where he died in 1866.
Samuel Young was born July 9, 1830, on what
was called Crane's run in Greene county, Penn.,
and when about eight years old moved to Wash
ington county with his father. He lived at home
until his marriage in 1854 to Rachel Carroll, who
was born Sepember 18, 1834, daughter of Thomas
Carroll, of Morris township, Washington county.
He then moved to Morris township, Greene county,
where he remained about fifteen years; then re
turned to Washington county, and lived on the
home farm until the death of his father, when he
again moved to Morris township, Greene county.
Thence he came to West Finley township, Wash
ington county (near Wheeling creek), afterward
returning to Greene county, remained some time
at Nineveh. He then removed to Washington, this
county, and was for a short time engaged in
the hotel business, when he moved to West Fin
ley township, and embarked in farming. In 1888
he purchased the well-improved farm near Mt. Zion
M. E. church, in Morris township, this county,
where he now resides. His children are: Samantha,
wife of S. R. Rush, a prominent stock dealer of
East Liberty, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of Warren
Clutter, also a prominent stock dealer in East Lib
erty, Penn., and Florence, yet living with her par
ents. Mr. Young raises a considerable amount of
stock, and makes a specialty of breeding fine sheep.
The farm on which Mr. Young now resides was
taken up by Richard Carroll over one hundred
years ago; he was a native of Ireland, also the
grandfather of Mr. Young's wife, who is of the
third generation that has owned this farm. Po
litically Mr. Young is a Democrat- of life-long
standing. Mrs. Young is a member of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

479

HENRY M. SNYDER is descended from a
pioneer family of Washington county. He
is a grandson of John and Margaret Snyder,
j -* whose early lives were passed in eastern
v Pennsylvania, where the grandfather fol
lowed the tanner's trade. He afterward moved to
Washington county, and became identified with the
earliest history of Fallowfield township. He was
a Democrat in politics, and in church connection
a member of the Lutheran Society. John Snyder
died December. 24, 1867, in his seventy ^seventh
year, and July 23, 1876, his wife was laid beside
him, having passed her seventy-sixth birthday.
They were the parents of six children.
Peter Snyder was born February 23, 1833, in
Fallowfield township, Washington county, Penn.
He assisted his father in the tannery from early
boyhood, and after receiving a limited education,
followed shoemaking for thirty-five years. Upon
attaining his majority he was married to Julia Ann
Crabb, who bore him the following children: Jo
sephine (Mrs. Stacker), Alexander, Daniel, Lu-
cretia (Beazell), John (deceased in 1891, at the age
of thirty-five years), Henry M. , George B., Frank
lin P. and James S.
Henry M. Snyder, son of Peter Snyder, was
born February 22, 1860, on the home place in
Fallowfield township, Washington Co. , Penn. He
received a common-school education, and following
the example of his forefathers, learned the tanning
trade. In 1882 he was united in marriage with
Cynthia V. (Bentley) Van Voorhes, and settled on
the fifty acres of land on the Washington pike, in
Carroll township, where he is yet living. He was
formerly engaged in general farming, but of recent
years has given his principal attention to the dairy
business. The place is equipped with excellent
buildings, and is a pleasant, elegant home.

If I ENRY H. McDONOUGH, M. D. a leading
|JJ physician of Washington county, was born
j [ October 30, 1836, in Somerset township, a
JJ -* grandson of Henry McDonough, a native
*' of Baltimore, where the family had resided
many years.
Henry McDonough had two brothers, also na
tives of Baltimore, who separated at an early age,
the elder brother, John, going South, and, en
gaging in real estate speculation, became one of
of the wealthiest citizens of New Orleans; as he
never married, he bequeathed his property to New
Orleans and Baltimore, each city receiving the
same amount. The other brother, Thomas, left
his native city in a merchant ship, and passed
through varied scenes; he was with Perry at the
battle of Lake Erie, and bore the title of "Com
modore McDonough." Henry, the youngest in
the family, drifted westward, finally arriving in

Washington county, Penn., and, first settling near
West Alexander, was among the earliest pioneers
of that locality. He married, and two children
were born to him, but one day while he was ab
sent from the house, clearing the land, the In
dians rushed down on the little home, and massa
cred his helpless wife and children. Heartsick
and lonely, the bereaved husband and father
traded his property for a mere trifle, and abandon
ing the desolated home returned to Baltimore,
where he remained a few years. However, he
again came to Washington county, and in 1783
purchased a farm in Somerset township, on which
he resided until his death. Soon after returning
to the county he was married to Jane Hamilton, a
resident of the same, and to their union were born
four children: John; Henry, Mary (Mrs. John
Pangburn) and David. Mr. McDonough was an en
ergetic and enterprising man, and his life left a last
ing impression on the character of the community.
In political affiliations he was a Whig, and served
several years as justice of the peace in Somerset
township. In religious faith he was formerly a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and in later
life united with the Baptists, in whose faith he
died. David McDonough, youngest son of this honored
pioneer, always resided on the home farm in Som
erset township, at the subscription schools of which
he received his early education, afterward reading
current literature. In early life he was married to
Lavina, daughter of Adam Weir, of West Bethle
hem township, this county, and the young people
then settled on the home place, where the follow
ing children were born to them: Joseph, Thomas,
Adam (who died at the age of eight years), a.nd
Henry H. Mr. McDonough was a Whig, and after
the organization of the party became a faithful
Republican, and active in the work, although
rarely accepting office. He was administrator of
various estates in the locality, and was frequently
selected as guardian of children, every one having
great confidence in his integrity and ability. In
religion he was a member of the Disciple Church,
in which he served many years as an elder, being
one of the most hearty supporters of that Society.
Dr. Henry H. McDonough, youngest son of
David McDonough, first received a common-school
education, and then attended a select school con
ducted by Rev. Streator, near Washington. Hav
ing when quite young evinced an inclination to
study medicine, he commenced reading with Dr.
James McDonough, and with him remained some
time, until called to take charge of the home by
the death of his father. He managed the home
place for several years, then returned to the study
of medicine with Dr. Winnett, attending at the
same time medical lectures at Long Island College.
He completed his course at Cleveland, in March,

480

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1876, and then commenced practicing in Waynes
burg, Greene Co. , Penn. , remaining there, however,
but four months, when he settled on the home
place in Somerset township, this county. On
October 22, 1861, the Doctor was united in mar
riage with Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Win
nett. This wife dying March 6, 1879, he married,
October 24, 1882, Margaret L., daughter of S. B.
Lindley, and they have had two children: Ann Es-
telle and Charles L. Dr. McDonough remained
on the home farm fifteen years, enjoying a large
and lucrative practice, and in 1891 he came to
Claysville. In politics he is a pronounced and
energetic Republican; in religion he is a member
of the Disciple Church.

*|T\x AVID McDONNELL. Among the influen-
| 1| tial farmers of Hanover township, this gen
ii// tleman deserves prominent mention. He is
a son of Barnett McDonnell, whose father
was Patrick Morgan McDonnell.
The last mentioned ancestor was born in County
Tyrone, Ireland, where he married, and reared two
daughters, Martha Jane (Mrs. John Jackson, of
Hanover township) and Eleanor (wife of John
Davis of Morgan county, Ohio). About 1794 this
family came to America, and with his limited sav
ings, Patrick McDonnell purchased a small tract
of land near King's creek in Hanover township.
When the essential log cabin was erected, he began
the work of felling the giant oaks. He served in
the war of 1812, and participated in the historical
Moravian massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas
Co., Ohio. The rude cabin was in due time sup
planted by one more commodious, which is yet stand
ing. He was a Catholic, but as there were no
churches of that denomination in that wild country,
his family were not reared in the' Catholic faith.
He and his wife lived to advanced ages, and are
buried in the Florence cemetery. They were the
parents of four children, the two youngest having
been born in America, viz. : Barnett, of whom
further mention is made, and one son who died in
early childhood.
Barnett McDonnell was born in 1796, in Hanover
township, Washington Co., Penn., where he at
tended the subscription schools and worked on his
father's farm. In early life he married Nancy
Kimble, who was born near Hickory, in this county.
She bore him five children, namely: Elizabeth,
widow of David Logan; John, a blacksmith, died
at Steubenville, Ohio, when about thirty years of
age; William, was never married, and died on the
oid place; George, went to Iowa in 1850, and was
a soldier in the Rebellion (he died of typhoid fever
in Tennessee); and Martin L., a cabinet maker,
drowned in the Ohio river, at Steubenville, Ohio.
The mother of these children died and was buried

at Florence. For his second wife Barnett McDon
nell was married to Ruth Jackson, a daughter of
Joseph and Hannah (Russell) Jackson, of Hanover
township. Their children were: Rezin (a farmer
of Hanover township), Jackson (deceased), Samuel
(a shoemaker, went to California during the gold
fever and died there), Alexander (a farmer of Han
over township), David (our subject), Nancy( widow
of Caleb Gretzinger, of Hancock county, W. Va.)
Hannah (wife of Asa Owings, of Missouri) and
James (living in Texas). The father passed his
whole life on the home farm where his parents had
settled. He died July 3, 1877, and was followed
by his widow in 1879. Both are buried in the
Florence cemetery. He was a member of the
United Presbyterian Church, his second wife being
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Society.
In politics he was a Democrat, having held various
offices in Hanover township.
David McDonnell was born March 25, 1838, on
the old place which he owns. The old house in
which he was born (built in 1812) is yet standing.
He attended the schools of the day, also assisting
with such work as could be done by a boy of his
age. In early manhood he went to Steubenville,
Ohio, to learn the trade of a shoemaker. After a
short time he was transferred to Cadiz, Ohio, to
complete his trade. Later he took a trip through
the West, visiting the States of Iowa, Indiana and
Illinois, but returning, resumed his trade at Cadiz,
Ohio, and finally located in Hanover township,
Washington Co., Penn. He married Elizabeth A.
Criss, June 25, 1862. She was born December 25,
1840, in Hanover township, a daughter of Henry
and Mary (Ryland) Criss. The great-grandfather
of Mrs. McDonnell (one John Criss) was born in
Germany. Among his children was a son, Jacob,
who grew to manhood and reared a family of chil
dren, among whom was Henry Criss. The latter
was born in 1815, and when a young man was
married to Mary Ryland, a native Of Maryland,
who came to Washington county with her parents,
Fredus and Elizabeth Ryland, when an infant.
Mrs. McDonnell was the third in a family of eleven
children born to Henry and Mary Criss.
Mr. and Mrs. McDonnell began wedded life in
Hanover township, where he followed his trade.
On March 22, 1865, he enlisted at New Brighton,
Penn., in Company E, One Hundred and Third
P. V. I. His services were needed but a brief
time, for as the command was en route to North
Carolina, Johnston surrendered, and June 25,
1865, he was honorably discharged, and returned
to his native county. He then located on a small
tract of land lying one mile northwest of Florence,
and there followed his trade, giving some attention
to farming. By economy he prospered, and in
1879 moved to the old McDonnell homestead,
where he was born and has since resided, devoting

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

481

his entire attention to agriculture. Since he has
taken possession of the old place it has undergone
a wonderful change; a handsome new residence,
furnished with natural gas for heating and lighting
in every room of the house, makes a very con
venient and pleasant home. Mr. McDonnell is a
leading citizen, respected by all who have the
pleasure of his acquaintance. In politics he is a
Democrat, but not a strict partisan, as he has fre
quently voted for men of different political opinion,
when he deemed them most worthy of the position.
He has held various offices in the township with
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his con
stituents. Both he and his wife are members of
the M. E. Church. The children of this family
are Henry B. , professor of chemistry in the State
Agricultural College of Maryland; also a graduate
of Pennsylvania State College, and College of Phy
sicians and Surgeons, in Baltimore, Md. He mar
ried Miss Julia B. Magruder, of Baltimore. Wesley
C. is an expert penman, and a teacher in the pub
lic schools, holding a State certificate. He is now
studying music at Scio College, Ohio. Milton E.
is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State College.
Curtis C. is now attending college at College Park,
near Washington, D. C. Fred V. is living at home.

IfOHN S. NICHOLL, a successful farmer of
w I Nottingham township, is a son of Samuel and
ffj) grandson of Sampson Nicholl. Sampson
Nicholl was born in 1750 in Ireland, and
came to America in 1775. He entered with all his
heart into the Revolutionary struggle, and fought
seven years for his adopted country. After the
war he managed a pack train, and finally settled
on a farm in Somerset township, Washington Co.,
Penn. , where he died.
Samuel Nicholl was born May 24, 1816, on a
farm in West Bethlehem township, Penn., wnere
his boyhood was passed. On July 2, 1845, he
married Miss Rachel Donney, who was born, Sep
tember 20, 1817, in Fayette county, Penn. The
following children were born to this marriage:
John S., Frank D., Jane, Mary, Julius S., Robi
son and Josephine (deceased). The father was a
farmer all his life, and took an active part in the
affairs of the township. He died April 1, 1889,
and the mother is yet living with her children.
John S. Nicholl was born July 26, 1846, on the
old homestead in West Bethlehem. In 1867 he
began life for himself, and was married September
3, 1867, to Sarah J., daughter of John Dague, a
well-known agriculturist of this county. They
have had five children, but two of whom are now
living: John S. R. and Frank H, at home with
their parents. Oscar L., Rachel J. and Sarah Jane
are dead. Some years ago Mr. Nicholl dealt ex
tensively in sheep, buying them in the East, and

shipping to points in the Western States. Sarah
Jane Dague Nicholl was bom January 12, 1847.
She was the youngest daughter of John Dague, Sr.
His father came from Germany. John Dague, Sr.,
was born in West Bethlehem October 4, 1807, died
February 13, 1888. He married Annie Huffman,
daughter of Joseph Huffman. She was born in
1811, died June 2, 1847, leaving eleven children:
Catherine, Joseph H. , Henry, Elizabeth, Susanna,
Louis, Mahala, Maria, John, Jr., Martha and
Sarah J. Dague, all living except Maria.

If SAAC SHELBY CRALL, the well-known ex
tensive gardener and florist, was born Novem
ber 19, 1826, at Belle Vernon, Fayette Co.,
Penn., a son of Charles and Hannah (Gaskell)
Crall, both natives of that county.
Isaac Crall, father of Charles Crall, was born,
reared and married in Little York, Penn. , his wife
being Elizabeth Bush, who bore him children as
follows: Barbara, John, Catherine, Elizabeth,
Charles, Jesse and Mary. He was a farmer in
York county, whence he moved to Fayette county at
an early day with his family. Mr. Crall was here
engaged as bookkeeper at the Redstone Furnace.
From Fayette he went to Cumberland county,
where he was a jailer, and as the prison was con
structed simply of posts and chains, a guard was
necessary all the time. Finally he engaged in the
butchering business in Fayette county, where he
died. He was a Democrat, and a member of the
Moravian Church.
Charles Crall, father of Isaac Shelby Crall, was
born in November, 1800, in Cumberland county,
Penn. He was reared in Fayette county, at the
subscription schools of which he received a fair
educational training. He learned the trade of
blacksmith, at which for a time he worked in
Washington county, near Monongahela City; he
also ran boats on the river between Pittsburgh and
Morgantown, besides a ferry at Monongahela City.
In 1822 he married Hannah, daughter of Budd
Gaskell, a native of Trenton, N. J., a son of
Samuel Gaskell, also of New Jersey birth, who
served in the Revolutionary war under Washington,
and was an intimate friend of Gen. Budd. His
wife was Miss Lucretia Hayes, who bore him four
children : Budd, Morgan, Lucretia and Ruth.
Samuel Gaskell was a farmer by occupation, and
his death occurred at Belle Vernon, Penn. He
had removed to Ohio , but on the decease of his
wife returned to Pennsylvania. In his church
connection he was a Free-will Baptist. Budd
Gaskell was reared in New Jersey, and when a
young man removed to Fayette county. He was
married to Hannah Davis, of that county, and the
children born to them were the following: Samuel,
Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Vorhes), Jesse and Amy, all

482

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

deceased; Mary (Mrs. Samuel Mattocks), Hannah
(Mrs. Charles Crall), Morgan (married to Sabina
Lane), Henry (married to Elizabeth Crall), Ann
(wife of William Thatcher), Abraham (married to
Sarah Jacobs), Mezula (wife of James McKean), I.
Shelby and Owen. Mr. Gaskell was a Democrat,
and in religion a member of the Free-will Baptist
Church. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Crall made
their new home in Belle Vernon, where he was
employed in a boatyard for some time; then moved
to Crawford county, same State, from which, after
a residence of two and one-half years, he came to
near Monongahela City where he conducted a black
smith shop, etc., as already related. He died here
June 22, 1881, a prominent member of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church, in which he was an
elder, but later in life he joined the Methodist
Episcopal Church. The children born to him
were Budd (deceased), Isaac Shelby, Louisa,
Lucinda, Cassie, Elizabeth, Mezula, Samuel, Etta
and Belle.
Isaac Shelby Crall was for the most part reared
and educated in Monongahela City. When twenty-
six years old he went to New York, and there took
steamer for California, but on February 27, 1852,
the vessel was wrecked off the Mexican coast. In
that country he remained six weeks, and then pro
ceeded, again by water, to his destination. He
was engaged there as superintendent of The Ameri
can Hydraulic Mines, and was one of the first to
blast rock under water. He conducted a large
mine there for twenty- four years, in the course of
which time he made six ocean trips and two by
overland route. On his final return home, in 1873,
he embarked in his present industry, having, in
1868, bought the farm where he now carries on a
lucrative business. On January 10, 1861, Mr.
Crall married Sarah E. , daughter of James Somer-
ville, of Jefferson county, Penn., and three chil
dren have been born to them: Charles S., Maud
A. (Mrs. Harry Griffith) and James S. Politically
Mr. Crall is a Democrat, and in his church con
nections he is a Presbyterian.

Hi IRAM SWART, the wealthiest land-owner
in Amwell township, and one of the most
prominent retired agriculturists of Wash-
-^ ington county, is a native of Greene county,
Pennsylvania, born February 12, 1812. He
is a grandson of the noble old pioneer, Philip
Swart, who emigrated from Germany to America,
locating finally, during the early part of the pres
ent century, in Amwell township, this county, where
he took up what is known by the family as the ' ' old
home farm" of 315 acres. He had two children,
Jacob and Susie (Mrs. Phillips), and died about the
year 1811. His wife survived him many years,
passing away at a ripe old age.

Jacob Swart, son of Philip, was born near the
old home in Amwell township, and was educated at
the local schools of his early day. He was married
to Sarah Evans, of Amwell township, and the chil
dren born to this union were Dorothy (Mrs. Mus
tard), Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs. Huston),
Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and Charlotte.
Jacob Swart died in 1815, on the old home farm; his
wife on June 1 1 , 1846. He was an excellent business
man, during his comparatively short life accumu
lating much property and left a fortune; an unim
peachable witness to his characteristic energy and
sound judgment, owning at the time of his death
six farms aggregating one thousand acres of land.
Politically, he was a Whig, and he was respected
and esteemed by all who knew him.
Hiram Swart, of whom this sketch more partic
ularly relates, was brought by his parents to Ten-
mile creek, Washington county, Penn., and was
here reared after the manner of most farmer boys
of his early day; his educational training being
received in the primitive schools of his locality.
The first property owned by him consisted of 160
acres of land in Amwell township, representing his
share of 315 acres deeded by his mother to him and
his brother Philip; and he afterward purchased
the latter's portion. To this nucleus of 315 acres
he, from time to time, by industry, hard work,
indefatigable energy and careful thrift, added,
until now he is the possessor of over one thousand
acres of prime farm land.
Mr. Swart has been thrice married. His first
wife was Miss Charlotte McGinnis, to whom he
was married December 6, 1845, and of this union
one child, Henry Clay, was born September 2,
1846. At the close of the war of the Rebellion
he left his home, since which time he has not been
heard from. . Mr. Swart' s wife dying October 25,
1846, his second marriage was in 1851, to Margaret
Keys, and two children were born to them : Sarah
Ann, born October 12, 1853, died June 8, 1891,
and Jacob, born February 3, 1856, died at the age
of six weeks. The mother of these children died
March 16, 1856, and December 1, 1859, Mr. Swart
was married to his present life companion — Mary,
daughter of Enoch and Mary (Goulden) Hastings,
who were natives of Virginia, coming to Pennsyl
vania and locating at Washington about 1815;
they were the parents of nine children, Mary being
born June 13, 1832. Five children have come to
gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs. Swart, as fol
lows: Mary Emma, born September 14, 1860;
Allison Dupont, born October 11, 1862; David
Henderson, born October 7, 1864; William Hiram,
born January 21, 1869, and Margaret Vance, born
November 28, 1871.
Mr. Swart has ever been in sympathy with the
principles of the Whig and Republican parties.
He and his amiable wife have long been members

<mi<a>r?t/

^JL^^tAy^-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

485

of the Presbyterian Church. During a continuous
residence of three-quarters of a century in the
beautiful region where he has had his home, Mr.
Swart has necessarily seen many important changes,
improvements and developments around him, and
now, near the close of a useful, industrious and
honored life, he has left the farm and removed to
Washington, Penn. , where he expects to peacefully
end his days. It may be truthfully said of him
that he stands as one of the few remaining links
between the pioneer days of hardships and trials
and the mighty present, teeming with wonderful
achievements, and foreshadowed by the possibili
ties of still greater triumphs in the future.

Ii ARON THOMAS GREGG. In the year
1\ 1836 there arrived in Monongahela (then
^\ called Williamsport) two brothers, Nimrod
-^ Alfred Gregg and Aaron Thomas Gregg,
both natives of near Brownsville, Fayette
Co., Penn., the former born April 15, 1813, the
latter July 26, 1815.
They were house plasterers by trade, which
they carried on for some time after coming to
Monongahela, but Nimrod abandoned it and entered
into mercantile business with Hampton Kerr, with
whom he remained for a time, after which he
moved to West Newton, Westmoreland Co. , Penn. ,
where he carried on a grocery and drug business
up to the time of his death, which was brought on
by consumption. He married Mary Jane Hamil
ton, of Monongahela, who died in Adair county,
Iowa, leaving three children: Margaret, Harriet
and Aaron Thomas ; Mrs. Gregg was a daughter of
Joseph Hamilton, an innkeeper, in Monongahela.
Thomas Gregg, grandfather of Nimrod Alfred
and Aaron Thomas Gregg, was a son of Samuel
Gregg, a native of Ireland, who married Elizabeth
Alford, both dying in Loudoun county, Va. The
names, dates of birth, etc. , of their children are as
follows: Thomas, October 25, 1743, died in Fayette
county, Penn., in 1821; Priscilla, September 8,
1745; John, October 14, 1747; Rebecca, February
24, 1749; Ruth, April 23, 1752; Israel, March 2,
1754; Ann, May 5, 1756, died in Greene county
Penn., July 20, 1817; Samuel, April 18, 1758;
Aaron, June 17, 1761 (he served as an officer in
the American army twelve years; was present at
St. Clair's defeat, and participated in Gen.
Wayne's great victory at the battle of Fallen
Timbers on the Maumee river, August 24, 1794;
he died in 1803 at Fort Adamson on the Missis
sippi); Elizabeth, born April 15, 1863. Of this
family, Thomas married Amy Gregg, and they
settled in Fayette county, Penn., on Dunlap's
creek, one mile from Brownsville. Amy Gregg's
people settled in Greene county, same State, near
the town of Carmichael's, and being Quakers in-
24

termarried, as was their custom. One record says
that John Gregg and some of his children settled
in Greene county, Penn. His children were Mary,
Hannah, Amos, Amy, George, John Richard (died
in Greene county November 15, 1812), Lydia, and
Rebecca (who was married to Frank Geaton, and
moved to Vincennes, Ind. , where they died). Of
these, Mary married a Mr. Nixont Amos married
Priscilla Gregg; Amy married Thomas Gregg;
George married Ruth Gregg; Richard married
Ann Gregg. The Greene county Greggs were of
Scotch descent.
When Thomas and Amy (Gregg) Gregg settled
in Fayette county, Indians were still hostile to the
whites, making raids on the settlers, and the latter,
including the Greggs, had often to fiee to Ricket's
fort, near where Merrittstown now stands. Thomas
Gregg and wife were in the fort when a man
named Morgan was attacked by two Indians a
short distance from the blockhouse; Morgan killed
both the Redskins, and the soldiers of the fort
skinned the dead bodies, and tanned the hides to
make sword belts. The children born to Thomas
and Amy Gregg were: (1) Samuel, (2) John, (3)
Nimrod, (4) Thomas, Jr., (5) Ruth, (6) Mary and (7)
Dinah. (1) Samuel married Margaret Ball, and
their children were Noah, Israel, John, Thomas,
Minerva, and Priscilla; Samuel was a trader on the
river to New Orleans; his children moved to
Circleville, Ohio. (2) John married Margaret Allen,
and had three sons — Carlton, Ashton and Thomas;
John died in Fayette county; they then located
at New London, Ohio; Margaret died at the
patriarchal age of one hundred and four years. (3)
Nimrod married Katie Johnson, and had children —
Bani, Elihu, Zilla and Lizzie, of whom the sons
are deceased, the daughters married and settled in
Ohio. (4) Thomas, Jr., married Mary Miller, and
had two sons: Nimrod Alfred and Aaron Thomas;
Thomas, Jr., started to cross the mountains with a
team, in 1815, but at Emmitsburg, Md., he was
taken sick and died; his widow afterward married
Capt. George Gregg, of Greene county, Penn.,
and by him had one daughter that died young;
the mother was carried off by a fever in 1819, while
a resident of Bridgeport; her father and mother
were in Ricket's fort at the time Morgan killed
the two Indians, as already related. (5) Ruth
married David Wood, of Winchester, Va. , and had
seven sons who grew to maturity — Addison,
Thomas, Joseph, John, Samuel, David and Jesse —
of whom Samuel lives in Bridgeport, Fayette Co.,
Penn., and is the father of Charles B. Wood, M. D.,
of Monongahela. (6) Mary married Judge Igna
tius Brown, and moved to Lebanon, Ohio. (7)
Dinah married John Gregg, and had the following
named children: George, Amy, Caroline, Mary,
Harriet, Harmon. George died in Fayette county,
the rest moved to Ohio. There are two accounts

486

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

about Thomas and Amy (Gregg) Gregg's move
ments : one states that they went to Fayette county
from Chester county, Penn., while the other avers
that they moved from the Shenandoah Valley, Va.
Samuel and Elizabeth (Davidson) Miller came from
Chester county, Penn., near where the battle of
Brandywine was fought.
Aaron Thomas Gregg, the subject proper of
this sketch, learned the trade of plasterer with
George D. Stevenson, in Uniontown, Penn. In
1841 he married Catherine, daughter of Joseph
Caldwell, for many years an innkeeper in Monon
gahela, and they had eleven children — seven sons
and- four daughters — of whom one son, Joseph
Caldwell, died in his tenth year; those now living
are (1) Idesta Fidelia, (2) George Alfred, (3) Eliza
Jane, (4) William Thomas, (5) David Swartz, (6)
Charles Carroll, (7) Catherine Leilla, (8) Mary
Cooper, (9) Albert Miller, and (10) John Caldwell.
Of these (1) Idesta Fidelia married Lewis Bollman,
and they moved to Bloomington, Ind. (they had
one son, Charles Harvy, who died at Way Cross,
Ga. , and his father died in Bloomington; the
widowed mother is now at her father's); (2)
George Alfred and (6) Charles Carroll are married
and live at Chehalis, Wash. ; (3) Eliza Jane is at
home, unmarried; (4) William Thomas married
Lenora Fell (they have no children; he collects toll
at the Monongahela river bridge); (5) David Swartz
is single, and now lives in Monongahela; (7) Cathe
rine married John L. Kirk, powder agent at Sharps-
burg, Penn. (they have three children, one son and
two daughters); (8) Mary Cooper married William
I. Beaver, and they live in San Bernardino, Cal.
{they have two sons and one daughter); (9) Albert
Miller married Lilly Le Masters, and they have five
little daughters; (10) John Caldwell is a lieutenant
in the Sixteenth Regiment United States Army,
now stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah (he went to
West Point in 1883, and graduated in 1887).
Aaron Thomas Gregg served as adjutant and
major of the Thirty-seventh Regiment Pennsylva
nia Militia; in 1855 he was elected a justice of the
peace, serving five years; in 1859 he was elected
colonel of the Second Regiment Uniformed Mili
tia, Third Brigade, Seventeenth Division; in 1862
he aided in recruiting Company E, One Hundred
and Fortieth P. V. I., served at its captain till
after the battle of Chancellorsville, and was honor
ably discharged at Falmouth, Va., June 3, 1863,
on account of age and consequent disability. Mr.
Gregg is a Republican, and in 1873 he was elected
an alderman of Monongahela, and served five years.
He belongs to the M. E. Church; has been a mem
ber of the I. O. O. F. since 1853, and is a member
of the G. A. R. Post, No. 60, and of the Loyal
Legion. Mr. Gregg taught school two winters
(1839 and 1840) near Monongahela. In 1849 he
crossed the Plains to the California gold mines, in

Capt. Ankrim's company, which left Pittsburgh
March 15, 300 strong, on the steamboat "Con
signee," Captain Lockwood. He started with
mule teams from St. Joseph, Mo., and was gone
two years.

JOHN S. WILGUS was born at Perryopolis,
Fayette Co., Penn., October 28, 1823, a son
of John and Diadamia (Dannelly) Wilgus,
the former of whom was born in New Jersey
September 12, 1786.
Samuel Wilgus, grandfather of John S., was
also a native of New Jersey, where he was reared
and educated. He married Miss Rhoda 
who bore him four children: William, James,
Edmund and John. He died in his native State.
John Wilgus, father of John S., was educated
at home by his mother, and by close application to
books, became, considering his inferior advantages,
a remarkably good scholar. He afterward moved
to Perryopolis, Penn. , of which place he was one
of the first justices of the peace, an office at that
time of no inconsiderable importance. In the
political movements in his section he took a deep
interest, and he was prominent in his party, first
as a Democrat and later as a Whig; in church con
nection he was also active as a life member of and
local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Society.
In New Jersey he had married Diadamia, daughter
of Joseph Dannelly, who came to Pennsylvania
with Mr. Wilgus in 1806. The children born to
this union were Joseph, Lorenzo D., Melissa,
Louisa, Charlotte, Emily, John S., Diadamia,
Rhoda and Hulda. Mr. Wilgus died in Pennsyl
vania in October, 1871. While a resident of Perry
opolis he read medicine and law, and for several
years practiced as a physician. He was the first
one to suggest the building of the Union Pacific
Railroad in a letter to James K. Polk, then Presi
dent of the United States.
John S. Wilgus passed his youth at the old
home in Perryopolis, and there received a liberal
education. In after life he followed clerking and
merchandising. On September 21, 1845, he mar
ried Barbara, daughter of Samuel Hunter, of West
moreland county, Penn., and seven children blessed
their union, viz.: T. B., of whom a brief sketch
follows; Melissa A. (Mrs. D. M. Hart); Jane (de
ceased); Eva (Mrs. William Beatty); Dora (Mrs.
Krepps); Blanche (Mrs. Fred Mason, now Mrs.
Crawford), and Etta. Mr. Wilgus was originally
a Whig, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay; on
the formation of the Republican party, he enrolled
himself under its banner, and he was also a mem
ber of the Know-nothing party. He held various
offices in different localities: in 1873 he was ap
pointed postmaster at Brownsville, Penn. On
coming to Monongahela City in 1880, he embarked

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

487

in the grocery trade, which he conducted until
1890, when he discontinued the business, and was
elected an alderman of the city. Mr. Wilgus is
an earnest member of the Disciple Church, and
takes an interest in all matters tending to the ad
vancement and prosperity of his town, county and
State. T. B. Wilgus was born in Fayette City, Penn.,
April 12, 1846. Schooling in Brownsville, Penn.
He clerked on the steamers "Franklin" and
¦"Telegraph," on the Monongahela river in 1861,
1862 and 1863; clerk of steamer "Mercury"
(1864) which was in the Government service, carry
ing troops and commissary stores up the Cumber
land river to Gen. Thomas' army, at Nashville^
Tenn. Then steamboated until 1869, on the
¦Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1870 he married
Bessie M., daughter of Jerman Jordan, Esq., and
their children were: Maud (deceased), Blanche and
Frances. Mr. Wilgus was in mercantile business
in Pittsburgh, Indiana and Brownsville (all in
Pennsylvania), until 1878. In 1879 he went to
Leadville, Colo., and Denver, and made a success
of mining. In 1881 he returned, and was an active
broker of the Pittsburgh Oil Exchange until 1885.
He was proprietor of " Hotel Wilgus," Mononga
hela, for six years, to 1892. He has been a mem
ber of the Masonic Fraternity since 1879, belong
ing to Ionic Lodge, No. 35, A. F. & A. M., of
Leadville, Colo., Chapter No. 2, Denver; and Com
mandery No. 1, Knights Templar, of Denver, Colo.

PROWLS FAMILY. Over one hundred
years ago there emigrated from Ireland to
Pennsylvania two brothers, John and James
Sprowls, who, after a short sojourn at Car
lisle, came to Washington county, where James
settled on a farm in East Finley township. He mar
ried a Miss Enlow, who had come to America at the
same time as her husband, and they had children
as follows: Melinda (married to Joseph Martin),
Cyrus, Jesse, John, Simeon and James. The
father of this family died in East Finley township
in 1837, the mother in 1865, at a very advanced age.
Simeon Sprowls, son of the old pioneer James,
was born in East Finley township in 1822, and, as
he was but a boy when his father died, was taken
care of and reared by Albert Squires, in Morris
township, where he learned the trade of carpenter.
He worked at this throughout the county till 1848,
when he bought a farm adjoining the one on which
he was born, and during the rest of his life fol
lowed agricultural pursuits. He died in June,
1878, at the age of fifty-six years, of typhoid
fever; his widow is yet living on the old home
place. Simeon Sprowls was a man above the
average; he was well educated, and had, moreover,
strong native talents. He was a Democrat in poli

tics, and held many positions of trust in the com
munity in which he lived. He was married in
East Finley township to Mary, daughter of Hugh
Montgomery, and the following named children
have been born to them: Oliver M. , in West Fin
ley township; Albert S., of whom special mention
will presently be made; Harvey B., on the old
homestead in East Finley; George B., a merchant
in Claysville; Ruth E. , at home with her mother;
Jennie M., married to Christian Plant, of Clays
ville; and William M., at the old home, caring for
his widowed mother.
Albeet S. Spkowls was born July 3, 1854, in
East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and
was reared on the home farm, attending, during
the winter months, the common schools of his dis
trict. At the age of eighteen he commenced study
at Waynesburg College, where he spent a few
summer seasons, his winters in the meantime being
occupied in teaching country schools. In Febru
ary, 1875, he went to Mt. Union College, in Ohio,
where he graduated in the classical course in 1877.
He had registered as a law student with Alexander
Wilson, Esq., Washington, in 1876, and after
graduation read law with him. In September,
1879, he was admitted to the bar of the county,
and in 1881 commenced the practice of his pro
fession in Washington, in partnership with T. F.
Birch, which continued till 1888, when it was dis
solved by mutual consent. Since then our sub
ject has carried on the business alone. He is a
Democrat in politics, and in 1882, when Robert E.
Pattison was running for governor, he was chosen
chairman of the Democratic County Committee.
He worked with unflagging zeal for the cause, and
was in every election precinct during that fall. In
1883 he received the nomination for district attor
ney. While at college he was a member of the
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and is also a F. & A. M.

fl( LBERT OSBORNE WILSON, prominent
II 1\ among Washington county's most success-
IpW ful young agriculturists, is a descendant of
II one of the oldest families in this section.
Benjamin Wilson, the youngest of five
brothers, was a native of New Jersey, born June
25, 1751, of Scotch-Irish parentage; he married in
1770, Esther Correll, also a native of New Jersey,
born June 29, 1750. The three children by this
union were Joseph M. , born March 9, 1771; Sarah,
born March 10, 1774 (married to one Giles, died
March 1, 1846), and Margaret, born September
14, 1778. The mother of these passed away De
cember 16, 1782, and the father married a second
time (the full name, date of birth and marriage of
this wife are not recorded, but it is known she died
February 16, 1811). Nine children were born to
this marriage, two in New Jersey, viz. : Benjamin,

488

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born January 11, 1788, and Samuel, born July 9,
1790, died June 14, 1818. In 1793 Mr. and Mrs.
Wilson came with their children to Washington
county, Penn. , then a vast wilderness, and entered
land about one and a half miles east of Prosperity,
in Morris township, where they set about to pre
pare themselves a comfortable home. Benjamin
Wilson was a weaver by trade, which he followed
in conjunction with attending to his farm, though
the number of inhabitants in the section at that
time was not sufficient to give him steady employ
ment in that line. After coming to this county
the following children were born to him: Eliza
beth, born September 18, 1794, died December
27, 1859; Jeremiah, born December 11, 1797, died
November 8, 1804; Jacob, born August 4, 1800
(no record of death); William B. , born April 24,
1803, died November 11, 1804; Esther, born May
19, 1805, died January 19, 1889; Nathan, born
July 7, 1807, died March 8, 1853, and John, born
February 23, 1810, died April 10, 1811. Esther
Wilson (who died in 1889 in her eighty-fourth
year) resided with her nephew, John C. Wilson,
the father of A. O. Wilson, for thirty-three years,
and with A. O. Wilson for the last seventeen years
of her life. Benjamin Wilson, Sr., died May 24,
1839, having been bed-ridden for five years. He
was married a third time, this wife being Barbara
Orr, who died November 29, 1855. She was blind
for several years prior to her death. The pioneer
Benjamin, made three trips to New Jersey, after
locating in Pennsylvania, each trip requiring about
twenty-one days, the last being made about 1810.
On one occasion he brought back from New Jersey,
in the old-fashioned saddle bags, the nails to roof
a dwelling which he constructed shortly afterward;
they were of the old flat- jointed variety of wrought
nails, and may still be found on the premises, now
in possession'of William Elliott.
Benjamin Wilson, Jr., the eldest child born to
Benjamin Wilson and Mary Wilson, was five years
of age when his parents removed to Washington
county. He learned the trade of a weaver, and was
also practically tutored in the knowledge of farm
work. On March 8, 1810, he married Mary Pru-
den, who was born May 17, 1782, and to their
union six children were born : Pruden, John C. ,
Hannah, Gabriel, Mary and Eliza. The mother of
these died July 22, 1828, and Mr. Wilson shortly
afterward removed to Greene county, Penn., where
he married, March 4, 1832, Mary Dewberry, to
which union six children were born: Ephraim,
Rhoda, Jacob, Luella, Samuel and Sarah Jane, all
of whom lived to maturity. The surviving mem
bers of the two families are as follows: Hannah,
wife of James Fry, of St. Louis, Gratiot Co.,
Mich.; Ephraim, of Morris township, Greene Co. ,
Penn. ; Rhoda (widow of William Dewberry), re
siding in Virginia; Jacob, a resident of Illinois;

Samuel, living in Nebraska; Sarah Jane living
near Jolly town, Greene Co., Penn.
John C. Wilson, the second son of Benjamin
Wilson and his first wife, was born May 11, 1816.
He received a fair education, and assisted his father
on the farm in Greene county. At the age of six
teen years he w^nt to live with and care for his
grandfather Wilson, who was growing an almost
helpless invalid. After the latter' s death (as before
mentioned) in 1839, John C. gave his attention to
farming, and on January 28, 1846, married Mary
O. Wilson, born December 21, 1817, a daughter
of John Wilson, of Washington, Penn. They
reared a family of five children, viz. : Albert Os
borne; Mary R. , born October 5, 1848, married
Moses Winget, and resides in Morris township;
George M., born July 31, 1851, married Clara
Breese, and resides at Lindley' s Mill ; Oliver, born
August 15, 1854, married Viola Hanna, and also
resides at Lindley' s Mills; Sarah, born July 2,
1858, married Lindley Headley, and resides in
Tyler county, W. Va. The mother died February
25, 1863, and the father July 29, 1872. For five
years previous to his death Mr. Wilson was totally
blind. For twenty years he was an elder in the Pres
byterian Church of Upper Ten Mile at Prosperity.
Albert Osborne Wilson was born December 7,
1846. He received a common-school education,
and at the age of eighteen began learning the shoe
maker' s trade, at which he worked three winters,
assisting his father on the farm in the summer.
On June 14, 1868, he married Lavina Sanders, a
daughter of Thomas Sanders, of Morris township,
and to them three children were born: Isadore,
June 21, 1870; Elsie Ann, June 24, 1873, and
Edna Viola, January 3, 1880. In 1876 Mr. Wil
son purchased the farm where he now resides,
about two and a half miles north of Lindley's
Mills, but did not remove there until 1882. He is
a successful business man, and a public-spirited
citizen. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and
his wife and three children are members of the
Upper Ten-Mile Presbyterian Church at Pros
perity, of which he has been an elder for ten years.
He has now in his possession a hymnbook, bearing
publisher's date of 1792, the family Bible and
record, which belonged to his great-grandfather,
Benjamin Wilson. It bears the name of the book
seller from which it was purchased one hundred
years ago, also the cost mark, which was £1 17s.
6d. From this volume the family have obtained
an accurate record of the early ancestry of this
family. J JEFFERSON P. DUVALL. The Duvall fam-
I ily, of which the subject of these lines is a
j well-known member, has for many years been
closely associated with the progress and im
provement of Washington county.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

491

Alexander and Elizabeth Duvall were natives of
Maryland, descended from French ancestors. They
came to America many years ago and located on a
farm in Washington county, Penn., where Alex
ander died at the age of eighty-five years. Of his
children are named John, David, Jacob, Lewis,
Eli, Jehu, Hiram and Elizabeth, all now deceased.
Jacob Duvall was born February 17, 1789, on
the old home farm in Washington county, Penn.,
where he grew to manhood. In 1810 he was married
to Jane Patterson, who was born January 29, 1797,
and their children were Mary (wife of Moses Bil-
ingsley), Harriet (married to Robert Duvall, a resi
dent of Appanoose county, Iowa), Samantha (wife
of Lewis J. Weaver, a farmer of East Pike Run
township), Jefferson P. (the subject of this sketch),
Alexander, Harrison, Emily, Jane, Thomas, Ruth
and two unnamed. Of this family are yet living
Mary, Harriet, Samantha and Jefferson P. The
father was a prominent agriculturist, and died in
1864, the mother having passed away ten years
prior to his demise.
Jefferson P. Duvall was born April 10, 1830, in
East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and remained on the old place during his youth,
securing a common-school education. In early life
he learned and followed the trade of millwright,
and then ran a gristmill near Coal Centre for several
years. On July 27, 1851, he was united in mar
riage with Sarah Robison, who was born November
9, 1830, in West Pike Run township, Washington
Co., Penn., a daughter of Hiram Robison, who
was born August 19, 1804, and when a young man
was married to Sarah Zook, who was born June
22, 1803. They were the parents of twelve chil
dren, viz.: Thomas, Tyre, Sarah (Mrs. Duvall),
Salem, Isaiah, Hannah (wife of Mark Eagye), John,
John (deceased), Eliza (deceased), and three who
died in infancy. The father, who was a farmer,
died September 23, 1890; the mother was laid to
rest November 24, 1882; both were members of the
M. E. Church, and in politics he was a Democrat.
To the union of J efferson P. and Sarah (Robison)
Duvall the following children have been born:
Thomas; Jane, wife of Allen J. White; Melissa,
wife of John B. Carson; Jacob; Hiram; Ells
worth, and Harrison and Jefferson (twins). Mr.
Duvall owns a good farm of one hundred acres,
with good improvements thereon, and the place
among the old settlers is known as the old Bedall
homestead. Mr. Duvall owns 186 acres in another
tract in East Pike Run township. In politics he
is a Republican, and has served as school director.
He is a charter member of the F. & A. M. Lodge,
No. 461, Coal Centre, and holds the office of junior
warden; his first membership in the Fraternity
was in 1862 at Brownsville, Penn. He and his
wife are members of the M. E. Church.

J I V. REA is a representative of one of the
pioneer families of Cross Creek township.
J Alexander Rea was born in the North of Ire
land about the year 1700, emigrated to Amer
ica and settled on the eastern shore of the Dela
ware, within the confines of New Jersey, in 1734;
but it is not known when or where he died or was
buried, nor can an account be given of any of his
family except his son.
Samuel Rea, son of Alexander Rea, was born
in 1734 in New Jersey, soon after the arrival of
his parents from Ireland. It was his boast that he
was begotten in Ireland, bred on the ocean and
born in America. At an early age he settled on
Martin's creek, in Lower Mount Bethel township,
Northampton Co., Penn., and owned a tract of
land lying between Martin's creek and the Great
Bethel Church (Presbyterian). He was a colonel
in the Revolutionary war, which commenced in
1775. He was married to Ann McCracken, Sep
tember 22, 1761, and to Rebecca Nelson Decem
ber 10, 1782. He died September 19, 1813, in his
eightieth year, and was buried in Great Bethel
graveyard. The marriage with Rebecca Nelson
was without issue, but the following children were
born to him by his wife Ann McCracken: William,
intermarried with Jane Mason ; Sarah, with Robert
Lyle; Janet, with Mr. Sillimen; John, with Re
becca Cox; Alexander, with Miss Jones; Isabel,
with Jephtha Orison; Mary, with William McKib-
ben; Ann, with Rev. George M. Scott, grandfather
of ex-President Harrison's wife (deceased). Ann
McCracken died March 27, 1781, aged forty-five
years. William Rea, the grandfather of J. V. Rea, was
a farmer. He was born in Lower Mount Bethel
township, Northampton Co., Penn., September 13,
1762, and was married to Jane Mason January 24,
1788; crossed the Alleghany mountains to Wash
ington county, Penn., in 1789; lived and taught
school one winter one and one-half miles west of
the town of Hickory, in Mount Pleasant township;
in March, 1790, he purchased a tract of land in
the adjoining township of Cross Creek, from
George Marquis, situated about half way between
Cross Creek village and West Middletown, being
part of a patent entered by Col. James Marshall.
He was appointed and sent as one of a committee
of three by the Whisky Insurrectionists in 1794, to
meet the United States army at Braddock' s Fields,
sent for the subjection of the Insurrectionists. He
was appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania in
1823, a justice of the peace for the townships of
Cross Creek, Hopewell and Mount Pleasant. He
died September 28, 1835, aged seventy-four years,
and was buried in the Presbyterian graveyard at
Cross Creek. The following named children were
born to his marriage with Jane Mason: Annie,

492

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

intermarried with David Campbell; William Mason,
Sr. , with Elizabeth Campbell; Elizabeth, with
George Campbell; Sarah, with Rev. Joseph Vin
cent; Rhoda, with Robert Allison; Isabella, with
William Beatty; Jane, with Joseph McNary;
Samuel, died in 1821, aged twenty-one years; John,
died in 1822, aged twenty years; Mary, died in 1806,
when sixteen months old ; Jane Mason, the mother,
died September 18, 1854, aged ninety years.
William Mason Rea, Sr., was born March 16,
1790, in Cross Creek township, on the farm on
which he lived and died. His death took place
June 27, 1865. He married Elizabeth Campbell
December 26, 1811, and to them were bom the
following children: John C. , born March 19,
1813, intermarried with Mary Ann Lyle October
16, 1835; William, born December 19, 1815, un
married; Joseph V., bom June 22, 1818, married
Eliza Ann McElroy November 26, 1840; Jane, born
June 4, 1823, intermarried with Cyrus Wells, De
cember 22, 1842; Elizabeth, born April 19, 1828,
married William T. Kerr June 27, 1849; C. C.
Rea, born April 28, 1834, married Catherine Cook,
November 27, 1856; Mary, born February 21,
1821, died October 21, 1821, and Samuel, born
April 1, 1830, died February 1, 1839. William
Rea died December 7, 1884; Elizabeth died De
cember 5, 1883; Jane died September 26, 1853;
John C. died September 24, 1882. William Ma
son Rea, Sr., died June 27, 1865, his wife, Eliza
beth on August 21, 1868.
John C. Rea's family is as follows: James L.
married Lizzie Anderson, to whom one daughter
was born (all deceased); William M. married
Martha Keys, to whom four daughters were born
(after her death he married Nannie A. McElroy,
to whom four sons were born); Samuel Jefferson
married Sarah Jane Graham, to whom four sons
and two daughters were born (one son now de
ceased) ; Lizzie married D. M. Pry, to whom two
sons and three daughters were born (Lizzie is de
ceased); Aaron L. (deceased) married Ageline
Keys, and to them one son (deceased) and one
daughter were born; Joseph V. (deceased) married
Clara White, who became the mother of two
daughters; Mary married John Pry, and to them
one son and one daughter were born; Alice M.
married Ewing Mc Wreath, and they had two sons
and one daughter; Eliza A. married J. D. Cook,
and had one daughter (now dead) and one son.
J. V. Rea's family is as follows: Alexander M.,
a physician and surgeon of West Middletown,
married Tamer A. Cochran, and had one daughter
(wife and daughter are both deceased; by his
marriage with Mrs. Coulter three daughters were
born, one of whom is dead); William M. , married
to Maggie J. Acheson, had two sons, Joseph V.
and William A. (wife died May 1, 1873); Nancy
Jane was married to J. W. McDowell, Esq., and

to her were born two sons, Joseph Rea and John
Wilton, and one daughter, Fleda Estella (de
ceased); Jane was married to Cyrus Wells, and
had four sons and two daughters (one daughter
deceased) as follows: Alexander Franklin, married
to Annie Berry, has four sons and three daughters;
William, married to Miss Robison, had four sons
and one daughter; John, married to Clara Ams-
poker, had three sons and one daughter; Joseph,
married to Annie Sheppard, had two sons; Ruth
A. , married to Clinton Morton, had two sons and
one daughter. Elizabeth (Rea) Kerr's family is as
follows: Ella Kerr, married to Theodore Camp
bell, had no issue; Isaac Kerr, married to Matilda
Neal, had two sons and one daughter; Elizabeth
Kerr had one son and one daughter (deceased).
C. C. Rea's family comprised Mary Elizabeth, mar
ried to John N. Smiley (has two sons and two
daughters) ; Florence Ida, married to William Mar
shall (has one son); Winifred Eloine, married to
William Buchanan (has two sons and one daugh
ter); Effie Leonin, not married; Charles Maynard,
single ; Jennie Evelrena, married to Wilmer Cum
mins (had one son and one daughter); Tamer
Catherine, Ella Alberta, Iva Viola, all three single.

H. JONES was born in Monongahela,
Penn., January 23, 1848, a son of T. M.
and Elizabeth Jones. He is a worthy
and intelligent representative of one of
the oldest and most prominent of the colored
families of the city.
Educated in the schools of his native town, there
was developed in him a love for literary pursuits,
a result of which is a library of excellence and
value, and a well-informed man. In his early days
Mr. Jones held various positions in the service of
the Pittsburgh & Brownsville Packet Company,
but desiring to go into business for himself he
resigned and returned to his home, where he has,
in various ways, rendered much service to his
people and city. He has been to some extent
identified with the politics of his city and county,
for several years serving on the county committee,
his services being recognized by his election as
city clerk in 1887, iu 1889, in 1890 and in 1892, a
position he has uniformly filled with dignity and
credit. In June, 1891, Mr. Jones was nominated
by the Republicans for a county office (jury com
missioner), and at the succeeding election, was
accorded a handsome majority, leading the entire
county ticket.
In 1871 our subject married, but was unfortunate
in the loss of his amiable wife in 1889. Two sons,
the fruit of this marriage, are living, the eldest,
Harry, holding a lucrative position in the Govern:
ment service; the younger, Fred, a student in the
schools of Brownsville, Penn. A barber by pro-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

493

fession, Mr. Jones owns the finest equipped parlors
in the Valley, doing a prosperous business; in
addition to the offices heretofore mentioned, held
by Mr. Jones, he is corresponding secretary and
member of the board of management of the Western
Pennsylvania Charitable Association, correspond
ing secretary First District S. S. Association, and
for several years served as on officer in Company
F, Tenth Regiment National Guards of Pennsyl
vania. He also is identified with Church and Sun
day-school work. Mr. Jones enjoys the respect
aud esteem of the community in which he lives,
and is recognized as a man of ability, and a good
citizen.

IlOEL PATTERSON BLAYNEY. This*gentle-
w 1 1 man, one of the wealthy and influential citi-
v\\ zens of West Finley township, is a lineal
^^ descendant of Cadwallader Blayney, a Welsh
man by birth, and a gallant officer in the British
army, who for meritorious services to his country
was made a general, and soon thereafter was
given an estate in Ireland, the mansion on which
came to be known as " Blayney Castle," while the
new occupant was raised to the peerage with the
title of "Lord Blayney." Cadwallader had a
brother, whose baptismal name is forgotten, a
rector in the Church of England.
John Blayney, grandfather of Joel P., came
with his family, in 1795, from his native Ireland
to this country, making his first settlement in Ohio
county, W. Va. Among his children was one Ed
ward, who was born in the Emerald Isle, in 1785,
and. as will be seen, was ten years old when he
came to the United States with his father. Ed
ward assisted in the duties of the farm his father
had settled on in Ohio county, W. Va,, until his
marriage with Miss Betsey Potter, of the same
county. To this union were born four children,
viz.: Joseph, died in West Alexander, Penn.;
David, died in Morrow county, Ohio; Matilda, died
in Ohio county, W. Va. ; and Eliza, died in Mor
row county, Ohio. The mother of these children
dying, Mr. Blayney married, for his second wife,
Miss Nancy Patterson, of Ohio county, W. Va.,
daughter of Robert Patterson, a native of Ireland,
who came to America in pioneer days, settling in
Ohio county, where he passed from earth at the
advanced age of ninety-six years. By this union
there were eight children, as follows: Robert,
married to Jane Campbell, and living in Tuscola,
Douglas Co., 111.; Edward, married to S. J. Pat
terson, and residing in Osage county, Kans. ; Joel,
deceased in infancy; Joel Patterson, our subject;
Mary Jane, died in Ohio; Isaiah, married to Nancy
Floyd, in Nebraska; John McKinley, married to
Sarah Jane Wheatley, and living in Washington,
Penn. ; William S., married to Anna Robinson, of

Ohio county, W. Va. , and died April 1, 1875, in
West Alexander, this county, where his widow is
yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Blayney resided
in Belmont county, Ohio, four years, then returned
to Washington county, and died at the home of the
subject of this sketch, he dying May 3, 1851, the
mother some years later.
Joel Patterson Blayney was born April 13,1829, in
Belmont county, Ohio, where he lived with his father
until he was five years of age, when the family
moved to Washington county, Penn., settling near
Independence. After a four years' residence there
they came to Good Intent, West Finley township,
afterward moved to Marshall county, W. Va., and
thence to the farm where he now lives in West
Finley township. Here he was united in marriage
April 27, 1854, with Joanna Frazier, daughter of
Alexander Frazier, of whom the following interest
ing sketch appeared in the Pittsburgh Leader at
the time of his death:
Alexander Frazier, the oldest man in Washington
county, who died last week, was born in Donegal town
ship in 1792. When he was twelve years old he spent
some time with his grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Ross. One
morning he, for some childish reason, pleaded to go home,
and was allowed to have his wish. That day Mrs. Ross
was cruelly murdered by the Indians, and in all proba
bility her grandson would have met the same fate had
he been with her. In his old age Squire Frazier still
looked back at this as a providential escape. In 1799 he
attended the first school taught In the township by Sir.
McDonald, whose work consisted in teaching the pupils
from " Diller's Spelling Book," the Bible and the shorter
catechism. In 1811 he cast his first vote, and since that
time has not missed an election, being all his life a
strong Democrat, having voted for every Democratic nom
inee for President from Madison to Hancock. The
greater part of Mr. Frazier's life was spent, on a farm
between West Alexander and Good Intent. For a num
ber of years he was justice of the peace, and was a
pioneer Squire Mayes. Once he was offered as a mar
riage fee a $1 bill, with the remark, "take your change
out of this;" in another case, a backwoods bridegroom
offered to split rails. In both cases the generous-hearted
Squire refused the proffered payment, Mr. Frazier was
married three times, and has ten living children, thirty-
nine grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren,
making a total of sixty-six descendants, many of whom
are in the West. Squire Frazier was very generous with
his means, and assisted generously in the building of
three churches. No needy person asked aid of him in
vain. He was a true Christian in profession and practice.
We will not soon forget the familiar form and cheerful
words of Squire Frazier, linked, as he was, with the in
fancy of our country.
It may here be added that the Fraziers are de
scended from Lord Alexander Frazier, a Scotch
peer, who won fame in the seventeenth century by
defending the rights of the Barony of Lovat,
To Mr. and Mrs. Joel P. Blayney were born
eight children as follows: Albert, born in 1855,
married to Dessie Malone; Sophia S., born in 1857,
married to William B. Gibson; Lillie M., born in
1860, married to William Egan; Clement A., born
in 1862, died in infancy; and Edward/ E., Charles

494

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

A., Lizzie A. and S. Rice, born in 1865, 1869,
1871, 1876, respectively, all living in the paternal
home. Mr. Blayney is a living example of what
patience, perseverance, resolution, steadfast integ
rity and strict attention to business will accomplish
in the proper channel. He commenced life with
but $700, to-day he is the owner of 535 acres of as
fine land as can be found in the county, well
stocked with cattle, horses, hogs and sheep; and all
this is over and above losses he has sustained from
time to time in speculation, forfeiture of bonds,
etc., aggregating some $10,000. Mr. Blayney has
always been a Democrat, and served in various
township offices. The family are members of the
Presbyterian Church at West Alexander.

If SRAEL BREESE. Prominent among the re
tired men of Morris township, who have made
life a success, is the subject of this memoir, so
-^ well and favorably known in the community.
Israel Breese was born near Sparta, in Morris
township, Washington Co., Penn., January 20,
1817. His father, Henry Breese, was born near
Mendham, Morris Co., N. J., December 2, 1783,
and emigrated to Washington county, Penn., about
the beginning of the present century. Phcebe
Breese, mother of our subject, who was a daughter
of Jonathan Hayden, was born near the place of her
husband's nativity, November 15, 1785, and mar
ried in 1804. Henry Breese removed to Washing
ton county to look after the large estate of his
father-in-law, near Sparta; but after a time re
sumed work at his trade, blacksmithing, which he
followed the greater part of his life. He died in
1870; his wife surviving him six years. To them
were born twelve children , five of whom are now
living: Mary Ann (wife of Henry Brown), now re
siding in Athens county, Ohio; Phcebe Jane (wife
of Joseph Vauscyoe, of East Finley township,
Washington county); Silas F. (now a resident of
Greene county, nearBeulah); Henry (who has for
thirty years resided in Iowa), and Israel, the sub
ject of this sketch.
After receiving but limited educational advan
tages, Israel, at the age of fourteen years, left home
and started out to face the "stern realities of life"
without a trade or other advantages, save his char
acter and energy, to commend him. He was not
long in gaining a foothold, and his prosperity has
been marked. In addition to a comfortable home
in the town of Prosperity, where he resides, he
owns a well-improved farm. He at one time con
ducted a successful mercantile business at Nineveh,
Greene Co., Penn. His business capacity, integ
rity and genial disposition have commended him
as a fitting subject for trusted public positions,
which he has often been solicited to accept; but
save one term of service as auditor of Greene

county, he has refused to be an office holder ex
cept in his own township. Through his business
efforts, while serving as auditor, $16,000 of back
taxes were collected, and methods were instituted
which resulted in a reduction in the rate of taxa
tion. Many attempts were made to persuade him
to accept other trusts, but he steadfastly refused.
His political views accord with those of the Dem
ocratic party. Mr. Breese was married in 1842 to
Miss Charlotte, daughter of Stephen Cooper, of
Franklin township, and to this union ten children
were born, viz. : Leroy Woods, William Cooper,
Lavina, Mary Louisa, Silas Finley, Clara, James
Henry, Lewis Campbell, Forest Adams and Charles
Weaver, of whom the first five are deceased; Clara
married, G. M. Wilson, of Morris township; James
Henry married Bell Conger; Lewis Campbell mar
ried Florence Andrew; Forest Adams married
Bertha Hayden, of Prosperity; Charles Weaver is
unmarried and resides with his father. The moth
er of this family died in 1884, and October 14,
1886, Mr. Breese married Amanda J. , daughter of
George F. Wolfe, of Greene county, Penn., whose
father, Christopher Wolfe, emigrated from near
Morristown, N. J., about the beginning of the
present century.
THOMAS M. PATTERSON, one of the oldest
and most influential farmers of Cross Creek
township, is a native of the same, having-
been born March 2, 1827, on the J. N. Wal
ker farm. He is a son of James Patterson,
and grandson of Gen. Thomas Patterson, whose
grandfather (James) was a native of Ireland. James
Patterson (1) was born in Ireland in 1708, and
coming to America in 1728, settled in Little Britain
township, Lancaster Co., Penn. He married in
Pennsylvania, and reared a family of ten children,
the sons being named as follows: William, John,
Samuel, James and Thomas.
William Patterson was born in 1733, and was
first married to Rosanna Scott, who bore him chil
dren as follows: Mary, Moses, Samuel, Thomas
and James. The mother of these died April 5,
1769, and on April 10, 1770, William Patterson
married Elizabeth Brown, and ten children were
born to this second union: John, Rosanna, Will
iam, Nathaniel, Rachel, Elizabeth, Josiah, Han-
nab, Nathan and Eleanor. In 1779 the family re
moved to Cross Creek township, this county, set
tling on a farm now owned by R. M. Patterson.
The father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
He died June 29, 1818, and his wife passed from
earth about the year 1828.
Gen. Thomas Patterson (grandfather of subject)
was born October 1, 1764, in Lancaster county,
Penn. , and was about fifteen years of age when his
parents removed to Washington county. In 1795

*'"'— Sfcsj;-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

497

he was married to Elizabeth Finley, of Westmore
land county, Penn. ; and twelve children were born
to them, those who lived to an adult age being
William, James, Samuel, Mary, John, Thomas,
Finley, Elizabeth, Moses and Rosanna. Mr. Pat
terson was a prosperous farmer and very influen
tial citizen, having represented Washington county
in the United States Congress for several years.
He died November 17, 1841.
James Patterson was born April 24, 1798, in
Cross Creek township, and passed his life in the
vicinity of his birthplace. On June 29, 1820, he
was married to Eliza Walker, daughter of Alexan
der and Elizabeth (Norris) Walker, of Cross Creek
township, and they had eleven children, two of
whom are deceased. Those now living are Eliza
beth (Mrs. Russell T. Johnson), Mary (Mrs. Richard
Wells), Thomas M. (subject), Alexander (who was a
wool dealer of New York City, married Jane Hodg-
ens, and died January 7, 1888), Jane (deceased wife
of Robert Marquis), Ambrose (who lived in Nebras
ka, married Margaret A. Richey, and died October
15, 1886), James M. (living in Plattsmouth, Neb. ,
and married to Eleanor Campbell), David F. (a
lawyer of Allegheny, Penn., married to Mary
Gardener) and Emily A. (Mrs. Samuel Latta, liv
ing in Cass county, Neb.). The father of this
family died August 17, 1861, at the home of his
son, Thomas M. In politics he was a Democrat,
active to the interests of his party, and he was a
wide-awake and prosperous business man, winning
friends and success by his integrity. He was a de
voted member of the Presbyterian Church of Cross
Creek township for nearly thirty-four years, and
after a painful illness of several months he was
laid "where the weary are at rest;" his widow died
December 9, 1886.
Thomas M. Patterson (the subject proper of this
sketch) was reared to manhood on the home farm
in Cross Creek township, and in early boyhood
evinced a passionate fondness for the equine race.
At the age of fourteen he was given a six-horse
team, which he cared for and drove many years.
At that time it was necessary for him to make a
trip to Pittsburgh nearly every week in order to
exchange the farm produce for other necessary ar
ticles. On January 14, 1847, he was wedded to
Miss Sarah J. Barber, of Jefferson township, this
county, born November 18, 1827, on the old home
stead, a daughter of John Barber (deceased), a
prominent farmer of that vicinity. In 1857, Thomas
M. Patterson bought a half interest in the store at
Patterson's Mills, which he conducted, also manag
ing his farm until 1861. He then sold, his interest
in the store, and bought the two-hundred- acre farm
upon which he has since worked. He keeps the
land in a high state of cultivation, and gives much
attention to sheep raising, doing an extensive busi
ness in that branch. Politically he has ever been

an active Democrat, and has served as justice of
the peace, assistant assessor and in various other
township offices. He is a liberal supporter of the
Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek village, Mrs.
Patterson being a member of that denomination.

IfOSEPH N. HENRY, a well-known resident
k I of South Strabane township, is a son of John
IfJI Henry, who was born October 14, 1825, in
^^ South Strabane township, on the farm now
occupied by his brother, Robert D. John Henry
passed his earlier years in attending to the duties
of the home farm, but his inclinations led him to
follow mechanical work, and he commenced to
learn the carpenter's trade. After becoming familiar
with each detail of the work, he made a business
of general contracting and' building, meanwhile
managing a farm. He finally devoted his entire
attention to the improvement and cultivation of
the home place. On May 8, 1851, he was married
to Jane N. White, a daughter of one of the pioneers
of Chartiers township, and they had the following
family of children: Ebenezer W. '(residing in
Iowa), Nicholas, Robert, Joseph N. and Lewis A., all
living but Nicholas, who died when eighteen months
old. John Henry was the architect of his own
fortune, and owned over 400 acres of land in
Washington county, Penn., also a farm in Iowa.
Politically he was formerly a Whig, and afterward
became a Republican, ever taking an active
interest in the affairs of his party, and serving
acceptably many years as school director in the
township. He was highly esteemed by all who
knew him, and in religion was an active member of
the United Presbyterian Church, which he served
as a trustee. He died July 11, 1887, and was
buried in the Washington cemetery. His widow,
Jane N. Henry, died February 21, 1892, and was
laid to rest by the side of her husband.
Joseph N. Henry was born May 21, 1859, on the
home farm where his entire life has been passed,
and received his early education in the common
schools. On September 17, 1885, he was united
in marriage with Emma, daughter of Charles S.
Van Kirk, of Amwell township, Washington Co. ,
Penn., and they have had three children: Mary,
John and Katharine E. Mr. Henry is an active
member of the Republican party. The family are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at
Pigeon Creek.
dfAMES S. MOUNTS, a native of Franklin
township, Washington Co., Penn., was born
) May 6, 1835. He is a son of Joseph Mounts,
who was also a native of Washington county,
born Novembor 30, 1793, and passed his earlier
years at home. On July 28, 1817, he was united

498

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in marriage with Elizabeth Montgomery, who bore
him three children: Richard, Mary Jane and Eliza
beth. In April, 1824, the father was married to
Nancy McLaughlin, who was born April 7, 1808,
a daughter of James McLaughlin. James Mc
Laughlin was born in Ireland, where he was mar
ried to Sarah Hawthorne, and soon afterward left
his home in the old country to seek one in the New
World. He finally settled in Washington county,
Penn., where the remainder of his life was passed,
and the following children were born and reared:
Nancy, James, Sarah, Martha and Andrew.
After his marriage Joseph Mounts settled on a
small farm in Buffalo township, Washington county,
and remained there twenty-eight years, when he
purchased the farm on which the remainder of his
life was passed. His children were: Sarah (Mrs.
James Coulson), Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Carson),
Eleanor (Mrs. David Clark), Martha, Nancy C.
(Mrs. James Prigg), James S. (subject of this
sketch), Rebecca (Mrs. William Prigg), Martha J.
(Mrs. John Logan), Maria A., Rachel and Joseph.
Mr. Mounts was a Democrat, and took an active
interest in public affairs. He died August 5, 1877,
and was buried in Washington cemetery.
James S. Mounts spent his early life on the home
farm, and received his education in the common
schools of the neighborhood. On October 20, 1861,
he was married to Susan, daughter of Jacob Werich,
and the following children were born to them:
Melvin, Warren M., Fannie (Mrs. Ed. Elwood),
Nancy and James. The mother of these children
dying, Mr. Mounts was married February 4, 1892,
to Lizzie, daughter of Marquette Wright, of Wash
ington. Mr. Mounts has always been a successful
farmer, and is an enterprising citizen. In political
opinion he is a prominent and earnest worker in
his party. He was a member of the U. P. Church
until the Civil war opened, when the Democrats
were prohibited from fellowship, since which time
he has been connected with no church.

JONAS COOPER. Prominent among the old
est, best-known and most highly esteemed
citizens of Washington county stands Jonas
Cooper, who in his social and political life
has proven himself in all respects worthy of the
good name he bears. He is a native of the county,
having been born May 30, 1814, on the farm where
he now lives in Franklin township. His grand
father, Moses Cooper, was born August 8, 1727,
in New Jersey, and there married Mary (Doty\)who
was born April 30, 1733, and died "Noveint^r 14,
1823. The names and dates of birth of the chil
dren born to this union are as follows: Zebulon,
January 13, 1752 (died December 22, 1835); Mo
ses, April 4, 1754 (died April 16, 1831); Mary,
June 6, 1756 (died October 21, 1832); Elizabeth,

May 26, 1759 (died in 1844); Nathaniel, Septem-
ber 21, 1761 (died April 16, 1848); Eunice, March
26, 1764 (died July 14, 1850); Lemuel, March 4,
1767 (died January 19, 1797); Penelope, Novem
ber 28, 1769 (died July 28, 1833); Ephraim, July
9, 1772 (died February 18, 1860); and Stephen,
February 14, 1775 (died May 29, 1853). In 1778
the father, Moses Cooper, started with his large
family from New Jersey for Washington county,
Penn. , but while on the way he died in Fayette coun
ty, Penn. , where he is buried. He had sold his prop
erty in New Jersey, receiving in payment thereof
"Continental money," which had so depreciated
at the time of his death as to be comparatively
worthless. The family, now almost penniless,
continued their • journey westward, arriving in
course of time at their destination. Zebulon, one
of the sons, had learned the trade of a tanner in
New Jersey, and upon his arrival in Washington
county commenced business in a very modest way
in that line. -He took his brother Ephraim as an
apprentice, teaching him both the tanning and
shoemaking trades, the first of which he (Ephraim)
subsequently followed nearly his entire life. He
commenced by tanning his own leather, and going
from house to house, making shoes at 30 cents a
pair. He soon, however, purchased the farm now
occupied by our subject, and on it built one of the
first tanneries in this section, which stood until
1890. On February 27, 1794, he married Marga
ret, daughter of Abram Van Voorhees, who bore
him the following children: Daniel, born February
17, 1795. died June 26, 1877; Catherine, born
June 17, 1798, died February 12, 1876; Nellie,
born January 6, 1804, died December 16, 1878;
Lany, born December 1, 1806; Pamelia, born Feb
ruary 28, 1811; and Jonas, born May 30,1814.
The father died February 18, 1860, the mother on
March 6, 1859. Ephraim Cooper was an energet
ic man, and one who took a lively interest in the
prosperity and growth of his county. He taught
his trade to at least fourteen men and boys. In
politics he was an active Whig, and in religion
was first a leading supporter of the Upper Ten-
Mile Presbyterian Church, of which he was one of
the organizers, and in 1831 united with the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church.
Jonas Cooper passed his boyhood and youth
with his parents, attending school occasionally.
When old enough he learned the trade of a tanner,
and after the retirement of his father from active
life conducted the tannery which the latter had
established. On November 3, 1836, Mr. Cooper
married Sarah, daughter of Luther Axtell, of New
Jersey, who came at an early date to Washington
county. The children born of this union were:
Daniel, born September 14, 1837, died January
27', 1875, in Jefferson county (he was educated at
Waynesburgh College, and for many years was a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

499

minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church) ;
Philip A., born February 12, 1839; Emeline (Mrs.
Joseph Riggs, of Morris township), born July 8,
1842; Alva, born May 20, 1844 (he was educated
at Waynesburgh College, and was a minister of
the ¦ Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bentley
ville, Washington county) ; Sarah J. (Mrs. Ira B.
Baldwin), born April 13, 1848 (in Decatur county,
Kans.); and Jonas J., born July 13, 1853, died at
the age of ten years. Our subject has been from
his youth a member of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church. In politics he was first an Old-line
Whig, then a Republican, but is now a pronounced
supporter of the Prohibition party. His wife died
August 23, 1885.
Philip A. Cooper enlisted in August, 1862, in
Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsyl
vania Volunteer Infantry, which was first sent to
Maryland to guard the railroads, and then joined
Hancock's division. He participated in many of
the hardest fought battles of the army of the Po
tomac, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine
Run, Wilderness, Ford's Tavern, Deep Bottom,
Charles City Cross Roads, Reams Station, Peters
burg, and many others, and was present at Lee's
surrender. On his return home he commenced
farming, an occupation he has since continued.
On January 4, 1870, Mr. Cooper married Ellen,
daughter of Michael Slusher, of Amwell township,
and of this union have been born the following
children: Addie M. , Ashton Carey, Nora B. ,
Howard D. and Lewis C. Mr. Cooper is a mem
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In
politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now
a Prohibitionist.

If AMES S. ARTHUR, a prominent citizen of
. Chartiers township, is one of the three chil-
rll dren bom to William Arthur, whose father
^^ was also named William. William Arthur,
the grandfather of James S. was born in Ire
land, and some time after his marriage came to
Washington county, Penn. , with his family. He
settled on a farm in Chartiers township, where his
two sons, William and James, were reared. The
father died in 1840, having been preceded by his
wife in 1838.
William Arthur was born in Ireland, and came
with his parents to Pennsylvania when only four
years of age, there growing to manhood. He then
selected as a life companion Rebecca Foster, and
after marriage the young people settled on the farm
in Chartiers township, which is now occupied by
the son James. Three children were born to their
union: Elizabeth (wife of John McCarty, of Char
tiers township), James S., and Mary Anne, who died
in her eighteenth year. William Arthur passed
his whole life in this county. He was an active

worker in the Democratic party, and in religion a
member of the United Presbyterian Church. He
died about the year 1847, being followed by his
wife in 1868.
James S. Arthur was born January 27, 1833, in
Chartiers township, this county, and passed his
early life on the home farm, being educated in the
subscription and district schools of the period.
On January 28, 1864, he was married to Sarah
Jane Palmer, who was born in Washington county,
September 24, 1843, a daughter of David and
Hannah (Crawford) Palmer. David Palmer was
born in July, 1816, in County Armagh, Ireland,
and in- 1833 came with his parents to Washington
county, Penn., where in 1842 he was married to
Hannah Crawford. After his marriage Mr. Palmer
settled on a farm in this county, where the
following children were born: Thompson (living
in North Strabane township), Sarah Jane (wife of
James S. Arthur), Margery (married to Newton G.
Watson, and died in Iowa May 27, 1891), Mor
rison (deceased in May, 1868,) and Elizabeth (wife
of Prof. S. W. Reed, living in Washington, Iowa).
The father of this family died in July, 1890, having
been preceded by his wife in May, 1872.
After his marriage to Sarah Jane Palmer, James
Arthur settled on the homestead farm, consisting
of 110 acres. This farm is underlaid with a valu
able six-foot vein of coal, and the mines have been
opened on the farm for a number of years, Mr.
Arthur's ancestors having been active coal mer
chants. The mines are still under operation by
J. S. Arthur & Sons. Mr. Arthur takes an active
part in politics, voting with the Democratic party,
and is a well-known and enterprising citizen.
James S. and Sarah Arthur have been blessed with
a family of eight children, as follows: Ida May,
William, Elizabeth Jeannette, Margarete, James S. ,
David Clarence, John (deceased in infancy) and
George Lawrence.

/

L JIfRS. MARTHA G. BELL. Among the
\/A' well-known and highly respected families
¦(J of East Finley township none hold higher
-* social position than that of the late Zadoc
L. Bell. He was a son of Samuel Bell, a
native of Fayette county, Penn., born in 1806, of
Scotch-Irish parents.
When Samuel was yet a boy hiB father died, and
his home was made with his widowed mother
until he was fourteen years of age, when he was
apprenticed to a blaoksmith to learn the trade.
With him he remained until he was twenty-one
years old, when to his sorrow he learned that his
employer was bankrupt, and he had to take an
old, broken-down horse in payment of wages due
him. Not discouraged, however, at this unexpected
interruption to his prospects, Mr. Bell mounted

500

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

his horse, then his only possession, and set out for
the West. Horse and rider swam the Mononga
hela river, and then proceeded on to Van Buren,
Franklin (then Morris) township, Washington
county, where he rented a kit of blacksmith's
tools, and purchased a leather apron on time,
toward the payment of which the first 50 cents he
earned in his new venture went. • He worked hard,
and was soon able to pay the balance and purchase
the tools. He was married to Matilda Luellen,
who was bom January 14, 1810, and who became
the mother of the following named children: Sarah,
wife of A. C. Cracroft, of Franklin township;
Thomas J., a farmer of East Finley township;
Zadoc L.; Elizabeth, wife of M. A. McKeen, of
East Finley township; Nancy, wife of David Gantz;
Martha, who was married to Dr. T. P. Simpson,
but is now deceased; and Robert, a farmer of
Franklin township. The untiring energy, industry
and perseverance of Samuel Bell soon enabled him
to purchase a small tract of land, and afterward
another, still larger. In 1840 he abandoned his
trade and commenced farming, which he followed
the rest of his life, doing, in connection therewith
a large business in live stock, buying and selling,
in all of which interests he deservedly prospered,
and at the time of his death, in 1880, he was the
owner of several hundred acres of the very best
farm land in the county. He was a thoroughly
representative self-made man in every essential.
His widow died in 1890.
Zadoc L. Bell, second son of the above, was
born February 12, 1832, at Van Buren, Franklin
(then Morris) township, Washington Co., Penn.
There he received a liberal education at the country
schools, and followed agricultural pursuits on his
father's farm. On April 9, 1855, he was united
in marriage with Martha G. McKeen, daughter of
John and Margaret McKeen, of East Finley town
ship, and she bore him seven children, of whom
the following is a brief record: Theodore D.,
born July 22, 1856, is now a farmer in Morris
township, this county; Matilda, born March 13,
1858, married C. H Andrews, and died May 22,
1888; Samuel, born January 20, 1861, is a jeweler
in Claysville, Penn. ; Sarah Ellen, born August 13,
1863, is married to E. C. Booth, of Washington,
Penn.; Erminie Blanche, born July 12, 1866, is
married to J. E. Andrews, of Lindley' s Mills, this
county; Thomas Remley, born April 5, 1870, is a
school teacher and lives at home; Birdie Caroline,
born August 29, 1872, is married to L. H. Ramsey,
of Lagonda, Penn. Soon after his marriage Zadoc
L. Bell 'purchased of his father the old Van Scyoc
farm, on which his widow yet resides and manages.
This property is one of the best in East Finley
township. Mr. Bell died suddenly July 9, 1891,
after a busy and successful life. In addition to
his general farming interests he dealt extensively

in live stock, and in all his business transactions
he was recognized as an honorable, straightfor
ward man, one who made and kept hosts of friends,
and wielded an influence for good in the commu
nity. In politics he was a life-long Democrat, and
one of the advisers in his party; in religion he was
a most liberal contributor, not only to his own
church, the Cumberland Presbyterian at Fair-
view, but to all denominations in need of pecuniary
assistance. His widow is a member of the Fair-
view Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

OBERT LITLE. Among the older and
most successful agriculturists of East Fin
ley township, none stand higher or are more
respected than the gentleman whose name
opens this sketch.
William Litle, father of our subject, waB born
in Bedford county, Penn., in 1798, of Scotch-Irish
parents. His educational opportunities were very
meager, but his practical experiences were almost
unlimited. At about the age of eighteen he set
out for the then "great West," at that time offer
ing magnificent opportunities for ambitious young
men who were willing to work and encounter hard
ships. About the year 1817 he arrived in Wash
ington county, Penn., and soon found employment
in the carding-mills there, in which he worked
about seven years, or until after his marriage in
1823. He then purchased with his hard-earned
savings a tract of land in East Finley township,
near the Buffalo township line, on which he erected
a log cabin, moving thereon with his young wife,
and here they passed the remainder of their days,
working industriously and adding to their posses
sions. Mrs. Litle was a Miss Mary Ann Patter
son, a native of Washington, Penn., whose father,
James Patterson, had emigrated from Ireland.
Ten children were'born to this union, as follows:
James, who died at the age of fifteen years; Henry,
now a retired farmer, residing in Hiawatha, Kans. ;
Alexander H. , living retired in Washington, Penn. ;
William, who died at the age of thirty- five years;
Robert, our subject; Martha, deceased at the age of
twenty-one; Isabel, deceased at the age of thirty-
nine; Jane, now a resident of Hiawatha, Kans. ,
married to Stewart Litle; Carpenter, deceased
in infancy, and Kate, wife of William McCreery,
of Buffalo township. The father died in 1887,
the mother in 1880. They were members of the
M. E. Church, and in politics Mr. Litle was a life
long Democrat.
Robert Litle, the subject of this memoir, was
bom February 26, 1831, in Buffalo township,
Washington Co., Penn. His education was some
what limited, as regards book learning, but his
knowledge of agriculture, which he obtained under
the preceptorship of his father, was invaluable.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

501

On April 1, 1856, he was married to Mary Ash
brook, who was born February 17, 1835, a daugh
ter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Braddock) Ashbrook,
and to this union the following children were born:
A daughter that died in infancy; James, born De
cember 10, 1857, died September 1, 1862; Ida
Bell, born April 19, 1860, married to William For-
gie, of Washington, Penn. ; Lizzie Ann, born June
4, 1862, wife of William Donaldson, of East Fin
ley township; Amelia J., born June 9, 1865, and
William A. , born September 7, 1869, both living at
home. After his marriage Mr. Litle purchased
some land adjoining his father's property, situated
about three miles southeast of Claysville, on Buf
falo creek, in East Finley township. Here he has
"since resided, engaged in general farming, in which
he has been eminently successful, and he and his
worthy life partner enjoy the esteem and respect
of all their neighbors. They are members of the
M. E. Church at Claysville, and in politics Mr.
Litle is a solid Democrat.

El DWARD GRAHAM ALEXANDER, a pros
perous farmer of East Finley township, is
a grandson of John Alexander, a native of
Ireland, who immigrated to Fayette county,
Penn., in an early day, where his children were
born and reared.
Edward Alexander, son of the pioneer John, was
born in Fayette county, Penn., November 14,
1792, and when yet a boy came in company with
two brothers to Ohio, which was then considered
"out West." They located in the northern part
of the State, and remained there some time, but
Edward, becoming discontented, returned to Wash
ington county, Penn. , and took a contract for the
construction of one mile of the "National pike,"
west of Washington borough. On April 4, 1816,
Mr. Alexander was married to Sarah Shoaff, a na
tive of Virginia (born near Rumley), of German
ancestry, and the following children were born to
them: James, Jacob, Edward Graham (subject),
David (deceased in infancy), Hezekiah and Sarah
Jane (wife of Jesse Plants), living in East Finley
township. Our subject and the daughter just
named are the only living members of the above
family. After his marriage Mr. Alexander lived
some time on Buffalo creek, and in 1825 came to
East Finley township, locating on the farm now
occupied by his son Edward, which is situated on
Templeton fork of Wheeling creek, about half a
mile from its mouth. Mr. Alexander continued to
reside on this farm until his death, which occurred
in the year 1874. His wife died in 1880.
Edward Graham Alexander was born in East
Finley township, Washington county,- June 8,
1820, and passed his boyhood on the farm. In
1848 he was united in marriage with Hannah Van

derhoof, who was bom June 24, 1829, a daughter
of Peter Vanderhoof, a native of New Jersey. She
bore him children as follows: Margaret J., Heze
kiah, William, Isabel (who died February 15,
1890), Mary, Sarah, Amanda, James, Rosanna,
Catherine and Jacob. After his marriage Mr.
Alexander moved into a log cabin near his present
home, and began the struggle of life. By dint of
incessant toil and tireless energy he has succeeded
in accumulating a comfortable property, and also
in winning and retaining the highest regard of all
who know him. In politics he has always been a
Democrat. He attends the Windy Gap C. P.
Church, of which his wife is a member.

LEWIS A. HENRY, a young and enterpris
ing citizen of South Strabane township, is a
I son of John Henry, who was born October
— 14, 1825, on the farm in South Strabane
township, Washington county, which is now occu
pied by Robert D. Henry. John Henry passed
his earlier years in agricultural duties, and being
of a mechanical turn of mind, afterward learned
the carpenter's trade, beginning business as a
general contractor and builder, and managing a
farm at the same time. He ultimately gave his
whole time to the latter occupation, making nu
merous improvements on the home place. He was
united in marriage May 8, 1851, with Jane N.
White, whose parents were among the pioneers of
Chartiers township, and to their union were born
children as follows: Ebenezer W. (living in Iowa),
Nicholas, Robert, Joseph N. and Lewis A., all living
but Nicholas, who died when eighteen months old.
Mr. Henry owed his financial success to his own
exertions, and accumulated a comfortable property,
being the owner of over 400 acres of land in
Washington county, Penn., also of a farm in Iowa.
In political preferences John Henry was formerly
a Whig, and upon the organization of the party
became identified with the principles of the Repub
lican platform, and filled the office of a school
director in the township for many years. He was
a highly respected citizen, and in religion an active
member of the United Presbyterian Church, in
which he filled the office of trustee. On July 11,
1887, he passed away, and was laid to rest in
Washington, cemetery; his wife, Mrs. Jane N.
Henry, died February 21, 1892, and was laid to
rest beside him.
Lewis A. Henry was reared in South Strabane
township, this county, and acquired his early edu
cation in the common schools. In the year 1880,
he entered Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh,
Penn., from which he graduated the same year.
He then began to manage the farm, and on Feb
ruary 14, 1889, was married to Mary, daughter of
James McClure, a resident of Chartiers township,

502

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Washington county. They came immediately to
the home place where they have since resided. Mr.
Henry and his wife are members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, and in polit
ical life he is an enthusiastic Republican.

L

OUIS DUVALL, one of the most substantial
farmers of Hopewell township, was the
youngest son of Louis, who was a son of
Alexander and Abigail Duvall. Alexander
Duvall came from France to America at an early
day, and first located east of the mountains, after
ward removing to Fayette county, Penn. , near
the Monongahela river, where the remainder of his
days were passed.
Louis Duvall received a common-school educa
tion, and after his marriage, to Hannah McAdams,
removed to Still Water, Ohio, then almost an
unbroken wilderness. They were in constant
dread of the Indians, and when her husband was
obliged to leave home to go to mill the wife would
hide herself and children until his return. Mr.
Duvall contracted malaria while in Ohio, and
returned to Washington county to regain his
health. No house being ready for them on their
return, they lived for a time in a barn, which was
remodeled and fitted up for the purpose. But
though living to a goodly age, Mr. Duvall never
regained his health, and upon the devoted wife
and mother fell the heavy weight of providing and
caring for the needs of the family. She often
found it necessary to take her infant to the field,
leaving it in a corner of the fence while she hoed
corn. By their united efforts, in spite of the
husband's poor health, they were successful and
accumulated considerable property. Of the nine
children born to them, only three are now living,
viz. : Hannah (widow of Elias Garrett, of West
Bethlehem township), Abigail (wife of Jacob
Deems, now residing in West Pike Run township,
this county) and Louis. Mary, Eliza, Jane, Maria,
Isabel and John are deceased. The father and
mother were members of the Society of Friends,
being regular attendants at the services, though
the meeting house was five miles distant.
Louis Duvall was born in 1830, in East Pike
Run township, this county, and was reared on the
home farm. Owing to the feeble health of his
father the bulk of the farm work fell upon the
boys as soon as they were old enough to be of use.
In the summer time he could not attend school,
and through the winter, school lasted but three
months. All farm work was done by hand in those
days. Grain was cut with sickles or cradles, as
there were no threshing machines; it was then
beaten out with flails or trampled out with horses,
being afterward cleaned in a fanning-mill. The
winter season was the time for doing such work,

and as the process was long and tedious, the
opportunities for getting an education were very
limited. The schools of that time were very
primitive affairs compared with those of to-day,
and speaking of them Mr. Duvall said: "I wonder
that we got any education. If the children of to
day could see with what difficulties we had to con
tend, they would better appreciate the advantages
of the present school system. The school-house I
attended was as good as the times afforded. It was
built of hewn logs, and had windows of four small
panes each. The seats were slabs, into which
wooden pegs were driven for legs. There were no
backs or desks. Around the sides of the room holes
were bored into which long wooden pins were
driven. On these pins boards were fastened
forming a writing-desk. The ceiling was low and
liberally festooned with cobwebs. No maps or charts
were used to help the youngsters with their lessons.
Into a room of this kind fifty or sixty pupils were
crowded. The teachers were men of muscle as well
as brains, and believed in the efficacy of the rod."
Mr. Duvall attended school whenever possible
until he was sixteen or eighteen years of age, then
turned his attention entirely to farming, working
his father's place.
In 1853 he was married to Mary Deems, a
native of Clarksville, Greene Co., Penn., daughter
of John and Mary (Reynolds) Deems, the former
being a native of Washington county, and the
latter born in Fayette county, Penn. To Mr. and
Mrs. Duvall have been born eleven children, as
follows: John R., Hannah M., Annie M., San
Jacinto, William L., Mary Olive, Ulysses G. and
Schuyler C. (twins), Lurilla (deceased), W. Claud
and Dot Dell. They continued to reside in East
Pike Run township until 1879, when Mr. Duvall
purchased a farm of 163 acres in Hopewell town
ship, where he has been engaged in farming and
wool growing, being ably assisted by his sons, none
of whom are married. Two of the daughters are
married: Hannah (to John Barnes, residing in
Claysville, this county) and San Jacinto (married
to Albert Rush, living in Hopewell township, this
county). Mr. Duvall has endeavored to give each
of his children as good an education as possible.
His twin sons are attending college at Ada, Ohio.
In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he
and his wife are members of Buffalo Presbyterian
Church.

OBERT B. FRYE, a prominent merchant
of Finleyville, is a son of West Frye, whose
father, Luke Frye, was of German descent,
and a native of Washington county, living
near the Horseshoe church. Luke Frye
was married to Miss West, a daughter of Samuel
West, of Washington county, and to this union

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

503

were born three children, namely: West (whose
sketch follows), Hester (wife of Elgy Van Voorhes),
and Violet (Mrs. James Jennings).
West Frye was born in 1818, near the Horseshoe
church, Carroll township, Washington Co. , Penn.
He was reared to farm life, and in early days dis
tilled whisky in connection with his agricultural
duties. In 1840 he was married to Miss Christina
Van Voorhes, a daughter of Daniel Van Voorhes,
of Fallowfield township, Washington county. She
was born in 1821, and reared on the farm, receiv
ing her education at the high school and seminary
of Allegheny, Penn. After they were married the
young couple located on the old homestead near
Horseshoe church, where they remained several
vears. They afterward moved to Monongahela,
where he engaged in distilling, but in 1857 moved
to Union township, this county, where he followed
farming and hotel keeping. At that time the town
of Finleyville was yet in its infancy, and has since
been enlarged so much that it now covers a portion
of the Frye farm. Mr. Frye was instrumental in
building up the town, having erected several dwell
ings and business blocks. In politics he was a
valued member of the Republican party. The fol
lowing children were born to this couple, viz. :
Robert B. (whose name opens this sketch) ; Sarah
A. (who was married to J. H. Gaston, and is
engaged in the millinery and notion business) ; Mary
H. (who was married to I. N. Morrison); Martha
E. (Mrs. Boggs, of Des Moines, Iowa), and Ella C.
(living at home).
Robert B. Frye was born in 1841, on the old
farm at Horseshoe church, this county, and assisted
his father in the general agricultural duties. He
graduated from the Iron City College, Pittsburgh,
and in 1862 joined the Eighteenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry. He served in the army of the Potomac
until the siege of Petersburgh, when his regiment
joined General Sheridan' s forces, and entered the
Shenandoah Valley. September 28, 1862, Robert
Frye was left on the field for dead, at Rock Fish
Gap, near Waynesborough. He was captured by
the enemy, and (as soon as his wounds would per
mit) taken to Libby Prison November 10, 1864,
where he remained until February 22, 1865. He
was then paroled and first taken to Annapolis,
thence to Philadelphia, and put in the Mower
general hospital, from there receiving his discharge
June 17, 1865. After the war he came home and
went West in 1866, but, returning to Washington
county in 1870, was married to Catherine B., a
daughter of Michael Teeple. The wedding cere
mony took place on the anniversary of the day that
he was wounded on the battle field, September 28,
1870. The young couple first located in Melrose,
Iowa, and then lived in Kansas and Colorado, and
different parts of the West. In 1891 they returned
to Finleyville, Washington county, to help care for

his aged mother. Mr. and Mrs. Frye are the
parents of three children: Ella M., Jennie D. and
Robert M. He was one of the first to support the
Republican party, but has recently espoused the
cause of the Peoples' party, and was the nominee
of same, for representative from Washington
county, in the campaign of 1892.

*/

MRS. VIOLET G. HAPPER. John A.
Happer (deceased) was a cultured citizen,
and a representative of one of the oldest
-1 families of Union township, his grand
father, John Happer, having settled upon
the Happer homestead in Union township in 1787.
This ancestor was a native of Ireland, from which
country he and his wife, Martha (Patton), emi
grated in 1778, and on May 19, 1787, received a
patent for 300 acres in Union township. He was
a weaver by trade, but after arriving in America
devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. His chil
dren were Ann (Mrs. John Steele), Andrew, Bap
tist (who always resided on the old homestead),
Andrew (who lived in Ohio), John, Samuel and
Jane, none of whom are yet living.
Baptist Happer, son of John and Martha, was
born July 15, 1787, on the home farm in Union
township, Washington county. On September 27,
1808, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann
Arrell, and remained on the homestead all his life.
He was a prosperous agriculturist, and an exten
sive stock dealer. Politically he was a supporter
of the principles embodied in the Whig party. The
following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hap
per: Sarah (deceased wife of Rev. Thomas Gault),
who resided in the Western States; John P. (de
ceased); Samuel (deceased), who went West; John
A. (deceased); Andrew P. (still living), for forty
years a missionary in China, whither he was sent
by the Presbyterian Board of Missions; James B.,
a resident of Illinois; and Margaret J., who resides
in the West.
John A. Happer was born October 1, 1816, on
the ancestral acres in Union township, Washington
county. He attended Jefferson College, and be
came a well-educated, intellectual and prominent
citizen, serving in the State Legislature in 1862-63.
In 1838 he was married to Violet Gardener, who
was born in 1818, on a farm in Allegheny county,
Penn., daughter of John Gardener, a native of
Chester county, Penn. The young couple contin
ued tt> reside on the homestead, which contains 220
acres of fine land, and in connection with general
farming, Mr. Happer made a specialty of stock
raising. He was the first to bring Berkshire hogs
into the neighborhood, and among the first to intro
duce Durham cattle in Union township. In polit
ical opinion he was a Republican, and took a special
interest in educational matters, having served for

504

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

many years as a member of the school board. In
religion he was a member and elder of the Mingo
Presbyterian Church. He died November 11,
1890, leaving a widow and the following children:
Andrew G. (a resident of Washington, Penn.),
Maggie A. (wife of J. J. Beacon, LL. D.), Isabella
(married to Dr. Cheeseman), James B. (deceased),
Frank A. (living in Washington, D. C, is married
to Emma Foster), Oliver P. (deceased), Elizabeth,
Wllmer, and Ella Blanche (deceased).

*/

HELON B. LEYDA was born July 27, 1834,
in Somerset township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He is a son of George and Luz-
anna (New-Kirk) Leyda, and grandson of
Benjamin and Catherine (Stoody) Leyda.
The latter couple were natives of Pennsylvania,
and settled in Washington county, Penn., where
they reared a family of eleven children.
George Leyda was born in 1796, and reared on
the farm, receiving a limited literary training in
the subscription schools. In 1823 he embarked
on the matrimonial sea in company with Luzanna
New-Kirk, who was born in 1803. He then pur
chased a large tract of land, and followed farming
and stock raising extensively in Washington county
the remainder of his life. Politically he voted the
Republican ticket, and in church connection he
and his wife were members of the Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian Church. He died in 1864, his wife
in 1868, leaving the following family of children:
Catherine (wife of I. V. Riddle, a farmer of
Somerset township), Rhoda (married to Noah
Myers, a resident of Toronto, Ohio), Julia (widow
of David Clark, living in Nottingham township),
Mary (widow of Daniel Teeters, of this county),
Jane (wife of William Williams, a farmer of this
county), James H (a practicing physician of Alle
gheny, Penn.), Isaac N. (practicing medicine with
his brother James), Almond R. (a real estate dealer
of Beaver Falls, Beaver Co. , Penn. ) and Helon B.
Helon B. Leyda remained on the home farm
during his boyhood, and attended school. On
March 23, 1882, he was married to Mary, daughter
of John and Julia A. (Grable) McCormick. Mr.
Leyda owns 108 acres of well-cultivated land. In
politics he is a Republican, and he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J(OHN L. PROUDFIT. He who begins at
the lowest round of the ladder, and, with'his
] eyes fixed on the goal, overcomes each
obstacle, rising step by step until that goal
is won, is the man to whom all honor is due.
Of such a character is the gentleman of whom we
write. He is a worthy representative of an old
and well-known pioneer family.

David Proudfit, grandfather of subject, was a
native of Scotland, and coming to America, located
in York county, Penn., wbere a son, John, was
born to him, January 28, 1775. In 1802 this John
Proudfit came to Washington county, Penn.
locating in Hanover township. On April 9, 1 809
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a
native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township,
born March 24, 1793, a daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle. Some time after their
marriage John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit re
turned to York county, as the father of John was
growing old and feeble, and needed the care of his
children. The young people remained on the
home farm until the death of the father, which
event occurred in 1826. John and his family then
again moved to Washington county, settling one
mile west of Burgettstown, where he passed the
remainder of his life. The trips across the mount
ains were fraught with much danger and incon
venience. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit
rode 300 miles on horseback to make a visit to
relatives in York county, the wife carrying an in
fant in her arms, and many hardships were en
dured on the journey. The following children
were born to these pioneers: David, born August
13, 1810, died September 19, 1813; John L.
(deceased), born September 3, 1812; James K.,
born April 21, 1815, died February 25, 1816;
Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith town
ship), born January 2, 1817, died December 21,
1892; Agnes, born June 17, 1819, died August 15,
1824; Robert F., born December 23, 1821, died in
Smith township, in September, 1886; Cinderella
(wife of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland county,
Ohio), born September 16, 1824; William, born
May 10, 1828; Andrew J., born March 20, 1831;
and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover
township, this county), born August 29, 1833, now
in Hanover township.
John L. Proudfit was born in Hanover township,
Washington county, and when but eight months
old was taken by his parents to York county, Penn. ,
where he received his early education. When
sixteen years of age he returned with his parents
to Smith township, Washington county, and
entered the arena of agricultural pursuits. When
a young man he was married to Eleanor Campbell,
who bore him four children, as follows: Elizabeth
(Mrs. William A. P. Linn), Jennie (wife of Dr.
W. P. Taylor), Martha E. (deceased wife of John
M. Moore) and Amanda, deceased. On December
24, 1867, Mr. Proudfit married, for his second wife,
Mrs. Nancy Byers, widow of Alexander Byers, and
daughter of Alexander Duncan, who was born
November 14, 1792, in Smith township, where his
whole life was passed. Mr. Duncan was first
married to Matilda Crothers, a native of this
county, who bore him two children, James C. , and

'••:'.::

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

507

Matilda E. (wife of Samuel MacFarland, but now
deceased). The mother of these children dying,
for his second wife Mr. Duncan married Jane
Knox White, daughter of Thomas W7hite. They
settled near Florence, Penn. , and three children
were born to their union, of whom the following is
a brief record: Nancy D. was married to J. L.
Proudfit, as above stated; Jane was the wife of
David Van Eman, and became the mother of three
children: Alexander, William W. and Jennie
White; John W. (deceased) was married to Harriet
Culley, who bore him the following children:
George A. (deceased), Byers D. , Addie J. , Levi
H., John C, James M., Hattie and Robert M. Mr.
Duncan was first a Whig, afterward a Republican
in politics, and in religion a member and trustee
of the Presbyterian Church at Florence.
John L. and Nancy Proudfit continued to reside
at Burgettstown, where he dealt extensively in
stock, giving special attention to sheep raising.
When the Burgettstown National Bank was organ
ized, he was elected president of that corporation,
at first of the Savings Bank connected with it,
filling that office until his death, which occurred
in 1882, when he was seventy years of age. In
politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a Pres
byterian, and an elder in that Church, at the time
of his death a member of the U. P. Church in
Burgettstown. Mrs. Proudfit is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Since the death of her hus
band she has continued to reside at the old home,
having a niece living with her.

,\ILLIAM Mc. McCULLOUGH, the only
son of William, and a grandson of Isaac
and Margaret McCullough, was born Jan
uary 13, 1840, in Somerset township, this
county. The grandparents emigrated fi;om Ire
land in an early day, and made their permanent
home in Washington county, Pennsylvania.
William McCullough (son of Isaac) was born in
1813 on the home place in Somerset township, this
county, and after his school days were over became
a merchant in Vanceville, same county. He was
married January 10, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Has
sock, also a native of the county. He died July 5,
1840, leaving his infant son to the care of the
widowed mother, who lived until 1884, when she
too crossed " over the dark river."
William Mc. McCullough was reared to agricult
ural pursuits, and received a district-school edu
cation in the schools of Somerset township. He
resides on .the old homestead, which consists of 155
acres of good land. The old place .has flourished
well under his care, for he has acquired an envia
ble reputation as a prosperous and practical farm
er, and makes a study of his chosen calling; he is
also actively identified with all worthy enterprises

for the public good. He usually casts his ballot
with the Republican party, but, being liberal in
his views, votes for the men he considers most com
petent for township and county offices, regardless
of their party preferences. Mr. McCullough has
filled the position of county auditor for several
terms of office, and has been school director for
the last two years. He is a member of the Pigeon
Creek Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCullough is
unmarried.

^ILLIAM B. McKENNAN, an influential
citizen of Washington, was born in
Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., March
4, 1829. His grandfather, Capt. William
McKennan (son of the Rev. William McKennan, a
Presbyterian minister of New Castle, Del.), was
born in 1758. He was married to Elizabeth,
daughter of John Thompson, and a niece of Gov.
Thomas McKean. Mr. McKennan entered the war
of the Revolution, served as captain of a company,
and was wounded in the engagement at Brandy-
wine. In 1798 he came to West Virginia, thence
moving, in 1800, to Washington county, Penn.,
and, being appointed prothonotary, in 1801 located
in Washington borough. He was a trustee of
Washington Academy and of Washington College.
He died in January, 1810, leaving a widow and
the following named children: William, John T. ,
Thomas M. T. , David, James W. and Ann E.
John T. McKennan was born in Washington,
this county, and there passed his early life. He
received a good education, and graduated at Wash
ington College, afterward engaging in the tanning
business at Brownsville, Penn. He was married
to Harriet Bowman, who was born June 16, 1795,
at Brownsville, and she bore him children as fol
lows: Isabella L. , born July 27, 1818, died De
cember 18, 1841, at Brownsville; Elizabeth, yet liv
ing; Mary S., born August 6, 1823, died July 29,
1866, at Brownsville; Jacob, yet living; Annie B. ,
born September 23, 1827, died March 7, 1830, at
Brownsville; and William B., subject of sketch.
John T. McKennan acted as cashier of the Nation
al Bank at Brownsville for some time. He was
a Whig, and a member of and elder in the Presby
terian Church for many years. There is a remarka
ble coincidence in his and his brother's (Thomas M.
T.) deaths, taking place in the same house, far re
moved from their homes. In September, 1830,
while on business for the Bank of Brownsville,
John T. McKennan was taken sick, and died on
the 18th of that month at the house of his sister-
in-law, Mrs. Bell, in Reading, Penn. In July,
1852, his brother, Thomas M. T., while in the
East on business connected with the Hempfield
(now the Baltimore & Ohio) Railroad, was taken
sick and died at the same house of the same sister-

508

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in-law. John T. was buried in the heart of the
city of Reading, and an Episcopal church was
built over his grave. There the body remained un
til the Reading cemetery was established, when
the remains were taken to the cemetery, only a few
years since. Mrs. Harriet (Bowman) McKennan,
his wife, was called from earth March 8, 1832, at
Brownsville, Penn.
William B. McKennan, son of John T. and Har
riet (Bowman) McKennan, passed his early youth
at Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and received
his education at Keuyon, afterward attending
Washington and Jefferson College. On Septem
ber 4, 1860, he was united in marriage with Ade
line, daughter of Benjamin Ramsey. The young
couple settled in Franklin township, Washington
county, and the following children were born to
their union: John T. , Martha R. (wife of J. H
Moore), Benjamin R., Thomas R. and Mary S.
Mr. McKennan has always resided on the same
place, and is universally esteemed by his neigh
bors. In political opinion he is a Republican, and
has served three tterms as director of the county
home. In religious faith, he is a member of the
Episcopal Church of Washington borough.

HARVEY LINDLEY. In recording the
names of the prominent citizens of Wash
ington county, the list would be incomplete
were that of Harvey Lindley omitted.
T// He comes of an old New Jersey family,
from which State his grandfather, Levi Lindley,
came to this county (in the year 1788), making
the journey on horseback, finally arriving in Mor
ris township, bringing his family later and settling
where the village of Lindley's Mills now is. Here,
in the woods, he erected his log cabin, and under
went many hardships and vicissitudes of which the
present generation know but little. About the
same time his two brothers, Demas and Caleb,
came to this country, each of whom sent a son
back to Princeton College, where they graduated
and both became Presbyterian ministers.
The three brothers were truly the pioneer set
tlers, and gave character as energetic, Christian
men to the community in which they lived. They
were the first to build a fort for protection against
Indian invasions. Lindley's Fort, as it was known,
was built on the farm of Demas Lindley, now
owned by Isaac Connett, and was located just west
of the present brick dwelling. They were, also,
the prime movers in organizing and establishing
Upper and Lower Ten Mile Presbyterian Churches.
Demas erected and ran the first gristmill in Morris
township. He kept the first postoffice in the town
ship, and it was the only office at that early date
between Washington and Waynesburg. The mail
was carried and delivered once a week on horse

back. One by one the giant trees yielded to the
pioneer's axe, and ere long the wild animals were
driven back by the march of civilization. In most
respects the country was comparatively safe, save
when marauding bands of Indians made depreda
tory raids on the humble homes of the white man.
While a resident of New Jersey, Mr. Lindley was
married to a lady of that State, who bore him the
following named children: Zabby, William, Benja
min and Timothy.
Benjamin Lindley, son of Levi, and father of
Harvey, was born in New Jersey, July 28, 1779
and was eight years old when he came with his par
ents to Washington county. On May 27, 1800,
he married a Miss Logan, who bore him two chil
dren: Experience, born February 8, 1802, and
Margaret, born September 15, 1803. The mother
of these children dying, Mr. Lindley married for
his second wife, Jerusha Cooper, who was born Jan
uary 13, 1782, a daughter of Zebulon Copper, and
by this union there were the following named chil
dren: Zebulon, bom August 11, 1808; Mary, born
May 9, 1810; Sarah, born July 5,1812; Cephas,
born March 28, 1816; Demas, born August9, 1818;
Anna, born June 28, 1823, and Harvey, born April
15, 1826. After marriage Mr. Lindley remained a'
short time in Morris township, and then purchased
the farm now occupied by Harvey Lindley, and
which was materially improved by him and his de
scendants. After a iong life of usefulness Benjamin
Lindley passed from earth in September, 1869, in
his ninety-first year, leaving a record that all may
well emulate, his second wife having preceded him
to the "other shore." He was one of the organizers
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Bethel,
in which he was an elder for many years, and in
politics he was an Old-time Whig. He was five feet
eight inches high, and weighed 165 pounds.
Harvey Lindley, whose name opens this memoir,
is a native of Franklin township, born on the old
home place where his entire life has been passed
His boyhood and youth were occupied in assisting
in the hard work of the farm, year in and year out,
with the occasional relief of a few weeks attendance
at the subscription schools in mid- winter. On No
vember 11, 1847, he was united in marriage with
Harriet N. , daughter of Dr. Henry Blachly, of
Morris township, and the children born to this
union were: Henry B., born February 2, 1849,
married to Miss Sarah M. , daughter of Dryden
Vankirk, of Franklin township, died in his thirty-
second year. Anna E., born March 19, 1853, mar
ried to Samuel W. , son of Oliver Cozad, of Frank
lin township; they have one child, Orville O. Os
car F., born December 15, 1855, married to Miss
Jennie, daughter of David Craft, of Morris town
ship, and living on a farm in Barber county, Kans. ;
they have five children, Willis E. , David H., Mary
E. , Harriet T. and Lutella. Howard A. , born

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

509

June 20, 1863, married to Miss Adeline, daughter
of David Clark, of Buffalo township; they have
three children, Laura M., Henry W. and Herbert
S. Abraham Lincoln, born April 7, 1865, married
to Miss Mary I., daughter of Stephen Post, Frank
lin township. Howard A. and A. L. are living at
the home place, and caring for the farm which con
tains 300 acres prime land. The mother of this
family was called from earth July 22, 1891, in her
sixty-fourth year, and was buried in Prosperity
cemetery. She was a noble, Christian woman, and
her influence for good will long be felt among the
numerous friends she left to mourn her departure
from their midst. Both she and Mr. Lindley were
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
at Bethel for many years, and he was an elder in
the same for over thirty years. In politics he was
originally an Old-time Whig, and since the organ
ization of the party, has been a stanch Republican;
in school matters he has always taken a zealous in
terest, and was a director for many years. For
several years Mr. Lindley has been in poor health.

LAWRENCE NOBLE is one of the young
, business men of Claysville, enjoying and
deserving the esteem of the community. He
was born December 5, 1865, in Jackson
ville, Greene Co., Penn., a son of R. L. Noble, who
was born in Claysville, Penn., in 1823, and resided
there till he was twenty-eight years of age. In
1845 R. L. Noble was married to Harriet Hoskin-
son, of Greene county, and in 1852 they moved from
Claysville to Jacksonville, Greene Co., Penn.
Our subject received his education in the Jack
sonville schools, and having acquired a good busi
ness training, he began life for himself at an early
age, working at various occupations. In 1883 he
accepted a clerkship in Claysville, in the furniture
and undertaking establishment of Isaac Teal. In
1886 he bought out his employer, and in company
with George M. Gray continued the business until
February, 1891, when Mr. Gray was succeeded in
the business by Y. M. Enlow. In 1889 Mr. Noble
bought an interest in the hardware firm now known
as James H. Noble & Co., and is at the present time
a member of the firms of Enlow & Noble and
James H. Noble & Co. Although a young man,
Mr. Noble has achieved an enviable success, and
has a good reputation as a business man. Politic
ally he is a Republican.

THOMAS J. McCLELLAND. This gentle
man was a worthy representative of the
Scottish patriots whose blood flowed in his
veins. Many years ago, during the rebellion
in Scotland, one William McClelland left
ihis native heath and came to Ireland. There his

life was passed in agricultural pursuits, and three
children were born to him, namely: Hans, James
and William.
Hans McClelland was born in 1756, in Ireland,
and there passed his boyhood. When a young
man he emigrated to America, locating on a farm
two and one-half miles from Canonsburg, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he was engaged in
distilling and general farming. He was married
to Catherine Carson, a native of Ireland, who bore
him the following children: William, James, Eben
ezer, John, Ann, Nancy and Sarah, all of whom
lived to be over fifty years of age. The father
died in 1818.
Ebenezer McClelland was born in 1772, in Cecil
township, Washington Co. , Penn. He was reared
to agricultural pursuits, and became one of the
most extensive wool buyers in Washington and
neighboring counties, his annual purchase of wool
sometimes amounting to 1,300,000 pounds; and he
was also one of the most extensive breeders of fine-
wooled sheep in Washington county. In 1823 he
was married to Esther, daughter of John Camp
bell, of Cecil township, this county. Her father
was born in Scotland, and coming to Washington
county in pioneer times, was often obliged to flee
from the Indians. Her grandfather Campbell was
killed May 26, 1782, at Crawford's defeat. To the
union of Ebenezer and Esther (Campbell) McClel
land children were born as follows : J. C. , Sarah
J., Thomas J., William, Ebenezer, James and
Catherine. The three yet living are James, Eben
ezer and J. C.
Thomas J. McClelland was born May 21, 1828,
on the old home farm in Cecil township, Washing
ton Co., Penn. He was four years of age when
the family moved to North Strabane township,
where his education was received. He also attended
Jefferson College, and assisted his father in busi
ness. On December 18, 1851, he was married to
Mary E. , daughter of Andrew Borland, who emi
grated from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled
on Brush run, Peters township, this county. He
was married to Elizabeth McClure, of South Stra
bane township, and resided on the old place until
1856, when he moved to Clokey, same county,
where he died, leaving the following children:
Alexander, Mary E. (widow of Thomas J. McClel
land), Rebecca, Margaret A., Ann, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Andrew, Catherine, Rachel, Martha and
James, of whom Rebecca, Catherine, Rachel and
Martha are deceased. Mary E. was born July 2,
1827, on Brush run, Peters township, this county,
where her girlhood was passed.
To the union of Thomas J. and Mary E. (Bor
land) McClelland, five children were born, viz. :
Catherine M. , Elizabeth (wife of Thomas Hill,
Union township), Ebenezer E. , living on the home
farm (married to Georgia M. , daughter of Hugh

510

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Flannigan, of Union township, has two children:
Ethel B. and Helen J.), Thomas J. and an infant
daughter. The father died March 13, 1884, in
his fifty-sixth year. He was a stanch member of
the Democratic party, and served as school director
for fifteen years, as well as in various other capac
ities. The home place contains 188 acres of very
fine land, and part of the rich coal vein underlying
the farm has heen sold for $11,500.

FJREDERICK W. COOPER. Among the
successful and pppular citizens of Notting
ham township, none have been more promi-
- * nently identified with the interests of. the
community than the Cooper family. Frederic
Cooper, grandfather of the present generation, was
an active business man, conducting a farm,
distillery, carding-mill and gristmill, in which he
was assisted by his sons Samuel F. and Frederick
K. Cooper.
Samuel F. Cooper was born May 2, 1807, in
Nottingham township, and received a good educa
tion at the schools of Waynesburgh, and assisted
with the farm work, and other interests with
which his father was identified. In 1831 he was
married to Sarah Van Voorhis, who was born in
1814. Her father, Daniel Van Voorhis, was a
prominent man, owning •& large distillery and oil
mill, and dealing extensively in stock. Five
children were born to this marriage, namely : John
P., Frederick W., Mary J., Clara E. and Van.
Of this family, the latter three are deceased, and
John P. moved to Tennessee in 1869, where he
followed farming. The father was a Democrat,
and filled almost every office in Nottingham town
ship. He possessed a remarkable memory, and
was a well-educated man, enjoying the respect and
confidence of all who knew him. He was ex
tensively engaged in the fruit-growing business.
He died May 3, 1875, his widow May 19, 1892.
Frederick W. Cooper was born March 31, 1837,
in Nottingham township, this county, and passed
his early boyhood on the home place. On January
4, 1860, he married Miss Maria L. Stewart, of
Allegheny county, Penn., who bore him two
children, both deceased in early infancy. The
mother died April 20, 1864, and for his second
choice Mr. Cooper married October 20, 1870, Mary
W., daughter of John Manown. They have four
children, namely: Frank A., Samuel F, Clara G.
and Ella F. , all living at home.
Mr. Cooper has been an extensive traveler. He
left home when a young man, and herded cattle
six months for his uncle Van Vanvoorhis, in
Illinois, in 1854; then returned home, and in the
autumn of 1856 went to Missouri and Kansas,
arriving in the latter State just at the close of the
Kansas troubles. He then traveled throughout the

West. In 1860 he and his wife moved to a tract
of land in Iowa which his father had entered of
the Government, remaining there three years
improving the land, when, his wife's health fail
ing, they returned to her home in Pennsylvania
where she died. He stayed at home the following
summer, and in 1865 shipped a carload of horses
to Illinois, sold his horses, organized a company
with Mr. V. B. Ward, of Richland, Keokuk Co.,
Iowa, and on April 13, 1865, they started for
California, in wagons, arriving at Salt Lake City,
Utah, on the 4th of July following. They re
mained there one year, thence going to northern
Montana, where they passed a year in the mines.
He then entered the commissary and quarter
master's office as clerk in Montana, and was em
ployed there six months under James L. Fisk,
afterward riding his horse 500 miles from Helena,
Mont., to Walla Walla, on the Columbia river,
thence going to San Francisco, Cal. , where he sold
books three months for H. H. Bancroft, finally re
turning to his present home in Nottingham town
ship. He is now proprietor of 160 acres, known
as the "Nottingham stock farm," near Venetia post-
office. The farm is principally pasture land, and
he makes a specialty of raising fine Jersey cattle,
also a good grade of roadsters. Mr. Cooper in his
political affiliations is a Democrat.

HUGHES, James M. , Workman, Jr., Samuel
L. and Thomas McK. , prominent citizens of
Washington, are sons of S. L. and Susan
/ -^ (Workman) Hughes.
^ Barnabas Hughes was a native of Ireland,
came to America in 1756, settling in what is now
the State of New Jersey. He had two sons, Will
iam and John. John Hughes came to Carlisle in
1770, and after a few years entered the Continental
army under Capt. Hendricks. The company in
which he was placed was formed with eight other
companies into a battalion of riflemen in July,
1775, and placed in command of Col. William
Thompson. They encamped at Cambridge, August
13, 1775, and in the month of September Capt.
Hendricks' company, with others, left for Canada
under command of Col. Arnold, and took part in
the attack upon Quebec. After this expedition Mr.
Hughes was promoted from the ranks to a captain
cy, and he remained with the army during the re
mainder of the war, being present at the battles of
Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Mon
mouth. At the conclusion of the struggle he mar
ried, in 1786, Sarah Wiley, and came to Washing
ton county, Penn., with Timothy Ryan. They
purchased large tracts of land on Fish creek (now
in Greene county), patented to them in August,
1786; Mr. Hughes purchased Ryan's interest same
year. During the year 1793 Mr. Hughes bought

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

513

land on north branch of Ten-Mile creek, where he
kept a store for about nine years, and in 1802 he
removed to the town of Washington, where he con
tinued in the store business. After several years
he returned to his land or farm in Amwell town
ship, where he died September 18, 1815, leaving
six children: Mary Ann, James, Samuel, Thomas,
John and Isabelle. Of these, James married Mary,
daughter of Gen. Abner Lacock, and at their de
cease they left five children: Sarah, Susan, Mar
garet, Samuel L. and Ann Hughes. In March,
1837, Samuel L. Hughes married Susan Workman.
He was a successful farmer, and served as justice of
the peace for seven terms, in Amwell township.
He died in November, 1880, his widow in May,
1885, leaving nine children, viz.-: Ann F., Mary V.,
James M., Workman, Jr., John W., Elizabeth E.,
Samuel L., Susan R. and Thomas McK., of whom
Ann F. Hughes was married in 1861 to Hiram
Vankirk, and they have two children: James H.
and Francis J. Vankirk.
James M. Hughes, eldest son of S. L. and Susan
W. Hughes, at the age of eighteen years enlisted in
the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I. ,
for three years, or during the war. He partici
pated in all the battles and skirmishes of his regi
ment from Chancellorsville to Appomattox, forty-
three engagements in all. In 1867 he married
Sarah E. Bane, and their family consists of two
sons: Blanchard G. and Haldain B. Hughes, who
were graduated from Washington and Jefferson
College in classes of '91 and '92 respectively.
They each selected the law as a profession. Blan
chard is a student at present in the Buffalo Law
School, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Haldain is registered with
Messrs. Taylor & Mcllvaine, Washington, Penn.
Workman Hughes, Jr., second son of S. L. and
Susan W. Hughes, was elected to the office of re
corder of deeds in November, 1878, and served six
years, being the only recorder elected to that office
for more than one term since 1842. During his
term of office he, with the assistance of his broth
ers, James M., S. L. and T. McK. Hughes, made a
complete index to the record of the office. When
his term of office expired, January 1, 1885, he en
tered into the real estate and insurance business.
On October 31, 1889, he married Hanuah B. Win-
gett, and they have two children: Susan W. and
Howard W. Hughes.
John W. Hughes, third son of S. L. and Susan
W. Hughes, became a master machinist. He mar
ried, July 16, 1877, Martha S. Good, of Illinois;
they now reside in New York City. They had a
daughter, Susan W., who died of diphtheria at Fair
Haven, Vt., at the age of eight years.
Samuel L. Hughes, fourth son of S. L. and
Susan W. Hughes, was married November 11, 1883,
to Minnie G. Spriggs, and they had three children :
Margaretta, Susan W. and Thomas McKennan

Hughes, of whom Margaretta died of diphtheria
July 3, 1890. Mr. Hughes has been engaged in
the real estate and life insurance business, in con
nection with his brother Workman Hughes, Jr.,
since January 1, 1885.
Thomas McK. Hughes, fifth and youngest son of
S. L. and Susan W. Hughes, studied law with the
former firm of McCracken & Mcllvaine (the latter
being the judge of courts of this county), and was
admitted to practice in the several courts of the
county at the June term, 1880. At the age of
twenty-three, and since 1881, he has applied him
self to his profession, and is now enjoying a large
and substantial practice.
Mary V., Elizabeth E., Susan R. and Thomas
McK. Hughes live on West Chestnut street, Wash
ington, Pennsylvania.

THOMAS G. HAMILTON is one of the suc
cessful agriculturists of Nottingham town
ship, of which he is a native. His father,
James R. Hamilton, was born, in 1818, in
Peters township, Washington county, and
received a classical education. During his earlier
years he followed the profession of school teaching,
and, being solely dependent upon his daily earn
ings for a livelihood, was obliged to practice strict
economy. In 1846 James R. Hamilton was married to
Miss Patience Morrison, a native of this county,
and, having managed to save a small amount of his
salary, the young man bought a little farm in Not
tingham township, this county, upon which he and
his bride began their wedded life. They were poor
in worldly goods, but happy and rich in the pos
session of health and love. Dame Fortune soon
began to smile upon the brave young couple who
met her frowns with such cheery faces, and as
years passed on children came to brighten the little
home, as follows: Patience B. (wife of James H.
Barkley), William H. L., Charles James Reed,
John T. G., Joseph G. P., Elizabeth Ann, Mar
garet Elnora and Mary Jane. Of these the three
latter are deceased. At the time of his death
James R. Hamilton owned 300 acres of land.
Thomas G. Hamilton was born May 30, 1861,
in Nottingham township, Washington county, and
there passed his boyhood. On January 10, 1883,
he made choice of a life companion in the person
of Anna C. , daughter of Benjamin Crawford, a
very prominent farmer of this county. Four chil
dren have been, born to this marriage, namely:
John Reed, R. Lloyd, Patience May and Thomas
Gleen. Mr. Hamilton owns eighty-two acres of
the old homestead, and devotes much of his time
to stock raising, making a specialty of sheep, in
connection with general farming.

514

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

W. GREGG is descended from a family
who were among the first settlers in East
Pike Run township, this county. Many
years ago three brothers, Henry, William
and John Gregg, emigrated from the
Emerald Isle, and made a permanent settlement in
East Pike Run township. Henry took out a pat
ent for 349 acres of land known as the " Burning
Mine," which is now owned by one Mr. Duvall.
John Gregg was twice married, and William, the
second brother, was the grandfather of R. W.
Gregg. William Gregg was married to Ruth
Jackman, a native of Ireland, and they settled on
the farm in East Pike Run township, where five
children were born, as follows: Henry (married to
Jane Dowler), John (married to Nancy Gregg),
Robert (married to Ann Robinson), Andrew and
Margaret (Mrs. Crow).
Andrew Gregg was born in March, 1808, in
East Pike Run township, grew to manhood on the
homestead, and was married to Mary Ann Hug-
gins, who was born in 1812 in what is now Allen
township, Washington county. Of the children
born to this union, six are yet living, namely:
Lucy Ann, wife of V. C. Jones, of Fallowfield
township; Ruth Ann, married to William Sphar,
of Allen township; A. J., living in East Pike Run
township; R. W. (whose name opens this sketch);
Sarah Jane, wife of Thomas F. Frye, of Chase
county, Kans., and J. H, living in Allen township.
The father was actively identified with the inter
ests of the Republican party. He died on the old
farm in 1872; his widow is yet living on the
place. R. W. Gregg was born in 1848 on the home
farm in East Pike Run township, and attended the
common schools of the neighborhood. In 1881
he was united in marriage with Emeline Beadle,
a native of Fallowfield township, a daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Wallace) Beadle, who were born
in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Fallowfield
township in an early day; her father died in 1887,
her mother in 1872. By this union was born to
Mr. Gregg one son, Delbert, who lived about three
months and then died. The mother passed away
October 17, 1881, and Mr. Gregg afterward mar
ried Lizzie M. Jobes, of Allen township, Washing
ton county, a daughter of William Jobes, whose
father, John Jobes, was an early resident of the
Monongahela Valley. By this marriage there
were two sons: Albert R. and William Andrew.
After his first marriage R. W. Gregg settled in
Allen township, on the forty-six acres of well-culti
vated land which is now his home. He votes the
Republican ticket, and in religious faith he is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mt.
Tabor. Mrs. Lizzie M. Gregg died September 1,
1892.

R. THOMPSON, a native of Chartiers
township, is a son of Andrew Thompson
who was born February 7, 1793, also in
Chartiers township, and passed his early
life on the home farm, receiving a limited
education at the subscription schools. On July 6,
1827, he married Miss Elizabeth Bell, who was
born May 23, 1797, in Mt. Pleasant township, this
county. Andrew Thompson passed his married life on the
farm in Chartiers township now occupied by our
subject, and four children were born to him: Mary
Ann (deceased April 22, 1870); R. R. ; Elizabeth
M. (wife of James McBurney, of Hickory, Mt.
Pleasant), and Jane (married to Mark Cowden,
farmer, of Mt. Pleasant township). Andrew
Thompson was a farmer, and in politics a stanch
Whig. In church connection he was formerly a
Seceder, afterward uniting with the Hickory U. P.
Church, of which he remained a member until his
death, that event occurring January 23, 1860.
Mrs. Thompson was laid to rest March 10, 1871.
R. R. Thompson was born October 6, 1830, on
the home farm in Chartiers township, this county,
and was educated at the subscription and public
schools of the vicinity. On October 4, 1871, he
was united in marriage with Jane McBurney, a
native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, a
daughter of John (2) and granddaughter of John
(1) McBurney. John McBurney (the grandfather)
was born in 1764 in County Down, Ireland, and
in 1783 emigrated to America, locating in Washing
ton county, Penn. In 1798 he was married to
Sarah Hunter, a native of Chambersburgh, Penn.
Her grandfather was married in 1790, and then
settled in Robinson township, Washington county,
his son and grandchild Sarah (then a child of ten
years) also making their home in this county.
The grandfather died September 2, 1846, and was
followed by his wife in 1863, in her ninetieth year.
John McBurney (the father of Mrs. R. R.
Thompson) was born June 29, 1802, in Robinson
township, Washington county, .and in early life
changed his residence in Robinson township. On
February 7, 1828, he was married to Jane Keys,
who was born in 1806, near Poland, Ohio, coming
in 1808 to this county with her parents, and set
ting in Mt. Pleasant township. She was a
daughter of James Keys, who was born in 1766,
in Washington county, and growing to manhood
was married in Mt. Pleasant to Jane McClellan
(bom in 1783), and they settled on a farm in
Smith township, this county, where seven children
were born to them, three of whom are now living:
James (in Steubenville, Ohio), Joseph (in Smith
township), and Ezra C. (in Emporia, Kans., having
located there). The parents of these children are
now deceased. Mr. McBurney passed the first

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

515

years of his married life on a farm in Mt. Pleasant
township, this county, and in 1871 moved to
Hickory, also in this county. John and Jane
(Keys) McBurney were the parents of the following
children: Jane (wife of R. R. Thompson); John
(living in Mt. Pleasant township); Sarah (widow
of Robert Jeffery, of Canonsburg); James (living
in Hickory, this county); Martha (Mrs. James
Mcllvine, of Mt. Pleasant township); Elizabeth
(deceased in 1846, aged six years); William (de
ceased in 1846, at the age of three years); Ezra
(living with his family on the old homestead in Mt.
Pleasant township), and William A. (who recently
lost his wife) ; he has located in Canonsburg, Penn. ;
"his little daughter, Lizzie, died August 15, 1892.
John McBurney was a member of the U. P. Church
at Hickory, in which he was an elder for many
years. He died April 8, 1883, at his own home in
Hickory, Penn. ; his wife died at the home of her
daughter Jane in Chartiers township, September
29, 1884.
After his marriage to Jane McBurney, Mr. R. R.
Thompson settled on his present home of 175
acres of well-cultivated land, where his time is
principally employed in farming and stock raising.
Mr. Thompson votes with the Republican party,
but prefers to devote his principal attention to
private business. He and his wife are members
of the U. P. Church at Hickory, this county.

/

MRS. ELLEN J. CARTER, widow of John
Carter,is a native of Mt. Pleasant township,
a daughter of Matthew Kemps, who was
' born in Ireland. He was married to
Nancy Peoples, and their children were
eight in number, as follows : John, James Peoples,
Elizabeth Ann, David, Ellen Jane, Thomas Slater,
Samuel and Matthew McNary, all born in Wash
ington county. The mother of this family died
in 1850, and the father afterward moved to Sigour-
ney county, Iowa, where he passed the remainder
of his life. Ellen J. Kemps was married in Au
gust, 1865, to John Carter, a native of Washington
county, son of William Carter, who was born in
Scotland and was married to Ann McKee. In
1819 they immigrated to America, locating in
Washington count}', Penn., near the town of
Washington, but afterward moved to Mt. Pleasant
township, same county, where they died. They
had seven children, viz. : Margaret, Robert, Janet,
Maria, John, Thomas and Margaret Ann.
John Carter was born in 1826, near Washington,
Penn., and received a limited education in the
schools of Mt. Pleasant township, commencing to
work on the farm when but ten years of age.
After his marriage to Miss Kemps he bought the
farm where his son is now living, which contains
220 acres, and devoted his time to its cultivation

and improvement. Three children were born to
this union: William H. , married to Maggie White,
who bore him one daughter : Margaret Hazel (they
are living on the home farm); Leila Ada, a gradu
ate of Curry University, Pittsburgh, Perm., and
Robert Leander, a student at the academy, in
Hickory, Penn. Mr. Carter was actively interested
in politics, voting with the Republican party, but
preferring to devote the greater part of his time
to private business and domestic pleasures. He
died in 1877, in Mt. Pleasant township, deeply
mourned by all who knew him as a good friend and
honorable, useful citizen. His widow is yet resid
ing on the old homestead. She is a member of
the United Presbyterian Church, at Hickory, with
which her husband was also connected.

AMUEL RONEY, a prominent agriculturist
of the county, was born September 29, 1820,
in a round-log cabin built by his father in
West Finley township, Washington Co.,
Penn. Hercules Roney, his grandfather, was a
native of County Donegal, Ireland, whence, when
a young man, he emigrated to America, coming
direct to Ohio county, W. Va., where he patented
400 acres of land and built a cabin thereon. He
also patented a large tract of land in what is now
West Finley township, this county. He partici
pated in many perilous adventures with the Indians,
and took an active part in the battle in which
Crawford was defeated. He erected a blockhouse
for many years known as " Roney' s blockhouse,"
and on this historic spot now stands a handsome
residence, occupied by John Roney, a descendant
of Hercules Roney, who died in July, 1812. He
was one of the very first settlers in Washington
county, and was among the most widely known of
the county's pioneers. He married Margaret,
daughter of William Buchanan, a native of West
Finiey township, and to this union were born five
sons and four daughters, all long since deceased.
William Roney, father of subject, was reared on
the home farm, where he was born, and where,
under his father's preceptorship, he learned prac
tical lessons in agriculture, which in after life
served to make him one of the most successful
farmers in his township. On November 9, 1809,
he was married to Jane Lawrence, who bore him
six children: Samuel and Jane (twins), James,
Maggie, William and John.
Samuel Roney received his education at the
schools of the locality of his birth, and April 15,
1839, being then nineteen years old, he left home
to learn the trade of a tanner, which he followed
several years till ill-health compelled' him to aban
don it. He then turned his attention to farming
pursuits, which he afterward successfully carried
on. In May, 1843, he was united in marriage

516

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

with Mary A. , daughter of John Sutherland, and
the following named children have been born to
them: Lizzie, Mary, Maggie Bell, W. G. (a resi
dent of Hopewell township), J. L. (in Claysville,
Penn.,) and Samuel A. (who is on the farm with
his father). The mother died July 3, 1892, and
is buried in Buffalo fcemetery. On November 22,
1892, Mr. Roney, with his daughter, Mary, moved
to Claysville, where they are now living. In 1843
he joined the Presbyterian Church in West Alexan
der and moved to Upper Buffalo in 1850. In
politics he is a lifelong Republican, having cast his
first vote in 1841. Mr. Roney is gifted with a re
markable memory, and is considered an authority
on all subjects requiring thought and study.

EORGE E. SMITH. George Smith was
born in the Emerald Isle, and crossing the
ocean at an early date settled near Greens-
burgh, Westmoreland Co., Penn. When a
young man he was married to Miss Todd, a
native of Westmoreland county, who bore him
eight children, namely: William, Mary, Thomas.
David, Nancy, George, Edward and Martha, all
now deceased. The father devoted his life to agri
cultural pursuits.
Thomas Smith was born in 1780, in Westmore
land county, Penn., where his boyhood was passed.
He was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter
of David Stewart, a prominent farmer living near
Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, and four children
were born to their union, as follows: George E.,
Amelia and two unnamed. The father learned the
saddler's trade when a young man, and followed
same for some time in Youngstown, Penn. After
the death of his wife he removed to Elizabethtown,
Ky. , where he passed his later years.
George E. Smith was born January 18, 1820, in
Youngstown, Penn., and remained there until
about ten years of age. He then accompanied his
father to Kentucky, where he resided during his
minority, and where he cast his first vote. He then
returned to Allegheny county, Penn. , and saw the
first steamboat that landed at Pittsburgh. On
October 30, 1845, he married Phoebe, daughter of
Thomas and Rebecca Kearns, who lived in Alle
gheny county, about two miles from Pittsburgh.
After his marriage he taught school about ten
years, then conducted a wholesale grocery business
for about four years, and in 1857 came to their
present farm in Peters township, Washington
county. Soon after locating in this county he was
elected a justice of the peace by the Democratic
party, and he has held this position for seven consec
utive terms, enjoying the distinction of being the
only justice in Washington county who has had
but one decision reversed by the higher courts.
During thirty-five years of official service he has

won the esteem and confidence of all who know
him, and has been intrusted with important business
by many citizens of Peters township. He is a
member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian
Church at Fairview. Three children have been
born to them, namely: Edward T. , Rebecca K.
(wife of George Hayes), and John S.
Edward T. Smith was born September 5, 1846, in
Allegheny county, Penn., and lived there until he
was eight years of age, when he came to his pres
ent home in Peters township, Washington county.
When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed twelve years, and was then em
ployed as sawyer in a sawmill for five years. On
January 5, 1865, he was married to Jennie Ham-'
ilton, of Nottingham township, daughter of Henry
Hamilton. The young couple first settled in Bower
Hill, Washington county, and in the spring of 1892
came to the farm in Peters township which was given
him by his aunt, Miss Fannie J. Stewart. Edward
T. and Jennie Smith are the parents of the follow
ing children: Margaret A., Carrie (Mrs. Robert
Hixon), George H. (deceased), William S., Ada
Bell, Susan A. and Amelia T. Mr. Smith owns
fifty -one acres of land, also a house and lot in
Bower Hill. He is a Democrat in politics, and ia
past counsellor of the Jr. O. U. A. M. He is a
member of Venetia Council, No. 598. In religious
faith he is a member of Peters Creek United Pres
byterian Church.

If SRAEL WEIRICH. Late in the last century
the ancestors of the Weirich family came from
Germany, and located in eastern Pennsylvania.
There, in Lebanon county, in 1804, Jacob
Weirich, the father of subject, was born, and there
passed the first few years of his life. At an early
age he accompanied his parents westward, settling
with them on the original Weirich homestead in
Washington county, where the remainder of his
long life was spent. The county was then little
more than a wilderness, not yet having given evi
dence of those varied resources which have since
made it so famous.
The story of his boyhood is that of almost any
youth in similar circumstances. In early manhood
he was married to Susan, daughter of Fredrick Fos
ter, of Washington, Penn. With small means, but
full of confidence and with bright hopes for the fut
ure, the young couple entered upon what proved
to be a long and happy married life. Of the five
children born to them four survive: Israel, Eliza
beth (Mrs. William Ely), Mary (Mrs. Simon Ash
brook) and Susan (Mrs. James Mountz). The
youngest daughter, Amanda (Mrs. William Mor
ton), died in 1882 from the effects of blood poison
ing. In the spring of 1885, while still active and
apparently hale and strong, Mr. Weirich was

.

O^ijyu^uX^ r^mu^^m

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

519

stricken with paralysis, from the effects of which
he died August 12, same year, at the advanced age
of eighty-one years. In his life Mr. Weirich,
though singularly quiet and unobtrusive, was yet
a man of broad views and unselfish aims, ever ready
with moral and financial support for any enter
prise which had for its object the advancement or
good of the community. In his occupation he had,
from small beginnings, reached independence and
prosperity through perseverance, industry and fru
gality, coupled with thatsurestmethod — strict integ
rity. Always living up to those principles which
later in life he openly avowed by uniting with the
East Buffalo Presbyterian Church, he was ever rec
ognized as upright and straightforward in business
transactions, a kind, indulgent husband and father,
and an esteemed neighbor and friend. Regarding his
political views, Mr. Weirich was formerly a Whig,
afterward a Republican, but always refrained from
participating actively in political affairs. His
widow, Mrs. Susan Weirich, a lady wonderfully
strong and active for her age, still survives and re
sides in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Israel Weirich, the subject of our sketch, is the
oldest child and only son born to Jacob and Susan
(Foster) Weirich. Born and raised upon his father's
farm, he has followed agricultural pursuits all his
life, and his energy, foresight and constant atten
tion to duty have been rewarded with a measure of
success beyond the average. Mr. Weirich's boy
hood days would hardly accord with the popular
idea of the early life of an only" son. The practi
cal side of the gospel of work was among his first
lessons. A part of each winter at the district school
composed the sum of his school education; and
while yet very young he assumed the management
of the major portion of his father's increasing in
terests at the sacrifice of opportunities for a more
liberal education, a course which he regretted ever
afterward. His loss in this respect, .however, was
a gain in the dearer school of experience, the les
sons of which were constantly turned to practical
account in his after life. On March 30, 1859, Mr.
Weirich was united in marriage with Sarah, daugh
ter of James and Sarah Thompson, of Buffalo
township, and immediately settled upon and took
charge of his father's farm in the same township.
Three years later he removed to his present home in
Canton township, a farm of 225 acres, which he
has since been constantly improving until it is one
of the most complete and desirable in the county.
In 1887 the old homestead, which had originally
been one of the old taverns in the days of the stage
coach, was removed and replaced by an elegant
modern structure, beautifully situated and com
plete in all its appointments. A large family —
seven sons and two daughters — have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Weirich, all yet living with the ex
ception of one daughter who died in childhood.

Though his sense of duty compelled him to fore
go his earlier educational advantages, through the
influence of extended travel, constant reading and
his lively interest in all public affairs, Mr. Weirich
is a man of liberal ideas and broad views. Profit
ing by his own experience and fully realizing the
benefits of a liberal education, he has sent four
sons to Washington and Jefferson College, and his
daughter to Hie AVashington Female Seminary.
In politics Mr. Weirich is a Republican, though
not a strong partisan. He never allowed party
lines to restrain him from casting his vote on what
he considered the side of justice and right, in favor
of whatever political party it might be. He has
been a lifelong member of the Presbyterian
Church; was for many years a ruling elder in the
East Buffalo Church, and was one of the founders
of, and is a ruling elder in, the Third Presbyterian
Church of Washington, Pennsylvania.
Always cautious and prone to weigh well any
enterprise before entering into it, it was his prac
tice, when a course was resolved on, to pursue it
with an energy characteristic of his German extrac
tion, and with results which demonstrated Lis
belief in the truth of the maxim: "Whatever is
worth doing at all is worth doing well."
While good fortune has so uniformly followed
him in his various undertakings, Mr. Weirich has
ever been ready to extend a helping hand to those
who have been less fortunate in this world's
affairs. His acts of charity, however, have always
been performed in a quiet, undemonstrative manner,
rendered the more so by his invariable habit of dis
persing them widely and without regard to sect or
creed. If, however, his charities have been extended
in any one direction more than another, it has been
with a view to the relief and uplifting of the
colored race in the South. Ever a frieDd of the
negroes, with a full realization of their present
condition, gained directly by travel and observation
in the South, and with a firm belief in a bright
future for the race, he has been constant with sym
pathy and financial support for their cause.

I OHN PATTERSON CLUTTER, a prosperous
. j! farmer and miller, Morris township, is a de-
v\\ scendant of an old Irish-American family.
^^ John Clutter, a native of Ireland, immigrated
to New Jersey in early colonial days, and is the
earliest ancestor of the family in this country.
He moved to Washington county, Penn., in 1788,
and located on a farm of about six hundred acres
one mile north of Lindley's Mills, where he died
in 1828. One of his sons, John, born February
17, 1771, married in Pennsylvania, March 1, 1792,
Phcebe Headley, a native of New Jersey, born Octo
ber 16, 1774. In 1792 they located on a farm about
one mile northwest of Lindley's Mills, in Morris

520

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

township, where they reared a family of thirteen
children, their names and dates of birth being as
follows: Nancy, October 29, 1792; Isaac, July 8,
1794; Abraham, October 29, 1795; Jacob, August
5, 1797; Abigail, July 13, 1799; Martha, August
19, 1801; Eunice, May 3, 1804; John P. (the
father of the subject of this sketch); Ruth B.,
October 22, 1808; Joseph, October 2, 1810; Phcebe,
February 18, 1813; Hannah, August 18, 1814;
Luvina, January 28, 1818; of whom Joseph and
Hannah are the only living members. Joseph was
married, in AVashington county, Penn., and removed
to Missouri in 1876, where he now resides. Han
nah married, in 1838, Samuel Booth, who died of
typhoid fever in 1839, and' in 1851 Mrs. Booth
married L. F. Day; Mr. Day died in 1852. He
was a Christian gentleman, a strong advocate of
the abolition of slavery, and an earnest worker in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which
Mrs. Day is also a member.
John Patterson Clutter, the eighth child bom to
John and Phcebe (Headley) Clutter, was born Sep
tember 2, 1807, in Morris township, Washington
county. He was reared to farm life, and received
but a meager education. He married, in 1835,
Margaret Andrew, also a native of Morris town
ship, born January 11, 1816, and seven children
were born to them, five of whom are living, as
follows: Maria, born July 4, 1836; James Jasper,
born August 28, 1838, now a resident of Hamilton,
Caldwell Co. , Mo. ; Thomas H. Benton, born
August 2, 1841, a prominent physician of Crest
line, Ohio; Evelina, born September 16, 1844;
Samuel B., born August 14, 1846, engaged in the
hotel business at Washington; John Patterson;
Robert M., born April 10, 1857, connected with
the W. & W. R. R. Company, and residing at
AVaynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn.
John Patterson Clutter, the sixth child of John
P. and Margaret (Andrew) Clutter, was born Jan
uary 23, 1854. He received a common- school
education, and afterward attended Monongahela
College, at Jefferson, Penn. After leaving college
he taught school for a period of three years, when
he began the operation of the mill, which he now
successfully controls. Mr. Clutter married Jan
uary 3, 1880, Mary Alice, a daughter of Hamilton
Penn, of Morris township, and to them have been
born five children: Cleveland, Joanna Grace, Ber-
nice Margaret, John H. and Emma, all of whom
(except Cleveland, who died at the age of six
months) are still living. Mr. Clutter is an ardent
Democrat, and was elected county auditor in 1889,
receiving the largest vote in his own township of
any candidate before the people. Both he and
Mrs. Clutter are members of the Cumberland Pres
byterian Church, at AVest Union, Penn. In addi
tion to his mill work he owns and conducts a farm.

dOSEPH V. MANES, an influential and pros
perous citizen of North Strabane township,
was born January 25, 1839, in Elizabeth
township, Allegheny Co., Penn., the young
est son of Culbert and Susan (Vankirk) Manes.
Culbert Manes was born August 14, 1798, in
Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, where he
was married February 17, 1824, to Susan Alice
Vankirk, a daughter of Samuel Vankirk, of New
Jersey birth, who belonged to an old pioneer fam
ily. He took part in the battle of Brandywine, and
several of his family served under Gen. Washington.
He was married to Mary Price, of New Jersey, and
their children were: Samuel, Joseph, John, Isaac,
Thomas, William, Sarah, Betsy, Mary, Ruth and
Susan (Mrs. Culbert Manes). Mr. Vankirk fol
lowed agricultural pursuits; in politics he was a
Democrat. After the marriage of Culbert Manes,
he located in Allegheny county, near Elizabeth, but
in the spring of 1857 made a permanent settlement
in North Strabane township, Washington county,
where he engaged in farming. The following chil
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Culbert Manes:
John P., born December 1, 1824; Mary J. (Mrs.
Greer), born March 7, 1826; Samuel, born Janu
ary 9, 1828, died February 6, 1829; Margaret A.
(Mrs. Lyon), born January 12, 1834, and Joseph
V., born January 25, 1839. Mr. Manes was a
Democrat, and served his party in different capaci
ties. He and his wife were ardent members of the
Presbyterian Church. He died August 5, 1889,
having been preceded by his wife December 1 , 1880 .
Joseph V. Manes passed his early life in Alle
gheny county, Penn., where he obtained a common-
school education, and when eighteen years of age
came to North Strabane township. On May 8,
1862, he was married to Caroline Bebout, who was
born January 29, 1844, daughter of Peter Bebout
and granddaughter of John Bebout, who came from
Scotland in an early day; and died in Washington
county. Peter Bebout was a native of New Jer
sey, and was married to Isabella Cooper, who was
born August 12, 1805, in Ohio. They settled in
Washington county, Penn., in an early day, and
reared the following children: Mary J. (wife of
William Hays), bom August 27, 1825; Susan (wife
of William Bebout, a retired farmer of Washing
ton county), born. November 26, 1826; Ira, are-
tired farmer of Washington county, born Septem
ber 5, 1828; Margaret (wife of Cephas Cochran),
born August 31, 1830, died February 10, 1858;
David R., a retired farmer of Washington county,
born September 3, 1832; Isabella (wife of John
Crouch), bom April 7, 1834; Joshua, born July 5,
1836; Stephen, born October 21, 1838 (deceased);
Martha J. born January 18, 1841 (deceased Feb
ruary 25, 1842); Caroline S. (wife of Joseph
Manes), born January 29, 1844; Hermon H. (a re-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

521

tired farmer and stock dealer of Canonsburg), born
August 31, 1847. Peter Bebout was married twice,
and was the father of twenty children. [There is
no record of his first wife.] He had five brothers
and four sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Bebout were con
sistent members of the Presbyterian Church.
To the union of Joseph V. and Caroline (Be
bout) Manes have been born children as follows:
John J., born August 24, 1863 (married February
9, 1888, to Nannie Wallace, who bore him one
child, Flora Myrtle, on March 10,1889); Laura
A., born February 18, 1865 (deceased September
29, 1867); William H, born January 17, 1868;
James E., born November 22, 1869; Mary L., born
April 14, 1872; Joseph, born November 21, 1875;
Dora S., born April 15, 1878; Clyde A., born May
1, 1880; Charles C, born February 19, 1883; Os
car L., born May 7, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Manes
have been identified with the history of the county
many years, and have taken an active interest in
all public enterprises. Mr. Manes has followed
agricultural pursuits, and now owns a fertile and
well-cultivated farm of 145 acres. Mr. and Mrs.
Manes are consistent members of the Presbyterian
Church.

AMUEL ALEXANDER (deceased). The
ancestors of this well-known citizen were
numbered with those heroic pioneers, the
story of whose lives is ever new. That
"truth is stranger than fiction" is amply proven
when we read the thrilling adventures and hair
breadth escapes of those who gave to us our fair
homes, by sacrificing in many cases all that was
dearest to their own happiness. Men of iron, firrh
in the line of duty wheresoe'er it called, never
flinching though the next moment might be their
last — women who with tearless eyes could, like the
Spartan mother, send their best-beloved to victory
or death — such were the ancestors of the Alex
ander family.
Samuel Alexander was born in the Emerald Isle
of Scotch-Irish parents, and was a soldier in
the British army. His children were Joseph,
Samuel and Thomas, the latter born March 13,
1758. This family emigrated to America some
time during the first part of the seventeenth cent
ury, settling in Maryland. Joseph was born at
Chadd's Ford, Md., in 1766, and about the year
1785 came with his brothers, Thomas and Samuel,
to Washington county, Penn. In March, 1786,
they took out a patent for 400 acres of land on
Millers run, which was then included in Washing
ton county, now in Allegheny county. Some time
after this purchase Joseph sold his interest in the
land to his brothers and purchased, of one Mercer,
a farm near Canonsburg. Descendants of the Mer
cer family may be yet living in Florence, Penn.

In early life Joseph Alexander was married to
Elizabeth West, who was born June 7, 1777. To
this marriage were born five children, two sons
and three daughters, namely: Mary (Mrs. Mahood),
Samuel, Elizabeth (Mrs. Dickson), Dr. J. W. Alex
ander, of Canonsburg, and Susan (Mrs. Quail), all
now deceased. The father of this family died
March 23, 1828; the mother on September 3, 1866.
Samuel Alexander, second child of Joseph and
Elizabeth (West) Alexander, was born June 3,
1811, on the home farm near Canonsburg, North
Strabane township, Washington county. On Jan
uary 24, 1860, he was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Logan Van Eman, a daughter of Joseph
and Isabella Logan Van Eman. The first child
born to this union was a son that died in infancy;
the second was a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who
was born May 21, 1863, and died December 10,
1889. The father was called to enter the silent
land October 2, 1874, and Mrs. Alexander is now
residing in Canonsburg, though yet retaining pos
session of the old homestead in North Strabane
township. This family were Presbyterians, as were
all the families of the connection in past genera
tions as far as known.

A. McCALMONT. This gentleman belongs
to a prominent pioneer family, who were
identified with the early history of Pennsyl
vania. John McCalmont was born in Lan
caster county, Penn., and there married Mary
Proudfit, a native of the same place. The young
couple came to Washington county, and settled in
Mt. Pleasant township, where the wife died. He
was there married to Mrs. Margaret (McKee)
Moore, who died on the farm now owned by their
grandson. John McCalmont, son of John and Mary
(Proudfit) McCalmont, was born in 1818, in Mt.
Pleasant township, and on April 15, 1842, was
united in marriage with Mary Ann Moore, born
January 7, 1822, in the same township, a daughter
of John and Margaret (McKee) Moore. The
father who was a lifelong resident of this county,
was killed in 1834 while attending the raising of
the U. P. church in Hickory. His widow some
years after married this same John McCalmont.
John and Mary A. (Moore) McCalmont celebrated
their golden wedding June 14, 1892, and on March
10, 1893, he was called to his rest. Their family
are as follows : Margaret N. , (yet living with her
parents), John H. (sketch of whom follows), S. A.
(of whom further mentipn is made), J. Andrew
(first married to Anna Harsha, deceased, then to
Hester Felinghuyson ; is a U. P. minister at Dexter,
Iowa), W. A. (married to Emma, "daughter of Rev.

522

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

AV. A. McConnell, of Hickory, this county), Mary
A. (wife of John P. White, of Mt. Pleasant town
ship), Jennie E. (Mrs. R. G. Jeffrey, Cross Creek
township), and Rev. D. T. (married to Lelah
Donaldson; is a U. P. minister at Glade Mills,
Butler Co. , Penn). The father had been an active
worker in the Republican party, and he and his wife
were members of the U. P. Church at Hickory,
this county.
John H McCalmont was born December 21,
1844, on the old farm in the southern part of Mt.
Pleasant township, near Mt. Prospect church. He
is the second child of John and Mary Ann (Moore)
McCalmont, whose history is given in these pages.
He attended the Rankin and Cherry Valley dis
trict schools during his boyhood, and in March,
1865, enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Tenth P. V. I., was mustered into service at Pitts
burgh, Penn., and assigned to the Second Corps,
Army of the Potomac. He served till the close of
the war, took part in the Grand Review at Wash
ington and Bailey's Cross Roads, and was dis
charged in 1865, at Arlington Heights. After the
war the soldier garb was exchanged for the attire
of a farmer, and he began working in the harvest
field. On February 27, 1879, he married Elizabeth,
daughter of William and Rachel (May) McConnell,
all three natives of Cecil township, this county.
In 1883 her parents moved to Hickory, where the
mother died January 9, 1887. In 1881 Mr. and
Mrs. McCalmont settled on their present farm,
which contains 132 acres of well-cultivated land.
For the past five years he has been engaged in
the dairy business, milking from eighteen to
twenty cows per day. He is actively identified
with the Republican party, and both he and his
wife are members of the Mt. Pleasant U. P.
Church, at Hickory. They have two children,
Wilbert and Rachel May.
S. A. McCalmont (whose name opens this sketch)
was born December 22, 1846, on the .home
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and received his
education in the district schools. On September
28, 1875, he was married to Mattie A. Jeffrey, who
was born in Cross Creek township, this county,
daughter of Robert and Eliza (Russell) Jeffrey.
The father was born in Canton township, the
mother in Chartiers township, and after their mar
riage they settled in Cross Creek township. Mr.
Jeffrey commenced life a poor boy, but accumu
lated a good property; his wife died in January,
1878. Mr. and Mrs. S. A. McCalmont began mar
ried life in Mount Pleasant township, where she
died November 7, 1877. Mr. McCalmont is an act
ive member of the Republican party, and a mem
ber and trustee of the United Presbyterian Church
at Hickory.

d[AMES P. McCALMONT. The genealogy of
| the prominent family of which this gentleman
I is a worthy representative can be traced to one
William McCalmont (then spelled McCam-
mont), who was a native of Lancaster county,
Penn., and served seven years in the Revolution
ary war. A relative, the famous Maj. James Mc-
Cammont, had charge of forty troopers when Gen.
Washington crossed the Delaware, and was a dis
tinguished officer throughout the Revolutionary
war. William McCammont and his relatives
were very prominent workers in the churches of
the Cumberland Valley, in eastern Pennsylvania.
He came to Cross Creek township, Washington
county, soon after the close of the Revolutionary
war, and was buried in this county; but little, how
ever, is known concerning his life.
His son, John McCalmont, was born in 1781, in
Lancaster county, Penn. , and was married to Mary
Proudfit, of York county. In 1808 he and his
wife crossed the mountains on horseback with their
only child James. They located about one mile
west of Hickory, in Mt. Pleasant township, Wash
ington county, where he followed the blacksmith's
trade, also being a successful farmer, and rapidly
accumulated property. At the age of sixty years
he retired from active work. He was a perfect
type of the hospitable, generous-hearted, social
pioneer, always glad to welcome friends at any
time. He died in 1859, and was buried in the
Hickory U. P. cemetery, of which church he was a
member. In politics he was a Whig originally,
and later a Republican. John McCalmont was
twice married, and his first wife bore him the fol
lowing children: James, Nancy (never married),
Mary (wife of John Henderson, Mt. Pleasant town
ship), David (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township),
John (living in Mt. Pleasant township, was married
April 15, 1842, and on June 14, 1892, celebrated
his golden wedding; he died March 10, 1893,
and was buried March 13), Alexander (a retired
citizen of West Middletown, Penn.), Eliza (Mrs.
Samuel Moore, of Mt. Pleasant township) and Sam
uel (deceased at the age of twenty years). Alex
ander is the only living member of this family.
The mother died and was buried in Hickory ceme
tery, and for his second wife John McCalmont was
married to Mrs. Margaret (McKee) Moore, a wid
ow lady, who bore him no children, and survived
him seven years. She was buried in the Hickory
cemetery. James McCalmont (son of John) was born Jan
uary 29, 1807, in York county, Penn., and was but
a child when he crossed the mountains with his
parents to Washington county. His education was
received in the log cabin schools of Mt. Pleasant
township, and his boyhood was passed on the farm
of his father, where, as the eldest son, a consider-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

523

able amount of work fell to his share. In early
youth he took charge of the home farm, and in
1835. was married to Sarah McBurney, who was
born in 1811, near Midway, in Washington county,
a daughter of John and Sarah (Hunter) McBurney.
The following children were born to James and
Sarah McCalmont: Mary A., Mrs. Samuel Fisher,
of Columbiana county, Ohio; Elizabeth J., wife
of John H. Miller, of Mt. Pleasant township; John
A., a farmer, of Robinson township; James P.,
whose sketch follows; Sarah H., wife of W. B. Mc
Clure, an expert civil engineer of Los Angeles,
Cal.; David A., a farmer, of Robinson township;
Robert Mc, an agriculturist, living near Xenia,
Ohio; Esther A., wife of Rev. Joseph McNab, a
U. P. minister, of Tingley, Iowa: and Kate,
married to Rev. J. A. Shrader, a U. P. min
ister, of Butler county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs.
McCalmont resided on a farm in Mt. Pleasant
township for three years after their marriage,
and in 1839 removed to Robinson township, this
county, purchasing the farm of Rev. Moses Allen,
where they lived many years. James McCalmont
was a scientific farmer and an extensive wool grower,
giving considerable attention and study to the im
provement in quality and length of that staple,
and meeting with signal success. He was a leader
in the Associate Church, and in 1839 was elected
as an elder in the Burgettstown Church, where he
remained until 1863. He then transferred his
membership to the newly- organized Centre U. P.
Church, in, which he was installed as elder, hold
ing that office until his death. In politics he was
a Whig and Republican, and was a very strong
Abolitionist. Although his party was hopelessly
in the minority in Robinson township, he was
chosen to fill nearly every local office; he was sec
retary of the local division of the first temperance
society organized in his neighborhood; was the first
road commissioner under the new system, and was
elected squire two terms. A true and faithful
friend, and an honored citizen, he passed to his
rest October 31, 1890, with the words: "The old
man is worn out. I am at peace with my friends,
my family and my God." His wife had preceded
him in 1879, and both are buried in the Centre
cemetery, near Midway. '
James P. McCalmont was born November 18,
1842, near Candor, Washington Co., Penn., and
received a very fair education, considering his
limited opportunities, the greater part of his time
being devoted to farm work. On August 22, 1867,
he was united in marriage with Mary C. McFar-
land, who was born December 29, 1844, daughter
of Samuel and Jane (Van Emman) McFarland, of
Robinson township. The children of this family
are as follows: Luella, Sarah J., Samuel J., Jo
seph M., John E. and Robert V. All are living
and at home. After his marriage James P. Mc

Calmont resided in Mt. Pleasant township four
years, then located in North Fayette township,
Allegheny county. In 1875 he came to Hanover
township, Washington county, and settled on the
"John McConnell" farm, where he has success
fully followed general farming, stock raising and
dairy business. He has an excellent, practical
education, and is a progressive man. In 1868 he
was elected an elder of the U. P. Church at Cen
tre, and in 1876 became a member of the Paris U.
P. Church, with which his wife and four eldest
children are identified. Politically he is a Repub
lican, and is in sympathy with the Prohibition
doctrine.

JLLIAM H. HILL is a descendant of
Joseph Hill, who was the first of the
Hill family to settle inWashington county.
He was an Irishman, and first came to
Maryland in 1774, thence moving to West
Bethlehem township, he settled on Plum run, west
of Beallsville, and took up 600 acres of land. The
Indians at this early date were so numerous and
hostile that he was obliged to abandon the tract,
and go east for a time; upon his return later
he was not molested. Here he lived the remainder
of his days, dying upon the farm in about 1820.
He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss
Ackley, and his second a Miss Margaret Joy. From
these marriages thirteen children were born:
Joseph, married to Mary Jamison; James, married
to Ann Hill; Thomas, married to Rachel Speers;
John, married to Nancy Sargeant; Margaret, wife
of James Beatty; Elizabeth, wife of John AYelsh;
Sarah, married to John Sargeant; Benjamin, mar
ried to Delilah Notestine; William, married to
Narcissa Beatty ; Atkinson, married to Miss Reemer ;
Rebecca, who became Mrs. William Freeman;
Eleanor, married to William Hawkins, now living
in Kansas; and Henry, a bachelor, who removed
to Ohio. Politically Joseph Hill was a Federalist
and a Whig.
James Hill was born on the old home place,
March 21, 1777, and spent his whole life there.
He received a fair education in a country school,
but was a great reader, and possessed a good mem
ory. At twenty- one years of age he engaged in
farming, and cleared up the home tract of 160
acres. On October 20, 1797, he married Annie,
daughter of Robert Hill. To them eight children
were born, viz. : Joseph, Margaret, Nancy, John,
Fanny, James, Stephen and Robert. The last died
January 29, 1893. To each of them he presented
a good farm. Joseph, Mrs. Richard Morton, Stephen,
Mrs. Henry Weaver, James, Fanny, Robert and
John are all gone. Mr. Hill was first a Whig and
then a Republican. He was an earnest Bible
student, and a deacon of the Baptist Church for

524

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

many years, which office he retained until a year
prior to his death, which occurred in 1861. Mrs.
Hill always remained in the Church of England.
She died November 12, 1856, and both are buried
in the family burying-ground.
James Hill, Jr., was born November 27, 1810, on
the homestead where his youth was spent. He
received the usual education of those early days,
became a well-informed man, a good scholar, and
taught school several terms. In 1830 he engaged
in farming on the place where his son now lives,
following this occupation very successfully all his
life; he added sixty acres to the 100 which he
owned, thus making a valuable farm. He was mar
ried April 14, 1831, to Charlotte, daughter of
William Horner, of Fayette county, and the follow
ing children were born to them: Mrs. Cynthia
Weaver (deceased); Mary Jane (deceased); Mar
garet Ann and AVilliam Horner. Mr. Hill was
school director of his township for twelve or fifteen
years, and also filled several different offices in the
township. He did a great deal of business in set
tling estates. He was a Whig and Republican in
politics, and his religious views leaned toward the
Baptist Church. He died October 1, 1890.
William Horner Hill, the only son of James and
Charlotte (Homer) Hill, was born July 3, 1841, on the
old farm, and has always remained there. He began
his education in the common schools, but his health
failing, was compelled to give up study when
young; but he has been a great reader and is
especially interested in works of history and sacred
literature. He began business on the farm with
his father, having an equal share in the profits,
and has since been very successful, still retaining
the old farm of 160 acres. Mr. Hill is a Repub
lican, but is inclined to independent views regard
ing men and political parties. He and a sister
are members of the Methodist Church.

OBERT T. BARBOUR, a retired farmer
/) of Hanover township, is a native of Jeffer-
V. son township, this county, and a grandson
-^ of Abraham Barbour, who was the first
member of this family to locate in Washing
ton county.
Abraham Barbour was born of English parents
in 1775, in New Jersey, and was there married to
Jane Moore, a native of that State, whose parents
were also of English extraction. Soon after their
marriage this young couple, with Mr. Moore and
family, started to seek a home in western Penn
sylvania. The party came together across the
mountains in a large, six-horse wagon, which con
tained the passengers and their entire stock of
worldly goods. When coming down hill, in the
absence of a lock, the men would cut down a small
tree, attaching it to the rear end of the vehicle to

drag on the ground and hold back the wagon.
Other teams having adopted the same scheme
huge piles of such material were soon collected at
the foot of the steep hills. On arriving at West
moreland county, Penn., William Moore and his
family concluded to remain there, and made a lo
cation in that vicinity, but Abraham Barbour and
his bride went farther west, locating in the terri
tory then called Cross Creek township, but which
is now Jefferson township. Here he bought a
farm by making a small cash payment, and in or
der to pay the amount of his indebtedness then
began the traffic of packing salt over the mount
ains, bringing it from Winchester, Va. He would
start with his two or three horses and so many
sacks of feed, leaving the grain at various places
along the road, and on the return trip would feed
his horses at the same places. This business
proved a profitable one, for he was soon freed from
debt, and devoted the remainder of his life to
"tilling the virgin soil." In politics he was a
Democrat, and was one of the highly-respected
citizens of Jefferson township. He died in 1858,
and his wife passed away in 1859. The children
of this family were born as follows: Cornelius, a
deceased farmer of Knox county, Ohio; a daughter,
died in early youth ; John, whose sketch follows,
Jane, deceased wife of George Stewart, of Knox
county, Ohio; Eleanor, widow of William Allen,
is living in Knox county, Ohio, and Abraham (a
farmer of Knox county, Ohio).
John Barbour was born in 1800, in Jefferson
township, having been reared to manhood on the
home farm aud educated in the rude schools of the
period. In 1824 he was married to Elizabeth
Moore, who was born in 1803 in Muskingum
county, Ohio, a daughter of John Moore. The
following children were bom to the union of John
and Elizabeth Barbour: John M. , a farmer of
Jefferson township; Cornelius, a farmer of Hanover
township; Sarah J., Mrs. T. M. Patterson, of Pat
terson's Mills; Robert T., the subject of this sketch;
Abraham, a farmer of Jefferson township, and
Fanny M. , a maiden lady of Jefferson township.
The parents passed their first years of wedded life
in an old log cabin in Jefferson township, this
building being afterward supplanted by a comfort
able dwelling. He was a successful farmer, and
in politics a lifelong Democrat, having held several
offices in Jefferson township. His death occurred
June 30, 1873, and February 19, 1892, his wife
was laid by his side in Cross Creek cemetery.
Robert T. Barbour was born January 14, 1829,
in Jefferson township. He grew to manhood on
the farm, and was educated in the rate schools.
He married Mary E. AVest, April 27, 1853. She
was born May 18, 1838, in Harrison county, Ohio.
Her mother dying when Mary was an infant, she
was reared to womanhood by an aunt, Eleanor

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

525

Hill, of Paris, Penn. To this union the following
children were born: Elizabeth E., widow of
Stephen Peabody; Fanny M., living at home;
Sarah J., residing with her parents; William M.,
agent and operator at Dinsmore Station, P. C. C.
& St. L. Ry. ; Maggie V., Leona and Halbert,
the latter three living at home. After his marriage
Robert T. Barbour located in Hanover township,
and soon afterward moved to McLean county, 111.,
remaining there until 1859, when he returned to
Hanover township, and has since been engaged in
general farming and stock raising. In 1885 Mr.
Barbour was seized with rheumatism, and this un
welcome companion has clung to him so tenaciously
that he has been obliged to almost retire from act
ive farm work. Mr. Barbour is gifted with a good
memory. He is a pleasant and agreeable com
panion, a good neighbor and valued citizen. In
politics he has been a lifelong Democrat.

JOHN F. SCOTT was born October 25, 1826,
on the farm which is yet his home. He is a
son of Arthur Scott, who was" born about
1794, in County Tyrone, Ireland.
Arthur Scott married Martha Finton, who
was born in Ireland in 1789, and about 1824 they
sailed for America. On landing at New York
they proceeded to Philadelphia, thence to Wash
ington county, Penn., making a location on the
headwaters of King's creek, in Hanover township.
He rented property for some time, finally purchas
ing a tract of fifty acres, from the greater part of
which the heavy timber had to be cleared away.
He possessed but limited means, but finally
managed to accumulate sufficient money to place
him in comfortable circumstances. He was a
member of the Democratic party. He died
December 12, 1852, being preceded by his wife
October 29, 1852. They are buried in the Pres
byterian cemetery at Frankfort, both having been
members of that denomination. They were the
parents of the following children: John F.,
Martha J. (Mrs. Henry Breen, of New Cumber
land, W. Va.), Letitia (wife of Jesse Sleutz, of
Jefferson county, Ohio), Eliza (unmarried, de
ceased November 4, 1852, at the age of seventeen
years), and Robert (deceased October 26, 1852,
aged fifteen years). All the deceased members of
the above family passed away within five weeks of
each other.
John F. Scott was born on the old farm,
attended the rude schools of the period, and con
tinued work on the farm until some time after the
death of his parents. On April 25, 1857, he
married Mary Ann Lipsey, who, born in 1821, in
Ireland, came to this country with her parents in
1823. To this union three children were born,
viz. : William McF. (deceased when two years old),

Mary J. (living at home) and Sarah C . (a school
teacher, and graduate of the Pennsylvania State
Normal School). Mr. and Mrs. Scott have always
resided on their present farm, where he follows
general farming and stock raising, being an
admirer of first-class stock. In politics he is a
life-long Democrat, having held numerous offices
in Hanover township. On October 18, 1891, he
was called to mourn the loss of the wife of his
youth, who was buried in the Presbyterian ceme
tery at Frankfort. She was a member of the
Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Scott is an
active worker, having held the office of trustee for
several years.

JAMES WARD, an expert blacksmith, of Cal
ifornia, is a son of William Ward, who was
born near Bel Air, Harford Co. , Md. In
early manhood he learned the blacksmith's
trade, and then came to Washington county,
Penn., locating in Fallowfield township, and there
followed farming in connection with his trade.
Prior to locating in Pennsylvania, William AVard
had been a slaveholder, but liberated them after
leaving Maryland. He was married to Pleasant,
daughter of Henry Speers, of Fallowfield township,
and their children were Nancy, Solomon, Wilson,
Rebecca, James, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Amanda,
William and Melissa. The father was a Whig and
Republican in politics, and in religion was promi
nently identified with the M. E. Church, having
served for some time as a local preacher.
James Ward was born March 16, 1826, in Fal
lowfield township, and received his early education
in the subscription schools. When he was twenty
yeafs of age he opened a blacksmith shop at Twi
light, and six months afterward moved to Green
field, remaining there until 1886, then came to
California. On June 15, 1852, he married Sarah,
daughter of Solomon Fry, and she has borne him
three children, namely: Addison, Alberta (wife of
Dr. Letherman) and Laura. Although Mr. WTard
had an inclination for the carpenter's trade, circum
stances compelled him to continue in the black
smith's business, and he was obliged to borrow the
money with which to purchase his first Set of tools.
He became an expert in his trade. Originally a
Whig, he has been, since the organization of the
Republican party, an active worker in its ranks.
He and family are members of the M. E. Church.

^ILLIAM RODGERS, a prominent dairy
man and leading agriculturist of Fallow
field township, is a native of the North
of Ireland, born in 1828, in County Done
gal. In 1833 his parents, Samuel and Margaret
(Cook) Rodgers, also natives of County Donegal,

526

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

embarked with their family for America, and after
a voyage of seven weeks landed in the New World.
Proceeding at once to Pennsylvania, they made a
permanent home in Clarion county, where the
father followed agricultural pursuits during the
remainder of his busy life. He died in 1852, his
widow in 1860. Their children were as follows:
Elizabeth (wife of Matthew Banks, of Butler
county, Penn.), deceased in 1889; Susanna (widow
of George Harwood, who died in 1891), living in
Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Jane (widow of Robert Banks),
living in Butler county, Penn. ; Sally (wife of
AVilliam McElhaney, of Armstrong, Penn,), de
ceased in 1891; Margaret, married to Mr. Robert
Gailey, of AATest Belle Vernon, Penn. ; Rebecca,
widow of Samuel Rodgers, of Armstrong county,
Penn. ; Mary (wife of George M. McKinney), de
ceased in 1886, and William, subject of sketch.
AVilliam Rodgers, as will be seen, was five years
old when he came with his parents to the United
States, and to Pennsylvania. He received his
education at the common school,, and in the
academies of Clarion and Butler counties, after
which he commenced farming in Clarion county.
In 1863 he removed from there to Fallowfield
township, Washington county, where he has since
resided. In 1859 William Rodgers was united in
marriage with Miss S. E. Sphar, daughter of John
and Lucy Ann (Scott) Sphar, of Allen township,
this county, and ten children have been born to
them, as follows: Myron K., a graduate of Wash
ington and Jefferson College, civil engineer-in-
chief of the "Mountain Consolidated Company, "
in Butte City, Mont., where he has lived since
1886 (in 1892 he married Lucy Joiner); Anna M.,
a graduate of Washington Female Seminary,
married to Dwight Furness, U. S. consular agent
for the State of Guanajuato, Mexico, and dealer
in high-grade ores, living in the city of Guana
juato; John, a law student, at present residing in
Chicago; Samuel Clark, a graduate of Ohio
AVesleyan University, now secretary and treasurer
of " The Furness & Lewis Co.," in Guanajuato,
Mexico; AA'illiam G. , attending Washington and
Jefferson College; Lillie Gertrude, who attended
Ohio AVesleyan University, and is married to Don
E. King, # lawyer in Washington C. H. , West Va.,
and Wesley P., Rosetta B. , Joseph Henry and
Adeline Patti, all four yet under the parental
roof. The parents, sensible of the weighty
responsibility involved in rearing a large family,
and justly appreciating the benefits resulting from a
thorough education — to the end of educing and
cultivating what is best and noblest in the young
mind — have given their elder children more than
an average academical and collegiate training,
while the younger members have before them
similar advantages and blessings. Mr. Rodgers
has all his life taken an active interest in educa

tional matters, and is an especial enthusiast in the
common-school system of the present day. When
a young man he was the promoter of an academy
in Franklin, Penn., and he taught school for some
three years with marked success. Politically he
votes the Republican ticket, and he and his wife
and all their children are members and liberal
supporters of the M. E. Church.

If SAAC LEADBETER. The life of this gen
tleman is a history in itself, illustrative of what
I can be attained by indomitable perseverance,
a stout heart and a willing pair of hands, He
is a son of the rugged and romantic land of the
Cymri, having been born in Blaenavon, Mon
mouthshire, South AVales, in 1828. In 1840, then
a lad of twelve summers, he came with a brother-
in-law and family to America, the passage across
the Atlantic being made in an American sailing ves
sel. Landing in Alexandria, Va. , after a voyage
of seven weeks and two days, the party proceeded
to AVashington, D. C, thence by train to Balti
more, from which city they traveled by canal to a
place called Trout Run, on the Susquehanna, and
from thereby stage some twenty-five miles through
the wilderness to a small town in Tioga county,
Penn., called Blossburg, where they resided three
years. At the end of that time they retraced their
steps by the same route to Trout Run, and from
there journeyed to Pittsburgh by canal. The canal
boat which conveyed them was built in three sec
tions, which were taken apart when they reached
the Alleghanies, being brought separate over the
mountains — five inclines up and five inclines down,
into the canal again, and then once more hitched
together. They crossed the Allegheny river in
the aqueduct, "and landed at Bayardstown, near
where the Union depot now stands. ' There they
took boat to Young's Landing, on the Mononga
hela, two miles below Greenfield, now called Coal
Centre. At the time of the California "gold fever" Mr.
Leadbeter, in company with six others, set out for
the new Eldorado in the spring of 1850, taking
the overland route, and arriving in Hangtown six
months after the day of their starting, many
hardships being endured on the journey. After
two years' sojourn in the mines, he returned home
via the Isthmus of Panama, and in 1856 he re
visited California, traveling by the Nicaragua
route, and again remained in the "gold diggins"
two years. In 1S63 the Smith & Co. Coal Com
pany was organized, the firm being composed of
Isaac Leadbeter, L. E. Smith and Edward Blinco,
which was dissolved on the death of Mr. Smith in
the year 1873. In 1874 a new company came into
existence, styled the I. Leadbeter Company, which
did business until 1878, and in the following year

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

529

our subject and family moved to Cherokee county,
Kans., but the fascination of his early manhood
home still haunted him, and impelled him in 1880
to once more become a citizen of the Keystone
State. Up to the year 1880, when he retired from
active life, Mr. Leadbeter' s occupation was for the
most part mining and shipping coal. He began
life with a coal pick in his hand, and has felt the
cutting edge of poverty's lance; but by industry
and perseverance, coupled with sound judgment
and solid business principles, he succeeded in con
quering every opposition, and to-day he ranks
with the most prosperous men in the land.
In June, 1849, our subject was united in mar
riage with Isabel, daughter of Robert and Mar
garet Smiley, and six children have been born to
them — one son and five daughters, viz. : Sarah
Crow, wife of John Crow; Nancy, wife of John
Young; Robert Leonard, a general merchant of
Coal Centre, married to Cora Hicks; Mary Eliza,
wife of Jacob Hormell; Harriet Malinda, wife of
A. E. Freeman, and Cora Belle, living at home
with her parents. The parents have given their
children excellent school advantages, and all have
been brought up to a Christian life. Mr. Lead
beter' s home since 1855 has. been in Coal Centre,
with the exception of two years he and his family
lived in Kansas (as already related), from which
place he and the family moved to their present
residence in 1880. In 1858 Mr. Leadbeter united
with Pike Run Lodge, No. 491, I. O. O. F., of
California, and was one of the organizers and
charter members of Vesta Lodge, No. 696, Coal
Centre. He has proven a most zealous and active
member, and has passed all the Chairs. Mr.
Leadbeter has extensive real-estate interests in the
boroughs of California, Granville and Coal Centre.
In church affairs he has ever been especially
prominent. From the days of his early youth he
has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal
denomination, and has served in every official
capacity, being at the present time district stew
ard. In the Sunday-school he is recognized as a
leader, and when the Sabbath day comes Mr.
Leadbeter appears in armor, at his post.
It is but fair to add that in business circles few
in his line of trade are better known throughout
the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys than Isaac Lead
beter, whose name is the synonym for honor and
integrity. As a man he is genial as the sunshine,
generous to a fault, respected and beloved by all.

COTT FAMILY. The sons and daughters
of Old Erin have ever been among the first
to volunteer in any enterprise requiring
pluck, fortitude and gallant heroism. It is
therefore not surprising, that, in ascertaining thena-
tionality of our forefathers, so many of those who first

braved the dangers and privations of pioneer life
have been natives of the fair Emerald Isle, small
in area, but mighty in the strength of a heroic
race. One of their poets aptly expresses the sen
timents of the true Irishman the world over, in the
lines: When Erin first rose from the dark swelling flood,
God blessed the green island, He saw it was good.
The Emerald of Europe, it sparkled, it shone,
In the ring of this world the most precious stone.
Arm of Erin prove strong; but be gentle as brave,
And uplifted to strike, still be ready to save.
Nor one feeling of vengeance presume to defile,
The cause of the men of the Emerald Isle.
WILLIAM SCOTT, the great-great-great-great
grandfather of the present generation:
Should auld (relations) be forgot
And never brought to mind;
Should auld (relations) be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne.
AVilliam Scott, the progenitor of the family with
which this genealogy has to deal (as taken from a
late history), was born in Scotland in the latter
part of the seventeenth century, the exact date be
ing not known. On account of his loyalty to the
principles of the "Church of Scotland," and bitter
opposition to popery, he, with many other families
of Covenanter sympathies, in order to enjoy peace
and safety, was compelled to leave his native land
and find a home elsewhere. He accordingly went
to the North of Ireland, County Derry. There he
laid out a deer park and salmon fishery, as he was
a man of considerable wealth (judged by the
standard of those days, not of the present). But
few details of his life have come down to us, nor
do we know when he died, and of his family we
have no account, except of one Bon, Joseph.
Joseph Scott, son of William Scott, was born in
County Derry, Ireland, in the early part of the
eighteenth century. His children (so far as has
been ascertained) were one daughter and five
sons, viz.: Mary, William, Zaccheus, Nathan,
Samuel and James. He died in Ireland, after
which his children emigrated to America, first
locating in Lancaster county, Penn. , some of them.
afterward moving to Washington (now Allegheny)
county, same State. William (the eldest son) was
killed in one of the Indian wars; Zaccheus settled
with his brother James, on a farm in Elizabeth
township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and all trace of
him has been lost; Nathan located in New Jersey,
and nothing further has been heard of him except
that he had one son; James, the youngest son of
Joseph Scott, Sr. , when he came to western Penn
sylvania settled in what is known as the "Forks
of the Yough ' ' settlement, now Elizabeth town
ship, Allegheny Co., Penn. This farm he after
ward patented, November 9, 1789; part of this
farm is now owned by his grandson,. Zaccheus
Scott. James Scott had eight children, and three

530

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of the sons were in the war of 1812, two of them
as captains, one being promoted to colonel (but
little further is known of the family connection).
Mary (the eldest child and only daughter of
Joseph Scott, Sr.) was married near the year 1760,
to James Young, of Lancaster county, Penn. Mr.
Young lived on the main road from Philadelphia
to Lancaster, and kept an inn at which the wagon
ers stopped on their route. Mr. Young died prior
to the year 1780, his wife afterward married John
Morgan, and with her eight children came to west
ern Pennsylvania in 1780, and located in what is
now Robinson township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
near where the fort (afterward known as the
" Cowan Fort") was built. She was known to the
succeeding generation as Grandmother Morgan,
and her descendants as far as known at this writ
ing are 324.
Samuel Scott (son of Joseph Scott, Sr.) was
born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1751, and in
youth came to this country, first locating in Lan
caster county, Penn. He attended a communion
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church at that
place, was married about the year 1775, to Eliza
beth Wilson, a sister of Rev. J. R. Wilson, of the
same church, and moved to western Pennsylvania,
settling on a -farm on Mingo creek, AVashington
Co. , Penn. He bought a team of horses in Lan
caster county, a Conestoga wagon and farm imple
ments, and drove through by way of Bedford
Springs to the above-named place. There he re
mained until about the year 1795, when he moved
to Campbell's run, Washington county (now in
Robinson township, Allegheny Co. , Penn.), was one
of the pioneers of the settlement, and helped to build
the Cowan fort, or blockhouse, in which the set
tlers would often leave their wives and children for
safety from the Indians. He rented a farm of 331
acres from John Bail, which he afterward bought,
in November, 1799, the same for £516 specie, the
deed thereof being recorded March 1,1800. Mr.
Scott purchased on May 4, 1805, a farm in Wash
ington county on the headwaters of Miller's run,
Mt. Pleasant township, containing 309^ acres, for
the sum of $2,474 (which farm he afterward willed
to his sons John and Joseph), same being the east
ern part of the land granted to Gen. George Wash
ington, owned at that time by Alexander Addison.
In the fall of 1805, a communion service was held
at the home of Samuel Scott, on Campbell's run,
about fifty persons having gathered, most of them
coming from a distance. The dwelling was but a
log cabin, and consequently the barn floor was
covered with straw, over which was spread wagon
covers and blankets. Here the guests slept, Mr.
Scott lodging with the company, feeding the horses
and people. Thursday was kept as a fast day;
Friday all the able-bodied men went to work hewing
and hauling logs to erect a communion table, seats

and a tent, so that the minister could address the
audience, and services were held Saturday after
noon, Sabbath and Monday morning, after which
the worshipers returned to their homes. ;
In 1815 Mr. Scott went on a chase on horseback
to the land office at Canton or Mansfield, Ohio, be
ing first of the numerous competitors, and entered
a section of land (640 acres) ; he also, at anotherplace
entered a half section — in all 960 acres. It was a
perilous journey at that time, on account of the
Indians. He died in 1819, aged sixty-eight years
owning at the time about 1,600 acres of land.
His wife died in 1827, aged seventy-eight years
and they are buried in the cemetery at Union (TJ.
P.) church, in Robinson township, Allegheny
county. They were active and influential members
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in which
he was a ruling elder for many years. They
raised a family of nine children, all of whom grew
to maturity and reared families. Their names are
as follows: John, Margaret, Elizabeth, William,
Mary, Joseph, Samuel, Nancy and James. His
descendants at this writing, as far as known, are 619
in number. Part of the farm or homestead is still
owned by Scott connection. The farm on Miller's
run he left by will to his two sons, John and Joseph
— the north end, 159J acres to John, and his grand
children still own sixty-five acres of it, and goes by
the name of the Scott heirs. The south end, 150
acres, he left to his son Joseph, and his son James
owns and lives on it. Each of the farms have
three producing oil wells, some of them, at this
writing, producing at the rate of seventy-five bar
rels per hour.
Joseph Scott, son of Samuel, was born in 1786,
in Allegheny county, Penn., becoming inured
from boyhood to the privations and hardships of
the frontier settlements. In 1808 he was married
to Margaret McCurdy, of Allegheny county, after
ward settling in Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
on the farm afterward left him by his father Sam
uel. She bore him eight children, one of whom,
Joseph L. (the only one living), is married and
resides in Cecil township. The mother died June
4, 1827, and in 1829 the father was united in mar
riage with Sarah Douglas, who was born in 1795,
in Cecil township, this county; she was a daughter,
of Patrick Douglas, a native of Scotland, who
came with his parents to America when but nine
years of age, locating in eastern Pennsylvania, and
afterward settling in Cecil township, where he
died in his eighty-ninth year. The mother passed
away when eighty-eight years old. Joseph and
Sarah (Douglas) Scott began married life on his
farm (as above mentioned) on Miller's run in Mt.
Pleasant township (now occupied by their son
James), upon which he erected a good brick resi
dence in 1834. Their children were as follows:
Nancy (deceased in infancy), Margaret S. (widow

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

531

of James K. Robb, of Jackson county, Kans. , who
was reared in this county but died in Ohio), Nancy
{deceased in 1887), Robert^ D. (of whom a sketch
follows), James (of whom special mention is made
further on) and John (living in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, married to Lizzie Bolton). The father was
a soldier in the war of 1812, and an influential
citizen, having assisted in settling several estates.
He was an active member of the Reformed Pres
byterian Church, of which he was ruling elder sev
eral years. He died May 14, 1861, and August 2,
1882, his wife was laid beside him.
Robert D. Scott, eldest son of Joseph and Sa
rah (Douglas) Scott, was born January 16, 1834,
on the old home place in Mt. Pleasant township,
where his early education was received. On May
25, 1870, he selected a life companion in the person
of Mattie R., daughter of William Thompson.
The father was born in Mt. Pleasant township,
and was married to Eliza Jane Fleming, a native
of the same place. In 1874 they moved to Alle-
Allegheny county, Penn. , where he passed away in
April, 1882. Mrs. Thompson is yet living in that
county, and is the mother of twelve children, viz.:
Mary (deceased in her twenty-second year), Mattie
R. (Mrs. Robert D. Scott), Sarah Ann (wife of
Alexander May, of Cecil township), Eliza Jane
(Mrs. C. R. Potter, of McDonald, Penn.), Ebenezer
(at home), Maria (residing with her mother), Alice
(Mrs. Samuel Thompson, of Canonsburg, Penn.),
Emma (wife of James Riddile, of Allegheny
county, Penn.), William Harvey Smith (living in
Mansfield, Penn.), two deceased in infancy, and
Joseph (living in Sioux City, Iowa). Since their
marriage Robert D. and Mattie R. (Thompson)
¦Scott have resided on the farm in Cecil township,
containing 119^ acres of well-improved land, upon
which he has erected good buildings. Four
children have blessed this union: John Herbert,
Sarah Elizabeth, one deceased in infancy, and
Mary (who died at the age of seven years and six
months). Mr. and Mrs. Scott and their two
children are members of the Reformed Presby
terian Church, of which he is an elder, and he has
also served about thirty-five years as treasurer.
James Scott (second son of Joseph and Sarah
(Douglas) Scott) was bom January 1, 1836, on the
home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
receiving his education in the district schools of
the neighborhood. In 1867 he was united in
marriage with Eliza Thompson, a native of Carroll
county, Ohio, daughter-of Hance and Eliza (Hen
derson) Thompson. The parents were born in
Ireland, emigrating to America in 1830. In 1834
they moved to a farm in Carroll county, Ohio,
thence to Harrison county, Ohio, where he died
February 9, 1892, having been preceded in 1863
by his wife. She was the mother of the following
children: Sarah (deceased in Carroll county, Ohio,

at the age of ten years), Margaret (deceased in
Pittsburgh, Penn.), George (deceased in childhood),
Eliza (wife of James Scott), George (deceased in
his eighteenth year), Jane (living in Harrison
county, Ohio), Sarah (wife of Joseph Thompson,
Carroll county, Ohio) and W. P. (living in
Carroll county, Ohio). James and Eliza (Thomp
son) Scott lived on a farm adjoining their present
home until 1880, when they removed to the place
of 150 acres which they now occupy. The tract
has been in the family name since 1805, being
originally a part of the George Washington survey.
It also contains a producing oil well, which yields
from_ seventy-five to eighty barrels of oil per day.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, of which he is ruling elder.
They have four children, namely: Lizzie H., Sadie
B., Ida M. and Jennie A.

If SAAC J. DEEDS is a worthy descendant of a
well-known pioneer family. He is a son of
Isaac Deeds and a grandson of Andrew Deeds.
Andrew Deeds was born January 1, 1760, in
eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Washington
county, settling on the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek,
in Donegal township, about two and three-quarters
miles north of Coon Island. He was of German
descent, and among the first pioneers of this county.
Andrew Deeds was married to Mary Miller, who
was born June 20, 1760, in eastern Pennsylvania,
a daughter of Jacob Miller, coming with her parents
to Donegal township, this county.
Her father, Jacob Miller, was of German birth,
and, immigrating with his wife to America, was
among the early settlers on Dutch fork of Buffalo
creek. Jacob Miller and a neighbor, John Hupp,
were both killed on Easter Sunday, 1782. They
started together to visit a friend, not knowing that
a party of Indians had raided in, as was their cus
tom in the springtime and autumn. Miller and
Hupp had nearly arrived at their friend's house,
when suddenly they were met by the savage red
skins in the path that led through the lonely and
uncultivated forest, and, mid the yells and savage
shrieks of the painted Indians, they were killed
and scalped. Soon the news came to the few set
tlers that the Indians were making a raid among
them, and they all left their homes and made a
speedy effort to seek safety in the Miller block
house. Soon the few settlers who had succeeded
in gaining the blockhouse were surrounded by a
party of about seventy Shawanese Indians, and al
most without any ammunition, and totally without
provisions to eat. The wives of Miller and Hupp
were among those who escaped to the fort, and
they there prepared ammunition to keep off the
Indians. At this moment the latter, leaping from
their concealment, appeared in every direction

532

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

around the blockhouse, and a hot and continuous
firing commenced. The female band, in despair
and anguish, were forced to the conclusion that the
blockhouse would now soon be taken by storm, or
envelop them in its flames; and, with no hope of a
successful resistance, were about to give up. In
this crisis of terrible emergency, but with the con
soling language of hope, and with courage suffi
ciently unfaltering for the dire emergency, Provi
dence panoplied those female heroines with daring
courage. And then, nerving their arms and steel
ing their hearts to the severe duties of the moment,
they, snatching up their rifles, fired at the ap
proaching savages, and then ran from porthole to
porthole, protruding the muzzles in different direc
tions to convey the idea of a great force in the
house, at each presentation causing the savages to
cower behind trees or other objects for protection.
This executed strategy of these pioneer heroines
without doubt saved the few inmates from an im
mediate and horrible death. The Indians, evident
ly filled with chagrin and disappointment, skulked
about the blockhouse till nightfall, and then a few
of them left during the night, bearing away with
them the scalps of Miller and Hupp. The loss of
these two men to the neighborhood was severely
felt at a time when men were so much needed; but
all hearts in that blockhouse were overflowing with
thankfulness and gratitude to a kind and merciful
Preserver for vouchsafing to them His aid and pro
tection when their great and terror-filling peril
was impending, and saving them from the ruthless
hands of the merciless and bloodthirsty savages.
With sad and anxious hearts the wives of Miller
and Hupp lived in hopes that their loving hus
bands would soon arrive in safety at the block
house, not knowing then that they were massacred
by the savage Indians; so the Hfeless bodies of
Miller and Hupp remained for several days where
they had been left by the Indians. By and by
some friends and a few settlers', concluding it was
safe to leave the fort, with cautious steps and
armed with a few guns, set out in search of
Miller and Hupp, whose bodies they found less
than one-half mile north of the fort, on a ridge in
a small path that led through the dense forest.
(The field is now owned by Clint Miller). They
brought the lifeless bodies to the Miller blockhouse,
and prepared them for burial. They were in
terred in one grave, a few yards from the block
house, and placed side by side, each body being
wrapped in a sheet, without any coffin, and some
rude puncheons were placed around them in their
grave. There was no time for the mourners to pre
pare a box or coffin for their departed friends, as
they did not know how soon the Indians might sur
round them, and kill or take them all prisoners.
And in that ancient and lonely graveyard to-day
are lying, clustered around the graves of these two

pioneers, the remains of Jacob Klow, Jacob Miller
Jr., Fredrick Miller, Ann Hupp and her daughter
Margaret Titus, and other friends. Fredrick and
Capt. Jacob were sons' of the unfortunate Jacob
Miller, Sr. Fredrick died on March 27, 1814,
aged forty-three years, and Capt. Jacob Miller died
August 20, 1830, aged sixty-eight years. The
graveyard where those heroes are buried is situ
ated a few yards from Clint Miller' s residence, in
a ravine near the waters of Little Buffalo creek.
This is one illustrative incident of pioneer life.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Deeds had the following
family of children: Adam, Jacob, John, Isaac,
Catherine and Mary. After his marriage Mr.
Deeds located on a farm adjoining the " Old Miller
blockhouse tract of land." He passed the remain
der of his life on the farm, dying December 5,
1831, and was followed by his wife October 15,
1842. He was an industrious man, and accumu
lated a considerable property.
Isaac Deeds, the youngest son of Andrew Deeds,
was born August 12, 1800, on the farm in Donegal
township, passing his younger days in assisting his
father, and attending the subscription schools. He
remained at home until after the death of his
father, and took care of his mother. On Novem
ber 15, 1832, he was united in marriage with
Sarah Rodgers, who was born September 8, 1809,
daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Hupp) Rodg
ers, the latter being the daughter of John Hupp.
They had two children, Belle and Isaac J. Mr.
Deeds passed the first years of married life on his
father's farm, devoting his time to agriculture, and
dealing extensively in stock. He afterward pur
chased and moved upon the ' 'Abe Miller " tract of
land, adjoining the old Deeds farm. Mr. Deeds
was a very successful, sagacious business man, and
eventually became one of the largest landholders
in Donegal township. Politically, he was original
ly a Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He
died September 26, 1886, having been preceded by
his wife May 12, 1842. Their two children, Isaac
J. and Belle, are living on the home farm. Isaac
J. is an active member of the Republican party.

JAMES S. BUCHANAN. Of the many coun
tries represented in America, none have be
queathed to the New AVorld a better or more
inteligent class than has ' ' bonnie Scotland."
She has given us the noblest and best blood
of a nation eminent in the history of the world as
patriots, citizens and statesmen. James Buchanan,
grandfather of subject, was born in Scotland, and
in early manhood came to America, setling on a
farm in Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he died many years ago. He and
his wife were members of the Seceder Church.
Thomas Buchanan, father of our subject, was

I?s#\^

«Ks

A/zrf ^/^ed^^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

535

born in 1800, in Chartiers township, this county,
and in 1824 was united in marriage with Jane
Smiley, who was born in 1804, in Cross Creek
township, this county. After their marriage the
young people settled on the farm now owned by
their son James S., and followed farming and
wool growing. He was extensively engaged in
raising sheep, making a large profit from the busi
ness. In politics he opposed slavery, voted the
Democratic ticket, and served the county as super
visor of the poor. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan were
formerly members of the Seceder (now U. P. ) Church
at Hickory, afterward uniting with the North Buf-
, alo U. P. Church. He died May 7, 1871, followed
by his widow in March, 1885. They were the
parents of the following children: Nancy Jane
(deceased in 1883), Mary Ann (who married Rev.
Samuel Alexander, of Abilene, Kans., and died in
1862), Sarah Martha (who married Rev. Josiah
Alexander, of Belmont, Ohio, and died in 1854,
while visiting her parents), Hester (Mrs. Robert
Flanigan, of Mt. Pleasant township), Elizabeth E.
(wife of J. D. Smith, in Lawrence county, Penn.),
Rebecca Margaret (deceased in 1854), James S.
(our subject), Harriet (deceased in 1853), Maria
Miller (Mrs. James Herriot, living in Lawrence,
Kans.), Caroline (deceased in youth) and Ella S.
(wife of William Smith, of Douglas county, Kans.).
James S. Buchanan was born April 1, 1838, on
the present home farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
receiving his elementary education in the district
schools.- He then took a course at Duff's Com
mercial College, graduating, with the class of '58.
After leaving school he devoted himself to agricult
ural pursuits. In 1878 he was one of the first to
introduce Holstein cattle into Washington county,
since which time he has made a specialty of rais
ing that breed, also the Dorset horned and Merino
sheep. (H S. Buchanan, the son, in company
with J. B. Henderson, imported the first lot of
Dorset horned sheep into Washington county, and
it is believed the first importation ever made of
sheep direct to said county). In 1861 Mr. Bu
chanan was united in marriage with Martha L. Mc-
Garrel. Her grandfather, Lodowyck McCarrel,
was born in Ireland about the close of the last
century, came to Washington county and married
Martha Leman. They settled in Mt. Pleasant
township, and reared a family. Andrew McCarrel,
father of Mrs. Buchanan, was born in Mt. Pleasant
township, and in early life was married to Eliza
beth, daughter of William Wilson, pastor of the
U. P. Church at Clinton, Penn. After their mar
riage they settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, where Mr. McCarrel died December 29, 1883,
having been preceded by his wife in July, 1874.
They were members of the U. P. Church at Hickory,
afterward uniting with the Chartiers Cross Roads
Church. James S. Buchanan and his wife began

wedded life on the home farm, where they have
continued to remain. Three children have been
born to their union, viz. : Beulah W. (wife of Dr.
C. L. Campbell, Hickory), Herbert S. (married in
1889 to Lena, daughter of J. R. Lyle, of Mt. Pleas
ant township) and Lulu F. married November 30,
1892, to J. B. Henderson, of Washington, Penn.).
Mr. Buchanan's farm contains 400 acres of well-cul
tivated land. In politics he is a Democrat, and is
much interested" in the recent organization of
farmers for mutual protection and co-operation. He
is now serving his twenty-second year as justice
of the peace, having entered on, his fifth term of
five years each. He was a strong candidate for
the State Legislature in 1886, and has taken an act
ive interest in securing railroads in the commu
nity. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan are members of the
Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect.
Squire Buchanan was the first man to take an
interest in the leasing of land in his part of the
county for oil and gas, and was one of the first
to call a meeting of the citizens of Mt. Pleasant
township; he took an active part in the leasing
of 10, 000 acres, spending one winter. The first gas
well was found on a farm adjoining Mr. Buchanan' s,
and this led to drilling for gas in Washington
county, resulting in oil. Mr. Buchanan has set
tled many estates, and in many instances acted as
administrator. His home is about nine miles from
Washington borough, and about two and a half
miles from Hickory.

AMUEL CONNER, a member of one of the
early families of Washington county, Penn.,
is the eldest son of John Conner, a son of
Samuel Conner. The grandfather was born
and reared in Maryland, and there married to
Sarah Graham. They came to this county many
years ago, first settling in Burgettstown, where he
followed the wheelwright's trade, and afterward
moving to Mt. Pleasant township. His wife died
in 1821, and he follqwed her prior to 1848.
John Conner was born February 18, 1810, in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where he
passed his boyhood. In early life he was married
to Margaret Edgar, a native of Cecil township,
this county. She was a daughter of Adam Edgar,
a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1786.
He married Sarah Jamison, who was born and
reared in Bucks county, Penn. , and they had eleven
children, five sons and six daughters, all now de
ceased but Thomas, who lives in Boone county,
Iowa. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conner
settled in Mt. Pleasant township, thence moving
to the farm in Cecil township, now owned by W.
J. Kelso. In 1844 John Conner bought 186
acres of the Donald farm in Cecil township, upon
which they made their permanent home. Mrs.

536

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Conner died February 14, 1890. They were the
parents of six children, as follows: One that
died in infancy, Samuel, Adam (who died May 11,
1861), Sarah Jane, Abigail (deceased October 31,
1885) and John (living in Pittsburgh, Penn.).
The father is yet living, and has entered his
eighty-third year. He was a member of the U.
P. Church at Squeers Springs, with which his wife
was also connected, and they afterward trans
ferred their membership to the church in Canons
burg. Samuel Conner was born in 1840 on the home
place in Cecil township, this county, and received
his education in the schools of the home district.
He has always resided in the vicinity of his birth
place, and does a general farming and dairy busi
ness. In politics he votes with the Democratic
party, and in religious faith he is a member of the
U. P. Church.

+/

ly Mi RS. JANE (LEE) KERR, a popular and
\i\ intelligent lady of Cross Creek township,
Ml I is a granddaughter of Hugh Lee, who was
^ born in Ireland, and was there married to
Mary Elliott. They immigrated to Amer
ica in .1790, settling on the farm in Cross Creek
township, Washington Co., Penn., now occupied by
a great-grandson, W. C. Lee. Six children were
bom to this couple: James, William, Hugh, Robert,
Ann and Ellen. Of these, Hugh Lee was born in
1773, in County Donegal, Ireland, and came with
his father to Washington county. He was reared
to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through
life. He was united in marriage with Miss Han
nah Orr, who was born in 1787, and to their union
came children as follows: Mary, William, John,
Margaret, an infant unnamed, Hugh, Hannah A.,
and Jane (Mrs. I. H. Kerr). The father was a
very influential citizen, and used all the means in
his power to promote the interests of others. In
religious faith he was a member of the Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church, and in 1818 was elected an
elder for life. His death occurred in 1837, in
Claysville, while he was attending the Presbytery.
Jane Lee was born March 7, 1827, on the old
homestead, and in her early youth attended the
common schools of the vicinity. On September 8,
1847, she was united in marriage with Isaac
Hampton Kerr, a native of New Jersey, and son of
Aaron and Sarah (Peppard) Kerr.
Aaron Kerr was born June 4, 1776, in Maryland,
and was married to Sarah Peppard (at the time
living near Hackettstown, Md.), daughter of the
late Rev. Francis Peppard, of that place. Aaron
Kerr was a member of the Presbyterian Church
from early manhood, and had been elected four
times as ruling elder, first time in Hackettstown
(Md. ) Church, when but twenty-one years of age.

After their marriage Aaron and Sarah Kerr settled
on Pigeon creek, this county, afterward moving to
Washington borough, where he was engaged in
mercantile business ; he was also a ruling elder in
the church there. In 1831 he moved to Mononga
hela City, and there carried on commercial busi
ness until 1845, when he came to Cross Creek
village, still engaging in mercantile pursuits. In
politics he was a Whig, and from 1824 to 1828
was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature.
He served as a member of the constitutional con
vention in 1836, and was again chosen to the
Assembly in 1840. He died May 1, 1854, at the
age of seventy-eight years.
Isaac Hampton Kerr, son of Aaron and Sarah
(Peppard) Kerr, was born June 24, 1814, in New
Jersey, and remained with his father until they
came to Cross Creek village. He then married
Miss Jane Lee, who bore him three children, viz, :
Leeanna (wife of Dr. T. C. M. Stockton, of Cross
Creek village); Aaron Hervey (a merchant of Cross
Creek village), and Milton Brainard, a merchant
in southern Kansas). Mr. Kerr was a thorough
business man, following mercantile pursuits during
most of his life, and accumulating considerable
property. He was a member, trustee and treas
urer of the Cross Creek Church for many years.
He died February 1, 1866.

iHOMAS PETTIT, a prosperous and enter
prising farmer of Cross Creek township,
Washington Co., Penn., is a son of Matthias
Pettit, who was born on a farm near Wash
ington borough. He was reared to agricult
ural pursuits, but his inclinations were opposed to
farm life, and when a boy he learned the tailor's
trade. He was married to Sarah, a daughter of
Barnabas Hughes, a prominent farmer living near
Washington. Soon thereafter Matthias Pettit
moved to Elkhart county, Ind. , and there worked
at his trade the remainder of his life, dying in
1838. He left three children, namely: Margaret
Ann (wife of. John Munce), Thomas, and William
H. (a blacksmith of Beaver Falls, Penn.)
Thomas Pettit was born April 4, 1836, in Elk
hart county, Ind., and soon after the death of his
father came to the home of his grandfather in Am
well township, Washington Co., Penn. He re
mained on the farm in Amwell township until
reaching maturity, and on March 27, 1861, was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Boone,
who was born in 1836. The following children
have been born to their union: Calvin M., born in
1862 (a clerk in R. P. Wallace's glass store, Pitts
burgh, Penn.); William H., bom in 1864 (living
with his father); Minnie, born in 1866 (wife of G.
Hunter Patterson, foreman of the R. P. Wallace
glass store, Pittsburgh); Charles E., born in 1868,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

537

and Thomas M., born in 1873, are residing with
their parents. Thomas Pettit began life working
by the month, continuing to labor as a farm hand
for five or six years, when he began farming on
shares. Two years after his marriage he pur
chased his first farm, which was situated near
Washington, but sold it the following year. He
then lived in different parts of the county, some
times buying a farm and occasionally renting one.
In 1889 he bought a fine place of 102 acres, where
he has since resided, and upon which is a comfort
able residence, which enhances the value of the
property. Politically, Thomas Pettit is a stanch
Republican, as were his ancestors, his grandfather
being one of the two men in Amwell township, this
county, who voted for J. P. Hale for President on
the Abolition ticket. Mr. Pettit is an active mem
ber of the. Disciple Church at Middletown.

I AMES HAMILTON (deceased), who in his
lifetime was a successful business man of
v\ North Strabane township, was of Irish par-
^^ entage. His father, Alexander Hamilton,
was bom in the Emerald Isle, and when a
small boy came with his parents to America.
They settled in North Strabane township, AVash
ington Co., Penn., where the parents died,
and Alexander was married to Jane Colwell.
Their children were James, Joseph C. and John
(both farming in North Strabane township), Mary
(widow of William Crawford), Sarah, Robert C,
Alexander, Elizabeth, James, Anna and Margaret.
Of these, Robert C, Alexander, Elizabeth, James,
Anna 'and Margaret are deceased. Mr. Hamilton
voted with the Democratic party, but was not an
active politician. He and his wife were both act
ive members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian
Church. Mrs. Hamilton died in 1860, and was
followed to the grave by her husband in 1864.
James Hamilton was born December 27, 1809,
in North Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and grew to manhood on the home place,
receiving his early education at the country schools
of the vicinity. On October 1, 1846, he was
united in marriage with Miss Lucy Bushyager,
who was born February 17, 1816, in Washington
county, Penn., daughter of George and Mary
Bushyager. Mr. Bushyager was born in Germany
and immigrated to Pennsylvania, where he was
married to Mary Miller, a native of that State.
Nine children were born to them, of whom are
now living: Sarah (wife of Joseph Gilch#rist, a
farmer of Iowa), John (a farmer of Westmoreland
county, Penn.,) and Lucy (Mrs. James Hamilton).
Mr. Bushyager was a farmer and died in AVest-
moreland county, Penn.; his wife died in Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton had children
as follows: Four are now living — Robert C,

born February 27, 1851; Margaret, born March
20, 1853 (married December 21, 1882, to Samuel
McNary); James A., born October 16, 1855, and
George I. born September 1, 1858; Sarah J., who
died March 18, 1889, and three that died in
infancy. Of this family George L. was married
March 21, 1879, to Miss Sadie A. Chamberlain,
who was born October 9, 1859, a native of Wash
ington county, and three children were born to
them, namely: James H., born December 17,
1879; Nelly B., born September 27, 1881, and
Hannah F., born October 19, 1883. Mr. Hamil
ton had a good farm of 106 acres, lying half a
mile south of Thomas. In politics he was a Dem
ocrat, and was ever interested in all worthy enter
prises. He died November 25, 1892, aged eighty-
three years.
J (AMES JOHNSTON, who, since 1884, has
lived a retired life in the borough of Wash-
| ington, is a native of Canton township, this
county, born April 12, 1821. His grand
father, James Johnston, was a native of Lancaster
county, Penn., where he was married, and reared
the following children : Nancy (Mrs. Thomas Con
nelly), Jennie (Mrs. Benjamin McKehan), and
Samuel. In 1810 he came to Washington county
and settled in Canton township, where he died.
He was a leading Democrat, and a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Washington.
Samuel Johnston, son of this old pioneer, was
also a native of Lancaster county, bom in 1787.
About 1818 he was married to Sarah McClane, of
Chartiers township, this county, and they settle4
down to the stern realities of life on the old home
place. The names of the children born to them
are James, John M., Samuel G., Sarah Martha
and Nancy J. The father of this family died June
14, 1870, the mother about 1841. They were
members of the Presbyterian Church at Washing
ton, and in politics Mr. Johnston was a Democrat.
James Johnston was educated in the public
schools of his native township, and received a thor
oughly practical training to farm life, which voca
tion he successfully followed until 1884, when he
retired from active labor. On January 21, 1845,
he was married to Mary M. McClane, who was
born December 31, 1824, in Chartiers township,
Washington Co., Penn., a daughter of Ebenezer
and Jane (McMurray) McClane, and the children
born to them were Samuel M. , E. McClane, John
(deceased), Sophronia (deceased), John (a physi
cian practicing in Wellsburgh, AV. Va.) and Anna
J. The mother of this family was called from
earth September 17, 1891, and was buried in Wash
ington cemetery. Of the sons born to James and
Mary M. (McClane) . Johnston, E. McClane mar
ried, in the fall of 1875, Miss Rachel Hill, daugh
ter of Abner and Lizzie Hill, and five children were

538

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born to this union, viz. : Sudie (deceased in May,
1890), Mamie (deceased in January, 1886), Bessie,
Ora, and one that died in infancy at the time of its
mother's death in June, 1887. John married, in
1886, Miss Nannie Adams, and three children came
to bless their home,' viz. : William Parvin, Huldah
Margaret and James Howard. Samuel M. and
E. McClane Johnston are each operating farms
owned by their father in Canton township.
Mr. Johnston, by assiduous labor and sound
judgment in the management of his affairs, accu
mulated, during the three decades of his active
life, a comfortable competency, and he now owns
330 acres of valuable land in Canton township, be
sides which he has an elegant brick dwelling on
Jefferson avenue in the borough of Washington,
where he and his daughter, Anna J., reside. He
is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church
in Washington. In politics he is a straight Dem
ocrat, and has served as school director nine years
with marked ability.

It Ml RS. ELIZABETH J. MILLER is a grand-
\//\ daughter of David Glenn, who was born
Mil in Coleraine, Ireland. He came to Cum-
J -1 berland county, Penn., and married a
v Miss Thompson, who died not long after
ward, leaving him one son, William. After her
death David Glenn was married in Cumberland
county, Penn., to Nancy Dunlap, a native of
County Monaghan, Ireland. They first located
near Newville, Penn., thence moving to Westmore
land county, and in 1809 made a permanent settle
ment in Washington county, where his children were
reared as follows: William (the son of his first
wife, who died in Chartiers township, this county) ;
Gabriel (deceased in Claysville, Ohio); David,
Samuel and John; Jane (who died in 1817); Polly
(who died in March, 1882, when nearly ninety
years of age) and James (the father of Mrs. Mil
ler), all now deceased. David Glenn, Sr., assisted
in the organization of the Chartiers Cross Roads
Church. He died about 1825.
Janies Glenn was born September 3, 1798, near
Carlisle, Penn., and March 29, 1836, was united in
marriage with Maria McCoy, who was born May
15, 1804, in Chartiers township. The young peo
ple first settled in Canton township, this county,
where he carried on farming for several years, and
in 1867 moved to Washington borough, Penn.,
there living in retirement. He was a Republican
in politics, and in religion a member of the Associ
ate Reformed Church, which afterward became
the U. P. Society. He died May 9, 1873, followed
by his wife October 17, 1881. They left two chil
dren: Elizabeth J. (Mrs. Miller), and James Dun
lap, who is married to Sarah S. Laird, and is
living on the old homestead in Canton township.

They have four children: James H, Samuel D.
Anna M. and Cora L.
On May 29, 1884, Elizabeth J. Glenn was
united in marriage with Col. Robert W. Miller
son of Jacob and Jane (Filson) Miller. The father
was a native of Chester county, Penn., and the
mother of eastern Virginia. They came to this
county in an early day, and settled on the farm
now occupied by his youngest son. He was a
wagon maker, and erecting his shop upon the
farm, followed his trade until his death, which oc
curred in November, 1857. They had a family of
twelve children, but one of whom is now living.
Robert W. Miller was born October 12, 1815, in
Chartiers township, and received his early educa
tion in the district schools of the neighborhood.
He afterward entered Washington College, where
he was a member of the class of ' 36, but did not
graduate. He taught eleven years in the schools
of Washington county, being very successful in
that vocation. In 1836 he was united in marriage
with Abbie Gray Cundall, Rev. Dr. Eagleson offi
ciating at the ceremony. She was a daughter, of
Edward G. and Patience (Bailey) Cundall. Mr.
Miller followed teaching for some time after his
marriage, then settled on the farm qow occupied
by his son. He learned the trade of a wagon
maker, also following carpentry. His wife died on
the farm in March, 1882, leaving five children, one
of whom, Emily M. (Mrs. Robert Bell, of North
Benton, Ohio), is deceased, and those yet living are
Jacob Filson (married and living in North Benton,
Ohio); Jane (Mrs. William Anderson, living in
South Strabane township, this county); Edward
C. (married and residing in Baltimore, Md.'), and
Robert Bailey (who is married, and has two chil
dren). After the death of his first wife Col. Mil
ler was married to Elizabeth J. Glenn, continuing
to reside on the old farm. He was colonel in the
State militia, and in politics an active member of
the Democratic party. He was an ardent member
of the Presbyterian Church in Washington, and
was always ready to do all in his power to further
every worthy enterprise. While en route for Ni
agara Falls, he was suddenly taken ill at the "Hotel
Spencer," Niagara, dying August 21, 1891.
Col. Miller was a well-known and universally re
spected citizen, his demise being mourned by many
friends. He was a man of fine personal appear
ance, six feet in stature, and well proportioned.

Mi RS. LILLIE M. AXTELL is the daugh
ter of John Gregg, and granddaughter
of John and Nancy Gregg. Among the
J early settlers of Washington county, whose
deeds are an undying monument to their
memory, were the ancestors of this well-known
family.

+

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

541

In 1790 three brothers — Henry, William and
John Gregg — left Ireland, the country of their
birth, and crossed the ocean to America. After a
voyage of sixteen weeks they all came to Washing
ton county, Penn. , and settled in East Pike Run
township, where Henry secured a tract of 349
acres called the " Burning Mine," now owned by
a Mr. Duvall. Henry Gregg served as justice of
the peace in 1796. He was married to Jane Dow
ler, and of their children were: John, Henry,
Thomas and Edward. The parents died in 1834 in
AA'est Pike Run township. The second brother of
the three who emigrated from Ireland was AVilliam
Gregg, and he was married in the old country to
a lady, who bore him the following children:
Henry,' John, William, Andrew, Robert, Christina
(wife of John Crow) and Mrs. Jackman. John
Gregg, the younger brother of the three who came
to America in 1790, married in 1794, Miss Nancy
Gregg, a native of Ireland. The names and dates
of birth of their children are: James, August 8,
1795; Eleanor, May 22, 1797; Andrew, April 9,
1799; Mary, September 8, 1801; Henry, April 28,
1804; Sarah, September 8, 1806; Ann, November
9,1808; John, January 23,1811; Margaret, Febru
arys, 1813, and Elizabeth, February 11, 1815.
The father died July 20, 1841, followed by the
mother April 14, 1844; she was a member of the
M. E. Church. The three brothers who first set
tled in America were all members of the M. E.
Church, and in politics affiliated with the Whig
party. John Gregg, son of John and Nancy Gregg,
was born in Washington county, Penn., on the
pioneer farm in East Pike Run township, where
his boyhood was passed. On September 25, 1851,
he was united in marriage with Sarah Conway,
who was born August 31, 1824, and they were the
parents of the following children: William H.,
born August 21, 1853; John E., born May 30,
1856; Simeon, born February 3, 1858; James, born
June 3, 1861; Nancy J., born November 9, 1863;
and Lillie M., whose name opens this sketch. Of
these the four sons are all married, and live on
farms in Vernon county, Mo. , while Nancy J. lives
with her sister, Mrs. Lillie M. Axtell, on the home
place in East Pike Run township. The father
passed his entire life on the homestead, and was
an active worker in the Republican party. He
died March 15, 1879, the mother on May 6, 1891.
She was a member of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church.
Lillie M. Gregg was born January 23, 1865, on
the home farm in East Pike Run township, and
remained with her parents during girlhood. On
April 29, 1886, she was united in marriage with
Luther M. Axtell, a son of Rev. Luther Axtell, a
Presbyterian clergyman, who was born and reared
in Washington county, Penn., and there married

to Sarah Lincoln. Since his death, which occurred
March 23, 1886, his widow has resided in Coal
Centre. She is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Luther M. Axtell was born January 9, 1855, in
Greene county, Penn., and was reared and edu
cated in the town of Coal Centre, this county. He
graduated at the Southwestern State Normal
School, California, Penn., iu 1880, and afterward
founded and conducted private schools with great
success for several years, and became principal of
the West Brownsville public schools, also serving
in succession, and with the same degree of capa
bility, as principal of the Burgettstown and Coal
Centre schools. As an instructor in the public
schools he has never been surpassed. " He intro
duced into his school some of the finest points of
the 'New Education,' and with the introduction
came his marvelous success, which was the result
of a determined and powerful intellect. He ended
his brilliant career as a teacher at Grandville,
Penn., and from the school at that place will come
many who will show the power of his intellect."
In 1891 he was elected county recorder on the Re
publican ticket, having from early life taken an
active interest in politics. Mr. Axtell died March
18, 1891, at Washington, Penn. (whither he had
moved soon after his election), leaving a widow,
and one daughter, Sarah, who was born March
17, 1889. He had a long and severe illness, which
he bore with Christian fortitude, and the end came
quickly and peacefully, he remaining conscious
until the last. His remains repose in Howe ceme
tery, near Coal Centre. Mrs. Axtell has a well-
cultivated farm of 136 acres in East Pike Run
township, where she has resided since the death
of her husband.

AMUEL McNARY (deceased). No family
has been more prominently connected with
the history of Washington county,- and no
name is better known than that of McNary.
Samuel McNary is a grandson of Thomas McNary,
and a son of David McNary, who was born in
Scotland, and, coming to Pennsylvania when yet a
lad, was afterward married to Jane Edgar, a na
tive of Ireland. Their son, Samuel McNary, was
born January 22, 1822, and passed his boyhood in
the usual pursuits of rural life. Two weeks after
attaining his majority he was united in marriage
with Margaret, daughter of David and Margaret
(Martin) Templeton, both of whom were natives of
this county. Mr. and Mrs. McNary began wedded
life as tenants, but when his father died he inher
ited 140 acres in North Strabane township, to which
they removed, and where they resided until Octo
ber 6, 1891, when they located in Houstonville,
Chartiers township. They reared a family of

542

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

thirteen children, as follows: Jane (wife of George
Black), Margaret (deceased), Mary (deceased wife
of James Pollock), Ann (living at home), Belle
(Mrs. Samuel Berry), Lizzie (married to James
Kelso), Ella (living at home), Edgar (married to
Luella, daughter of William Morgan), David T.
(married to Almeda Clark), John (married to Jen
nie Whitely), Joseph B. (married to Mattie Patti
son), James Martin (who married Lizzie Hess)
and Emma (at home). Mr. McNary always took
an active part in promoting the educational inter
ests of his community, and. in politics was an ar
dent supporter of the principles of the Republican
party. He was a member of the United Presbyte
rian Church, in which he served as elder for many
years, and with which his family are connected.
He passed away September 29, 1892.

I( ARON HERVEY KERR, a prominent figure
l\ in Washington county business circles, is a
4\ grandson of Aaron Kerr, who was born
^ June 4,1776, in Maryland, and was married
to Sarah Peppard (at the time living near
Hackettstown, Md.), daughter of the late Rev.
Francis Peppard, of that place. Aaron Kerr was
a member of the Presbyterian Church from early
manhood, and had been elected four times as ruling
elder, first time in the Hackettstown (Md.) Church,
when but tweDty-one years of age. After their
marriage Aaron and Sarah Kerr settled on Pigeon
creek, this county, afterward moving to Washing
ton borough, where he was engaged in mercantile
business; he was also a ruling elder in the church
there. In 1831 he moved to Monongahela City,
and there carried on commercial business until
1845, when he came to Cross Creek village, still
engaging in mercantile pursuits. In politics he
was a Whig, and from 1824 to 1828 was a member
of the Pennsylvania Legislature. He served as a
member of the constitutional convention in 1836,
and was" again chosen to the Assembly in 1840.
He died May 1, 1854, at the age of seventy- eight.
Isaac Hampton Kerr, son of Aaron and Sarah
(Peppard) Kerr, was born June 24, 1814, in New
Jersey, and remained with his father until they
came to Cross Creek village. He then married
Miss Jane Lee, a granddaughter of Hugh Lee,
who was born in Ireland, where he married Mary
Elliott. In 1790 they emigrated to America, set
tling on the farm in Cross Creek township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., now occupied by a great-grand
son, W. C. Lee. Six children were born to this
couple: James, William, Hugh, Robert, Ann and
Ellen. Of these Hugh Lee was born in 1773, in
County Donegal, Ireland, and came with his father
to Washington county. He was reared to agri
cultural pursuits, which he followed through life.
He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Orr,

who was born in 1787, and to their union came
children as follows: Mary, William, John, Mar
garet, an infant unnamed, Hugh, Hannah A. and
Jane (Mrs. I. H. Kerr). The father was a very
influential citizen, and used all the means in his
power to promote the interests of others. In re
ligious faith he was a' member of the Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church, and in 1818 was elected an
elder for life. His death occurred in 1837, in
Claysville, while he was attending the Presbyterv.
To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hampton Kerr were
born three children, viz. : Leeanna (wife of Dr. T.
C. M. Stockton, of Cross Creek village), Aaron
Hervey (a merchant of Cross Creek village) and
Milton Brainard (a merchant in southern Kansas).
Mr. Kerr was a thorough business man, following
mercantile pursuits during most of his life, and
accumulating considerable property. He was a
member, trustee and treasurer of the Cross Creek
Church for many years. He died February 1,
1866; his widow is yet living in Cross Creek town
ship. Aaron Hervey Kerr, the eldest son of Isaac H.
and Jane (Lee) Kerr, was born May 29, 1850, in
Cross Creek village. He passed his boyhood days
in assisting his father in the store, and thus gained
a knowledge of mercantile life, which has been the
foundation of his career as one of the most success
ful business men of Washington county. He
attended Duff's Business College, at Pittsburgh,
Penn. , from which he graduated in 1868. He then
took charge of the extensive business of his father
(who had died two years previous), having the
entire management of the store. In 1867, when
but seventeen years of age, Mr. Kerr made his first
eastern trip to replenish his stock of goods. From
the first he evinced traits which comprise the suc
cessful business man, and though young in years,
he has achieved a reputation of which many an
older and more experienced man might be proud.
On May 27, 1874, Mr. Kerr was united in mar
riage with Miss Georgette Gault, daughter of
David Gault, a prominent farmer of Cross Creek
township. She is a graduate of the Steubenville
Seminary, class of '68, and is actively interested in
the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union. They have two daughters: Janie Blanche,
born March 31, 1875 (attending Hollidaysburg,
(Penn.) school for girls), and Grace Matilda, born
March 14, 1880. Mr. Kerr has been connected
with the Burgettstown National Bank since its or
ganization, formerly as a stockholder and member
of the first board of directors, then as vice-presi
dent, and is now president of that institution, hav
ing been unanimously elected at the January meet
ing of directors in 1887. In religion he is a mem
ber and treasurer of the Cross Creek Presbyte
rian Church. In politics he has always been a
stanch member of the Republican party.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

543

I W. SWART is descended from one of the
. I oldest families of Washington county, and
v) dates the immigration of his ancestors into
^^ AVashington county to about the year 1740,
when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania conveyed
the land to colonists by the old, original patent,
which was printed on parchment . His father was
born on Ruff' s creek, Greene county, Penn. He fol
lowed farming, and passed nearly all of his life
near Amity, Amwell township, this county. His
children were: John, Jacob, J. .W., Henry Clay,
Amos, Sarah Ann, Keziah, A. J. and Mary J.
J. W. Swart was born September 1, 1823, near
the present site of Amity, Amwell township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and lived with his father's
family until he was twenty- one years of age. He
then moved to Greene county, Penn., and there
took up and cleared 200 acres of land, to which he
afterward added forty acres. On January 1, 1844,
he was united in marriage with Sarah Sermon,
who bore him the following children: William
M., Mary Adelaide, Asena Ann, George Warren
(deceased), Amos Philip, John Thomas, David,
Hermon and Sarah Rebecca. In 1866 Mr. Swart
returned from Greene county, and settling in
Washington county engaged in agriculture, after
ward operating a mill at Amity, known as the
"HallamMill." Mrs. Swart died March 18, 1865,
and September 29, 1866, Mr. Swart was married
to Rebecca Carter, who has borne him four sons:
Ulysses Grant, Jesse Allfree, Samuel Jackson and
Carter Blaine. Mr. Swart is highly esteemed in the
community for his many good qualities and is a
public-spirited man. In politics he was origi
nally a Whig, and since the organization of the Re
publican party has been an ardent follower under
its banner. ,\ILLIAM W. SPROWLS, M. D., the lead
ing physician of Houstonville, Penn., is a
son of William and Margaret (Mitchell)
Sprowls. The parents were natives of
Washington county, Penn., and seven children
were born to them, namely: Hiram (deceased),
Sarah Ellen, Mary Jane, Margaret Melissa, Will
iam W., Mark Mitchell and Arthur Melville.
Dr. William W. Sprowls was born March 30,
1852, on the old place in Bentleyville, Washington
county. At the age of seventeen he began teach
ing school, continuing in that profession for twelve
years. He then began reading medicine withMcCar-
rell & McElroy, of Hickory, this county, and gradu
ating at the Western Reserve University of Cleve
land, in the spring of 1844, began to practice that
profession at McConnell' s Mill, Chartiers town
ship. For nine years before practicing medicine
he was engaged in the grocery business, and as
postmaster at McConnell's Mill, this county. In
1886 he located at Houstonville, this county, and

in addition to his practice took a half interest in a
drug store with J. AV. Lyle. They dissolved
partnership during the autumn of 1887, and
the following year Dr. Sprowls was given the
care of the County Children's Homes. He was re
appointed in 1892 as successor to Dr. Weirich.
Dr. Sprowls is a member of the I. O. O. F., is
connected with the Jr. O. U. A. M. , and is identi
fied with the Washington County Medical Society.
On October 8, 1874, he was united in marriage
with Mary, daughter of Archie and Nancy (Wil
son) Wylie, and five children have blessed their
marriage, namely: Nannie Margretta, Willie
Wylie, Lloyd Sumney, Gemella Mary and one de
ceased in infancy. Dr. and Mrs. Sprowls are
members of the M. E. Church.

JOHN A. DICKIE, a prosperous and well-
known farmer of Donegal township, is of
Scotch descent. His grandfather, Alexander
Dickie, was born in the west of Scotland, and
followed a farmer's life. He was there married to
a countrywoman, and their children were: Alexan
der, Robert, John, James (deceased in Scotland),
Nancy, and one whose name is unknown. These
children were all born in Scotland, and all save
James accompanied their parents to the United
States, in about the year 1832. They .landed at
New York, and moving westward, located in the
northern part of Donegal township, Washington
Co., Penn. Here Mr. Alexander continued to fol
low farming until his wife died, when he soon
afterward went to live with his daughter-in-law,
and at her home passed away.
John Dickie, son of Alexander Dickie, was bom
in Scotland, and passed his early years on his
father's farm in Pennsylvania. He was married
to Margaret Wilson, a native of Fayette coun
ty, Penn., and they had five children, namely:
Elizabeth (living in Claysville, this county, the
widow of John Mills), John A. (our subject), Ann
(Mrs. Nelson McNeal, of Donegal township), Rob
ert (a farmer of Donegal township), and William
(deceased in infancy). For a number of years af
ter his marriage Mr. Dickie followed farming in the
northern part of Donegal township, and then
moved to West Virginia, where he died in 1854.
He was a Democrat in political opinions. His wid
ow is now living in Claysville.
John A. Dickie, the eldest son of John and
Margaret (Wilson) Dickie, was born December 7,
1844, in Donegal township, and received his edu
cation at the country schools. At the age of ten
years, his father having died, he went to live with
Guyan Moore, of Donegal township, where he
made his home, and assisted in the farm work, un
til the spring of 1862, when he remained a short
time with William Lytle. On August 16, 1862,

544

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I. ; he took part in the battle of
Gettysburg, and being severely wounded on the
second day of that fight, was obliged to remain in
the hospital nine months. On recovering, he
joined his regiment at Deep Bottom, Va., and the
next day was again wounded. Mr. Dickie was un
fit for service during the remainder of the war,
and when the struggle was ended, he returned to
Washington county, Penn., and engaged in farm
work. On January 27, 1869, he was united in
marriage with Mrs. Sarah Jane (Hicks) Miller;
widow of William Miller, and a native of Marshall
county, W. Va. To their union have been born
three daughters: Margaret Elizabeth, Anna Mary
and Fannie Esther, all of whom are living at home.
After his marriage Mr. Dickie farmed in Donegal
township, and in 1879 purchased his present well-
improved piece of farm land, located about two
miles west of Claysville, along the National pike,
formerly called the "Ned McLaughlin farm." He
has erected a new residence, also a good barn, and
these improvements have greatly enhanced the
value and appearance of the place. Both he and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church
at Claysville, in which Mr. Dickie is a ruling elder.
Politically he is a lifelong Republican.

, ILLIAM W. KEENAN. This prominent
and successful agriculturist, and highly
esteemed citizen of Donegal township,
~ where he owns one of the finest of the
many excellent farms to be here seen, deserves
more than a passing notice in the pages of this Bio
graphical Record. He was born March 19, 1832,
in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., on
the farm he now owns.
Henry Keenan, grandfather of subject, was a
native of Belfast, Ireland, where he was twice
married, his first wife bearing him two children:
James and Samuel, and his second wife also two
children: John and Martha. The father of this
family, some time prior to the year 1800, came to
this country with his wife and some of his children,
settling in Independence township, Washington
Co. h Penn., where he passed the rest of his days.
His son James was one of these pioneer immi
grants, and the first record we can find of him in
Washington county is of his working as a day
laborer on a farm in Independence township. In
1812 he was married to Elizabeth Smith, a native
of Washington county, who bore him eight chil
dren, the following being their names and the
dates of their birth: Jane, January 29, 1813;
Henry, June 15, 1815; Mary Ann, September 11,
1817; John, February 7, 1819; George, September
14, 1822; Forgus, February 10, 1824; Samuel,
June 25, 1828, and William W., March 19, 1832.

After his first marriage Mr. Keenan settled on a
tract of land he had purchased in Donegal town
ship, near the confluence of Buck run and Buffalo
creek, and here he followed agriculture all his life
meeting with Eard-earned success, and increasing,
year by year, his possessions. He died April 24
1853, on the farm he had first located on, and was
followed by his wife March 2, 1854. He was a
prominent member of and liberal contributor
toward the Dutch Fork Disciple Church, and in
politics he was a lifelong Democrat.
AVilliam W. Keenan early learned the practical
lessons of farm life on his father's farm, his liter
ary education, such as it was, being received at the
schools of the neighborhood. His parents were
for many years almost helpless, requiring no small
amount of care and attention, a great portion of
which fell to the lot of our subject, and as a conse
quence his attendance at school was much circum
scribed. He remained with his parents as long as
they lived, and after their decease took charge of
the home farm, which he has since successfully
conducted. On April 3, 1866, Mr. Keenan was
married to Amanda Wallace, who was born Febru-
ruary 3, 1832, in Ohio county, W. Va., a daughter
of Robert Wallace, of Brooke county, W. Va. , who
was born May 5, 1805, in Westmoreland county,
Penn. He went to West Virginia with hie parents
when a lad, and there married Hannah Arthur, who
was born in 1810, in Independence township,
Washington -Co., Penn. They removed to Licking
county, Ohio, where the mother died August 15,
1846. They had seven children, as follows:
Amanda M. (Mrs. Keenan); Robert A., teaching
in a commercial college at Topeka, Kans. ; Mary
Jane (deceased at the age of three years) ; Samuel
B. , who died at the age of four years; William A.
(a farmer, in Kansas) ; David M. (who died in in
fancy), and one who died unnamed. Mr. and Mrs.
Keenan have no children of their own, but have
adopted two, a boy and a girl, for whom they pro
vided a good home; the girl, now grown to young
womanhood, is married to Henry C. Anderson; the
boy, now a young man, is yet living with his foster
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan are members of
the Disciple Church. In political sentiments he
was originally a Whig, and since the formation of
the party has been a straight Republican. He justly
enjoys the respect and esteem of his friends and
neighbors, and his success in life is marked to-day
by a pleasant home and one of the finest farms m
Donegal township. 
It Ml ICHAEL DAUGHERTY, a leading mer-
\M\ chant of West Alexander, was born June
Mi I 30, 1819, in Donegal township, Washing-
j * ton Co., Penn. He is a son of Roger
v Daugherty, who was born in County Done
gal, Ireland, and coming to America when a young

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

545

man, he was married to Ellen Aiken, a native of
Maryland. They then settled in Washington
county, Penn., first locating on Pigeon creek,
where they remained several years, after which they
came to Donegal township. To this pioneer couple
the following children were born: Charles, Mary
(Mrs. William Emorick), Elizabeth (Mrs. -Thomas
Arnold), Isabella (wife of James Campsey), John,
Bridget (Mrs. Samuel Kirk), Michael (our, sub
ject), Sarah (wife of S. Patterson), and Eleanor
(Mrs. John Kirk). The mother of this family died
February 23, 1866, aged seventy-nine years, four
months, seventeen days.
Michael Daugherty received his education at the
subscription schools of Donegal township. At the
age oE eighteen years he was apprenticed to Joseph
McKusky, of West Alexander, to learn the tailor's
trade, and remained with him three years. He af
terward began business as a merchant tailor in
partnership with Samuel Galloway, and so con
tinued for ten years. Mr. Daugherty then purchased
a confectionery store, which he has since carried on
with well-merited success. On March 8, 1842, he
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of David Wil
son, of West Alexander, and they had two children:
Minerva (deceased), aud R. B., of Washington
borough. This wife dying May 15, 1849, he was
next married on March 27, 1851, to Angelina,
daughter of George Young, of West Virginia, and
they have had two daughters: Frances E. (deceased
wife of Rev. E. J. Smith), and Ida M. (Mrs.
James Sutherland). Mr. Daugherty is a repre
sentative self-made man, having commenced life
with but little, and by industry and enterprise has
achieved success. He is a stanch member of the
M. E. Church; in politics he was formerly a Whig,
and is now an active worker in the ranks of the
Republican party. He has served as burgess of
West Alexander, and as a member of the borough
council, and is recognized as a useful, loyal citizen.

JOHN M. WEYGANDT, a leading and suc
cessful agriculturist of Amwell township, is a
native of Nottingham township, Washington
Co. , Penn, , having been born February 27,
1856, on his father's farm, and when three
years of age was brought with the family to the old
home in Amwell township, this county.
G. Weygandt, the pioneer ancestor, emigrated
with his family at an early date from Germany to
America, and took up a farm of 180 acres on " Gin
ger Hill," Nottingham township, this county,
where he successfully carried on general agricult
ure. He had the following named children: Su
sanna, Jacob W., Solomon, Isaac and Abraham
(all now deceased). Mr. Weygandt died about the
year 1840, an active member of the Lutheran
Church.

Isaac Weygandt, son of G. Weygandt, was born
March 4, 1817, in Nottingham township, Washing
ton county. He received his rudimentary education
at the subscription schools of the neighborhood of
his birthplace, after which he attended an academy,
and during a portion of the time taught vocal mu
sic. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan
Swickord, of Nottingham township, daughter of
John and Mary Swickord, a prominent family of
that township, and to them were born the following
children: Mary Ann (Mrs. Dague), Margaret (de
ceased), Sadie (Mrs. Pease), Lavina (Mrs. Daly-
rimple), George and John M. Mr. Weygandt
followed farming principally, and was a prosperous
man. He was a prominent Democrat, and held the
offices of road commissioner and township clerk.
He aud his wife were members of the Lutheran
Church, while their children are all Presbyterians.
Mr. Weygandt died in 1864, on the old farm in
Amwell township.
John M. Weygandt, the subject of this memoir,
was married on October 31, 1878, to Miss Anna B.
Darlington, daughter of Griffith and Martha Darl
ington, of Washington, this county, and three
children have been born to them, viz. : Mabel, Al
bert and Robert. Mr. Weygandt is an active
member of the Democratic party, and in religion
he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JAMES GRIER was born January 8, 1820, at
his present home in North Strabane town
ship, this county. He is a grandson of
Thomas Grier, a native of Scotland, whence
he removed with a brother (whose name is un
known) to Belfast, Ireland. Thomas proceeded to
America, followed by the brother some time later,
and failing to find each other, both supposed the
Indians had killed the other. Thomas Grier
Ideated in Chester county, Penn., thence removing
to Cumberland, Penn., where he married, and
reared a family of twelve children.
James Grier, a son of the pioneer Thomas, was
a native of Cumberland county, Penn., and in
early life was married to a Miss Espy, who died
soon after their union. James Grier then made
choice of a second wife in the person of Mary
Staurt. who bore him the following children:
Samuel S. (born in Carlisle, Penn.), and Thomas,
James, Guion, Janie and David (all born in Wash
ington county), all now deceased excepting James.
In 1810 the father paid $10 per acre for 160 acres
of land in North Strabane township, Washington
Co. , Penn. , where he died in 1833, followed by
his widow in 1859, when in her eightieth year.
James Grier, son of James and Mary (Staurt)
Grier. remained with his parents during early
youth, and inherited the old place where his parents
died. On February 18, 1858, he was united in mar-

546

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

riage with Hannah, daughter of William and Mary
(Bracken) Van Eman, and the following children
have been born to their union : Mary V. (deceased),
Jennie, Sarah Ann, William James, Rebecca,
Frances and Thomas S. All of this family are
devout members of the Central Presbyterian
Church, of Canonsburg. Mr. Grier votes with
the Republican party.

djAMES CARROLL, a highly- respected and
I much esteemed farmer citizen of West Fin
ley township, was born November 15, 1833,
on the old Carroll homestead in East Finley
township, this county.
Robert Carroll and wife, accompanied by his
two brothers, John and Hamilton, and a sister
Jane, emigrated in 1760 from Ireland to America,
locating in a place called Mingo, western Pennsyl
vania, thence moving in a few years to East Fin4
ley township, Washington Co. , where they settled
on one of the headwaters of Wheeling creek, near
the present postoffice of Gale, and began cutting
down the forest trees until a space was cleared for
the log cabin (perhaps the first in that vicinity)
which they soon erected. Like all the pioneer set
tlers, they were in hourly danger from the hostile
savages, and endured the inevitable hardships of
backwoods life. Iu 1781 work began in earnest,
and Washington county was founded. In the sum
mer of that year John and Hamilton Carroll, who
resided with their brother Robert, went out one
morning, and when but a short distance from the
cabin both men were shot down by the Indians.
Robert's wife (who with her two children was in
the cabin) heard the report, and knowing the boys
had no firearms with them, immediately grasped
the situation; she snatched the infant from his
couch and with him in her arms, and her little son
of four years clinging to her side, ran to a corn
field near by, where she waited till the Indians
reached the cabin. The faithful dog remained on
guard at the door, and barked vigorously at the
murderers, who were obliged to kill him before they
could enter the house. The heroic mother knew
when the barking of the dog ceased that the Indians
were busily engaged in ransacking the house, and
immediately taking advantage of the opportunity
ran for life with her children to the nearest fort,
which was five miles distant (now at Prosperity),
though she had to travel much further; but she
reached it safely at last, the infant in her arms,
and little James running by her side. While these
terrible scenes were in progress the husband and
father was absent, having left home a day or two
before, and gone to a mill on the Monongahela
river. On returning home he was horrified to find
the floor stained with blood, and other evidences of
the presence of the marauding savages. Almost
heart-broken the poor man hurried to the fort, and

was overjoyed to find his wife and children safe
within, but heard with anguish of the terrible fate
of his brothers. A few days later a party of men
left the fort, and finding the dead bodies of John
and Hamilton (whose scalps the Indians had taken
as trophies), buried them in what has since been
known as the Carroll graveyard; these two victims
of Indian fury being the first who were there in
terred. The burying ground is but a short dis
tance from where the cabin stood. After all traces
of the Indians had disappeared, Robert and his
wife returned home and were not again molested.
The infant Robert, who was saved from the Indians
by his mother, grew to manhood and married Mar
garet Craig, who bore him one daughter; while
James, whose little feet proved of such good
.service on that memorable day, was united in mar
riage with Margaret Marshall, to which union the
following children were born: William, Robert,
John, Hamilton, James, Hugh, Joseph, Thomas,
Mary and Jane.
John Carroll, father of subject, was born in
1808 on the same farm as was his son James, and
was here reared to agricultural pursuits, which he
followed on the old homestead until 1855, in which
year he moved to West Finley township, where he
passed the rest of his days, dying in 1876. He
had married a Miss Rebecca Donley, and they had
seven children, as follows: James, the subject of
this sketch; William D., who married Melissa
Alexander; John H. , who married Anna Wirt;
Hamilton B. , who married Ida Underwood; Eliza
beth, married to Harrison Thompson; Mary, mar
ried to Jackson Steele, and Sarah, married to Will
iam Eckols. John Carroll was a practical brick
burner. Politically he was a solid Democrat until
the breaking out of the Civil war.
James Carroll came to West Finley township
with his father in 1855, and has been a resident of
the same ever since, living on various farms from
time to time, but finally settling on his present fine
property, which is well equipped with all modern
improvements, including a comfortable and com
modious dwelling. Mr. Carroll was married Sep
tember 30, 1858, to Miss Agnes Patterson, who
was born January 12, 1840, in West Finley town
ship, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rodgers)
Patterson, and to this union six children have been
born, viz.: Ola G., wife of W. L. Blayney; Lulu
J., wife of Harry Sprowls, and Ella, Cora M., John
H. and Alta Rebecca, all at home. Politically Mr.
Carroll is a stanch Republican.

I OSHUA and ANDREW G. PLYMIRE are
. | descended from a hardy and industrious
v\\ race of people, who (according to the earliest
^^ authentic record) first settled in York county,
Penn. The exact date of their immigration
to this country is unknown, but they were among

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

547

the earliest pioneers of that county. The grand
father of Joshua and Andrew G. Plymire moved at
an early date to Washington county, Penn. , bringing
his family with him. The journey was necessarily
slow and tedious, the baggage being carried on
the backs of horses, while the family usually
walked beside them, but they finally arrived in
Washington county, and erected their cabin home
on the farm which is now the property of their
descendants. Years of toil and privations fol
lowed, of which the present generation can form
no adequate conception, surrounded as we are to
day by the comforts and luxuries of life. But
they struggled bravely on, these heroic pioneers,
and prepared the way for the comfortable homes
and cultivated fields which we possess. To Mr.
and Mrs. Plymire were born children as follows:
Henry, Adam, Martin, Barney, John, Samuel,
Barbara, Elizabeth and Catherine. In political
opinions Mr. Plymire was a stanch Democrat, and
in religion he was one of the organizers of the
Lutheran Church.
John Plymire, a son of the above named pio
neer, was born in York county, Penn., and was
only two years of age when his father came to
AVashington county. He passed his boyhood days
on the home farm, and received a limited educa
tion, as was the common lot of the children of
the frontier. On attaining mature age he was
united in marriage with Catherine Gantz, who was
a member of one of the old families of the county,
and she bore him the following children: Joshua,
Absalom G. (born in September, 1824), Sarah
(Mrs. Philip Welch), Phoebe (Mrs. William De
Normandie), Barbara (Mrs. Joseph England), An
drew G., Mahala (Mrs. Henry De Normandie),
Lewis, and Mary (wife of J. H. Stewart). After
his marriage Mr. Plymire settled on the home
place in South Strabane township, where he re
sided until his death. He united with the Lu
theran Church in early youth, and died in that faith
in 1870, having been preceded by his wife in 1853;
both are now buried in Washington cemetery. In
political preferences he was an active Democrat.
Joshua Plymire, son of John and Catherine
(Gantz) Plymire, was born March 19, 1823, on his
father's farm in South Strabane township, AVash
ington county, and passed his youth at home. He
is an active member of the Democratic party, and
a liberal supporter of various enterprises tending
toward the general improvement.
Andrew G. Plymire, third son of John and
Catherine Plymire, was born July 12, 1833, on the
paternal acres. On December 19, 1867, he was unit
ed in marriage with Melissa E., daughter of Jacob
Harshman, of Buffalo township, this county, and
they have had the following children: Harry,
Walter, Boyd, Samuel and Alvin. After his mar
riage Mr. Plymire came to the farm where he now

resides. He is an enterprising citizen, and a
member of the Democratic party. In religious
connection he is a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Washington.

THOMAS FORSYTH. Among the leading
business men of Canonsburg this gentleman
is a prominent figure. His grandparents
were natives of Ireland, and their children
immigrated to America in an early day,
locating in Independence and Cross Creek town
ships, AVashington Co., Penn.
Thomas Forsyth, one of the children of the
above-mentioned family, was born in County Down,
Ireland, and was about eighteen years of age when
he came with the rest of the family to America,
having previously learned the tailor's trade. He
first located in Independence township, this
county, some years afterward moved to Venice,
then purchased a farm in Cecil township, this
county, where most of his life was passed. He was
married to Margaret, daughter of William Craw
ford, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, this
county, and their children were AVilliam C. , John,
Thomas, Nancy (wife of James Quinn), George
and Oliver. The father was a Whig and Re
publican. In church relations he was formerly
connected with the Covenanter Society, then united
with the Seceder Church. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth
are buried in Clinton, Allegheny county, whither
they had removed a few years before their death.
Thomas Forsyth, son of Thomas and Margaret
(Crawford) Forsyth, was born April 25, 1825, in
Independence township, this county, and attended
the subscription schools of the neighborhood
during his boyhood, which afforded but meager
advantages. At the age of fourteen years he
entered the employ of his father in the tailor
business, serving an apprenticeship of six years.
In 1845 he opened a tailor establishment in
Hickory, this county, which he conducted for many
years. On September 7, 1847, he was married to
Jane A. McNary, a native of Mt. Pleasant town
ship, daughter of Samuel McNary. In 1873 Mr.
and Mrs. Forsyth moved to Steubenville, Ohio.
While a resident of Steubenville Mr. Forsyth in
vented Forsyth's system of actual measurement,
whereby an impress of the body is transferred to
the cloth, which system is still in practical use.
In 1876 he came to Canonsburg, this county, where
he conducted an extensive business until 1888.
His son, A. M. Forsyth, being a practical tailor, is
continuing the business at the old stand. He is
married to Miss M. M. Smith, of Canonsburg.
Thomas Forsyth is an active worker in the ranks
of the Republican party, and is now serving as
director of the public schools. In religious faith
he is a member and elder of the Central Presby-

548

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

terian Church. The following children have been
born to this marriage: McNary (who was educated
in AVashington and Jefferson College, is a gradu
ate of Western Theological Seminary, and was a
Presbyterian minister; he married Miss Annie
Birchfield, of Allegheny City, Penn. ; was placed at
Millvale church);. Mary Margaret (Mrs. George
Ralston); Samuel T. ; Alvin M. ; C. J. (attended
Washington and Jefferson College, then attended
the Western Theological Seminary and is now a
Presbyterian clergyman; he married Miss Anna
McGahey, of Hubbard, Ohio; he is situated at
West Elizabeth, Penn.), and James AV. Of these
children, McNary, M. M. Ralston, Samuel T. and
James W. are deceased.

TAMES H. McGOWEN. This well-known,
. I influential citizen of Franklin township is a
vlj native of the county, born February 19, 1828,
^^ in Amwell township.
His grandfather, James McGowen, who was born
near Philadelphia, Penn. , the youngest of seven
children, came to AVashington county with his
brothers Robert and William, and all three made
a settlement here. In early life James McGowen
was apprenticed to a manufacturer of reeds, serv
ing his time in this county. He used to go to
Cincinnati in a canoe, starting from Wheeling,
and bring back material for his trade. When he
was quite a young man he accompanied Col. Will
iamson against the Indians through Virginia
and Ohio, and had many narrow escapes, though
he was never injured. At about the age of twenty-
six he was married to Abigail Haris, who bore him
a large family of children, of whom James was the
only one to attain majority; Mr. McGowen' s sec
ond wife was a Miss Foster, who also bore him a
large family. His first dwelling-house was erected
on the ground now occupied by the colored M. E.
church, and he had to make a clearing for it
among the hazel bushes. This venerable- pioneer
died at the age of ninety-two years, in politics a
Jacksonian Democrat, aud in religion a member of
the Presbyterian Church.
James McGowen, the father of subject, passed
his early life both in town and on his father's farm.
He was well educated, having attended, in addi
tion to the common schools, AVashington College;
he taught school for many years in the county,
proving a most successful teacher. When a young
man he married Mary, daughter of Daniel Hughes,
and the children born to their union are: Abigail
(Mrs. William Adams), James H. , Elizabeth (Mrs.
Wilson Wylie) and Mary. The father died March
26, 1871, the mother August 1, 1886, and both
rest in Washington cemetery. They were members
of the M. E. Church, and in politics Mr. McGowen
was originally a Whig, afterward a Republican.

James H. McGowen has spent his entire life on
the farm where he now resides, where his parents
had moved when he was but three weeks old; he at
tended during a few of the winter months the schools
of his district, but for the most part he is self edu
cated. On February 10, 1854, he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of D. T.
Hughes, of New York, and their children are:
Mary Miranda (Mrs. Richard Wilson), Albert A.
(married to Laura, daughter of John Ramsey)
Eliza I., Warren Blachby, Lizzie A., Edwin R. B.
James H, Jr., and Etta W. The family are all
adherents of the M. E. Church at Washington, of
which Mr. and Mrs. McGowen have been members
for forty years. In his political relations he was
originally a Whig, having cast his first vote for
Gen. Scott, and since the organization of the Be-
publicans he ^has been a member of that party.
He has been supervisor, and has served as school
director nine years with credit to himself and the
utmost satisfaction to his constituents.

O. DAY. In 1795 there came by slow and
painful stages a few families from Morris-
town, N. J., to Washington county, Penn.,
to found homes for themselves on the
frontier; and, lured by the reports of old
neighbors who had some years previously settled
there, they took up land and erected their cabins in
Morris township. Among these were the family
of Artemas Day — consisting of himself, his wife
(Bethany (Axtell) Day) and their children, Bethuel,
Parmelia, Sarah, Luther, Daniel and Artemas—
and that of Zephaniah Hathaway, with his wife
(Sarah (Pruden) Hathaway) and their children,
Joseph and Hannah. Bound together by old
friendship, and common cause against nature and
Indians, these families were destined to still closer
relationship, for the little Daniel Day, three years
old at the time of that trying journey across the
mountains, and Hannah Hathaway, two years his
junior, were married in 1818. They too, settled in
Morris township, where their busy lives were spent.
Artemas Day, the pioneer of this family, was an
unobtrusive citizen, best known as being influential
in the organization and support of church and
school, still holding proudly the honor of having
been a soldier of the Revolution. His son, Daniel,
with such education as the country schools of that
time afforded, was yet widely read, and among the
the best-informed men of his day. In politics he
was an uncompromising Whig. He served as a
soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1830,
leaving his widow with four children — Cynthia H,
Anne E., A. 0. and Clarissa.
A. O. Day, the subject proper of these lines,
though but a little lad when his father died, com
menced then his fight with the world. And though

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

551

sometimes he had to say: " The battle goeth hard,' '
he triumphed, and may be said to have won suc
cess in the truest meaning of that word. His boy
hood was spent on the farm, and in a life of un
remitting toil he yet managed to secure more than
the ordinary education of " district schools;" read
ing history by firelight in a "sugar c'amp; " or, with
out a teacher, interpreting the mysterious symbols
of higher mathematics. He taught school for
several terms, and then, after a brief preparatory
course in Washington College, read medicine.
But the feeling was strong that teaching was his
true vocation, and medicine not proving attractive,
he again entered the schoolroom as teacher, not to
leave it until after thirty years of service. It is as
a teacher that he is most widely known and will
be longest remembered. He was twice elected
register of his county — in 1872, and again in 1875.
In politics a Republican, and in religious belief a
Cumberland Presbyterian, he can be called neither
a narrow partisan nor a bigoted sectarian.
In 1850 Mr. Day was married to Hannah Jane,
daughter of Andrew Bell and Mary A. (Boyd) Bell,
of Washington, this county, and he has always
lived in or near Washington, for the last fifteen
years on his farm in Franklin township. Of his
seven living children — four sons and three daugh
ters — Edgar W. is a Presbyterian minister; Alfred
M. and John N. are farmers; Minor H. is an editor;
Bell M. is a teacher; Jen H. is the wife of Charles
B. Andrew, of Franklin township; and Cordelia
B. , the youngest daughter, is with her parents.

^ILLIAM C. McCOLLUM, a prominent,
progressive farmer of Amwell township, is
a grandson of John McCollum, who came
with his wife from New Jersey to Wash
ington county, Penn., in an early day, and located
near Amity, on the spot where Albert Kelsey' s res
idence now stands. John McCollum there pur
chased about 100 acres of the original " Thaddeus
Dodd" patent, and began farming, taking his part
in the development of the wild new country. His
children were Moses, Alexander, Jacob, Stephen,
John, Thomas, Japheth B., Mary (Mrs. Miles),
Sarah (Mrs. Masters), Hannah, and Deborah (Mrs.
Smith). Moses McCollum was born in New Jersey Feb
ruary 23, 1784, and in boyhood came with his par
ents to Amwell township, where he attended the
district school in the winter, and assisted his father
in summer. Although his educational opportuni
ties were limited, they were sufficient to enable
him to become a successful school teacher. He
was also a weaver, and had to employ help to carry
on the farm while he engaged in that business.
On March 26, 1818, he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Clutter, of Morris township, and

to this union were born nine children: Samuel,
born June 5, 1819; Sarah, born April 13, 1821;
Rachel (Mrs. Bebout), born March 9, 1823; John,
born November 29, 1824; Jane (Mrs. Miles), born
October 6, 1826; Moses, born November 4, 1828
(he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and For
tieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he was
orderly sergeant, and died May 17, 1863, from the
effects of a wound received at the battle of Chan
cellorsville, while bravely defending his country);
William C, born November 2, 1830; Lecty C,
born January 30, 1834, and Andrew J., born April
29, 1836. Mr. McCollum was very successful in.
business, and accumulated a comfortable property
for that period. He was a public-spirited man,
and in politics was an Old-line Whig. On March
31, 1839, he died, aged fifty-five, his widow in
1881, in her eighty-sixth year.
William C. McCollum was born on the old farm
in Amwell township, this county, and now occupies
a portion of the very house wherein he first saw
the light. He has never left the home of his child
hood, and the greater part of his earlier years were
passed in assisting his widowed mother and attend
ing the common schools, which then afforded very
meager opportunities; but by dint of good judg
ment and extended observation, he has acquired a
valuable store of general information. On June 5,
1861, he was united in marriage with Harriet E.
Thomas, of Morris township, this county, who was
born October 10, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. McCollum
have, had five children: James Roscoe, born April
2, 1862, now principal of the schools in Wright
county, Iowa; Grant, born June 2, 1865; John R.,
born June 30, 1868, now in the freshman class of
Washington and Jefferson College, Washington;
•Mary J:, bom January 19, 1878, and Myrtle, born
February 23, 1882. Mr. McCollum has a well-
cultivated farm, consisting of 158 acres, the result
of his own economy and hard work. He was school
director for three years, and has always been
deeply interested in educational matters. Having
experienced the lack of such advantages in his own
boyhood and youth, he is doubly anxious to see the
rising generation enjoy superior school training.
He and his family have many years been members
of the Methodist Protestant Church.

JR. HENDERSON, a prominent stockman
and farmer of Chartiers township, was born
October 5, 1858, in Chartiers township, this
county. His father, Robert Henderson, was
born January 2, 1816, in the same house where
his son first saw the light of day. Robert Hen
derson was reared to agricultural pursuits, and
when a young man was married, on September 25,
1850, to Margaret Reed, who died August 29,
1882, leavingone son and two daughters to mourn

552

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

her death, namely: J. R. , Mary Martha (wife of
William Grounds, has two children) and Jemima
J. (Mrs. Linus Welch). The father was a
prosperous agriculturist, and for many years had
served as ruling elder in the United Presbyterian
Church, and also took an active interest in the
educational progress of the community. He died
June 29, 1886.
J. R. Henderson passed his youth on the home
place, receiving a common-school education, and
on June 25, 1884, was united in marriage with
Elizabeth F. Martin, and they have had two sons,
George D. and an infant (deceased). Mr. and
Mrs. Henderson are members of the United Pres
byterian Church, and in business life he is very
successful, making a specialty of raising a fine
breed of stock.

JONATHAN McWILLIAMS, a worthy repre
sentative of one of the oldest and most prom
inent families of Washington county, is a
native of the same, having been born Octo
ber 25, 1823, in Buffalo township.
John McWilliams, his grandfather, a native of
Ireland, when twelve years of age immigrated, in
1763, in company with two brothers — David and
AVilliam — to America, taking up their first resi
dence in New Castle, Del. Here they remained
some time, and then came to Washington county,
where they made their permanent home in Buffalo
township, on "Lion's Bush," a tract of .land
granted on a Virginia certificate, and surveyed
September 19, 1785. During the early part of
their settlement they were much troubled by the
Indians, many times having to flee to the nearest
blockhouse for safety, and they never thought of*
going from home, even to church, without their
trusty rifles. The farm on which they had set
tled was wild, and all the improvements thereon
had to be made by the ceaseless labor of the family.
AVhile yet a young man, John McWilliams mar
ried Jane, daughter of Robert Taylor, an early
settler of the county, and the founder of Taylors
town, and the following are the names and dates
of birth of the children bom to them: Mary, May
29, 1781; Martha, October 8, 1783; Wallace, De
cember 2, 1785; John, December 1, 1788; Sarah,
December 19, 1789; Jean, November 18, 1791;
Margaret, November 29, 1793; Elizabeth, Decem
ber 29, 1795; Margaret, March 31, 1798; and Han
nah, February 3, 1800. The family were mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo,
in which Mr. McWilliams was an elder for years;
in politics he was a Democrat. Grandfather Mc
Williams died October 8, 1837; the grandmother
about 1845.
Wallace McWilliams, father of subject, was born
in Buffalo township, this county, aud received his

education at the primitive schools of the neighbor
hood. On April 6, 1819, he married Nancy,
daughter of James Cleland, a native of Maryland'
and the children born to them were John, Eliza
beth (wife of John Flack), Jonathan and Jane
(wife of W. S. Caldwell). The father of this
family died June 20, 1860, the mother August 24
1864. Mr. McWilliams was a prominent Demo
crat in his day, and for many years was a leading
man in his party, holding several positions of trust
in both township and county at various times; he
was one of the board of commissioners appointed
by the court for the purchase of the Washington
County Poor Farm. In 1830 he was nominated
and elected a member of the State Legislature
and re-elected for the ensuing term; in 1841 he
was again elected to the position. He was a
presidential elector in 1836, when Van Buren was
elected President. In the militia of the day he
took a lively interest, and was one time major-
general of the forces in Washington and Greene
counties. He was a consistent member and pow
erful supporter of the Presbyterian Church, and
was a progrsssive, loyal citizen, greatly interested
in the cause of education in his locality, serving
many years on the school board.
Jonathan McWilliams was reared from earliest
boyhood to the arduous duties of farm life, his
winter months being for a few years devoted to at
tending the subscription and common schools of
the neighborhood. On October 20, 1857, he was
married to Z. W., daughter of William McCleese,
of Chester county, Penn., and the young couple
afterward remained on the McWilliams home place
till 1871, in which year they came to Claysville,
where they have since resided. They have no
children. They are members of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics Mr. McWilliams is a lifelong
Democrat. He has been a farmer all his days, but
is now living retired, having accumulated a satis
factory competence. Like his father, he is pro
gressive in the extreme, and in the management of
schools it can safely be said that there is no one
more zealous, active or useful in the community.

If AMES COOPER, one of the oldest residents
. 21 of Franklin township, is a native of the same,
frlj having been born in that locality, April 18,
*^ 1817. His father, Stephen Cooper, was also
born in Franklin township, and his grand
father, Zebulon Cooper, was a native of New Jersey,
which had long been the home of the family. Zebu
lon Cooper was married to Mary White (a native of
Long Island), and soon afterward came to Pennsyl
vania, where he erected a log cabin, and commenced
to establish a home in the forests of Washington
county. The following children were born to this
pioneer couple: Susanna, born July 22,1776; Zebu-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

553

Ion, born October 28, 1778; Elizabeth, born April
29,1781 ; Mary, born July 18,1783; John, born Jan
uary 11, 1786; Silvanus, born December 27, 1787;
Jerusha, born October 17,1789; Stephen, born Jan-
nary 26, 1792; Ephraim, born June 7, 1794; Eunice,
born July 18, 1795, and Hannah, born November
17, 1798. Mr. Cooper was a strong advocate of the
principles embodied in the Whig party. He was
one of the earliest Presbyterians of Franklin town
ship, and took a deep interest in the religious wel
fare of the community. He and his wito resided
on the farm until their death.
Stephen Cooper grew to manhood in Franklin
township, Washington county, on the farm of his
father, and shared in the many privations of
pioneer life. He received a limited school educa
tion, and on March 22, 18 16, was united in marriage
with Hannah, daughter of James Bane, and their
children were: James, Lavina, William, Charlotte,
Rebecca, Amasa, Josiah, Lewis W. , Sophia, Stephen,
„ Phebe, Ellen and David. After his marriage Mr.
Cooper settled on the farm where the remainder of
his life was spent, and which he improved with the
aid of his sons. He was interested in all ques
tions pertaining to the growth and improvement of
the township, and was a member of the Whig party,
afterward becoming a Republican. He died in
1880, and his wife rests by his side.
James Cooper remained on the home farm in
Franklin township during his earlier years, and on
January 6, 1840, was married' to Harriet, daughter
of Ezra Young, of New Jersey. After his marriage
Mr. Cooper settled on the farm which is his present
home. To this union the following children were
born: Ann E., John W., Warren, Addison and
Lewis. The mother died in 1849, and Mr. Cooper
was afterward married to Susan, daughter of Harry
Van Kirk, an early resident of Washington county,
and their children are: Henry, Morris, Marion,
Charles P. , Bryant, Jane and Mary. Mr. Cooper
has made many improvements on his farm. In
politics he was formerly a Whig, and since the
formation of that party has been a Republican.
Although he has never accepted a political office,
he is deeply interested in the progress of his party.
In religion he has been a member of the Cumber
land Presbyterian Church for many years.

ytlLLIAM HAZLETT, a prominent and pro-
I gressive agriculturist, and a worthy rep
resentative of one of the oldest and best-
known families of Franklin township, is a
native of the same, born March 6, 1819.
The paternal ancestry were English, Samuel
Hazlett, grandfather of our subject, having been
a native of the " land that bears a well-known
name," whence early in life he moved to Ireland.
Here he married AnnWhite,"a daughter of Erin, and

shortly afterward emigrated to America, making
their first home in the New World near Baltimore,
Md., where he followed carpentering, and where
were born to them two children — William and
Mary. About 1778 they set out with their lit
tle family on a journey to Pennsylvania, on
horseback, accompanied by a slave named "Jingo,"
and a convict whose " time ' ' had been purchased by
Mr. Hazlett. Slowly the party wended their way
over the rough roads, until ¦ they finally reached
Washington county, and here they made a halt
near where is now the farm occupied by A. O.
Day, in Franklin township, being among the first
to settle in the township. Here their first dwell
ing was an old abandoned log cabin, with no floor
save mother earth, and here they had to make a
clearing for their farm — the men chopping down
the forest trees, while the grandmother dug up the
briars and other underbrush. They afterward
learned that the family who had previously occu
pied this old cabin had been murdered by Indians.
For the first year the young Hazlett colony raised
but little on their small clearing, and their chief
article of food was hominy, and such other provis
ions as they may have brought with them; they had
to bring salt from Baltimore on horseback. Their
nearest neighbors were a long way removed, and
consequently they had but few visitors, except it
might be a prowling Indian or wolf; on one occa
sion a couple of rattlesnakes entered their cabin,
and coiled themselves up for warmth on the stones
on which the fire had been burning. After a time
the family built and moved into the house where
now dwells the subject of this sketch. In Wash
ington county six more children were born to the
pioneer Samuel Hazlett, viz.: Elizabeth, Ellen,
Nancy, Ruth, James and Samuel. The grand
father died several years ago, the grandmother at
the age of ninety-six years, when the grandson,
AVilliam, was a lad of some twelve or fourteen years.
Samuel Hazlett, father of William, was born in
1790, in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and received his education at the subscription
schools of the neighborhood. He followed agri
cultural pursuits on the old homestead all his life,
and died August 28, 1872, aged eighty-two years,
honored and respected by all. He was a leading
member of the Presbyterian Church, and in poli
tics was a sound Democrat. He was twice mar
ried — first time to Rebecca, daughter of Arthur
Hamilton, a native of Ireland, and she bore him
children as follows: Elsa, William (subject), Ann
(in Allegheny county), Elizabeth, Caroline (in
Washington county) and Charlotte. This wife
dying, Samuel Hazlett was afterward united in
marriage with Jemima Forsyth, a native of Frank
lin township, and the children born to this mar
riage were Samuel J. (deceased), Isaac, John,
James, Josephine (wife of John Finley) and Ruth

554

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

E., all living in Fayette county, Penn., except
John, who is a resident of Amwell township, this
county. The mother of these children died in 1870.
William Hazlett was reared to agricultural pur
suits on the home place, a few weeks in winter
time, .during his boyhood, being spent at the
schools of the neighborhood, although many a
winter's day did he thresh with a flail. On Octo
ber 29, 1844, he was married to Margaret C,
daughter of Joshua Dickerson, and the children
born to them were Joshua (a physician in Vander-
bilt, Fayette county), Samuel and Maggie (both
deceased), Rebecca (Mrs. Lewis Hamilton, in Mus
kingum county, Ohio), Addison (on a farm), Matilda
(Mrs. William McClenathan, in Amwell township),
William (on a farm), Samuel Lewis (on the home
farm), and James (deceased). On April 21, 1863,
the mother died, and the father afterward married
Comfort A. West, of Cadiz, Ohio. In 1852 Mr.
Hazlett settled on the home farm, where the family
now reside. He was formerly a Whig, and since
the formation of the party has been an active Repub
lican, his first Presidential vote being cast for Will
iam H. Harrison. He has always taken a lively in
terest in the prosperity of his county and township,
especially in educational matters, and for twenty-
five years he has held the office of school director;
he has also been supervisor of his township. For
many years Mr. Hazlett has been a member of the
Presbyterian Church of Upper Ten-Mile, and one
of its leading and most substantial supporters.
His farm is situated seven miles from Washington,
and comprises 150 acres, while the farm on which
his sons Addison and AVilliam are living has 150
acres. Mr. Hazlett has been a hard worker all his
life, and enjoyed good health until 1891, when he
had an attack of the "grippe," from which he has
not yet completely recovered.

JOHN MOODY, an energetic young agricult
urist of Robinson township, Washington
county, is of Irish descent, and traces his lin
eage to one, Joseph Moody, a native of Ire
land. Joseph Moody came to America in
early manhood, first settling in Washington county,
Penn. In 1812 he moved to Jefferson county,
Ohio, where he died.
David Moody, a son of Joseph, was born in
Washington county, Penn., but, when yet a boy,
moved with his parents to Jefferson county, Ohio,
where he grew to manhood. Returning to his na
tive county in Pennsylvania, he was married to
Margaret, daughter of John Flanegin, a native of
Ireland, and three children were born to them,
viz. : John, Margaret and Jane.
John Moody (father of subject) was born in
Washington county, Penn. He learned the cabi
net maker' s trade, and afterward followed under

taking, being now engaged in agricultural pursuits..
He has served his township twenty years as justice
of the peace. He was united in marriage with
Margaret Derstine, of Allegheny county, daughter
of Benjamin Derstine, a prominent business man
of Sewickley, Allegheny county. John and Mar
garet (Derstine) Moody have six children, namely
John, Albert, Stella, Harry, James and an infant
son. John Moody was born in Clinton, Allegheny Co.
Penn., and was reared to manhood on the home
farm ; he attended several terms at the academy at
Sewickley, Allegheny county. He was married to
Miss Agnes M., daughter of John M. Stewart, who
was also born in Clinton, Allegheny county. The
young people began wedded life on a farm in their
native county, soon afterward moving to Washing
ton county, Penn. Three children have been born
to this union: Estelle, John and Ralph. Mr,
Moody has ninety-two acres of good farm land;
in politics he is a Democrat, and has served his
township as justice of the peace. In religious faith
he is connected with the Robinson United Presby
terian Church.
Albert Moody, son of John and Margaret (Der
stine) Moody, was born in Clinton, Allegheny Co.,
Penn. He was married to Miss Martha E. Hutch
ison, daughter of James and Susan Hutchison, of
Washington county, Penn., and one child has been
born to this union, Susan Margaret.
Harry Moody, son • of John aud Margaret (Der
stine) Moody, was born in Clinton, Allegheny Co.,
Penn., and was married to Miss Maud Burns,
daughter of John S. and Annie Burns, of Alle
gheny county.

I OHN E. STEWART, for many years a
. ! j leading and representative agriculturist of
1(1) Mt. Pleasant township, now a resident of
^^ the borough of Washington, is a native of
Allegheny county, born in Findley town
ship, April 5, 1842.
James Stewart, his great-grandfather, was born
in Dauphin county, Penn., April 25, 1754, and
August 25, 1779, there married Margaret Mc-
Cowen, a native of the same county, born Febru
ary 19, 1759. They settled near Clinton, in that
township, their nearest neighbors at the time be
ing — to the north, seven miles distant, to the south,
four and one-half miles. James Stewart took up a
large tract of land, where he passed the remainder
of his days, dying July 21, 1821, at the age of
sixty-seven years; his wife had passed away July
5, 1816, at the age of fifty-seven years. They
were the parents of children as follows: James,
twice married, first to Elizabeth Dickson, after
ward to Isabella Gladden; John (of whom mention
is made further on); Richard, married to Mary

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

557

Stewart; Thomas, twice married, first to Isabella
Brown, afterward to Eleanor Cherry; Joseph, mar
ried to Mary Ewing; Margaret, married to Josiah
Guy; Jane, married to Matthew McCoy; Eleanor,
married to James Simpson; Ann, married to Will
iam Guy; Mary, married to James Moore; and
Sarah, married to Henry Cowan, most of whom
lived and died in Allegheny county.
Of this family, John (grandfather of subject),
born June 4, 1780, married Elizabeth Glass, and
settled on the farm in Allegheny county, on which
his son, James, and grandson, John E. (subject),
were born. Here he died in 1846, aged sixty-six
years, leaving a widow and six children, the for
mer of whom was called from earth in October,
1869, at the age of eighty years. Their children
were: James, born July 11, 1809; Robert, bom
August 17, 1811; Margaret, born May 31, 1814;
¦Jane, born November 15, 1816; John M. , born
May 21, 1819; and Elizabeth, born 1812. Of
these, Robert died when a young man; Margaret'
married John Smiley, of Washington county, and
is now a widow living in Burgettstown; Jane mar
ried Henry Aten, and is now a widow, with resi
dence in Allegheny county; John M. , a farmer,
died July 3, 1881, in Allegheny county; Elizabeth
married Thomas Armor, of Allegheny county, and
died in July, 1890.
James Stewart grew to manhood on the old
home farm, where he spent his entire life. On
October 8, 1840, he was married to Miss Rachel
P., daughter of Edward Cherry, of AVashington
county, and they became the parents of the follow
ing interesting family: John E. (subject); Sarah
J., married to Samuel Aten, of Wyandot county,
Ohio; Amanda E., married to George Jardine, and
now living near Clinton, Allegheny county; Maggie
E., injured by a fall when three years old, and
permanently crippled in her lower limbs (she was
born June 3, 1855, and died December 5, 1873);
Rankin M., an agriculturist, living on the old
home farm in Allegheny county; and Mattie A.,
unmarried, having her home with her brother Ran
kin M. The father died October 10, 1882, the
mother on December 13, same year. Mr. Stewart
was not an active politician, nevertheless held vari
ous local public offices of trust; a member of the
Presbyterian Church, he was an elder in same, as
were also nearly all the older members of the Stew
art family. He was a prominent man in his town
ship, and took an active interest in all local matters
tending to the advancement and welfare of the com
munity. John E. Stewart remained at the parental home
until he was twenty-nine years of age, and received
a common-school education, necessarily somewhat
limited, as being the eldest in the family he had to,
early in life, commence in the farm work, assisting

his father, who was severely injured in one foot,
and had ill health for a few years. After his mar
riage in 1871 he removed to Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county, and settled on a farm which he
had purchased and which he still owns. Here
they remained till November, 1891, when they
moved into the borough of Washington, where
they still make their home, having purchased a
residence on AVest Main street. They have no
children. Mr. Stewart is a Democrat, and while
in Mt. Pleasant township, he served as school di
rector, supervisor and justice of the peace; in 1890
he was elected county commissioner, resigning the
office of justice of the peace after two years' serv
ice. He and his wife are members of the Third
Presbyterian Church of Washington. His farm,
which is situated in the northern part of Mt.
Pleasant township, comprises 140 acres of highly
improved land, and is conceded to be one of the
finest in the township.
On August 10, 1871, Mr. Stewart was married
to Miss Jennie M. Stewart, who was born May 5,
1844, daughter of Joseph Stewart, also of Findley
township, Allegheny county, but the families are
in no other way related. Prior to her marriage
she had been a teacher in her native county. Her
grandfather, Samuel Stewart, came from Dauphin
county, Penn., to Allegheny county in an early
day. He was married in Dauphin county to Jane
Patterson, who lived to be ninety-seven years of
age, dying in the fall of 1867, her husband pass
ing away in 1837. Their children were James,
Robert, Hugh, Flora, Nancy, Margaret, William,
Samuel, Joseph and Uriah, of whom Joseph was
the father of Mrs. John E. Stewart. He was born
May 20, 1816, and married Hannah Glass, daugh
ter of an early settler of Robinson township, Alle
gheny county, and they lived to celebrate their
golden wedding October 3, 1889. They were the
parents of children as follows: Samuel G., married
to Harriet Stoddard; Jennie M. (Mrs. John E.
Stewart); Olivia M., wife of Albert Aten, of Alle
gheny county; William J., married to Maggie Mil
ler; John P., married to Lida Plummer; Joseph
P., single (the last two named are partners in a
mercantile business in Finleyville, Penn.); Sadie
A., deceased at the age of about six years; Andrew
D- , living on the old home farm with his mother,
and Albert E. , a merchant of Hickman, Allegheny
county. The father of this family died December
19, 1892, a member of the Presbyterian Church;
in early manhood he had associated himself with
the United Presbyterian Church. The old Stew
art homestead where Mrs. Joseph Stewart and her
son, Andrew D. , now reside, is the original tract
settled by the family many years ago, never having
changed hands.

558

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

IlOSEPH W. ROBB. Among those undaunted
j pioneers who braved the hardships and dan-
K J J §ers of frontier life to make a home in Wash-
^^ ington county, Joseph Robb (grandfather of
the present family) and his faithful wife de
serve an honored place. Joseph Robb was born
and reared in Chester county, Penn., and was mar
ried to a native of the same State. Soon after
their union the young couple came to Washington
county, in 1790, purchasing of the Government and
moving upon a tract consisting of 400 acres, known
as the " Omi tract. ' ' A log cabin was soon erected
and improvements energetically begun by the
stout-hearted young settler, who often carried salt
over the mountains on horseback. Time passed on,
and as the rude uncultivated land was transformed
into fields of moving grain, the little home took on
an air of comfort and civilization. Children as
follows were born to these pioneers: Ebenezer,
William and John, and as the parents grew weary
with the weight of years, strong young arms and
brave young hearts lifted the burdens of life from
their shoulders. Joseph Robb was a member and
elder of the Associate Reformed Church, and in
politics voted with the Whig party. He died April
14, 1847, and was buried by the side of his wife in
the cemetery of Robinson's Run church.
Ebenezer Robb, the eldest son of Joseph, was
born July 9, 1803, and was reared and educated on
the home farm. On January 26, 1836, he was
united in marriage with Eliza AVallace, who was
born near Pigeon creek, daughter of Robert Wal
lace. The young people made a permanent home
in Robinson township, this county, where he fol
lowed farming and stock raising. Five children
were born to their union, namely: William and
Joseph (both now deceased) ; Robert (a prominent
business man in Allegheny City, and is an elder in
the Westminster Church of that place) ; Joseph W.
and Mary E. (wife of Joseph Reynolds). The
father of this family was formerly a member of the
Associate Reformed Church of Robinson's Run,
and afterward joined the United Presbyterian
Church at McDonald, serving as an elder in both
Societies. In politics he was originally a Whig,
afterward a Republican. He took an active inter
est in educational matters, and served as justice of
the peace two terms. Mr. Robb died in August,
1884, having been preceded to the grave by his
wife in 1877, and their remains rest in the cemetery
at Robinson's Run.
Joseph W. Robb was born May 18, 1851, on the
old homestead in Robinson township. His element
ary education was received at the common schools
of the neighborhood, and he afterward became a
student in the Allegheny City Academy. On No
vember 27, 1879, Mr. Robb married Rachel Lind
sey, a daughter of William Lindsey, who was born
in June, 1811, in Mt. Pleasant township, this

county, where his earlier years were passed. He
was married to Ann Van Eman, a resident of this
county, and the young people remained in Mt.
Pleasant township till 1876, the following children
being bom to their union: Sarah, John, Elizabeth,
Van Eman, Anna, Rebecca, Marguerita, Irene, Rob
ert and Rachel (Mrs. Robb). Mr. Lindsey was an
extensive dealer in stock, and in politics voted with
the Republican party. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. He died in 1883; his widow
is yet living with her children.
Joseph and Rachel (Lindsey) Robb settled on the
paternal homestead, where their children have been
born as follows: Edmund E., bom August 31,
1881; Anna Ethel, born September 2, 1883, died
January 7, 1885; Mary Margretta, born August 9,
1886; Laura Ellen, born October 24, 1888, and
Joseph Lloyd, born December 19, 1892. Mr. Robb
is an active Republican, has served his township in
various capacities, and has now entered upon his
¦second term as school director. He and his family
are members of the United Presbyterian Church at
McDonald, in which he is an elder.

fp\\ OBERT BAMFORD, a practical and pros-
lw^ perous agriculturist of Robinson township,
[| V, is a native of Washington county.
II ^ Robert Bamford, his father, was born in
v 1824, in Ireland, and in 1848 came with a
party of young people to Pittsburgh, Penn. He
had learned the blacksmith's trade, which he
followed about eighteen months in Pittsburgh. On
March 8, 1851, he was united in marriage with
Sarah G. , daughter of David and Martha (Adams)
Gordon, both natives of Ireland. David Gordon
was first married to Sarah Gardener, who bore
him eight children, all now deceased. After the
death of his first wife, Mr. Gordon was married to
Martha Adams, who had eight children, but two
of whom are yet living: Sarah G. (wife of Robert
Bamford) and Eliza (wife of John Hanley), of
Belfast, Ireland. The father died in 1838, in
Ireland, his wife following him in 1852.
Robert and Sarah G. (Gardener) Bamford were
the parents of four children, namely: David G. (a
miller in Midway, Robinson township), born Feb
ruary 20, 1852; AVilliam, born November 16, 1854
(farming in this county) ; Robert, born February
16, 1857; and Mary, born February 2, 1859 (living
at home). In 1853 Mr. Bamford moved to Nobles
town, Allegheny county, working there at his trade
for about two years. He then moved to Bulger,
this county, remaining about four years, thence to
Primrose, where he resided four years, continuing
to follow his trade during these changes of location.
In 1863 he bought a farm of fifty-three acres
(where his son Robert is now living), in Robinson
township, and still followed his trade. He afterward

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

559

added 182£ acres to the farm, and became an exten
sive dealer in stock, accumulating a large amount of
property by combining his agricultural duties
with his trade, which he followed thirty-three
years. He voted with the Democratic party, and was
much interested in educational matters, having been
school director; he was also one of the directors of
the Oakdale Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He
was a member and trustee of the U. P. Church
for many years. He died January 3, 1887, and
his widow is yet living with her son on the home
farm. She is a member of the United Presby
terian Church.
Robert Bamford was reared on the home farm,
and educated in the common schools of the neigh
borhood. On February 16, 1887, he was united
in marriage with Jennie M. Donaldson, of this
county, who was born August 20, 1856, and was a
daughter of John M. Donaldson. John M.
Donaldson was a son of Andrew, whose father,
James Donaldson, emigrated from Ireland at an
early day, locating in Washington county, where
children were born and reared as follows : Thomas,
Andrew, John, Richard, and four daughters,
whose names are unknown.
Andrew Donaldson was born in this county,
being educated in the rate schools of the period,
which were built of rough-hewn logs, and fur
nished in the most primitive manner. In early
life he was married to Jane, daughter of John
McBurney, and they settled on a farm situated
between Bavington and North Star, where the
following children were born to them : Sally, Jane,
Mary Ann, Elizabeth (deceased), Esther (deceased),
James, John M., Margaret, Thomas and an unnamed
infant. Of these children seven are now liv
ing. Mr. Donaldson was an active Democrat, and in
religion was first united' with the Associate Re
formed Church of Robinson township, which
afterward became the United Presbyterian Society.
He died in 1843. John M. Donaldson was born
July 25, 1831, on the home farm in this county.
In 1855 he was married to Martha M. Bigger, and
they came to the farm where they are now living,
which, together with 109 acres presented by Mr.
Bigger, forms a good place of 279 acres. The
following children were born to their union: Jane
M. (Mrs. Bamford), Andrew, Thomas B., Sarah
C, Mary E., Emmett T. (deceased), Elizabeth
H., James W., Margaret B., Richard M., and
Holland H.
Robert and Jennie M. (Donaldson) Bamford
have one son, John D., born March 27, 1888.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bamford are earnest members
of the Centre United Presbyterian Church, in
which he serves as trustee.

d[ OHN G. JOHNSON, a successful business
! man of Cross Creek township, is another ex-
|l ample of what patience, industry and enter
prise can accomplish. He is a son of John
Johnson, of Canonsburg, Penn., whose father
was Richard Johnson. The latter was a native of
County Down, Ireland, and immigrated to America
in early manhood, settling near Canonsburg, this
county, in about 1800. He was married to a Miss
Bradford, a resident of Canonsburg, and children
were born to them as follows: George, David (a
resident of Steubenville, Ohio), Mary (Mrs. Thomas
Allison), Elizabeth (widow of John Stockton), John
(living in Canonsburg) and William (a physician).
John Johnson was born in 1806, on the farm
near Canonsburg now occupied by R. V. Johnson,
and was reared to manhood on the home place.
He was married to Miss Rebecca VanEman, of
Cecil township, Washington county, a daughter of
Joseph VanEman, who was a prominent farmer of
that vicinity. After their marriage the young people
settled on the home place, where their three chil
dren were born, namely: R. V., a farmer and civil
engineer of North Strabane township, this county;
J. B. , a farmer and dairyman of Chartiers town
ship, this county; and John G., the subject of our
present sketch. Shortly before his death, which oc
curred October 9, 1888, Mr. Johnson retired to
CanoDsburg, there passing his declining years.
John G. Johnson was born Nobember 13, 1845,
on the old home farm near Canonsburg, where his
boyhood was spent. He attended the academy at
Beaver, Penn., afterward beginning an active busi
ness life as a farmer and stock dealer, following
that vocation until within the past few years, and
making a trip to Pittsburgh with stock nearly every
week. In June, 1874, he was united in marriage
with Miss Annie K. Morrison, of Chartiers town
ship, this county, and four children have blessed
their union, namely: George L. , William M.,
John (deceased in infancy) and Earnest. Mr. John
son owns 166 acres of good land, two houses and
lots in Canonsburg, a storeroom and dwelling, and
three good houses in Burgettstown. In politics he
has been a stanch Republican, although never car
ing to take an active part in the turmoil of political
warfare. Mr. Johnson is now living in a beautiful
home, situated at the eastern extremity of Cross
Creek village, and is enjoying the fruits of a life
of industry.

THOMAS BORLAND McCORKLE, retired
farmer, Canonsburg, late of Cross Creek
township, was born July 7, 1835, on the old
farm of his father, John McCorkle, where
his grandfather settled in 1810.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject

560

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

emigrated from the North of Ireland to Pennsyl
vania, settling east of the mountains at an early
date, probably in Adams county, as his son Thomas
was born in that county. This Thomas McCorkle
came to Washington county, and November 7, 1810,
purchased the old homestead farm of something
over 432 acres. He was born February 12, 1759,
in Adams county, Penn., and died on his farm in
Cross Creek township May 25, 1843, at the age of
eighty-four years, three months and thirteen days.
His father, Robert McCorkle, came to Washington
county, and died on the son's farm June 26, 1822,
in his ninetieth year, in Cross Creek township, and
he was buried in West Middletown graveyard,
Hopewell township, this county. Thomas McCorkle
and his wife, Esther (Terrell) McCorkle, were
members of the Associate Reformed Church in
AVest Middletown, and he was a ruling elder in the
same for many years. He always followed farm
ing, and was a man of fine principle. Esther
McCorkle died December 12, 1839, aged sixty-five
years. Their children were as follows: Robert,
born October 26, 1796, died when a young man,
unmarried; Margaret, born November 22, 1798,
married Thomas Ritchey, of Hopewell township;
Frances, born February 7, 1800, died unmarried ;
John, born June 4, 1803, married Mary McCorkle,
of Somerset township; Jane, born September 14,
1807, married Charles Phillis, of Claysville, Ohio;
Thomas, born March 24, 1814, married Margaret
Welch, who is now a widow and is living in Bur
gettstown, Washington county.
John and Mary (McCorkle) McCorkle were mar
ried January 14, 1834. She was born February
22, 1810. They were b<->th members of the Asso
ciate Reformed Church of West Middletown, in
which he was a ruling elder. He held various
offices of trust, and was a man of more than ordi
nary executive ability and intelligence, serving as
county supervisor, school director and as executor,
administrator and guardian for many estates. It
was through his persistent efforts that the post-
office, Woodrow, in Cross Creek township, was
established. He was a member of an old militia
company. Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle had one child,
Thomas Borland, our subject. The mother died
May 25, 1836, and May 12, 1842, the father
married Miss Mary Hay, who was born October 13,
1814, on the old homestead farm of her father in
Chartiers township, this county, a daughter of
David and Mary (McCullough) Hay. Of this union
no children were born. Mrs. McCorkle is still
living in AVest Middletown, and is a member of
AVest Middletown U. P. Church. She is descended
from the Hays of Scotland.
Thomas B. McCorkle was educated at the com
mon schools of Cross Creek township, known as
" Bushy Rock," and when of proper age learned
farming with his father. On June 21, 1871, he

was united in marriage with Miss Asenath M.
Nevin, who was born November 18, 1847, in Beaver
county, Penn., on her father's farm near Sheffield
a daughter of George and Eliza A. (Harper) Nevin
the former of whom was a son of John and Mar
garet (Murray) Nevin, and both descendants of
Scotch-Presbyterian ancestry. George' Nevin was
a native of Washington county, Penn., where he
was reared to agricultural pursuits, at which he
worked a short time, and then opened a store at
Sheffield, Beaver county. His wife was born at
Frankfort Springs, Beaver Co., Penn., a daughter
of Archibald and Mary (Hay) Harper, the former
of whom was a miller at Frankfort Springs (where
he owned a mill), the latter a native of Cecil town
ship, Washington county, and born on her father's
farm. She was a daughter of John and Ann
(Burns) Hay, who were born and married in Scot
land, where some of their children were also born.
They came to Washington county at an early day,
settled on Miller's run, in Cecil township, and
sleep their last sleep in Oak Grove cemetery in
Chartiers township. Mrs. Ann (Burns) Hay was
a full cousin to Robert Burns, the poet; her hus
band, John Hay, was descended from the Hay
family of Scotland, whose coat of arms, etc., appear
in "Burke's Peerage." To Thomas B. and Ase
nath M. (Nevin) McCorkle have been born three
children, two now living: Mary L. and John T. E.
Politically our subject is a Democrat, and has filled
various local offices of trust. He and his wife are
members of the U. P. Church, at Canonsburg, and
he is the owner of two farms in Cross Creek town
ship, comprising 270 acres and 144 acres, respect
ively; he also owns a mill in the same township,
known as the Buckeye Flouring Mill. Mr. Mc
Corkle is recognized as one of the leading upright
and moral citizens of Washington county, and
ranks high among its representative and progress
ive agriculturists.

JOHN MILLER DAY was born in Morris
township, Washington Co., Penn., October
24, 1821, a great-grandson of Samuel Day,
who, in or about the year 1755, came from
New Jersey to Pennsylvania and took up land
in Morris township, this county, where he farmed
successfully. He was the father of four sons:
Daniel, Samuel, Joseph and Benjamin, and one
daughter, Joanna.
Daniel Day, the grandfather of subject, remained
on the same tract of land which his father had
taken up until his death, which occurred in 1811.
He left six sons: Calvin, AVilliam, John, Samuel,
Stephen and Cephas, and three daughters, Abigail,
Ellenor and Electy. John followed his father on
the farm, and retained the old right to the early
settlement. He was married September 2, 1813,

,/¦

y^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

563

by Rev. C. Dodd, to Sarah Miller, of Amwell town
ship, AVashington Co., Penn., and to their union
were born eleven children: Eliza, Mary, Sarah, J.
Miller, Daniel, Harvey, Annie, Abigail, Cyrus, and
Jessie and Meribah (twins). Of these, Eliza (de
ceased wife of George AA'olf) resided in Nineveh,
Greene Co., Penn. ; Mary (deceased wife of John
Brownlee) resided in Franklin township, this
county; Sally (deceased wife of Robert Baldwin)
resided in Morris township, this county; Daniel
has been married twice, and resides in Canonsburg,
Washington Co., Penn. (his first wife was Mary
Bates, of Steubenville, Ohio; his present wife was
Etta Johns, of Washington, Washington county);
Harvy, living in Lincoln, Neb., was first married
to Caroline McCollum, and afterward to Mrs. Mary
Harris, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Annie (deceased)
was first married to Elias Conger, and then became
the wife of Dr. Stross, of Amity, Amwell town
ship, this county; Abigail (Mrs. H. C. Swart) re
sides near Washington borough; Cyrus, died at the
age of eight years; Meribah and Jessie (twins)
died in infancy.
John Miller Day, our subject, resides on the old
homestead, first owned by his great-grandfather.
He received his primary education at the old-time
subscription schools, which were held chiefly in
abandoned log dwellings, one of these being very
near the Day residence. (It is safe to say that the
then youth must have been full of the mirth and
good cheer which now characterize his riper
years). In the course of time these early colleges gave
way to modern innovations, regulated and gov
erned by school laws. Mr. Day was married Janu
ary 19, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Hanna, eldest
daughter of John V. Hanna, of Morris township.
This union was followed by seven children : Mar
tha Maria, born July 7, 1844, married to John N.
Weir, of Franklin township; Sarah Ann, born No
vember 7, 1845, died January 24, 1848; John Mil
ton, born August 26, 1847, married, October 12,
1871, to Margaret Weir, of Franklin township;
Elsie Jane, born September 6, 1849, united in
marriage, January 18, 1882, with William Ash
brook, of East Finley township; George Hamilton,
born April 25, 1852, died October 10, 1854; Hugh
Allison, born April 24, 1854, married, April 9,
1891, to Annie Andrews, of Morris township; Mary
Elizabeth, born June 10, 1856, married September
12, 1878, to Allen J. Mowl, and now living in
West Bethlehem township, this county. Mrs.
Day, mother of these children, died August 4,
1 872, and was buried at Prosperity, this county.
On May 20, 1874, Mr. Day married Mrs. Mary
(AVise) McKanna, of West Bethlehem township,
this county, a daughter of Joseph Wise and widow
of George R. McKanna. Mrs. Day was the
mother of two children by her first marriage:

Emma J., wife of James D. Ulery, of Chicago, 111.,
and Frank B., residing in Pittsburgh, Penn.
When the Day family first came to Washington
county, an old fort stood in the southeastern part
of Franklin township; and our subject remembers
having his grandmother tell of how she and others
would frequently have to take shelter in the fort
from the Indians, when they were making un
friendly visits to the homes of the settlers; but the
old fort has long since disappeared, and the Indians
no longer disturb the sweet repose of the now hap
py citizens. The Days have, from the very first,
been successful farmers and business men, and our
subject is no exception, for he is now the owner of
350 acres of land, very rich and fertile, in a high
state of cultivation, and improved with the very
best buildings, all of which Mr. Day has had the
pleasure of putting up under his own inspection,
except one old barn, which remains as a relic of
the past. (The old mansion built by Grandfather
Day still stands on the old foundation, has been
repaired, and is now occupied by Hugh Day, son
of our subject). In addition to general agriculture,
Mr. Day is extensively interested in wool growing.
Our subject has been a lifelong member and a
liberal supporter of Upper Ten- Mile Presbyterian
Church, in which he has received the marked con
fidence of his fellow-members in being elected
deacon, an office he has held for many years. Po
litically he is a Democrat, and has several times
been elected to the office of justice of the peace,
but has always declined serving. He was elected
a director of the Poor Farm, serving from 1866 to
1869. We can not close this short history of our sub
ject without expressing gratitude that our friend
has been spared to a good old age. And now,
while living in borrowed time, his genial face is
still lighted up with sunny cheerfulness, which
makes his company sought after, and his presence
in the home gatherings a delight. [Written by a
friend of the family.
ILLIAM CALDWELL, son of Samuel
Caldwell, was born July 29, 1830, in Pe
ters township, Washington Co., Penn.
Samuel Caldwell was born in 1782, in Dau
phin county, eastern Pennsylvania, and came with
his parents to Allegheny county when but a child.
He served an apprenticeship as a tailor, but after
completing the trade was obliged to abandon it on
account of poor health. He then began farming,
and in 1818 bought a farm in Peters township,
Washington county, to which he moved, eventu
ally becoming a prosperous agriculturist. In pol
itics he was originally a AVhig, then a Republican,
and served for years as a member of the school
board. In religion he was first identified with the
Union Church, afterward uniting with the U. P.

564

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Society, then known as the Bridge Church, now
called the Canonsburg U. P. Church, to which he-
was a liberal contributor. In early life he was
married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Gilland,
of Allegheny county, Penn. , and the following
children were born to this union: James (de
ceased), Ann (wife of John Charlton), Jane, Eliza
(Mrs. Thomas D. AVeaver), Margaret (married to
Henry Bennett), Harriet and William. The father
died in 1856, having been preceded by his wife in
1841, and both are buried in the Speer Spring
cemetery. William Caldwell was reared and educated in
Peters township, and on March 12, 1857, was
united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of
John and granddaughter of Henry Miller. The
grandparents were natives of Germany, and immi
grated to America in the latter part of the last
century, locating on the home farm in Chartiers
township, Washington Co., Penn. Henry Miller
built one of the first mills for grinding grain,
which was run by horses. He was a Whig and
Republican, and in religion was for many years a
member and elder of the Presbyterian Church at
Miller's Run. He died February 11, 1845, fol
lowed by his wife April 10, of the same year.
Their children were John, Christia Ann (wife of
William Bennett) and Nancy (Mrs. Johnson).
John Miller was born April 24, 1798, on the
home place in Chartiers township, this county.
On January 18, 1821, he was married to Margaret
Jordan, who bore him children as follows: Stew
art, Henry, Mary (wife of Thomas Chapman), Ann,
John, Hugh and Margaret (Mrs. William Caldwell).
Of these children, Stewart, Mary, Ann and John
are deceased. The father was a Whig and Repub
lican. He was for many years a member and elder
of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run, and
died on the old place November 17, 1874, Mrs.
Miller having preceded him November 3, 1873.
Both parents are buried in the cemetery at Miller's
Run. After marriage William and Margaret (Mil
ler) Caldwell resided on the home place in Peters
township until 1868, when they removed to the
Miller homestead, and in 1886 came to their pres
ent home in Canonsburg. Three children have
been, born to this marriage, namely: John M.,
Annie E., widow of Thomas I. Charlton, and Ella
Paretta. Mrs. Charlton is the only one now liv
ing. Mr. Caldwell is an active worker in the ranks
of the Republican party, and in religion a member
of the Chartiers U. P. Church.

living, and both parents were natives of Chattiers
township. After their marriage they settled near
Sugar Grove, this county, and in 1845 located in
Mt. Pleasant township on the farm now known as
the Rev. Slater farm, and in 1851 bought the pres7
ent homestead, a partially improved farm of 210
acres, which they cleared and cultivated, and on
which they erected a good brick house and fine
barn. The farm was originally a portion of the
George Washington survey. In 1880 the family
moved to Canonsburg. R. M. Morgan was an ar
dent Democrat in politics, serving as supervisor of
the township, as member of the school board, and
in various other positions. He and his wife were
members of the Miller's Run Presbyterian Church,
in which he was ruling elder for many years. He
died in January, 1891, having been preceded by
his wife in March, 1889./ Their children were
Nancy Jane (living in Canonsburg), Emeline (de
ceased in 1846), Ellen (deceased in 1872), Anna.
Mary (wife of J. L. Cockins, of Canonsburg), twin
sons who died in infancy in 1851, Sarah Beli (mar
ried to R. D. Hamilton, of Chartiers township)
and L. M. (a twin of Sarah Bell).
L. M. Morgan passed his boyhood on the home
farm, and received his education in the district
schools of Mt. Pleasant township. On November
18, 1880, he was united in marriage with Minerva
Shelley, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, a
daughter of David and Jane (White) Shelley, the
father a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and the
mother born in Chartiers township. The parents
located in Jefferson county, Ohio, many years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan settled on the old home
stead, containing 210 acres of good land. He is
an active Democrat, and a member of the school
board. He and his wife are united with the Mt.
Pleasant U. P. Church, of which he is a trustee.
They have had five children, namely: Maud Alice,
Leroy Shelley, Nina Blanche, Mary E., and one
deceased in infancy.

LM. MORGAN was born September 18, 1853,
• on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township which
is yet his home, the youngest child of R. M.
and Mary (Martin) Morgan. The mother
was born on the farm where Peter Martin is now

JOHN MORGAN, a well-known farmer and
stock raiser of Chartiers township, is a na
tive of the same, bom April 20, 1821. He is
a grandson of Jacob Morgan, who was born
in Maryland, and in an early day came with
his wife to Washington county, Penn., locating in
Chartiers township, where he died. He was a sol
dier in the war of 1812.
John Morgan (son of Jacob) was bom in Mary
land, and when a small boy was brought with his
parents to Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He was married in this county to Nancy
Montgomery, a native of Chartiers township, and
they began life on a neighboring farm. He was
deputy Bheriff and justice of the peace for many
years, and was an active worker in the Democratic

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

565

party. He died in 1842, and several years later
was followed by his wife, who had borne him chil
dren as follows: Martha Jane (deceased wife of
Godfrey Cook), Jacob (deceased, married to a
daughter of Major McCloskey), Robert M. (died in
1891, was married to Mary Martin), Emma Jane
(deceased in 1888 in Tennessee, wife of William
Cundel), John (whose sketch follows), Nancy Jane
(Mrs. James Harvey, living in this county), Sam
uel P. (residing in Washington borough, Penn.),
Anna (deceased wife of A. C. Morrow), Rebecca
(Mrs. J. R. McClosky, of Lawrence, Kans.) and
Hugh (also living in Kansas).
John Morgan was born and reared on the farm
adjoining his present home, receiving his educa
tion in the schools of Chartiers township, and as
sisting in improving the farm. In 1856 he was
united in marriage with Sarah Jane, daughter of
Samuel and Jane (White) Martin. The parents
located in Chartiers township, this county, where
the father died September 29, 1864, the mother
having preceded him over the river March 1, 1835.
John and Sarah Jane (Martin) Morgan located on
their present farm in 1860. It contains 129 acres
of well -cultivated land, upon which two good resi
dences have been built; he owns considerable
stock, and carries on general farming. He is in
terested in the success of the Democratic party,
with which he is identified, and he and his wife are
members of the U. P. Church in Chartiers town
ship. Their children are Anna Mary (wife of Jo
seph Barry), Belle (married to George Patch,
Houstonville, Penn.), Samuel M. (married to a
daughter of Andrew Miller, and living in Chartiers
township), John H. (residing with his parents),
Ella Jane, Hattie and Hugh F.

C. LINDLEY was born April 28, 1847, in
Morris township, Washington Co., Penn.,
a son of Cephas Lindley, who was also a
native of Morris township, born March 28,
1816, and received his education in the schools of
that period. In early manhood Cephas Lindley
was married on March 16, 1840, to Miss Anna
Hanna, a resident of Morris township, and they
had six children: Mary (Mrs. Smith Day), Louisa
J. (Mrs. Jacob Baldwin), B. C. (subject of the
present sketch), Lawson L., Laura J. (Mrs. Rich
ard Sargeant) and Sarah A. (Mrs. H. R. Post).
The mother of this family died January 31, 1859,
and Mr. Lindley married on November 24, 1864,
for his second wife, Mary Hackney, who has no
children. Mr, Lindley settled in Franklin town
ship, Washington county, and was for many years
engaged in buying and selling stock, becoming quite
a wealthy man at one time, but reverses followed
his early success, and swept away the greater part
of his property. He might have legally retained a

portion of the wreck, but his fine sense of honor
would not permit him to reserve any part of that
which should meet his obligations. Mr. Lindley
has been a most industrious man, and is highly
respected by his neighbors. He and his family
are active members of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church. In political opinion he was a Whig,
and since the organization of the party has been a
Republican. B. C. Lindley passed his youth on the farm, and
the meager advantages of the country school gave
him a taste for literature, which he indulges during
his leisure moments. On February 23, 1871, he
was united in marriage with Miranda Van Kirk
Patterson, daughter of J. W. Patterson, and their
familv consists of the following children: Demas,
born April 28, 1872; Clyde P., born December 18,
1877; Anna C, born December 1, 1880; Mary L.,
born July 20, 1888, and Parmelia E., born Decem
ber 29, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Lindley re
mained on the home farm some time, and then
moved to Chartiers township, this county, thence
to Amwell township. He afterward came to West
Bethlehem township, and finally settled on his
present place, which consists of 194 acres of land,
known as the Baldwin farm. Mr. Lindley is a
popular and progressive man. In political opinion
he is a Republican, and has filled the position of
school director seven years. He and his family
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.

lILLIAM SMITH, an old and esteemed
farmer of Independence township, is a
son of John Smith, who was born in
1786, in County Fermanagh, Ireland . He
passed his youth in assisting his father on the home
farm, and in early manhood was married to Jane
Graham, who was born in 1786, daughter of Will
iam Graham. In 1818 John Smith, with his wife
and infant son, William, sailed from Cork, Ireland,
to find a home across the ocean. They landed in
New York, and immediately proceeded to Inde
pendence township, Washington Co., Penn., where
a brother of Mr. Smith had previously located near
Buffalo creek. For some time after his arrival in
Independence township, Mr. Smith worked as a
farm tenant, but this did not suit his energetic and
ambitious disposition. In a few years he purchased
the farm that he had rented on arriving in Penn
sylvania, and remained upon it until his death,
which occurred in 1831. His widow continued to
reside on the place, which was managed by her sons,
until her death in 1835. The children born in
America were as follows: John (a farmer in Inde
pendence township), Jane (living on the old home
stead with her brother John), Edward (who died
at the old homestead in his twenty-first year) and

566

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Mary A. (widow of Paul Ralston, of Independence
township). William Smith (the eldest child of John Smith)
was born December 22, 1817, in County Fermanagh,
Ireland, being an infant when brough to America
with his parents. He received a limited education
at the rate schools, and losing his father when but
a boy of fourteen years, a heavy burden of care
necessarily fell upon him as the eldest son. The
mother died but a few years later, yet still the brave
boy struggled on, with no one to guide him and no
assistance but that of the younger children; but
they managed the farm successfully. On October
15, 1840, William Smith was married to Margaret
Haggarty, who was born April 3, 1818, daughter of
James Haggarty, an early resident of Independence
township, and a native of Ireland. After his mar
riage Mr. Smith entered mercantile business at
Dunsfort, Penn. , but soon returned to the farm,
concluding that after all agriculture was the more
desirable vocation, and continued to follow it until
recent years. He is now living a semi-retired life
in the pleasant home. On October 15, 1890, Mr.
and Mrs. Smith celebrated their golden wedding,
and were the recipients of many gifts. In politics
he was formerly a Whig; he cast his first vote for
William H. Harrison, and has also voted for his
grandson, Benjamin. Mr. Smith passes much of his
time in reading various kinds of literature, with
which his library is well filled. In religious connec
tion he is second to the oldest member of the U. P.
Church at Mt. Hope, in which he has been an elder
over thirty years. He has always been an earnest
worker and liberal contributor to the cause.

L. M. SMITH was born December 8, 1846,
in Canonsburg, this county, grandson of
John Smith. The last mentioned ances
tor w as born in June, 1771,inYork county,
Penn. In 1796 he was married to Nancy McClure,
and came to Allegheny county in 1804, thence to
Washington county in 1807, and in 1816 finally
located in Beaver county, Penn. He died July 1 7,
1851, followed by his wife February 22, 1859.
John M. Smith was born November 23, 1799,
in Gettysburg, Penn., and in 1804 was brought to
the " Pinkerton Place," in Allegheny county, thence
to Cecil township, this county, in 1807. They moved
to Allegheny county in 1812, and in the fall of
1815 his father bought a farm in Beaver county,
upon which he moved the following year. In 1817
John M. Smith went to Pittsburgh, Penn., and
learned the cabinet maker's trade; then worked at
carpentry, boarding on the farm which his son now
occupies. On April 16, 1833, he was united in
marriage with Mary Moore, a daughter of James,
and granddaughter of John Moore. The latter
was a native of Ligonier Valley, Penn., and in 1777

came to Cecil township. He died on the "Forks
of the Yough," on the road while moving, leaving
his widow to rear the children and pay for the
land. The constable, accompanied by Esquire
John Donal, came to make a levy of $12, while the
widow was in the act of family worship. After
the prayers were finished the constable said he
would sell no one out who would make a prayer
like that, and Esquire, John Donal loaned her
the $12 to meet the debt. The widow died in
Cecil township, and none of the family are now
living. James Moore, a son of John Moore was born in
Ligonier Valley, Penn., in 1773, and in early life
was married to Elizabeth Moore, a native of Butler
county, Penn. He moved to the home farm in
this county in 1777, and died on the old place
July 22, 1859, being followed in 1868 by the wife
and mother.
After their marriage, in 1833, John M. and
Mary (Moore) Smith first located on the old Dr.
Ramsey farm, near Canonsburg. In the spring of
1846 they removed into Canonsburg, where he
worked at his trade in connection with agricultural
pursuits. In 1861 he bought, and in 1864 moved
upon, the home farm of James Moore, in Cecil
township. In July, 1866, he was taken with gan
grene, and a limb was amputated. He died Feb
ruary 14, 1886, his widow following him July 7,
1889. They were members of the Seceder Church,
and the parents of the following children: James
Ramsey, born in April, 1834 (married in 1861
to Mary Jane Reyburn, and settled in Canton
township); Jane Moore, born in 1836; Mary Cum-
mings, born in 1838; Eliza Glasgow and a twin,
born in 1840; Nancy born in 1842; John Park,
born in 1844; W. L. M., (whose name opens this
shetch) ; John Murray (married in 1878 to Rebecca
McAnley, of Clarion county; he was born in
1848, and died in 1877, leaving a widow and two
children); Mary King, born in January, 1851,
(married in 1878 to Mr. A. Malone, of Elizabeth,
Allegheny county, has two children); Jane Glas
gow, born in 1853 (married in 1875 to William
Henry H Craig, of Clarion county, Penn., has six
children), and Samuel Harper, born in 1855 (mar
ried in 1881 to Mary Nancy Westbay, of Eliz
abeth; has three children; he is a physician and
surgeon of McKeesport, Penn). Of these children;
Jane, Mary, Eliza, Nancy and John all died in
1847, between February 25 and March 15, of
scarlet fever.
W. L. M. Smith was educated in the public
schools of Canonsburg. Iu 1862 he came to the
farm where he is now living. On November 12,
1868, he was united in marriage with Grisela
Roney, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gibson)
Roney, natives of North Strabane township, this
county, where the father died; the mother passed

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

567

away in 1889. Two children were born to W. L.
M. and Grisela Smith, viz. : Elizabeth Jane (wife
of D. J. Stirling, Bulger), and Mary Minerva, liv
ing with her mother. She left him in 1872, and
June 20, 1878, Mr. Smith, after securing a divorce
in 1877, married Margaret S. , daughter of John
and Nancy (Greer) Hunter. Her parents were
born in eastern Pennsylvania, coming to Cecil
township in an early day, where the father died in
1865, followed by the mother in 1876. They
reared a family of ten children, of whom four sons
served in the war, and William died in the serv
ice. Five are yet living, namely: John, a carpen
ter, of McDonald, Penn. ; Joseph, a stonemason,
of McDonald; Maggie; James R. , a farmer of Alle
gheny county; and Nancy residing with her sister
Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Smith began married life
on the home farm where they are now living,
which contains 133 acres of good land. In politics
he is a Prohibitionist. In religion he and his wife
are members of the U. P. Church at Venice.

VILLI AM S. CRAFT, one of the leading
residents of South Strabane township, was
born April 3, 1841, in Morris township,
Washington Co., Penn. His grand
father, John Craft, was married to Abigail Conk-
lin, a resident of Morris township, and she bore
him children as follows: Lila (Mrs. Thomas
Dickerson), David, Permima (Mrs. Samuel Farra-
bee), Urius, Stewart, Stephen, Conklin, Catherine,
and William. After his marriage Mr. Craft re
mained in Morris township several years, then
went to East Finley township, where he died. In
politics he was a Democrat, and in religion an
active worker aud class-leader in the M. E.
Church at Mt. Zion.
David. Craft, son of John and Abigail (Conklin)
Craft, was born November 17, 1812, in Morris
township, Washington Co., Penn., and there re
ceived his early education. On March 29, 1838,
he was married to Mary, daughter of Stephen
Mills, a resident of New Jersey. Mr. Mills was
married to Experience Lory, and she bore him
the following children: Johanna, Deborah, Jonas,
William, James, John, Mary, Phcebe, Eliza, Henry
and Samuel. Mr. Mills went to Ohio, where he
remained some time, and then returned to Wash
ington county, Penn., settling near Taylorstown.
He was a carpenter and builder, and in politics
belonged to the Democratic party. In religious
belief he was uuited with the Presbyterian Church
at Claysville, this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Craft spent the first years of their
married life in East Finley township, Washington
county, and then removed to Morris township, in
1841, settling on the home farm. They have had
the following family of children: John M. (living

in Kansas City), William S. (subject of this
sketch), Thomas (deceased), Stewart C. (residing
in Idaho), Phcebe C. (deceased), Stephen L. (de
ceased), Jonas L. (living in Oregon), Catherine
(deceased), Melissa, Delia J. (Mrs. Oscar Lindley,
living in Kansas) and Mary A. (Mrs. J. M. Pat
terson, of Washington, Penn.). Mr. Craft first
built a log house, and afterward erected a frame
dwelling, which was burned, and which he rebuilt.
He was an active member of the Democratic party,
and in church connection was an adherent of the
M. E. Church for fifty years, serving as trustee dur
ing much of that time. Mr. Craft died February
19, 1890, and was buried at Mt. Zion.
William S. Craft passed his boyhood days on
the home farm in Morris township, Washington
county, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company
K, Sixteenth P. V. C. and was sent to the army of
the Potomac. He took part in the principal
battles, and at the close of the war came out
unwounded with the exception of a slight bruise
made by a ball. On October 13, 1869, he
was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of
John Montgomery, and they have had six children :
Leroy J. (deceased), George AV., Inez F., Her-
schel B. (deceased), John M. and Jane Adeline.
On his return from the war he operated a portable
sawmill four years, then commenced farming. He
first settled on a farm in Morris township, near
Prosperity, this county, remaining there two years
when he moved to East Finley township, living
there one year; thence removed to West Finley
township, and eleven years afterward bought and
took possession of his present home in South Stra
bane township. Mr. Craft has been engaged in
the dairy business the past four years, aud has a
herd of twenty cows, which supply a large city
custom. Politically he votes the- Democratic
ticket, and is interested in all public enterprises.
When a youth he united with the M. E. Church
at Mt. Zion, Morris township, but since removing
to his present home he has attended the Presby
terian Church at Washington.

It 1/ ENRY ROBINSON is a representative of
h— J one of the early families of this county,
j ~1 and is a grandson of Henry Robinson,
II -1 who was born in York county, Penn., and
v came to Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
over a century ago. He first purchased and
located on the present site of Hickory village, but
losing this land by priority of title, never bought
elsewhere, continuing however, to reside in this
county. Henry Robinson was a Revolutionary
soldier, and in -polities was an ardent Democrat.
He died in 1826, having been preceded by his wife
several years.
Joseph Robinson, son of Henry, was born inMt.

568

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Pleasant township, and attended the home schools
during his boyhood. In early life he was married
to Jane Morrow, who was born on Ten- Mile creek
in Washington county, and they settled on the
farm now occupied by Henry Robinson, where
children were born as follows: AVilliam (married
to Margaret Anderson, living in Delaware county,
Ohio), Robert (married to Nancy McNeil, died in
1882, in East Liberty, Allegheny county), Henry (of
whom further mention is made), Thomas (married
to Elizabeth McCauley, living in Mt. Pleasant
township), Hannah Jane (residing in Burgetts
town), Joseph (also in Burgettstown), Mary (wife
of Alexander Richardson, living in New Castle,
Penn.), John (deceased at the age of twelve or
thirteen years) and Julia Ann (who died in her
eighth year of scarlet fever). The parents were
members of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Robinson was an active member of the Demo
cratic party, and always followed agricultural
pursuits. He died several years ago, the wife and
mother haviug crossed the river some time
before. Henry Robinson was born July 18, 1818, on the
old place in Mt. Pleasant township where he is yet
living. He was educated in the log-cabin sub
scription school of the vicinity, with its usual
primitive furnishings, consisting of a puncheon
floor and slab seats. In 1847 he was united in
marriage with Jane Barnett, who was born in Mt.
Pleasant township, daughter of John and Mary
(Thompson) Barnett, both of whom are natives of
Washington county, and early settlers of Mt.
Pleasant township. The mother died in 1882,
having been several years preceded by her hus
band. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson began their wedded
life on the farm which they now occupy, and the
following children have been born to them: Mary
(died September 20, 1856), James Negley (at
home), Joseph (married to a Miss Wright, is a drug
gist at Chadron, Neb.), John (engaged in stock
business in Nebraska), Jane Ann (wife of David
McGuyin, a farmer of Custer county, Neb.),
Martha (Mrs. Perry Lyle, living at Anaheim,
Orange Co., Cal.), Attissa (deceased January 16,
1863) and Charlie (married to Belle Caldwell, and
living on a place adjoining the old Rankin farm).
The home place contains fifty acres of good land,
which is in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Robin
son votes with the Democratic party, and he and
his wife are members of the Mt. Prospect Presby
terian Church.

,\ILLIAM W. DINSMORE. Among the
leading citizens of Washington county,
the sons of Erin have ever held a promi
nent position. The original Dinsmore
family were natives of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish de

scent, and from that fair land James Dinsmore
immigrated to America, first locating on Miller's run
Allegheny county, Penn., afterward, about 1798'
moving to Canton township, Washington county.
He had two sons — John and James — also several
daughters. John was married to Jane Carr, and
settled in Canton township, this county, where five
children were born to them, namely: William
James, John, Robert and Mary.
James Dinsmore (son of James and father of
AVilliam W.) was born March 4, 1782, in Canton
township, this county, and in 1802 was united in
marriage with Hester Hamilton, who was born
March 6, 1784, a daughter of James and Mary
(Renick) Hamilton. Both families were early and
prominent settlers of Canton township. To this
union children were bom as follows: Robert, Feb
ruary 13, 1806; Rebecca, January 30, 1808; Mary,
January 6, 1810; Elizabeth, September 22, 1812;
James, November 8, 1815; John, July 25, 1818;
Alexander W., April 26, 1820; William W., De
cember 3, 1822; and Sarah A., September 8, 1824.
Mr. Dinsmore removed to Mt. Pleasant township,
where he followed farming very successfully. He
was prominent and influential both in the Presby
terian Church and Sunday-school (being a member
and regular attendant of both), and served for
many years as superintendent of the latter. They
brought up their children in strict conformity to
the tenets of the church. The father died No
vember 15, 1831, from the effects of being thrown
from a young horse. After the death of her hus
band, Mrs. Dinsmore, although in delicate health,
cared for and educated her children, sending her
sons James and Alexander to college to prepare
for the ministry. She died April 13, 1859, in her
seventy -fifth year.
James Dinsmore was an uncompromising and
enthusiastic champion of temperance. About the
year 1830 Rev. Anderson, D. D. , commenced ad
vocating the cause of temperance, and Mr. Dins
more was among the first to practice it. About
that time, being in want of a barn (in those days
they were all built of logs), he told some of his
neighbors that he was going to have a "barn rais
ing," and that no whisky was to be used in the
work. In reply to this it was intimated to him
that the men would not raise the barn without
whisky. " I will try it anyhow," was Mr. Dins-
more's laconic reply, and he did so; he not only
tried it, but succeeded; and it is a historical fact
that this was the first barn in the country raised
without the use of alcoholic liquors. To this rec
ord his son, William W. , adds the following: "And
I, James Dinsmore' s son, am three-score and ten
years old, and have yet to take my first dram. I
have not chewed an ounce of tobacco, or smoked
the bulk of one cigar yet, and I do not feel like
breaking my record now."

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

569

William W. Dinsmore was born on the home
place in Mt. Pleasant township, and attended
school until about seventeen years of age; he then
took charge of the old homestead.
On October 7, 1847, Mr. Dinsmore was mar
ried to Miss Mary Jane Maxwell, who was born
January 11, 1829, daughter of James and Margaret
(Greer) Maxwell. The young couple first settled
on the old homestead, two or three years later pur
chasing the farm in Hopewell township, which is
the present home of our subject. It contains 172
acres, and is known as the best farm on the Wash
ington and Wellsburgh roads. In 1875 he pur
chased 163 acres in another part of Hopewell
township, and both farms have been improved and
cultivated to the utmost extent. Mr. Dinsmore is
a great admirer of fine horses, devoting much
attention to raising them. For many years he
was a teacher in the Sabbath-school, but has re
cently given up his class, and he also served many
years as a church trustee, contributing liberally,
as well, to the support of the cause. He is an in
telligent man, a great reader and a close student
of current events, and has always been energetic
and thrifty.
Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore both united with the
Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church in early
youth, taking an active part in both church
and Sabbath-school work. She died August 7,
1889, leaving several children, of whom the fol
lowing is a brief record : Margaret Jane, bom No
vember 10, 1848, is the wife of W. M. Dinsmore,
of Canton township (they have four children,
William M. , Mary Daisy, Sarah Adeline and Hel
en R.) ; Hetty Amanda, born December 7, 1850,
was married to Luther Lawton, of Cross Creek
township (they have the following children : John
Orr, Mary Luella, Sarah Bessie and Paul Hubert) ;
James Maxwell, born September 1, 1853, married
Flora Donaldson (their children are Grace AA'alker,
Mary Josephine, Robert Edwin and William
Lloyd); William Benjamin Franklin, bom July
26, 1857, is living at home, unmarried ; Mary Lou,
born October 16, 1859, was united in marriage
with J. O. Ely, May 10, 1888 (she died May 10,
1890); Robert Addison, born March 17, 1864,
studied dentistry and located in Cumberland coun
ty, Ohio, but moved to Cleveland, where on No
vember 5, 1891, he was married to Miss Virgie
Green (he is now practicing in Cleveland, Ohio);
Emma Rebecca, born September 1, 1866, married
J. 0. Ely, September 1, 1891, and they reside in
Chicago, 111., where he is practicing dentistry.
Mrs. Dinsmore was much loved and esteemed as a
good, kind-hearted Christian woman, possessing
an unbounded influence for good. Her death
was deeply mourned by her family and many
friends.

THOMAS WILSON, son of Thomas and Mary
(Ellis) Wilson (both of whom are deceased),
was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ire
land. At the age of nineteen years, in com
pany with his brother, Joseph, Thomas Wilson
came to America, and the two young men located
at Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., where
Thomas was engaged in the butchering business
for a short time. He then worked in a brickyard
for a period of five years, after which he moved to
the "Robert Russell" farm, where he remained
for twenty-five years. In the fall of 1879 he pur
chased the John Cummins farm, containing 110
acres, in Chartiers township, shortly afterward sell
ing it to Robert H. Russell (now deceased). In the
spring of 1882 he purchased an unimproved farm,
in Chartiers township, the one on which he now
resides, immediately proceeding to erect a hand
some dwelling and new barn. In early manhood
Mr. Wilson married Martha H. , daughter of
George Wilson, and to this union the following
children have been born: George S., Mary E.,
Robert A., Mathew C, John R., Anna S., Lizzie
J., Jennetta B., Louis T. (deceased), and one that
died in infancy. The entire family are members
of the United Presbyterian Church, at Canonsburg.

HELDON B. HAYES, one of the enterpris
ing young business men of the county, was
born February 3, 1855, in Washington
borough, Washington Co. , Penn. He is a
grandson of Sheldon B. Hayes, who was the earli
est carriage manufacturer west of the Alleghanies,
having commenced business in Washington in
1842. Marshall H. Hayes, father of our subject, was
born in June, 1827, in Connecticut, where he at
tended the common schools and passed his boy
hood until the age of fifteen, when he came to
Washington county. In 1861 he went to Hart
ford, Conn., where he remained until 1869, when
he returned to this county, and here ended bis
days. In early manhood he was married to Sarah
Morrison, a lady of Scotch ancestry, and who had
come to Washington county from Scotland at the
age of fourteen years. The children born to this
union were: Miranda M. , who married John A.
Storey, of Iowa, and died in 1880; Sheldon B. ;
Virgil C. , who died in 1881; John B., who died in
1859; Mary, who died in 1862, and George. Mar
shall H. Hayes was a carriage manufacturer by
trade, having succeeded his father in the business,
and was eminently successful. He was a progres
sive, enterprising man, and all movements tending
to the advancement of his section received his
heartiest support. He was a prominent member

570

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a
lifelong Democrat. He died March 26, 1891 ; his
widow is yet living.
Sheldon B. Hayes received his primary educa
tion at the schools of Hartford (Conn.) and Wash
ington, and afterward attended Washington and
Jefferson College, where he graduated in 1875.
On June 21, 1889, he was married to Annie C,
daughter of Adam H. Ecker, and two children,
Antoinette and Marguerite, have been born to them.
Mr. Hayes was engaged from 1875 in the business
of carriage manufacturing and that of sash, doors,
blinds, etc., established by his grandfather, but in
1890 he wound it up, and is now engaged in set
tling up its affairs, and attending to other busi
ness. He is a member of the State militia, being
adjutant of the Tenth Regiment, and in politics is
an active Democrat. Socially Mr. Hayes is an ad
vanced Freemason, having attained the thirty-sec
ond degree.
Il LEXANDER C. McCOY, a prominent agri-
l\ culturist of Chartiers township, was born
A\ August 4, 1829, in North Strabane township,
-^ this county. His grandfather, John Mc
Coy, was a native of York county, Penn.,
where he was married to Mary McNary. In 1803
he purchased and moved upon an uncultivated
farm in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn.,
which is yet owned by his grandson, Alexander C.
John and Mary (McNary) McCoy were the parents
of the following children: Esther, Jane, Margaret,
Elizabeth, James and William. The father fol
lowed farming and stock raising. In religious
faith he was a member of the Seceder Church, and
in politics a Whig.
William McCoy was born in 1801, on the home
place in York county, Penn., and was educated in
the schools of Washington county, where his par
ents had settled soon after his birth. He was mar
ried to Martha, daughter of John Chambers, of
South Strabane township, this county. Mr. and
Mrs. McCoy first settled on the home place, and in
1867 moved to Canonsburg, where he died in 1870,
leaving the following children: Alexander C. ,
Mary (married to James Templeton), Sarah J.
(wife of Rev. L. Y. Graham, D. D., pastor of a
Presbyterian Church at Philadelphia), Abbie C.
(wife of Rev. J. D. Shanks, D. D., pastor of a
Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia), and Isa
belle (married to Rev. D. B. Rogers, also a minis
ter in a Philadelphia Presbyterian Church). The
father was a man of strong religious convictions
and a liberal supporter of the Chartiers U. P.
Church, of which he was a trustee for many years.
In politics he was a Whig and Republican; he
served his township as school director, and often
assisted in the settlement of estates.
Alexander C. McCoy passed his youth on the

home place in Chartiers township, and received
his education at the public schools of Canonsburg,
On February 28, 1867, he married Sarah J. , daugh
ter of James Linn, of Washington, Penn. The
first years of their married life were passed on the
home place, and in 1891 they settled in Canons
burg. No children having been born to them, Mr.
and Mrs. McCoy adopted Maggie Chambers, giv
ing her a good education. In 1891 she became
the wife of Albert Sauer, of Canonsburg. Alex
ander McCoy is a very prominent stockman, and
for many years has raised registered sheep and
Shorthorn cattle. He is a member of theAA'estern
Pennsylvania Agricultural Association. Politically
he votes the Republican ticket, and has served as
school director. He is an earnest member of the
United Presbyterian Church, of which he has been
a trustee for nine years.
El LMER R. DEEMS. This gentleman comes
of German ancestry, the first of whom to
come to Washington county being Mark
— - Deems, his great-grandfather, who, while a
resident of Maryland, served in the Revolutionary
war, participating in the battles of Long Island,
Brandywine and Trenton. In October, 1786, he
came to Pike run township, this county, and took
up a tract of 341 acres of wild land at the head
waters of Pike run, naming it "Deems' Depend
ence," on a portion of which Wilbur A. Deems (a
brother of Elmer) now lives. John Deems came
hither with Mark, but did not remain long, remov
ing to Virginia, where he made a settlement on the
Kanawha river, where his descendants still reside.
Mark Deems died on this land April 14, 1814, his
wife about the same time, judging from the follow
ing copy of receipt for wages, filed in the office of
the county register at Washington, which receipt
reads as follows: "April 27, 1814. Barbary House
was employed by Mark Deems and his wife, in
their last sickness, three weeks, $3.75. Received
payment, Barbary House." They were the par
ents of children as follows: George, John, Adam,
Mark, Jacob, Catherine (married to Nathaniel
Jones, of Washington county), and Mary (married
to Samuel Crow, also of this county), all of which
are now dead. At the time of his death Mark
Deems was owner of oyer 800 acres in West Pike
Run township, which land on his demise was di
vided among his children. His personal property
amounted to *1,985.32, a large amount for those
early days.
George Deems, grandfather of Elmer R., re
ceived as his share of his father's estate the farm
now occupied by the heirs of Samuel Yerty. He
married Miss Elizabeth Fisher, a lady of English
birth, and the result of this union was the follow
ing named children : Mark F. (deceased), George
(living in West Pike Run township), John (who

¦mm.

Z^T^T^L^m

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

573

died in Illinois), Jacob (living in West Pike Run
township), Mary (deceased wife of David Jenkins,
and the mother of Capt. George Jenkins, now of
West Pike Run township), Catherine (who was
married in Illinois to Jehu Graves, and died with
out issue), and Elizabeth (married to Samuel
Heaton). The father of this family died in 1851,
the mother a few years earlier.
George Deems, father of Elmer R., was born in
1819, in West Pike Run township, this county,
where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, which
have been his life vocation. He has been most
successful in all his undertakings, and can justly
claim a prominent place on the noble roll of self-
made men of the county, as from the bottom rung
of the ladder he has, unaided, worked his way up
to the top. The first labor he was employed in was
breaking stone on the National pike, and by indus
try and thrift he is now owner of four of the finest
farms of his township. In 1846 he married Eliza
Ann, daughter of John Sharp, who at one time
owned a fulling mill on Little Pike run, near what
is known as the White Hall school-house. When
his daughter, Eliza Ann, was a small girl, Mr.
Sharp moved to Holmes county, Ohio, where his
wife died, and Eliza then came to Pennsylvania to
. live with her uncle, Lewis Baker, in West Pike Run
township. To Mr. and Mrs. George Deems were
born five children: Elmer R. ; Mary, who died
young; John J., in AVest Pike Run township;
Harvey F. , in Canton toVnship, and Wilbur A. , on
the old home farm in West Pike Run. Mr. and
Mrs. Deems built a new house on their farm, and
here she died April 11, 1890, at the age of sixty-
five years. Mr. Deems, now a man of seventy-three
years, is yet living on the farm. Politically he was
formerly a Whig and "Freesoiler," now a solid
Republican; in religious connection he is a mem
ber of the M. E. Church, as was also his wife.
Elmer R. Deems was born in West Pike Run
township, Washington county, January 16, 1849.
He received a common- school education; attended
Southwestern State Normal School at California,
1865, 1866, and Mount Union College, Ohio, in
1868; was a successful teacher in the public schools
for several years, and since his marriage, in 1872,
has followed the occupation of a farmer. He was
too young to participate in the late war, but when
there was a call for State troops, after the burning
of Chambersburg, in 1864, he enlisted in Capt.
Castner's company, being then fifteen years of age,
but saw no service. In 1872 he married Emma,
daughter of James S. Crawford, Esq., of East
Bethlehem township, and of this union were born
two children: Sarah C, in 1877, and Ernest, in
1887. Mr. and Mrs. Deems moved to the Shenan
doah Valley in 1875 (where Sarah was born), where
they remained only two years, owing to the preju
dice of the natives to Northern people. AVhen

they returned they located in West Pike Run town
ship, and later moved to East Bethlehem township,
where, in 1880, they built a comfortable home.
Mr. Deems has always been an active Repub
lican, and during the Presidential campaign of
1884 he organized the first Blaine and Logan club
in the county. The East Bethlehem Cavalry, con
sisting of thirty-three members, being uniformed
and equipped by August 1, it was during the cam
paign and as captain of this company, at Freder
icktown, on the evening of September 23, he was
brutally attacked by a desperate Democrat tough,
and although coming out victorious he received an
almost fatal wound, which has rendered him inca
pable of performing manual labor. Thus com
pelled to abandon his occupation as a farmer, he
entered the political arena, and in June, 1887, re
ceived the nomination for prothonotary, only lack
ing two votes of being nominated on first ballot,
and in November was elected over W. A. Cracraft,
the Democrat nominee, by a majority of 1,401. He
has been an efficient and accommodating officer; as-
a high compliment for the satisfactory manner in
which this most difficult of offices has been filled by
him, he was, on the meeting of the Republican
convention, in June, 1890, unanimously re-nomi
nated without opposition. He has been an efficient
and accommodating officer, and was re-elected by
an appreciative public. Since his election to the
office of prothonotary, he has lived in the borough
of Washington, on East Maiden street. Mr.
Deems is a member of I. O. O. F., O. U. A. M.,
the F. & A. M. and Jacques De Molay Command
ery, Knights Templar, and is a member of the
M. E. Church.

|(OHN S. CLARK, an enterprising agricultur-
,. j ist of Buffalo township, is a son of Uriah
if II Clark, who was born and reared in Claysville,
^^ Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he received a good common-school ed
ucation. In early life he learned the trades of a
machinist and cabinet maker. He was considered
one of the best mechanics of the day, and could
make almost any article of wood. He was married
in early life to Rosanna, daughter of Jacob Ely, of
Buffalo township, this county, and at that time
possessed scarcely a dollar, but he continued to fol
low his trades, and finally, by dint of economy and
industry, accumulated a good property. He reared
the following children: Christina, Thomas P.,
Catherine and Rosanna (twins), John S., Hannah
Jane, Sarah M., Ann E. and Harriet L., all of
whom are living, and residing in Washington
county, Penn. After his marriage Mr. Clark con
tinued to work at his trade, until, after fifty years
of toil, he bought 152 acres of land, lying in the
northeastern part of Buffalo township, and passed

574

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the remaining years of his life in retirement. He
was a man of strong will, and a citizen who merited
the esteem in which he was held by the communi
ty. He was laid to rest in 1887.
John S. Clark was born October 1, 1840, in
Claysville, Washington Co., Penn., and received
his elementary education at home, where he re
mained until the opening of the Civil war. He en
listed August 15, 1862, under the Union flag, and
was a member of Company C, Twenty-second P. V.
C, Capt. G. T. Work, commanding. He was in
the service three years, and took part in the en
gagements of Winchester, Cedar Creek, Antietam,
and many others of less importance. He was mus
tered out on June 15, 1865. During the conflict
Mr. Clark was injured so that he could never after
ward engage in manual labor. Soon after his re
turn to Washington county he was married to Sarah
Bell, daughter of John and Isabel Mounts, of South
Strabane township, this county, and they have had
five children, namely: Anna Belle (wife of Joseph
Pense, of Washington county), Clara, Margaret,
Maria, .and one son that died in infancy. Polit
ically, Mr. Clark is a Democrat. In addition to
managing his farm he devotes much attention to
stock raising.

dT AMES N. BEMIS, M. D. The Bemis Family,
who are among the leading and cultured
|l citizens of Hopewell township, were originally
natives of the Green Mountain State. David
Bemis was born and reared in Dummers-
town, Vt., where he was married to Rhoda Sar
geant, who bore him children's follows: Erastus,
Daniel (deceased), Samuel (a physician living near
the home place in this county), and Horace (de
ceased). The father followed agricultural pursuits,
and in politics was a worker in the Democratic party.
Erastus Bemis was born October 3, 1817, near
the city of Brattleboro, Vt. , and his early life was
passed in his native State, where he received an
elementary training in literary knowledge. Not
content, however, with the educational opportuni
ties of the vicinity of his birthplace, he began to
educate himself, and entered the profession of a
teacher at an early age, following a course of study
during his vacations. He afterward came to
Washington county, locating on Pigeon creek, and
later he entered the office of Dr. Emery, remaining
there some time; then attended Dartmouth College
one year, after which he entered the University of
New York, graduating in 1842. On February 14,
1844, he was married to Ruth McCullough,
daughter of Isaac McCullough, who was born in
Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., a son
of Patrick McCullough, a native of County Antrim,
Ireland, and who at the age of eighteen years
came to America, locating in Somerset township,

Washington Co., Penn., where he purchased 600 acres
of land and made a permanent home. He (Patrick
McCullough) was married to Hannah Smith, and
they reared the following children: James, Eliza
beth, John, Ebenezer, Mary and Isaac. The father
was actively interested in religious work, and was
the first elder of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon
Creek. He was an enterprising man, and in poli
tics voted with the Whig party.
Isaac McCullough was born on the home farm in
Somerset township, this county, receiving a rudi
mentary- education in the public schools. While
yet a young man, he was wedded to Margaret,
daughter of William McMillen, by which union
there were four children, viz. : William, Mary
(Mrs. John Hattery), Ruth (wife of Erastus
Bemis, M. D.), and James (a citizen of Chicago).
Mr. McCullough was a Whig and a Republican in
politics, and in religious faith was a member of
the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek.
After his marriage to Miss McCullough, Dr.
Bemis settled in the village of Buffalo, Hopewell
township, Washington county, where he practiced
his profession five years, at the end of which time
he removed to West Middletown, same county,
where the remainder of his life was passed. He
became one of the most successful and well-known .
physicians of the county, and in educational mat
ters was the peer of any citizen in his vicinity.
Politically he was a Whig, and a leader in the
Abolition party, taking also an active' part in the
" Underground Railway," of which West Middle-
town was then a "station." In religious faith he
was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church
for many years, and he was an earnest temperance
advocate. He died July 14, 1866, leaving three
children: James N. , Mary and David H.
James N. Bemis was born June 20, 1845, in-
Hopewell township, this county, where he was
reared. He received his elementary training in the
common schools, which was supplemented with a
course at Washington and Jefferson College. He
then entered Ann Arbor Medical College, remain
ing one year, after which he took a course atBelle-
vue Hospital Medical College, graduating in 1870.
Dr. Bemis began to follow his profession in West
Middletown, this county, where he and his brother
David have secured a lucrative practice. On Sep
tember 7, 1876, he married Dora, daughter of A.
C. Chapman; she died in July, 1877, and for his
second wife Dr. Bemis was united in marriage, in
September, 1884, with Jennie B. , daughter of John
Brownlee. Three children have blessed their
union: Newton (deceased), Ruth and Janet. In
his political preferences Dr. James N. Bemis is a
stanch Republican.
David H. Bemis, M. D. (a brother by the double
tie of blood and profession), was born June 17,
1852, in Hopewell township, this county, and at-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

575

tended the common schools, also Washington and
Jefferson College, retiring in his junior year on
account of poor health. Afterward he took a
course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
from which he graduated in 1879. He is a skilled
physician, and an intelligent and energetic citizen.
In politics he votes the straight Republican ticket.

JR. KELSO, a well-known citizen and enter
prising agriculturist of Mt. Pleasant town
ship, is' a son of George M. Kelso, whose
father was Mark Kelso.
The Kelso family are of Irish descent, and Mark
Kelso, after his marriage to Elizabeth Ewing,
came to a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., where
he remained for some time, and in 1818 bought an
improved farm, which became his permanent home.
His wife died many years before him, leaving the
following children: Mary (Mrs. John Cowden),
living in Mt. Pleasant township; Jane, married to
George Robb ; Esther, deceased in 1888 ; Elizabeth,
deceased iu 1884; George' M., the father of our sub
ject; John, married in Ohio, had one child, Ameri-
cus, who died some years ago; James, Martha and
Letta Ann (mentioned below). Of these children,
James Kelso was first married to a Miss Elder, who
bore him children as follows: William E., Mark,
John, Elizabeth and Lucinda; the mother died, and
for his second wife James was married to Jane Mil
ler, and they had three children: Margaret, Alice
and Miller; this wife also died, and Mr. Kelso then
made a third choice in the person of Mrs. Cathe
rine McMillan, who bore him two children, viz.,
James and Samuel George. The father of this
family died in Allegheny county, two years after
the decease of his last wife. Martha Kelso became
the wife of Phineas Kelso, of Lawrence county,
Ohio, and four children were born to them, as fol
lows: Mark (who entered the service in Lawrence
county, and was killed in battle), Elizabeth, An
drew and John. Letta Ann was married to John
Gregg, of North Fayette township, Allegheny Co. ,
Penn., the following children being born to their
union: Elizabeth, Mark, Edward, Mary, Levi and
Esther (twins), Clara, Emma and Ellsworth.
George M. Kelso, son of Mark and Elizabeth
(Ewing) Kelso, was born April 6, 1806, in Alle
gheny county, Penn., in 1818 coming to Washing
ton county with his parentB. The family settled
on a farm now owned by J. R. Kelso, where George
M. grew to manhood. On March 28, 1838, the
latter was married to Maria Rankin, who was born
December 22, 1813, in Mt. Pleasant township.
The young people settled on the home farm, where
their lives were passed. George M. Kelso and his
wife were formerly members of the Robinson's
Run Union Church, afterward uniting with the
United Presbyterian Church at Venice. He died

March 27, 1879, his wife being laid to rest July
30, 1878. They were the parents of nine children:
an unnamed infant (deceased); Mary Jane; Lizzie
E. (wife of David R. P. Springer); Mark; Abigail
Lavina (deceased); Abigail Lavina (living on the
home farm); J. R., subject of this sketch; Will
iam James, and Maggie A. Of these children,
Lizzie E. was married February 19, 1878, to David
R. P. Springer, a native and resident of Robinson
township, and to this union were born two chil
dren, one of whom, Charley Ross, is living (Mr.
Springer died August 29, 1887) ; Mark Kelso was
married, October 19, 1871, to Elizabeth Cornelius
Allison, a native of Allegheny county (they have
had seven children, three of whom are living:
George and Alexander (twins) and Mark; the
father is a farmer of North Fayette township,
Allegheny Co., Penn.); William James was mar
ried May 11, 1882, to Miss Ella Finley, of Pitts
burgh, Penn. (they reside in Cecil township, this
county, and have one daughter, Mary Elsie).
J. R. Kelso, son of George and Maria (Rankin)
Kelso, was born on the farm where he is now
residing, receiving his literary education in the
schools of Mt. Pleasant township. Mr. Kelso has
always followed agricultural pursuits on the home
farm of 189 acres, his sister keeping house for him.
He devotes considerable attention to stock raising,
and has been successful in all his business under
takings. He is a member of the U. P. Church at
Venice, tHis county, and in politics votes the
Republican ticket.

D

AVID McCLAY (deceased) was born De
cember 28, 1854, a son of David and Mar
garet (McElroy) McClay, and was for many
years one of the prominent men of his town
ship. His boyhood was passed upon the home
farm, and during the winter months he attended
the district school, completing his education (as
far as text-books were concerned) at the age of
fourteen. But in those few years he had acquired
that which is of far greater value than technical
facts, an intense thirst for general knowledge,
which increased in proportion to the informa
tion he had obtained. On January 23, 1873, he
married Martha J. Paxton, daughter of Samuel
and Martha Paxton, of Chartiers township, this
county. Mr. McClay at once brought his bride to
the old home farm, where they remained till 1877,
when their present pleasant home was erected, to
which they removed. The children born to this
union were: Maggie E. , James B. , Albert J. , Ralph
S., Frank, and Earl (who died young). Mr. Mc
Clay was a stanch Republican, and took a deep
interest in the political questions which occupied
the attention of his party. He served as school
director many years, and was one of the warmest

576

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

friends of education to be found in the community.
At an early age he united with the Disciple Church,
and was ever one of the most active, devoted and
conscientious members of that body. He was a
man of fine physical development, and had always
been an utter stranger to any form of ill health,
until, stricken down by a fatal fever, he passed
away, after a few weeks of suffering, October 27,
1889. A useful life was his, cut down in its very
prime; a true friend and kind father was called
away, and he was laid to rest in Washington
cemetery, deeply mourned by his family and many
friends.

AMUEL C. McCLAIN, the oldest living
representative of his family, was born Feb
ruary 26, 1850, in Franklin township, Wash
ington Co. , Penn. , near the habitation of the
first settler of the township, and is of Scotch-Irish
descent. John McClain was born in Ireland, which had
been the home of his ancestors for many years,
and in 1779 came to America, settling in Washing
ton county, Penn., the following year. Soon after
his arrival in this country Mr. McClain was mar
ried to_ Rachel Tucker. The young people began
their pioneer life in the usual log cabin, where
they lived for many years, and reared the follow
ing children: Sarah, Elizabeth, James, Simeon,
John and William. Mr. McClain was one of the
organizers of the Whig party in his vicinity, and
in religious faith he and his family were mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church. He was laid to
rest near the new home, by the side of his wife
who had preceded him.
James McClain, son of John and Rachel
(Tucker) McClain, was born on the home farm in
Franklin township, and attended the schools of
those days. In early manhood he was married to
Nancy Miller, a daughter of Benjamin Miller, of
Greene county, Penn., and the young people im
mediately began housekeeping on the farm, which
Mr. McClain continued to own until his death.
To Mr. and Mrs. James McClain were born chil
dren as follows: Sarah J. (Mrs. Morris Weir),
Samuel (subject of this sketch), Martha (deceased),
B. F., Flora (Mrs. Clark), and Addie (deceased).
He was a liberal contributor to public enterprises,
and a quiet but most efficient worker in all pro
gressive movements. He was a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in polities
was formerly a Whig, but after the organization of
the party became an active Republican, although
he never held political office. On April 23, 1888,
he passed away, and his remains were laid by the
side of his wife, who died February 28, 1881.
Samuel C. McClain passed his youth on the old
home place, and in early life took an active interest

in the management of the farm. In 1880 he was
united in marriage with Clara, daughter of J
C. Chambers, of Amwell township, Washington
county, and they have one son and four daughters:
Ella, Morris, Mary, Nettie and Grace. Mr. Mc
Clain has always been a Republican. He is yet
engaged in farming, owning the old Jolly farm
near Jolly school-house.
B. F. McClain, youngest sop of James, and
brother of Samuel C. McClain, also resides on and
owns the home farm, and is a stanch Republican.
He is unmarried.

JLLIAM DAVIS, a leading representative
and highly esteemed citizen of South
Strabane township, is a native of the
county, having been born October 6, 1810,
in West Bethlehem township.
William Davis, grandfather of our subject, emi
grated from his native Scotland to America at an
early day, and made a settlement in Washington
county, Penn., where he passed the remainder of
his life in farming pursuits. His children were
Elizabeth (Mrs. Edward West), Thomas, Sarah
(Mrs. William Moore), William, Samuel, Joshua
and Rezin. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics a Whig of the old Bchool.
Joshua Davis, son of this revered pioneer, was
born October 6, 1787, in West Bethlehem town
ship, this county, and received but a limited edu
cation at the subscription schools of the neighbor
hood. He married Mary McNeelance, who was
born November 22, 1785, and the following are the
names and dates of. births of their children: AVill
iam, October 6, 1810; Lucinda, February 2, 1812
(married to James Smith); George, July 23, 1815;
Eliza, May 25, 1822 (married to William Pease);
Margaret A., July 28, 1825. After marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Joshua Davis made their home in West Beth
lehem township for a time, and then moved to Buf
falo township, where they remained until in their
declining years they had to abandon farm labor, and
make their final home with their son William.
Here the father died October 10, 1864, the mother
on June 6, 1871, and both are interred in Wash
ington cemetery. They were members of the
Presbyterian Church ; in politics Mr. Davis was
originally a Whig and afterward, on the formation
of the party, a stanch Republican.
William Davis, of whom these lines more par
ticularly refer, attended in his boyhood the rate
schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace, and
early in life commenced working on his father s
farm in North Strabane township, where he re
mained until 1847. In that year, by careful bus,
bandry he was enabled to buy a farm for his own
account in South Strabane township, and since
that time he has devoted himself to agriculture

•v. ' ' >

fa^TL ^CLAJxd

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

579

and the growing of Saxony wool, in both of which
industries he has met with well-merited' success,
his flock of sheep numbering often 1,000 head. He
owns now about 500 acres of the best land in the
county. Mr. Davis has been three times married :
first, on January 28, 1836, to Juliet Palmer, who
bore him three children: George, John K. and
Mary Elizabeth. This wife diedOctober 11, 1841,
and August 15, 1844, Mr. Davis married Phebe
E. Moore, who died July 8, 1852. On September
23, 1853, Mr. Davis took for his third spouse,
Mary, daughter of David Kerr, which union has
been blessed with one son, William H, now a pro
gressive farmer. Mr. Davis, Sr., has held a num
ber of important township offices, and was for
nine years a member of the poor board of the
county, the duties of which he discharged in a
manner highly creditable to himself and most sat
isfactory to his constituents. For several years he
was director of the First National Bank of AVash
ington, in which he still is a large stockholder.
He has long been a member of the Presbyterian
Church of Pigeon Creek, in which for many years
he was an elder. He is now an elder in the First
Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn.
David Kerr, father of Mrs. William Davis, was
born near Finleyville, Penn. , a son of James Kerr,
a native of Chester county, and descended from
stalwart Scotch-Irish ancestry. In Chester coun
ty James Kerr married Lizzie Porter, and their
children were Martha (Mrs. Alexander Bell), Mar
garet (Mrs. James Taylor), James, Joseph, Han
nah (Mrs. Thomas McVey) and David. The
father carried on farming in Union township, this
county, where he died in 1825, his wife following
him to the grave in 1828. They were members of
the Mingo Presbyterian Church, and in politics he
was a Whig.
Their son David attended in his boyhood days
the subscription schools of the vicinity of his home,
proving an apt scholar and a good penman. On
January 10, 1810, he married Sarah Varner, of
Baldwin township, Allegheny Co. , Penn. , and the
children by that marriage were John, James, Joel
(in Pittsburgh), Cyrus (deceased), Howard, Mary
(Mrs. William Davis), Willison, David and S. J.
The father was called from his earthly labors and
life work on the farm, October 9, 1865, the mother
dying March 8, 1850, and both are buried in
Mingo Creek cemetery. They were members of
the Union Church, in which he was an elder, and
in politics he was a Democrat. He was a liberal
contributor to all educational enterprises as well
as matters pertaining to religion. Mr. and Mrs.
David Kerr's home after m'arriage was in Union
township until 1816, when they removed to Pigeon
Creek, Somerset township, where they passed the
remainder of their honorable lives.

D

AVID V. DONLEY, a successful business
man of Amwell township, is a grandson of
John Donley, a farmer, who, in 1807, came
from Hagerstown, Md., and located in AVest
Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. He
was married to Sarah Horner, and they had four
children: John (deceased), James, Homer (de
ceased) and Sarah (Mrs. Weir). The father of this
family died in West Bethlehem township in 1837.
Homer Donley, son of John, was born in Mary
land in 1807, and same year was brought by his
parents to West Bethlehem township, Washington
Co., Penn. He received a common-school educa
tion, and when yet a mere boy the duty of caring
for his parents devolved upon him. He engaged in
the milling business, and at the end of seven years
purchased a farm of 1 10 acres, where he followed
agricultural pursuits during the rest of his life. In
1827 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Wilson, daughter of James and Sarah Wilson, of
Somerset township, Washington county, and their
children were : Mrs. Mary Jane Young, David V. ,
Wilson, Mrs. Margaret Young, and Hannah. At
the time of his death Mr. Donley was worth $30,-
000. He was a prominent citizen of Somerset town
ship, and a member of the Republican party.
David V. Donley was born February 8, 1842, in
West Bethlehem township, Washington Co. , Penn.,
and remained on the old home ten years, when the
family removed to Somerset township, Washington
county. In 1868 he was united in marriage with
Emma Whitely, daughter of Peter and Mary
Whitely, of Somerset township, and three children
have been born to them, viz. : Lizzie, Walter and
Everett. Mr. Donley remained at home two years
after his marriage, and then rented a farm in North
Strabane township, same county, where he resided
two years. In 1872 he moved to Amwell township,
this county, and- purchased the farm of 117 acres
which he has since lived upon; he also owns a fine
farm of 110 acres, situated near Smithville, also in
this county, and has been very successful in busi
ness. He was in the Civil war three years, having
enlisted in 1862, in Company F, Eighteenth P. V.
C, and took part in the battles of Gettysburg and
the Wilderness, besides many minor engagements.
Mr. and Mrs. Donley and their daughter Lizzie
are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

^Tr^ANIEL DAY. The Day family is num-
I 1] bered with the old and influential citizens
ji Jj of Washington county, and of the many
who deserve an honored mention in the an
nals of history, this gentleman is a prominent
figure. His father, John Day, was born May 2,
1788, in Morris township, this county, and followed

580

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

agricultural pursuits from early youth. He was a
volunteer in the war of 1812-15 under Gen. Har
rison. When a young man he was united in mar
riage with Sarah Miller, a native of Amwell town
ship, Washington county, who bore him eleven
children, namely: Eliza (deceased wife of George
Wolfe), a resident of Nineveh, Greene Co., Penn.;
Mary (deceased wife of John Brownlee), lived in
Prosperity, Morris township, this county; Sally,
widow of Robert Baldwin, of Morris township; J.
Miller; Daniel, of whom a sketch follows; Harvey,
of Lincoln, Neb. (was first married to Caroline
McCallam, then to Mrs. Mary Harris, of Wheeling,
AV. Va.); Annie (deceased), was the wife of Elias
Conger (deceased), then became the wife of Dr.
Strouse, of Amity, Amwell township, this county;
Abigail, wife of H. C. Swart, living in AVashington
borough; Cyrus, deceased at the age of eight years;
Jessie and Mary, both deceased in infancy.
Daniel Day, son of John and Sarah (Miller)
Day, was born January 12, 1824, in Morris town
ship, this county, and first attended school in a
log cabin twelve feet square, which was erected on
the home place. At the age of eighteen years he
entered the employ of A. B. Wolf, a cabinet
maker of Washington, Penn. , with whom he re
mained two years, then passed several months in
Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1846 he was married to Mary
Bates, and in 1847 went to Waynesburg, Penn.,
where he opened a cabinet, furniture and under
taking establishment. In 1854 he sold out and
entered a hotel in Waynesburg, which he con
ducted about eighteen months, then managed the
"Old Mansion House" in Washington, Penn., in
partnership with his brother Harvey, continuing in
that business three years. In 1861 he enlisted,
under Capt. Wishart, in Company K, Eighth Penn
sylvania Reserves. He joined the regiment at
Washington, D. C, then went to Tenallytown,
Md. , where his regiment was encamped with others
of the same division, remaining there about two
months. During this time they were engaged in
no active service, but were employed on picket
duty and incidental work, although alarms were
often heard along the Potomac line. In October
they moved to winter quarters at Pierrepont (or
Langley), Va. , and in the spring entered active
service. Mr. Day took part in the Seven Days'
Fight before Richmond, Va., second battle of
Bull Run, and entered Maryland with his regi
ment. His health failing, Daniel Day was then
sent to the hospital, and afterward received an
honorable discharge. After his return from the
war in 1863, Mr. Day, in 1865, entered the furni
ture and undertaking business at Canonsburg,
Penn., in which he has since continued.
Mrs. Day died a few years after her marriage,
leaving three children: Frank, Ann E. (wife of
Addison Ruton), and Oello (Mrs. Collins). Of this

family Frank is married to Myra V. Mills, of Alle
gheny City, Penn., and has two children: Emma
M. and Daniel Day, Jr. On May 10, 1860, Mr.
Day was married to Hester A. Johns, a native of
Washington, Penn. Daniel Day is an active mem
ber of the Democratic party, and has served two
terms as burgess of Canonsburg, and has been
notary public for the past ten years. • He and his
family are members of the Episcopal Church.

I| R. JOHN NELSON SPROWLS. The history
|| of the Sprowls family in this country dates
V back to the close of the Revolutionary war,
"'' when John Sprowls, with his wife and nine
children, left County Tyrone (or County Ferma
nagh), Ireland, for the United States, and made
his home in Pennsylvania, near where Shippens
burg now stands, and in what was known as the
"Horseshoe Bend." He afterward moved to
Finley township, this county, and settled on what
is now known as the A\Tilliam Sprowls farm, near
Good Intent, where he and his wife lived till their
death. From this parent stock sprung the
Sprowlses of now East and West Finley townships.
John Sprowls, grandfather of Dr. J. N., was
born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country
with his parents. He was the third member in
the family of nine children. Just prior to the re
moval of his parents and family from near Ship
pensburg to Washington county he was married
to Margaret Graden. The Gradens came west.
with the Sprowlses, crossed the Ohio river and lo
cated near the present site of Steubenville, Jeffer
son Co. , Ohio. John Sprowls and his wife settled
on the farm where his son Alexander was born,
and which he (Alexander) afterward bought and
lived on until his death. After residing here for
nearly eight years, John Sprowls and his family
moved to the farm now owned by a grandson,
Nelson Ealy, in East Finley township. Here the
parents resided till their death. Their children
were William, who lived and died a resident of
East Finley township; Ellen, who married John
Ealy, and lived and died on the old home place;
Nancy who married John Rockyfellow; Alexander;
James; Henry; Arthur; John; Nelson and Mary.
The six younger sons bought land in West Finley
township, near Burnsville, adjoining each other,
where they resided until their death, excepting
Arthur and Nelson, who remain as landmarks in
the flight of time. This large family of ten chil
dren lived to own their own homes, and were en
terprising, industrious and influential citizens, al
ways foremost in educational and religious work.
John Sprowls, father of Dr. John N, was born
in 1818 on the old place (now the Ealy farm) in
East Finley township, the eighth in a family of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

581

ten children. His parents died while he was
young, and as a consequence he was at an early
age thrown on his own resources. He worked for
some years for his elder brothers, eventually saving
enough to buy a farm. By perseverance and in
dustrious habits he soon held a front rank with the
young men of the neighborhood. He became a
charter member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church at Windy Gap, and was a ruling elder for
many years. Till his death, which occurred Au
gust 3, 1870, he was looked upon by the people as
one of the stanch men of this part of the county.
On April 5, 1850, he was united in marriage to
Mary Ann McNay, who was born March 18, 1825;
she is a woman of inestimable traits of character,
who did much toward the success which crowned
her husband's efforts. She survives him, and
divides her time between the old farm, dear to her
from the hallowed memories of the past, and visit
ing her children, of whom there were eight, as fol
lows: James M., born April 14, 1851; John Nel
son, born September 14, 1852; Isaac N., born
February 20, 1854 (he graduated from Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, and died February
20, 1882); Leroy M., born December 22, 1856
(also graduated from Jefferson Medical College) ;
Anna M-, born February 26, 1858; Clara R., born
September 24, 1859; Alexander H., born April 29,
1861 (he studied pharmacy, and is at present en
gaged in the retail drug business at Elgin, 111. ),
and Lucy E., born June 23, 1863, died September
6, 1881. All those living are married and have
homes of their own. James M. (the eldest in the
family) graduated from Waynesburgh College,
read law and was admitted to the bar of AVash
ington county, and now resides in Washington,
D. C.
Dr. John Nelson Sprowls was educated in the
common schools and at Oberlin College (Ohio).
He read medicine with Dr. Silas C. McCracken, of
Claysville, this county, entered Jefferson Medical
College in 1875, and graduated from that institu
tion in 1877. After graduating he practiced with
his preceptor for one year, since when he has been
following his chosen profession in Claysville. He
takes a deep interest in his professional work, and
keeps himself posted on all improvements and dis
coveries in medical science. When quite young he
united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
and afterward with the Claysville Presbyterian
Church, of which he is now a member. On March
7, 1878, Dr. Sprowls was united in marriage with
Maggie M. McLain, daughter of Hon. Joseph R.
McLain, and they have had three children : Joseph
William, born May 6, 1882, who died November
27, 1884; John Wilson Irwin, born April 20, 1886,
who died July 19, 1887, and George Milton,
born October 3, 1888, who is the pride of his
parents.

ENJAMIN CHUBBIC is descended from
an early family of North Strabane town
ship. His grandfather, also named Benja
min Chubbic, was a sailor, and in early
life was married to Bathsheba Harvey. In 1811 he
retired from sea-faring life and settled with his fam
ily in Washington county, Pennsylvania.
Harvey Chubbic was about six years of age
when his parents moved to Washington county,
Penn., where his early life was passed. In 1833
he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Runey,
who bore him children as follows: Elizabeth (wife of
William Watson), Robert (deceased), Benjamin (of
whom further mention is made), and Margaret
(married to James Auld, of Ohio). Mrs. Chubbic
died soon after the birth of her youngest child,
and for his second wife the father was married to
Rebecca Grable. To this union there was born
one son, Philip. The father was a successful
business man, and won his way to fortune by tire
less industry. In polities he was a Republican.
He died August 4, 1890, the wife and mother
having passed away two years before.
Benjamin Chubbic now owns and resides upon
the old homestead. Like his father, he advocates
the principles embodied in the Republican party.
The family are all members of the Chartiers Pres
byterian Church. He is unmarried.

El G. EMERY, one of the successful farmers
of Mt. Pleasant township, is a son of Dr.
Boyd Emery, and a grandson of Walter and
 ' Jane (Blakney) Emery. AV alter Emery
was born in Ireland, and coming to America in
early manhood was married to Jane Blakney.
They settled in Canonsburg, this county, where
he followed the trade of a shoemaker. During a
heavy storm the public bridge in the town was en
dangered, and while assisting in the attempt to
save it Mr. Emery was drowned. His widow was
afterward married to Squire Duncan, of Smith
township, and died about 1865 in Florence, this
county. Boyd Emery was born in 1805, in Canonsburg,
this county, and reared and educated in his native
town. He graduated from Jefferson College,
standing second in his class, and afterward stud
ied medicine at Canonsburg under Dr. Leather-
man. He then entered Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, and after receiving his degree, set
tled near Dunningsville, this county, where he
passed his life, practicing medicine. He was
married to Anna Graham, of Cross Creek town
ship, and the following children were born to their
union: E. G. (subject of this sketch), Martha G.
(Mrs. W. G. Kammerer, of Chicago), James A.
(living in Somerset township, thiB county), Boyd (a
physician and surgeon of Somerset township), Will-

582

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

iam H. (living on a part of the homestead in Somer
set township) and Anna M. (Mrs. James H. McNary,
of Nottingham township). Dr. Emery practiced
continuously for fifty-five years, and was a popular
and skillful physician. He was an active member
of the Republican party, and in religious connec
tion he and his wife were members of the Pigeon
Creek Presbyterian Church. He died in 1886,
having been preceded by his wife in 1874.
E. G. Emery was born September 7, 1842, in
Somerset township, near Dunningsville, this county,
and received his education at Hoges Summit Acad
emy. He enlisted at Canonsburg August 13,
1862, in Company G> One Hundred and Fortieth
P. V. I. , for three years, or during the war, and
was mustered into the service at Pittsburgh, Penn.
He was assigned to the army of the Potomac,
under Gen. Hancock, and took part in the battles
of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spott
sylvania, Petersburg, Mine Run and the other
principal engagements participated in by the
army of the Potomac. E. G. Emery was in thir
teen different battles, and took part in the Grand
Review at Washington, D. C. He received an
honorable discharge in 1865, at Pittsburgh, Penn.,
and then returned to Somerset township,this county.
On December 13, 1 865, he was married to Miss Mar
tha Ann Hamilton, who was'born November 4, 1844,
in Nottingham township, AATashington Co. , Penn.
She was educated at Washington Female Seminary.
She is a daughter of the late Alexander Hamilton,
who was a prosperous farmer and ruling elder in
Pigeon Creek congregation for a number of years,
holding the position up to the time of his death.
After his marriage E. G. Emery settled in
Somerset township, and in 1868 purchased 188
acres in Mt. Pleasant township, to which he moved
the same year, and has since been engaged in
farming and stock raising. Seven children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Emery, namely: Cora G.
(Mrs. William L. Mcllvain, of Somerset township),
Lillie A. (wife of John M. White, of Cross Creek
township), William H., Teresa, Boyd A., Myrta
and Walter V. Mr. Emery is an active politician
in the Republican party, and is interested in all
matters of local importance. He and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Pros
pect, in which he is a deacon.

|'OHN SMITH ACHESON is a prosperous
!|| citizen of Mt. Pleasant township, and a
tfj] worthy representative of an early pioneer
^^ family. His grandfather, Matthew Reed
Acheson, was an early settler of Mt. Pleasant
township; he settled on the farm yet owned by his
descendants, and passed his life on the old place.
His son, Matthew Reed Acheson, was born inMt.
Pleasant township, and in early manhood was

married to a young lady whose name is not known.
She died, and Matthew was afterward united in
marriage with Nancy Smith, a native of Smith
township. In 1846 they settled on the old farm
where children were born as follows: Elizabeth
Martin (wife of John H. Buchanan, deceased in
1875), Sarah Lavina (wife of Samuel F. Hart, of
Hickory, this county), John S. (residing in Mt.
Pleasant township), Margaret Jane (deceased in
1872, wife of William Ray) and Matthew (engaged
in farming and stock raising on the home place).
The father was a member of the U. P. Church at
Hickory, and died many years ago, his wife sur
viving him for some time.

| OHN CALVIN FRENCH is the youngest son
. I of George M. and Mary (Porter) French,
If I and was born in Washington county, Penn.,
^^ October 10, 1836. His mother died when he
was less than three years old, and his early
childhood was spent with relations in Fayette
county, same State. At the age of twelve years he
returned to his father's home, where he remained
about four years, and then became an inmate of
the family of William Lindley, Esq. He was a
boy of all work during the summers, attending the
district school in the winter; thus circumstances
denied him the advantage of a thorough education,
which he so much desired.
At the age of nineteen he accepted a position in
the mercantile house of Robert Porter, at Ritchie
C. H., AV. Va. , and at the end of one year's service
he associated himself with three others in a co
partnership, and embarked in the hoop and stave
trade at points on the B. & O. R. R., east of
Parkersburg, Va. This company erected and
operated the first establishment for the manufact
ure of oil barrels in that region after the develop
ment of the Kanawha oil field. The sudden break
ing out of the war of the Rebellion destroyed the
business of the company, and caused heavy finan
cial losses. In closing up the affairs of the com
pany, Mr. French found himself possessed of
little else save good health, and a settled conviction
that duty demanded that he should contribute him
self to his country's service. Seeking an inter
view with some of his associates who had not been
induced by political intriguers to cast their lots
with the cause of secession, an arrangement was
secretly entered into by which he and six others
like-minded met at an agreed point on the night
of June 14, 1861, and made their way to St.
Mary's, the nearest point on the Ohio river, a dis
tance of sixteen miles, in time for the morning
boat going to Wheeling, where they arrived on the
morning of June 16, 1861. Proceeding at once
to "Camp Carlisle" on the island, they enlisted
in a company which afterward became Company E,

if^'f-jp,; 'if -'¦ /"
¦ ¦ -'.'ffi,
..  '--'"j...,:. II 

S-.Sj'.

sSsmMBms

iKlft?

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

585

Second Virginia Infantry. Thus it appears that
the subject of this sketch was one of seven who
first represented Ritchie county, Va., in the Union
army. After serving as private soldier, duty sergeant,
and orderly sergeant through all the vicissitudes
of the first fifteen months of the war, and having
been left in command of the company at the second
battle of Bull Run (one of the two commissioned
officers present being killed and the other severely
wounded), an unusual compliment was shown him,
as no commissioned officer was assigned to the
company until September 9, 1862, when he was
commissioned second lieutenant and assigned to
Company H. On December 3, same year, he was
commissioned first lieutenant, and assigned back
to Company E. For some time he was assigned
to the command of Company B, while that com
pany was detached from the regiment at an out
post. While in command of a portion of the forces
which made a dash upon the enemy at the Rocky
Gap affair on August 26, 1863, he received a severe
wound near the left knee, the thigh bone being
fractured and the joint distorted, which has meas
urably disabled him ever since. Having been
rescued from falling into the hands of the enemy
by his comrades, and having been conveyed by
ambulance a distance of more than a hundred
miles to Beverly, Va., he was kindly sheltered and
nursed by Mrs. Jonathan Arnold, a sister of the
famous Confederate chieftain, "Stonewall" Jack
son, until he was sufficiently recovered to visit his
old home in Pennsylvania. After his return to
his regiment he was commissioned adjutant, and
served in that capacity until his command was
mustered out. The following is copied from the
regimental history compiled by Frank S. Reder,
Esq. , editor of the Beaver Valley News, who was
a comrade of Mr. French: "There was no braver
officer in the regiment, and Lieut. French deserves
special mention for his gallant conduct at the
second battle of Bull Run, and for his splendid
leadership in the extreme advance, in the dash
where he was wounded at Rocky Gap. ' '
After three years' service in the army, he re
turned to Washington county, Penn., and on Sep
tember 7, 1864, was married to Miss Sevilla Vaile,
in fulfilment of an engagement made in early life.
For some years he followed merchandising. In
1873 he was elected treasurer of his native county.
After the expiration of his term of office he re
turned to his home in Prosperity, Morris township,
engaging as far as able in farming. He and his
family are members of the Presbyterian Church of
Upper Ten Mile, in the prosperity and work of
which he and his family have for years taken a
deep interest. For some time he has served as
superintendent of the Sabbath-school connected
with the congregation; for the last six consecutive

years he has been chosen to preside as moderator
at the business meetings of the congregation, and
on February 12, 1893, he was chosen a ruling
elder. He has long been a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, and was one of the charter
members of Luther Day Post, No. 395, Depart
ment of Pennsylvania, and for some time had the
honor of being its commander.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. French,
viz. : Dr. Edward E. , of Bentleyville; Leah Mary,
wife of Dr. A. N. Booth, also of Bentleyville;
Charles Clinton, who died in infancy, and John
Calvin, Jr., who is now acquiring an education.

JOHN A. NESBITT, a leading farmer of Can
ton township, this county, is a native of the
same, having been born April 3, 1 829, on the
farm which is now his home. He is a grand
son of John Nesbitt, who was a native of
Cecil county, Md., and was married to Martha
Donaldson, a native of Allegheny county, Penn.
In about 1790, John Nesbitt, in company with
three brothers, moved to Washington county,
Penn. The brothers bought their lands in com
mon, afterward making a division, 'John's portion
being a farm of 119 acres in Canton township, this
county. Of the other brothers, one moved away,
but John, Joseph and Jonathan passed their lives
in the county, and their descendants are living in
Canton and Chartiers townships. In the winter of
1837, the family of John Nesbitt was attacked with
a fever, and on December 22, 1837, the father died.
Three of his children were also taken, namely:
John (deceased October 29, 1837), Margaret (de
ceased November 29, 1837) and Jane (deceased
December 19, 1837). Robert and his mother were
left to mourn the loss of their dear ones, and on
April 26, 1843, the latter was laid to rest beside
them. Mrs. Donaldson, the mother of Mrs. Nes
bitt, was a native of Allegheny county, Penn. , and
made her home with her daughter for some time
prior to her death, which occurred March 23, 1828,
at the age of one hundred years, four months and
twenty-three days. She was buried in the ceme
tery at Cross Roads, in Chartiers township.
Robert Nesbitt, a son of John and Martha
(Donaldson) Nesbitt, was born in 1800, on his
father's farm in Canton township, this county. On
June 12, 1828, he was united in marriage with
Mary Ann Anderson, a native of Chartiers town
ship, Washington county, after which event he
continued to reside on the home farm. Three
children were born to this union, namely: John
A. ; Sarah (married to Edward Dougherty, of Can
ton township), bom August 24, 1831; and Martha,
born September 6, 1835 (deceased wife of AVilliam
Stewart, of Canton township, whose children are
Frank and Martha, twins). Mrs. Mary Ann

586

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(Anderson) Nesbitt died September 27, 1837, and
Mr. Nesbitt was afterward married to Margaret
Shaw, a resident of Canton township, who bore
him one son, Robert D., of Chartiers township.
Mr. Nesbitt was a shoemaker and farmer. He was
much interested in educational matters, and in
politics was a Whig and Republican. He was
formerly an elder of the Associate Reformed
Church, and then joined the United Presbyterian
Congregation at Cross Roads. Robert Nesbitt
died August 13, 1861, on the home farm.
John A. Nesbitt, son of Robert and Mary Ann
Nesbitt, passed his early life on the old homestead
in Canton township, attending the common schools
of both Canton and Chartiers townships. On Feb
ruary 9, 1865, he was married to Mary Reed, daugh
ter of Joseph and Anna (McClain) Reed, natives of
Pennsylvania, who came to Washington county in
an early day, and died in Cecil township. Mrs.
Nesbitt died August 20, 1881, and her husband is
yet living on the farm, where he follows agricult
ural pursuits, and occasionally works at the car
penter's trade. His farm consists of seventy-one
acres of well-cultivated, fertile land. Mr. Nesbitt
is not an active politician, but votes with the Re
publican party.' He is a member of the Associate
Presbyterian Church, and a well-known citizen.

dfOHN H. HUGHES, an extensive farmer and
dairyman of Amwell township, comes of Irish
) descent. His grandfather, Samuel Hughes,
removed at an early day from New Jersey to
Washington county, Penn., locating in Am
well township, and for several years he kept hotel
on the National pike where John Little now re
sides. Samuel Hughes was married to Nancy
Sample, and a large family was born to them. He
accumulated a good property, and when far ad
vanced in life moved to Iowa, locating near Fort
Madison, where he died about 1860.
Workman Hughes was born February 5, 1822,
in South Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn., was educated in the common schools, and
when twenty-two years of age began business for
himself. He first owned a farm on the National
pike, and afterward purchased one of 300 acres in
the southern part of Amwell township, now called
the " McGiffin farm." He was united in marriage
with Rachel Taylor, of South Strabane township,
who bore him seven children, viz. : Samuel Taylor,
born March 13, 1849; James W., born November
5, 1850; John H., born September 11, 1852; Mary
E. (Mrs. Closser), born in October, 1854; Nancy
J., born October 21, 1856; William, born in Octo
ber, 1858, and Mrs. Rachel Myers, bom May 1 2,
1861. On May 18, 1862, Mrs. Rachel Hughes
died, and Mr. Hughes was afterward married to
Margaret Vance, and she dying in 1879, he was

married to Margaret Scott. Mr. Hughes has been
a prosperous business man, and has achieved his
success unaided. In politics he has always been
a Democrat, and has held several offices, serving in
Washington county as director of the noor in
1872-74. F
John H. Hughes, son of Workman and Rachel
(Taylor) Hughes, passed his boyhood at home, on
the old farm in Amwell township, Washington
county ; he attended the common schools until he
was seventeen years of age, and has since been a
great reader. On February 19, 1874, he was mar
ried to Lydia Meek, of Amwell township, and they
have had the following children: Mary E., born
March 20, 1875; Sarah M., born October 3, 1877;
Lydia B., born February 11, 1879; Charles E.|
born October 28, 1881; Rachel H., born October 1,
1883; Alice G., born February 10,1886; John
Franklin, born May 1, 1888, and Hazel Edna, born
May 20, 1890. Mr. Hughes has one of the finest
creameries in Washington county, and is engaged
in cheese and butter making, having made about
10,000 pounds of butter and 15,000 pounds of
cheese. He owns a half interest in a farm of 170
acres which formerly belonged to David Evans. A
Democrat in politics, he has filled several township
offices. He is a member of the Cumberland PreB-
byterian Church, and Mrs. Hughes is a Baptist,

ILLIAM GILFILLAN, M. D., who, in
his lifetime was one of the most highly
esteemed citizens of West Alexander, was
born in 1818, in West Liberty, Ohio Co.,
Va., a son of Dr. Edward Gilfillan, who was born
in Philadelphia, Penn., where he was reared and
educated. Dr. Edward Gilfillan received a thorough course
of training in the grammar schools of his native
place, which was supplemented by medical study
at a college in Philadelphia. In early manhood
he came west, and settled in West Liberty, Va.,
where he was married to Mary McKinley, who bore
him the following named children : Harriet (Mrs.
John Baird), Oberlin (living in Van Buren county,
Iowa), George (a physician of Van Buren county,
Iowa), and William, the subject of this sketch.
After his marriage Dr. Gilfillan remained at West
Liberty, and then settled in West Alexander, this
county, where he enjoyed a good practice, and bore
the reputation of a skillful physician. Politically
he was formerly a Whig and then a Republican.
He was among the earliest members of the Presby
terian Church at West Alexander.
William Gilfillan passed his youth in West Al
exander, and was educated at Dr. McClosky's
Academy and Washington and Jefferson College,
Washington, Penn. He studied medicine with his
father until twenty years of age, when he com-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

587

menced active practice in West Alexander, where
he remained during the whole of his professional
life, dying March 4, 1884. In 1843 the Doctor
was married to Margaret, daughter of John Broth-
erton, of this county, and their children were
Helen, Serena, Edward, John and Campbell. In
politics Dr. Gilfillan was first a Whig and then a
Republican. He was a member of the Presbyte
rian Church.

I AMES F. THOMPSON, a prominent and
I prosperous young farmer of Independence
if J township, was born July 8, 1855, near West
^^ Middletown, Cross Creek township, Wash
ington county. He was trained from child
hood to work on the farm, and received a good edu
cation at the common schools. In 1882 he entered
the retail grocery business in Washington borough,
Penn., and in 1884 returned to the home farm. On
November 11, 1884, he was united in marriage
with Lucy L. Denny, who was born October 25,
1861, daughter of James H. Denny, of West Mid
dletown, Penn. This union has been blessed with
the following children: James D., born March 29,
1886; William H, born December 18, 1887, and
Mary, born October 29, 1890. After his marriage
Mr. Thompson located in Independence township,
on a farm situated about one and a half miles east
of the village of Independence, which has been in
the possession of his father over thirty years ; but
James is the first member of the family who has
lived upon it. He has erected a handsome new
residence on the place, and made many improve
ments. Mr. Thompson is a scientific farmer, and
makes a practical application of any new ideas
which he can obtain relative to his chosen profes
sion. Politically he is a member of the Repub
lican party, but takeB little part in the warfare of
active politicians. He and his wife are members
of the U. P. Church at West Middletown.

IOSEPH H. PHILIPS is a son of Isaac
l I Philips, whose father, David, was the lead-
\j) m% pioneer preacher of Peters township.
Rev. David Philips was born in 1742, in
Wales, and emigrating thence many years
ago, first settled in Chester county, Penn. , where
he was married to Miss Mary Thomas. The young
couple then came to Washington county, Penn.,
and took up 400 acres of land on the boundary
line of Washington and Allegheny counties, for
which a patent was secured March 4, 1786. Prior
to locating in Peters township, David Philips had
been a captain in the Revolutionary war, and in
religious connection was a member of the Great
Valley Baptist Church. After settling in Wash
ington county, he served forty years as pastor of

the Peters Creek Baptist Church, the land upon
which the church is now standing having formerly
been a portion of his property. The following
children were born to this couple: Isaac, Josiah,.
David, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Joseph (2),
John, Mary, David (2), Martha and Rachel (twins)
and Sarah. During the Civil war a full company
of the descendants of Rev. David Philips took an
active part in the contest, and nearly 1,000 of his
descendants are yet living.
Isaac Philips, son of David and Mary, was born in
1787, on the home farm in Peters township, Wash
ington Co. , Penn. When a young man he was
married to Nancy Leddie, a resident of Canons
burg, Penn. She was reared to womanhood by
Col. Morgan, a soldier of the Revolution, and
founder of the Morganza Reform School. Mr.
and Mrs. Philips began wedded life on the home
farm, where he erected the dwelling which is now
the home of his son. Here their children were
born as follows: Sarah, Isabella, David, Mary,
Jane, Joseph H. , Dr. James L., Joshua (a minis
ter, of Cleveland, Ohio) and Lucinda.
Joseph H. Philips, whose name opens this
sketch, was born August 31, 1822, on the old home
stead in Peters township. In 1846 he was united
in marriage with Mary K. Foster, who bore him
two children, Joseph and Mary (twins), who died
in infancy. The mother died in 1848, and on
February 14, 1850, he made a second choice in the
person of Mary J. , daughter of James McKnight,
of Allegheny county, Penn. Ten children have
blessed their union, namely: Samantha J., Warren
J., Flora, Nannie B., Louisa, Elizabeth M., Mi
randa, Elmer M., Mary E. and an infant. The
home farm contains 116 acres of land. In polit
ical opinion Mr. Philips is a Republican, and has
served in various local offices; in religion he is a
member of the Baptist Church, and has led the
choir for fifty years.

JOHN KNOX, a leading business man of Clays
ville, was born July 26, 1829, in Buffalo
township, this county, and passed his youth
on the home place, attending the common
schools and following farming. In 1848 he
was married to Mary J., daughter of Samuel
Flack, of Buffalo township, this county, and she
bore him two children: Ialam F. and Mary E.
(Mrs. William Roney). On February 26, 1856,
John Knox was united in marriage with Amanda
Kane, a resident of Ohio, and the children born to
this union were as follows: Anna J. (deceased),
Horace, William M. and Luella. Mrs. Amanda
Knox died March 13, 1874, and on October 15,
1876, he was married to Mrs. Agnes Jane (Campsy)
Griffith, widow of Hosic Griffith, and she bore him
two children, John Campsy and Daisy Dell. Mr.

588

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Knox has been a successful farmer and stock rais
er for many years, and in 1891 he purchased a
one-half interest in a livery barn at Claysville, this
county, which he is now conducting. In politics
he has been a lifelong Democrat, and in religion is
a member of the United Presbyterian Church at
Claysville.

If SAAC AV. RICHARDS, a properous agricultur
ist of East Pike Run township, this county, is
a native of the same, born October 2, 1842.
He is a son of John Richards, who was born in
1799, in Maryland, and when a young man came
to Greene county, Penn. After his arrival in Penn
sylvania John Richards was married to Phcebe
Woodward, who was born in 1803, in Greene coun
ty, Penn. In 1841 Mr. and Mrs. Richards pur
chased and moved upon the home farm in East
Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and
their place was for many years known throughout
the country as the "Black Horse Tavern." Mr.
Richards was a successful farmer, and, politically,
voted with the Whig and Republican parties. He
and his wife were members of the Baptist Church
at Coal Centre. He died in 1864, followed by Mrs.
Richards in 1881. They were the parents of nine
children, namely: Lucinda (widow of Owen Hines),
living in Coal Centre, Penn. ; Thomas C, resid
ing in East Pike Run township; Isaac W., whose
name opens this sketch; John F. ; Mary Ann; Eliza
Jane; Sarah Ann and Amy Ann (twins), and Har
riet M. , of whom the six last mentioned are now
deceased. Isaac W. Richards remained on the home farm
during his youth, there receiving a common-school
education. In 1866 he was united in marriage
with Mary M. Duvall, who was born December 23,
1843, in East Pike Run township, a daughter of
Alexander, and granddaughter of Jacob and Jane
(Patterson) Duvall. The latter couple were na
tives of Maryland, and were descended from Irish
ancestry. They came to Washington county, Penn. ,
many years ago, where the following children were
born and reared: Mary, widow of Moses Billings-
ley, of California, Penn. ; Harriet, widow of Rob
ert Duvall, of Illinois; Samantha, wife of Lewis J.
Weaver, a farmer of East Pike Run township; Jef
ferson, a resident of East Pike Run township; and
eight others who are now deceased. The parents
died in East Pike Run township.
Alexander Duvall was born in 1810, on the home
farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and passed his youth under the paternal
roof. In early life he was married to Jemima Han-
non, who was born in 1809, and they were the par
ents of seven children, namely: Henry, a farmer
of Fayette county, Penn. ; Jacob, an agriculturist
of Allen township, Washington county; James M. ;

Jefferson, a farmer of East Pike Run township-
Isabella, wife of Jacob Crow, now of Madison
county, Iowa; Mary, wife of Isaac Richards, and
Julia, married to William H. Jackman, a farmer of
East Pike Run township. The father of this fam
ily died in 1884, and in 1887 the mother passed
away. They were members of the M. E. Church.
To the union of Isaac W. and Mary M. (Du
vall) Richards six children have been born, name
ly: Harriet E., Mina, Nellie B., Elsie B., and
Luretta and Viletta (both deceased). Mr. Rich
ards owns ninety acres of the old homestead, and
gives his principal attention to farming. He has
taken an active interest in the Republican party,
and has served for twenty-five years as school di
rector. He and his wife are members of the Pres
byterian Church at Coal Centre.

JESSE M. DILLE, an esteemed and prosper
ous farmer of Morris township, is a grandson
,of Lewis Dille, who was born in New Jersey,
and was there united in marriage with Sarah
Sanders. After their marriage the young
people moved to Morris township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and located on a farm about three miles
east of Prosperity, which is now the property of
their grandson, Jesse, and there reared the follow
ing family of children: Usual Keziah, Abbie,
Sarah, Ephraim, Lewis and Jane. Mr. Dille passed
from earth in 1820.
Lewis Dille, son of Lewis and Sarah (Sanders)
Dille, was born upon the farm of his father August
17, 1799, and in early life learned shoemakingi
In 1822 he married Miss Lucy McCollum, and their
children were: Ira (deceased), Jesse M., Cephas
(a resident of Morris township, Greene county),
Daniel (who lives in Prosperity, Morris town
ship), Ephraim (residing in Greene county), John
(a citizen of Prosperity), David (a resident of Clays
ville, Donegal township, this county), and Keziah
(who lives in Morris township). Mr. Dille died
April. 28, 1885, and was followed within the year
by his faithful wife. He was a Democrat in poli
tics, and in religion was a member of the Upper
Ten- Mile Presbyterian Church, at Prosperity, in
which he was an elder, holding that position until
his death.
Jesse M. Dille was born March 16, 1825, on the
home farm in Morris township, this county, where
he has always lived. On December 11, 1851, he
was united in marriage with Rachel Minton, also
a resident of Morris township, and their children
are: W. H, Addison, Samuel, Eva, Lizzie and
Homer. W. H. and Samuel are photographers at
Prospect, Ohio; Addison is a dentist in Newton,
Jasper Co., Iowa; Eva is the wife of Oliver Booth,
of Morris township; Lizzie and Homer reside with
their parents. Mr. Dille was formerly engaged in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

589

the dry-goods, grocery and hotel business at Wash
ington, Penn., and has made a success in all.
Politically he is a Democrat with Prohibition tend
encies, and in religion is a member of the Upper
Ten- Mile Church at Prosperity.

J | AMES S. HAYS. Among the well-to-do
and influential farmers of this county, James
j S. Hays is prominently known. He is a
representative of an old pioneer family, of
whom the earliest- ancestor there is record of
was one David Hays. David Hays bought land
in New Jersey, September 13, 1787, and his chil
dren were born and reared in that State, as fol
lows: Seven sons — John, Thomas, David, Joseph,
William, James and Moses — and five daughters
whose names are unknown.
Moses Hays, son of David, was born in New
Jersey, and after partially learning the blacksmith's
trade, was drafted, at the age of sixteen, into the
Continental army, and with five of his brothers
served during that contest. He was employed as
regimental blacksmith till the close of his term of
service. During the contest, his brother John,
who was a lieutenant, received a wound which
soon afterward caused his death. In 1783 Moses
Hays was married to Jemima Peterson, a native
of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revo
lutionary war, Moses, with his wife and brothers,
went west, settling on 1,000 acres of land about
three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county,
on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this land
among themselves, and Moses made a permanent
home upon his share which is still owned by Alex
ander Hays, a grandson of Moses, where the follow
ing children were born and reared: Thomas, born
on October 5, 1784 (moved to Jackson county,
Ohio, where he died); Edith, born February 27,
1786 (wife of David Hays, of Ohio); John, born
February 3, 1789 (deceased near Moorefield, Har
rison Co., Ohio); William, born April 7, 1791
(killed by accident); James, born June 11, 1793
(deceased in Allegheny county, Penn.); Alexander,
born November 11, 1795; Mary, born December
25, 1797 (died in youth); Eleanor, born November
15, 1799 (deceased wife of James Todd, of Alle
gheny county) ; Joseph, born February 15,1801
(deceased on the home farm); David, bom May 7,
1803 (deceased farmer of Smith township, married
to Martha Fulton), and Ann, born June 23, 1805
(deceased in youth). Moses Hays possessed a re
markably retentive memory, easily recalling inci
dents of the Revolutionary war fifty years after
the conflict. Anything once seen or heard he
never forgot, and was easily brought to his mind
whenever the subject arose. He was a prominent

and successful farmer, and in religion was a mem
ber of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of
Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of
Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836,
being followed in a few days by his wife.
Alexander Hays was born November 11, 1795,
on the farm of his father in Smith township. His
literary attainments were acquired in the primi
tive log cabin school-house of the day, the instruc
tion being as limited as the furniture, but Alexan
der Hays soon gave evidence of unusual mechan
ical ability, readily learning both the carpenter' s and
blacksmith's trades. In 1824 he was married to
Ann Stevenson, who was born in 1802, daughter
of James Stevenson, an extensive landowner of
Smith township. The children born to this union
were as follows, one deceased in infancy, James
S. (whose name opens these lines), Jemima (de
ceased in infancy), John (a farmer of Smith town
ship) and Joseph (a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Penn.).
Alexander and Ann (Stevenson) Hays began mar
ried life on a part of the old Stevenson tract, lying
about one and a quarter miles west of Burgetts
town, Penn., where they passed all their wedded
life. He was an industrious, kind-hearted and
prosperous man, and possessed many friends. In
politics he was a stanch supporter of Democratic
principles, and filled several township offices to the
entire satisfaction of his party. He died in 1846;
in 1881 his widow was laid to rest beside him.
James S. Hays was born July 26, 1826, on the
home farm in Smith township, being trained from
early youth to the vocation of a husbandman,
which he has continued to follow through life. He
obtained his early knowledge of literature from the
common schools, remaining with his parents until
attaining maturity. On March 16, 1855, he was
united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Samuel
Riddile, of Smith township, and the following chil
dren have been born to them: Samuel (who died
at the age of twenty- seven years), Annie M. (resid
ing at home), David V. (at home), James G. (a
carpenter now farming in Tuscarawas county,
Ohio), Mary (living at home), Edgar (who died in
youth) and Robert R. (living with his parents).
After their marriage James and Sarah (Riddile)
Hays located on a part of * the " old Stevenson
tract " adjoining the birthplace of Mr. Stevenson,
where he has always resided with the exception of
four years passed in Robinson township, this
county. He is surrounded by a host of admiring and
affectionate friends, all of whom are ever wel
come to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of his
pleasant home. In addition to general farming
he ships a large quantity of milk to Pittsburgh.
Having accumulated a considerable property he is
now enjoying the reward of many years of toil.

590

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

JfOSEPH H. CLOKEY, an affluent farmer of
I North Strabane township, is a native of the
If II same, having been born July 24, 1845, on the
^^ farm he now owns. James Clokey, his grand
father, was born December 30, 1757, in County
Down, Ireland, where he was educated and reared.
In an early day he immigrated to this country,
making his first home in the land of his adoption
in Dauphin county, Penn., whence in 1812 he came
to this county, and in the following year purchased
a tract of land containing 300 acres, lying on both
sides of Chartiers creek, which farm is now the
property of our subject. He had three children,
viz. : Sarah (who married James Herron), Samuel
and Mary (latter being now deceased). James
Clokey was a member of the Seceder Church at
Peters Creek, about eleven miles from his home,
and he was wont to make the journey on horseback.
As one of the organizers of the Seceder Church
near Pigeon Creek, he was a liberal supporter of
it, and for years -was one of the trustees; in his po
litical associations he was a lifelong, Old-line Whig.
In addition to his farming interests, he operated
distilleries in both Dauphin and Washington coun
ties. He died October 6, 1839; his wife, Jane
Clokey, died iu her eighty-second year.
Samuel Clokey, the only son of James and Jane
Clokey, was born April 25, 1787, in Dauphin county,
Penn. , and was educated at the subscription schools
of the locality. At the age of eighteen he came
to Washington county, and until the day of his
death remained on the home place settled by his
father. On January 1, 1824, he. was married to
Rebecca, daughter of Alexander McClure, of South
Strabane township, and the children born to them
were Mary J., wife of P. F. Martin (deceased);
James (deceased); Elizabeth B. , wife of James
Martin ; Alexander (deceased) ; Sarah H. . wife of
Hon. J. G. Clark; Samuel M. (deceased); Abigail
F. (deceased); Joseph H. ; Rebecca M., wife of Dr.
George A. Dougherty, and Caroline L. The
father died December 31, 1871, the mother July
11, 1878, and their remains repose in the cemetery
at Pigeon Creek. Mr. Clokey in church connec
tion was first a Seceder, but afterward united
with the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek, of which
he was a trustee. Politically he was a Whig and
afterward, on the organization of the party, a Re
publican. About 1845 he applied for a postoffice
at the village on his farm, when there was no of
fice nearer than Washington, five miles distant,
which request was granted, and he partially sup
ported the same until the Civil war, from which
time to the present the office named Clokey has
done a thriving business. Mr. Clokey was post
master of the same until his death.
Joseph H. Clokey was educated at the common
schools of the district in North Strabane township,
and had a thorough practical training in agricult

ure on his father' s farm. On December 12 1878
he was married to Jennie, daughter of Rev. Joseph
White, of Knoxville, Iowa; she died September 4
1885, leaving three children: Samuel J., Ethel r'
and Elizabeth Anna. In February, 1889 Mr!
Clokey married Lucy E. Toynbee, daughter of
Edward and Caroline S. Toynbee. Mr. Clokey
owns a fine farm of 300 acres, well adapted for
cereal and root crops, besides stock raising. He
is a member of the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek
and in politics is a stanch Republican. He is a
leader in his township, taking a lively and sub
stantial interest in all public matters tending to
the advancement and prosperity of the community
at large. Since his father's decease he has held
the position of postmaster at the village of Clokey-
ville, on his farm.

HARVEY H. KINDER, a well-known farmer
of Washington county, is a native of West
Bethlehem township, and a resident of East
-* Pike Run township. His father, Valentine
V Kinder, was a son of George and Ruth Kin
der, who were of German- Welsh descent, aud passed
their later years on a farm in Washington county,
Pennsylvania. Valentine Kinder was born in 1804, in Wash
ington county, Penn. , and when a young man was
united in marriage with Julia A. Booze, who was
born in 1806. Their children were born as fol
lows: George, Harvey H. , Louis, Isaac, John,
Christian, Elizabeth, Valentine and Samuel, of
whom are yet living Harvey H. and Samuel. The
father was an active worker in the Whig party, and
followed the occupation of farming. He died in
June, 1890, having been preceded by the mother
in 1884. Both were members of the M.E. Church.
Harvey H. Kinder was born September 28, 1833,
on the home farm in West Bethlehem township,
Washington Co. , Penn. , where he received a com
mon-school education. In 1861 he enlisted as a
private in Company B, Twenty- second Cavalry,
under Capt. A. J. Greenfield, and served in the
principal battles of the war, and a number of skir
mishes in which his company were engaged. In
1864 he received an honorable discharge, and re
turning home was married October 16, 1864, to
Maria Bailey, who was born 1843, in Washington
county, Penn. She is a daughter of Isaac and
Agnes Bailey, and granddaughter of George and
Rebecca (Zollars) Garret. The last mentioned
couple were of German ancestry, and settled in
this county many years ago, where they both died.
Isaac Bailey was of Welsh descent, and was
born in 1812, in Washington county, Penn. When
a young man he was married to Agnes Garret.
She was born May 8, 1817. Three children were
bora to this union, as follows: Maria (Mrs. Kin-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

591

der), Henry and William G. He was an active
worker in the Republican party, and in religion a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
He died in 1882; his widow still survives.
Harvey H. and Maria (Bailey) Kinder are the
parents of five children, namely: Isaac V. , Dora A. ,
Anna, Emma and William. Mr. Kinder is a prom
inent citizen, is actively identified with the Repub
lican party, and has held various township offices.
His farm contains ninety-three acres of valuable
land, upon which a comfortable two-story brick
residence has been erected, also a large frame
barn. He and his wife are members of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church.

|ILLIAM ROSS. Among the prominent
and successful citizens of Chartiers town
ship William Ross stands with the first.
He is the eldest of two children born to
Thomas Ross, whose parents were Joseph and
Martha (Christy) Ross. The latter were natives
of Ireland, and in 1794 came with their first-born
child to Mifflin county, Penn. , where they settled
and carried on a farm. To Joseph and Martha
(Christy) Ross, children were born at follows:
James, John, Michael, Joseph (all four of whom
were deceased in Mifflin county), Mary, Martha,
Jane (Mrs. William M. McLaughlin) and Thomas.
Joseph Ross passed the remainder of his life on
the pioneer farm, where he and his wife died.
Thomas Ross was born in 1787, in County
Londonderry, Ireland, and came with his parents
to Mifflin county, Penn. In 1807 he came to
Washington county, and in 1810 was married to
Margaret McKnight, also a native of Ireland, a
daughter of William and Margaret (Lutton) Mc
Knight, who emigrated from Ireland in an early
day, and passed their lives in Washington county,
Penn. After his marriage to Margaret McKnight,
Thomas Ross settled on a farm in North Strabane
township, this county, where two children were
born: William and Jane (widow of James Farley,
of Washington, Penn.). The father died in 1867,
being preceded by his wife in 1832.
William Ross was born September 2, 1811, in
North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and was educated in the log cabin subscription
schools of the times. In 1845 he was married to
Rachel Watson, who was born June 30, 1818,
daughter of David and Mary (Craighead) Watson.
They were born in Ireland and came to America
before the Revolution, and Gen. Washington made
his New Jersey headquarters during the Revolu
tion, at the home of grandfather Craighead.
After their marriage David and Mary (Craighead)
Watson settled on the farm where William Ross is
now living, and the following named children were

reared by them: Martha, born in January, 1816,
(deceased May 17, 1884); Rachel (Mrs. William
Ross); Nancy, born March 11, 1820; Milly, born
December 8, 1822; Mary Ann, born January 1,
1825 (deceased September 29, 1825); Isabel, born
January 11, 1827 (deceased in October, 1891,
at Canonsburg), and George C, born January
27, 1829 (deceased in childhood). After his
marriage William Ross settled in a log cabin
(one of the oldest in AVashington county) on the
farm which is yet his home. Children have been
born to him as follows: Mary Jane (wife of
William Gardener, of Iowa), Amelia (married to
John Edwards, of Chartiers township), Anna
Maria, Isabelle, AVilliam, and David (married to
Elizabeth Potter, who has borne him four children).
Mr. Ross is one of the oldest living settlers of
Chartiers township, and has known all the hard
ships peculiar to pioneer life, and has always been
a farmer, now owning a well-cultivated farm of
ninety- six acres, being also engaged in mining coal
from a vein on the place. In politics he has always
been a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen.
Jackson. One grandchild is living with him,
George Foster. Mrs. Ross died some years ago.

| OSEPH BUFFINGTON stands prominent in
. I the array of native-born agriculturists of
ffl Washington county, as a weather-worn giant
^^ tree towers in a forest of majestic oaks. He
is the grandson of John Buffington, of an
old-time Quaker family, who came into the wilds
of what is now the State of Pennsylvania with
their great leader, AViUiam Penn.
This John Buffington was the first postmaster
of Philadelphia, when the now great city was a
place of a few straggling cabins, built at the inter
section of two country roads. He held this office
until the Revolutionary war, when he came to
Washington county, making a settlement in Pike
Run township, where he patented a large tract of
land. He married Sarah Young, of Chester
county, who bore him the following named children :
Joseph, Sethecia and Aca. A tailor by trade, Mr.
Buffington followed it to a certain extent in con
nection with farming, but the latter was his chief
employment through life. In polities a Whig, he
took an active interest in the affairs of the nation
in his day struggling through a period of com
parative infancy. Mr. Buffington died at about
the age of seventy years.
Sethecia Buffington, father of Joseph, was born
and reared in Pike Run township, and when a
young man learned the hatter's trade, at which he
was employed a few years in early life, the latter
portion being devoted to farming pursuits. Like
his father, he had to undergo the many trials

592

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and hardships incident to pioneer life, and his
name in the vicinity of his labors is " as familiar as
household words. " For a long term of years he held
the office of justice of the peace, in fact, until the
revision of the constitution of the United States.
In 1846 he pushed farther westward, making a
settlement in Iowa, where he passed the remainder
of his active life, dying in 1851 at the age of about
three-score years. Children as follows were born to
him: Orpha, John, Polly, James, Joseph, Seth,
Jessie, Robert, Sarah, Abbie and William B., of
whom are now living: Joseph (in Washington
county, Penn.), Abbie (Mrs. Deems, in Missouri),
and William B. (in Henry county, Iowa).
Joseph Buffington was born March 2, 1806, in
East Pike Run township, three miles west of
Brownsville, where he was educated and reared to
farm life. His education was received at the old-
fashioned log school-house of those primitive days,
presided over by some worthy antiquated dominie,
who, perhaps, knew but little more than did his
pupils. In his youth our subject learned the
tanner's trade with David and John McKennan,
and for nine years was engaged in the business,
during five of which he conducted a tannery at
Beallsville, this county, and then returned to the
farm. In February, 1845, he removed from Pike
Run to East Bethlehem township, where he has
since resided. Mr. Buffington was united in
marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John
Thompson, an early resident of East Bethlehem
township, and to them were born children as
follows: John, Andrew Jackson, Ruth, Mary,
Sarah and Emma. Of these John is deceased.
Audrew Jackson married Elizabeth Taylor, of
West Pike Run township, and now resides in
Henry county, Iowa ; Ruth married James Irwin,
and resides at Front Royal, Va. ; Sarah married
Jacob Dague, and has her home in Somerset
township, this county ; Mary is the widow of Frank
Jordan, and lives with her father; Emma is the
wife of Miles G. Ruble, and resides in Kentucky
(our subject reared two of their children, one of
whom is now attending college at California, Penn.).
Mr. and Mrs. Buffington celebrated the sixty- third
anniversary of their marriage. Mrs. Buffington
died October 28, 1892. Mr. Buffington is hale
and hearty for a man of his years, and is as straight
as an arrow, wonderfully agile, and gifted with a
remarkable memory. He is a Democrat, although
from principle he voted for Gen. Harrison and
Abraham Lincoln. His farm consists of seventy-
three acres of prime land, whereon are cultivated
under his immediate supervision various small
crops. Andrew J. Buffington, son of Joseph, is a Re
publican in politics, has twice served in the Penn
sylvania Legislature, and is at present county com
missioner of Henry county, Iowa.

JOSEPH KAMMERER. This prominent mer
chant, agriculturist, distiller and stock dealer
was born May 20, 1835, on the place adjoin
ing where he now resides, and of which in
1859 he became owner.
His father, John Kammerer, was born in Ger
many in 1793, and was educated in the schools of
his land. In 1820 he was married to Margaret
Dunker, who was born in 1800, and five children
were the result of this union, namely : Mary Ann
Barbary, Catharine, John and Martin, all now de
ceased. The mother died in her native land in
February, 1830, and the father was, on July 21
1830, united by matrimony with Elizabeth Bender.
Then bidding good-bye to the Fatherland, wife and
children, he sailed for America. After finding a
suitable location for a home, he sent for his wife
and children, the next year, and settled in Notting
ham township, Washington Co., Penn., following
the business of millwright and milling. He then
worked two years as a carpenter, after which he
embarked in general merchandising and the hotel
business, on a tract of land of eighty acres leased
from Thomas Officer, the patentee of same (near
the present site of the village of Kammerer), which
he purchased in 1839. Thereon he erected a store
room and hotel, and the place came to be known
as "Dutch John's." To the union of John and
Elizabeth (Bender) Kammerer were children as
follows: Jonathan, born July 31, 1831; Joseph
(whose sketch follows); Elizabeth, born February
28, 1837; Jacob, born November 22, 1838; Will
iam S-, born February 23, 1843; Franklin G.,
born February 24, 1845. Of these, Jacbb died July
27, 1839; Jonathan died October 20, 1887; Frank
lin G. and WTilliam S. are at present engaged in
the commission and brokerage business in Chi
cago. The father died July 24, 1856, the mother
on May 18, 1859.
Joseph Kammerer, after his father's death, took
charge of the business, and under his management
it has been conducted to the present time.' In 1860
he was united in marriage with Lucinda Howden,
and to their union five children have been born,
namely: Elizabeth Etta Bell, born March 3, 1861;
Margaret Jane, born September 5, 1863; Joseph
Elmer, born November 2, 1864; James Alvin, born
February 9, 1868, and Anna Barbara, born Feb
ruary 8, 1872.
In 1881 a partnership company was formed,
under the name of ' ' The Kammerer Manufactur
ing Company (Limited)," between Joseph Kam
merer, Christian Hootman and John Leyda, for the
manufacture of liquors, the two partners last
mentioned retiring from the company before the
machinery was put into operation. The capacity
of the distillery is thirty bushels per day. In con
nection with the distillery, Mr. Kammerer conducts
a roller flouring mill, having a capacity of seventy-

/^

7/?<r7$7&£r

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

595

five barrels of flour per day, and fitted with all the
latest improved machinery, making a market for
several townships for grain for which the highest
cash prices are paid. He owns 200 acres of land
on which mills are located, and is very valuable
for its coal and gas, and for grazing and farm pur
poses. On this he is raising a fine herd of cattle.
Mr. Kammerer is also in the merchandise business,
carrying a stock of goods of about $75,000, con
sisting of a complete line of goods kept in a gen
eral store. In 1873 he was appointed postmaster
at Kammerer, which office he still holds.

JfOSEPH KEYS, a very successful agricultur
ist, and prominent representative of an old
) family of Smith township, is a grandson of
James Keys, who was born and reared in
Cumberland county, Penn. , and was there
married to a native of the same county, who bore
him one son, James.
Soon after the birth of this son the father died
(about 1777), and his widow was then married to
Robert Watson. Her son James lived with them,
and in 1794 accompanied the family to Washing
ton county, locating on Chartiers creek, Chartiers
township. In 1800 James Keys was united in
marriage with Jane McClelland, who was born in
1779, a daughter of James McClelland, of Mt.
Pleasant township, AVashington county, who was a
native of Ireland, and in an early day settled in
the locality of Miller's run, Washington county.
To the union of James and Jane Keys children
were bom as follows: Martha (married to William
McBride, of Robinson township, this county), Jane
(married to John McBurney), John(deceased), James
(a retired farmer of Steubenville, Ohio), William
(deceased farmer of Kansas), Joseph (residing in
Smith township) and Ezra (a grocer of Leaven
worth, Kans.). After his marriage to Jane Mc
Clelland, James Keys moved to Trumbull county,
Ohio (then a vast wilderness), remaining there but
a short time, and then came to Smith township,
this county, locating on a farm in Cherry Valley.
In 1822 he represented Washington county in the
Legislature, serving five years, and then re
turned to his farm. He was a brilliant and in
tellectual man, a leader in every undertaking for
the public good. He was a Whig in politics, and
in religious connection he and his wife were mem
bers of the Seceder Church in which he was an elder.
His wife died in 1838, and after a useful and suc
cessful life, he was laid by her side in 1854.
Joseph Keys was bom December 24, 1819, on
his father' s farm, in Cherry Valley, Smith town
ship, this county, and during his boyhood assisted
in the usual duties of agricultural life, and at
tended the subscription school of his neighbor
hood. On January 15, 1843, he was united in

marriage with Eleanor Smith, who was born in
1821, a daughter of John Smith, a resident of
Smith township. The following children have
been born to this union: Martha J. (deceased wife
of William Rea), Angeline (widow of A. L. Rea),
Lizzie (living at home with her father), William J.
(a farmer of Barton county, Kans.), and John W.
and Joseph F. (both residing with their parents).
Mr. and Mrs. Keys located on a farm in Smith
township after their marriage, and in 1849 moved
to the valuable farm where Mr. Keys is now re
siding. It is one of the finest in the township,
and comprises 264 acres of prime land. The
place was entered by Lou Washington, a cousin of
George Washington, and here for twenty years
Mr. Keys has carried on a general farming, stock-
raising and dairying business. In 1886 his resi
dence was laid in ashes by a destructive fire, but
it was immediately rebuilt on a more substantial
and modern plan. Joseph Keys is one of the most
solid and prosperous farmers in Smith township.
In politics he has been a Whig and Republican.
In 1886 he was called to mourn the loss of his
wife, who passed from earth after a married life of
forty-three years. She was a member of the U. P.
Church, with which he is connected. His home
is now being cared for by his daughter, Miss Lizzie.

i\ H. GREGG. Among the early settlers
of Washington county, whose deeds
are an undying monument to their
memory, were the ancestors of the
well-known family of which this gentleman is a
representative. In 1791 three brothers — Henry, William and
John Gregg — left Ireland, the country of their birth,
and crossed the ocean to America. After a voyage
of sixteen weeks they all came to Washington
county, Penn., and settled in East Pike Run town
ship, where Henry secured a tract of 349 acres
called the " Burning Mine," now owned by a Mr.
Duvall. Henry Gregg served as justice of the
peace in 1796. He was married to Jane Dowler,
and of their children, whose names are given, are
John, Henry, Thomas, Edward, Seth and AA'illiam.
The parents died in 1834, in West Pike Run town
ship. John Gregg, son of Henry, was born and reared
on the home place in East Pike Run township,
Washington Co., Penn. He received a thorough
education, and then learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he followed several years. When a young
man he made choice of a helpmeet in the person
of Edith, daughter of Caleb AVoodward, who was
a native of Scotland, and who, soon after his mar
riage, came to America, first locating in Chester
county, Penn., afterward moving to Brownsville,
Fayette Co., where he conducted a mill for many

596

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

years. He was a strong advocate of the principles
embodied in the Whig platform, and in religion
was a member of the Society of Friends. His chil
dren were as follows: Milton, Alfred, Caleb, Edith
(Mrs. Gregg), Charlotte and Sidney. Mr. and
Mrs. John Gregg settled in West Pike Run town
ship, Washington Co. , Penn. , where he carried on
a farm — also conducting a blacksmith shop for
several years — and in 1859 moved to California,
Penn. In political opinion he was a stanch sup
porter of the Whig and Abolition parties, and in
religion was an active member of the Taylor M. E.
Church. His children were Thomas, Caleb and
W. H.
W. H. Gregg was born April 6, 1847, in West
Pike Run township, AVashington Co., Penn., and
remained with his parents until twenty years of
age. He then worked about four years in the
lumber business for Powell & Co., of California,
Penn., afterward entering the employ of Morgan &
Dixon, with whom he remained five years. In
1881 he opened his present business in Coal Centre,
and has by good management and honorable deal
ing secured a large and constantly increasing cus
tom. On October 20, 1869, he was united in mar
riage with Jennie M., daughter of Robert and
Augusta Forsythe, of Fayette county, Penn., and
one son has been born to this union, Edgar F. , a
graduate of a business college, and now a book
keeper in Pittsburgh. Mr. Gregg is deeply inter
ested in the success of the Republican party, and
has filled various borough offices, serving repeat
edly as a member of the school board. He is a
member of the board of trustees of the South
western State Normal School, and has been a di
rector of the First National Bank of California,
Penn. , since its organization. He is a supporter
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

J,OHN ELLIOTT STEAVART, a prosperous
young farmer of Jefferson township, is a son
of Robert Stewart. He traces his lineage
back through the generations to one Lord
Stewart, a peer of Scotland, who left his na
tive land, and settled in "Foggy Hill," County Ty
rone, Ireland.
James Stewart (the great-grandfather of John
Elliott) embarked with his family for America on
the ship " Doras," which was boarded, while on the
voyage, by a British man-of-war. All able-bodied
men on the " Doras " were impressed into the En
glish service, and Robert Stewart (a son of James),
who was then eighteen years of age, was one of
them. He served on a British man-of-war for sev
eral months, when he was released by strategy, his
father having prevailed upon a young lady to
claim him as her husband. The youth then joined
his parents in Washington county, Penn., settling
in Smith township, and soon after Robert Stewart

was united in marriage with Ann McGough, also a
native of Ireland. Six children were born to their
union, namely: John, Elizabeth (Mrs. Kidd)
Sarah, Robert, James and Andrew.
Robert Stewart was born May 21, 1824 in
AVashington county, Penn. He attended the com
mon schools of the neighborhood and assisted in
the farm duties during his boyhood. In 1852 he
was married to Miss Sarah Jane Elliott, who bore
him three children, namely: John Elliott, born
March 13, 1853; James, born November 25, 1855,
and Robert, born February 26, 1858. The mother
of this family died in 1858, and for his second wife
Robert Stewart was married to Eliza Orr, of Irish
descent, who lived but a short time afterward. He
was then married to Rebecca H, daughter of Will
iam Provines, a native of Ireland, who settled in
Jefferson township. Mrs. Stewart is a member of
the United Presbyterian Church, of which her hus
band is an earnest supporter. In politics he has
always been a counselor and adviser in the Demo
cratic party, and is highly esteemed by all who
know him.
John Elliott Stewart was born on the farm
where his father is now living, and was reared to
agricultural pursuits, attending the common
schools of the neighborhood during the winter
months of his boyhood. He was united in mar
riage October 17, 1877, with Belle McKnight, of
Hickory, Washington county, daughter of William
McKnight, a native of Ireland. One child came to
this union, Leman E., born September 30, 1878,
whose mother died November 7, 1879. After her
death John Elliott Stewart made his home for a
time with his father, and also traveled through the
Western States. On his return home he married on
September 8, 1885, Miss Flora Agnes, daughter of
H. C. Anderson, a prominent farmer of Cross
Creek township, and they have had one daughter,
Roberta Vere, bom August 16, 1888. Mr. Stew
art is a great reader, and is specially interested in
literature tending to impart information to the ag
ricultural and laboring classes. He owns 140 acres
of fine farming and grazing land, and is now dep
uty-master of Washington county for the State
Grange of Pennsylvania. Although the son of an
active member of the Democratic party, and him
self favoring their platform, Mr. Stewart believes
in voting for the man rather than the politician,
regardless of party tenets. He has held several
township offices, and is very prominent in all mat
ters of common interest to the community.

iTp^OBERT EMERY, one of the most re-
IL{7 spected retired agriculturists of Amwell
W\^ township, was born April 5, 1807, in Can-
\\ -^ onsburg, Washington Co. , Pennsylvania.
v The first of his ancestors to land in
America was the grandfather, Thomas Emery, a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

597

native of the Emerald Isle, who, with his family, im
migrated to eastern Pennsylvania about 1771. He
remained there several years, and finally removing
to Washington county, made his permanent home
near Canonsburg. The children born to this pio
neer were as follows: Joshua, Walter, Phinney,
Jeremiah, Mrs. Nancy Clark and Mrs. Martha
Jamison. Joshua Emery, father of Robert, in early youth
learned the shoemaker's trade, and locating in Can
onsburg, AVashington county, followed the busi
ness for several years, at the same time acting as
riding constable for Washington county. About
1800 he opened a well-known tavern in Canons
burg. He was married to a daughter of John
McGowen, and she bore him the following chil
dren: Boyd, Robert, Matthew, Mrs. Nancy
Anthony, Mrs. Ann Hurst (afterward Mrs. Dr.
Herriott), Mary (wife of Mr. Brown, of Valparaiso,
Ind.), Phinney, Thomas, Gibbs and Mrs. Martha
Pierce, of whom Robert, Ann, Mary and Martha
are yet living.
Robert Emery lived in Canonsburg, Washing
ton Co., Penn., until 1835, when he removed to
Strabane township, and in 1844 located on the
present home of the family in Amwell township.
In 1836 he was united in marriage with Lucinda
Workman, who was born May 15, 1814, a daugh
ter of Robert and Rebecca Workman. Mr. and
Mrs. Emery have been blessed with the following
children: Boyd, born July 17, 1837; Mary Jane,
born August 3, 1839; Georgie Ann, born October
21, 1841 (now deceased); James K., born August
21, 1844, and William, born April 4, 1856 (now
deceased). Boyd Emery, the eldest son of Robert and
Lucinda (Workman) Emery, was married Novem
ber 26, 1863, to Martha H. Thomas, and their
children are William S., born August 19, 1864,
died November 14, 1879; Harriet L. , born Novem
ber 30, 1867, wife of John C.f McCoy, and James
W., born February 2, 1870.' Boyd Emery has
been auditor of Amwell township fifteen consecu
tive years, and his services have been eminently
satisfactory to all. He and his father own a nice
farm situated two and a half miles from the
borough of AArashington, where they are very suc
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. The
family are all members of the Disciple (or Chris
tian) Church, and are honest, upright people,
serving their Creator in their daily lives, as well
as by their profession of faith.

their union were John, Abraham, William L., Eliza
(Mrs. John Powelson) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel
Pascal, of Cross Creek township). The father was
a Democrat in politics.
Abraham Pry was born November 10, 1813, in
Hampshire county, AV. Va. The father died when
Abraham was but four years of age, and the child
was left to struggle through the perplexities of
boyhood unaided, but he secured an education by
dint of perseverance and energy, and when about
twenty-two years of age came to Washington coun
ty, settling in Cross Creek township. He was
there married to Rachel, daughter of David Mc-
Clurg, of Cross Creek township, and they settled
on the farm where they are yet living. The fol
lowing children have been born to their union:
David M., Catherine J. (deceased), John W., Will
iam H. and Joseph M. (twins, the latter of whom
is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased),
Anna M. (deceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and
Francis H. The father of this family was orig
inally a Democrat, then a Whig, finally uniting
with the Republican party, whose principles he
now supports. He attends the Cross Creek Pres
byterian Church, contributing liberally to its main
tenance. William H. Pry was born September 11, 1847,
on the old homestead of the Pry family, situated
half a mile south of Cross Creek village. His boy
hood was passed in attending the common schools
and assisting on the farm. On October 7, 1869,
he was united in marriage with Miss E. J. McFar-
land, who was born in 1851, daughter of Andrew
McFarland, of Cross Creek township, this county,
a tailor by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Pry began their
wedded life in Cross Creek village, and remained
there twelve years, Mr. Pry meanwhile assisting
his father on the farm. He then moved to the
farm where he is now living, having erected a fine
home and out-buildings upon the place. They
have three children: an infant, born in October,
1870; Luella Belle, born February 8, 1874; and
Mary R., born March 15, 1879. Of these children,
Luella Belle is married to ElzaM. Dowler, a prom
ising young farmer of Cross Creek township, and
an estimable young man. In politics Mr. Pry has
followed in the footsteps of his forefathers, and
votes the Republican ticket.

l\ILLIAM H. PRY, a successful young
agriculturist of Cross Creek township, is a
y/ son of Abraham Pry, whose father was a
native of Virginia, and was married in
that State to a Miss Barnes. The children born to

JOHN MORGAN SHARP is one of the lead
ing and influential agriculturists of Cross
Creek township, and owns an extensive and
valuable tract of land, which yields him a
large annual profit. He is a son of John F.
Sharp, whose father's name was also John.
John Sharp (the grandfather of subject) was
born January 1, 1774, in New Jersey, where his
boyhood was passed, afterward moving to Fayette

598

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

county, Penn. On January 26, 1797, he was
wedded in Pennsylvania to Miss Hannah Freeman,
who was born March 26, 1778, and after marriage
they made their first home on a farm in Fayette
county, where four children were born to them,
namely: Mary (wife of James Gardener, of West
Virginia), born November 17, 1797; John F. , born
February 20, 1801; Levi, bom July 1, 1804, and
Ruth (wife of Samuel Gardener, near Eldersville),
born August 18, 1806. Afterward the family
moved to Washington county, Penn., settling on a
farm near Eldersville, where the rest of their chil
dren were born, as follows: Edmund (living in
Sharptown, Ind.), born November 18, 1808; Sarah
(married to Alexander Walker, of Jefferson town
ship, this county), born May 2, 1811; Jane (wife
of John Steene, residing near Eldersville, this
county), born July 14, 1813; Hannah (married to
John Wheeler, a tailor of Jefferson township, this
county), born March 9, 1817, and Elizabeth (Mrs.
John Stephenson, also of Jefferson township), born
March 23, 1819. John Sharp died September 11,
1860, having been preceded by his wife, Hannah,
July 26, 1838, and both are buried in Cross Creek
graveyard. John F. Sharp was seven years of age when he
came to Washington county with his parents.
About 1826 he was united in marriage in West
Virginia, near Steubenville, Ohio, with Miss Nar
cissa Atkinson, daughter of Thomas Atkinson, and
settled on a farm which he purchased from his
father, and upon which they lived over sixty years.
The children born to this marriage were Eliza J.
(Mrs. Nathaniel Halley, of Owen county, Ind.),
born December 18, 1827, Thomas A., born May
14, 1829 (married to Olivia Walker, daughter of
James Walker, of Jefferson township), Absalom,
born March 3, 1831 (married to Lucinda Stephens,
and living in Indiana), Hannah A., born March 18,
1834 (wife of J. G. Walker, son of James Walker,
of Jefferson township), John M. (whose name opens
this sketch), Harriet N. , born April 3, 1843, died
July 13, 1844, and Sarah M., born June 28, 1846,
died February 11, 1850, both of whom were buried
in Cross Creek graveyard. The mother of these
children passed from earth January 10, 1847, and
was laid to rest in Cross Creek graveyard. Mr.
Sharp was afterward married to Maria Price, of
Perry county, Ohio, to which union three children
were bom: Mary E. (wife of W. D. McKay), born
May 30, 1850; Clara R. (wife of Thomas Lindsey,
of Steubenville, Ohio), and Ella S. (married to
John M. Russell, of Smith township, this county).
John F. Sharp died December 19, 1887, and was
buried in Cross Creek graveyard.
John Morgan Sharp was born March 7, 1838,
on the home farm in Cross Creek township, where
his youth was passed. On December 22, 1859,
he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M.

Virtue, of Cross Creek township, who was born
January 23, 1842, daughter of James and Mary
Virtue. William Virtue, father of James, came
from Ireland in pioneer days. To the union of
John Morgan and Sarah M. Sharp the following
children have been born: John -Freeman, born
March 18, 1861; Mary B., born July 12, 1863
(wife of Charles W. Scott, residing . near Bethel
Church, Jefferson township); Flora A., born Au
gust 5, 1865; Hattie May, born December 6, 1868;
Jessie Leola, born March 14, 1876, and Jennie E.
born October 20, 1880. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Sharp resided for twenty years on a farm
in the vicinity, belonging to his father, when, upon
the death of his father, Mr. Sharp moved to the
old home farm near his former residence, and has
since remained on the homestead, which he pur
chased under authority of his father's will at $66
per acre, at which it was appraised. He carried
on an extensive agricultural business, making a
specialty of sheep raising, and now owns 223 acres
of land, also an interest in 550 acres of his father's
estate. In politics he follows the example of his
forefathers, voting the straight Democratic ticket,
and he has held various offices of trust in his town
ship. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church
in Cross Creek village. He is one of the original
stockholders, incorporators and directors in " The
Cross Creek Cemetery Company."

JjOHN W. REED, a prominent and influential
agriculturist of East Pike Run township,
) is a grandson of Samuel and Maria J. Reed,
who lived in Allegheny county, Penn., the
grandfather dying in December, 1869, in his
eighty-seventh year, the grandmother at the age
of about seventy-five years.
Thomas R. Reed, the eldest son of Samuel and
Maria J. Reed, was born October 31, 1816, and in
early life learned the trade of blacksmith, at which
he is still working. " On September 6, 1838, he
was married to Mary Ann Pyle, who was eighteen
years old at the time, and to this union were born
children as follows: Joseph F., born October 11,
1839, by trade a blacksmith; Samuel H., born
March 25, 1841, following carpentry; John W.,
born February 6, 1843; William E., born Decem
ber 5, 1844; Boyd E., born April 30, 1846, a
blacksmith by trade; James W., born July 6,
1848, by occupation a plasterer and contractor;
Thomas Roland, born June 3, 1850, died March
21, 1866; Maria E., born May 21, 1852; Mary J.,
born September 17, 1854, died March 10, 1855,
Albenah A., born March 20, 1856; Cyrus S., born
February 20, 1858, now a blacksmith; Ida M.,
bom February 18, 1860; and Alfred F., born July
19, 1862, also a blacksmith. The mother of this
family, died October 30, 1878. The father now

^* ¦ 

<2i^i 'jm'fc^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

601

lives in Irwin, Westmoreland Co., Penn. He
votes with the Democratic party, and for twenty
years was a justice of the peace at Allenport,
Washington Co., Penn. ; in religious faith he is a
member of the Baptist Church.
John W. Reed was reared to manhood in the
town of Allenport (now Independence), where his
early education was received. He then learned
blacksmithing and boiler making, which trades he
followed until purchasing the farm. In November,
1865, he was married to Sarah A. Wilson, adopted
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Stroud, both de
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. AVilson were the parents of
five children, viz. : Charles, residing in Belle Ver
non, Fayette county; Emily, wife of Joseph Eller,
of Belle Vernon, Fayette county; Mary J., married
to Nathan Werrell, of Fayette county; Jemima,
wife of Abraham Tinley, of Bentleyville, Washing
ton county, and Sarah A. (Mrs. Reed). Mr. and
Mrs. Reed reside on the home farm of 116 acres,
located two miles southeast of Coal Centre, Penn.
During 1862-63 he worked in the navy yard at
Pittsburgh. He and his wife are members of the
Ebenezer M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Reed
affiliates with the Democratic party, is interested
in the progress and welfare of his community, and
has served as school dire^or. He is one of the
directors of the California National Bank. His
house and surroundings are a credit to the owner,
and place him among the thrifty and progressive
men of the county. Mr. Reed has resided upon
his present home since 1890.

If B. KAHL, son of J. D. Kahl, a native of
. I Adams county, Penn., was born September
O 26, 1855, the eldest of his father's family.
^^ He was educated in the schools of California,
this county, and taught for seven years. On
December 29, 1881, he was married to Jeanette L. ,
daughter of David, and granddaughter of Robert
Clark. The latter was born in 1784, in Pennsyl
vania, and married Jeanette Paxton, who also was
born in 1784. They settled in Nottingham township,
where children were born as follows: Margaret,
born in 1806, died in 1853 (married in 1836 to
John Preston); Jane, born in 1808, died in 1853
(married in 1843 to Adam Morrow); Andrew, born
in 1810, died in 1874; Robert, born in 1812, died
in 1892 (married in 1844 to Margaret Mcllvaine) ;
Paxton, born in 1814, died in 1838; John B., born
in 1816, died in 1833; Harriet, born in 1818, died
in 1841 (married in 1841 to Samuel Morrison);
Eliza, born in 1820 (married in 1843 to John Mor
rison), living in Virginia; Sarah, born in 1822, died
in 1882 (married in 1846 to F. C. Morrison); Cas-
endana, born in 1823 (married in 1846 to David
Aiken), living in Washington, D. C, and David, of
whom further mention is made. The mother of

this family died in 1866, having been preceded by
the father in 1850.
David Clark, youngest son of Robert and Jean
ette (Paxton) ^Clark, was born in 1824. In 1854
he was united in marriage with Julia A. Lyda, who
was born in 1832 in this county. He was a farm
er, and in 1862 enlisted in Company D, P. V.,
Ringgold Battalion. He returned home in June,
1863, and died in July of the same year, leaving
two children: Frank and Jeanette L. (Mrs. Kahl).
To the marriage of J. B. and Jeanette L. (Clark)
Kahl one son has been born: Maunice C.

I OHN WELCH was born January 12, 1800,
. ij near McConnell' s Mill, this county. Little
\f\\ else is known of his parents' history except
^^ that they were Scotch emigrants, and became
pioneer settlers of Washington county. After the
death of his father, which occurred when he was a
small boy, John Welch went to live with a brother,
Robert. In 1821 he was married to Elizabeth
Woodburn, who was born in 1802, daughter of
Thomas W. Woodburn, and to their union children
were born as follows: Mary (Mrs. Walter Denny,
of Independence township) ; James M. ; Margaret
(widow of Capt. John F. Beatty, of Carrollton,
Ohio); Jane (Mrs. Thomas Harsha); John D. (a
farmer of Harrison county, Ohio) ; Elizabeth (wife
of AV. G. Fee, of Cherokee, Iowa); Robert C. (de
ceased, a U. P. minister) ; Sarah Ann (Mrs. Will
iam Cockins, of Los Angeles, Cal.), and Thomas
(deceased). During his married life Mr. Welch
resided in Chartiers township, engaged in farming
and stock raising. Politically he was formerly a
Whig, and then a Republican, taking an active
part in the abolition of slavery. He died in 1870,
and was joined by his wife in 1873.
James M. Welch, one of the successful farmers
of Independence township, who has retired from
active life, was born October 2, 1823, in Chartiers
township, on the home farm. He attended the
common schools, and assisted with the farm work
until twenty-one years of age, when, becoming dis
contented at home, he purchased and located on a
piece of land, his sister acting as his housekeeper.
He afterward sold this property at a profit, and re
turned to the home farm. On April 14, 1853, he
was married to Jane Lee, who was born Maich 23,
1828, daughter of John and Mary (Park) Lee, and
they have had the following children : Willard Lee,
JohnS. (who died in infancy), Melissa J. (deceased),
Joseph A. (mentioned below), Annie (Mrs. Finley
Liggett, of Walurba, Penn.), Laura May (living
at home), Mary W. (deceased in youth) and Lizzie
M. (who died in youth). After his marriage, Mr.
Welch resided eleven years near the home farm in
Chartiers township, and in 1864 purchased the " Old
Garrett' ' farm, lying in the eastern central portion

602

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of Independence township, upon which he resided
until 1890, when he purchased an adjoining tract
on the western side, where he is now living a re
tired life. By dint of energy and perseverance,
Mr. Welch now owns over 325 acres of land in In
dependence township, and has been greatly as
sisted by his faithful wife, who has been for several
years a sufferer from rheumatism. Mr. Welch has
also failed in health. Politically he was first a
Whig, and now votes the Republican ticket. Both
he and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope U.
P. Church.
Willabd Lee Welch, eldest son of James M. and
Jane (Lee) Welch, was born January 11, 1854, on
the home farm in Chartiers township. He received
a common-school education, and afterward at
tended Canonsburg Academy, and the Curry In
stitute, of Pittsburgh, Penn. On September 27,
1881, he was united in marriage with Hattie Gour-
ley, who was born July 4, 1859, a native of Brooke
county, W. Va. , daughter of James M. and Cath
erine (Walker) Gourley. After his marriage Mr.
Welch located on the "Andrew Ralston " farm, in
the eastern part of Independence township, and
has since worked upon that place, which adjoins
the home of his father and brother. His farm is
one of the best in the township, and he has erected
a fine dwelling and other buildings upon it. In
politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now
a stanch member of the Prohibition party. He
and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope Church,
in which he is an elder.
Joseph A. Welch, a brother of Willard Lee, was
born January 14, 1859, in Chartiers township,
where he lived five years, and then came with his
parents to Independence township, locating on the
place he now owns. He received a common-school
education, and worked on the farm. On Septem
ber 25, 1890, he was married to Mary B. McNary,
who was born November 29, 1865, daughter of ex-
county commissioner McNary, of Cross Creek town
ship. He then located on the home farm, his par
ents moving to one adjoining it, and now deals
extensively in stock. Politically he is a Repub
lican. He and his wife are members of the Mt.
Hope U. P. Church.

If K. BEDALL, son of Jacob, and grandson
. I of James Bedall, is a native of Washington
PI J county, Penn. James Bedall was born and
reared in eastern Pennsylvania, where he was
married to Elizabeth Moller. They came to
Washington county many years ago, and locating
in Fallowfield township, died on the old homestead.
Jacob Bedall, son of James and Elizabeth, was
born in 1809, on the old place in Fallowfield town
ship, AVashington Co. , Penn. He always resided
on the home farm, to which he brought his bride,

Miss Eleanor Morton, a native of the same place
She died in 1862, leaving five children, of whom
J. K. (the third son) is the only one yet living. After
the death of his first wife Jacob Bedall was married
to Miss Morton, and for his third choice selected
Eliza Jane, daughter of John and Phoebe Richards
early settlers of Washington county. In politics
Mr. Bedall was a Whig and Republican, and in
religious faith a member of the Methodist Epis
copal Church. He died in November, 1887.
J. K. Bedall was born July 1, 1854, on his
present farm in Fallowfield township, Washington
Co., Penn., and attended the district schools of the
vicinity. On April 14, 1892, he was united in
marriage with Anna Eller, daughter of Joseph and
Emily (Wilson) Eller, all of whom were residents
of Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn. Mrs. Bedall
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church;
in political opinion Mr. Bedall is an advocate of
the principles embodied in the Republican party.

|( OHN HORN, a worthy representative of one
. 1 1 of the oldest families of West Bethlehem
PI I township, is a son of Adam Horn, who was
^^ a son of John Horn, Sr . , who was a son of
Christopher Horn, wBb was the first of the name
to locate in West Bethlehem township.
On February 28, 1785, Christopher Horn
patented 340 acres of land on Ten-Mile creek,
which he named "Baltimore. " [The original
patent for this land is now in the possession of
John Horn, the subject of this sketch.] Here he
located, cleared and improved the land, and the
old home he erected, built of logs and slabs, is
still standing, considered to be the oldest house in
the township. By trade he was a blacksmith, and
he made all the nails, hinges, etc., used in the con
struction of the building. He had two children,
John and Jacob, between whom his property was
divided at his death. Of these John was born and
grew to manhood on his father's tract, his educa
tion being such as the period afforded. In his
youth he married a Miss Barbara Young, by whom
he had nine children, viz. : Jacob, John, Chris
topher, Jr. , David, Adam, Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth
and Catherine, all now deceased except Samuel,
who is a farmer of Greene county, Penn. The
mother of this family dying, the father subse
quently married Mary Shape, and the children by
this union were: Susanna, Lydia, Leah, Joel and
Joshua, all yet living except Susanna.
Adam Horn, father of John Horn, the subject
of this sketch, was born on this original tract of
land, and his boyhood was passed in assisting his
father in tilling the soil, and in obtaining such an
education as the subscription schools of that day
afforded. In his youth he learned the trade of a
cooper, at which he was employed for a time, but

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

603

abandoning this occupation he turned his attention
to farming and stock raising, at which he was suc
cessful and prosperous. He purchased the farm
now owned by his son J. M. Horn, and erected
thereon a large and elegant frame residence, and
upon this farm he lived respected and honored by
all until death closed his earthly labors. He was
a consistent and liberal member of the Lutheran
denomination, and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran
Church was erected on land donated by him to
that Society. He married Hester Bonnell, daugh
ter of John Bonnell, then a citizen of AVest Beth
lehem township, but later a resident of Ohio. To
this union were born the following children : Mor
gan, John, Cephas, James Madison, Simeon B.,
Adam, Ann, Elizabeth and Maria; of whom are
living John, James Madison (a merchant near
Zollarsville), Ann (wife of H. White, also residing
near Zollarsville), and Elizabeth.
John Horn was born September 28, 1833, on the
farm adjoining the property on which he now
resides, and grew to manhood in West Bethlehem
township. Being the chief assistant of his father
in his various vocations, his education was some
what limited, but he succeeded in securing not a
little practicable learning. At the breaking out
of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Com
pany D, Eighty-fifth Regiment, P. V. I., under
Capt. Horn, a cousin, Col. Howell commanding.
His company was encamped at Uniontown, Penn.
He was in the following engagements, led by Gen.
MacClellan: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks
and that known as the Seven Days' Fight before
Richmond. On account of impaired health, Mr.
Horn was sent to the general hospital at David's
Island, N. Y. , from which he was discharged after
a year's service, and returning home to West
Bethlehem township, he was for nearly a year un
able to work. After a time, regaining his strength,
he resumed his regular vocation, that of a farmer,
and he has also been engaged extensively in dealing
in wool for the past twenty-five years. On May 16,
1872, Mr. Horn was married to Eliza J. Gayman,
daughter of Joseph and Susanna Gayman, of
West Bethlehem township. Her grandparents
were Daniel and Olivia Gayman, who were pio
neers in this neighborhood and settled in Ten
Mile Valley, not far from the present location of
the village of Zollarsville, at an early date. Mrs.
Horn has four brothers, viz. : Jacob, Thaddeus D. ,
James and Daniel, and one sister named Emma.
They all reside in Washington county, Penn. Mr.
Horn and his wife have the following named
children: Henry D., Joseph G., Alice M., Iris B.
and Eugene, all unmarried and living at home with
their parents. Politically Mr. Horn is a Repub
lican, but he has never sought office. He is
now filling with credit and ability the office of
school director of the township in which he re

sides. His wife, who is a lady well known for her
many virtues, her hospitality and benevolence, is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JACOB ANDREWS, a representative of one of
the oldest and most highly esteemed pio
neer families of Smith township, is de
scended from Irish ancestry. Jeremiah
Andrews, his grandfather, was born, reared
and married in Ireland, coming to America long
before 1800. They located on a wild piece of for
est land, lying about three miles north of Bur
gettstown, Washingtown Co., Penn. , no improve
ments having then been made. Here a rude cabin
was hastily erected, and the couple settled per
manently in their pioneer home, where children
were born as follows: Matthew, Jeremiah, Joseph,
Robert, John, Elizabeth (wife of Nathan Scott),
Catherine (Mrs. Scott) and Nancy (married to
Andrew Carlile).
Jeremiah Andrews, son of Jeremiah, was born
about 1790, on the home farm in Smith township,
where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, re
ceiving a meager education at the common schools
of the period. He was first married to a Miss
Carlisle, of this county, whose children were Jere
miah (deceased, a farmer of Beaver county, Penn.,
who afterward moved to Columbiana county, Ohio),
John C. (also a farmer of Beaver county, "who
lived in Columbiana county, Ohio, for a time,
afterward returning to Beaver county, Penn., where
he died), and Isabella (deceased wife of William
Nichols, a stone mason, who lived in Beaver
county, Penn. , for some time, and then moved to
Kentucky). The mother of these children died,
and for his second wife Jeremiah Andrews was
united in marriage with Catherine Neiswonger, of
Hancock county, W. Va., and the following chil
dren were born to their union : Rachel (Mrs. Francis
McBride, of Ashland county, Ohio), Jacob (sub
ject of this sketch), Elizabeth (wife of James Mc
Millen, of Columbiana county, Ohio), Joseph (a
farmer of Beaver county, Penn.), George H. (a
farmer in California), Susanna (wife of Capt. J.
H. Melvin, of Fairview, W. Va.) and Catherine
(married to W. W. Morrow, of Wellsville, Ohio).
After his marriage Jeremiah Andrews followed
agricultural pursuits on a farm near Fairview, Han
cock Co. , W. Va. He was very successful in his
business, possessing energy, enterprise and good
management, and at the time of his death was one
of the wealthiest citizens of his neighborhood.
Politically he was a lifelong Democrat, but voiced
his opinion by his vote alone, leaving the rising
generation to choose for themselves their political
preference. He was a member and pillar of the U.
P. Church, with which his wife was also connected.
He died in 1856, being followed by his wife in

604

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1875, and the remains of both were laid to rest in
Tomlinson's Run cemetery, Beaver county, Penn.
Jacob Andrews was born September 6, 1828, in
Hancock county, W. Va. , where he received a
common-school education. In 1849 he and his
half brother, John C. , went to Columbiana county,
Ohio, and followed farming, their sister Rachel
acting as housekeeper for her brothers until her
marriage, when Elizabeth (another sister) supplied
her place. In 1856 Jacob sold his interest in the
farm, returning to Hancock county, W. Va. , where
he followed agriculture a short time. On May 3,
1857, he was united in marriage with Hannah
Carlile, of Columbiana county, Ohio. She was
born March 22, 1838, being the tenth in a family
of fourteen children born to John and Margaret
(Hephner) Carlile. John Carlile was a native of
New Jersey, and when but a boy came to Colum
biana county, Ohio, with his parents, Daniel Car
lile and his wife, early settlers of that county. In
early life John was married to Margaret Hephner,
daughter of Henry and Mary (Shoemaker) Heph
ner, the former a native of Germany who settled
in Columbiana county, Ohio, in an early day.
The following children have been born to Jacob
and Hannah (Carlile) Andrews: Josephine (de
ceased in youth) ; William D. (a conductor on the
P. C. C. & St. Louis R. R.); George AV. (a clerk
in the shipping department of the Edgar Thomson
Steel Works, Braddock, Penn.); Luella (deceased
in infancy) ; Lizzie (wife of Barcley S. Fennimore,
of Jewett, Ohio) ; John H. (a conductor on the N.
Y. C. & H. R. R. R); Manda B. (wife of D. C.
Fulton, a farmer of Hanover township, Washing
ton county), and Harvey (deceased at the age of
seventeen years). Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Andrews
began their married life on a farm in Beaver coun
ty, Penn., and in 1864 came to AVashington county,
locating on the farm adjoining Burgettstown,
Smith township, where they are yet living. He
has been a very successful farmer, but of recent
years has taken no active part in the work of the
place. In politics Jacob Andrews has always been
a stanch Democrat. He and his wife are both
highly esteemed citizens of the community in which
they reside.

JAMES M. ROSS is a prominent representa
tive of one of the oldest pioneer families in
AVashington county. Jn 1728 one John Ross
left the shores of Erin to seek a home in
the New World. On arriving in America he
settled permanently on a farm near Germantown,
Penn., where the following children were born and
reared: Thomas, William, John, James, George,
Stephen, Sarah, Jane, Margaret and Mary.
Thomas Ross was born in Chester county, Penn.,
and in 1784 came to a farm near Pittsburgh. In

early life he was married to Jane Miller, a native
of Ireland, who bore him eight children, viz.:
Joshua, Jane, Thomas, John, James, Sarah, Mar
garet and Nancy, all deceased. The father was a
soldier in the Revolutinary war.
Joshua Ross was born about the year 1781 in
Chester county, Penn. , and came with his parents
to the place near Pittsburgh, where his youth was
passed. In 1810 he was united in marriage with
Margaret, daughter of Samuel Emmet, and their
children were Rebecca, Thomas, William B., James
M., Samuel B. (now living in the Twenty-first
Ward of Pittsburgh, Penn.), and John and Johnston
(twins). Mr. Ross was a farmer, and lived on a
place which is now the Twenty-first Ward of Pitts
burgh. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re
ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
James M'. Ross was born in 1819, in what is now
the Twenty-first Ward of Pittsburgh. He was
reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked by the
month for four or five years. When a young man
he was married to Sarah, daughter of JohnMouck,
of Washington county, Penn., aud their children
have been born as follows: John, Joseph (de
ceased), William E., Lewis, George B., Mary and
Adelaide. In 1848 Mr. Ross came to his present
farm in Peters township, which he purchased in
1855. He is actively interested in the welfare of
the Republican party, and in religious faith is a
member of the United Presbyterian Church at
Peters Creek.

F|OLLOCK FAMILY, Historical Sketch of.
' The Pollock family were originally natives
of Scotland, whence one Samuel Pollock,
one of those hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyte
rian pioneers, emigrated many years ago,
landing in America, there making a new home in
the New AVorld. He was born, reared and married
in Scotland, whence, prior to the Revolutionary
war, he and his wife and a brother came to this
country. They landed in New York, where the
brothers separated, thus losing forever all trace of
each other. The one turned his face southward,
while Samuel and his wife, Jane, proceeded west
ward to AVashington county, Penn. , being among
the earliest settlers in the locality. Here he pat
ented a tract of land called "Plenty" (now known
as the James Pollock farm), situated near Clokey-
ville, in North Strabane township, and containing
148 acres, where he passed the rest of his active
pioneer life. The land was wild and uncultivated
when he came to it, and he set to work at once, to
make improvements on it. Indians and wild ani
mals were numerous, and caused frequent annoy
ances; but the hardy settlers were patient as well
as brave, and time brought them a rich harvest, as
a reward for their early years of toil and danger.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

605

They were members of the Covenanter Church.
Samuel Pollock was a man of more than ordinary in
telligence, force and executive ability. At his
death he left three sons — John, Samuel and Will
iam — and four daughters — Margaret, Jane, Nancy
and Grizella. Of the daughters the following is a
brief sketch: Margaret married Alexander Mc
Nary, and located near Cadiz, Ohio; Jane married
John Crowe, and resided in Butler county, Penn. ;
Nancy became the wife of James Pursley, and lived
near West Alexander, this county; Grizella was
married to Robert Johnston, their residence being
some five miles west of Washington on the Middle-
town road. Of the sons: John never left the pa
ternal home, dying there unmarried; Samuel mar
ried Ellen Young, and there were born to them
four sons — John, James, Robert and Samuel — and
five daughters — Jane, Betsey, Sarah, Margaret and
Martha. Jane married James Linn, and resided
near Washington, the county seat, the place now
known as Linntown; Betsey married John Pollock,
a brother of James Pollock, who at one time owned
a large flouring-mill on Brush run, near Thompson-
ville, this county, and who at the time of his death
was treasurer of Washington county, and father of
A. W. Pollock, who succeeded him as county treas
urer, and who is at present a lumber merchant at
Washington, Penn.; Sarah married Hon. Mathew
Linn, and they passed their wedded lives on what
is known as the "Linn Homestead," North Stra
bane township; Margaret (unmarried) died about
six years ago; Martha married James Harbison,
and lived in Bakerstown, Butler Co., Penn. She
is still living, making her home with her son,
Samuel, in Bellevue, Allegheny Co. , Penn. Of the
sons: John married Nancy Hayes, and located
near Uniontown, Belmont Co., Ohio; James and
Robert both went west and settled near Sparta,
111. (were both married); Samuel married Nancy
Bieckenridge, and their home was in New Castle,
Pennsylvania. William Pollock, third son of Samuel and Jane
Pollock, was born iu 1781. He married Nancy,
daughter of John McNary, and they had children
as follows: Jane, John, Samuel, James and Mal
colm Boyd, the latter born February 9, 1817, and
died July 15, 1825. (A record of the others fol
lows this paragraph). William Pollock was born
and spent all his days on the original homestead
near Clokey ville,- which he willed to his youngest
son, James, who now lives thereon, and which
property has been in possession of, and repre
sented by, the Pollock family for five continuous
generations. To his son Samuel he willed the
Alexander Scott farm, containing 208 acres, situ
ated on the State road in North Strabane town
ship. To John and Jane he bequeathed their
amount in money, obligating Samuel and James
to pay them a specified amount, besides giving

them furniture, which they did. William Pollock
was a member of the Associate (Seceder) Church.
When the Pigeon Creek Congregation was organ
ized he was elected one of the ruling elders, which
office he filled till the close of his life. Politically
he was an active worker in the Whig party. He
had an ox-mill built on his farm, which is still
standing, and which is now used by his grandson
as a sheep house. This mill was the first of the
kind in the county, and was erected by a man
named John Calhoun, then living on Peters creek.
It was a tramp-mill of peculiar construction, very
unlike the tramp-mill of the present day. The
platform on which the oxen tramped was circular,
about thirty feet in diameter, into part of which
was placed a shaft at an angle of fifty-five degrees.
The stone burrs were from three to three and one-
half feet in diameter. Dog tramp-mills were made
in much the same manner. This old ox-mill
ground the grain for many years, and as it was fur
nished with great power, people came to it from
considerable distance with their grists packed on
horseback. Nancy (McNary), wife of AVilliam
Pollock, departed this life August 17, 1834; AVill
iam (her husband) died August 3, 1856, in the
seventy-third year of his age. His remains were
laid beside those of his wife in what was then
called the Associate graveyard, now known as
Oak Spring Cemetery, near Canonsburg.
Jane Pollock, only daughter and eldest child of
William and Nancy Pollock, was born January 24,
1810. Her education was limited to common-school
instruction, which was the best afforded ladies
of her day. She married Rev. James Wallace, and
went with him to Logan county, Ohio. Mr. Wallace
was born November 10, 1801, in York, Penn. He
was graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg,
in 1827; studied theology under Rev. Alexander
Bullions, D. D., at Cambridge, N. Y. ; he was li
censed July 9, 1830,Toy the Philadelphia Presbytery ;
was ordained October 25, 1832, by the Miami Valley
Presbytery, and at the ordination was installed
pastor of the Dorby and Cherokee (now Hunts-
ville) Congregations in Logan county, Ohio. In
1839 he was released form Dorby, and gave three -
fourths of his time to Huntsville, and one-fourth
to Bellefontaine. On April 10, 1861, he resigned
his Huntsville charge, on account of infirmities, but
preached occasionally as his health permitted,
making his home at Huntsville, then Bellefontaine,
and finally Belle Centre, all in Ohio. He was a
most excellent man, much blessed in his ministry
and greatly devoted to his work. The last year of
his life he spent in reading the Old Testament en
tirely through, in the original Hebrew. He died
after a few hours' illness, November 30, 1878, at the
residence of his Bon-in-law, W. W. Templeton,
Huntsville, where he had gone on a visit; his wife
had died several years previous, in 1863; their

606

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

remains lie side by side in the cemetery at Hunts
ville, Ohio. They had five children : two daughters
— Mary and Nancy — and three sons — William Pol
lock, David and A. Collins. Mary married W. W.
Templeton, an elder in the United Presbyterian
Church, and resides near Huntsville, Ohio; Nancy
married T. L. Baird, and lives in Allerton, Iowa
(He is a farmer and a member of Session in the
Allerton U. P. Congregation); AVilliam Pollock
was a member of Company D, Forty-fifth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, was wounded in the battle of
Knoxville, Tenn., November 18, 1863, and died
from the effects November 29, 1863; David mar
ried Jennie Reed, and lives on part of the Wallace
homestead farm near Huntsville, Ohio; A. Collins,
married to Arabella Peoples, is a druggist located
in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
John Pollock, oldest son of William and Nancy
Pollock, was born in January, 1811. In boyhood
he attended the subscription schools of his time,
which was the extent of his educational advantages,
but being possessed with considerable natural abil
ity he was enabled to meet the demands of life
with a marked degree of success. When a young
man he went to Logan county, Ohio, where he took
up land, and in the spring of 1835 he married Jane
Elder, a native of said county. To them were
born eight children — three sons and five daughters
— namely: Rebecca, Nancy, Margaret, Mary and
Narcissa, and James Wallace, William E. and
John A. Rebecca married Robert Smart, May,
1869, and died August, 1870; Nancy married David
C. Carson, December 29, 1867 (he died November 7,
1874) ; Mrs. Carson and her three children reside in
Cleveland Ohio. Margaret and Mary (unmarried)
live in Huntsville, Ohio; Narcissa married James
Peoples, a prosperous farmer near Huntsville,
Ohio, and a ruling elder in the United Presbyte
rian Congregation of said place; James Wallace
was a member of the Forty-fifth Ohio Regiment
during the Civil war (spent fourteen months in Rebel
prison, being captured at Philadelphia Fort, Tenn. ;
spent six months in Andersonville, the remainder
of the time at Belle Isle, Charleston, Florence (S.
C), etc. ; after his return from the army he married
Nettie Anderson, and they reside on the ' ' Anderson
Hill " farm near Cedarville, Ohio; he is at present
one of the county commissioners of Greene county,
and an elder in the U. P. Church, Cedarville) ; Will
iam Elder is a coal merchant in Chicago, III. ; Rev.
John A. married Jessie Small, and resides in In
dianapolis, Ind. Mr. Pollock was elected a mem
ber of Session in the Huntsville Congregation dur
ing the pastorate of his brother-in-law, Rev. James
Wallace. He died August 27, 1868, and his re
mains lie in the cemetery at Huntsville, Ohio, be
side those of his wife, who died in December, 1872.
Samuel Pollock, second son of AVilliam and Nancy
(McNary) Pollock, was born January 16, 1813, on

the original homestead in North Strabane township
the same farm where his father first saw the light
of day, and which his grandfather had bought from
the Indians, in the early times. On September 1
1840, he married Esther McNary, eldest daugh
ter of John and Jane Hill McNary (whose record
appears elsewhere in this history), and they passed
the first years of their wedded life on the Alex
ander Scott farm already alluded to, being part of
the original Judge McDowell tract of 440 acres all
of which they afterward succeeded in purchasing.
In the spring of 1858, having a desire to secure
better educational advantages for their children,
they purchased the fine residence of the Rev. A.
B. Anderson, D. D., and moved to Canonsburg,
where they spent the remaining days of their life.
They were the parents of seven children, namely:
James Wallace, Jennie Hill, John McNary, Will
iam B., Samuel Murray (who died in boyhood),
Oliver Collins and Alexander Clark. In his youth
Samuel Pollock was one of the leaders in the sports
of the community, being a prominent participant
at the husking bees, flax scutchings, wood chop-
pings, log rollings and similar amusements of that
day. He served seven years in the militia, and
was a member of what was known as the " Ginger
Hill Troops." In middle life he was hard to excel
in the grain-field — in reaping and cradling grain.
On one occasion, when his wheat had got very ripe,
he was known to cut (with the cradle) 102 dozen
sheaves in less than six hours. He was a robust
man, weighing 170 pounds, and stood five feet ten
inches in height; he was quick in his movements,
and possessed wonderful endurance. Financially,
he was remarkably prosperous. Notwithstanding
his father' s will entitled him to the Alexander Scott
farm, yet this tract had been but recently pur
chased, and but partially paid for, and it was only
by the "sweat of his brow," together with his
strict honesty and his unswerving integrity of pur
pose, that he was not only enabled to possess a
clear title to said farm, but was enabled to add
tract to tract until at the time of his death he
ranked as one of the wealthiest landowners in the
community. He was a most public-spirited man,
but never an aspirant for any public office or no
toriety of any kind, yet at the solicitation of friends
he served most of his life in filling various town
ship offices. Mr. Pollock was one of the founders
of the Republican party in Washington county, and
in the winter of 1856 went to Pittsburgh in order
to secure a lecturer on the subject; helping to pay
for the same out of his own pocket. He was one
of the committee who were instrumental in getting
Dr. Le Moyne, of Washington, to make the first
abolition speech in Canonsburg, which was de
livered from the steps of David Templeton's resi
dence, afterward known as " Olome Institute,'
which he finally purchased, and carried on for

 \Hh

fjg0^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

609

several years, at his own expense, as a Female Sem
inary. (It was situated on the site -now occupied
by the First Presbyterian church of Canonsburg).
During the Fremont campaign of 1856, when a
great political wagon was built and decorated in
the yard surrounding his barn, and when on the
night before the parade the neighboring Democrats
undertook to destroy it, he, with a few other stanch
Republicans, defended the wagon with an iron
poker, amid the breaking of ribs, shoulders, noses
etc., he coming out of the melee unharmed and
victorious. The following day the wagon was
driven to Canonsburg by his brother, James Pol
lock, drawn by ten gray horses, and conveying
thirty- three patriotic young ladies, dressed to rep
resent the thirty-three States in the Union. He
was very loyal to his country, and in the time of
the great struggle of the Rebellion, too old him
self to enlist, he permitted his oldest son, James
W., a youth under age, to buckle on the armor,
and help save the great Republic. In his youth
he joined the Seceder Church at Pigeon Creek, un
der the pastorate of Rev. Alexander Wilson. After
his marriage he connected with the Chartiers Se
ceder (now known as the Chartiers United Presby
terian) Congregation at Canonsburg, in which he
was elected a ruling elder February 15, 1854,
which office he held during the remainder of his
life. He was one of the prime factors in erecting
the present edifice known as Chartiers U. P.
Church, at Canonsburg, in 1869-70; paying the
largest subscription, besides working gratis and
prevailing on others to do likewise. His home at
Canonsburg was (in the words of Rev. Samuel
Taggart, D. D.): "A minister's free hotel; even
the minister' s horse knew the place to turn into as
he traveled the road. " He was the original mover
in the organization of the Oak Spring Cemetery
Company. Being chosen first president of said
association, he served in that capacity until his
death. He died July 4, 1883, in the seventy-first
year of his age, and November 9, 1890, his wife,
Esther (McNary) Pollock, died in the seventy- sixth
year of her age, and was laid by his side in the
Oak Spring Cemetery, which he had been so in
strumental in establishing and ornamenting.
James Wallace Pollock, county commissioner,
one of the prominent citizens of the borough of
Washington, and oldest son of Samuel and Esther
(McNary) Pollock, is a native of North Strabane
township, AVashington Co., Penn., born October
10, 1841, in the historic old log house erected,
owned and occupied by Judge McDowell, and
where Dr. McMillan (according to the record in
his journal) preached his first sermon west of the
Alleghany mountains, on the fourth Sabbath of
August, 1775. The place is designated as "Mount
Pleasant" in the original patent, which states that
the amount paid was "the sum of six pounds

twelve shillings for a tract containing 440 acres,
with allowance of six per cent, for roads, etc.,
which was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant
granted to John McDowell, Sr. , dated October 29,
1784, clear of all restrictions and reservations ex
cept the one-fifth part of all gold and silver ore for
the use of the Commonwealth to be delivered at
the pit's mouth clear of all charges."
Mr. Pollock received his education at the com
mon schools of the district, and at Jefferson Col
lege. In April, 1858, his parents moved to Can
onsburg, where he attended college until August,
1862, when he, with many other fellow students,
under the leadership of Col. Frazier (then pro
fessor of mathematics in said college), laid aside
their books, girded on the armor, and marched
forth at their country's call to save it from rebel
wrongs. Mr. Pollock served with distinction both
in the ranks and at Gen. Hancock's headquarters,
and was one of the very few who was seldom sick,
and he never missed a day's duty from the time he
joined the army in 1862 until the surrender of Lee
at Appomattox in 1865. At the latter he was
present with three cousins — William T. Pollock,
Rev. George R. Murray and Thomas M. McNary
— all of whom, remarkable as it may seem, are still
living. Although there was not a battle their
regiment, the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I.,
participated in from the time it joined the army of
the Potomac in the fall of 1862, and prior to the
battle of Chancellorsville, until the final struggle
at Appomattox Courthouse, in April, 1865, but
what some of the cousins, and generally all, were
present, yet none of them was the least hurt ex
cept Rev. Murray, who received a slight wound on
the historic wheat field at Gettysburg.
On Mr. Pollock's return home after the close of
the war, at his father's urgent request he took
charge of the homestead (Alexander Scott farm),
which he now owns, and engaged in agricultural
pursuits, including the raising of fine stock, event
ually succeeding in becoming one of the most ener
getic and successful farmers in the county. Being
alive to every interest, he was often called on to
fill positions of trust. Mr. Pollock resided on his
farm in North Strabane township until the spring
of 1892, at which time he leased it and moved into
the city, in order to school his children, and that
he might more conveniently perform the duties re
quired of him as county commissioner. He has
been a Republican ever since the organization of
the party, and was many times chairman of the
township committee and member of the county
committee. In 1890, at the suggestion of his
many friends, he consented to become a candidate
for the office of county commissioner, and suc
ceeded in being nominated and elected that same
year. When quiteayoung manhebecameamember
of Chartiers Seceder (now U. P. ) Church, and many

610

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

times since has been chosen trustee of that congre
gation. During the erection of their present com
modious edifice in Canonsburg, he was secretary
of the board of trustees. He was one of the advo
cates and leaders in starting and establishing what
is now a very flourishing and prosperous U. P.
Congregation at Houstonville, in which he is a rul
ing elder.
James W. Pollock and Miss Mary T. McNary
(daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Templeton)
McNary, born January 24, 1848) were united in
marriage December 5, 1867, and ten children — six
sons and four daughters — have been born to them,
viz. : Fannie Luella, Ulysses Samuel, Maggie Es
ther, D. M. B. McLean, Ernest James, Harry Ed
gar, Annie McNary, AVilliam Wallace, Deurell
Smiley, and Mary Osee, all yet living with their
father in Washington. Mrs. Pollock (a most ami
able and lovely woman) died February 7, 1890,
from a stroke of paralysis, superinduced by an
attack of " la grippe."
Jennie Hill Pollock, only daughter of Samuel
and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born October 8,
1843, in the old log house of "Historic renown,"
on the State road, North Strabane township,
known as the "Old Judge McDowell house," and
at present owned by her youngest brother, Alexan
der Clark. So fond was she of her books and her
school, that even in childhood days no greater pun
ishment could be inflicted upon her than to
require her to absent herself from school for a
day. Her education was limited to common-school
instruction until the fall of 1857, when she entered
Washington Female Seminary — Mrs. Sarah R.
Hanna, principal. At the age of seventeen she
received her diploma from this institution with
honor, her grade in scholarship entitling her to be
the valedictorian of a class numbering twenty-one
members. This honor she declined, thus confer
ring it upon another. She united with the Char
tiers (Seceder) Church under the pastorate of Rev.
J. B. Clark, D. D., when fifteen years of age. At
present she is a member of the Greenside Avenue
(United Presbyterian) Congregation, Canonsburg,
Penn., Rev. D. R. McDonald, pastor. She has
filled various public offices, being treasurer of the
Ladies' Presbyterial Missionary Society, and sent
(in the spring of 1890) by this association as their
representative to the Women's General Missionary
Convention of the United Presbyterian Church,
which met in Washington, Iowa. She has held
continuously different offices in the State and
county work in the Women's Christian Temper
ance Union, ever since its organization. She is a
ready writer, and a few sketches from her pen have
found their way into print. Miss Pollock is noted
as a most faithful and efficient church worker.
AVhen about fifteen years of age she began teach
ing in the Sabbath-school, and since that time has

continuously taught. For some years she in
structed two -classes each Sabbath: one in the
colored school, the other in her own church school-
besides being a regular attendant at other divine
services, and an untiring worker in mission bands
Young People's Societies, and other departments
of church enterprises. She, with her brother
Alexander Clark, spent the winter of 1884-85 trav
eling in the South, visiting New Orleans Exposi
tion, and other points of interest. Her home has
always been with her parents, nursing and caring
for them in their old age until ' ' God took them to
Himself." At present she owns and resides in the
home mansion, No. 504 West Pike street, Canons
burg, Penn. , originally known as the " Dr. Ander
son homestead."
John McNary Pollock, second son of Samuel
and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born January 2,
1846, in North Strabane township, this county, on
the farm now owned by his brother A. C, being
part of the tract patented by Judge McDowell,
called " Mt. Pleasant." Although a farmer's son,
John Pollock has enjoyed unusual educational ad
vantages, his parents being progressive citizens,
who believed a thorough literary training to be
essential to the highest success in any business.
AVhen John was a lad of twelve years his parents
moved to Canonsburg, where he attended college
for three years, then returned to the farm for a
short time. He afterward took a course in book
keeping at Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh,
Penn. , graduating therefrom with honors. In the
spring of 1869 he settled permanently on the farm
in North Strabane township, the greater part of
which he inherited from his father, and has since
devoted his time to rural pursuits. On November
14, 1872, he was united in marriage with Mary
Jane Templeton, who was born October 20, 1846,
daughter of John and Rachel (Rankin) Templeton,
and he located on the farm on which he still
resides. Excepting the few years spent in obtain
ing an education he, by hard manual labor, and at
the sacrifice of his nerves, was his father's main
support in all his labors and business transactions.
Although he at present enjoys comparatively good
health, his physical condition gives evidence of the
sacrifice made. To the union of John McNary Pol
lock and Mary Jane (Templeton) the following
children have been born: Edith Jane McNary,
Mary Esther, John Templeton, Nettie Elmira (de
ceased), Lawrie Samuel, Junietta Luella, and
Clara Matilda (deceased). Mr. Pollock follows in
the footsteps of his forefathers, and casts his
ballot for the Republican party. He and his
family worship with the Chartiers United Presby
terian Congregation, Canonsburg, Penn., of which
he, his wife and two oldest children are members.
He is a member of the board of trustees in said
congregation, serving in this office a number ot

1«fr

%.<?

W

<7

t

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

613

years, having been first elected in 1878. He was
chosen a member of the first choir in Chartiers
Congregation, but resigned when married, after
serving four years. He has always been a con
sistent worker and energetic supporter of the
Church. The wife and mother of this family was
" called to her reward " since the above sketch was
written. A very amiable and highly esteemed
woman, she died February 15, 1893. Her remains
are laid by the side of her two children in Oak
Spring Cemetery.
William B. Pollock, third son of Samuel and
Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born May 26, 1843,
in the old log house built byr Judge McDowell,
the house in which the first sermon, preached west
of the Alleghany mountains, was delivered by Rev.
John McMillan in August, 1775, in North Stra
bane township, Washington Co., Penn. He re
ceived his education in the graded schools of
Canonsburg and Duff's Commercial College,
Pittsburgh, from which latter he graduated with
honors in 1869. On February 11, 1875, at 6:30
a. m., he was united in marriage by Rev. W. L.
Wallace, D. D. , with Miss Hettie Alverta Murray,
daughter of Capt. James and Mary C. (Johnston)
Murray, a sketch of whose family follows. Six
children were born to this union — three living and
three buried in Oak Spring Cemetery, namely:
Mary Johnstdo, born November 19, 1875, died
April 16, 1876; Samuel Murray, born May 20,
1877, attending school at Canonsburg, and a
member of the U. P. Church ; Cleonie Estella, born
October 3, 1881; Ariadne, born February 19,
1884, died August 26, 1887; Rose, born September
20,1886, died May 15, 1890; and Clara Jennie,
bom February 15, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock
are members of the Canonsburg United Presby
terian Church, in which Mr. Pollock was elected a
ruling elder December 22, 1892. He has held
various local offices of trust in the township, but
aspires to no political position, preferring a life of
domestic felicity. He is a stockholder in the First
National Bank at Canonsburg, also in the Western
Pennsylvania Agricultural Association at Wash
ington. He is a member and treasurer of the Na
tional Delaine Merino Sheep Association of
Washington county; elected treasurer 1891. In
that year he was appointed as a committee to rep
resent the association at Chicago, 111., at the
Columbian Exposition Commission, to arrange for
the World's Fair of 1893. He was sent to meet
with the United States Association in 1890, at
Steubenville, Ohio, also to meet the same associa
tion at the same place in 1892. He lived three
years in the old Olome Institute building, in Can
onsburg, which was a gift to him from his father.
On the Murray Hill farm, on which he now resides
with his family, Mr. Pollock built a fine residence,
and in addition to this farm of 270 acres, he owns

one of 100 acres on Plum run, in Chartiers town
ship, known as the " Old Hayes farm." In connec
tion with general agriculture, he is engaged in the
raising of fine-bred sheep and cattle, making a
specialty of American Red-Polled cattle, and Na
tional Delaine Merino sheep. Mr. Pollock ranks
among the leading business men of the country,
and is respected and honored by all.
Oliver Collins Pollock, the fifth son of Samuel
and Esther (McNary) Pollock, whose ancestral his
tory precedes this sketch, was born on the Alex
ander Scott farm in North Strabane township (at
present owned by James W. Pollock), on Octo
ber 15, 1852. He attended Christy's school when
but four years of age. When his parents moved
to Canonsburg in 1858, he attended high school;
studied under Colfelt and Stevenson; attended
Dickson and Dunbar's Academy during 1869-70;
Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington,
Penn., 1871-72; Westminster College, at New
Wilmington, Penn., 1873-74, where he graduated
with honor on June 16, 1874, in a class containing
thirty- three students. While attending the United
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Allegheny,
being struck with gold fever, from reports of the
Black Hills, and wishing free transportation, on
November 20, 1875, he enlisted in the United
States Cavalry Service; the next day he was sent to
Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, Mo. , transferred
to Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo. ; assigned to Com
pany M, Third U. S. Cavalry, under Capt. Anson
Mills, on January 9, 1876; took part in the winter
campaign against the Sioux Indians, leaving Fort
D. A. Russell on February 20, and Fort Fetter-
man March 1, and returning the 26th with the
thermometer averaging twenty -six degrees below
zero, the greatest cold being on the night of the
16 and 17th of March (St. Patrick's day), when
the thermometer registered forty-five degrees
below zero. They were on a forced march of
twenty-four hours' duration to attack Crazy
Horse's village, at the mouth of Otter creek in
Dakota, said village containing 110 tepees or 600
warriors, which was destroyed March 17, 1876.
The expedition took part in the summer cam
paign under Brig. -Gen. George Crooke (noted
Indian fighter of the plains) against Sitting Bull
and Crazy Horse' s combined forces, [It was dur
ing the time of this campaign that Gen. Custer
and men of the Seventh U. S. Cavalry were
massacred,] being encamped within fifty or
sixty miles of the death-trap, at the headwaters
of Powder river, at the foot of Big Horn, mount
ains, awaiting communications with Brig. -Gen.
Terry. They were engaged June 17, 1876, in a
whole day's running fight with Sitting Bull's and
Crazy Horse's entire band of 3,300 warriors on
Rose Bend river, at the mouth of Dead Man's
Canon, Montana, within three miles of the death-

614

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

trap, and they escaped it only through the sagacity
of their noted guide — Frank Guiard. From their
supply camp they started on the 5th of August,
with fifteen days' rations, on Indian trails to
avenge Gen. Custer's death, and following the
trail into the Bad Lands of Dakota, the trail be-.
coming dim, they lost the trail and themselves in
those alkali lands, where no wood thicker than rose
bush stalks appears, and the water is like the lyes
from wood ashes. Running out of rations, and no
wild game accessible, they were compelled to live
on rose buds and horseflesh to appease their hun
ger and quench their thirst. Having escaped
from the Bad Lands, they came upon and destroyed
American Horse's village of 104 tepees at Shin
Battle, S. Dak., on September 9, 1876; which
being rich in dried meat and ponies, they lived
passably well until they arrived at Belle Touche
river, near where Fort Meade now Btands, about
September 20, where they procured supplies from
the citizens of Crooke's City in the Black Hills.
Here they were issued raw beef, flour and green
coffee to make a meal, each man having in his pos
session cooking utensils, consisting of a tin plate,
a quart tin cup and a knife and fork. They re
mained in Crooke, Dead wood Hill and Custer cities
until their supply train arrived on the 5th of
October, just two months after leaving this place
at the foot of Big Horn mountains. By this time
Mr. Pollock had learned that " all is not gold that
glitters," and that gold could not be picked up by
the handful in the Black Hills; yet being young,
and liking the roving and exciting life of a cavalry
man in the West, he preferred to stay with Uncle
Sam, and served five years. He came to Camp
Sheridan, near Spotted Tail Agency, in the last of
October, and soon thereafter, Crazy Horse having
surrendered, came to Red Cloud Agency,and stayed
over winter, when, becoming tired of Gov. Chuck,
and desiring the free and roving life of the prairie,
he and a few followers started north, but were
overtaken and captured near Spotted Tail Agency
by Indian soldiers about 8 o'clock in the evening.
Mr . Pollock, known to be a reckless rider, was de
tailed (no one else being willing to volunteer) to
carry the news to Fort Robinson at Red Cloud
Agency. At night and alone, in order to insure
secrecy, and being given direction not to spare
horseflesh, he made the distance of forty-five miles,
arriving at Fort Robinson about midnight. He
was present next day when Crazy Horse, having
refused to be placed in the white man's guard
house by Capt. Kennington, received his death
wound. That night (the pickets being doubled)
about midnight, the Indians at the agency took up
the death-song (he having expired). A shot was
fired somewhere on the picket lines, and thinking
the Fort was attacked, officers' and soldiers' wives
came running into the soldiers' quarters in their

nightclothes, exclaiming "for God's sake save us."
It took Mr. Pollock four days to return to Camp
Sheridan with the horse (which never recovered)
He was present in 1877 when the Third Cavalry so
gallantly headed off, captured and subdued the
Cheyenne Indians, whose leaders were Wild Hog
and Yellow Hand. He was with the soldiers in
removing Spotted Tail and Red Cloud bands of
Sioux Indians to the Old Ponco Reservation on the
Missouri river, in the fall of 1877, and to what is
now known as Pine Ridge Agency in the spring of
1878. Afterward be was stationed at Fort Sidney
Neb., on the Union Pacific Railroad; at Fort Mc
Kinney, Wyo. ; at Camp Rawlins, on the Union
Pacific Railroad, after Maj. Thornburg's (pay
master) massacre by the Piute Indians, Novem
ber, 1879; at Fort Laramie and at Fort D. A.
Russell, Wyo. , where he was honorably discharged
November 19, 1880, at the expiration of five years'
service (Capt. Deane Monahan,commander of Com
pany M, Third Cavalry). Mr. Pollock came back
to Pennsylvania, and engaged in rural pursuits.
On December 3, 1880, he was married to Anna
Bell Weaver, who was bom November 13, 1854, a
daughter of Thomas Dell and Eliza (Caldwell)
Weaver. In the spring of 1881 they set up house
keeping in the old Judge McDowell historic man
sion, now owned by A. C. Pollock. In 1884,
having inherited from his father a portion of the
Judge McDowell tract, known as "Mount Pleas
ant," he erected thereon a domicile, moving to the
same December 18, 1884, and here he still resides.
Mr. Pollock has held different offices of trust,
serving as auditor, tax collector, etc. ; at present
he is filling the office of committee of a lunatic,
and guardian of minor children ; of that of notary
public, having been appointed to said office by the
governor of Pennsylvania. He is an ardent and
stanch upholder of the principles of the Republican
party. To the union of Oliver Collins Pollock and
Anna Bell Weaver the following children — five
girls and four boys — were born : Bessie Jeanette,
Viola Pearl, Oscar Dell, Eliza Weaver, Lucy
Esther, Edna Loretta (died at the age of four
months), Adez Clark, Earl Collins and Samuel
Blaine MacDonald. Mr. Pollock worships with
the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Congrega
tion, whose church edifice is situated on Greenside
avenue, Canonsburg, Penn., himself, wife and old
est daughter being members of said congregation.
Alexander Clark Pollock, youngest child of
Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born on
the farm now owned by his brother, James Wal
lace Pollock, situated in North Strabane township,
this county. He is unmarried and makes his
home with his sister Jennie H. Pollock, Canons
burg, Penn. He owns the homestead farm, on
which is the famous log house erected by Judge
McDowell in bygone days, and in which his

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

615

parents lived the first eleven years of their mar
ried life. This house is built of hewn logs, per
fectly joined together; is 40x60 feet square, two
stories in height; contains seven rooms, all the in
side work — ceilings, partitions, cup-boards, floors,
door, etc. — made of finished walnut lumber. The
whole structure, being completed in the best me
chanical manner, was considered in those times a
very fine edifice. Said farm (belonging to A.
Clark Pollock) is part of the tract patented as
"Mount Pleasant" in the year 1784. It is situ
ated in North Strabane township, three and one-
half miles south of Canonsburg, this county, on
the State road known in times prior to railroad
transportation, as the Drove road, from east to
west, and was headquarters for travelers in those
days. The old log house still remains, and is
used as the dwelling house on the farm. Having
recently been repaired, it is in a good state of pres
ervation, and is a comfortable residence. A. Clark
Pollock is a progressive business man, and has
held a number of positions of trust — such as chief
burgess, bookkeeper, treasurer of various associa
tions, guardian for a number of children, etc. He
is a member of Greenside Avenue United Presby
terian Church, Canonsburg, Penn., which congre
gation he is now serving as treasurer. He has
always been actively interested in the success of
the Republican party. Has served two consecutive
terms as chief burgess of Canonsburg, Penn.,
being the youngest man ever elected to the office.
He is a stockholder in the Oak Spring Cemetery
Company, made so by the will of his mother, to
whom it was left by her husband (Samuel Pollock),
who was one of the organizers of the company.
After the death of his father, he was given power
of attorney by his mother over her stock, and
elected by said company one of the business di
rectors, in which capacity he has served ever since,
being re-elected some ten consecutive years. He
has been a member of the National Guard of Penn
sylvania for a number of years; is at present
quartermaster-sergeant of Company H, Tenth
Regiment, and experienced a little of soldier life
in the recent riots in his State. He is a hearty,
robust man, seemingly in the prime of life.
James Pollock, a well-known farmer in North
Strabane township, a representative of one of the
oldest pioneer families of the county and a native
of the same, is the third and youngest son of Will
iam and Nancy (McNary) Pollock, and is the only
member of the family now living. He was bom
September 19, 1815, on the ancestral farm (which
he now owns) situated near Clokey, this county.
He received his education at the subscription
schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace, and
was reared to agricultural pursuits. He was an
attentive and apt scholar, and succeeded in becom
ing proficient in the fundamental branches of

study. On December 19, 1837, he was united in
marriage with Abigail, daughter of James Thome,
and they had two children: William and Abigail
(twins), born September 28, 1840; William mar
ried Sarah Barr, December 4, 1867; Abigail mar
ried John C. McNary, May 20, 1868. The mother
of these two children died March 3, 1843, aged
thirty-three years, and was buried in the Pigeon
Creek Church graveyard. On August 19, 1846,
Mr. Pollock married Ellen Y., daughter of James
Linn, of South Strabane township, two daughters
being the result of this union, viz. : Jane L. , born
May 4, 1847, married November 8, 1882, to James
S. McNary, Jr., of Peters township, this county,
and Nannie McN., born September 6, 1848, mar
ried October 18, 1870, to Milton O. Brownlee, of
this county. The mother of these two girls died
April 23, 1885, and was buried in the cemetery at
Pigeon Creek. Mr. Pollock, like his forefathers,
is a strict churchman, and believes it to be his-
duty and privilege to support religious enterprises.
He and his family have been members of the
United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek for
many years, and he has long been a ruling elder
in same. He is the only person now living in
the congregation that was a member of it when he
connected with it in his youth. In politics he was
formerly a AVhig, and since the formation of the
party a Republican; though rendering valuable aid
to his party, he has never accepted any party of -
fice. Mr. Pollock still owns and lives on the orig
inal ancestral Pollock tract, patented "Plenty,"
and situated near Clokey, Washington Co., Penn.,
which is now superintended by his only son, Will
iam. He (William) is a Republican, and during
the war of the. Rebellion he served in Company G,
One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I.
After he returned from the army he married Sarah
Barr, to which union have been born five children,
thus representing the third, fourth and fifth gener
ations of the Pollock family now living on the farm
patented "Plenty."
QEORGE MURRAY, of Washington county,
was born at Marsh Creek, near Gettysburg,
Adams Co., Penn. His grandfather was Rev.
George Murray, of Lockerbie, Scotland, and
the following is the epitaph on his gravestone
in the kirkyard of Shundergarth; " Here lies depos
ited the earthly part of the Rev. George Murray,
late minister of the Gospel of the Associate Congre
gation of Annandale, at Lockerbie, who died April
1, 1757, in the 42d year of his age, and fourteenth
of his ministry. Meekness and zeal mutually
qualifying each other in their steadfast adherence
to the faith of the Gospel and to the Testimony
for Scotland's Reformation amidst the general op
position to both — were his distinguishing charac
teristics."

616

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Rev. John Murray, father of George Murray,
above spoken of, was born in 1748 at Lockerbie,
in the valley of the Annan, Dumf rieshire, Scotland,
where his father Rev. George Murray, was pastor
of the Associate (Antiburgher) Congregation; he
was graduated at Glasgow University, and studied
theology in the Associate Hall at Alloe; was li
censed in the summer of 1773 by the Presbytery of
Sanquhar. On the 2d of the following Septem
ber he was appointed to go to America, and be
fore the month was out sailed from Glasgow. He
was ordained April 17, 1776, by the Associate
Presbytery of Pennsylvania; was pastor of Marsh
Creek Congregation, near Gettysburg, Adams Co.,
Penn., from November 2, 1777, until his death
which occurred in the summer of 1785. He left
two children, Mary and George. His wife was
Eliza Johnston, youngest child of Thomas John
ston, of Pequea, Salisbury township, Lancaster
Co., Penn.
The parents of George Murray (whose name
opens the sketch) dying when he was quite young,
he and his sister Mary (afterward Mrs. James Clark,
of Mercersburg, Penn.) were reared in the home
of their maternal uncle, Thomas Johnston,
of Lancaster county, afterward of near Mercers
burg, Penn. There he grew to manhood and
acquired the trade of cabinet maker. Seeking
his fortune in western Pennsylvania, he settled at
Darlington. After he had been there a short time
he came to Washington county, to attend the mar
riage of Rev. David Imbrie and Miss Jane Reed.
Shortly afterward he returned for the bridesmaid,
Miss Mary Reed (first cousin of the former Miss
Reed), and took her back as his bride November 28,
1805. In 1811 he disposed of his town property
in Darlington, came to Washington county and
purchased a farm called "Lovely Banks," two
miles northeast of Canonsburg (a part of which is
now Van Eman Station). He improved this place by
building a large brick house and frame barn on it
(the same now owned by Mr. Greer). Afterward he
bought several adjoining tracts of land, one of
which is now included in the northern part of the
Pennsylvania Reform School farm. He was a man
of thrift and honesty, pious and upright in his de
portment, an humble and devout Christian; a sub
stantial pillar of the Associate Presbyterian (Char
tiers) Church of Canonsburg, and for many years
one of its influential elders and liberal supporters.
He died June 17, 1832, in the fiftieth year of his
age. He and his wife and children (except John
and Maria) are interred in Oak Spring cem
etery (formerly Chartiers graveyard), Canons
burg, Penn. His wife, Mary Reed, daughter of
David and Margaret (May) Reed, of near Venice,
Washington county, was known by all for her kind
ness and hospitality. The " proverbial " praise of
the virtuous woman could aptly be ascribed to her,

for, " She looked well to the ways of her household
and ate not the bread of idleness." She died No
vember 13, 1846, in the sixty-second year of her
age. Their children were as follows: Margaret
born January 1, 1807, Eliza, born January 2l'
1809, John, born July 31, 1810 (all three born at
Darlington, Penn.); David, born March 18, 1813
Maria, bom January 9, 1815, James and George
(twins), born October 20, 1816, Dr. Thomas John
ston, born January 7, 1819, and Martha, born De
cember 2, 1821 (all six born at Canonsburg, Penn.).
Of these Margaret married William H. McNary
and died at her residence in Canonsburg, June 6
1882; Eliza married David Templeton, and lived
in Canonsburg until after the death of her hus
band, March 6, 1869. After 1872 she made her
home with her daughter, Mrs. M. R. Johnston, at
Mercersburg, Penn. Early in life she connected
herself with the Associate Presbyterian Church,
and later with the Chartiers United Presbyterian
Church, and gave liberally of her means for the
spreading of the Gospel. She and Mrs. Esther
Pollock were for many years prominent members
of the first Bible Society of Canonsburg. At the
time of her death she was a member of the Cen
tral United Presbyterian Church at Omaha, Neb.
Modest and retiring in her disposition, her kindness
of heart, her gentle manner and sincere piety
caused her to be loved and respected by all. She
died March 20, 1891, at the residence of her son-
in-law, Thomas C. Johnston, Council Bluffs, Iowa,
in the eighty-third year of her age. She left three
children, Margaretta Reed Templeton, Caroline
and George Murray Templeton. Margaretta Reed
Templeton graduated at Washington Seminary.
She married Thomas C. Johnston, and spent the
greater part of her married life at Mercersburg,
Penn., but in 1889 she finally moved to Iowa. At
an early age she became connected with the As
sociate , Presbyterian Church. She died April 24,
1891, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the fifty-sixth
year of her age. She leaves one son — A. M. John
ston — and one daughter — Ella E. Johnston. Car
oline Templeton graduated at Washington Semi
nary, was a member of the Associate Presbyterian
Church, and spent most of her life in Canonsburg.
She was possessed of an exceptionally bright and
amiable character, and none knew her but to love
her. She died April 9, 1874, aged thirty-six years.
Capt. George Murray Templeton was born at Can
onsburg, Washington Co., Penn., May 3, 1841, and
died May 4, 1870. Abandoning his studies at
Jefferson College he enlisted, at the age of twenty,
in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-ninth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; was mustered
into service August 23, 1862; appointed captain in
the Thirty-second Regiment U. S. Colored Troops
February 17, 1864; was wounded at the battle of
Honey Creek, S. C, November 30, 1864; mustered

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

617

out at close of Civil war, August 22, 1865; entered
the regular army, February 23, 1866, as second
lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regular U. S. Infantry;
October 19, 1867, was appointed a captain in the
Twenty-seventh Regular U. S. Infantry. He was
a man of sterling integrity, and an officer of distin
guished bravery and superior acquirements.
John Murray married Elizabeth Wilson, who died
December 9, 1842, in her twenty-second year, and
he was afterward married to Ellen Peritte. He lived
for many years on his farm, now part of the Mor
ganza, Penn. , Reform School land. He moved to
Illinois, thence to Leavenworth, Kans. , where he re
sided until his death. He left a widow and seven
children. He was a volunteer in a militia company
(known as the ' ' Republican Rangers ' ') from 1840
to 1847. His children are Jennie, Annie, John,
Minnie, Mattie, Georgiana and Stella, all living in
Kansas. Jennie married Russel McCune; Annie
married Samuel Trower; John married Emma
Trower; Minnie became Mrs. Will. O. McCune, and
Mattie married a Mr, Roup.
David Reed Murray died August 24, 1819. Maria
Murray married John Henderson, and they after
ward moved to Kansas, where they died, leaving
seven children settled there: John, Clark, Julia,
Amanda, George, Mary and James (John was
Mrs. Henderson's step-son by his father's first
marriage to Miss Anderson). George Murray
(twin) died January 18, 1839, on the Murray Hill
farm, near Murray Hill Station.
James Murray (twin brother of George) married
Miss Mary Clark Johnston, August 28, 1848, at
the house of her father, Alexander Moncreiff
Johnston, near Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Penn.
He brought his bride across the mountains in a
buggy, in the days before railroads. They resided
on the Murray farm, in the house built by his
father, George Murray, till the spring of 1852,
when they moved to the adjoining farm, which he
had bought of the executors of the Murdock estate,
where he died August 20, 1853, in the house built
and formerly owned by Gen. Morgan, and where
the Aaron Burr conspiracy was made known in
Colonial times. He was energetic, industrious in
his worldly affairs, always willing to assist in any
public enterprises; pious and exemplary in his
Christian deportment. He was very fond of mili
tary matters, and it was only his filial obedience
that prevented him from taking his company to
the Mexican war; for twenty- one years he was a
member of the Washington Guards, and for four
teen years captain of his company. The following
is an extract from the Washington Reporter : "We
have the melancholy duty to perform of announc
ing the death of Capt. James Murray, which took
place at his residence, Morganza, in North Stra
bane township in this county, on Saturday, August
20, 1853. Capt. Murray was one among our most

useful, public-spirited and highly esteemed citi
zens, universally beloved for those traits of
character which command the respect and endear
their possessor to the intelligent and good in every
community. His sickness was of but few days'
continuance, and we believe assumed the character
of typhoid fever. He was in the prime of life, be
ing in the thirty-seventh year of his age. Society
has had in Capt. Murray one of its most active and
useful citizens, and his family are immensely en
deared to him by his devoted affection, amiable
character, upright and exemplary walks and de
portment. We, ourself, feel a bereavement in
the death of this amiable gentlemen whom we
ranked amongst our most attached friends."
Mary Clark (Johnston), wife of James Murray,
was born two miles west of Mercersburg, Penn.,
January 30, 1828. Her mother was Esther,
youngest daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Clark)
Rankin. Her father, Alexander Moncreiff Johns
ton, was the youngest son of Thomas Johnston,
who came to Mercersburg from Pequea, Lancaster
county, in 1794, and was a lineal descendant of
Archibald Johnston (Lord Warriston), of Scotland.
[The Johnston coat-of-arms was a winged spur,
the motto was " Nunquam nonparitus" (Never un
prepared).] When quite young she (Mary C.
Johnston) joined the Associate Church at Mercers
burg, under the Rev. Findley McNaughton. She
spent her married life of five years at Murray
Hill, Washington Co., Penn., and after her hus
band's death she made her home at Mercersburg
until her death, which occurred February 28,
1876. She was a person of strong faith and great
zeal for her church, giving the half of her income
for the support of the Gospel. She was a strong
Abolitionist in her political sentiments before and
during the war of the Rebellion, and while her
home was surrounded by the Rebel army she gave
shelter to homeless refugee colored people; and
when her roof was no longer a protection, because
the houses were to be searched, she gave them
clothing and helped them away by night to the
mountains. She rests from her labors, her remains
being interred in Fairview cemetery, Mercersburg,
Penn., beside her two children and her parents.
The children of James and Mary Clark Murray
were Mary Emma, who died, aged twelve months,
at Mercersburg, Penn. ; Hettie Alverta, now Mrs.
WTilliam B. Pollock, born September 22, 1851 (a
brief sketch of whom follows), and Li die Martha
Murray, who died September 4, 1861, aged seven
and one-half years.
Mrs. William B. Pollock was born in the house
built by her grandfather, George Murray, on a
farm called " Lovely Banks," in Washington county,
Penn., a part of which is at present known as Van
Eman Station, and here she spent the first two
years of her life. At the death of her father,

618

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

August 20, 1853, she removed with her mother to
Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Penn. Here she at
tended Mercersburg College, afterward completing
her education at Wilson's Female College, Cham
bersburg, Penn. She united with the Mercersburg
United Presbyterian congregation, under the pas
torate of Rev. Gracey Ferguson, D. D. , when fif
teen years of age. On February 11, 1875, she was
married, and in June of that year she and her
husband took a picturesque drive over the Alle
ghany Mountains in their own buggy to their new
home, aud began housekeeping in Canonsburg,
Penn. Here she lived three years, and then
moved to her present dwelling at Murray Hill.
Mrs. Pollock possesses a talent given to but few —
that of an artist. She received some instruction
in drawing in her youth, but sketches readily
from nature. The walls of the different apart
ments of her home testify to her skill and handi
work, and many friends have decorative memen
toes of her brush and easel. An oil painting, well
executed, of her own residence, at present deco
rates her dining-room. She decorates china with
ease and fine finish, and her cupboard contains a
large supply, the work of her own brush and kiln.
By disposition she is amiable and hospitable. Her
friends are welcome guests at her house.
Dr. Thomas Johnston Murray, brother of James,
was born January 7, 1819, and died January 21,
1851. He graduated at Jefferson College, Canons
burg, studied medicine in Philadelphia, and after
ward located in Canonsburg where until his death
he was a very successful practicing physician. His
wife, Elizabeth Calohan Murray, was born October
12, 1821, died April 28, 1856. Rev. George Reed
Murray and Anna Kelly (Hodgens), now Mrs. James
M. Thomas, are the children of Thomas and Eliza
beth Murray, both now residing at Thomas, Wash
ington Co., Penn.
Rev. George Reed Murray volunteered in the
U. S. army August 13, 1862, at the age of sev
enteen years, served in Company G, One Hun
dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, until
after the close of the war. Entered Westmin
ster College in the fall of 1866; graduated from
the classical department in the spring of 1871; in
the fall of the same year entered the United Pres
byterian Seminary in Newburgh, N. Y. , and spent
two years there; in the fall of 1873 entered Theo
logical Seminary of Princeton, N. . J. , and was li
censed to preach in spring of 1874 by the First
U. P. Presbytery of New Jersey.
On October 7, 1875, Rev. George R. Murray
was married to Miss Mary Henrietta McClees, of
Taylorstown, Penn., by whom were born six chil
dren, three of whom are now (February 19, 1893)
living, viz. : Harry Alexander Murray, aged sixteen
years; Thomas Johnston Arthur Murray, aged
eleven years; James McClees Murray, aged nine

years. Mr. Murray was pastor of the TJ. P
Church in Centreville, Iowa, some four years; set
tled again in Murray, Cass Co., Neb., in 1880
serving as pastor for ten years, then was relea'sed
to accept a call to Mount Prospect U. P. Church
Thomas, Penn., July 1, 1891. On March 14, 1889^
Mrs. Mary H. Murray died, and Mr. Murray was
married December 30, 1890, to Mrs. Agnes C.
Blair, of Monmouth, Illinois.
Martha Murray died unmarried September 2
1854, in her thirty-third year. Lovely and win
ning in her ways, kind and affectionate in her dis
position, she was revered by all friends and ac
quaintances. Mrs. William B. Pollock's maternal
grandfather, Alexander Moncreiff Johnston, was a
son of Thomas and Anne (Houston) Johnston
Anne Houston being one of the Houston family of
Lancaster county, a daughter of John Houston,
who came from Scotland or the North of Ireland.

||OHN L. RIGGS represents a family of the
. I earliest pioneers; who were originally natives
Pll of Wales, the home of mythical legends and
^^ weird, yet fascinating ballads. But more
fascinating to the childish ear than even an
cient tale or thrilling music were the new stories
of a life where truth was stranger than fiction, of
a wonderful land across the mighty ocean. At
length a hardy band of pioneers joined an expedi
tion to the New World, and among their number
were the early ancestors of the Riggs family.- After
landing in America they settled in Maryland,
where their children grew to maturity and were
married. William Riggs, a son of this family, was born in
1750, and in early life married Mary Dodson. The
young couple decided to plunge yet deeper into
the forest wilds, and in 1773 came to Washington
county, Penn. , where he took out a patent of land
near Monongahela river, a portion of which is
yet in the family name. He served as vestryman
in an Episcopal church prior to 1794, and in 1799
was licensed to preach by the authorities of the
Methodist Episcopal Society. He died in 1833;
his wife died in December, 1819, aged sixty-four;
both are buried on the home farm. They were
the parents of thirteen children, their names and
dates of birth being as follows: Jeremiah, Decem
ber 17, 1774; Eleanor, October 3, 1776; James,
December 14, 1778; Abrillar, February 11, 1781;
Thomas, February 19, 1783; William, April 29,
1785; Zachariah, May 25, 1787; Mary, June 11,
1789; Lucy, July 16, 1791; Noah, August 6, 1793;
Elizabeth, 1795; Mahlon, December 25, 1797, and
Anne, 1799. Quite a number of these lived to very
old ages; several went to Marshall county, W. Va.,
others to different parts of Ohio.
Mahlon Riggs, a son of William and Mary (Dod

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

619

son) Riggs, was born in Washington county, Penn. ,
and passed his entire life in Allen township. On
August 10, 1820, he was married, by Rev. AVatson,
to Lydia Williams, who was born in 1800 in Wash
ington county, Penn., a daughter of John and Mar
garet Williams, the former of whom came from
Maryland with his mother, who is buried at Cali
fornia, Penn. Grandfather Williams was born
February 15, 1776, and died March 10, 1861, aged
eighty-five years. He was a Methodist, and was
buried at Mount Tabor church. On March 23,
1799. he had married Margaret Howe, who was
born in Washington county, Penn., in 1779, and
died May 25, 1867. She was a member of the
Methodist Church, and was buried at Mount Tabor
church. They had children as follows: Lydia,
Mary, Elizabeth, Isabel, Hannah, Thomas, John,
William N., Simeon, Sarah and Salathiel, all now
deceased, except the first and the last two named.
John and William N. were traveling preachers in
the Methodist Church. The children born to Mah
lon and Lydia Williams were as follows: Mary E.,
born June 14, 1821, died January 15, 1836, and
buried in Howes cemetery; John L., subject of
sketch; Thomas Thornton Fleming, born April 29,
1826, and married Susan Redd May 31, 1853
(both died several years ago in Moundsville, and
were buried there); Caroline A., born October 4,
1828, and married to G. W. Hazelbaker June 15,
1851; Lucinda A., bom September 25, 1830, and
was twice married, first, on June 12, 1853, to J.
D. Latta, and after his death she married Johnston
Noble, who is now deceased (she is now living at
California, Penn.); William N., bom March 5,
1832, died April 20, 1892, and buried at Mount
Tabor Methodist Episcopal church; Margaret E. ,
born February 8, 1834, married to H. J. Furnier
December 14, 1854, died September 27, 1859, and
buried at Mount Tabor; James L., born March 15,
1834, married May 21, 1861, to Emily Rulong, of
Moundsville, W. Va. , both now deceased, he hav
ing died February -25, 1866, and buried at Mount
Tabor church; Elizabeth A., born August 15,
1834, married to H. J. Furnier July 29, 1860, died
February 5, 1862, and was buried at Mount Tabor.
tH. T. Furnier is also deceased, and is buried at
Mount Tabor church). The parents were members
of the Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church.
The father died in 1886; his widow is living with
her daughter, Lucinda, at California, Penn.
John L. Riggs was born March 30, 1824, in Allen
township, Washington county, and received a sub
scription-school education. On January 25, 1852,
he was united in marriage with Dorothy J., daugh
ter of Alexander P. Biles, a native of Allen town
ship, where her mother died some years ago; her
father died in Moundsville, W. Va. Mr. and Mrs.
Riggs resided on the old homestead until 1859,
<when they came to their present home. He bought

fifty-five acres, which, added to the original tract,
comprises 175 acres of well-cultivated land, fur
nished with a good brick residence. Mr. Riggs has
given his attention to farming and stock raising;
in politics he was a strong Abolitionist, now vot
ing with the Republican party, which he has served
as township collector and a member of the school
board. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs have had children as
follows: Marcellus, born December 9, 1852, un
married and residing with his parents; J. A., born
January 21, 1854, unmarried and residing with
his parents (he is a contracting carpenter) ; Cyrenus,
born November 29, 1855, married June 15, 1886,
to Nancy Rogers, of Iowa (they are now living in
Galva, Ida Co., Iowa, where he is a contracting
carpenter); John W. , born May 10, 1857, married
March 10, 1880, to Anna M. Alden, who was born
February 11, 1862, at Toulon, Stark Co., 111.
(they now live in Allen township, Washington
county, Penn); Oliver S.,born September 21, 1860,
married to Katie Bell McKenna, and they are now
living on the home farm.

AMUEL PATTERSON, one of the most
successful agriculturists of West Bethlehem
township, is a grandson of Thomas Patter
son, who was born in Ireland, and came to
this country with his family in about the year
1800. He went to New Orleans, where he was
seized with the yellow fever, and coming back to
Washington county, Penn., died.
John Patterson, son of the pioneer, Thomas, set
tled upon the farm of one Noble, in Washington
county, Penn. , and soon afterward he purchased the
farm which is now the home of his son Samuel. He
married Jane, daughter of John Simpson, who re
sided in Greene county, Penn., and was also of Irish
parentage, her father emigrating early in the history
of Greene county, Penn. To them were born the fol
lowing children: Catharine, wife of James
Wherry, residing in Hillsboro; Rebecca, wife of
John Bumgarner; Elizabeth, wife of Levi Hopkins;
Jane, wife of G. P. Baker; Sarah, wife of Levi
Dawson; Andrew (deceased); John (deceased);
Samuel, the subject of this biography; Mary
Siberts, and Thomas, a minister of the Gospel' at
Waynesburg. At the time of his death, which oc
curred April 10, 1849, John Patterson owned 250
acres of land in Washington county, Penn., por
tions of which he purchased at $3. per acre. He
erected the log dwelling in which his son Samuel
now lives, and which is one of the oldest in Wash
ington county. The nails used in its construction
were purchased from a blacksmith at 12J cents
per pound. He attended the subscription schools
in the county, and at one time his master was
the grandfather of the late J. G. Blaine, by name
Gillespie.

620

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Samuel Patterson was born December 15, 1824, on
the old homestead farm where he has continued to
reside. He is now a hale and hearty old gentle
man, well deserving the golden opinion he wins
from all who delight in his acquaintance. His
farm consists of nearly four hundred acres of ex
cellent land. Politically Mr. Patterson is a
thorough Democrat, and has always given the can
didates of his party a cordial support, but could
never be persuaded to himself accept the nomina
tion for any office.

AMUEL CLUTTER, a highly esteemed and
worthy citizen of Hanover township, is a
son of Daniel D. , whose father (William) was
born in New Jersey, and came to Washington
county, Penn., about 1800. William Clutter lo
cated in Morris township, this county, on Snaggon
run, but very little is known concerning him, ex
cepting that he was twice married, his first choice
being a Miss Davis, and that children were born to
both marriages. William Clutter was a farmer.
and continued to reside in Morris township until
his death. Among the children of his first wife
was Daniel D. (father of Samuel).
Daniel D. Clutter was born about 1812, in
Morris township, Washington Co. , Penn. , and re
ceived an education in the subscription school. He
learned the trade of a shoemaker with one Jacob
Sanders, and then began business for himself. He
set up a shop in Somerset township, this county,
on the farm of one William Crouch, and there
wooed and won his life companion, Mary Under
wood. She was born in 1815, in Somerset town
ship, a daughter of Jacob Underwood, but was
reared by John Leyda, of Somerset township. To
this union the following children were bom: John
L., went to New Orleans, and while working in a
lumber camp enlisted in the Fourth Virginia In
fantry, was taken prisoner and died from starva
tion in Danville prison; Samuel is the subject of
this sketch; Noadiah, of Effingham, 111., is con
nected with the Eagle Refining Company; Letitia
died in early womanhood; William is a resident of
Graysville, Greene Co. , Penn. ; Elizabeth is the
widow of William Vance, of Pittsburgh, Penn. ;
Nancy J. is deceased. In 1855 the mother of this
family died, and for his second choice Daniel D.
Clutter married Agnes McAdams, a native of
Scotland, who resided near McDonald, Penn., and
she now lives in AVashington, this county. She
bore him three children, viz. : a son, deceased in
infancy; Anna Mary, and Nettie, (Mrs. Isaac Sup-
ler, of Cameron, W. Va). Mr. and Mrs. Clutter
first located near the Pigeon Creek church, in Wash
ington county, and resided there for some time,
he following his trade. He then went to Greene
county, same State, and, purchasing 100 acres near

Graysville, successfully followed farming the re
mainder of his days. He died July 1, 1881, and
was buried in Unity cemetery. In politics he was
a Whig, later on a Republican, and while no poli
tician, he took an interest in the success of his
party; he was a well-read man and had a good
memory, also a very fair practical education.
Samuel Clutter was born January 25, 1840 on
Pigeon creek. He was reared a farm boy, and
his education was received at the common schools
of the period. His parents moved to Greene
county when he was a lad of but twelve or thirteen
years of age, and here received his agricultural
training on the farm of his father. When the
Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company A,
One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , and partici
pated in every engagement that this well-known
regiment was in, with one exception, the fight at
Gettysburg, at which time he was in the hospital
at Fairfax, recovering from the effects of a sun
stroke. He remained there until September 1,
1863, when he joined his regiment and served till
the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis
charge May 30, 1865. He then returned to Grays
ville, Greene Co. , Penn. , and followed agriculture
on his father' s farm, though the first year after his
return from the army he was able to do but little
work, us he suffered greatly from fever and ague,
which he had contracted iu the service. On
November 11, 1868, he was married to Margaret
Vance, who was born in 1842, a daughter of
Robert Vance (deceased), late of Robinson township,
Washington county. The following children have
been born to the union of Samuel and Margaret
(Vance) Clutter : Robert V. , in the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company; James M. P.;
Daniel N. ; a son, deceased in infancy; and Charles
F. After his marriage Mr. Clutter moved to Pitts
burgh, where he remained nine years in the em
ploy of Clark & Co., transfer agents. In 1878 he
moved to Washington county, locating in Hanover
township, about two miles north of Florence, on
the old "Huffman farm," where he has since re
sided, carrying on general farming and stock rais
ing. Mr. Clutter is a very progressive citizen,
and is especially interested in school matters. His
children have all received a good education. He
is an adherent of the Republican party, bnt does
not devote much time to politics. Both he and1
wife are members of the Frankfort U. P. Church.

j, ANKIN FAMILY. The first ancestor of
/) the Rankin family who settled in Wash-
v. ington county was William Rankin,
—^ great-grandfather of our subjects, and a
native of Winchester, Va., who, about
1774, made the hazardous journey across the
mountains to Washington county with his wife and!

I i

^%/^z^t^ J?a^?d^'

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

623

family, landing October 31, 1774. He located in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county, securing 1,800
acres of choice land, then a vast wilderness, which
is now transformed into some of the finest farms
of Washington county. Here he built a log cabin,
and made such improvements as were possible,
being in constant danger from the treacherous
savages. But bravely and patiently he struggled
on, establishing the pioneer home. After his sons
had grown to manhood, one of them, James, joined
a party who went to establish a colony in Kentucky.
They arrived safely, but during the return trip
were attacked by Indians, and James was killed, his
fate being but one addition to that of the many
pioneers who were practically martyrs to coloniza
tion. Mr. and Mrs. William Rankin passed the
remainder of their lives in the frontier home, both
dying the same year.
Samuel Rankin, the youngest son of John, was
born July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va. , and came
to this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he
was married to Jane McConahey, who was born
February 18, 1775, a daughter of a pioneer set
tler. The following children were born to their
union: William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel,
Stephen, James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane, of
whom Jane, the only one yet living, is a resident
of Burgettstown, now aged seventy years, unmar
ried; the others lived to adult age, and were citi
zens of Washington county. Samuel Rankin be
came a wealthy farmer, and always lived on the
old home farm, which is situated about two miles
northwest of Hickory. In politics he was a Dem
ocrat, and he was one of the famous "Minute-
men." In religion he and his wife were members
of the Union Church. He died in October, 1820,
being followed by his wife July 20, 1869, in her
ninety-fourth year; their remains lie in the U. P.
cemetery at Hickory. Their children were as fol
lows: AVilliam, born November 24, 1796, died Jan
uary 13, 1884; John, born April 4, 1798, died in
April, 1866; David, born February 15, 1800, died
July 27, 1858; Matthew, born February 15, 1802,
died in June, 1880; Matilda, born March 22, 1804,
died in February. 1875; Samuel, born June 3,
1806, died May 27, 1834; Abigail, born in Octo
ber, 1808, lived on the old homestead until No
vember 17, 1892, when she died; James, born
March 24, 1811, died July 27, 1887; Stephen,
born August 20, 1813, died in February, 1877, and
Jane, born February 6, 1817, living in Burgettstown.
William Rankin, eldest son of Samuel and Jane
(McConahey) Rankin, was born in Mt. Pleasant
township, this county, and remained on his father's
farm during his boyhood, in the meantime receiv
ing a subscription-school education. On Decem
ber 16, 1819, he married Miss Nancy Lyle, who
was born January 22, 1801, daughter of John
Lyle, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and

their children were Elizabeth, born January 21,
1821, died February 14, 1880; Samuel, born July
19, 1823, died in September, 1845; John L., born
October 16, 1826, married in 1849, Elizabeth
Campbell; David, born May 30, 1829, died in Sep
tember, 1845; AVilliam (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant
township), bom April 4, 1832; Jane, born March
24, 1834, is unmarried, living in Burgettstown; and
James, born September 2, 1836, married, in 1864,
Elizabeth F. Barnes, who died in 1870, and in 1880
he married Maggie E. Forsythe, of Burgettstown.
Mr. Rankin, by energy and perseverance, accumu
lated, in his agricultural pursuits, a good property.
In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and filled
several township offices. He and his wife were
consistent members of the Raccoon Presbyterian
Church, afterward uniting with the church at Mt.
Prospect. He died January 13, 1884, having been
preceded by his life companion in 1870, and both
are buried in Mt. Prospect cemetery.
John L. Rankin was born in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county, on the farm where the earliest
pioneer of the family had settled many years be
fore. He grew to manhood on the ancestral acres, as
sisting in agricultural duties, and receiving a neces
sarily Hmited country- school education. On Septem
ber 6, 1849, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Campbell, who was born September 11, 1829, near
Monongahela City, Penn., a daughter of William
and Nancy (Randolph) Campbell, who both died
when Elizabeth was yet a child; she then lived with
an uncle, John Campbell, until her marriage.
Children have been born to the union of John L.
and Elizabeth (Campbell) Rankin as follows: Will
iam D. , a practicing physician in Allegheny, Penn. ;
John J., in Burgettstown; Nancy C, wife of A. C.
McClure, of Burgettstown; Ella Jane, died April
8, 1886; Mary Elizabeth, died October 11, 1861;
Ida May and Mary L., residing with their parents;
Elgie A. C, in Allegheny; Alice B., Lizzie A.,
James T., Maggie L. , residing with their parents.
After his marriage John L. Rankin located on a
farm about three miles northwest of Hickory,
this county, where he resided sixteen years, ex
tensively engaged in sheep raising. In 1866 he
came to Smith township, purchasing a farm one
mile south of Burgettstown, where he has since re
mained. Since his residence in that township, his
home was completely destroyed by fire, but, with
characteristic. pluck and energy, he at once erected
a building far superior to the one which had been
burned. In politics Mr. Rankin has always been
a Democrat, and has served his party in various
capacities in both townships. He and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church of Burgetts
town, in which he is an elder.
William Rankin was born April 4, 1832, on
the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and re
ceived his education in the district schools. On

624

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

November 23, 1858, he was married, in AVells
county, Ind. , to Martha Riddile, a native of Trum
bull county, Ohio. ' She was a granddaughter of
Samuel and Martha (Johnston) Riddile, the former
of whom died in 1825, in Trumbull county, Ohio,
the latter in 1831. Andrew Riddile, father of Mrs.
Rankin, was born in 1799, in this county, and in
1805 moved with his parents to Trumbull county,
Ohio. In 1824 he married Matilda Taylor, who
was born in November, 1798, in this county, a
daughter of George Taylor, a native of Ireland,
who died in 1833, in Mahoning county, Ohio. In
1840 Mr. and Mrs. Riddile settled on a farm in
Wells county, Ind., where he died August 12,
1854, his wife having died February 8, 1850.
Their children were: Elizabeth (deceased in 1855,
wife of John Hammell, of Jay county, Ind.);
Samuel L. (living in Wells county, Ind.); George
T. (residing in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa);
Martha (Mrs. William Rankin), and H. D. (living
on the old battle-ground of Tippecanoe county,
Ind). Our subject and wife have always resided on
the farm they now occupy, consisting of 160 acres
of gopd land. He is an active Democrat, and has
served his township as a member of the school board,
and also as supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin attend.
the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. They
have two sons: W. E. (attending Duff's Commer
cial College at Pittsburgh, Penn.) and R. S.
James Rankin was born on the home farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, and was the youngest son
of his parents. He received his education in the
"Rankin school district," and has since been en
gaged in working on the old farm. On January
8, 1864, he married Elizabeth F. Barnes, a native
of Mt. Pleasant township. She was a daughter of
Francis and Mary Jane (Forester) Barnes, the
former born in Virginia, the latter in Maryland,
both settling in this county at an early day. Mrs.
Rankin died in 1870, leaving three children,
namely: William F. (married, and lived in Creede,
Colo., but is now in Washington county), Clement
L. (residing in Alliance, Neb. ) and Mary Jane (at
home). On October 5, 1880, Mr. Rankin was
united in marriage with Maggie E. Forsythe, a
native of Smith township, this county, daughter of
William and Sarah Ann (Gilbert) Forsythe, natives
of New Jersey, who settled in Smith township,
this county, over seventy years ago. The For
sythe family are now limited to four sisters and
one brother, of whom three sisters are living in
Washington county. To the union of James and
Maggie E. (Forsythe) Rankin four children have
been born: Eldon Lee, Leslie, Ernest and Alvin
Forsythe. Mr. Rankin votes the Democratic
ticket, and has been a member of the school board.
The home farm consists of 163 acres of well-culti
vated land, and he keeps a fine grade of stock.
The Rankin family trace their first settlement to

Halloween, 1774. James Rankin and wife are mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect
|f |f ENRY W. JONES, a prominent citizen of
L-J Union township, is a son of Robert, whose
I I father, William,was a farmer of Shropshire
II — England. He was the father of four chill
* dren, namely: William, Thomas, John
and Robert.
Robert Jones was born near Shrewsbury, in
Shropshire, England, and was apprenticed to a
machinist when yet a boy. After serving his time
he followed this trade, principally in Birmingham
England. He was married to Miss Vienna Harris
a resident of that place, and she bore him seven
children, as follows: John, Robert, Henry W.,
George, Susan, Mary and Ann, of whom Henry
W. and George are yet living.
Henry W. Jones was born July 26, 1826, in
Shrewsbury, England, where he was reared to
manhood, and learned the machinist's trade. He
came to Allegheny county, Penn., in 1850, and
was employed as a millwright and steam-engine
builder till 1865, when he moved to Wood county,
W. Va. , locating near Parkersburgh: Here he fol
lowed lumbering and farming, also conducting a
saw and planing-mill on the place. In 1888 he
came to Union township, AVashington Co., Penn.,
and, erecting a large planing-mill, engaged in con
tracting and building. He succeeded in securing
an excellent trade, and in the spring of 1892 gave
the business to his sons. He was married Novem
ber 16, 1852, to Miss Catherine Croco, who was
born June 15, 1831, a daughter of Henry Croco, of
Allegheny county, Penn., and to this union have
been born eight children: Vienna (deceased),
Keffer, Frank C. , Charles, Mary (deceased), Wes
ley, Elmer and Sydney. The six sons are all em
ployed in the planing-mill, or contracting. The
mother died April 10, 1888, since which time Mr.
Jones has made his home .with his son Frank C.
In politics the father is a stanch Prohibitionist,
and has held numerous township offices in West
Virginia. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. In 1892, accompanied by his son Charles,
he visited his old home in England, but found his
relatives all scattered. The old country no longer
seemed home to him, for truly has the poet said:
" Home is where the heart is;" and the affections
and interests of Mr. Jones are now on this side of
the Atlantic, although he will ever cherish a fond
memory of dear old England.
Kr% OBERT SAMPLE is a well-known resident.
]LJ) of the borough of Washington. He is of
IfTv, Irish descent, his grandparents having
\\ ^ lived and died in " Old Erin."
V David Sample, his father, was born in
1801, in County Donegal, Ireland, and when about

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

625

twenty years of age immigrated to America. He
first located in Ohio county, W. Va. , where he was
united in marriage with Mary Sample, also a na
tive of County Donegal. In 1835 they came to
West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and in 1859 purchased and moved upon a farm in
Donegal township, same county. Their children
were Robert, John (deceased), and Joseph (a res
ident of Donegal township). The mother died
January 22, 1867, at the age of seventy-three years,
and August 11, 1879, the father was laid by her
side. They were members of the West Alexander
Presbyterian Church.
Robert Sample, whose name introduces this
memoir, was born October 14, 1827, in Ohio county,
W. Va., and when eight years old came with his
parents to West Finley township, this county. On
January 1, 1857, he was united in marriage with
Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Burns, but
she died July 19, 1859, leaving one daughter, Mary
Catherine (now the wife of N. R. Tannehill, of
Cecil township, Washington county). For his
second wife Mr. Sample married on May 6, 1868,
Miss Nancy Tannehill, who bore him two children,
Nancy and David R. In 1872 our subject came to
Washington, and in 1871 built his present residence
on Highland avenue, having rented his farm in
Donegal township. He has assisted in the erection of
many of the dwellings in the town, and in 1876 was
awarded the contract for building the crematory
there. Mr. Sample began life a poor boy, and
by industry, energy and perseverance has achieved
an enviable success. In politics he is a member of
the Democratic party, in religion a Presbyterian.

I AMES RONEY, son of James and Jane (Mc-
. I Whirter) Roney, was born near Canonsburg,
(fjl August 17, 1813, on the farm now owned by
^ his daughter, Mrs. G. M. Smith. The old
farm has been the home and visiting place
of seven generations. His parents first settled in
South Carolina, where, tradition says, they pros
pered. Their principles being so antagonistic to
the institution of human slavery, they left their
home in the South and migrated to western Penn
sylvania. Here they built a house (still standing)
from logs cut in the forest and hewn into shape by
the immediate ancestors of James Roney. His
parents were most exemplary members of the Re
formed Presbyterian Church — better known as the
Old Side Covenanters.
He had four brothers and four sisters, namely :
Moses, William, John, and one who died in infancy;
Jane, Margaret, Rebecca and Sarah. Moses, in
1818, entered Canonsburg Academy, and graduated
with first honors from Jefferson College in 1823.
He studied theology in Coldenham, N. Y, under

the direction of Rev. Dr. J. R. Wilson, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, June 8,
1829. He was ordained and installed pastor of the
Newburg, N. Y., congregation, afterward accepted
the presidency of Westminster College, where he
continued to labor until his death. He was one of
the most influential and eloquent ministers of the
Covenanter Church. On one occasion he was to
preach at the old house, and, as the custom was at
that time, he preached out of doors. It has been
said that every word was distinctly heard half a
mile distant. He was married to Miss Elizabeth
F. Beattie, of Coldenham, N. Y., whose mother
was descended from the Belknap family of that re
gion. William was married to Lydia Thomas, of
North Strabane township. He resided on his farm
near Haneytown, Marshall county, W.Va. John mar
ried Margaret George, of near Hickory, Washington
county; he owns and lives on a farm near Clays
ville. Margaret married John George, of Venice,
Washington Co., Penn.; Jane married Isaac E.
McKenry, of Allegheny, Penn., where they lived
for a number of years, then moved to near Craw-
fordsville, Iowa; Rebecca and Sarah died in early
girlhood at the home of their parents. At this
date (1893) only two of the family survive, namely:
John Roney and Jane McKenry.
James Roney married, March 4, 1844, Elizabeth,
daughter of James Gibson. She bore him two
daughters and one son, namely: Grizella Margaret,
born May 27, 1845; Moses Gibson, born June 28,
1854 (deceased when ten months old); Jane Eliza
beth, born September 23, 1860, died August 12,
1877. Grizella Margaret Roney, in early girlhood,
was married to William M. Smith; two daughters
were born to this marriage: Elizabeth Jane, wife
of David John Sterling (has two children — Hugh
Samuel and Margaret Roney), and Maggie Grizella,
living at home with her mother. Mrs. Smith owns
valuable property in Canonsburg, where she now
resides. D. J. Sterling superintends the farm of
Mrs. Smith, and operates in oil. The place is well
improved and contains three gas wells, and yields
a good income. Mrs. Smith and daughter, Mag
gie, are members of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church of Miller's Run, near Venice. Mr. and
Mrs. D. J. Sterling are members of the United
Presbyterian Church of Ingram.
The Roney family have always been noted for
their hospitality and kindly disposition. James
Roney died of apoplexy November 4, 1884, and
was interred in the Hill Church burying ground.
His widow, who had suffered from the effects of a
paralytic stroke for five years, died at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. G. M. Smith, July 24, 1888, and
was laid by the side of her husband.
[ For further information of the ancestors of the said
James Roney, see page 982 of " The History of Washing
ton County, Penn.," edited by Boyd Crumrine, 1882.

626

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

J. McADAM, professor of mathematics in
' Washington and Jefferson College, is a

¦l//1 native of the Buckeye State, born August
2, 1843, in Moorefield township, Harrison
county, a son of John and Susan (Dunlap) Mc
Adam, worthy farming people of that township;
the latter a daughter of John and Nancy Dunlap,
of Harrison county. They were the parents of
children as follows: Nancy, Eliza and Mary (Mrs.
John Compher), deceased; Sarah, Mrs. John Lewis;
Rebecca, Mrs. Samuel Willoughby; George; D. J.
and Margaret (Mrs. James Glascow). The mother
of this family departed this life in 1849, and for
his second wife Mr. McAdam married, in 1851, Har
riet Linn, of Harrison county, Ohio, by whom there
was no issue. Mr. McAdam died in 1852; he had
been a consistent member of the Union Church
from his youth up, and for some years was an elder
in the same; politically he was a straight Demo
crat, socially a man of public spirit and enter
prise, popular and generally respected.
D. J. McAdam was reared to farm work, his
education being had at the common schools of his
native township, where he proved an apt and dili
gent scholar and from early life he evinced a strong
penchant for study and literature. After leaving
school, he spent one year in Franklin College, and
then entered Washington and Jefferson College,
from which he graduated with honor in 1868. His
education being 'now completed, he assumed the
role of educator, his first school being at Harlem
Springs, Carroll Co., Ohio, whence, after a year he
came to Canonsburg, this county, in which learned
town he remained one year, in the capacity of
tutor. He then moved to Cadiz, Ohio, and en
tered the office of Lawyer Estep", with whom he
remained one year, at the end of which time
he was appointed principal of the schools of
Carrollton, Ohio, his incumbency covering three
years; the public schools at that place had just
been opened, and the work of grading, by virtue
of his position, fell on him. In 1873 our subject
accepted the chair of Latin in AVashington and
Jefferson College, but at the end of one year was
transferred to the chair of mathematics, in the
same college, which he now fills.
On July 8, 1875, Prof. McAdam was married to
Kate, daughter of Capt. Alexander AA7ishart, of
Washington, Penn., and four children were the
result of this union, as follows: Alexander (de
ceased), Dunlap, John and Kate. His wife died
May 8, 1882. Our subject married in May, 1888,
Rebecca, daughter of John D. Braden, and two
children have come to further bless their home —
Braden and George. Prof. McAdam, in his polit
ical associations, is an ardent Democrat, and in
religion is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Washington.

JLHELM H. GUNDLACH was born in
Germany September 23, 1861, a son of
Henry and Caroline Gundlach, also na
tives of the Fatherland, the father born
in 1806, and died in 1867 at the age of
sixty-one years. They were the parents of four
sons— Wilhelm H., Henry, Frederick and Charley
— and three daughters — Hannah, Minnie and an
other whose name is not recorded — all yet living in
Germany, except Wilhelm H. and Charley, the
latter of whom is now a resident of this county,
near Hickory.
Wilhelm H. Gundlach received his education in
the public schools of his native land, learning to
read from text-books common in use at that time
in Germany — the Bible and the catechism. In
1881 he immigrated to America, finally locat
ing in Hopewell township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he resided six years, at the end of which time
he moved to the farm in West Bethlehem town
ship, containing 118 acres of prime land, where he
passed the remainder of his life. On April 19,
1888, he was married to Caroline, daughter of
Henry A. and Sophia Gundlach, who were the
parents of three sons — Solomon H, Charley A.,
and Earnest L. — and three daughters — Caroline
(married to Wilhelm H. Gundlach), Louisa A. (mar
ried July 23, 1891, to Emmor Ames; they have
one child Elsie Pearl, born February 20, 1892),
and Minnie S. Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Gundlach
are members of the Lutheran Church in West
Bethlehem township; for twenty-seven years they
have been residents of Washington county. To
Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm H. Gundlach were born
three children, as follows: Sophia Winnett, born
January 10, 1889; Louisa A., born October 5,
1890, died April 5, 1891, and Henry Wilhelm
Alfred, born June 5, 1892. The father of these
little ones died January 29, 1893, aged thirty-two
years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church,
as is his grief-stricken widow.

It Hi RS. MARGARET McCREADY, one of
v/l the oldest settlers, and most highly
Ml I esteemed in the community where she re-
j -* sides, is a granddaughter of John Boyd,
v who was born in Ireland about the mid
dle of the eighteenth century, and coming to
America in early manhood settled near West Mid
dletown, Hopewell township, this county. Soon
after his arrival in Pennsylvania, he was united in
marriage with Miss Martha Mathon, who bore him
four sons — John, James, Thomas and Robert — and
five daughters — Margaret, Nancy, Mary, Rachel
and Sarah. He was a Democrat, and a member of
the Presbyterian Church.
Robert Boyd, father of Mrs. McCready, was born

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

629

January 21, 1788, on the home farm near West
Middletown, Hopewell township. The Indians
were so hostile at that time that the family betook
themselves to a more thickly populated district in
Beaver county, Penn., where they remained some
time. After the Indians had left the country, the
family returned to this county, locating in Han
over township, where Robert grew to manhood,
and was married to Miss Catherine McCausland,
also a resident of that township. Nine children
were born to their union, of whom four are yet liv
ing: George, Presley, Martha and Margaret. In
his politics he was a stanch Democrat.
Margaret Boyd was born August 18, 1822, on
the farm iu Hanover township. Her childhood
and early womanhood were passed in the pioneer
home, then surrounded by various wild animals, as
many as eight deer being often seen in one group.
On February 26, 1857, she became the wife of
William McCready, a son of Robert McCready,
and now resides in Jefferson township.
Robert McCready, father of William, was born
in Scotland, March 28, 1752, and in 1772 immi
grated to America, first locating in the State of
New Jersey. He then went to York county,
Peun. , teaching school there until the Revolution,
when he entered a York county battalion, serving
several months in the "Flying Camp" Division
under Washington. In 1776 he left the service,
and came to Washington county, Penn. , locating
on a tract of 332 acres in Jefferson township. Soon
afterward he was united in marriage with Miss
Anna Levins, a lady of Irish descent, who bore
him nine children, as follows: David, Robert,
William, John, Joseph, Mary, Nancy, and two
deceased. He died August 10, 1846.
William McCready was born August 1, 1797, on
the home farm in Jefferson township, and was
reared to agricultural pursuits, purchasing the
old place after the death of his father. .He was
married, as already stated, to Margaret Boyd, who
bore him one son, Robert, April 7, 1858, who was
married May 6, 1880, to Nancy E. Cassidy, daugh
ter of William Cassidy ; he lives on the home place,
and, like his father and grandfather before him,
votes the Democratic ticket. William McCreadv
died November 6, 1860, leaving over 300 acres o"f
tine land to his heirs. He was a typical self-made
man, liberal in thought and action, and was highly
esteemed by all who knew him.
Joseph McCready, a nephew of William Mc
Cready, was born and reared in Columbiana county,
Ohio, and was there married to Martha Campbell,
a native of the same county. She bore him chil
dren as follows: James, Joseph, Robert, Cynthia
and Margaret. For his second wife he was mar
ried to Catherine Boyd, a sister of Mrs. Margaret
McCready, and the names of the children of this

union are Lizzie C, Rilla and George. Mr. Mc
Cready was a Republican and a Presbyterian. He
and his wife are both now deceased.

lAMES A. McILVAINE, one of the enter-
l I prising and prominent citizens of Mt.
fTl] Pleasant township, is a native of the same,
born December 22, 1840, on the home farm.
His grandfather, Greer Mcllvaine, was of Irish
descent, and a native of Lancaster county, Penn. ,
where he was married to Elizabeth Morrow, who
was born in the same county. The young couple
came to Washington county in an early day,
accompanied by a brother, George Mcllvaine. On
May 20, 1788, Greer secured 407 acres of land in
Somerset township, which was surveyed to him
February 11, 1789, and afterward divided with
his brother. Greer and Elizabeth Mcllvaine were
members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon
Creek. Their children were Greer, John, Guyan,
George, William, Andrew, Margaret, Mary, Ruth,
Catherine, Elizabeth, Esther, Ann and Eleanor.
Guyan Mcllvaine was born in 1792, in Somerset
township, on the home farm, where his early years
were passed. He was united in marriage with
Jane Ferguson, a native of Somerset township,
who bore him four children: Lydia (widow of John
Phillips), living in Greene county, Penn. ; William
Greer (deceased in 1882, at Memphis, Tenn.), was
married in Vicksburg; Robert F., residing in
Rochester, Beaver Co. , Penn. ; and John M. ,
living in Mt. Pleasant township. Mrs. Mcllvaine
died in 1823, and in 1830 Guyan Mcllvaine was
married to Jane Bratton, a native of Lancaster
county, Penn., and they settled in Mt. Pleasant
township, on the home farm. The following
children were born to their union: Harvey (resid
ing in Kansas), Anna Eliza (married to William
M. Campbell, of Cross Creek township), Joseph
Lawrence (an editor, of New Philadelphia, Ohio),
Boyd (a resident of Illinois), Belle Jane (of Mt.
Pleasant township), James A., Mary Esther and
Martha Ellen (Mrs. Harper Simanton, of Mt.
Pleasant township). This family is a remarkable
one. The twelve children all grew to maturity;
all married and have families of their own, except
two, and all are yet living but the oldest son, who
died in 1882. Mr. Mcllvaine was first a Whig,
then a Know-nothing, and afterward a Republican.
He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church at Mt. Prospect. He died in 1868, having
been preceded by his wife in 1860.
James A. Mcllvaine, a son of Guyan and Jane
(Bratton) Mcllvaine, was born on his father's farm
in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and
attended the schools of the neighborhood. On
November 19, 1868, he was united in marriage

630

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

with Martha A. McBurney, daughter of John and
Jane (Keys) McBurney, natives and lifelong
residents of Washington county. After his mar
riage James A. Mcllvaine settled on the farm of
146 acres, where he was born and has always
lived, and has since followed agricultural pursuits.
Six children have been born to this couple, viz. :
Eulalie (teaching in Hickory, this county), J. C. ,
Mamie (teaching in Hopewell township, Washing
ton county), Nettie, Willie A. and Bessie. Mr.
and Mrs. Mcllvaine are members of Mt. Pleasant
United Presbyterian Church, at Hickory. He is
actively interested in education, being a member
of the school board of Mt. Pleasant township.
He takes quite an interest in politics, voting with
the Republican party.

EiBENEZER BROWNLEE (deceased), in his
lifetime one of the prosperous farmers and
successful business men of the county, was
— a grandson of William Brownlee, Sr., who in
an early day came to AVashington county from his
native land, Scotland, and made a settlement in
Franklin township about four miles south of the
borough of Washington. He here married Mar
garet Lehman, by whom there were several chil
dren, and of them, William, Jr. , born October 13,
1782, in Franklin township, this county, became
the father of the subject of this sketch.
William Brownlee, Jr., in his early life was a
regular pioneer farmer boy, and his school training,
a somewhat primitive one, was most limited. On
November 17, 1814, he was married to Jean Car
son, who was born March 22, 1791, and the results
of this union were eight children, of whom Eben
ezer, the subject of this sketch, was born April 2,
1825, in West Finley township, Washington Co.,
Penn. The father died March 24, 1846, the
mother, January 23, 1844.
Early in life Ebenezer Brownlee learned the
trade of tanner at Good Intent, AVest Finley town
ship, which he followed, however, only a short
time, as he returned to the home farm and re
mained with his parents during the rest of their
lifetime. On November 25, 1847, he was united in
marriage with Eliza Davidson, who was born March
12, 1824, in West Finley township, a daughter of
James Davidson, a native of the county, of Irish
descent, born in 1782 near West Brownsville. To
the union of Ebenezer and Eliza (Davidson) Brown
lee there came the following named children: Rob
ert D., born November 13, 1849, now in Otoe
county, Neb., where he carries on stock dealing;
George, born August 16, 1851, also in Otoe county,
a farmer; James C, born February 4, 1854, a
physician in Kansas City, Mo. ; John, born Febru
ary 28, 1856, died May 24, 1890; Samuel, born
October 27', 1858; and Jennie, born March 23,

1863, an intelligent and cultured young lady
After his marriage Mr. Brownlee lived five years
in East Finley township, on Robinson's fork of
Wheeling creek; then during the subsequent five
years had his residence in West Finley township
on the Martin Armstrong place; thence moved to
Donegal township, on the William McMurray
farm which he had purchased, and which is situ
ated about half a mile south of West Alexander.
Here he continued to reside until his death, which
occurred December 14, 1888. He was very suc
cessful in all his undertakings, and accumulated
considerable valuable property. He was a mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church, and in pol
itics he was a stanch Republican, one of the influ
ential advisers of the party. He was a strong Ab
olitionist, a great friend to the negro. His widow
departed this life July 14, 1892.

JF. McCLAY, one of the progressive and in
dustrious young farmers of Canton township,.
is a native of the same, born May 24, 1859.
He is a grandson of Samuel McClay who em
igrated from Ireland to America at an early
date, finally locating in Washington county, where
his children were born.
David McClay, father of subject, was born June
11, 1811, near the home farm in Canton township,.
this county, and there passed his- youth, where
long hours of toil, brightened with but little recre
ation, was the rule of life. His early education
was much negletfted, the only problem which he
had leisure or opportunity to solve being how to
maintain an existence. Thus, amid the wilds of the
forest, educated in the rough but thorough school
of nature, and surrounded by all the privations of
pioneer life, was formed the character of the man
who was destined to be a leader among his associ
ates. From the stern teacher, experience, he
learned hard lessons, which in after.life developed
into priceless habits of economy and industry that
made his future a success. Notwithstanding the
lack of school training Mr. McClay became an.
earnest reader, and with the aid of keen observa
tion soon overcame the deficiencies of his early
youth. On January 31, 1840, he was united in
marriage with Margaret McElroy, whose family
were among the earlier settlers of the county. After
their marriage the young couple settled on the
farm which is the present home of their son, J. F-
It was then in a rude state of cultivation, but has
since been improved until it is now one of the finest
places in the township. Mr. and Mrs. McClay had
children as follows: James (deceased in infancy);
James M. (who enlisted in Company B, First West
Virginia Cavalry, and died February 25, 1862,
from disease contracted in the service); William
A.; Nannie (deceased) ; Samuel; David (deceased),

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

631

and J. F. Mr. McClay was a Republican and an
active worker in the party, and was elected to the
same office for three terms, and was serving in that
capacity at the time of his death. In 1855 he
united with the Christian Church "at West Middle-
town, which was under the ministry of Isaac Ever
ett, but eventually he became a member of the
Christian Church at Washington. He owned 400
acres of land at the time of his death, which oc
curred April 5, 1887.
J. F. McClay spent his early youth upon the
farm, securing his education at the common schools.
On November 6, 1879, he married Sarah E. Fer
gus, daughter of John Fergus, of Washington
county, and they reared the following family:
Charles G., Nannie B., John F. and Thomas M.
Since his marriage Mr. McClay has continued to
remain on the home farm, which he now owns.
He is a promising young man, and is always inter
ested in any enterprise tending to the advancement
of the community. He is a valued member of the
Republican party. Both he and his wife are mem
bers of the Christian Church at Washington.

I AMES KELLY (deceased) was a son of
. | William Kelly, who was born in Ireland- and
^J received a good common-school education.
^^ William Kelly was married to Martha Mc-
Courtney, who bore him the following chil
dren: Mary (Mrs. Richard Mounts), Jane (wife of
John Mounts), Sarah (Mrs. Robert Marshall),
Elizabeth (Mrs. William Montgomery), John and
James (all of whom are now deceased). After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kelly immigrated to
America, locating in Shippensburgh, Penn., where
he died November 1, 1779, and was followed to the
grave by his wife January 2, 1827. The sons,
John and James, then moved to Washington
county, Penn. , where they invested extensively in
farm land.
James Kelly was born March 1, 1779, in Ship
pensburgh, Penn. , and passed his boyhood on his
father's farm. He received a good education, and
after removing to Washington county was elected
to several offices of trust, the duties of which he
filled to the satisfaction of all. He was an enthu
siastic and prominent member of the Democratic
party. He married Catherine, daughter of Andrew
and Mary (Duncan) Rogers, and their children
were Martha, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah
A. , Ellen, William, Jackson and James. Of the
above family the living members are Jackson (liv
ing in Pittsburgh, Penn.), Catherine and Sarah A-
(wife of John W. Exline, living on the old home
farm on the National pike in Buffalo township),
Ellen (wife of James C. Stewart, of Buffalo town
ship) and Martha (who died May 18, 1891, at the
age of seventy years).

HENRY H. LAMB is a prominent and suc
cessful merchant of West Alexander. His
ancestors were natives of Virginia, his
J -^ grandfather, John Lamb, having passed
r/ his entire life in that State, where he was
married. John Lamb had one son, John (the
father of our subject). He was a leading Dem
ocrat in politics, and in religious faith a prom
inent member of the Dunkard Church.
John Lamb, only child of John Lamb, was
born in Virginia, and was married in his native
State to Mary (daughter of John Sponoggle) who
bore him children as follows: William (killed at
the battle of Gettysburg), Nathaniel, David,
Ambrose (deceased), John D., Margaret (Mrs.
Noel Whitecotton) and Henry H. Mr. Lamb en
listed in the First Regiment of the Southern army,
and served under the gallant General Lee through
out the entire war. Politically he has always been
a Democrat, and has taken an active interest in
politics. Henry H. Lamb was bom on August 12, 1864,
in Virginia, and passed his youth in Virginia and
West Virginia. On October 11, 1882, he was
united in marriage with Mary B., an adopted
daughter of Benjamin Leonard Craven, whose
father (John Craven) was born in Washington
county, Penn., of German parents. He was
married to Sarah Leonard, a resident of the same
county, and to them were born the following chil
dren: Joshua, Regin, Jacob, Benjamin, John,
William, Phcebe, Sarah, Mary and Nancy.
Benjamin Leonard Craven was born in Decem
ber, 1811, near Beallsville, Penn., and received -
his early education in the schools of that neighbor
hood. At the age of eighteen years he commenced
life for himself by driving stage from Cumberland
to Wheeling, and followed this occupation for
years, when he opened a general store in Taylors
town, this county, and some years later moved to
Claysville. In 1 840 he came to West Alexander,
where he continued in business thirty years,
retiring in 1870. He was first married to
Jemima Mitchell, who bore him one son, David,
who died in youth. For his second wife he was
married to Jane McConahey, of Buffalo township.
He was a successful business man, and dealt
largely in wool and general produce, obtaining a
competence by his own exertions. In politics he
was an active Democrat, and served as postmaster
several years. He was a member and liberal sup
porter of the Presbyterian Church, in which he
filled the office of trustee many years. On Sep
tember 25, 1883, he passed away, and was buried
in the cemetery at West Alexander. He was a
warm friend of education, taking an active part in
the progress of the schools.
To the union of Henry H. and Mary B. (Craven)
Lamb have been born three children: Benjamin.

•632

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Leonard, Henry Roy and Lawrence C. Mr.
Lamb has been engaged in farming and stock
raising. In April, 1891, he entered mercantile
business, and is now conducting a general store.
Politically he is a Republican.

j, OBERT W. MUNNELL was born May 10,
/) 1828, in South Strabane township, Wash-
V ington Co., Penn. He is of Irish descent,
-^ his grandfather, John Munnell, having
been bom and reared in Ireland, where he
was married to a Miss Wallace, who bore him the
following named children: Hugh, John, Thomas,
Elizabeth (Mrs. Scott), Mrs. Hand and Samuel.
Mr. Munnell came to Washington county among
the earliest settlers, and located in South Strabane
township. In political life he was a Democrat,
and in religion a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Samuel Munnell was born in 1795 in South Stra
bane township, Washington county, and passed his
early life on the home farm. He was married to
Nancy McQuiston, of Butler county, Penn., and
they immediately settled on the farm place, where
their lives were passed. Their children were Isa
bella, John (deceased), Robert W., Sarah J.,
Samuel, Thomas (deceased), Catherine E. (Mrs.
John Herron), William (deceased), James, Mary
E. (Mrs. Adam Hall) and Charles (deceased).
Mr. Munnell always followed the vocations of agri
culture and stock raising. In politics he was a
Democrat, taking an active interest in public mat
ters. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Samuel Munnell passed away December
3, 1881, and was followed to the grave by his
widow March 26, 1891.
Robert W. Munnell passed his early life on the
farm in South Strabane township, and gained his
first educational knowledge in an abandoned
"still-house," which was on the home place, and
had been converted into a "hall of learning" for
the benefit of the ambitious urchins. On Novem
ber 9, 1860, he was married to Margaret A.,
daughter of Joseph Herron, and the young people
first settled on a farm in South Strabane township,
where they remained until 1873, when Mr. Mun
nell moved to his present home. Three children
have been born to them: Samuel W., Thomas H.
and John H. Of these, Samuel W. was, on May
28, 1891, married to Adda, daughter of John J.
Gilbert, of New Stark, Hancock Co., Ohio, who
died June 19, 1892. Mr. Munnell is an energetic
citizen, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a
member of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church,
and is now serving as an elder.
John Munnell (deceased brother of Robert W.)
passed his boyhood on the home farm, and on
March 26, 1851, was married to Susan J. Blackly,

of Gettysburg, Penn. , who bore him children as
follows: Nancy J., Mary E. (wife of Samuel Hun
nell), Anna B., James W., Charles E. (deceased)
Robert and John W. On December 3, 1869, Mr
Munnell married for his second wife Mary S.
daughter of Robert McFerren, of Beaver county,
Penn. Mr. Munnell was a merchant in Waynes
burgh, Greene county. In politics he was a Dem
ocrat until the Civil war, and then became an arden
advocate of the Republican principles. He died
January 12, 1889, a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Waynesburgh, Greene county.

Hi ENRY McDONOUGH, a prominent agri
culturist of Somerset township, this county,
is a native of the same. His grandfather,
-* Henry McDonough, was a native of Ireland,
V and came to Pennsylvania in an early day.
He followed the blacksmith's trade in connection
with farming and distilling, carrying on an ex
tensive distillery, although a strict member of the
Baptist Church, of which he was an elder for sev
eral years. Politically he was a Republican. He
died in 1869, in AVashington county, Penn. The
maternal grandfather of our subject, Robert Ma-
han," came across the mountains in the seventeenth
century, and settled in Washington county, Penn.,
where he helped to erect a log church where the
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian church is now stand
ing. The family afterward moved to Ohio. He
was an active worker in the Democratic party,
serving as a representative of Washington county
in the State Legislature. He and his wife died in
Medina county, Ohio, the former having passed
away in his ninetieth year.
Henry McDonough was born in 1797, and reared
on a farm near Vanceville, AVashington Co. , Penn.,
receiving a common- school education. He was
united in marriage with Margaret Mahan, who bore
him children as follows: Henry (whose name opens
this sketch), Robert and David (in Marshall county,
111.), Joseph (farming in Monroe county, 111.),
Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Hill, a farmer of Benton
county, Iowa), Mary, John and James, the latter
three of whom are deceased. Mr. McDonough
voted the Republican ticket, and served Somerset
township as justice of the peace for several years.
He died in 1871, having been preceded to the
grave in 1867 by his wife. Both were members
of the Presbyterian Church.
Henry McDonough was born January 5, 1831,
and grew to manhood on the home farm, attend
ing the district schools during his boyhood. On
November 6, 1851, he was united in marriage with
Mary Smith, who was born in 1829, in Washington
county, Penn. , daughter of John and Jane (Mor
ton) Smith. To the union of Henry and Mary
(Smith) McDonough four children were born, viz-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

63?

John S.,born October 30, 1852 (deceased October
2, 1885); Jane (married on December 13, 1889, to
Theodore Burgan, a farmer of Somerset township,
this county), born in December, 1858; and two that
died in infancy. The mother was a member of the
Disciple Church. She died August 4, 1864, and
on November 8, 1866, Mr. McDonough made
choice of a second wife in the person of. Elmira
Morton, who was born June 27, 1839, in Washing
ton county, Penn., daughter of James and Elmira
(Springer) Morton. To this union three children
have been born as follows: Elizabeth (married to
James Sprowls, a farmer of Fallowfield township,
this county), born November 28, 1867; James H.
(deceased), born June 2, 1874; and Ida (living at
home), born August 7, 1876. Mr. McDonough is
a Republican, and has served his township as audi
tor, assessor and school director. He owns a good
and well-cultivated farm, consisting of 160 acres.
He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church.

If SAAC VAN VOORHIS, one of the most prom
inent agriculturists and stockmen of Wash
ington county, is a son of Daniel Van Voorhis,
-1 whose father was also named Daniel. The
grandfather was born and reared in Holland,
choosing from early boyhood " a life on the ocean
wave." He was a sailor for twenty-four years,
being captain of an Atlantic vessel during the lat
ter part of that time. Finally tiring of the sea, he
located in Long Island, N. Y., purposing to there
make a permanent home; but his roving disposition
led him farther west, and he finally located in
Washington county, Penn., on the tract of land in
Carroll township where Monongahela now stands,
and here passed the best of his life.
Daniel Van Voorhis, father of subject, was born
and reared on the farm in Carroll township, this
county. Here he erected a gristmill, still-house
and sawmill, and employed a large number of
hands. After the death of his father he took
charge of the business, which had rapidly in
creased, virtually being the foundation of Monga-
hela City. In early life Daniel Van Voorhis was
married to Mary, daughter of Henry Fry, who had
married Miss Spears, a sister of the well-known
divine, Henry Spears. To Daniel and Mary (Fry)
Van Voorhis the following children were born:
Newton (deceased); L. G., a resident of Morgan-
town, Penn. ; Abraham (deceased) ; John (living in
Kansas); Isaac (of whom further mention is made);
Daniel (deceased) ; Jerome (living in Iowa) ; Har
vey (residing in Spearville, Kans.); Sarah (Mrs.
Cooper, living in Nottingham township, this
county); Christina (Mrs. Fry, living in Finleyville,
Penn.), and Mary (married to Frank Bentley, of
Monongahela, Penn.). The mother died at the
patriarchal age of ninety-five years, and when

the father passed away he left 1,000 acres of land,
which in his active years he had cleared, cultivated
and planted to corn.
Isaac Van Voorhis was born March 27, 1823, in.
Carroll township, this county, near the head
waters of Pigeon creek. He attended the common
school until about sixteen years of age, when he
was given entire charge of the stock on his father's
immense farm. Before assuming the duties of
this position, he started on a trip to Kentucky,
intending to purchase cattle, but finding nothing
to suit him in the " Blue-Grass region " he jour
neyed northwest to Ohio, and there purchased 150
head of stock. On his return home, when about
half way, the boy was met by his father and
brother Jerome, who took charge of the herd,
giving our young " cowboy " instructions to " face
about" and purchase another lot. Accordingly he
made a second successful trip, to the satisfaction
and delight of the family, who had been half
doubtful of the result of the experiment. The-
youthful drover afterward made frequent western
trips, soon accumulating a snug sum of money.
He was the first to drive cattle to the East, seventy-
five miles below St. Louis. He would start on.
horseback from the "Big Muddy," swimming
the rivers, and on one occasion, on crossing the
Muskingum, which was full of floating ice, his
cattle sank in a quick sand, and he himself had a
narrow escape from drowning. In 1846 he left
the paternal roof, and began business for himself
by investing in land in Somerset township, this
county. About this time he received $3,000 as
his portion of his father's estate, and then began
a career almost unparalleled for unfailing business-
successes. His life has been devoted to rearing,
fattening and dealing in stock. In boyhood he
earned the first horse he ever owned by splitting
rails for 50 cents a hundred. It is needless to
add that since the proud day when he received the
deserved reward for blistered hands and aching
limbs, Isaac Van Voorhis has never been without a
good horse. He has reared and broken many of
high breed and speed, that have since made good
record, one of the most valuable being ' ' Gray
Hawk," which he sold for $3,000 to his brother
Harvey, a resident of Kansas. His real estate
now consists of 800 acres of very valuable land,
upon which is erected one of the finest houses in
Washington county. It is a matter of special in
terest that this home is situated on the highest
point between the Alleghany Mountains and the
Rocky Mountains. Mr. Van Voorhis also owns a
large farm near Chicago, 111. , which he stocks with
western cattle. The path to success is never
easy, although it may seem so to the admiring or
envious onlooker; and, in the case of Mr. Van-
Voorhis, many hardships were endured which space
forbids us to here enumerate, and many obstacles

634

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

overcome, ere he reached the pinnacle which he
now occupies. He has visited nearly every State
in the Union, and in his travels has swam every
river between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi
river. On August 26, 1846, our subject was married
to Elmira, daughter of Thomas Hopkins, whose
ancestors were an old and prominent family of
Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Van Voorhis have been
blessed with the following children: Samuel (de
ceased); Thomas and Frank (twins), Frank (de
ceased); Thomas (living); Van Emer (living at
home) ; Selina (wife of Henry Huffman, a resident
of West Bethlehem township) ; Lizzie (Mrs. Groot-
man, living in Pittsburgh, Penn. , where her hus
band is engaged in the oil and soap business) ;
and Charlie (yet living at home).
In addition to what has been previously stated
in regard to the reputation of Mr. Van Voorhis as
a stockman, he also enjoys the enviable distinc
tion of having taken a greater nuniber of prizes
for stock at the county fair than any other farmer
of Washington county. He breeds Hambletonian
horses, Short-horn cattle and Poland China pigs.
Politically he votes the Republican ticket, but is
averse to holding office, although he was induced
to serve as school director for twelve years. His
wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Among
the celebrated men who have visited at his home
were Gen. Grant and James G. Blaine.

I OHN C. McKEAN is a son of Robert McKean,
I whose father, William McKean, was born
If J and reared in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.
^^ AAllliam McKean received his early education
in the country schools of his native land, and
was there married to Mary, daughter of William
Brown, whose family had been natives of Kirkcud
brightshire for over two hundred years. Mr. and
and Mrs. McKean passed their lives on the home
farm in Scotland, where the following children
were born to them and reared: John, a sea captain,
was lost in a wreck in 1837; Mary, wife of Alex
ander Magill; William, a farmer of Mansfield,
Penn. ; James, a merchant tailor, of Canada Cor
ners, Mich.; Joseph, living on the old home place
in Scotland; Elizabeth, deceased in youth; Andrew,
living in Scotland; Robert and Samuel, residing
in Fayette county, Penn. The father was a mem
ber of the Established Church of Scotland.
Robert McKean was born March 7, 1827, on the
home place in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, and
in boyhood attended the schools of his native par
ish, also assisted in the duties of the farm. On
January 1, 1849, he married Janet Caird, who was
born at New Abbey, Scotland, a daughter of James

Caird, a merchant and native of the same place,
and a member of the Established Church. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Caird were as follows:
Janet, wife of Robert McKean; John; Barbara,
wife of Andrew Irving; Agnes, married to a Mr.
Thompson; James; AVilliam; Mary, and two whose
names are unknown. Mr. and Mrs. McKean resided
on a farm near New Abbey for about one year after
their marriage, and then sailed for America. After a
voyage of thirty days they landed, in July, 1850, in
New York; thence proceeded to Newburgh, where
they spent a few months, from there going to Phil
adelphia, and then by rail to Johnstown, thence by
canal to Pittsburgh, finally arriving in Allegheny
City. In 1851 they moved to a place about six
miles out, on the Steubenville pike, on Chartiers
creek, where he followed gardening about six years,
also working part of the time for 25 cents a day.
He then passed one year in Mansfield, Penn., and
was afterward engaged for six years in farming
and gardening on a place near that town. In 1865
he purchased and moved upon 220 acres at Lock •
No. 4 (now Charleroi) Washington Co., Penn.,
having paid for this land with the proceeds of
years of arduous labor. Politically he is actively
identified with the interests of the Republican
party, and in religion he and his family are mem
bers of the U. P. Church. He gives liberally of
his means to all worthy enterprises. His children
have been as follows: James, postmaster at Pitts
burgh; William, deceased in youth; John C. ; Will
iam; Andrew; Agnes; Robert, and Mary E., wife of
Charles Thompson.
John C. McKean was born October 18, 1854, and
reared near Mansfield, Penn., and worked on the
home place during boyhood. He then followed
farming and gardening for some years, afterward
purchasing a half interest in a packet running
from Lock No. 4 to Brownsville. He conducted
that business about nine months, then resumed the
occupation of a gardener and fruit raiser, shipping
his products to Pittsburgh, and successfully con
tinued in the work about nine years. On March
4, 1877, he was united in marriage with Lnsettie
B., daughter of W. P. Spakeman, a resident of
Pittsburgh, Penn., and she has borne him the fol
lowing children: Lillie B., Alice K., Nettie G.,
Charles S., Mary E. (deceased), and James S.
Mr. McKean superintended the excavating and
cementing of the Glass AVorks plant, his work
proving eminently satisfactory. In politics he is a
loyal Republican, and in 1891 he was appointed
postmaster at Charleroi, receiving his commission
in 1892. In religion he is a member of the Pres
byterian Church. He owns about twenty acres
of the original plat of Charleroi. Mr. McKeau is
a very popular and useful citizen, actively inter
ested in all public improvements.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

635

JOHN REED is one of the oldest citizens of
West Alexander, and was born August 24,
1815, in East Finley township, this county,
a son of James Reed, whose father, William
Reed, was reared in Pennsylvania. When a
young man William Reed was married to Margaret
Linn, who lived near Gettysburg, and their chil
dren were John, William, David, Andrew, Samuel,
Ann, Margaret, Jane, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary and
James. Mr. Reed came to Washington county in
the latter part of the eighteenth century, locating
near the village of Buffalo, on a farm which he
and his sons improved and cultivated. He was a
member of the Whig party, and in religion was
connected with the Presbyterian Church.
James Reed was born September 28, 1784, near
Gettysburg, Penn., and was reared in Buffalo
township, Washington county, whither his parents
moved when he was a child. In 1812 he was
married to Sarah, daughter of John McWilliams,
an early resident of the county, and soon after
his marriage Mr. Reed purchased a farm in East
Finley township, this county, where he made a
permanent home, and had the following children:
William, born September 24, 1813; John, subject
of this sketch; Jane, born July 24, 1817; Margaret,
born July 24, 1820; and Hannah, born March 3,
1823. Mr. Reed was a successful man, and well
deserved his prosperity. In politics he was origi
nally a Whig, and afterward became a member of
the Democratic party. He was a member of the
Upper Ten- Mile Church at Prosperity, of which he
was an elder. He died February 25, 1845, having
been preceded by his wife March 14, 1839, and
both are buried at Prosperity.
John Reed received his education at the sub
scription schools of East Finley township. On
February 20, 1844, he was married to Jane, daugh
ter of John Burns, a native of West Finley town
ship, born June 13, 1799. John Burns was a son
of Alexander Burns, who was born in 1739, in
Ireland, and when a young man immigrated to
America, settling in Washington county, Penn.
He was united in rnarriage with Jane Carroll, of
East Finley township, who bore him children as
follows: James, born July 21, 1786; Alexander,
bom January 13, 1789; Robert, born March 28,
1791; Mary, bom October 17, 1793; Nancy, bom
August 28, 1796; John, born June 13, 1799; and
William, bom October 3, 1803. Mr. Burns was a
soldier in the Indian war, also in the war of 1812,
and was captured by the Indians. In politics he
was a Democrat, and in religious views a member
of the society known as Dissenters. His son,
John Burns, was married to Martha Carroll, and
their children were Jane (Mrs. John Reed) ; Robert
C, who married Margaretta, a daughter of Rev.
Mr. Anderson, and by her had two children: one
that died in infancy, and Mary L. , wife of Cyrus

Craig, of Cambridge, Ohio (Robert C. died at the
age of twenty-eight years); and Mary (Mrs. Alex
ander Gunn). John Burns was a Democrat in
politics, and in religion a member of and elder in
the United Presbyterian Church.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Reed
remained on the home place ten years, and then
moved to Burnsville, West Finley township, where
they remained fifteen years, thence removing to-
Dallas, W. Va., where they lived two years. Mr.
and Mrs. Reed have had the following children:
James Linn, John B. (deceased), Sarah Martha
(Mrs. William Barry), Robert J. and Mary L. (the
latter died at the age of three years). Mr. Reed
has ever been much interested in educational mat
ters, and general public topics. In politics he was
always a Democrat, prior to the year 1885, when
he became a strong advocate of Prohibition. In
religious connection he is an elder in, and has for
forty-five years been a member of the Presbyterian
Church. James Linn Reed, a son of John Reed, served
in the war of the Rebellion from March 4, 1865,
to August 11 , same year. He was educated at
Washington and Jefferson College, and then en
tered Princeton College, graduating there in the
class of 1870, and afterward from the Western
Theological Seminary. He was called to a church
in Independence, where he remained eight years;
then passed one year in Pueblo, Colo. On his re
turn home he went to Barnesville, Ohio, and re
mained there six years, being finally called to
Leetsdale, Penn. , where he is now living. Polit
ically he is a Republican.
John B. Reed (deceased), the second son of John
Reed, received his preparatory training at Waynes
burgh, and his college education at Washington
and Jefferson. He then attended the Cleveland
Medical College, and after graduating practiced
one year in Dallas, W. Va. ; then went to Cameron,
then to West Alexander, and finally settled in
Wheeling, W. Va., where he died October 17, 1887,
aged forty-one years. He left a widow (formerly
Miss Mary L. Stone) and the following children :
Mary L., Frank S., John B., Jane B. and Sarah.
During the Civil war he enlisted in the Sixteenth
P. V. C, and was sent to the army of the Potomac.
In his political views he was a Republican.
Robert J. Reed, third son of John Reed, was
also educated at Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, from which he graduated in 1881, and then
entered Bellevue Medical College, N. Y., gradu
ating in 1884. He afterward entered the Western
Pennsylvania Hospital, whence he proceeded to
Wheeling, AV. Va., where he is now practicing his
profession. On November 30, 1887, he was mar
ried to Louise Butler, of Wheeling, W. Va. In
his political views he is a Republican. In 1874
Mr. and Mrs. Reed located in West Alexander,

636

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

where they have a pleasant home. They united
with the Presbyterian Church there, in which they
are honored members.

Mi RS. MARTHA BAIRD, one of the oldest
residents of Peters township, is the widow
of Thomas Baird, a son of Samuel Baird.
-* Samuel Baird was a native of County
v Antrim, Ireland, and came to America in
an early day. Soon after his arrival in this coun
try he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James
Anderson. The Andersons and Bairds had emi
grated from Ireland in the same vessel, and settled
near each other in Peters township, Washington
Co., Penn. Mrs. Anderson passed away in 1809,
and as was then customary, was buried on the farm
in the old orchard, where fifteen years later the
husband and father was laid to rest. Their graves
are marked only by a rough stone and a few ever
green trees. After their marriage Samuel and
Elizabeth Baird located on the farm in Peters
township, which is now owned by their son Thomas,
and the following children were born to them:
Jane, William, James, Samuel, Jonathan and
Thomas, of whom all are deceased save William,
who is living in retirement at Sleeth, Carroll Co. ,
Ind. Thomas Baird was bom May 22, 1822, on the
old place in Peters township, this county, and re
mained with his parents during his minority. On
arriving at man's estate he began life as a pilot,
and worked as such for many years on the Ohio
river; he afterward clerked in the coal yards for
several years, finally returning to Washington
county, where he spent the last thirty-five years of
his life on a farm in Peters township. On October
7, 1851, he was married to Martha Wilson, who
was born January 26, 1833, a daughter of the late
Thomas Wilson, a prominent farmer of Peters
township, this county. The young couple set
tled on the home farm in Peters township, which
was then owned by a maiden aunt of Mr. Baird.
He leased the farm for fifteen years, and when
she died paid off the other heirs. The follow
ing children were born to Thomas and Martha
Baird: Elizabeth, Mary, Jennie (deceased), Wilson
T., Emma, Caroline, Sarah, John, Frank, Will
iam, Charles and George. The family occupy a
prominent position in the community. Mr. Baird
enjoyed the highest respect and esteem of all
who knew him, and was recognized in all his
dealings as a thoroughly honest and upright citi
zen. In politics he was a Democrat, and served
in many local offices. He was a member and
treasurer of the Presbyterian Church for many
years. He died February 4, 1888, of pneumonia.
His widow is yet living on the old homestead,
which contains 140 acres of well- cultivated land.

THOMAS STEVENSON, who in his day was
one of the prominent and progressive agri
culturists of Washington county, was born
June 30, 1798, in Northampton county,
Penn. , on the old home farm near Easton.
James Stevenson, his father, was a native of the
North of Ireland, where he married Ann Miller,
and soon thereafter they immigrated to America,
and about the year 1786 settled near Easton,
Northampton Co., Penn, where they resided till
1800. They then crossed the mountains, all their
worldly possessions, comprising household goods,
their little ones and themselves, being carried in
one wagon. Coming to Washington county, they
, located near Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, and
there resided till 1808, when they moved to the
southeastern part of Smith township. In 1809
James Stevenson made a permanent home on a
farm situated one mile north of Bulger, in Smith
township. He was an honest, energetic citizen,
was a successful farmer, and carried on a very ex
tensive distillery. In politics he was an active
member of the Whig party. He and his wife passed
away at a good old age, and were the parents of
the following: John (bom about the year 1786,
died about I860,' having lived up to the time of his
death on the farm where John C. Stevenson now
resides; he was a soldier in the war of 1812),
Thomas, Margaret (who married Finley Scott),
Jane and Mrs. Smith, all now deceased.
Thomas Stevenson, the subject proper of this
memoir, came with his parents to Washington
county when a boy, and here received his educa
tion in the schools of the period, where the " Single
Rule of Three" was the test of mathematical
knowledge. He hauled loads of produce to Pitts
burgh, returning with merchandise for country
merchants. On February 28, 1827, he was mar
ried to Eliza Kerr, who was born November 16, 1806,
daughter of William and Eleanor Kerr. This wife
died March 4, 1849, and on September 28, 1852,
Mr. Stevenson married Margaret A. Whan, who
was born February 15, 1824, daughter of John and
Mary (Stevenson) AVhan, and their children were:
Mary Margaret (wife of David McCoy, of Baca
county, Colo.), born October 17, 1853; Ann Eliza
(living in Burgettstown, Penn., with her widowed
mother), born March 22, 1855; Celicia J. (living
at home), born January 28, 1857; John C, James
M. , and William E. (of whom special mention is
made further on) ; and David S. K. , born December
29, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson passed all of
their married life on a part of the " Old Ravens-
craft Tract," in Cherry Valley, Smith township.
He was a careful manager and excellent financier,
year by year adding to his possessions until he
owned 750 acres of choice land. He was a kind-
hearted, generous man, ever ready to assist those
who proved worthy of aid; in business he was a

'-mzj/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

639

careful manager. At one time he owned a flour-
mill in Midway, Penn., but passed most of his time
in agriculture. In politics he was first a Whig,
then a Republican, and was much interested in the
selection of suitable candidates. He was a charter
member of the Mt. Vernon Seceder Church, and
was one of the leading organizers of the Centre
U. P. Church, serving as an elder and contributing
liberally to its support. He died February 28,
1881, mourned by the entire community as one who
could not well be replaced. His widow continued
to reside in the elegant home left to her until 1892,
when she moved to Burgettstown, this county, and
is now living a retired life. She is one of the most
highly respected ladies of the vicinity, and is a
consistent member of the U. P. Church.
John C. Stevenson was born August 4, 1858,
in Cherry Valley, Smith township, this county.
He received a limited education in the district
schools, and being the eldest son, the greater
portion of the farm work fell to his share. On
February 12, 1880, he was united in marriage
with Eliza J. Stewart, who was born September 27,
1855, daughter of John Stewart. Three daughters
have been born to this marriage: Maggie T., Elvia
May and Cora Viola. After their marriage John
C. and Eliza J. (Stewart) Stevenson settled on the
home farm one mile north of Bulger, which has
been in the possession of the family since 1809.
He has followed farming and stock raising, also
devoted some attention to the dairy business. In
politics he is a Democrat, and has held various
township offices; in religion he and his wife are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at
Midway, this county.
James M. and AVilliam E. Stevenson were born
on the home farm in Smith township, September
28, 1860, and August 13, 1863, respectively.
Their literary education was received at the com
mon schools of the neighborhood, during which
time they were also learning valuable lessons in
the principles of successful agriculture and general
business. After the death of their father the two
brothers took charge of the home place, and in
September, 1883, John C. sold his interest in cattle
to James M. and William E., who then began an
extensive business in the breeding of Holstein-
Friesau cattle. Their first stock was purchased
from J. L. Henderson, of Washington county, and
Powell Bros. , of Springboro, Penn. Their stock
soon increased in quantity and value, and was ex
hibited at various agricultural shows throughout
the country — Detroit, Chicago, Toledo, Columbus,
Youngstown (Ohio), Wheeling (W. Va.) and sev
eral other places, and they received a large
number of premiums as testimonials of their supe
rior grade of cattle. Many gold and silver med
als were awarded them at the various exhibitions,
from which they always took some premium. These

two young men won a national reputation as stock
raisers, and command the very highest prices. In
1892 they disposed of their farming implements
and stock, making one of the largest sales ever
held in Smith township. Politically the Messrs.
Stevenson are earnest, active members of the Re
publican party and, it is needless to add, are most
intelligent, practical and successful business men.
Neither are married.

FI( NDREW CRAAVFORD is prominently iden-
II l\ tified with the oldest and most influential
tf^h citizens of Peters township. His grandfa-
II -* ther, Andrew Crawford, is supposed to have
v emigrated from Ireland. However that
may be, it is certain that this ancestor came to
Washington county, Penn., prior to 1783, and lo
cated on the farm in North Strabane township yet
owned by his descendants. In the same year he
received a patent for 41 5f acres of land, giving
in payment £4, 9s. 2d. of Pennsylvania currency.
In early life he was united in marriage with Sarah
Speer, a native of Moon township, Allegheny Co.,
Penn. Their lives were passed on the farm in
North Strabane township, where he died in 1795
from the effects of the bite of a copperhead snake.
The children of this family were born as follows:
Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, James, Alexander and
Ann, all of whom are now deceased.
James Crawford was born in 1791, on the old
homestead in North Strabane township, and was
but four years old when his father died. His
mother married again, and the child was thrown
on his own resources at a tender age, as the step
father had no property. However, he possessed
plenty of perseverance, and worked for some time
as a farm hand, meantime availing himself of every
opportunity to secure an education. He then be
gan teaching school, and in 1812 went to stay with
his sister in Columbiana county, Ohio, while her
husband fought in the war of 1812. While mak
ing his home here, young Crawford met Miss Nancy
Crawford, who afterward shared his life (she was
no relation). They were married in 1814, after
which the young couple moved to the old place in
North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. ,
where they always resided. Their farm contained
over 200 acres of the original tract. . In political
opinion James Crawford was a Democrat,and served
in many township offices. For thirty years he was
identified with the United Presbyterian Church at
Peters Creek, in which he was an elder, and after
ward became a member of Mount Prospect Church.
The following children were born to this couple:
Sarah, Andrew, William (deceased in infancy), Ta
mar, Mary A., Agnes, Margaret (wife of A. M.
Borland), Lizzie and Priscilla. Of these, Tamar,
Mary A. , Agnes, Sarah and Priscilla are deceased.

640

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Andrew Crawford, son of James and Nancy Craw
ford, was born December 4, 1816, in the old house
on the farm of his forefathers in North Strabane
township, Washington county. He remained on the
place during his boyhood, and on April 5, 1838, was
married to Martha, daughter of James Matthews.
She was born in October, 1814, on a farm in Peters
township adjoining the home of her future hus
band. After their marriage the young couple in
herited seventy-five apres of the old place, where
they have since resided. Children have blessed
their union as follows: Martha J., Mary J., Al
exander J., Nancy E., Tamar T., W. B. L., Sarah,
Henrietta and Anna G., of whom Martha J., Nancy
E. and Tamar T. are deceased. The father votes
with the Democratic party, and has held various
local offices. He was an elder in the United Pres
byterian Church of Peters Creek until his member
ship was transferred to Mt. Prospect; he also led
the choir for many years.
James Alexander Crawford, eldest son of An
drew and Martha (Matthews) Crawford, was born
May 6, 1842, and on December 21, 1865, was mar
ried by Rev. William Hannji, of the Presbyterian
Church of Fairview, to Rhoda J., daughter of
James Atkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have
had the following children: Nettie B., William C,
Mattie, James P., Edmund A., Caroline, AVal-
lace, May, Harry, Lulu and Laura. Of this
family Caroline, Wallace and Laura are now
deceased. Mr. Crawford is at present living in
McCook, Neb., where he has bought a farm of 160
acres, and expects to make his future home.

JAMES MORRISON, who is a grandson of
Henry Morrison, was born May 14, 1833, in
Nottingham township, this county. The
grandfather was a lieutenant in the Revolu
tionary war, and in 1773 came to this county, and
bought 438 acres of land on Mingo creek, where
he died at the age of eighty-two years, leaving
three sons, John, James and Henry.
Henry Morrison, son of Henry Morrison, Sr. ,
was born October 2, 1799, in Nottingham town
ship, this county, and was married to Anna Stew
art, who was born October 14, 1794, in this county.
Five children were born to their marriage, namely:
William, born December 18, 1820, died February
26, 1843; Patience (Mrs. Hamilton), born April
30, 1823; Henry, born August 13, 1827; John,
born May 23, 1830, died January 6, 1836; and
James, of whom a sketch follows. The father
owned 152 acres of land, and passed his life in
agricultural pursuits, serving the township in va
rious capacities. He died October 7, 1884, having
been preceded by the mother December 25, 1877.
James Morrison was born on the old place in
this county, and there passed his school days. On

May 7, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah
J., daughter of John Gaston, a native of Alle
gheny county, Penn. They have had three children,
namely: H. P., A. L. and H. M. The family
moved to Washington, Penn., in 1872, remain
ing there until 1877, when they returned to the
farm in Nottingham township. Mr. Morrison has
served as inspector of elections on several occa
sions, and in religion the family are all members
of the Presbyterian Church.

Hi ENRY HARRISON HARFORD WEAV
ER. The Weaver family, with which this
gentleman is connected, is of German an-
— ' cestry, and the earliest pioneer of the name
V to settle in America was one Adam Weaver.
He and his son John located in Washington coun
ty, Penn. , where the latter purchased 400 acres of
land one mile north of Fredericktown, on Fish Pot
run, in East Bethlehem township. John Weaver
received a limited education, but gained a large
fund of general information, becoming a very in
telligent citizen. In 1788 he was married to Cath
arine, daughter of Martin Spoone, and the follow
ing children were born to them: Adam, who died
in 1860; Sarah, wife of Jonathan Michener, of
Seneca county, Ohio ( she is now over ninety
years of age); Jacob; Martin, a farmer of Seneca
county, Ohio; Daniel; Mrs. Elizabeth Ault, who
resided at Or ville,, Wayne Co., Ohio; Mrs. Cath
erine Huffman; Mrs. Mary Smith; John; Jos
eph, deceased in 1890,, and Margaret. Of this
family are yet living Sarah, Martin and Marga
ret. The parents died on the home farm in East
Bethlehem township.
John Weaver, son of John and Catharine AVeav-
er, was born August 17, 1799, in East Bethlehem
township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended
the rude log cabin schools, and assisted his father
in the farm work, using the old-fashioned wooden
plow. Their bread was then made entirely from
corn, and though whisky was freely used in those
days, drunken men were comparatively few. John
Weaver learned the tanner's trade at Scenery Hill,
Washington county, with a man named Notestine.
On March 21, 1822, he was united in marriage
with Ann Schoolly, and they had children who
were born as follows: William, born December 8,
1822, a merchant of San Francisco; Eli, born
April 10, 1824, supposed to have been drowned
in North River, Cal. ; Mrs. Elizabeth Messmore,
born April 22, 1826, died November 28, 1878, in
Illinois; Thomas, born October 17, 1828, died
September 10, 1888, in San Francisco, Cal. ; John,
deceased in infancy; E. P., a miner in Montana,
born April 7, 1833, and Isaac, born September 9
1835, who enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Calvary,
and died in the army. The mother of this family

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

641

was laid to rest December 23, 1835, and the father
then married Mrs. Jane (Woods) Boon ( widow of
James Boon), who was born June 24, 1809, in
Washington county, Penn., near the Virginia line.
To this marriage came the following children:
Finley, born February 16, 1838, living in Waynes
burgh, Greene Co., Penn.; Henry Harrison Har
ford, born September 3, 1840; Margaret Jane,
born January 12, 1843, wife of John Carpenter,
of Seneca county, Ohio; Joseph and Mary N.
(twins), born August 9, 1845, the former of whom
died October 1, 1854, while the latter is living
with her brother Henry; Eleanor S., born June 20,
1848, widow of Alonzo B. Crumrine, living in
Waynesburgh, Greene Co. , Penn. , and Florence
C, born April 3, 1851, who died September 30,
1854, at the age of three years, one day before the
death of her brother Joseph. The father was a
very industrious man, having won success by years
of patient toil, and in 1842 erected the house now
occupied by his son. He was called from earth
June 24, 1876, and was followed by his wife Decem
ber 29, 1888. He was a member and elder of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics
formerly voted with the Whig party, afterward
uniting with the Republicans. t
Henry Harrison Harford Weaver is now resid
ing on the farm where he was born and reared, in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn.
He learned the tannery business of his father,
which he followed several years, and then con
ducted a store in Fredericktown- fifteen years. Af
ter leaving the latter business he returned to the
homestead, and is now a prosperous agriculturist.
He is one of the most zealous adherents of the Re
publican party, and has voted for every nominee
of his party since casting his first ballot for Lin
coln. In rel^ion he is a member of the Presby
terian Church.

1772,
Penn

HARVEY ANDREW, a representative of an
old pioneer family, and a flourishing farmer
of Morris township, is a son of Jesse An
drew, and grandson of Samuel Andrew,
who was born in New Jersey, January 25,
and located on Ruff's creek, Greene Co.,
at an early day, where he entered land.
He married Susan Cooper, of Washington county,
' orn July 22, T777, and reared a family of eight
children, as follows: Jacob, Zebulon, Samuel,
Jesse, Robert, Kersier, Elizabeth and Emeline, of
whom Elizabeth, a resident of Iowa, is the only
survivor. Samuel Andrew removed to Crawford
county, Ohio, all the family except Jesse accom
panying him, and there died August 28, 1849, his
wife having passed away August 27, 1843.
Jesse Andrew was born March 15, 1804, and
October 20, 1825, married Lecta Day, who was born

August 5, 1803, a daughter of Calvin Day. They
resided in Greene county until their death, Jesse
passing away August 17, 1880, and his wife June 29,
1878. They reared a family of six children : Cyrus,
born July 20, 1826 (deceased); Harvey, born April
13,1828; Milton, born January 26, 1830 (now a resi
dent of Iowa); Samuel, born September 23, 1835
(deceased); Adeline, born November 22,1839 (de
ceased); John N. , born January 31, 1842 (living in
Van Buren, Franklin township).
Harvey Andrew remained with his father upon
the farm until thirty years of age, when he mar
ried Adaline Craig, who was born June 4, 1832, a
daughter of M. B. Craig, of Franklin township,
AVashington county. After his marriage he re
sided on his father's farm in Greene county, until
the winter of 1862-63, when he removed to his
present farm in Morris township, four miles west
of Prosperity, known as the "Old Post farm,"
which is an excellent one, and consists of about
200 acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew have been
born five children: Charles Hollace, born Novem
ber 5, 1858, in Greene county (he married Matilda
Bell, of East Finley township, who died May 22,
1888, aged thirty-three years, and he afterward
married Mary, daughter of Harvey Day, of Greene
county; he now resides on the old home place in
Greene county); Lecta Jane, born March 27, 1864,
married to James Sharp, of Prosperity, where they
now reside; the other three children, Jesse B. , born
December 2, 1860, in Greene county, William
Harvey, born September 17, 1868, and Sarah A.,
born May 29, 1871, make their home with their
parents. Mr. Andrew is a Democrat, and a mem
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of
which he was an elder.

JAMES T. HEMPHILL. Among the pros
perous and energetic citizens of AA'est Mid-
) dletown, Penn., this gentleman occupies a
position of deserved prominence. His an
cestors were natives of Old Erin, but left their
island home in an early day to seek' a home in the
"land of the free and the home of the brave."
The earliest pioneer of this well-known family was
one John Hemphill, who was born in County
Down, Ireland, and married Mary Brooks, a native
of the same county. The following children were
born to this union: Thomas, Nancy. (Mrs. Jesse
Merrill), Mary (wife of William McGuffie), John,
Margaret, Elizabeth, David and Jane. In 1791
the family immigrated to America, first settling
in Winchester, Va. , and some years later moved to
West Finley township, AVashington county, Penn.
A short time afterward they settled permanently
near West Alexander, Donegal township, this
county, with the exception of a few years passed
in West Virginia. In politics Mr. Hemphill was a

642

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the
Associate Reformed Church.
Thomas Hemphill was born in 1789, in County
Down, Ireland, his parents bringing him to America
when but two years of age. His youth was passed
in AVinchester,Va. , and Washington county, Penn.,
where his education was received. In early man
hood he was married to Delilah, daughterof James
Tearney, of Fayette county, Penn. , and the young
people first settled in Fayette county, Penn.,
thence moving to Steubenville, Ohio, where
they remained several years, and finally re
turning to Washington county, Penn. Mr.
Hemphill followed the cooper's trade, which
he learned in youth. His children were as
follows: Mary (wife of John Johnson), Sarah (Mrs.
John Sharp), David (deceased), John, J. T. , Mar
garet (Mrs. Thomas Patterson), Nancy (wife of
Robert C. Stewart) and Elizabeth (married to Hol-
liday Sharp). The father never became a natural
ized citizen, but took an active interest in the
Democratic party, and in religion was a member
of the Disciple Church. He died in 1851, being
followed in 1875 by his wife. Both are buried in
the Grove cemetery, of A\Test Middletown, Penn.
James T. Hemphill was born February 11, 1819,
in Donegal township, this county, and passed his
youth on the home farm, receiving a subscription-
school education. On November 12, 1850, he was
united in marriage with Saria, daughter of James
Murdock, and she has borne him the following
children: Anna (wife of Samuel C. Maxwell),
Martha V. , Joseph T. , Milton M. , Jennie (wife of
Rev. John B. Jamison), Lucy, J. E. B. and Nel
lie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill resided in
Hopewell township for four years after their mar
riage; he then conducted a milling business in
Independence township, this county, for six years,
and afterward moved to the home farm of the
Murdock family. He then resided six years in
Donegal township, and returning to Independence
township purchased the old Johnstown farm.
From there he removed to AVashington borough,
finally settling at his present home in West Mid
dletown, Hopewell township. Politically Mr.
Hemphill has been an active member of the Whig
party, and is now a Republican. In 1885 he was
elected county sheriff, giving satisfaction to all his
constituents. He and his family are members of
the United Presbyterian Church at Mount Hope,
this county.

. JfOHN S. CARLILE is a grandson of Robert
. }| and Mollie Carlile, natives of New Jersey.
rll Mrs. Mollie Carlile was the famous JMollie
^ — Stark, of Revolutionary fame, and a daugh
ter of The gallant Gen. John Stark. She died
in 1858, in her ninety-sixth year, loved and honored

by every true American, leaving four children to
perpetuate her memory. Mr. Carlile owned iron
furnaces and about 600 acres of land in New Jersey,
and was a prosperous business man.
John Carlile, father of subject, was born in 1787,
in New Jersey, and moving to Pennsylvania in 1820,
located near Lone Pine, Amwell township, Wash
ington county. He was engaged in tanning several
years, then began to farm, in which he continued
the remainder of his life. On May 2, 1822, he was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Curry, who bore
him six children, viz. : Mary (Mrs. Camp), Mar
garet (Mrs. Onstott), Sarah Jane (Mrs. Prall), Will
iam, Eliza (Mrs. Keeney) and John S. Mr. Car
lile was first a Whig, and afterward united with
the Republican party on its formation. He died
in 1861, in his seventy-fifth year, followed by Mrs.
Carlile in 1864.
John S. Carlile was born November 3, 1838, on
the old Hatfield farm in Amwell township, and re
mained at home until 1864, in which year his
mother died. He was educated at the common
schools, and at Pleasant Valley Academy. When
yet a boy he learned the carpenter's trade, serving
a regular apprenticeship of three years with a Mr.
Keeney, and has ever since followed that business,
being constantly engaged in contracting and build
ing. On March 8, 1866, our subject was married
to Rebecca Ann Potts, of Beaver county, Penn.,
and the children born to them were: G. Lawrence,
Elfonsine, William, O. Curtis, Harry (deceased)
and Alvin (deceased). Mr. Carlile has always been
one of the most earnest and influential Republicans
in his township. He was enumerator of the First
Precinct of Amwell township for the eleventh cen
sus, and, with the exception of three years, has been
a member of the election board for twenty years.

l\ Iff ATTHEAV McCONAUGHY, a well-known
\f/\ citizen of McDonald, Washington county,
Ml I is a grandson of David McConaughy,
J -* who was born and reared in County
v Antrim, Ireland, and there married to
a Miss Glissen. They came to America in
the latter part of the eighteenth century, and
made their first settlement in Chester county,
Penn. In 1804 they moved by wagons across the
mountains to AVashington county, settling on a
wild farm of 180 acres, part of the George Wash
ington tract. Mr. McConaughy was a mason by
trade, and in 1812 built a stone house on the
place, afterward following his vocation in this
this county. He and his wife reared the following
children: John, David, Elizabeth and Alexander.
In politics the father was a Whig, and in religion
a member of the first Seceder Church organized in
Hickory, this county.
Alexander McConaughy, father of subject, was

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

645

born in 1799 in Chester county, Penn. , and passed
his early life in Chester and Washington counties,
receiving a liberal subscription-school education.
On April 19, 1832, he married Martha, daughter of
Matthew Murdock, who was born in Lancaster
county, Penn., and was there married to Mary
McElravy; they resided in Mercer county, Penn.,
for several years after their marriage, and then
came to Washington county, where children were
born to them as follows: Sarah, Robert, Ann,
Elizabeth, David, Martha, Rebecca, Jane, Nancy
and Mary. Politically Mr. McElravy was a Whig,
in religion a member of the Associate Reformed
Church. Alexander and Martha McConaughy made a
permanent settlement on the home place in Wash
ington county. Their children were David, Mat
thew, Mary A., Elizabeth, John, Alexander and
Sarah J., three of whom are yet living — Matthew,
Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert T. McKibben) and Sarah
J. Mr. McConaughy was a farmer and stock
raiser, and in politics was formerly a Whig, then a
Republican. He was first a member of the
Seceder Church and then of the United Presby
terian Church. He died in 1870.
Matthew McConaughy (the subject proper of
this sketch) was born May 21, 1834. He is a
representative citizen and an earnest supporter of
church work. Politically he is a Republicafl, and
in church connection is a member and trusteeof the
United Presbyterian Church of McDonald.

T'HOMAS H. LYON, a well-known citizen of
North Strabane township, and one of her
many prosperous agriculturists, was born
September 4, 1819, in Greene county,
Penn., a son of William and Elizabeth
(Hathaway) Lyon, the latter of whom was a resident
of Greene county. Benjamin Lyon, our subject's
paternal grandfather, was a native of New Jersey,
in which State the family had resided many years.
He married Miss Wilcox, a lady of English de
scent, and seven children came to bless their union,
viz. : Noah, Elizabeth, Peter, Joanna, Sarah, Will
iam and Matthias. Benjamin Lyon and his wife
came to Washington county, and were among the
earliest settlers, making their first home in Notting
ham township, owing to the hostile incursions of the
Indians. Here, surrounded by such dangers, and
experiencing the many hardships incident to pio
neer life, did the family clear up their primitive
home, the father, in addition to clearing the land
and farming, following his trade of carpenter and
builder. Many of the dwellings and barns in his
vicinity were of his building, and some of them
are still standing. After his family had grown up
Mr. Lyon moved to Greene county, where he
erected a fulling-mill, which he conducted for some

years, and here he and his wife died and were
buried. They were members of the Baptist Church ,
of which he was one of the organizers in his sec
tion, and in which he held various offices. A
Democrat " to the back-bone," he was a recognized
leader in the party. During the Revolutionary
war he served several years under Washington,
and experienced many hardships.
William Lyon, father of subject, was born in
Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn.,
his education, which was somewhat meager, being
received at the subscription schools of the locality
of his birth. He was married to Elizabeth Hath
away, and the children born to them were as fol
lows: Morgan. Thomas H. , Harrison, Jackson and
Louisa (wife of David Horner), Perren, William S.
After some years' residence in Greene county, Will
iam Lyon moved to Washington county, where he
owned__Lin^le^s_^Ul_and 160 acres of land. He
was the chief instrument™in~^7mng~LiTlo^y'T
Mills postoffice established. He moved to Indiana,
where he remained two years, and then, on account
of sickness, returned to Pennsylvania, where he
and his wife passed their last days, dying at the
residence of our subject, who with true filial devo
tion cared for them, and comforted them in their
declining years. Mr. Lyon died in 1844, aged
forty-nine years, his wife at the age of sixty-two
years. They were members of the Baptist Church,
and Mr. Lyon was an old-school Democrat.
Thomas H. Lyon was reared and educated in.
Greene county, Penn. , until twelve years old, when
he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he com
menced to work at regularly at the age of eighteen
years, following £he same until middle life, when
he laid away the chisel and the plane for the plow
and the harrow. He was a most industrious man,
many times working half the night and all day,
even occasionaly, when things were pressing, spend
ing an entire night at his bench. He is well known
in his section as a man of the strictest integrity,
and unquestionable veracity. He has always been
a firm Democrat, and has rendered efficient service
to his party without being an office-seeker, but was
township election judge and township clerk twenty
years. In 1862 he was appointed postmaster at
Beck's Mills, which office he held over thirty years,
and which he resigned in 1891. He is an attend
ant of the Presbyterian Church, and has been a
trustee of the same several years. He is a strict
Prohibitionist, believing intemperance the greatest
of curses. On March 7, 1844, Mr. Lyon was united
in marriage with Jane, daughter of John McMillan,
of North Strabane township, and their children
were as follows: AVilliam, an extensive lumber
dealer at Burlington, Iowa, and John, who died in
childhood. Mrs. Lyon died September 24, 1850,
and on February 26, 1852, Mr. Lyon married Lydia,
daughter of John Cheeseman, one of the farmers of
V .L .i ,- m^

646

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Peters township, and the children born to them
were: George, Frank, Mary B., Lizzie and Warren.
After the death of his second wife, April 5, 1868,
our subject married, on February 28, 1871, Martha,
daughter of Joseph Horner, of North Strabane
township. She died November 25, 1872, and Mr.
Lyon on May 24, 1877, married Margaret, daughter
of Colbert Manes. Of the last two marriages no
children were born. Mr. Lyon ranks among the
leading citizens of his county.

fl( LEXANDER G. PATTERSON, than whom
II |\ there is no more prominent, better-known
lf^\ or more highly- respected citizen in West
II — * Finley township, is a native of this county,
born in Donegal township in 1819. His
father, AVilliam Patterson, a native of Ireland,
came to America when twenty-one years of age,
and settled on the farm whereon our subject now
resides. He married Miss Nancy Gordon, a native
of Washington county, daughter of Alexander
Gordon, whose birthplace was in the land of Scott
and Burns. To this union eight children were
bom, as follows: Grace, wife of James Moss;
Eleanor, who died unmarried at the age of sixty;
Alexander G.; Jane, wife of Braddock Dinsmore,
at present residing in Missouri; Samuel, unmarried
(since the death of his sister Nancy he travels the
greater part of his time); Catherine, deceased in
• her girlhood; Nancy, deceased at the age of fifty-
six, unmarried, and William, died when twelve
years old.
Alexander G. Patterson received his education
at the subscription schools of the locality of his
birth, and received on his father's farm a thorough
practical training in the art of agriculture. When
Alexander was twelve years of age his father died,
leaving a large family of children to be cared for
by their widowed mother, and much of the work
fell upon our subject, whose willing hands did not
a little toward the support of his mother and little
brothers and sisters. The habits of economy and
industry thus early acquired soon became a second
nature to him, and were regarded as characteristic
of him by his many friends of later life, by whom
he was held in high esteem.
Mr. Patterson was married in 1854 to Nancy J.
Nickson, who was born in Washington, Penn., in
1828, a daughter of William and Mary (Linga-
felter) Nickson, of Washington county, Penn., and
two children have been born to their union, viz. :
William, born in 1859, married Stella Armstrong,
and they have one child named Wray Grayson; and
Catherine, who married Milton Armstrong, and had
five children: Maude Ethel, born in 1881; Grace
Gordon, born in 1883; Frank Patterson, born in
1886 (who died at the age of five years) ; Mary Irene,
born in 1888; and Blanche Lenore, born in 1891.

Mr. Patterson has lived upon the same place for
seventy-four years, and has had a most successful
career, having, from almost nothing at the start,
accumulated, by industry and judicious economy,
a considerable amount of valuable property, which
is still left him, after giving both his children a
handsome "send off" in life. In his political
preferences Mr. Patterson is a Republican, but is
not an active party man. In religious faith the
Pattersons are Presbyterians.

THOMAS WARRELL BROCKMAN, an en
terprising young business man of Morris
township, was born January 19, 1863, a son
of N. B. Brockman. N. B. Brockman was
born of Scotch parents in Claysville, Wash
ington county, and married Elizabeth AV arrell, a
daughter of Thomas Warrell, of whom subsequent
mention is made. Thomas Warrell Brockman,
when a small boy, was taken in charge by his
grandfather Warrell, with whom he made his home
until he had attained his majority. Shortly after
this he married Lizzie McMillan, a daughter of
John McMillan, of Morris township. For five
years after his marriage Mr. Brockman managed
the Warrel farm, one-half mile west of Prosperity,
which he now owns, and on which he resides. In
1889 he opened a furniture and undertaking busi
ness in Prosperity, the undertaking department of
which he still conducts on quite an extensive
scale, though the furniture department was dropped
in 1891. Mr. Brockman is also dealing in real es
tate in Pittsburgh, Penn. He is one of those
genial gentlemen who always look on the bright
side of life, and his friends are numerous. In pol
itics he adheres to the principles of the Republican
party, though he is not a partisan.
Mr. and Mrs. Brockman are among those who
believe in enjoying life, and devote considerable
time to travel. During the oppressive summer
months of each year they spend the time at some
watering place, having in the summer of 1891
made an extensive trip up the great lakes. They
are the parents of three children: Sarah, born in
May, 1887; Margaret, born in October, 1889, and
Mabel, born in February, 1892.
Mrs. Priscilla Warrell, widow of Thomas AVar-
rell (mentioned above), is the daughter of Luther
Day, who was born in 1792, in New Jersey, and
came to Washington county with his mother,
Bethany Day, in the latter part of the eighteenth
century, locating in Morris township. He married
Mary Van Kirk, a daughter of William Van Kirk,
of Washington county, and to their union eight
children were born: William V. (deceased); Dan
iel, a resident of Morris township; Arvida, also a
resident of Morris township; Thomas W. , who
died when young; Priscilla; Lavina (deceased);

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

647

Maria and Artemus. Luther Day died in 1880,
his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1849.
Priscilla Day was married in 1842 to B. F. Mc
Vay, to which union four children were born:
Demas Lindley, of Morris township; Elmas D.
(deceased); Samuel Bayard, of Morris township,
and Wallace (deceased). Mr. McVay died in 1853
and in 1869 Mrs. McVay married Thomas Warrell,
a native of Ireland, who emigrated to Washington
county in 1824, locating on the farm now owned
by his widow, where he died July 23, 1889. Mrs.
Warrell is an amiable Christian lady, revered by
all who know her.

VNIAS MONINGER, one of the prominent
citizens of Amwell township, was born
August 24, 1837, on the old home farm in
Amwell township, and, with the exception
of two years, has always lived on the place of his
birth. He is of German ancestry, his grandfather,
John Moninger, having emigrated with his family
from Germany to Hagerstown, Md., in 1801, and
thence journeying to Washington county, located
on the farm which is now occupied by Onias Mon
inger. He was a farmer and carpenter, and fol
lowed both vocations very successfully all his life,
having a good farm of 130 acres. In politics he
was a Whig, and among the first to organize and
promote the cause of that party in Washington
county. His children were Henry M., George,
John, Jacob, Mrs. Mary Harshaman, Mrs. Cath
erine Harshaman and Mrs. Elizabeth Moore.
John Moninger was born -March 27, 1791, in
Germany, and when nine years of age immigrated
with his parents to America. His youth was passed
in attending the rate schools, and assisting in farm
duties. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. On
September 28, 1814, he was united in marriage with
Catherine Dague, and to them were born eight
children: John Michael (deceased), Mrs. A. S.
Frazee, George W., Mary Garber (deceased), Mrs.
Catherine Higgle, Mrs. D. L. Reynolds, Demas M.
and Onias. Mr. Moninger passed his life in agri
cultural duties, and owned a farm of 186 acres. He
was very successful, and managed a considerable
amount of business in settling estates. Politically
he was a Republican, and in religion was a mem
ber of the Disciple Church. He died in 1872, in
his eighty-second year, and his faithful wife sur
vived him but four years.
Onias Moninger received his earlier education at
the common schools, and afterward attended
Pleasant Valley Academy five terms. He began
teaching school at the age of twenty -one, and
taught four winters in District No. 2, Amwell
township. On June 24, 1865, he was united in
marriage with Emily A. Leyde, of Ohio, and their

union has been blessed with five children: Mary
Florence, Netta C, John AVildon, Henry Herbert
and Olive Leyde. Mr. Moninger is an active worker
in the ranks of the Republican party, and is al
ways interested in local matters. He has served
as assessor and clerk, and is now assistant assessor;
all being positions requiring a man of good judg
ment and energy to acceptably fill, which Mr.
Moninger has done. In 1890 a well was drilled
on the farm, which proved to be a light gasser
(about 300 pounds pressure), which he now has full
control of, as he purchased the entire well, and is
using it all through the house for both heat and
light.

ATHIAS MOUNTS, a prominent and pros
perous agriculturist of Franklin township,
was born in Cecil township, Washington
Co., Penn., February 15, 1821.
His grandfather, John Mounts, had the
following named family of children: Richard,
John, Mathias, Enoch and William. The family
came from Maryland to Pennsylvania about 1785,
settling in the town of Washington, this county,
where they passed the remainder of their lives.
William Mounts, father of our subject, was born
in AVashington county, Penn. , in 1777; was educat
ed in the subscription schools of those early days,
and was brought up to farm life. He was married
in 1808 to Elizabeth, daughter of James McMon-
nis, of the same county, and the young couple then
settled on the farm now occupied by their son
Mathias. The children born to their union were
Anna (Mrs. AVilliam Uhler), John, James, Enoch,
Mathias, Jane (Mrs. Thomas White), William,
Elizabeth (Mrs. Elisha Van Kirk), Richard and
Maria (Mrs. William Ravencroft). The father of
this family died August 2, 1872, the mother March
17, 1860, and they lie buried in Washington cem
etery. They were members of the Presbyterian
Church at Amity, and in politics Mr. Mounts was
first a Jacksonian Democrat, then a Whig, and
lastly a Republican; he served as supervisor for
twenty -years.
Mathias Mounts was reared from boyhood to
farm life, and received a fair education at the com
mon schools. On March 18, 1852, he was married
to Asenath, daughter of Joseph Baker, and the
children born to them were: Mary E., Eunice J.
(deceased), Sophia, Joseph, Anna, Hollace G. and
Martha. The family are members of Liberty
Chapel, M. E. Church, at Washington, in which
Mr. Mounts has been trustee and steward, serving
in the latter position for twenty-five years. Polit
ically he was originally a AA'hig, and since the
formation of the party he has been a pronounced
Republican.

648

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

THOMAS F. ALLEN is a native of Washing
ton county, Penn., having been born Novem
ber 7, 1827, in South Strabane township.
He is a son of John and Mary (McClellan)
Allen, both natives of Pennsylvania, who
were married in 1819 in Washington county. Of
the six children bom to them, two are now living,
namely : Mary J. and Thomas F. ; Nancy died
December 12, 1892. Grandfather Allen was a
soldier of the Revolutinary war, and afterward
followed farming. He was a highly respected
citizen of the community. He died in 1836, in
this county, having been preceded by his wife
some years.
Thomas F. Allen was reared on the home farm
in South Strabane township. He received a com
mon business education in the country schools, and
on April 12, 1854, was united in marriage with
Nancy A. Hill, who was born in 1830, daughter of
David and Eliza Hill, early settlers of Washington
county. The following children were born to this
union: Lizzie J. (wife of David Hamilton, a farm
er of North Strabane township), Mary (married
to AVilliam Emery, a farmer of Washington
county), Anna B. (living at home), John T. (re
siding on the home farm), Robert W. (living with
his parents) and Johnnie (deceased). In 1862 Mr.
Allen embarked in mercantile business at Clokey,
Washington county, in which he continued until
1865. He then moved to Searight's, Fayette Co.,
Penn., and sold goods there two years, when he
disposed of his stock and came to Washington
borough, where he resided one year, and in the
spring of 1868 bought the place where he carried
on farming and stock raising until September,
1892, when he moved into the borough of Wash
ington. Mr. Allen has always taken an active
interest in the questions of public moment; in poli
tics he is a Democrat, and has been school director
for three years. He is a successful business man,
and owns a farm of 188 acres of good land. Mrs.
Allen is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

If AMES W. HUGHES, a well-known and re-
I spected citizen of Amwell township, was born
rll November 5, 1850, in South Strabane town-
^^ ship, Washington Co., Penn. His paternal
grandfather, Samuel Hughes, was a native of
New Jersey, his parents having emigrated from
Ireland to that State. Samuel came to Washing
ton county at an early day, and, locating in Am
well township, conducted a hotel on the place
which is now the home of John Little. He was
united in marriage with Nancy Sample, and reared
a large family. He was a^ successful business man,
and in his later years moved to near Fort Madison,
Iowa, where he died about 1860.
Workman Hughes was born February 5, 1822,

in South Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn. , and received a common-school education.
At the age of twenty-two years he began business
for himself, first buying a farm on the National
pike, and afterward purchasing the ' ' McGiffin
farm," as it is now called, consisting of 300 acres,
situated in the southern part of Amwell township.
In 1847 he was married to Rachel Taylor, of South
Strabane township, and their children were Sam
uel Taylor, James W., JohnH., Mary E. (Mrs.
Closser), Nancy J., William and Rachel (Mrs.
Myers). Mrs. Hughes died May 12, 1862, and Mr.
Hughes in 1864 wedded Margaret Vance, who died
in 1879, and in December, 1880, he married Martha
Scott. As a result of his own untiring efforts he
has prospered in life. Politically he is a Demo
crat, and has held several offices.
James W. Hughes, son of Workman and Rachel
(Taylor) Hughes, remained on the parental farm
in South Strabane township, this county, and was
educated in the common schools until his twenty-
second year, when he began business for himself
upon a farm below Ten-Mile, Amwell township,
where he remained two years. In the fall of 1876
he went to Iowa, but, returning home the follow
ing year, he purchased a hundred acres of the old
farm in Amwell township, which he now owns. He
then rented the H. H. Reynolds farm, and worked
upon, it for three years, when he moved to the
small house on Mr. Lacock's farm, and in 1883
built the barn on his own place, erecting a house
there in 1886. On January 1, 1880, he was united
in marriage with Margaret Horn, and their union
has been blessed with the following children : Nel
lie R., born October 13, 1880; Samuel W., born
December 24, 1881; Alonzo R., born December 10,
1883; George Russell, born February 7, 1886;
Sabina A., born February 24, 1888, and Elsie
Garnet, born March 29, 1891. Mr. Hughes is an
eager reader of agricultural papers and current
news. He votes the Democratic ticket 'on State
issues, but in local politics he casts his ballot for
the best man. He was auditor of the township
from 1878 to 1881, and from 1887 to 1889, and is
now committee-man from Amwell township, having
also held other town offices.

TAYLOR FAMILY. Some time prior to the
Revolutionary war, Henry Taylor, the first
ancestor of the family under consideration,
took up 1,000 acres of land in South Stra
bane township, part of which is now in
the possession of Matthew Taylor's heirs. He was
married to Jane AVhite, whose home was at the
stone house still standing near the County Home,
Washington county, Penn. ; she had ten brothers
and one sister. In those days all the grain was
gathered by the hand sickle, Mr. White's ten sons

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^KyO^fefm)

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

651

reaping grain in the same field with their father,
who prided himself in his farming, and was always
out to see that it was properly done. Henry Tay
lor had children as follows: Sons — Matthew,
Joseph, John, Henry, James, George — and daugh
ters — Jane (married to Richard Dagg), Mary (wife
of A. Patton), Eliza (wife of Dr. Layton) and Ann
(married to A. McCalmont). The father of this
family was the first judge of Washington county.
In 1800 Judge Taylor built the first brick house
ever erected in Washington county, Penn. , the
walls of which are eighteen inches thick from
foundation to top; it is still standing, apparently
as good as ever, and is now owned by the Willets.
Joseph Taylor, son of Henry the pioneer, was
bom on the old homestead in South Strabane town
ship, where he passed his entire life. He married
Annie Stewart, a native of eastern Pennsylvania,
who came over the mountains on horseback from
the "Forks of Elk," Maryland. She died in
March, 1834, leaving two sons: Henry and David
S. , and her husband followed her to the grave in
May or June, 1845, at the age of sixty-eight years.
David Stewart Taylor, Sr., was born August 10,
1803, on the Taylor homestead in South Strabane
township, and received a fairly liberal education
at the subscription schools of the vicinity, although
much of his early boyhood time was passed on the
farm. When yet a lad, he followed teaming over
the mountains, driving six horses and hauling loads
of as much as six thousand pounds, consisting of
flour and farm produce, which were exchanged for
various articles of merchandise. This business he
followed thirteen years, during which time but two
days were lost, when all travel was stopped on ac
count of the deep snow. On March 14, 1833, he
was married to Sarah Oliver, who was born August
20, 1812, in Westmoreland county, Penn., a daugh
ter of Samuel and Mary (Pinkerton) Oliver, of
Sewickley township, in that county, of Scotch-Irish
descent. Andrew Oliver (grandfather of Mrs. D.
S. Taylor, Sr.) was married to Margaret Madole.
He took up 500 acres under the " tomahawk claim"
in Hempfield township, Westmoreland Co. , Penn.
Samuel Oliver, father of Mrs. David S. Taylor, Sr.,
was a son of Andrew Oliver, who was born in the
''old country," where he married. From there
they emigrated to the shores of Columbia, settling
finally in Westmoreland county, Penn., where he
took a "tomahawk claim," and here they died.
Their children were Joseph, Samuel, James, Sarah
(married to Thomas McCune, in Pittsburgh), Eliz
abeth (married to James Peoples, near Mt. Pleas
ant, Westmoreland county), and Jane (wife of
AVilliam Hunter, in Westmoreland county). Sam
uel Oliver was born on his father's farm in West
moreland county, where his entire life was passed.
He was three times married, first time to Nancy Hen
derson, by whom he had two daughters: Mary and

Margaret; his second wife was Mary Pinkerton,
who bore him two children: Jane and Sarah (wife
of David S. Taylor, Sr.); his third wife was Salome
Markle, by whom there was one daughter, Eliza-
abeth. Of these five children all are now deceased
except Jane and Sarah. The father, who had been
a lifelong agriculturist, died in Westmoreland
county, September 10, 1855, aged seventy-seven
years; the mother of Jane and Sarah had passed
away several years previously.
At the time of his marriage David S. Taylor, Sr.,
in company with his brother Henry, was conduct
ing a flourmill at Madison, Westmoreland county,
and also managing a hotel. In 1834 he came to
what is now South Strabane township, this county,
remaining there until 1849, when he moved to
Adams county, Ohio. The ague being prevalent
there, he soon returned to Washington county, lo
cating about one mile north of Raccoon Station on
Big Raccoon creek, Smith township, and purchased
a farm. The following children were born to him:
Mary Ann, born December 29, 1833 (married to J.
F. Cooke, and living in Florence, this county);
Joseph, born December 25, 1835 (in 1859 he went
to Michigan Bluff, Cal. , in order to dig for gold,
taking the overland route, and he is now a butcher
in San Jose); Samuel Oliver, born April 4, 1838
(a lawyer in AVheeling, AV. Va.); Henry G. , born
November 9, 1840 (a farmer in Smith township);
William P., born January 7, 1843 (a physician in
Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Jane O., born
February 22, 1845 (living on the old homestead);
David S., bom October 7, 1847; James Buchanan,
born March 30, 1851 (a carpenter of Smith town
ship), and Matthew, born January 5, 1854 (died
March 28, 1857). The father died March 11, 1888.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown, having joined it, along with his wife,
in 1855, and in his political affiliations he was a
leading member of the Democratic party. In busi
ness he was very successful, accumulating by earn
est and patient toil a considerable amount of
property. In height Mr. Taylor stood five feet
eleven inches, his weight being 180 pounds, and
all his life he enjoyed splendid health until sixteen
years prior to his decease, when he received a
slight stroke of paralysis, from which he suffered
more or less up to the day of his death. His
widow, still hale and remarkably active for her
years, more like a woman of sixty than one who has
seen over four score and one summers and winters,
is at the home of her sons David S. and J. B., and
an unmarried daughter, calmly awaiting the sum
mons that will call her hence.
Henry G. Taylor was born on a farm situated
about one and one-half miles north of Wash
ington, Penn., after some years moving with his
parents to Smith township. In February, 1870,
he was united in marriage with Susan Scott,

652

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

who was born in 1840, daughter of Benjamin
Scott, of Hanover township, this county, a
representative of a pioneer family. They re
sided in Havover township a short time af
ter their marriage, and April 1, 1871, came to
their present home in Smith township, this county,
near the Jefferson township line. He has followed
farming, stock raising and dairying. On June 18,
1883, the farm was visited by a cyclone, which
devastated the neighborhood. His barn was
thrown down, the house unroofed, and the out
buildings completely destroyed. But he set to
work with undaunted energy, and soon from out
the ruins arose a handsome new residence, the
other damage being repaired as rapidly as possi
ble. In political opinion Henry G. Taylor is a
counselor and adviser of the Democratic party in
his locality, and he frequently held offices of honor
and trust to the utmost satisfaction of all con
cerned. He and his estimable wife are supporters
and attendants of the Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown. Their family consists of one
daughter — Sarah Oliver — a bright girl of twelve
summers, who adorns and cheers their home, and
who possesses some skill as a musician.
AVilliam Pinkerton Taylor, M. D., was born
January 7, 1843, on the old family homestead in
South Strabane township, where the greater part
of his boyhood was passed. He worked on the
farm in summer time, and attended the schools of
the neighborhood during winter, his first teacher
being J. L. Judson. One year he spent on a farm
in Ohio. In 1863 he commenced the study of
medicine under Dr. T. W. Bradley, of Burgetts
town, and then entered Sterling Medical College
at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in the
spring of 1866, and April 2, same year, he located
at Noblestown, Penn., in the general practice of
his chosen profession.
On March 14, 1877, Dr. Taylor was united in
marriage with Miss Jennie Proudfit, daughter of
J. L. Proudfit of Burgettstown, Penn., and two
sons have been born to them, viz. : David S., a
bookkeeper and stenographer, and John P. , tele
graph operator and agent at Canonsburg, Penn.
On January 8, 1892, the Doctor had the misfor
tune to lose his house and barn by fire, but he at
once rebuilt. He is a Freemason in high stand
ing; a member of Richard Vaux Lodge, No. 454,
Burgettstown; Washington Chapter, No. 150, and
Jacques de Molay Commandery, No. 3, Washing
ton, Penn.
David S. Taylor was born October 7, 1847, in
North Strabane township, this county, and in child
hood came with his parents to Smith township,
locating -upon the farm which he and his brother
James B. now own. He assumed control of the
home place when his father retired from active life,
after the elder brothers had left home, and has be

come a very successful farmer. Mr. Taylor is a
wide-awake and energetic man, and an active mem
ber of the Democratic party. He has filled vari
ous township offices with eminent success, and in
the spring of 1892 was elected a justice of the
peace for a term of five years. The home farm,
which is situated about two miles northeast of Bur
gettstown, comprises 257 acres, nearly all in a high
state of cultivation, and the present large and ele
gant residence was built in 1889. Mr. Taylor has
never enlisted in the noble army of Benedicts.

*jr=^ OBERT HORACE McCLAY is a promi-
|Wy nent member of his family, who have so
\\\\. many years been residents of Canton town-
\\ — ^ ship. His grandfather, Samuel McClay,
v emigrated from Ireland when a small boy,
and locating in Chester county, Penn. , was, when a
young man, married to Sarah McClellan, who was
also of Irish birth. Some years after their mar
riage they settled on the farm in Canton township,
Washington county, which has since been the home
of their children. He died in 1838, and Mrs. Mc
Clay in 1842.
John McClay, son of Samuel and Sarah McClay,
was born in 1809 upon the home farm in- Canton
township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his
early youth upon the farm, receiving a very lim
ited education in the primitive schools of the pe
riod. On April 26, 1838, he married Jane, daugh
ter of James Smith, and after her death married
on September 15, 1841, Jane, daughter of Robert
Welch, who bore him four children: Sarah (Mrs.
W. C. Morrison), William, John H. and Robert
H. In 1857 Mr. McClay was again married, this
time to Sarah Taggart, and after her death was
united to Margaret Brownlee, daughter of James
Brownlee, one of the earliest settlers of Washing
ton county. Mr. McClay is an active member of
the United Presbyterian Church, with which he
united in 1853, having formerly been connected
with the Seceder Church. Politically he was first
a Whig, later a Republican, and is now a leader
in the Prohibition party. He is a prosperous man,
one who favors all progressive movements.
Robert Horace McClay, son of John and Jane
(Welch) McClay, was born January 12, 1850, on
the old farm in Canton township, this county, and
passed his youth at home, where he received a very
limited education in the usual sense of the term,
but daily acquired valuable training in the lessons
of economy, which trait has become a characteris
tic of the family, and has greatly enhanced their
success in life. On January 11, 1876, he was
united in marriage with Miss Rachel A. , daughter
of William AVright, of Buffalo township, this
county, and they settled on a farm in Canton town
ship, where they resided nine years, and erected a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

653

handsome residence, making many improvements;
but in 1885 they removed to their present admir
ably situated home, a large, commodious dwelling,
having all conveniences. The children bom to this
union are : Annie A. , John W. and Maggie M. Mr.
McClay has ever been a close observer, and in polit
ical opinion has always been a Republican. With
his family he is an active member of the United
Presbyterian Church at North Buffalo.

KT^OBERT J. MUNCE, M. D., a leading
L>y farmer and retired physician of North
||Y. Strabane township, was born July 4, 1824,
\\ — ' in South- Strabane township, Washington
V Co., Penn. His grandfather, Thomas Munce,
was a native of County Down, Ireland, where he
was married and had the following named children :
Robert, Joseph, Thomas, John, Samuel, and Mattie
(Mrs. John Manown). In 1804 he immigrated
with his family to the United States, landing at
New Castle, Del., whence they at once proceeded
to South Strabane township, this county, where
they settled on a piece of land on which the grand
father passed the rest of his life.
Robert Munce, father of Dr. Munce, was edu
cated in County Down, Ireland, and was reared to
agricultural pursuits. He was married in Ireland
to Mary, daughter of William Quail, and in 1804
immigrated to this country with the rest of his
father' s family, making a settlement on the farm in
South Strabane township, this county, where, after
rearing a family of children, he peacefully passed
' from earth. The mother died in 1856, and they
sleep side by side in the cemetery at Washington
borough. They were members of the Chartiers
Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Munce was
an active Democrat. He was a successful farmer
and stock raiser. The children born to this hon
ored pioneer couple were Sarah (Mrs. William Mor
rison, deceased), Mary A. (Mrs. William Andrews,
deceased), Margaret (deceased), Jane (Mrs. Robert
Carron), Catherine (Mrs. John McLain), Thomas
(deceased), William J. and Robert J.
Dr. Robert J. Munce received his primary edu
cation at the log school-house of the locality of
his birth, and as soon as he was old enough com
menced to work on his father's farm, his chief
occupation at first being to thresh the grain.
Everything was of a very primitive nature, both
inside and outside the old log cabin, and "home
spun" was the material from which most of the
clothing was made, while boots were looked upon
as articles suggestive of extravagance in the ex
treme. In the spring of 1842 he entered Wash
ington College, Washington, Penn., attending and
teaching school alternately until September, 1847,
when he graduated in a class of thirty- three, one
of the number being the late Hon. James G.

Blaine. In April, 1853, Dr. Munce married Mary
Ann, daughter of Lewis Reighard, of Richland
county, Ohio, and the young couple took up their
residence in Henry county, Iowa, where they re
mained some five years, at the end of which time they
returned to North Strabane township. Dr. Munce
then purchased his present farm, which, by assiduous
labor,he has brought to its present fertile condition.
Our subject had studied medicine under the pre
ceptorship of Dr. Stephens, of Washington, with
whom he remained three years, and later took a
course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.
He first practiced in Richland county, Ohio,
whence he moved to Henry county, Iowa, where
he continued to practice, but his health failing he
returned to this county, as already related. The
children born to Dr. and Mrs. Munce are: Thomas,
Robert, George, William, Anna, Maggie (Mrs.
Park Weaver), Phoebe (wife of Rev. J. L. Thome),
and Lizzie and Emma, who reside at home. The
family are members of the Hill Presbyterian
Church, of which the Doctor is a liberal supporter.
He is a stanch Republican, and has served as a
member of the school board several years. Dr.
Munce has prospered in his farming, and is now
the owner of 475 acres of as fine land as there is
in the county.

MfRS. ELIZABETH (STOCKDALE)
SPROWLS, daughter of Robert Stock-
dale, of Allen township, Washington
Ml -*¦ Co., Penn., is of English ancestry. She
v vvas born October 25, 1832, and on May
15, 1856, was married to William W. Sprowls,
who was a worthy representative of one of the
most prominent pioneer families of Washington
county. John Sprowls was the first pioneer of his name
to locate in East Finley township, Washington Co..,
Penn. He was a native of Enniskillen, Ireland,
and in 1784 was there married to Elizabeth Love
(also of Irish birth), who bore him the following
children: Arthur, Jane, Edward, John, Henry,
James, Elizabeth, Nancy, William and Mary, the
latter two being born after their arrival in America.
In 1793 the family emigrated from Ireland, and
landing at Philadelphia, pushed westward to
Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., where they
remained some time, thence removing, in about
1795, to Washington county, Penn. Mr. Sprowls
located near California, West Pike Run township,
and soon afterward went to Allen township, but
finally settled in East Finley township, where,
in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, he erected
a log cabin, about three quarters of a mile south
east of the present postoffice of Good Intent. In
this humble little home John and Elizabeth
Sprowls passed the remainder of their lives; and

654

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

having well begun the herculean task of establish
ing a home in the desert wilds for his descendants,
the courageous pioneer left the completion of his
work to his children; he died September 6, 1845,
and was laid to rest in the land of his adoption.
Mrs. Sprowls died August 10, 1818. The two
daughters, Elizabeth and Nancy, never married,
and passed their lives on their father's farm.
William Sprowls, youngest son of John Sprowls,
was born October 5, 1794, in Carlisle, Cumberland
Co., Penn., and on coming to East Finley town
ship, Washington county, shared the privations
of a frontier life. He passed his youth in assisting
his father on the farm, and in 1823 was married
to Dorcas Towne, who was born in 1797, a daughter
of Eli Towne, of East Finley township, this county.
Of the children born to them the following is a
brief record: Eli (deceased) lived to an advanced
age; James died at the age of twenty-four; John
married Miss McCreary, and entering the war of
the Rebellion, died in the service; William W. is
husband of our subject; Abigail died at the age of
seventeen; Elizabeth died at an advanced age,
unmarried; Henry married Miss McClellan, and is
now farming in West Finley township; Dorcas
Ann is a resident of Washington, Penn. ; Isaac and
Ezra died in youth; Cyrus enlisted in the Civil
war, in Company E, Eighty-fifth Regiment P. V. I. ,
and died in the service. After his marriage Mr.
Sprowls began to farm a place near that of his
father, where he remained until his death, which
occurred December 27, 1868. Mrs. Sprowls died
January 30, 1870.
William W. Sprowls was born in East Finley
township, Washington Co., Penn., August 17, 1826,
and during his earlier years assisted his father
on the farm, afterward learning the cooper's
trade. After his marriage to Elizabeth Stockdale
Mr. Sprowls settled on the old home farm, and
.passed his life in agricultural pursuits. The
following children came to this union: Fremont,
born April 14, 1857 (now living in Morrow county,
Oreg.); Stockdale, born October 22, 1858 (residing
in East Finley township, this county); Eli W.,
born May 12, 1861 (a farmer of West Finley
township); Deborah, born May 25, 1864 (residing
with her mother); Mary B., born August 6, 1865
(wife of John Golden, living in Good Intent, this
county); Cyrus, born January 8, 1868 (remaining
at home); Asbury, born May 30, 1870 (deceased in
infancy); Robert, A., born May 12, 1872 (still living
at home), and Hannah A., born August 24, 1873
(residing at home). Mr. Sprowls was a man of
sterling worth. In politics he was a Republican.
He was a member of the Disciple Church, and con
tributed liberally to its support. He died April 20,
1888. His widow now manages the farm. She is
a member of the Disciple Church.

DAM G. WEAVER. The great-grandfather
of our subject, also named Adam Weaver,
came from Germany, with his son John, at
an early period, and locating in Washing
ton county, Penn., bought the land which
is just below the present home of Adam G., and
there spent the remainder of his life. His son,
John, purchased a farm of 400 acres on Fish Pot
run, in East Bethlehem township,- a mile west of
Fredericktown. He had received a limited educa
tion, but was a man of general information. In
1788 he married Catherine, a daughter of Martin
Spohn, and the following children were born to
them: Adam (deceased), Mrs. Sarah Michner,
Jacob (deceased), Martin, Daniel (deceased), Mrs.
Elizabeth Ault (deceased), Mrs. Catherine Huff
man, Mrs. Mary Smith (deceased), John (deceased),
Joseph (deceased) and Margaret. Mrs. Weaver
was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church.
Mr. Weaver died in 1816, and Mrs. Weaver in 1866.
Adam Weaver was born in May, 1791, in East
Bethlehem township, this county, and there lived
all his life. He was educated in the schools of the
period, and when about twenty-three years of age,
bought a ninety- acre farm in East Bethlehem, and
began to work upon it. He was very successful,
and added to the land as the business prospered.
In 1810 he married Elizabeth Black, and she bore
him eight children, viz. : Mary (deceased), John
(deceased), Daniel (deceased), Mrs. Elizabeth Mech-
ner, Jacob, Solomon, Sarah' and Adam G. Mr.
Weaver voted an independent ticket, selecting the
best men, without regard to party. He was a mem
ber of the M. E. Church, while his wife belonged
to the Bible Christian Society; she died in 1836,
and was followed by her husband January 17, 1857.
Adam G. Weaver was born in East Bethlehem
township, October 8, 1828, and remained upon the
farm until twenty-two years of age. He received
a limited education at the common schools, but has
by general reading acquired much valuable knowl
edge, and improved his mind. After he became of
age he went to Indiana, where he engaged in agri
culture, remained there a year, and on his return
worked a farm belonging to an uncle, about two
years. On February 16, 1854, he married Cynthia,
daughter of James and Charlotte Hill, of West
Bethlehem township, and worked on Mr. Hill's
farm five years, at the end of which time (1859) he
purchased his present place of 170 acres of prime
land. The following children were the result of
his marriage with Miss Hill: James C, born Au
gust 8, 1856; Sarah E., born March 22, 1859;
Clarence E., born January 1, 1863; and Mary J.,
born September 17, 1865. Sarah E. is the wife of
James C. Addleman, and Mary J. married Michael
Menchy. Mrs. Cynthia Hill died June 29, 1869.
On June 26, 1873, Mr. Weaver was married to

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

655-

Elizabeth, daughter of James and Catherine
Wherry, and the following children were born to
this union: Adam E., born June 19, 1874; Eliza
beth C, born September 3, 1876; Francis A.,
born March 21, 1879; John T., born January 8,
1882; and Charles E., born April 3, 1884. Mr.
Weaver has always been a Republican, a zealous
worker for the interests of his party. He is a
member of the M. E. Church.

ff RS. ELIZABETH V. BOYLE is a daugh
ter of Joseph Henderson. The latter was
a native of Bucks county, Penn. , and re
ceived a subscription-school education.
In early life he was employed as a stage
driver, finally locating on a farm. He was married
to Miss Rachel Stroud, and they had six children,
namely: Resen, living in Minneapolis, Minn.;
John B., residing at Washington, this county;
Anna (Mrs. Ross), living in Kansas; Sarah, resid
ing at Washington; J. H., and Elizabeth V. The
father was a Methodist, and contributed liberally
to the support of the cause. Elizabeth V. Hen
derson grew to womanhood on the home place, and
in February, 1873, was united in marriage with
Felix Boyle, son of Felix.
Felix Boyle, the father, was born in County
Donegal, Ireland. When a young man he crossed
the ocean and settled in Pennsylvania, first locating
at Williamsport (now Monongahela). He was
there married to Ann, daughter of James Rice, who
came to Washington county in 1780, and in 1791
erected a house, the corner-stone of which perpet
uates his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle began
wedded life on the farm in Carroll township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he followed his trade of
a stone-mason. For several years his farm produce
was shipped down the Monongahela river by flat-
boat, and in company with other pioneers he made
many trips to New Orleans. On arriving at their
destination these boats were sold, and the men re
turned home by land or came via Philadelphia by
water. During one of these journeys Mr. Boyle
was taken seriously ill on the vessel, and so low
was the spark of vitality that many of the crew
thought him dead, and in accordance with their
custom, prepared to throw him overboard. At this
critical juncture a comrade named Black stepped
above the apparently lifeless body of his friend,
and waving aloft a hatchet, dared the men to touch
him. His fearless courage and heroic devotion
conquered, and life soon becoming apparent, he
was permitted to care for the unfortunate man
until his health was restored. Mr. Boyle voted
with the Democratic party, and in religion was a
Catholic, often attending services at Pittsburgh and
Brownsville. He owned 123 acres of land in Car
roll township, Washington county, and in connec

tion with general farming conducted a distillery,
making a specialty of peach brandy. He died Jan
uary 2, 1841, and April 15, 1864, his wife was laid
beside him. The children of this family were bom
as follows: Alice, Connel, John, Esther (Mrs.
Richard Crosby), Maria, Felix and James.
Felix Boyle, son of Felix and Ann (Rice).
Boyle, was born June 13, 1813, on the homestead
in Carroll township. He received a good educa
tion, and learned carpentry and ship- building at
Elizabethtown, Penn., working at the latter busi
ness for many years. For a time he was employed
on the United States vessels, and in that capacity
traveled extensively, having been on the Red river
under Capt. Shreve, who founded the town of
Shreveport, La. Mr. Boyle was instrumental in
breaking up the immense raft in the Red river
some years ago, also being employed on the Rio
Grande river in Texas. After leaving the river he
assisted in the two large shipyards near Mononga
hela on the Monongahela river, operated bv his
brothers — Connel and John Boyle, also in the black
smith shops, mills and in opening coal mines, etc.
After following this business several years with
great success, he retired to his farm in Carroll
township, where he died October 4, 1884, of can
cer, for which he had been unsuccessfully treated
by skillful New York physicians. Politically he
was an ardent Democrat, serving in many town
ship offices, but declined to serve in county posi
tions. An enterprising citizen and successful bus
iness man, he was 'also a cheerful, kind-hearted
neighbor, ever ready to aid the needy. He left ' a
widow and one son, the only daughter, Maria, hav
ing preceded him to the grave on Christmas day,
1878. The son, Joseph James, was born October
19, 1876, and is now living an the old farm with
his widowed mother. He is a leader in his classes
at school, and bids fair to do honor to the name he
bears. Miss Crosby, granddaughter of Felix Boyle,
the elder, is living with Mrs. Boyle. The latter
superintends the management of the home place,
which contains 123 acres of fertile land.

LARK M. UNDERWOOD is a son of James,
and a grandson of Abraham Underwood
The latter was descended from one of nine
brothers who were English Quakers, and
came to America with William Penn. Abraham
Underwood was born in 1765, in Philadelphia,
Penn., and after the Revolutionary war, engaged
in mercantile pursuits at Baltimore, Md. About
the year 1800 he came to Brownsville, Fayette Co.,.
Penn., and there followed his trade of tailor. He
reared a family of five children, of whom George
is the only one yet living. Another son, Cyrus, has
been one of the most prominent and useful citizens
of Washington county, and served for twenty-four

656

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

years as member of the school board of Monon
gahela, and recorder of Washington county one
term. He was a man of unusual intelligence, and
very popular in the community. He died in 1885.
The father removed to Monongahela City in 1832,
and worked at his trade until just before his death,
which occurred in 1840. He was a member of the
Whig party. With other brothers' families he was
a member of the M. E. Church.
James Underwood, son of Abraham, was bom in
1810, in the house which is yet standing on the
homestead near Brownsville, Penn. He there
learned the trade of a coverlet weaver, making the
old-fashioned but beautiful bed clothing so seldom
seen in the present day. He followed his trade
until thirty years of age. The increasing use of
machinery then obliged him to abandon the busi
ness, and he learned ship carpentry in the yards at
Brownsville, Penn. In early manhood he was mar
ried to Miss Lydia Bright, who was born in 1810,
and the following children blessed their union:
Clark M. ; Cyrus, who was for thirty years a resi
dent of Chicago, and is now the wealthy manager
of large safe works at Elizabeth, Penn. ; Catherine,
Mosoria, both of whom died in infancy ; Sarah, wife
of Rev. Fanning, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Mag
gie, widow of Joseph Powell, who died in 1889,
living with her mother in Fayette county, Penn.
After locating in Brownsville, Mr. Underwood
continued to follow his trade until ten years prior
to his death in 1884, in his seventy- fourth year.
In politics he was a Republican, and served as
school director for many years, and was also a
member of the M. E. Church. Continuing to re
side on a farm, four miles from Brownsville, and
two and a half miles from his birthplace, until his
death. The mother is yet living with her daughter
in Fayette county, Penn.
Clark M. Underwood was born January 14,
1834, pn Front street, in Brownsville, Penn., and
learned ship carpentering of his father, with whom
he worked for ten years. He then engaged in the
shoe business at St. Louis, Mo., and sold out
when the Civil war began. Commissioned by the
Secretary of the Navy, he entered the navy as
master ship carpenter, serving on the famous
" Essex," under Admiral David D. Porter. He was
aboard one of the vessels, the "Lafayette," which
ran the blockade at Vicksburg in 1863, and partic
ipated in many other well-known engagements.
At the close of the war he returned to Washington
county, Penn. , and settled on a farm near Clays
ville, where he resided until 1866. He then sold
the place and moved upon another farm in AVest
Finley township, residing there for twelve years,
and in 1878 sold that property, and lived in Mo
nongahela City for two years, in the residence he
bought from Henry McKaine on Chess street. In
1880 he bought the beautiful farm in Carroll

township, where he is now living, containing 104^
acres of land, situated a short distance from Mo
nongahela. He was married May 4, 1852, to Miss
Harriet, daughter of Benjamin Foster, who was
then living in Monongahela. The following chil
dren were born to this union: Ida, Mrs. H. B.
Carroll, of West Finley township; Charles, who
resided in Dakota for several years, and recently
moved to a farm in Iowa; Edward E. Under
wood, residing in Morton, Kans., is an extensive
grain buyer; Clarence P., living in Nebraska, has
a farm of 480 acres ; Frank, the youngest son, is a
student in the West Pennsylvania Medical College,
and will graduate in 1894, and Margaret, a teacher
in the public schools of Washington county, is the
youngest child. Mr. Underwood is an independ
ent voter, always casting his ballot for the candi
date who is best fitted for the office, regardless of
his party preferences. In religious faith he and
his wife prefer the Presbyterian Church.

J f AMES SAMPSON, a patriarchal son of the
Keystone State, a retired agriculturist, and,
J in his younger days, a typical follower of
Nimrod, is a native of Westmoreland county,
born in 1806. William Sampson, his father,
came, when a young man, in company with several
brothers, from their native home in Ireland to the
shores of Columbia, and made a permanent set
tlement in Westmoreland county. William mar
ried Mrs. Mary (Neal) Beazell, daughter of the
pioneer of the Monongahela Valley, Matthew Neal,
and widow of Matthew Beazell. To them were
born four children: James (formerly president of
the Peoples Bank), Harvey, Thomas and Dorcas.
The latter married Elijah Teeple. To her mar
riage with Matthew Beazell five children were born:
Catherine, Elizabeth, Margaret, William and John .
In 1812 William Sampson moved to Horse Shoe
Bottom, in Carroll township, Washington county,
where he successfully followed farming and distil
ling, at the time of his death owning 200 acres of
land, part of which he had bought at $12 per acre.
In his day grain was cut with a sickle, and he was
famed far and near for his dexterous handling of
that primitive implement, and for the amount of
wheat, barley, oats or grass he could cut in a day.
He died at the age of forty-five years.
James Sampson, of whom this sketch more es
pecially treats, married, in 1840, Miss Mary,
daughter of Robert Grant, of Carroll township.
This lady died March 25, 1888. To them were
born nine children, of whom two died in infancy.
Harriet first married Thomas Reeves, by which
union there were two daughters: Mary (wife of
Harvey Fry, by whom she has one son) and Lena
(wife of Harry Nuttall, of Pittsburgh; they have
one son). Mrs. Reeves was again married, this

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

657

time to Joseph Truman, since deceased. Mrs.
Truman, who is a lady of true refinement, now re
sides with her father on the home farm. William
Sampson married Miss Lou Welch, daughter of
John Welch, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and to them
five children were born : Mary, Sarah, John, Lulu
and Willie. Kate married Capt. Jenkins, and to
her two children were born, Mary and Virginia.
Jennie married T. J. Weddell, and has three chil
dren, James, Jessie and Mary. Harvey married
Miss Jennie Yorty, to whom six children were
born: Bertie, Grace, James, Ada, Frank and
Ethel. John married Mary V. Williams, and to
them five children were born: Gertrude, Howard,
Grant, Helen and Alice M. Ada Ethel married
C. R. Dallas, of Pittsburgh, they are the parents
of four children: James S., Sarah, Charlie and an
infant, deceased.
Mr. Sampson has been a hardworking, honest
and frugal man, and, though now past the eighty-
sixth milestone on his journey through life, is
keen and bright in intellect. In middle life he
was fond of hunting, and took great pride in be
ing the owner of the fleetest dogs in his section..
Many a time, after doing a hard day's work on the
farm, he would spend almost an entire night in the
pursuit of game, accompanied by his faithful dogs.
In politics he has been a Whig, Know-nothing
and Republican, in the ranks of which latter
party he has voted since its organization. Now, in
peaceful retirement, the owner of 1,200 acres of
land, Mr. Sampson finds himself surrounded with
the comforts that come to the sunset of a well-
spent, industrious life.

BIA MINOR HAYS, a prominent and
popular dealer in general merchandise in
the village of Simpson's Store, East Finley
township, was born April 12, 1852, on the
banks of the Little Kanawha river, Wood
county, near Parkersburg, W. Va., his parents
having a short time before his birth removed
thither from Waynesburg, Greene Co., Penn.
His father, James Wilson Hays, who was born
in AVaynesburg December 21, 1817, was engaged
in mercantile business for many years in his native
town, and Graysville, same State. He represented
the Fortieth Senatorial District of Pennsylvania in
the State Senate, serving two terms. His wife
(the mother of our subject), also a native of Greene
county, was Hannah M. , daughter of Abia Minor,
and granddaughter of Gen. John Minor, who was
one of the associate judges of Greene county for
many years, in fact, up to the time of his death.
William Hays, the paternal grandfather of A. M.
Hays, migrated in 1804 from Adams county,
Penn., to Waynesburg, where he embarked in
mercantile business, and for nearly a score of years

held the office of prothonotary of the county.
Sarah (Wilson) Hays (grandmother of A. M. Hays)
was a daughter of James Wilson, a native of Ire
land, who emigrated to America and settled at
Washington, Penn., along with many other so-
called "Scotch-Irish Presbyterians," in the latter
part of the last century. He was there married to
a Miss Lytle, and removed to Waynesburg at the
time Greene county was founded, and that village
was made the county seat; he became the first
postmaster at Waynesburg.
Abia Minor Hays served an apprenticeship of
several years with his father in the mercantile
business at Graysville, Greene Co., Penn., and
then, in 1878, embarked in business for himself,
in merchandising at Enon, in Richhill township,
Greene county. In 1879 he moved to the village
of Simpson's Store, subsequently purchasing the
property. He sold his interests there to W. E.
Jenkins, October 1, 1892, and moved to Washing
ton, Penn. Early in 1893 he leased the Whitla
store, No. 25 Broadway, New Brighton, Beaver
county, and established there an extensive dry-
goods house with departments devoted to carpets,
millinery, books and stationery. Mr. Hays is a
Democrat, but not a politician. He was postmaster
at Harvey's, Greene county, for three years, and
afterward at Simpson's Store for twelve years, or
until his removal to Washington, Penn. Mr. Hays
was married April 24, 1879, to Miss Nannie Hous
ton, who was born in Richhill township, Greene
county, November 25, 1 852. She is a daughter of
Simon Houston, Esq., who removed to Greene
county in 1848 from Washington county, and died
March 14, 1877. Her mother, Maria (Cummins)
Houston, now living, was born August 3, 1824, in
Greene county, of which her parents were natives.
To the marriage of A. M. and Nannie (Houston)
Hays four children were born, namely: Nancy
Maria, October 20, 1880; Sophia Elizabeth, Feb
ruary 9, 1883; AVilson Houston, February 14, 1887,
and Harry Minor, December 10, 1892. The three
first named are now (March, 1893) residing at Simp
son's Store. Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Hays and their
eldest daughter are members of the Christian
Church. DEMAS L. AMES, one of the prominent
1 citizens of AVest Bethlehem township, is a
/ son of John Ames, whose father, Jabez,
was bom in Maryland, where he grew to
manhood and married Elizabeth Smith.
Jabez Ames came to Washington county, and
erected one of the first log cabins here. The country
was very wild, and the Indians became so hostile
that Mr. Ames, after repeated efforts to clear his
land (for which he had previously secured a patent),
turned Indian-fighter and hunter. In that lonely
little cabin were born five sons and three daughters,

658

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

all of whom are dead. John, who was the young
est of the boys, attended one of the first schools
organized in Washington county, and at the early
age of seventeen, in the year 1818, married Mary
Thompson, a daughter of Thomas Thompson, who
came to AVashington county about the same time
as the elder Ames, and whose family also consisted
of five sons and three daughters. To John and
Mary Ames the following named children were
born: Rosa Ann, now living in Scottsburgh, Ind.,
widow of Otto Mayheart; Elizabeth, in Hills
borough, this county, widow of Henry Bush;
Arthur, a prominent farmer of West Pike Run
township; E. H. , living in West Bethlehem town
ship; Demas L., our subject; Mary Ann (Mrs.
Samuel Yoder), who died in April, 1880; John
Mertin, who died in 1878, and Joshua, Celia and
Samuel, all three of whom died in infancy, Samuel
breathing his last in the arms of his brother Demas.
Demas L. Ames was born October 17, 1840, and
his early life was spent upon the home farm, and
in learning the trade of blacksmith, which he was
eventually compelled to abandon because of de
fective eyesight. He then returned to farming,
which he has since followed. He married Lydia
A. Miller, daughter of Joseph Miller, of Amwell
township, December 21, 1861, and to them the
following children were born: Joshua, who died in
infancy; Elizabeth, a resident of West Bethlehem
township, wife of Isaiah Grable; Emmer Marsh,
who lives at the home of his parents, and who mar
ried Louisa Gunloe, a daughter of Henry Gunloe,
of West Bethlehem township; and Arabella, living
in Somerset township, the wife of Jonathan Konkle.
The mother of Demas, who is a remarkably pre
possessing old lady, resides at his home. She en
joys the distinction of being the grandmother and
the great-grandmother of forty-two descendants.
During the war, Demas Ames was a member of
Company A, 22d P. V. C, under James P. Hart; he
was, however, transferred to Company B, 18th P.V.
C, before the close of the struggle. He was a gal
lant soldier, and served his country long and well,
but like many another, he contracted diseases while
in the service, from which he is to-day suffering.
Mr. Ames is a life-long Republican, although not
an office-seeker, and has declined to accept nom
inations proffered by his party. Both himself and
wife are earnest members of the Disciple Church.

AMUEL GARRETT. This lifelong hon
ored resident of West Bethlehem township
is a grandson of Peter Garrett and son of
Nicholas, who was born in Maryland in
1779, and there married Mary Ann Baumgardner.
About the commencement of the present century
they removed to Washington county, Penn. The
children born to them were as follows: Elizabeth,

Rachel, Mary Ann, Lydia, Catherine, Susan, Sarah,
Jacob, Peter, Samuel, John and William.
Samuel Garrett was born July 15, 1816, in West
Bethlehem township. His education was the best
that could be secured under the circumstances,
but he took advantage of every opportunity which
might add to his store of knowledge, and is there
fore a very well read man. In his youth the
country was wild, and the young pioneer fre
quently encountered Indians and wild animals.
In 1840 he married Deliah Grable, daughter of
Samuel Grable, of West Bethlehem township, and
after marriage they removed to the farm which he
now owns. The following children have been
bom to them: Cephas, Silas, Lebens, Lavina,
Clara, and one that died in infancy. The mother
of these children died in 1857. Mr. Garrett is a
Democrat, but ill health has prevented his taking
an active part in politics for the last five years.
Prior to 1887 he was prominent in the political
affairs of his township, and was repeatedly elected
to the office of justice of the peace. His farm con
sists of 135 acres of very fine land. The house in
which he resides was built by Jacob Garber in
1818. Mr. Garrett is a member of the Lutheran
Church.

UYON MORRISON. The Morrisons of the
Upper Chartiers Valley trace their ancestry
to Guyon (or Gavin) Morrison, who removed
from East Nottingham, in Chester county,
Penn., and settled on a tract of land on the
waters of Chartiers creek, within the limits of
Chartiers township, in Washington county, of the
same State, prior to the war of the Revolution. By
comparison of data, from traditions and records,
it is reasonably certain that Guyon Morrison came
from Northern Ireland to Delaware Bay with the
great Scotch-Irish migration of the .year 1729. He
was born, probably in Londonderry, about the year
1705. His ancestors, doubtless, had come with
the influx of Presbyterians from Scotland, prior
to the famous siege of that place in 1689. The
family name "Morrison" had belonged to a clan
in Scotland from an early period.
In this country, as far as known, the earliest
mention of the name of Guyon Morrison is found
in the taxable lists of East Nottingham, Chester
Co., Penn., for the year 1730. In the lists re
ferred to, his name appears in the class of unmar
ried men; in the lists for the year 1734 his name
appears in the class of householders or married
men, from which fact we infer that his marriage
had taken place in the year 1733. His name re
curs, in the East Nottingham lists, continuously
until the year 1770, after which date it disappears
from the lists. The official records of Chester
county show that in December, 1770, Guyon Mor-

j#r\

Washington county.

si

rison disposed of his property in Chester county,
and, as his name is not found there on records of
a later date, it is certain that he must have removed
from that county in the year 1771. Some records
recently found in Washington county show that
in the year 1776 the Morrisons had been settled on
the waters of a tributary of Chartiers creek, for a
sufficient length of time to give to the stream the
name of "Morrison's run." In fact, the name
" Morrison's run " became the official designation
of the stream, as will be learned by reference to
the Patent records of the Pennsylvania Land Office.
The family traditions likewise confirm the conclu
sion that the Morrisons, on their removal from
Chester county in the year 1771, came directly to
the place of their settlement, in the Upper Chartiers
Valley. Soon after Guyon Morrison had settled on
Chartiers, this entire region passed under the con
trol of the colony of Virginia. For many years he
held the tract on which he had settled, under the
original "tomahawk" right. He lived, however,
to witness the re-establishment of the authority of
Pennsylvania, and the creation of the county of
AVashington. Of the tract on which he settled,
the larger portion still remains in the possession
of descendants bearing the same name, having
passed by inheritance until it is now, after a lapse
of 120 years, in the hands of his great-grandchil
dren. In the will of Guyon Morrison, which was made
on August 28, 1782, his son John and Hon.
Matthew Ritchie were named as executors. This
will was' entered for record on July 2, 1783. From
the date of the entrance of the will for record it is
reasonably certain that the death of Guyon Mor
rison occurred in June, 1783. Of the history of
his wife nothing is known. There is reason to be
lieve that her maiden name was Margaret Wilson.
From the fact that her name is not found in the
conveyance of the Morrison property, made in De
cember, 1770, it seems probable that her death had
occurred prior to that time. They had issue:
William, Elizabeth, John, Jane, Margaret, Fran
cis, Guyon, Jr., and James.
(1) William, eldest of the family of Guyon
Morrison, Sr., was born probably in 1735. About
the year 1760 he married Ann  , and resided
for a time in Chester county. On his removal to
this region he settled on a tract in Peters township,
near the east branch of Chartiers creek, where he
resided until his death in July, 1818. His wife
had died about twenty years before. They had
issue: John, James, George, Elizabeth, Francis,
Guyon, Ann, William, Jr., Seth and David.
John (eldest of the family of William, Sr.) died
in early manhood. James (son of William, Sr.)
was born probably in 1765 ; he married Phebe M.
 , and resided in Robinson township, where he
died September 11, 1832; his wife survived him

some years; they had issue: John, Barnabas,
Keziah (wife of John Brown), James, Martha and
Elizabeth. George (son of William, Sr.) was born
in 1767; about 1800 he married Mary Graham,
and resided in Robinson township until his death,
May 12, 1854; his wife died in 1845; they had
issue: John, William, Seth, Mary (wife of Joseph
Partridge, Sr.), George, Jr., Rachel, Jared, Ann
(wife of AVilliam Best), and David. Elizabeth
(daughter of William, Sr.) was born in 1771; in
1791 she married Stephen Sexton, who was a step
son of Thomas Wilson, an early settler of Peters
township; in April, 1802, she removed to Poland,
in Mahoning county, Ohio, where she resided until
her death, April 30, 1830; her husband died in
1856, aged ninety-four years; they had issue:
John, Nancy (wife of John Justice), Joseph, AVill
iam, Stephen, Jr., and Martha (wife of Isaac
Justice). Francis (son of William, Sr.) was born
in 1773; in 1795 he married Rosanna Frew,
daughter of Alexander Frew, and soon afterward
removed to Slippery Rock, in Lawrence county,
where he resided until his death June 5, 1837;
his wife died in 1846; they had issue: Ann (wife
of Joseph Eccles), William and Alexander. Gftyon
(son of William, Sr.) was born in April, 1775; in
1807 he married Hannah Cannon, and resided in
Peters township until his death, October 1, 1846;
his wife died in 1872, aged eighty-five years; no
issue. Ann (daughter of William, Sr. ) was born
in 1777; after the death of her father she removed
to the home of her sister, Elizabeth Sexton, at
Poland, Ohio; in 1821 she married John Frew, son
of Alexander Frew, and removed to Slippery Rock,
in Lawrence county, where she resided until her
death, June 11, 1852; her husband died in 1853,
aged eighty-three years; no issue. William, Jr.
(son of William, Sr. ), was born in 1779; until
middle life he resided in Washington county; in
his latter years he removed to Lawrence county,
where he resided with his nephew William, son of
his brother Francis, until his death in 1855. Seth
(son of William, Sr.) was born in 1781; in 1809'
he married Rachel Laird, daughter of James and
Elizabeth Laird; in 1811 he removed to Meso
potamia, in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was
killed by the falling of a tree, June 16, 1823; no
issue; his widow, who married John Chambers,
died in 1850, aged sixty years. David (youngest
of the family of William, Sr.) was born in 1783;
he married Priscilla Braden, and resided in Peters
township until his death, January 28, 1830; no
issue; his widow married Alexander McBurney.
(2) Elizabeth, daughter of Guyon Morrison, Sr.,
was probably the second in order of birth. About
1760 she married John Loughridge, Jr., and
resided in East Nottingham, in Chester county,
until her death in 1767. Her husband had died in
1766. They had issue : Elizabeth and Margaret,

662

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

who accompanied their grandfather Morrison on
his removal to the Chartiers Valley. By his will
they were made legatees of his estate. There is
reason to believe that Elizabeth married a Mr.
Cochrane, prior to the year 17*89. It is thought
probable that Margaret was unmarried, and had
died prior to that year. Nothing further is known
of them.
(3) John, son of Guyon Morrison, Sr., was prob
ably the third in order of birth. He was one of
the executors of his father's estate. His name is
found in the list of the first grand jury called, un
der the authority of Pennsylvania, to meet in
Washington county. He acquired a large tract of
land in Peters township, where he resided until his
death in March, 1789. He was unmarried.
(4) Jane, daughter of Guyon Morrison, Sr., was
bom probably in 1740. About 1762 she married
.Thomas Grier, who had come from Northern Ire
land some years before, and removed to the adjoin
ing township of Oxford, in Chester county, where
she resided for a time. Afterward she removed to
a tract of land near Carlisle, in Cumberland coun
ty, where she resided until her death in January,
1823. Her husband had died in March, 1803.
They had issue: Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, James,
Guyon, George, Margaret, Jane, David, Rebecca,
Thomas and John.
Catherine (eldest of the family of Jane) was
born about 1764; after the death of her mother she
removed with her brother John to Perry county,
where she died in 1840; she was unmarried. Eliz
abeth (daughter of Jane) was born about the year
1766; she married James Wilson, Jr., and resided
in Cumberland county; while visiting her kindred
in Beaver county she died at the home of her
brother George about 1835; no issue. Mary
(daughter of Jane) was born probably about 1768;
after the death of her father she removed to the
home of her brother Thomas, with whom she re
sided until her death, the date of which is not
known; she was unmarried. James and Guyon
(twin sons of Jane) were born in 1770; about 1800
James married Miss Espy, who died soon after
ward without issue; in 1807 he married Maria Stu
art; in 1810 he removed to the Chartiers Valley,
and resided in North Strabane township, Washing
ton county, until his death November 22, 1833; his
wife died in 1859, aged seventy-nine years; they
had issue: Samuel Stuart, Thomas, Guyon, Jane,
David and James, Jr. Samuel Stuart, born in
1808, married Margaret Donaldson, and resided in
Columbiana county, Ohio, until his death in 1886.
Thomas, who entered the ministry, became pastor
of a Presbyterian Church in a western city, where
he died during his pastorate; he was unmarried.
Guyon and Jane died on reaching adult years.
David completed a course in medicine, and settled
in Warren county, 111., where he was engaged in

practice until his death in 1886. James, Jr., born
in 1820, married Hannah Van Eman, and resides
on the homestead; they had issue: Mary (deceased),
William, Jane, Rebecca, Anna, Frances and Thomas,
Guyon (twin son of Jane) came to Washington
county probably as earty as 1795; about 1800 he
married Polly Allison, and removed to Beaver,
where he resided until 1819, when he removed
elsewhere; some years afterward he returned to
Washington county, and resided at the home of his
brother James until his death, August 12, 1832; his
wife had died probably about 1819; they had issue:
John, born probably about 1805, who resided in
Wheeling, W. Va., at the time of his father's
death, but of whose subsequent history nothing is
known. George (son of Jane) was born probably
in 1772; about 1800 he removed to Beaver county,
and founded the town long known as Griersburgh,
now called Darlington; about 1804 he married
Anna Taggart, who died in 1811; they had issue:
Robert, Jane (wife of John Rider, and afterward
wife of John Boon, of Washington county), and
Margaret, wife of John Duncan; in August, 1812,
he married Elizabeth Woods, who survived him;
he died October 10, 1844; they had issue: George,
Jr. , and Elizabeth (wife of William Adams). Mar
garet (daughter of Jane) was probably the next in
order of birth; she married Thomas Clemens, and
removed to Beaver county, where she and her hus
band died many years ago; they had issue:
Thomas, John, Margaret (wife of Mr. Parkinson),
Elizabeth (wife of Jonathan Stewart), James, Jane,
Ann, Alexander, Guyon and Robert." Jane
(daughter of Jane) was probably the next in order
of birth; on March 29, 1796, she married William
Campbell, and removed to Beaver county, where
her husband died prior to 1820; she survived her
husband many years; they had issue: Thomas,
James, Robert and Alexander. David (son of
Jane) was probably the next in order of birth;
about 1800 he married Rachel Stuart, and removed
to Beaver county, where he resided for some years;
afterward he removed to Portage county, Ohio;
about 1840 he removed to the West; he is said to
have survived his wife, and to have died about
1850; they had issue: Thomas, Alexander, William,
James, David, Jr. , and Rachel. Rebecca (daughter
of Jane) was probably the next in order of birth;
she married Hon. Robert Sears, of New York,
whom she survived; she died many years ago with
out issue. Thomas (son of Jane) was born in
1780; he graduated at Dickinson College in 1797,
studied for the ministry, and was licensed by the
Presbytery of New Castle in 1800; in 1801 he was
installed as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of
Middletown, Lancaster county, where he remained
some years; about 1830 he was called to the pas
torate of the church of Cold Spring, in Putnam
county, N. Y., where he died May 19, 1834; he

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

663

was twice married, but the names of his wives are
not known; he had issue: George, William, John,
Smith, Decatur and Charles. John (youngest of
the family of Jane) was born probably in 1782; in
1803 he was appointed one of the administra
tors of his father's estate; in 1829 he married
Maria Bovard, and soon afterward removed to
Perry county, where his wife died in 1848; he re
moved to Harrisburg, where he resided until his
death in 1854; they had issue: Mary Ellen (wife of
Mr. Crumleigh), Rebecca Jane and Charles.
(5) Margaret, daughter of Guyon Morrison, Sr.,
was born probably in 1742. About 1763 she
married Josiah Crawford and resided, for a time,
in East Nottingham, Chester county. It is prob
able that she accompanied her kindred on their
removal to the Chartiers Valley. She resided on
a tract in North Strabane township, near the east
branch of Chartiers creek, where she died about
1795. Her husband died in May, 1797. They
had issue: Elizabeth, Andrew, John, Josiah,
Jr. , James, Alexander, Guyon, Margaret, Hannah,
William and MaryT.
Elizabeth (eldest of the family of Margaret) was
born in 1765; about 1788 she married James
Laird; in 1809 she removed to Mesopotamia in
Trumbull county, Ohio, where she resided until
her death, August 23, 1826; her husband survived
her some years; they had issue : Rachel (wife
of Seth Morrison), John, Matthew, Andrew, Josiah,
Seth and James. Andrew (son of Margaret) was
probably the next in order of birth; about 1809 he
married Mrs. Sarah (Ray) Sparks, and resided
in Chartiers township until his death in 1813; his
wife died near the same time; they had issue:
Hannah, bom in 1810, who married David Palmer
about 1840, and resided in Chartiers township
until her death in 1873; they had issue: Thomp
son, Margaret (wife of George Newton Watson),
Elizabeth (wife of Mr. Reed), and Sarah (wife
of James Arthurs). John (son of Margaret) was
probably the next in order of birth ; he was one of
the executors of his father's estate; after the
settlement of the estate, he removed to Trumbull
county, Ohio, where in 1805, he married Margaret
Wilson; nothing further is known of him. Josiah,
Jr. (son of Margaret) was born in 1770; in 1795 he
married Eleanor Reynolds, and resided on the
homestead in North Strabane township, where his
wife died in 1826; they had issue : John, Marga
ret, William and Elizabeth; secondly, he married
Prudence Hanna, who survived him but. left no
issue; he died March 8, 1851. John, born in 1797,
married Sarah Quivey, and they removed to the
West where they had issue of whom nothing is
known. Margaret, bora in 1799, married Daniel
Bell, and resided in Peters township until her
death in 1889; she survived her husband many
years; they had issue: Elizabeth, Eleanor (wife of

James Coleman), John, Jacob, Solomon, Anna,
Margaret and Jane. William, born about 1805,
married Miss Bennett, and afterward Miss Hamil
ton, and resided on the homestead until his death
in 1887; he had issue: Josiah, John, William
Hamilton, Joseph, Eleanor and Mary Jane. Eliza
beth, born about 1815, married James Kerr, and
resided on a portion of the homestead until her
death in 1889; her husband died in 1891; they
had issue: Josiah, Prudenee Jane (wife of David
Bradford Craig), and James, William and Robert.
James (son of Margaret) was born probably in
1772; he is said to have removed to Trumbull
county, Ohio, but nothing is known of his history.
Alexander (son of Margaret) was born probably in
1774; at an early day he removed to Trumbull
county, Ohio, where, in 1816, he married Cathe
rine Hoyles; nothing further is known of him.
Guyon (son of Margaret) was born in 1776; he re
moved to Mesopotamia, in Trumbull county, Ohio,
where he died in 1822; he was unmarried. Mar
garet (daughter of Margaret) was born in 1780;
she married Alexander Shields-, and removed to
Hanover in Columbiana county, Ohio, where she
and her husband died many years ago; they are
said to have had issue, but nothing further is
known of the family. Hannah (daughter of Mar
garet) was born about 1782; she resided on the
homestead, where she died many years ago; she
was unmarried. William (son of Margaret) was
born probably in 1784; he removed to Trumbull
county, Ohio, where he died in 1807. Mary
(youngest of the family of Margaret) was born
probably in 1787; she married Thomas Ray, and
removed from Washington county. They are said
to have had issue, but nothing further is known of
the family.
(6) Francis, son of Guyon Morrison, Sr., was
born about 1745. In 1768 he married Agnes Frew.
On his removal to this region, he settled in Peters
township, near the junction of the east and west
branches of Chartiers creek. In October, 1778, he
was appointed lieutenant of the militia by the court
of Yohogania county, Va. In December, 1791,
he disposed of his property in the Chartiers Valley,
and removed to the region of Sugar Loaf mount-
tain, in Fayette county, where he resided until his
death, which occurred about 1800. His wife died
in Lawrence county about 1830. They had issue:
Elizabeth, Alexander, Guyon, James, William,
John, Francis, Jr., Nancy, Rachel, David and
Thomas. Elizabeth (eldest of the family of Francis, Sr.)
was born September 23, 1769; in 1791 she married
Daniel Quivey, Sr., and resided near Canonsburg,
in Washington county; she survived her husband
some years, dying about 1850; they had issue:
John, James, Daniel, Jr., Sarah, Nancy, Julia,
Henrietta and Elizabeth. John and James (sons

664

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of Elizabeth) removed to Ohio, and nothing
further is known of them. Daniel, Jr. (son of
Elizabeth), married and settled in Chartiers town
ship, where he and his wife died a number of years
ago, leaving issue: Maria (wife of Stewart Miller),
Letitia, James (who married Mary White, and re
sides on the homestead) and Julia. Sarah (daugh
ter of Elizabeth) married John Crawford, sur
vived her husband and resided in the West until
her death, the date of which is not known. Nancy
(daughter of Elizabeth), born about 1800, married
William Flanagan, and resided near Canonsburg
until her death in 1890; she survived her husband
some years; they had issue, of whom we have no
information. Julia (daughter of Elizabeth) mar
ried John Holland, and resided at Bentleyville,
where she and her husband died a number of years
ago, leaving issue of whom we have no informa
tion. Henrietta (daughter of Elizabeth) married
John Mcllravy, and removed to Harrison county,
Ohio, where they resided for some years; after
ward they removed to the West, where she and
her husband died some years ago, leaving issue of
whom nothing is known. Elizabeth (daughter of
Elizabeth) married Benjamin Crawford, and re
sided in North Strabane township until her death
in 1889, at the age of eighty years; she survived
her husband, and left issue: Daniel, Benjamin,
John, Morgan, Elizabeth, Nancy, and Margaret
(wife of Samuel Phillips). Daniel married Jane
Chubbic, and resided in North Strabane until his
death, in 1891; he left issue: D. Quivey, Bath
sheba and Lousarba, who reside in Canonsburg.
Of the history of the other members of this family
we have no information.
Alexander (son of Francis, Sr.) was born May
16, 1773; he married Catherine Hoagland, and re
moved to Lawrence county, where he resided for
a number of years; he survived his wife; they had
issue: Hoagland, Agnes (wife of John Francis),
William, Alexander, Catherine (wife of Charles
Lytle), and Guyon; about 1820 he returned to
Fayette county, where he resided until his death
in 1847; his second wife was Rachel Simmons,
who survived him some years; they had issue: Mrs.
Rachel Daniels, Mrs. Elizabeth Daniels, Mrs.
Anna Woodmansee, Susan, the wife of Andrew
Boyd, Francis Thomas, Mrs. Naomi Daniels, and
Hannah the wife of Owen Burgess. Guyon (son
of Francis, Sr.) was born on June 21, 1775;
about 1800 he married, and resided in Somerset
county for a time; afterward he removed to Frank
fort, Ky. , where he resided until his death by
drowning, the date of which event is not known;
he is said to have left issue, but nothing is known
of them. James (son of Francis, Sr.) was born
July 23, 1777; about 1800 he married Elizabeth
Clay; in 1811 he removed to Camp Run,#in Law
rence county, where he resided until his death in

August, 1821; his wife survived him many years;
they had issue: Francis James, Leonard, Mrs.
Ruth Ashton, William, Job Clark, David, Nancy
(wife of William Ayers) and Thomas. William
(son of Francis, Sr.) was born June 7, 1779;
when eighteen years of age he went on a trip
down the Ohio, and was never heard of after
ward. John (son of Francis, Sr.) was born
February 22, 1781; it is probable that he died
in youth, as nothing further is known of him.
Francis, Jr. (son of Francis, Sr.), was bom
February 13, 1783; about 1804 he married Eliza
beth AVellington whom he survived ; they had is
sue: James, Enoch, William and Mrs. Elizabeth
Wells; about 1820 he married Mary Thorp; he
resided in the region of Sugar Loaf mountain un
til his death, November 14, 1845; his wife survived
him; they had issue: Francis D., Nancy (wife of
Isaac Hall), and Mary Ann (wife of Samuel Hall).
Nancy (daughter of Francis, Sr.) was born June
16, 1785; she married Col. James Stewart, and
settled on a tract, near Camp run, in Lawrence
county, where she resided until her death, the date
of which is not known; she is said to have left is
sue but nothing is known of them. Rachel (daugh
ter of Francis, Sr. ) was born November 5, 1787;
she married John Scott, and settled on a tract, near
Camp Run in Lawrence county, where she resided
until her death, the date of which is not known;
she is said to have left issue, but nothing is known
of them. David (son of Francis, Sr.) was born
April 5, 1790; he married, and resided for a time
in Lawrence county; afterward he removed to
Homer, in Champaign county, 111. , where he died
many years ago; he is said to have left issue, but
nothing is known of them. Thomas (youngest of
the family of Francis, Sr.) was born July 16,
1792; on February 9, 1813, he married Nancy
Eccles, and settled on a tract near Camp run, in
Lawrence county, where he resided until his death
February 21, 1851; his wife survived him some
years; they had issue: Joseph, David, Angelina
(wife of Samuel Brandon), and others whose names
are not known.
(7) Guyon Morrison, Jr., son of Guyon Mor
rison, Sr. , was born probably in 1750. About 177f>
he married Hannah Rankin, and settled on a por
tion of the homestead. In October, 1778, he was
appointed lieutenant of the militia by the Court of
Yohogania county, Va. In May, 1792, he sold the
portion of the homestead (which he had inherited
from his father) to Rev. Matthew Henderson, and
soon afterward removed to Cynthiana, Ky., where
he resided until his death September 1, 1825. His
wife died in 1846, aged about ninety-six years.
They had issue: Margaret, Hannah, David and
Matilda. Margaret (eldest of the family of Guyon,
Jr.) was born about 1778; about 1800 she married
Mr. Steele, and resided at Versailles, Ky., where

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

665

she died in October, 1808 ; she is said to have left
issue, but nothing is known of them. Hannah
(daughter of Guyon, Jr.) was born probably in
1782; she married Thompson Wigglesworth, and
resided near Cynthiana, Ky. , until her death, May
30, 1853; they had no issue. David (son of Guyon,
Jr.) was born in 1784; about 1814 he married
Sarah  , and resided on the homestead until
his death, July 2, 1826; they had issue: Zerelda
(wife of Perry Wherritt), John and Guyon. Matil
da (youngest of the family of Guyon, Jr.) was
born about 1790; she married Mr. Keenon, and re
moved to Mt. Olivet, Ky. , where she resided until
her death February 28, 1819; they had issue:
Matilda (wife of Mr. Goff, of Mt. Olivet).
(8) James, youngest of the family of Guyon
Morrison, Sr., was born in 1755. He inherited that
portion of the homestead on which his father had
lived and died. After the formation of Washing
ton county, he was commissioned as captain of a
company of the Washington Rangers, who were
organized for defense against the intrusions of
savage foes. In 1791 he married Mary Gibson,
daughter of William Gibson, Sr. , of Lancaster
county, and sister of the wife of James Bradford,
Jr. , of Strabane township. He was a member of
the first board of trustees of the Chartiers (Presby
terian) Church, over which Dr. John McMillan so
long served as pastor. He resided on the home
stead until his death, November 14, 1813, and was
buried in the graveyard on his own farm beside
the remains of his father. His wife died August
23, 1834, at the age of sixty-five years. Her re
mains were deposited beside those of her husband,
in their quiet resting place. A few years ago their
remains were removed, and were interred in the
cemetery at Washington. They had issue: William,
Margaret, John, Elizabeth, James, Jr. , Guyon and
Mary. William, the eldest of the family of James,
Sr., was born March 19, 1793; in 1833 he married
Sarah Munce, and resided, for a time, on a portion
of the homestead; afterward, he purchased an ad
joining tract to which he removed, and on which he
resided until his death, on May 13, 1853; his wife
died February 26, 1885, aged about eighty years;
they had issue: Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, Margaret,
James G. and Anna. Of the family of William,
Mary, Margaret and James G. are unmarried, and
reside in the borough of Washington. James G.
owns his father's portion of the Morrison home
stead. Sarah, daughter of William, married John
B. Miller, late of Canton township, but died a num
ber of years ago, without issue. Elizabeth, daugh
ter of William, married John Russell in 1864, and
resides in Chartiers township; she survives her
husband, who died in January, 1893, leaving issue:
Lula (wife of Rev. J. R. Hosick), Anna and J. Mack

(a student of medicine). Anna, youngest of the
family of William, married John Gibson Johnson,
and has since resided in Cross Creek village; they
have issue : George V. , William M. and Ernest.
Margaret (daughter of James, Sr.) was born
January 2, 1795; in 1818 she married James Brad
ford, and removed to Cadiz, in Harrison Co., Ohio,
where her husband died in October, 1826, at the
age of thirty-seven years. They had issue: James
M., David and Elizabeth (surname Bradford).
Afterward she returned to the home of her kindred
in Washington county. In 1832 she married
David Watson, and resided in Chartiers township,
where her husband died May 22, 1843, at the age
of fifty-one years. They had issue: John M.,
Mary and George Newton (surname Watson).
Afterward she removed to her inheritance in Peters
township, where she resided until her death, Jan
uary 17, 1875.
James M. Bradford (eldest of the family of Mar
garet) was born in February, 1820; on reaching
adult years he returned to Harrison county, Ohio,
where he has resided ever since; in 1844 he mar
ried Juliana Lewis, who died in December, 1890;
they had issue: Ann Eliza, born in 1845, who mar
ried Dr. J. G. Kennedy, and, secondly, Marion
Coats, and died in April, 1890, leaving issue, Wil
bur W. Kennedy. David Bradford (son of Marga
ret) was born December 24, 1821; on July 14,
1859, he married Rebecca Ann Bell, and has re
sided in Chartiers township ever since; for many
years he was engaged in the mercantile business,
but, latterly, he has retired from that employ
ment, and for some time has resided in Houston
ville; politically, he has been honored, by the
people of Washington county, with a term as
county auditor, and with a term as county com
missioner; they have had issue: John and Mary.
John, who was born August 22, 1860, is unmar
ried, and resides with his parents; Mary died
October 5, 1889, in early womanhood. Elizabeth
Bradford (daughter of Margaret) resided with her
mother in her declining years; after the death of
her mother she removed to Scio, Harrison Co., Ohio,
where she still resides; she is unmarried. John
M. AVatson (son of Margaret) was born January
31, 1834; in 1866 he married Sarah Borland, and
resided on the homestead in Peters township for
some years; afterward he purchased a tract in
North Strabane township where he has since re
sided ; they have no issue. Mary Watson (daughter
of Margaret) was born about 1836; in October,
1859, she married Peter Martin, and has since re
sided in Chartiers township; they have issue: Eva
(wife of John Jamison), Anna, George and Eliza
beth. George Newton Watson (youngest of the
family of Margaret) was born in December, 1839;
in 1876, he married Margaret Palmer, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he re
sided until his death in May, 1891; they had issue:
two daughters.
John (son of James, Sr.) was born March 19,
1797. He inherited that portion of the homestead
on which his father and grandfather had lived and
died. In 1867 he removed to Harrison county,
Ohio, where he resided with his nephew, James
M. Bradford. In 1870 he sold his inheritance in
Chartiers township, in Washington county, to his
brother Guyon. Afterward he returned to Wash
ington county, where he resided at the home of
his nephew, David Bradford, until his death,
November 25, 1880. He was unmarried.
Elizabeth (daughter of James, Sr.) was born
November 11, 1798. On December 4, 1823, she
married Andrew Allison, son of Judge James
Allison, and resided on the Allison homestead, in
Chartiers township, where her husband died, Jan
uary 26, 1854, at the age of fifty-nine years.
After the death of her husband, she removed to
Canonsburg, where she resided for some years.
Afterward she removed to the home of her daugh
ter, Henrietta, in Warren county, Ohio, where she
resided until her death, November 19, 1878. They
had issue: Mary, James, George, Rachel, Margaret,
Elizabeth, Henrietta and Andrew, Jr. Of the
family of Elizabeth, Mary, George and Margaret
died in January, 1836. James (son of Elizabeth)
was born April 16, 1826; he completed a classical
course in Jefferson College, but died soon after
ward, on January 21, 1849. Rachel (daughter of
Elizabeth) died, July 26*, 1857, in early woman
hood. Elizabeth (daughter of Elizabeth) was born
October 21, 1836; on March 29, 1855, she mar
ried Dr. John W. Martin, a physician of Can
onsburg, who afterward entered the mercantile
business in which he has been engaged ever since;
she died September 14, 1881; they had issue:
James Allison (deceased), Charles Edward, John
Clark, Ralph, and Mary (wife of William A.
Dickson). Henrietta (daughter of Elizabeth) was
born March 31, 1840; on May 3, 1865, she married
Joseph W. Culbertson, and removed to Warren
county, Ohio, where she still resides; they have
issue: Mary (wife of John Harkrader), James Mar
tin (deceased) and Isabella. Andrew, Jr. (youngest
of the family of Elizabeth) was born January 26,
1 845 ; he graduated in the classical course at Jeffer
son College in 1865'; he completed a course in
medicine in Jefferson Medical College, Philadel
phia, and removed to Westchester, in Butler Co.,
Ohio, where he was engaged in the practice of
medicine until his death, September 26, 1871; he
was unmarried.
James, Jr. (son of James, Sr.) was born Novem
ber 28, 1800. He settled on the portion of the
homestead, which he had inherited from his father,
where he resided until his death September 27,

1875. He left his inheritance to his son James, who
still owns the property. James , son of James, Jr. ,
was born April 26, 1835. On December 11, 1866,
he married Elizabeth McPeak, and for a time re
sided on the homestead. Some years ago he re
moved to Canonsburg, where he has resided ever
since. They have no issue.
Guyon Morrison, whose portrait appears in con
nection with this sketch of the Morrison family,
and who is a son of James Morrison, Sr. , was born
August 5, 1804. He attended Jefferson College
for some time, but did not graduate. On May 23,
1833, he married Jane Johnston, daughter of
Richard and Jane (Bradford) Johnston, and re
moved to Belmont county, Ohio, where for a time
he was engaged in mercantile business. In 1836
he removed to the adjoining county of Harrison,
and resided on a farm near Franklin until 1870.
In that year he purchased from his brother John
the homestead inheritance, in Chartiers township,
Washington county. In the same year he returned
to the home of his boyhood, where he resided until
his death, December 11, 1876. The death of
his wife occurred June 2, 1888, at the age of sev
enty-seven years. They had issue: John.
In a brief reference to the life of Guyon Mor
rison, it may be stated that from his youth he was a
diligent student of science, history and literature.
In regard to public improvements and public issues,
his views were liberal and progressive. In accord
with the history and traditions of his kindred, he
was a Whig, and, later, a Republican. In his re
ligious belief, he was a strict constructionist. He
had been reared under the ministry of Dr. John
McMillan, who, during his long pastorate, had
rigidly adhered to the use of the Scripture Psalms
in the worship of the sanctuary. After his removal
to Ohio, he became a member of the Associate Re
formed Church, and retained his connection also with
its successor the United Presbyterian Church, until
his death. He was chosen a ruling elder in the
Associate Reformed Church of Franklin, and served
in that capacity until his removal from that region.
He was tolerant of the opinions and prejudices of
his fellow-men. He died as he had lived, a consist
ent Christian.
John, son of Guyon, was born November 18,
1848. He completed a classical course at Mon
mouth College, at Monmouth, 111., where he grad
uated in 1869. In January, 1879, he became as
sociated with Rev. A. G. McCoy in the publication
of the Christian Instructor, which they had pur
chased, and removed from Philadelphia to Chicago.
He was engaged in this work for sixteen months,
when he disposed of his interest in the publication
and retired from the management. Afterward he
was, for some time, engaged in mercantile business
in Chicago. After disposing of this property, he
entered upon the study of medicine. He completed

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

667

the course at Rush Medical College, where, in
1887, he received the degree of Doctor of Medi
cine. Afterward he removed to Canonsburg,
Penn. , where he has since resided. He is a life
member of the Western Pennsylvania Humane So
ciety, Historical Society and University Extension
Society. He is still in possession of the Mor
rison homestead in Chartiers township.
Mary Morrison (youngest of the family of James,
Sr.) was born November 16, 1806. In 1829 she
married Marshall McCall, and removed to Belmont
county, Ohio. From there she removed to the ad
joining county of Harrison, where she resided
until her death, September 17, 1849. Her husband
married a second time, and removed to Wenona,
Marshall Co., 111., where he resided until his death,
September 29, 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years.
They had issue : John A. , James M. , Mary Jane and
Margaret. John A. , eldest of the family of Mary,
was born probably in 1830. He attended a course
at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio. He studied
law at Cadiz, Ohio, where he was admitted to the
bar. Soon afterward he married Margaret Hender
son, and removed to Wenona, 111., where he re
sided for a number of years. Afterward he removed
to Kansas, where he has since resided. They have
issue: Marshall, Elizabeth, Sarah, and perhaps
others whose names are not known. James M. , son
of Mary, was born probably in 1832. He accompa
nied his brother John on the removal of the latter to
Wenona, 111. , where he has resided ever since. He
is unmarried. Mary Jane, daughter of Mary, was
born about 1835. About 1854 she married Leon
ard D. Rowley, and resided some years in Har
rison county, Ohio. Afterward she removed to
Mendota, 111., where she resided until her death
about 1876. Her husband, who survived her, re
moved to Akron, Ohio, where he has since resided.
They had issue: Catherine (wife of Mr. McGall-
iard, of Akron, Ohio) and John (who resides at the
same place). Margaret, daughter of Mary, was
born about 1838. About 1858 she married Dr.
Arter, of Carrollton, Ohio. After a residence of
some years at that place, she removed to Canton,
Ohio, where she has since resided. They have no
issue. THOMAS H. RALSTON is a native of Brooke
county, W. Va.. where his ancestors were
among the earliest residents along King's
creek. The first member of this well-
known family to locate in that vicinity was
Joseph Ralston, who was born and married in
Scotland. He came to America prior to the Revo
lution, and finally settled in Brooke county, W.
Va., where he took up a vast tract of land on
King's creek. Indians were numerous then, and
wild beasts roamed through the forest, making pi
oneer life extremely dangerous. The family of

Joseph Ralston consisted of but two sons, Joseph
and Samuel. They were frequently taken with the
mother to Fort Pitt (where Pittsburgh now stands),
while the father lived for months in his cabin in
the wilderness, without a fire, lest the attention of
the Indians should be attracted. Joseph Ralston
and his wife passed their days on the farm, and in
a good old age were laid to rest in Three Springs
cemetery, Brooke county, W. Va. The land, which
had then increased in value, was left to his two
sons. Samuel (the younger son), was married to
Martha Tucker, of Hanover township, who bore
him four sons and eight daughters, all of whom
lived to marry and have children.
Joseph Ralston, eldest son of Joseph, was first
married to Ann McCready, of Beaver county, who
lived with her parents on Mill creek, now Hooks
town, Penn. They were early settlers in that sec
tion, and of Irish descent. To this union were
born ten sons and one daughter. The youngest
child, named McCready, died unmarried at the age
of twenty-eight years, and the only daughter was
married to Daniel Wilson; the others were also
married. The mother died and was buried in
Three Springs cemetery. For his second choice
Joseph Ralston selected Sarah Greer, a native of
Carroll county, Ohio, living near Harlem Springs.
She bore hi m seven children, of whom one died in in -
fancy, and another never married. The father
lived to be about seventy-two years of age, dying
about 1835. The greater part of his life was
passed in farming, and he built the first gristmill
in that country. His property became very valua
ble, and the gristmill was owned and operated by
his descendants of the two generations following.
After a long and useful life, he was laid to rest in
Three Springs cemetery, where his parents and
wives were buried.
Joseph Ralston was the oldest of the eleven
children born to Joseph and Ann (McCready)
Ralston. He was born March 5, 1791, on the old
homestead in Brooke county,' W. Va. When a
young man he learned the miller's trade in his
father's mill, and finally took charge of the busi
ness, which he conducted for many years. In 1817
he married Lucinda P. Holmes, who was born
March 7, 1795, east of the mountains. She was a
daughter of Thomas and Nancy (McNeely) Holmes,
both of whom were natives of County Donegal,
Ireland. The McNeely family was an eminent one
in Ireland, and the brothers of Nancy were all
legislators there. Thomas Holmes was a shoe
maker, and in about 1789 came to America, locating
temporarily near New York City. He removed
farther west and settled in Brooke county, W. Va. ,
where he died at the age of ninety-six years. His
wife died when over one hundred years old, in
Guernsey county, Ohio, at the home of her son,
Isaac Holmes.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

The children of Joseph and Lucinda P. (Holmes)
Ralston were born as follows: Isaac, was killed
when a young man, by a horse; Mary A., is the
wife of J. H. Harper, of Burgettstown, Penn. ;
Joseph, a miller, while taking a cargo of flour to
New Orleans, contracted bilious fever in that city,
died May 30, 1846; Thomas H. , whose sketch fol
lows; Eli, deceased at the age of two years; Car
oline, Mrs. Miller Shane, of Burgettstown, Penn. ;
and William, a school teacher, died January 1,
1861, at the age of twenty-eight years. Mr. Ral
ston passed his life on the old place, and followed
milling. He was a soldier in the war of 1812,
and voted with the Democratic party. He and his
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church at
Three Springs, of which he was an elder for many
years. In 1846, while on a trip to Buffalo, N. Y. ,
with a cargo of flour, he was taken sick with bil
ious fever, and returning home, died July 18,
1846, followed by his wife December 26, of the
same year. They were buried in Three Springs
cemetery, which now contains four generations of
this name, who were at one time by far the most
numerous family on King's creek.
Thomas H. Ralston was born July 19, 1826, in
Hancock county, W. Va., on the ancestral acres.
In early life he learned the cooper's trade, in which
he became an expert. AVhen his elder brother died,
he took charge of his father's mill, in which busi
ness he continued many years. On April 26, 1859,
he was married to Rebecca Graham, who was born
January 17, 1833, in Hancock county, W. Va., a
daughter of Thomas and Honor Graham. Their
union has been blessed with the following children:
Lucinda P. (Mrs. James Work, of Florence), William
S. (a farmer of Hanover township), George G. (at
home), Anna K. (Mrs. S. F. Campbell, of Hanover
township), and Jessie M. (at home). Mr. Ralston
conducted the old mill until April 10, 1873, when
he came to Hanover township, Washington county,
locating on the "Moses McLaughlin" place, where
he has since resided. He is now following farm
ing and stock raising, having made many improve
ments on the place, which are indicative of his
progressive spirit. He owns several good farms,
and is one of the leading men of Hanover town
ship. He, his wife and children are members of
the Frankfort Presbyterian Church.

MfRS. JEMIMA JACKMAN was born July
30, 1805, in East Pike Run township, Penn.
She is the widow of Joshua Jackman, and
Ml — daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Dixon)
/' Bailey. Her parents were born in east
ern Pennsylvania, and came, when children, with
their parents to Washington county, where they
were afterward married. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey
were the parents of the following children: Ann,

John, Mary, Martha, Thomas, Ruth, Hannah,
Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry and Jemima. Of this
family the latter is the only one living. The
father was a farmer and stock dealer, and died at
the age of eighty years, the mother having been
laid to rest at the age of sixty years. Both were
members of the Quaker Church. On April 11,
1835, Jemima Bailey was united in marriage with
Joshua Jackman, son of AVilliam and Elizabeth
(Conley) Jackman, who were natives of County
Carlow, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Jackman came to
America many years ago, and settled on a large
tract of land in East Pike Run township, where
their children were born and reared as follows:
Bernard, William, Mary, Eliza, Joshua, John,
Margaret, Nancy, and four who died in infancy.
Joshua Jackman was born January 29, 1795, on
the home place in East Pike Run township. He
always resided on the farm, and in politics voted
the Republican ticket. He died September 27,
1867, and his widow is living in the old house,
which has been her home since 1839. The farm
embraces 100 acres of well- cultivated land, in
cluding a good storehouse, barn and all modern
improvements. Mrs. Jackman is now in her eighty-
seventh year and bids fair to see her fourscore
years and ten, being yet as .active as many a woman
of but sixty years, and still doing the greater part
of her housework. She is a member of the Taylor
M. E. Church, with which her husband was also
identified. They had two daughters, namely:
Sarah E., born February 11, 1840, who died De
cember 29, 1845; and Mary M., born August 10,
1841, died January 3, 1846.

+/

MRS. MARIA SPEER, one of the oldest and
most highly esteemed residents of Peters
township, Washington county, is the
^ widow of James Speer, a son of James
Speer, whose father, Robert Speer, came
from Adams county, Penn. , at a very early date, and
first located in Washington county, but soon after
moved with his family to New Concord, Mus
kingum Co. , Ohio, where he died.
James Speer, son of Robert, was born in Adams
county, Penn., and when quite young, came east
of the mountains with his father, and spent the
greater part of his boyhood days near New Con
cord, Ohio. In those days but few white settlers
had penetrated the western forests of Ohio, and
the Indians still held possession of the land. ' The
Redmen of that vicinity were for the most part
friendly to the " Palefaces," and often paid visits
to the Speer family, on which occasions the squaws
would invariably leave their papooses outsides
tightly strapped to a board. In the forest wilds,
surrounded by Indians and savage beasts, James
Speer grew to manhood, and was married to Miss

6&l^<lj£%

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

671

Catherine Latta. After their wedding the young
couple moved to Washington county, Penn. , and
settled on the farm in Peters township, where they
lived until his death, November ¦ 14, 1849. Six
children were born of their union, viz. : Deborah,
Robert, Thomas L., James, Jane and Nancy, all of
whom are now deceased. James Speer, Sr. , was a
member of the Associate Reformed Church, of
Cross Roads, and one of its organizers. In poli
tics he was a Whig.
James Speer, son of James and Catherine Speer,
was born December 10, 1810, on the farm in
Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., where
his widow is yet living. He was trained in the
usual duties of agriculture, and passed his youth
on the place. On February 2, 1839, he married
Miss Maria Calahan, who was born October 4,
1814, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn.,
a daughter of the late Thomas Calahan, who was
a son of Joseph Calahan, a native of Ireland. Her
father was a carpenter. Her mother died when
she was but five years of age, and she went to
live with John Rankin, a farmer of Washington
county, Penn., where she remained until her mar
riage. Of the union of James and Maria Speer
were born eight children, viz. : Mary (Mrs. AVill
iam Boon), Kate, Eliza J. (deceased), a son deceased
in infancy, Adeline (wife of George Scott, of Des
Moines, Iowa), Blanche (Mrs. James Emery, of
Washington county), an infant daughter (deceased),
Anna Margaret (widow of William Paden, has one
son, Lloyd H. , and is now living with her mother,
Maria Speer). The home farm contains 127 acres
of excellent land, on which a test oil well is being
put down, oil having already been found in paying
quantities; and they are still drilling with the ex
pectation of finding more of the valuable lubricant.
Mr. Speer was a Republican, and a member of the
United Presbyterian Church, of Mt. Prospect. He
died April 29, 1878.
FRANK CRAVEN. This enterprising young
business man has from early boyhood been
identified with the interests of California,
Penn. His elementary education was ob
tained in the public schools of this village, and
he then attended the Southwestern State Nor
mal School, at California. After leaving school
he was engaged in various pursuits near Cali
fornia, and served one year as mail clerk between
Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, on the Pennsylvania
Central Railroad. He then entered the employ of
Morgan & Dixon, and soon afterward purchased
a general store in partnership with L. T. Clay-
baugh. One year later Mr. Claybaugh sold his in
terest to John Dixon. Later Mr. Dixon retired and
John S. Beazell purchased his interest; the firm is
now Craven & Beazell, extensive dealers in gro
ceries and general produce.

Frank Craven married Myrtilla, daughter of
Jonathan West, October 17, 1878. This lady's
father was a son of Thomas AVest, and grandson of
Jonathan West. The latter was born in Ireland,
andcomingto America in youth, located permanent
ly on a farm in Washington county, Penn. He was
an Old-line Democrat in politics, and in religion
one of the founders of the "West" Protestant Epis
copal Church. His children were born as follows:
Jonathan, Robert, Thomas, Edward, Mary (wife
of Robert Gregg), Ann (Mrs. Morris) and Jane
(Mrs. Howden). Thomas AVest, son of Jonathan,
Sr., was born and reared in West Pike Run town
ship. In early life he was married to Margaret
Hopkins, who bore him three children, namely:
ThomaB, Catherine and Jonathan. The father
followed agricultural pursuits, and lived but a few
years after his marriage. Jonathan AVest, son of
Thomas, was born in February, 1827, in West
Pike Run township, AVashington Co., Penn.,
receiving his early education in the neighboring
schools. In 1850 he was united in marriage with
Melinda, daughter of Edward Gregg, who was
born and reared in Washington county, Penn.
Edward Gregg was married to Mary Maple, and
their children were Mary J., wife of James Baker;
Stephen; Melinda, wife of Jonathan West; Seth;
Maria; John and Maple. Mr. Gregg was a pros
perous farmer and stock raiser. He voted with
the Whig and Republican parties, and was a mem
ber of the Taylor M. E. Church, in which he offi
ciated as elder, class-leader, and Sunday-school
superintendent. He and his wife were buried in
the Taylor Church cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. West
resided on a farm in West Pike Run township un
til 1861, when they moved to Virginia, where he
enlisted in Company B, Eighty second O. V. I. He
was then sent to the army of the Potomac, and
participated in numerous engagements. On July
2, 1863, he was captured at the battle of Gettys
burg, and was first taken to Belle Isle, thence to
Andersonville, where he died the following June.
The children of this soldier were born as follows:
Mary E. (deceased), Margaret E. (wife of D. H.
Lewis), Mary J. (married to Emerson Reed), Dora
I. (wife of John S. Beazell), Myrtilla (married to
Frank Craven) and Kate.

THOMAS H. ACKLESON, an enterprising
and prosperous farmer of Smith township,
is a son of Thomas, and grandson of Thomas
Ackleson, Sr. The last named was born,
reared and married in Ireland, and coming
to America soon afterward, located in the Chartiers
Valley, Allegheny county, Penn., and reared the
following children: Robert (born on the voyage
across the ocean), John, James, Samuel, Thomas,
Isabel and Mary, all of whom lived to an adult

672

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

age. The father passed his life in agricultural
pursuits, both he and his wife dying on the home
farm. Thomas Ackleson was born in 1800, on the
home farm in Allegheny county. He received a
limited education, then learned the shoemaker's
trade, which he followed in connection with agri
culture almost to the close of his life. He married
Letitia McConnell, daughter of George McConnell,
a native of Ireland, who served in the war of the
Revolution and in the war of 1812. She was born
in Allegheny county in 1802. To her were born «
Mary Ann (who married Andrew Butler, who died
two years after, leaving one daughter, Mary E. ,
now Mrs. William Adams of Allegheny county.
She next married Bingham McKnight, and to
them one son was born — Alexander — now of Den
ver, Colo. He died in 1860), Sarah J. (unmarried,
resides with her brother, Thomas H.), Isabel and
Elizabeth (unmarried), Martha (deceased wife of
John Woodburn), Thomas H. (of whom further
mention is made), David McConnell (enlisted in
Company I, First P. V. C, killed near Belle
Plains) and Margaret (widow of George M. Pyle).
Mr. Ackleson followed farming in Allegheny
county for some time after his marriage, then
came to Washington county, locating on a farm-
near Hill's Station, Cecil township, and his last
days were passed on a farm in Smith township.
He was a Democrat before the war, afterward be
coming a Republican; in private life as well as in
public, he won the esteem of all. In religious
connection he was a member of the U. P. Church.
He died in 1881, having been preceded by his
wife in 1856.
Thomas H. Ackleson was born February 25,
1839, in Cecil township, this county, and in early
life began to assist in the duties of the farm, being
educated in the neighboring district schools. He
married Margaret Scott December 25, 1867, who
was born in 1846, daughter of Finley Scott, of
Smith township, this county, and they have had
the following children: David M. (deceased at the
age of nine years) and Finley S., Thomas L., Ida
M., ChessieE., Samuel S., Emma M., John H,
Annie B. , Lizzie and Jennie Viola, all living
at home. Thomas H. and Margaret (Scott)
Ackleson first settled on a farm near Bavington,
Smith township, and for several years sold agri
cultural implements at Burgettstown, this county.
Afterward selling out, he moved to a place near
Bulger's Station, and shipped milk to Pittsburgh.
In 1887 he moved upon the well-improved farm he
now occupies, situated about one mile and a half
northwest of Burgettstown, Smith township, where
he is very extensively engaged in the shipping
business, being the leading dairyman in the vicin
ity. He is decidedly practical and progressive in

his work, and has been president of the first
creamery and cheese factory in Washington
county, located at Bulger's Station, and has
served as school director different terms, and other
township offices. He has always been a leader in
progressive movements, and identifies himself with
everything tending to aid or improve his special
work. He and his esteemed wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown,
and politically he is an adviser and counselor in
the Republican party.

|[ACOB B. PHILLIS. The Phillis family
, I were among the earliest residents of Smith
/(J I township, Washington county. On May 10,
^^ 1776, Joseph Phillis received the first gen
uine land title which was issued in Smith
township. He was born in Ireland, about 1744,
and was married in that country to Elizabeth Lit
tle. In 1775 he came to America, locating in this
county, near the present site of McDonald village.
He raised the first crop of corn in that part of the
county, which crop yielded fifty bushels to the
acre, then considered a very large average. Joseph
Phillis was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and
after its close located on a part of the Hoagland
and Crawford tract in Smith township, which has
since been in the possession of the Phillis family,
a portion of the old farm being now owned
by the widow of Andrew Phillis. Before the
first crops were raised, the family came near
starving, and driven to desperation they de
cided to watch a cow and see upon what kind of
vegetation she subsisted. After observation they
made " greens ' ' the food of the family, and so
¦managed to exist until the grain was ripened to
replenish the empty larder. Indians were numer
ous and hostile in those early days, and wild ani
mals were plenty. The home of these early pioneers
was known as the "Dunmore AVar tract," and
under careful cultivation the wild land soon as
sumed an air of comfort and civilization, becoming
in time a valuable piece of property. Joseph Phillis
died in 1830, at an advanced age, his wife having
"gone before " in 1827, leaving the following chil
dren : John (who died in Guernsey county, Ohio,
was the father of sixteen children), James (deceased
in the lumber regions of Pennsylvania), Joseph
(passed the latter years of his life in Columbiana
county, Ohio), Charles (deceased in Ohio), Jacob
(mentioned farther on), AVilliam (deceased in
youth), Thomas (passed his entire life in Smith
ownship), Nancy (wife of David Alexander, a
farmer of Smith township), Elizabeth (married to
Thomas Cherry, of Mt. Pleasant township), Jane
(wife of Joseph Walker) and Catharine (Mrs.
Gilbert Hnllick, of Smith township).

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

673-

Jacob Phillis was born April 8, 1792, and reared
on the home farm in Smith township, receiving a
subscription-school education. Ann B. Phillis,
wife of Jacob Phillis, born July 13, 1798, was a
daughter of Robert Bruce. She bore him children
as follows: Andrew (deceased), Joseph (deceased
farmer of Smith township), Elizabeth (deceased
wife of William Hammond), Nancy (wife of Thomas
Pyles, of Guernsey county, Ohio), John (deceased
at Cairo, 111.), Mary (wife of Ephraim Wallower,
of Ohio, now living in Des Moines, Iowa), Mar
garet (deceased wife of William Vance, Elizabeth-
town, Ky.), Jacob (deceased in early manhood),
Jane (deceased wife of Isaac James), and Ellen
(deceased wife of Talbert Shipley). After his
marriage Mr. Phillis made a permanent home on
a part of the original farm, and successfully pur
sued agriculture. He died in 1847, and his widow
passed away December 17, 1871.
Andrew Phillis, son of Jacob and Ann (Bruce)
Phillis, was born February 5, 1818, on the old
homestead in Smith township, where bis boyhood
days were passed, receiving his education at the
country schools. In 1857 he was united in mar
riage with Mary M. Leech, who was born in 1828,
daughter of James Leech, Esq. , of Smith township.
This wife died August 1, 1864, having borne him
two children: James P. (deceased at the age of
four years), and Jacob B. (whose name opens this
sketch). The mother was laid to rest in the
United Presbyterian cemetery at Burgettstown.
On August 28, 1867, Andrew Phillis married, for
his second wife, Mary A. Logan, who was born
March 6, 1834, in Hancock county, W. Va. , daugh
ter of William Logan, a native of Ireland. The
children bom to the union of Andrew and Mary
(Logan) Phillis were as follows: Margaret S.,
John L, Lizzie May, Annie M. and Ella J., all of
whom are living at home. Andrew Phillis always
resided on the home farm, where he died April 18,
1890. He was formerly a Whig, then united with
the Republican party. In religion he was con
nected with the United Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown, this county. He was a successful
and respected farmer, and his widow and children
have managed the place since his death.

JOHN NEELY was but an infant when his
parents came to Washington county, Penn.
His father, John Neely, was born in 1798 in
County Tyrone, Ireland, being a weaver by
trade. In early life the latter was married
to Elizabeth Finton, a native of County Tyrone,
Ireland, daughter of Robert Finton. In 1841 this
couple sailed from Londonderry, Ireland, on the
vessel "North America," commanded by Capt.
William Baker. They landed at Philadelphia,
Penn., thence pushing westward, and crossing the

Alleghany mountains on the old inclined planes,
located in Hanover township, this county, where
they began farming. They were the parents of
three children, all of whom were born in Ireland,
viz. : Samuel M. and Catherine, living in Hanover
township at very advanced ages, and John. The
father died in 1884, having been preceded to the
grave by his wife.
John Neely, son of John and Elizabeth Neely,
was born February, 20, 1840, in Cooley Parish,
County Tyrone, Ireland, and was reared on the
farm in Pennsylvania, also attending the subscrip
tion schools of his adopted State. On January 21,
1868, he wooed and won Clarissa A. Hart, of
Tuscarawas county, Ohio. She was born in Oc
tober, 1844, and was a daughter of Leonard Hart,
a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who was an early
settler of Ohio. The children of John and Clarissa
Neely were as follows: George P., Margaret E.,
John L. , Clarissa J., Stewart E., Catherine A.,
Emma I., Samuel M. , Clarence H. , Robert S., and
Ray, of whom Stewart E. , Catherine A., and Ray are
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Neely resided in Tuscar
awas county, Ohio, for sixteen years after their
marriage, and in 1884 came to Washington county,
Penn. , locating in Hanover township on the " old
Fullerton farm," where they have since lived.
Mr. Neely is a farmer and stock raiser, and was
among the first to conceive the idea of a creamery
in his neighborhood. He took an active part in
organizing a stock company for the operation of
the proposed industry, which unfortunately failed
to materialize, resulting in financial loss to Mr.
Neely. Politically he is a Democrat, and in re
ligious faith both he and his estimable wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church.
Samuel Neely was married in 1875 to a Miss
Maria Dixon, of Clinton, Washington county.
They have three children: John D., James S.
and Catherine B.

JOHN IAMES MARTIN, one of the most pro
gressive citizens of West Bethlehem town
ship, was born February 28, 1828, on the
farm of his father, in that township.
He is a grandson of James Martin, a na
tive of New Jersey, who emigrated to AVashington
county in the latter part of the last century,
settling upon the tract in AVest Bethlehem town
ship, part of which his grandson still owns. Here
he toiled until death called him, at an advanced
acre. He was a blacksmith, and made many of the
hinges, nails, etc., used on his buildings. His
education was received at the subscription schools.
Joseph Martin, father of John lames Martin, was
born on the old homestead in 1784, and passed his
boyhood in attending the common schools, and
working on the farm. By taking advantage of

674

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

every opportunity, he succeeded in obtaining an
•education superior to that of many of his associates.
In 1822 he married Nancy lames, daughter of John
lames, who for many years conducted a milling
business in Amwell township, this county. To this
union were bom the following children: Morgan,
a prominent farmer of Amwell township; Elizabeth,
who died in infancy; John lames, subject of this
sketch; Ann, the wife of Andrew Van Dyke, of
Amwell township; Sarah, wife of Neal Zollars, of
East Bethlehem township, and Joseph, who de
parted this life in 1852, aged twenty-two years.
John lames Martin passed his young days upon
the farm, and received a fair education in the
schools of the period. In 1852 he married Eliz
abeth Barr, daughter of Samuel Barr, of West
Bethlehem township, and to them were born the
following children: Joseph, Sarah, Jackson,
Martha, Samuel and Clarion, all of whom are liv
ing except Joseph, who died in 1872 at the age of
twenty- one years. Mr. Martin was a Democrat, and
one of the counselors of his party, although by no
means a politician in the general sense of the
term. He and his family are members of the
Winnett Chapel Methodist Church, Mrs. Martin
being one of the most active and valued members.
The farm of Mr. Martin consists of about 155 acres
of land, all in a high state of cultivation.

FHILO REYNOLDS, an esteemed and pros
perous farmer of Amwell township, is a
grandson of Benedict Reynolds, who came
from New Jersey and settled in South Stra
bane township on a farm, about six miles
southeast of Washington borough. The following
are the names of his children: Richard, Henry,
Zachariah, Lloyd, Polly, Susan and Sally. Mr.
Reynolds was a successful business man, owning
several nice farms, and of these he gave one to
each of his sons before he died.
Lloyd Reynolds was born in South Strabane
township, Washington Co., Penn., May 10, 1794,
and lived at home until some time after his mar
riage. On March 23, 1826, he was united in mar
riage with Sarah Redd, who was bom June 29,
1805, and to this union were born children as fol
lows: Louisa, born March 28, 1827; Silas M.
Crispin (deceased); Philo, born October 30, 1828;
Lucretia (Mrs. McCherry), born July 31, 1830;
Alfred (deceased), born July 11, 1832, and An
drew Jackson. Mr. Reynolds died in about 1836.
Philo Reynolds, son of Lloyd and Sarah (Redd)
Reynolds, was born in South Strabane township,
Washington county, and when ten years old was
taken by his mother to live on his grandfather
Redd's farm. He attended the common schools a
short time, then went to live with James Wright.
At the age of sixteen he learned the blacksmith's

trade of John Morrow, having lived with him four
years, receiving $25 per year, and at the end of the
four years had $42 coming to him. When twenty
years of age he began business for himself by
opening a shop near James Wright's place. On
March 17, 1852. Mr. Reynolds was married to
Rebecca AVright, who was born June 9, 1825, and
they have had three children: James E., a lumber
dealer in Washington; Marguerite Jane, who died
at the age of seventeen, and Sarah Bell (Mrs.
Paul). Mr. Reynolds has followed his trade all his
life, and by dint of thrift and enterprise, has ac
cumulated a good property; in 1872 he purchased
his present home, as fine a farm as can be found
in the township. In politics he is a Democrat,
but believes in voting independently of any party
or politician, when occasion so demands. In relig
ious connection he was formerly a member of
the Christian Church, but is not connected with
any religious body at present.

\ILLIAM SMITH. About the year 1785
Robert Smith came from east of the
mountains and located in Bethel town
ship, near Bethel church, in Allegheny
county, Penn., and followed agricultural
pursuits, and the original farm is now owned by
his grandson, John Smith. In 1790 he married
Jean, daughter of Daniel Moore, and of this union
the following children were born: Daniel (who
died in Nebraska); Jennie (deceased wife of Robert
Cooly, of Beaver county, Penn.); Mary Ann (de
ceased wife of Henry Keifer, of Beaver county,
Penn.); Elizabeth (wife of Robert Bryarly, of
Beaver county, Penn.); Agnes (deceased wife of
Jacob Keifer, of Beaver county, Penn.); Robert '
(deceased in Iowa); Polly (wife of John Lesnette,
living near Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., Penn.);
Margaret (deceased wife of James Orr, of Holmes
county, Ohio); AA'illiam (subject of this sketch), and
John (who died in Allegheny county, Penn.). The
father of this family died in 18 — , aged eighty-
three years, the mother in 1863, aged ninety-one,
and they are buried in Bethel cemetery.
William Smith was born August 12, 1812, in
Bethel township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and re
ceived his education in the common schools, the
principal books in use at the time being the United
States Speller and Western Calculator. On April
16, 1840, he was married to Sarah H, daughter
of George and Jean Cunningham, who came from
Scotland in 1802. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith eleven
children were born, seven of whom were deceased
in youth; those yet living are George C. (of Castle
Shannon, Penn. ) ; Adaline J. (wife of Alexander
Bailey, of Xenia, Ohio); Daniel W. (of Bulger,
Penn.) and AnnaB. (wife of S. D. Jones, of Mount
Pleasant township). Mr. Smith resided in Bethel

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'TOW

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

677

township until 1846, when he moved to Baldwin
township, same county, and there resided until
1872, when he moved to Bulger, Washington
county, and retired from active business.
When Mr. and Mrs. Smith went into house
keeping he had but $2. 50 to provide for himself
and wife. He was a regular attendant at the
Pittsburgh markets, and one article in demand at
that time was cut straw, which he carried to mar
ket on horseback (tied on with ropes), and sold at
12| cents a sack; he has sold butter at 6 cents per
pound; has packed oats to Pittsburgh on horse
back, and sold them at 12£ cents per bushel. With
these prices obtained, he bought and paid for land.
On April 16, 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Smith cele
brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.
Of the Smith and Cunningham families represented
in the union of this couple, there were twenty-two
children, all of whom were married and raised
families, seven of whom celebrated golden wed
dings. Of the ten children of Robert Smith they
lived to an average age of seventy-five years.
Daniel W. Smith, son of William Smith, was
born September 5, 1852, in Baldwin township,
Allegheny Co., Penn., passing his boyhood days
on the farm, and receiving a common-school edu
cation. In 1872 he came with his parents to
Washington county, and on August 26, 1880, was
united in marriage with Alice J. Russell, who was
born December 8, 1855, daughter of J. S. Russell,
of Smith township, this county. The following
children were bom to them: Mary V., Clara B.,
Sarah C, Agnes J.,- AVilliam and John R. Daniel
W. and Alice J. Smith first located on a part of his
father's farm in Smith township, and upon the
death of the latter took charge of the home place,
where he is now living. In connection with farm
ing he raises stock and manages a dairy. In poli
tics he is a Republican, and in religion he and wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church at Candor.

<

MRS. ELIZA C. ALLEN. George W. Allen
(deceased agriculturist) was born June 2,
1818, in Fayette county,Penn. , on a farm
two and ohe-half miles from Connellsville.
He was a son of Josiah and Rebecca Al
len, who were natives of Fayette county, Penn. ,
and came to Washington county in 1834, settling
permanently in Carroll township.
On February 26, 1840, George W. Allen was
united in marriage with Eliza C, daughter of
Samuel, and granddaughter of Walter Davis. The
grandfather died' in Franklin county, Penn., and
his son Samuel was born March 7, 1786, on the
home place in that county. When a young man,
Samuel Davis came to Washington county, and lo
cating on Chartiers creek, became prominently con
nected with the earliest history of Somerset town
ship. He was married to Mary, daughter of Isaac

Vance, and she bore him four children, none of
whom are living. The mother died June 1, 1820,
and for his second wife, Mr. Davis selected Mary,
daughter of Isaac and Catherine Teeple. Two
children were born to this marriage, namely: Sam
uel M. , living in California, Penn., and Eliza C.
(Mrs. Allen), whose name opens this sketch. The
mother died April 23, 1824, and his third choice
was Rhoda Falconer. They had six children. Of
these, one daughter is living, viz., Emily Maria
Taylor, living at Brownsville, Penn. Mr. Davis
was a member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian
Church, and in political opinion was a Democrat.
He passed away October 16, 1836, and was laid to
rest beside his kindred in the Pigeon Creek ceme
tery. To the union of George W. and Eliza C. (Davis)
Allen, the following children were born: Mary
Lucinda (wife of Lyman Jackson, a prominent
railroad official in Allegheny City), born September
1, 1841; EmmaR., born October 25, 1843; Martha
T., born December 4, 1845; Elma L. (deceased
March 6, 1854, interred in Round Hill cemetery,
Allegheny county), born April 24, 1848; Edwin
Benton (deceased August 20, 1890, interred in
Knoxville cemetery, a prominent business man of
Knoxville, Iowa), born October 5, 1850; Edith F.
(deceased June 9, 1853, interred in Round Hill
cemetery, Allegheny county), born January 24,
1853; Clarence M. (a merchant living at Charleroi,
Penn.), born May 6, 1854; Milton J., born October
21, 1856, died October 25, 1888; Ella S, (wife of
Samuel Swabe, a prosperous farmer of Fallowfield
township), born February 16, 1859; Myrtilla ~F.r
born July 24, 1861; George B. Mc. (a carpenter of
Charleroi), born October 8, 1863, and Addison F.
(living on the homestead), born May 24, 1867. At
the time of his marriage Mr. Allen possessed little
property, but by the assistance of his wife, coupled
with his own untiring energy, he accumulated a
competence, and finally became the owner of 275
acres of land. In his political opinion he was
a Democrat, and in religion a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Monongahela City. He
was interested in all movements tending to advance
Washington county, and was especially devoted
to educational progress. He died February 19,
1879, was interred in Monongahela cemetery. His
widow, an agreeable and popular lady, is yet liv
ing on the place. She has in her possession a diary
of her husband, containing the incidents of his
life, from the date of his marriage until his death.

ft NDREAV J. PEESE is a representative of
|\ one of the oldest families of Washington
1\ county. His great-grandfather, Nicholas
-* Peese, emigrated from Germany with an
uncle when but twelve years of age. He af
terward married, and located in Caniguagig, east of

678

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the mountains. Three children were there born to
them: Mary, Andrew and George. In 1769 he
made an exploring trip on foot to western Penn
sylvania, and took possession of 400 acres of land
in North Strabane township, Washington county..
He then returned to his family, and placing their
household goods on one horse, with the youngest
child perched on top of the load, the rest of the
family journeyed on foot. They finally arrived
at their new home, and a small log hut was erect
ed in which they passed the winter near the pres
ent home of John M, Berry. Only two other set
tlers were then in the township, and in their
pioneer home the four younger children were born :
Nicholas, Catherine, Betsey and Susan. Of these
children Nicholas died in youth. Mr. Peese was
six feet and one inch in height, well formed, and
possessed great powers of physical endurance. He
died at the age of one hundred and five years, his
wife at the age of ninety years.
George Peese, the second son of Nicholas, was
four years of age when the family settled in Wash
ington county, and was the hero of the horseback
ride above mentioned. He grew to manhood, and
was married to Lydia, daughter of John Vaughn,
a native of New Jersey. The children born to this
union were Polly, Andrew, Rebecca, Zacharias,
John, Nicholas, George, Joseph, James, Eliza,
Polly, Lydia, and two daughters who died in in
fancy. Polly was burned to death in childhood;
Joseph died at the age of thirty years, and James
died when twenty-five years old. The other chil
dren married, settled in Washington county, and
all are now deceased excepting Zacharias, John
and George. Mr. Peese died March 1, 1849, and
was followed by his wife in 1865.
Zacharias Peese was born in the house which is
now the home of John M. Berry. He lived at
home until twenty years of age, receiving a limited
education, and assisted his father in transport
ing the farm produce to Pittsburgh, making the
journey by wagons through miles of unbroken
forest. When Zacharias was twenty-one years of
'age his father traded farms with his uncle, Andrew
Peese, and received in the bargain a saw and grist
mill, of which Zacharias took charge and operated
fourteen years. On December 27, 1820, Mr.
Peese was united in marriage with Hannah,
daughter of Andrew and Polly Peese, and to this
union came the following children: William, born
October 13, 1821; Joseph, born August 21, 1823;
Andrew J., born July 4, 1824; Mary (Mrs. Jacob
Anthony), born May 1, 1827; Lydia, (Mrs. Zach
arias Peese), born July 24, 1830; Elizabeth, born
June 5, 1833 (died March 11, 1841); George, born
April 27, 1835 (died May 3, 1835); Hannah Jane,
born May 20, 1839 (died May 16, 1841), and
Phoebe, born April 7, 1841 (died October 30, 1841).
Mrs. Peese died October 4, 1846, and on January

13, 1848, Mr. Peese was married to Jane Jackson,
a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and a con
nection of Andrew Jackson. About 1825 Mr.
Peese bought and prepared to move upon a farm
in Ohio, but yielding to the request of his father,
sold it, and settled on the place in North Stra
bane township where his son William is now living.
He then bought the farm now owned by our sub
ject. Mr. Peese has always been a Democrat, and
has filled several township offices. He joined the
Presbyterian Church at the age of eighteen years,
and was an elder and member of the Pigeon Creek
Church for many years.
Andrew J. Peese was born and reared in North
Strabane township, on the home farm where he is
now living, and received his education in an old-
time log schoolhouse. On September 27, 1852,
he was married to Julia A. Dickson, who was born
September 15, 1822, in Peters township, Allegheny
Co., Penn. Her parents were both natives of
Pennsylvania, the father born in 1802, in Wash
ington county, and the mother in 1805, in Lancas
ter county. They were married in this county,
and seven children were born to them, all of whom
married and had children. They were as follows:
Julia A. (now living); Isaac (now living in Iowa;
has been twice married and has had five children,
three of whom are now living; he is a member of
the Presbyterian Church; his wife is an active
worker in the W. C. T. U.); John (married and
has two children; his wife is now deceased, and he
is now living in his native county, near Library) ;
Henry (married and living in the State of Califor
nia, where he is engaged in the mining business;
he enlisted in the Union army, in an infantry reg
iment, during the Civil war, and being wounded
in the battle of Spottsylvania, was discharged; he
married Miss Mary French, now living, and is con
nected with several prominent families in the
Monongahela region) ; Elizabeth (widow of Nelson
Phillips; she had eight children: William, Sarah,
Nancy, Estelle, Charles, Maggie, Bell and Jasper,
of whom Sarah is now dead); Sarah (was twice
married, first time to James Brown, by which
union there were three children: George, Lizzie
and John, the last named being deceased; her
second husband is Isaac Lindley, by whom she has
had six children, all yet living except one) ; Rebec
ca (married sometime in the "fifties "to Jesse
Canady, of Lancaster county, Penn., and one
daughter was born to them, Ulalia, married and
yet living; Mr. Canady served a period in the
Senate of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rebecca Canady is
deceased). The father died some time during " the
seventies," a member of Baptist Church. Mrs.
Dickson, who was a member of the Christian
Church, died in 1877.
To the union of Andrew J. and Julia A. (Dick
son) Peese three children have been born, namely:

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

679

Mason Z. , born April 20, 1858 ; Ida E. , born April
6,1860, and John D., born May 3, 1863. Of
these children, Ida E.was, on January 2, 1881, mar
ried to John Basel, a farmer of Amwell township,
AVashington county, and to their union two sons
have been born: Ray and Harry (Mr. Rasel is act
ively engaged in the work and success of district-
school education). In 1890 John D. was united in
marriage with Agnes Dunn, who has borne him
two children: Nellie M. and Julia Agnes. Mr.
Andrew J. Peese owns and resides on the old
homestead. In politics he was a Democrat for
many years, but of late has been identified with
the Prohibition party. He and his wife are mem
bers of the Christian Church.

//

HENRY L. STUDA is one of the oldest,
most successful and highly esteemed farm
ers of Cross Creek township. He is a son
of Charles and grandson of Louis Studa.
The latter ancestor was born in Hanover,
Germany, in 1757, and was a miller by trade. He
there married Idolla Sagulf, a daughter of a lead
ing attorney, and they died in their native land
at advanced age, leaving four children, namely:
Hannah, Henry, Charles and Lena. Of these
Hannah was born in Hanover in 1787, and in 1817
married Christopher Fisher, who was by trade a
carpenter, of Shunhogen, and resided there with
his wife until death removed them at an advanced
age; their five children were Charles, William, Au
gust, Henry and Christopher. Henry, brother of
Hannah, wastiorn in Hanover in 1789, and mar
ried Caroline Henna, daughter of the burgess of
Shunhogen; he was a miller by trade; his four
children were Charles, Henry,' Millicina and Han
nah. Charles, another brother of Hannah, was,
like Henry, a native of Hanover and a miller by
trade. He married Millicina Steingreiver, whose
father was the hotel-keeper of Shunhogen; their
children were Henry L. and Lena. This Charles
Studa received a good education, and served sev
eral years in the wars of Napoleon. He partici
pated in the memorable battle of Waterloo, and
received a silver medal as an acknowledgment
of gallant conduct on that occasion. This valua
ble relic is yet in the possession of his son Henry
L. At one time Charles Studa, with others, was
taken prisoner and sentenced to be shot, but was
saved by the arrival of Russian soldiers, who capt
ured the prison but a few hours previous to the
time appointed for the execution. After the bat
tle of Waterloo, the young soldier decided to seek
a fortune in the New World. Lena, the youngest
child of Louis and Idolla Studa,- born in 1794,
married Henry Alburn, a farmer, and bore him
three children-Henry, Charles and Christopher;
Louis Studa, his wife and the four children died
at Shunhogen, each attaining an advanced age.

Charles, the son of Henry and grandson of Louis
Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1816, was a
miller by trade, and was married to Millicina Stein
greiver, whose father also was a farmer by occu
pation. They remain in their native land. Henry,
the son of Henry and grandson of Louis Studa,
was born at Shunhogen in 1818, was a farmer by
occupation, and was married to Luweza Cook,
whose father also was a farmer; they remain in
their native land. Millicina, the daughter of Henry
and granddaughter of Louis Studa, was born at
Shunhogen in 1820, and was married February 20,
1848, to Henry L. Studa, who was a farmer by oc
cupation; soon after their marriage they set sail
for America, and landed in AVashington county,
Penn., where they have been residing ever since.
Hannah, the daughter of Henry and granddaugh
ter of Louis Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1822,
and was married to William Didritch, who was an
officer in the military troops; they remain in
their native land, having three children, namely:
Richard, Emma and Menny.
Henry L., the son of Charles and grandson of
Louis Studa, was born April 14, 1821, in Hanover.
His father was a miller by trade, and was the pos
sessor of both an oil and a grist mill, which were
located in Capingburg, Germany; but as a panic
set in in 1825 and lasted for several years, he and
several of his neighbors became discouraged, and
came to the conclusion they would proceed to a
better country. He had been corresponding with
an acquaintance of his in Jamaica, who informed
him of some landlord there who was the possessor
of a plantation of 2,000 acres, and was desirous of
having it inhabited by Germans, just for the pur
pose of raising ginger and working sugar. So in
the year 1833 Charles Studa and several of his
neighbors set sail for Jamaica, where he lived for
seven years; but as the'climate was so much warmer
than that of his native land they were troubled
with a great deal of sickness, and lost their daugh
ter Lena. In 1840 they set sail for America,
landing in New York, where they resided for eight
months, and then moved to Washington county,
Penn., where his son Henry L. supported the fam
ily by working by the month and day for six years.
In 1847 he returned to his native land to transact
some business concerning his grandmother's es
tate, and, remaining there eight months, was mar
ried to Millicina Studa, a full cousin. In 1848 he
returned to America with his young wife, and
farmed on the shares for nine years. Putting his
money at interest, he was enabled, in 1856, to pur
chase 133 acres, and some time later bought the
balance of the present farm of 222 acres, the best
land in Cross Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Studa
have four children, namely: John, David, Alfred
and Albert (twins). Politically Henry L. Studa is
a stanch worker in the Democratic party. He is a

680

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

member of the German Lutheran Church at Mt.
Prospect, also supporting the Mount Prospect
Presbyterian Church in that village, which his chil
dren attend.

DW. MYERS, one of the leading young Re-
| publicans of West Bethlehem township,
' was born October 13, 1846, in that town
ship. He is a grandson of John Myers,
who came from Germany to America at a very
early day, and located in West Bethlehem town
ship, on Daniel's run; there he purchased a farm
and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural
pursuits. He married Elizabeth Conkle, and the
following children were born to them : Mrs. John
Letherman, Mrs. Speh, Mrs. Amos Walton, Mrs.
John Hufford, Mrs. Thornton Young, John, Jacob,
Henry and Stephen. In his political views Mr.
Myers was a Whig; he and his family were all
identified with the Lutheran Church.
Stephen Myers, father of subject, was born on
the paternal farm, March 11, 1805. His early
years were spent at. home and in attendance of the
common schools, where he acquired a good edu
cation. After leaving school he followed the
drover business a few years, and in 1834 was mar
ried to Lucia Jenkins, a daughter of Nathaniel
Jenkins, who lived in West Pike Run township,
this county. Soon after his marriage Mr. Myers
began business for himself, and in 1852 moved
upon the farm of 127 acres which is now the prop
erty of his son Wilson. He was the father of five
children: Mrs. S. C. Bane, Mrs. John Yorty, Eliza
beth C, D. W. , and Edwin (deceased October 2,
1845). Mr. Myers was a successful business man,
and was much interested in all matters pertaining
to progress in education. He was a Republican,
and his colleagues evinced their appreciation of
his worth by electing him to the offices of assessor
and school director, which positions he held with
credit for many years. Both he and his family
were members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Myers passed from earth December 9, 1875,
and was followed by his faithful wife September
17, 1882.
D. W. Myers, son of Stephen and Lucia, has
spent his entire life upon the farm where he now
resides, having moved there with his parents when
but six years of age. He secured the foundation
of a good education at the common schools, after
ward attending the Pleasant Valley Academy,
which was followed by a year at Washington and
Jefferson College. He has well profited by these
advantages, and is now a well-read, intelligent man,
one of the leaders in his county. After his edu
cation was completed, Mr. Myers began to work
upon the home farm. On November 27, 1873, he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of

J. D. Roberts, of Hillsboro, Washington Co., Penn.
They have had four children : Nellie, born June 21,
1875, died September 17, 1875; Leona Irene,
born February 4, 1877 ; Albert Emerson, born Feb
ruary 21, 1883; and Reno, born October 15, 1890,
died December 1, 1890. Mr. Myers is a sturdy
advocate of Republican principles. He has held
the office of school director and assistant assessor
of his township; in 1889 he was elected one of the
directors of the poor for Washington county, for
a term of three years, and re-elected in 1892.
He has always taken an active part in all matters
of interest to the county, and with his family is a
member of the U. P. Church of Pigeon Creek,
being a ruling elder in the same.

[( LBERT MORROW, a representative of one
l\ of the most prominent families of Donegal
1\ township, and a son of Abraham Morrow,
¦* was born August 13, 1864, on the home
farm in Donegal township, this county, and
was reared to agricultural duties, attending, dur
ing the winter months of his boyhood, the common
schools of the neighborhood. On April 16, 1891,
he was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude
Burig, daughter of Charles H. Burig, of Donegal
township. Albert aud Gertrude (Burig) Morrow are resid
ing on a pleasant farm, situated near the home
place. He is engaged in wool growing, and is
already one of the most prosperous young farmers
in the vicinity. In politics he is a member of the
Republican party.

THOMAS McGAHEY (deceased) numbered
among the prominent and progressive
farmers of North Strabane township, and
was a member of an old and highly respected
family. His grandfather, Andrew Mc-
Gahey, was educated for the ministry, but owing
to a difference in the churches to which his parents
belonged, one a Covenanter, the other a Seceder,
he declined to preach, and engaged in teaching.
He taught the first select school of Braddock
Fields, and there purchased a farm. He had one
son and three daughters, all of whom reached
maturity, viz.: Elizabeth (Mrs. William Powell),
Mary (Mrs. Culberson), Ann (who was first married
to Mr. AVilson, and afterward to Mr. Carruthers)
and Hugh.
Hugh McGahey was born in the North of Ire
land, and was of a Scotch-Presbyterian family.
When a child he came with his parents to America,
settling in Allegheny county, Penn. Hugh Mc
Gahey was a man of refined mind and sterling
principle, and was a soldier in the war of 1812.
He was married, in Allegheny county, to Miss

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,y

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

683

Margaret Hannah, who was born in that county,
a daughter of David Hannah, and their union has
been blessed with two sons: Thomas (born Feb
ruary 1, 1812) and David (born October 17, 1813,
and died in infancy). Mr. McGahey died some
years after his return from the war of 1812, and
was buried in the cemetery at Dr. Herren's Church,
in Pittsburgh. Several years afterward his widow
married Robert McElroy, and by this marriage
had four children, viz. : John (born September 5,
1824, and died unmarried), Sarah (born December
13, 1826, and married to John Groove), Maria
(born June 7, 1829, and married to Eli Myers) and
Robert G. (who was born August 2, 1832, and
married Elizabeth Donnell). The mother died in
April, 1833. David Hannah (father of Mrs. Mc
Gahey, who was afterward Mrs. McElroy) was a
prosperous farmer, of Scotch ancestry. He
settled on a farm near " Braddock Fields," in
Allegheny county.
Thomas McGahey, subject of sketch, was born
near Turtle Creek, Wilkins township, Allegheny
county, February 1, 1812, a son of Hugh and
Margaret (Hannah) McGahey. Mr. McGahey
married Miss Martha Sample, who was born
March 27, 1812, a daughter of James and Elizabeth
Wallace Sample. They were both members of the
Presbyterian Church, and were buried in Oak
Spring cemetery, Canonsburg. Five children
were born of their marriage, viz. : Elizabeth Mary
(of Canonsburg, unmarried), Hugh (who died in
childhood), James (who died in childhood), Mar
garet Anna (living in Canonsburg, unmarried) and
Thomas McGahey.
James Sample emigrated from the North of
Ireland, and after reaching America settled in
Pennsylvania, when yet a young man. In 1804 he
was married in Cumberland county, Penn., to
Elizabeth Wallace, who was born March 19, 1785,
and was nineteen years of age at the time of her
marriage. She was a daughter of John and Eliza
beth (Eliot) Wallace, of Cumberland county, Penn.,
the former a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Sample moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., then called
" the backwoods " by people in Cumberland county.
He had money, and located on Coal hill (now Mt.
Washington), where he engaged in farming. At a
later date he came to this county, and lived a few
years in Washington, then moved to Allegheny
county, and rented a farm where Wilkinsburgh now
stands. He died on a farm in Versailles township,
near Turtle Creek. Ten children were born of
their marriage, viz. : John (who died unmarried),
Elizabeth (Mrs. William Mitchell), James (who
married Rachel Dougherty), Mary (Mrs. George
Mitchell), Martha (Mrs. Thomas McGahey),
William, (who married Hannah Dunbar), Adam
(who died in childhood), Nancy (Mrs. Robert

Wiley), Samuel (first married t'o' Margaret Jordan,
and afterward to Eliza Thompson) and Rosanna
(who died in childhood).
Thomas McGahey was born January 24, 1854,
and was educated in the select schools of Wilkins
burgh. He came with his parents to North Stra
bane township in 1874, and after his father's death
conducted the farm for his mother and sisters. On
April 2, 1889, Mr. McGahey married Miss Minnie
T. Brown; she was born in Fairview, Todd Co.,
Ky., daughter of Milton D. and Sarah A. (Daniel)
Brown. Her parents were both members of the
M. E. Church. Her father was raised on a farm,
taught school, was admitted to the bar, and is now
city judge in Hopkinsville, Ky. After their mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. McGahey came to Canonsburg,
Penn., where he owns a handsome residence. They
are members of the M. E. Church of Canonsburg,
and he is one of the most prosperous men in that
borough. In politics he is a Republican. One
child has blessed their union, Arthur F., born
June 15, 1890.

M. GEE'S SONS. The members of this
family are of English descent. The pio
neers of the family in America were Moses,
William and Joshua Gee; but from Moses
Gee this special branch is descended. He
emigrated with his brothers and landed at Plym
outh, Mass. John, the grandson of Moses, was a
millwright. He died at Wilkesbarre, Penn., at
the age of one hundred and five years, and with
the honor of service in the Revolutionary war.
Samuel Gee, son of John (who had fifteen chil
dren, most of whom settled in Pennsylvania and
New York), was born and reared in New York
State, where, when a lad, he learned the mill
wright's trade — a trade he followed in New York
and Pennsylvania. He married Hannah Hopkins
(a niece of Stephen Hopkins— the tenth signer of
the Declaration of Independence). They had thir
teen children, among whom were John, James,
Ransom M., Sylvester and Ruth. Samuel settled
with his wife at Painted Post, Penn., where he con
structed the first turbine water-wheel in that sec
tion, and where he was known as an uncompromis
ing Democrat and Presbyterian.
Ransom M. Gee was born in 1818, in Elmira,
N. Y., where he was reared and educated. At the
age of fourteen years he commenced to learn har
ness-making with a brother-in-law at AVilliamsport,
Penn., with whom he lived, having left the paternal
roof at that early age. When eighteen years old
he moved to Massachusetts, and there learned the
trade of marble cutter with his brother John, and
when twenty-one years old he opened a shop in
that line at Elmira, N. Y. , where he remained un
til 1847, in which year he went to Waupun, AVis.,

684

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and after three years' residence there, he proceeded
to Allegheny county, where, in West Newton and
elsewhere he carried on his trade until 1852, when
he came to Monongahela and opened a shop in the
first ward, near the present river bridge, and here
carried on a prosperous marble and granite busi
ness until his death, March 27, 1890; he was also
a contractor for the building of bridges from 1853
to 1857. He married Mary M. , daughter of Sam
uel Gangwere, a native of Pennsylvania, of German
ancestry, and whose children were Elizabeth, Sarah,
Mary M. and Samuel. Mr. Gangwere was by
trade a millwright, in politics a Democrat, in relig
ion a Baptist. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Ransom M. Gee were as follows: Oris D. (Mrs.
William Oliver), Joseph L. (deceased), William R.
(deceased), William M. , John R. (deceased), Alex
ander (deceased), Charles W. , Ada L. and Samuel
M. The mother died September 11, 1885. Mr.
Gee was a Democrat, and held various offices of
trust in the city of his adoption; was a school di
rector, and always took an active interest in every
thing tending to the prosperity of his section. He
was for many years a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, but during the later years of
his life, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and
was a vestryman of St. Paul's. Mrs. Mary M. Gee
was a Baptist.
William M. Gee . was born in Pennsylvania
March 18, 1845, and received a liberal education
in the schools of Monongahela, where his parents
settled in 1852. He was employed in the river
traffic as far as New Orleans, and became a licensed
pilot on the Monongahela river, which he followed
ten years. On November 10, 1869, he married
Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Ulery, of this county,
and their children were Ransom M. , Charles W. ,
Mary, Jacob, Alfred D. and Lillie, all now deceased
except the last named.
Charles W. Gee was born in Fond du Lac coun
ty, Wis. . October 23, 1849, and received his edu
cation at the public schools of Monongahela.
On March 9, 1876, he married Rosanna, daughter
of Jonas Weygandt, of Carroll township, this coun
ty, and their children are as follows: Two that
died in infancy, Desdemona, Theodore P. , Charles
F., Benjamin F., Sarah, and John R., the latter
deceased. Samuel M. Gee was born September 29, 1856,
in Monongahela, his education being received at
the public schools. On April 11, 1878, he married
Emma, daughter of Thomas Wilson, and their
children are William T., Ada L., Nancy D., Zilla
H. A., Bessie L. and Margaret L.
Since the death of Ransom M. Gee the firm has
been known as R. M. Gee's Sons, and they conduct
the largest works of the kind in the Monongahela
Valley, carrying a full line of marbles and granites

besides a complete assortment of iron fence work.
The brothers are all Democrats and members of
the Episcopal Church and M. E. Church.

HfENRY C. SWART, the subject of this
notice, was born November 8, 1825, and
was the fourth child of Philip and Asenah
i A (AValton) Swart.
v He was born in Amwell township on the
home farm near Amity, and was raised to the life
of a farmer, receiving his education in the old log
schoolhouse, with its slab benches for seats. In
his early manhood he dealt in stock, mostly hogs
and horses — driving through on foot to Cumber
land, Md. , and shipping thence to Baltimore, Md. ,
by railroad. He relates seeing, on one of his trips
east, a lot of thirty slaves, driven along the Na
tional pike to Baltimore market, all chained and
in charge of two men. On August 26, 1852, he
married Miss Abigail, daughter of John and Sarah
(Miller) Day, of Morris township, and they went
to housekeeping on his father's farm, where they
resided until he purchased, in 1857, the farm which
he still owns, one mile south of Amity, formerly
known as the Patterson farm. To them were born
two children: John D. and Laura B. ; the son,
having married, still remains on the farm; the
daughter, now married to a Mr. Horn, a lawyer,
lives at Denver, Colo. On August 22, 1862, Mr.
Swart enlisted in the Amity company, raised by
Capt. Silas Parker, which afterward became the
famous Company D, of the 140th P. V. I. He
served faithfully, never missing a roll call. He
participated in the battles of Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg and Spottsylvania, as well as in a
number of lesser battles and skirmishes. On May
12, 1864, at the battle of Spottsylvania, after hav
ing been under fire every day for a week, he re
ceived the terrible wound which made him a cripple
for life. In this same battle Mr. Swart had two
brothers, John and Amos, the latter killed during
the fight. His brother, A. J. , was wounded in the
battle of Gettysburg. Thus it will be seen that
there were four brothers who enlisted and entered
their country's service, all of whom left their farms
and comfortable homes in the care of wives and
children. After Mr. Swart was wounded he lay
on the field from 4 o'clock a. m. until evening,
when he was taken to a field hospital, and during
the night was loaded into an army wagon and
taken, with others, to Fredericksburg, a distance
of some fourteen or fifteen miles, over a very
rough road on a fearfully dark night, during which
his sufferings were intense. To escape falling
into the hands of the enemy, the trip had to be
taken. After remaining at Fredericksburg some
two weeks, the wounded were taken by trans-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

685

ports and hospital boats to Washington, D. C,
where he was placed in Lincoln hospital, and where
he remained some ten days. He then received a
leave of absence from the War Department to re
port when able at nearest army hospital, and was
brought home to his family on a hospital stretcher
in the latter part of June. Although given the
best attendance, Mr. Swart suffered terrible agony
for several months, and when only partially able,
after an absence from hospital of about ten
months, reported personally to a hospital at Pitts
burgh, Penn., the following April. Remaining
there about a month until his application could be
acted upon, he received from the War Department
an honorable discharge, returned to his home and
family, but will ever bear the marks of suffering,
and the scars of war. He has never since been
able to do any physical labor, but successfully
managed his farm and farm work until the spring
of 1872, when he retired and moved to Washing
ton, Penn. , in order that his children might have
better educational advantages.
In 1859 Mr. Swart made a profession of relig
ion, and united with the Methodist Protestant
Church at Amity. For nearly thirty -five years he
has been a zealous, Christian worker, his member
ship still remaining with the church at Amity, in
which he filled several important positions, repre
senting it in the Pittsburgh Annual Conference for
five or six years, and in 1884 was one of the lay
representatives of the Pittsburgh Conference to the
General Conference at Baltimore, Md. In early
manhood he was a Whig, casting his first presiden
tial vote in 1848 for Zachary Taylor. Upon the
organization of the Republican party he united
with it, and voted for Gen. Fremont in 1856, in
which party he continued until 1884, in which year
he joined the temperance cause, and voted for the
Prohibition presidentialcandidate. From his youth
up he has been a strong advocate of temperance,
and now, having a political party in the great work
of temperance, rejoices that he is in the fight, hav
ing enlisted under its banner there to remain dur
ing the war on the liquor traffic. In addition to
Mr. Swart' s severe wound in the hip, received at
Spottsylvania, he received a slight injury on the
side of the nose which has never healed, and has
slowly worked its way into the eye until the sight
of that eye is entirely gone, the other being also
weakened, so that he is no longer able to read.
Mr. Swarfs father, Philip Swart, was the eldest
son in the family of ten children of Jacob and
Sarah (Evans) Swart. Philip was born in 1797,
and died in 1876; Asenah, his wife, was born in
1798, and died in 1870. The ancestry of this nu
merous family is traced to Philip Swart, a native of
Germany. His children were Jacob (before men
tioned) and Susan, who married John Philips, of
Greene county, Penn. Mrs. Abigail (Day) Swart

was born in 1831, and is still a well-preserved
woman. Her father, John Day, was born in 1788
and died in 1871. During the war of 1812, he
served in a cavalry company. His wife, Sarah
(Miller) Day, was born in 1794, and died in 1837.
Henry C. Swart and his amiable wife now live in
a comfortable home in the suburbs of Washington,
where they enjoy the fruits of their united labor.

d| AMES NEELY is a native of Cooley Parish,
County Tyrone, Ireland, and the eldest child
] of Charles and Elizabeth (McGinnis) Neely.
Charles Neely was born in 1782, in County
Tyrone, Ireland, and in early manhood mar
ried Elizabeth, daughter of James McGinnis. She
was born in 1792. Nine children blessed this mar
riage, viz. : James, Catherine (deceased in youth),
John (deceased in Philadelphia), Ann (unmarried,
living in Allegheny; Penn.), Elizabeth (wife of
Robert Pringle, in Mercer county, Penn.), Charles
(in Allegheny, Penn.), William (a member of the
U. S. Army for seven years, and of the Seventh
Infantry U. S. A. during the war. He was twice
wounded before Richmond, one shot piercing his
right lung, from the effects of which he died two
years later), and twins, who died in infancy. The
father was a linen weaver by trade, following that
business in connection with farming. In 1845
they came with two children, William and Eliza
beth, to America, and joined those who had pre
ceded them to Mercer county, Penn. The father
passed away in 1856, followed by the mother the
next year.
James Neely was born November 11, 1813, and
learned the linen weaver's trade under the parental
roof. In 1841 he accompanied an uncle, John
Neely, to America. They embarked at London
derry, Ireland, on the good ship "North America,"
commanded by Capt. William Baker, bound for
Philadelphia. On landing in America, they pro
ceeded to Hanover township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and soon afterward moved to Mercer
county, Penn., where some relatives were living.
Here James Neely married Catherine, daughter of
John Walford, who was of German parentage.
She was born in May, 1811, in Mercer county,
Penn., and married Mr. Neely March 10, 1842.
For a short time the couple lived with Mr. Walford,
then moved upon a small farm. James Neely
afterward worked on the Pennsylvania Canal, but
finally resumed agricultural pursuits, in Mercer
county, Penn. In 1855 he purchased 180 acres
of woodland in Sugar Creek township, Venango
Co., Penn., which he cleared and cultivated. In
1865 he sold this place, and coming to Hanover
township, this county, bought 128 acres of land
for $10,000. This tract is situated one mile west
of Florence, on the Steubenville & Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

pike, where he has since resided. Beginning life
as a poor boy, Mr. Neely has amassed a good prop
erty, and has become prominent in farming and
stock raising. In 1888 he was called to Ireland on
business, and visited, perhaps for the last time, the
scenes of his boyhood, returning on the same vessel
on which he made the outward voyage, the "Alas
ka. ' ' Politically Mr. Neely has always been a Dem-
orat, and in religious faith he and his wife are mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church. They have been
wedded over fifty years, and have reared the fol
lowing named children: John W., an oil operator
of Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Solomon A. Dow,
of Corry, Penn. ; William C. , deceased, in 1888, in
Chattanooga, Tenn. ; James Mc. , deceased in in
fancy; James M., a farmer of Hanover township;
and Catherine J., living at home.

JOHN GARRETT, a well-known and prosper
ous agriculturist and stock raiser of West
Bethlehem township, was born February 16,
1825, upon the farm adjoining the one where
on he now resides. He is a grandson of
Peter Garrett and son of Nicholas, who was born
in Maryland in 1779, and there married Mary Ann
Baumgardner. Thence, about the commencement
of the present century, they removed to AVashing
ton county, Penn. The children born to them
were as follows: Elizabeth, Rachel, Mary Ann,
Lydia, Catherine, Susan, Sarah, Jacob, Peter, Sam
uel, John and William.
John Garrett received his education in the sub
scription schools of the neighborhood, and in early
boyhood received a thorough training in farm life.
On April 1, 1852, he was united in marriage with
Margaret, daughter of John Watson, and by her
had one child, Franklin Pierce, who assists on the
farm. The young mother died at his birth, and in
1854 our subject married Miss Lavina, daughter
of David Morrow, of North Strabane township,
this county, by which union there were born eight
children: four died in infancy; Thomas now resides
upon a farm adjoining that of his father; Lydia
and Sadie are now married and living in Ohio;
Elizabeth lives at the parental home. Mr. Garrett
owned and operated one of the first threshing ma
chines built in the county, and has given almost
his entire attention to threshing ever since. In
1869 he, unfortunately, caught his left hand in the
machine, and it was ground to a pulp, rendering
amputation necessary. Mr. Garrett is a thorough
Democrat, and has been elected to many offices of
trust by his fellow-citizens, who appreciate his
ability. He now owns a fine farm, consisting of
260 acres of well-cultivated land; while upon the
hillsides and meadow browse nearly 200 sheep
and other stock.

I P.LAWTHER. The beginnings of this family
, in America post-date the close of the Revo-
frlj lution by nine years. James Lawther, Sr.,
^^ born in Ireland, March 15, 1769, married
Jane Shaw in 1790, shortly after sailed for
the young Republic and settled in Virginia, where
they resided for twenty-one years before removing
to Pennsylvania (in 1812). Here the pioneer died
on his farm December 23, 1821. Of their eleven
children, Alexander Lawther was the ninth in order
of birth. He was born June 22, 1808, and on May
8, 1844, married Nancy Smith (born March 7,
1814), a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Smith,
of Richland county, Ohio. He died March 19,
1878, leaving a widow, now living. Of the five
children born to this marriage, Ellen C. , born Sep
tember 2, 1845, married Robert Cunningham, of
Jefferson township, April 25, 1889; Mary J., born
December 10, 1847, died August 7, 1870; J. P.
Lawther is the subject of this sketch; Thomas B.
was born August 2, 1852 ; and James A. , born No
vember 8, 1854, died October 2, 1863.
J. P. Lawther was born March 10, 1850, reared
to farm pursuits , on the paternal acres, and on
August 24, 1876, married Eliza, daughter of James
Black, of Hanover township. One daughter was
born to this marriage: Nancy, who is yet living.
The mother died March 30, 1888, and was buried
in Paris cemetery. For his second wife, J. P. Law
ther married, Febrnary 25, 1890, Amy Price, of
Orange township, Carroll Co., Ohio, who was a
daughter of Benjamin Price. After his marriage
they located on the present farm, having since been
engaged in general farming, stock raising and the
dairy business. Mr. Lawther is an admirer of fine
cattle, and has a specially fine lot of Devons on his
farm. He is a progressive citizen, which the many
improvements on his farm, such as the new house
and barn prove. In politics he is a Democrat.

J | OHN LAWTON (deceased) was a successful
| agriculturist and an energetic, useful citizen.
I His father, Joseph Lawton, was born in
Rhode Island, and in early life was married
to Mary Alma, of the same State, who bore him
the following children: Amy (wife of William Ran
kin), Pardon, Samuel, Sarah, Peter, Joanna, Anna
and John. In 1819 Joseph Lawton and his family
came to Washington county, Penn. , the journey —
necessarily a tedious one, having to be made with
ox-teams — being accomplished in seven weeks.
They settled on a farm in Cross Creek township,
where Joseph Lawton died in 1839. In his polit
ical preferences he was an old-school Democrat.
John Lawton was born June 7, 1816, in Rhode
Island, and was consequently three years of age
when the family moved to Pennsylvania. On
August 6, 1835, he married Margaret Miniken,

m^^ jsk>,

sr

/gZs2JS-&7-?4/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

daughter of William Miniken, who came from
England in 1803, settling in Pittsburgh; in 1805
he married Margaret Powell, and they had chil
dren as follows: Mary (Mrs. Barlow Folk), John,
Nancy (deceased), William, Sarah (wife of Harvey
Lawton), Hannah, William, Margaret (married to
John Lawton) and Julia (wife of Joseph Maxwell).
Mr. Miniken made his first home in the New World
in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he resided several
years, and then removed to Washington, this county,
where he conducted an extensive bakery and con
fectionery. He was a leading politician -in the
ranks of the Whig party, and in religious connec
tion a zealous member of the Episcopal Church.
He died in 1827, and in January, 1853, his wife
was laid beside him.
John and Margaret (Miniken) Lawton passed the
earlier portion of their married life in Butler county,
Penn., afterward settling on the home place in
Cross Creek township, this county, where they re
mained several years. They then moved to West
Middletown, and some years later proceeded to
Wisconsin, thence to Minnesota (residing there two
years), finally returning to the home farm in Cross
Creek township. Mr. Lawton was a successful
farmer, and for forty years was a resident of Cross
Creek township. Politically he was originally a
Democrat, afterward becoming an active worker in
the ranks of the Republican party. He died
January 9, 1882, aged sixty- four years six months,
and was laid to rest in Brownsville Cemetery, AVest
Middletown, Penn. He was a prominent member of
the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, of
which his widow is also a member.

*/

MRS. ELIZABETH KING. William King,
a son of Thomas, was born in Ireland and
came with his father to America. He
was married in this country to Margaret,
a daughter of James McNall, a native of
Ireland, and the following children, were born to
their union: James, born February 27, 1809;
Thomas, born October 2, 1810; Eleanor, born Au
gust 25, 1812; William, born January 30, 1815;
John, born December 6, 1817; Joseph, born Janu
ary 26, 1820; Andrew, born June 16, 1822; Hugh,
born December 15, 1824; Wells, born April 13,
1828, and Margaret J., born October 25, 1830; all
of whom are now deceased except Andrew and
Margaret J., and their children are scattered
through different parts of the country.
AVilliam King was born January 30, 1815, in
Washington county, Penn. , and when eleven years
of age came with the family to his present home
in Robinson township. Though enjoying but lim
ited educational advantages, Mr. King possessed
much intelligence and business capacity. In 1840
be was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hooper.

To them five children were born, namely: Mar
garet, Jane (Mrs. Robert Geary), Martha E. (de
ceased), William J. and Anna Zetta, all of whom
are living on the home farm with their widowed
mother. The father was a stanch member of the
Democratic party, and in religious faith was a
member and liberal supporter of the Robinson
United Presbyterian Church. He died September
6, 1884, leaving to his family a double inheritance,
an untarnished name being the first and most im
portant. By careful management he had accumu
lated a good property, leaving 269 acres of excel
lent land, underlaid with a six-foot vein of the best
coal, which greatly increases the value of the
property, now considered one of the best estates
in Robinson township.
Hugh King, a brother of William, died while on
the ship " Claremont," during her passage from
New Orleans to Philadelphia. He was traveling
for his health at that time. The following state
ment was sent home by the captain of the ship:
" Hugh King died January 5, 1847, on board the
bark ' Claremont, ' on her passage from New Or
leans to Philadelphia, in Latitude 25 degrees 42
minutes North, Longitude 84 degrees 12 minutes
West. He was a native of Robinson township,
Washington Co., Penn. Capt. Edward Lamond,
commander." The following lines by Anna L.
Lear were written on the death of Hugh King:
Low in the deep we laid him down!
Sweet is his sleep, and bright the crown
The sea shall weave around his head,
While pearl and amber deck his bed.
High in the sky the evening star,
With pitying eye looked from afar —
The tender moon, through the still night,
Shed o'er the scene her lambent light.
His requiem the soft wind wailed
As far from him our fleet ship sailed,
While he, no more to wake or weep,
Unheeding lay, low in the deep.
No marbled grace o'er him shall rise,
No human trace tells where he lies.
Yet He, whose hand holds all the waves,
Forgets no lonely ocean graves.
Mrs. Elizabeth King, a resident of Robinson
township, is a daughter of William Hooper, who is
a son of Philip Hooper, who was of German de
scent and a tanner by trade. Philip Hooper came
to Allegheny county, Penn., when the forests were
teeming with wild beasts and nomadic Indians,
naturally jealous of the white man's encroachments
on their soil. Mr. Hooper sunk vats for his tan
nery under the branches of sugar trees, as he could
not afford to build a shed for them. He was mar
ried to Jane Hill, who bore him seven children:
Philip, Alexander, Samuel, John, William, Eliza
beth and Nancy. William Hooper was born on the
home place in Allegheny county, becoming famil
iar from boyhood with the hardships and dangers

690

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

incident to frontier life. He selected as his life
companion Miss Jane Wright, whose father, James
Wright, was born in Ireland, and, emigrating to
this country, settled in Allegheny county, Penn.
The Indians were often heard moving along the
creek just below his cabin door, while the listener
would wait breathlessly until the sound of their
footsteps was lost in the distance, or if com
ing nearer still, then the terrified family would flee
to a neighboring fort for refuge. To William and
Jane (Wright) Hooper thirteen children were born,
of whom the following lived to maturity: James,
Philip, John, William, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jane
and Archibald, of whom Elizabeth is the only one
yet surviving. She was born November 5, 1815,
on the old Hooper homestead in Allegheny
county, Penn., where she grew to womanhood, as
sisting with the household duties. On December
28, 1840, she gave her hand in marriage to Will
iam King, a son of William, whose father, Thomas
King, settled near Washington, this county, at an
early day.

THOMAS ALEXANDER BLACK is the only
male representative of an old Irish family,
his grandfather, Thomas, having been the
first of the family to settle in America.
Thomas Black (the grandfather) was born
May 12, 1777,in Ireland, and whenayoungman was
married in his native country to Margaret Hunter,
who was born September 1, 1775. Before leaving
Ireland, four children were born to this couple:
William (a resident of Washington county, Iowa),
born December 25, 1799; Samuel (living in Wash
ington county, Ohio) , born March 8, 1801 ; Mary
Ann (unmarried), born February 14, 1804; and
James, born March 15, 1807. Thomas Black and
his family came to America about 1809, locating in
Washington county, Penn. In 1811 he settled on
the home farm in Hanover township, upon which
his grandson (Thomas A.) is now residing. Mr.
Black amassed a valuable property, and passed
away June 21, 1851, followed by his wife,May 29,
1855. They were buried in Paris cemetery.
Both were consistent members of the Seceder
Church. After coming to America the following
children were added to their family: Marga
ret (first married to a Mr. Bell, now widow of
a Mr. McLaughlin, is living in Omaha, Neb.), born
July 11, 1810; Grissey (unmarried), born March
22, 1813; Jane (wife of John McWhirter, Mercer
county, Penn.), born in February, 1818. Of these
children Margaret and Grissey are the only ones
living. James Black, son of Thomas, was born in Ire
land, and was but a child when his parents came
to the farm in Hanover township, where his youth
was passed. On March 18, 1844, he was married

to Charlotte McWhirter, a lady of Irish parentage,
who was born January 21, 1819. After his mar
riage, James Black located on the old homestead,
and continued to follow farming during his life,
with the exception of one year in which he was en
gaged in the milling business. He was a success
ful farmer and esteemed citizen. Politically he
was a Whig, then a Republican, and in religious
faith both he and his wife were members of the U.
P. Church. He died March 6, 1881, his wife hav
ing gone before him to the "Silent Land, " Octo
ber 24; 1867, and both are now buried in Paris
cemetery. Their children were born as follows:
Samuel, born January 21, 1846, is now a U. P.
minister of Tarentum, Allegheny Co. , Penn. ;
Mary Jane, born August 10, 1847, deceased wife
of Cyrus G. Arnold; Margaret, born September
13, 1849, was fatally burned and died November 2,
1853; Eliza Ann, born October 31, 1851, deceased
wife of J. P. Lawther; Thomas Alexander, whose
name opens this sketch ; Margaret H. , born Octo
ber 10, 1856, deceased wife of Lee Arnold; and
Sarah E., Mrs. J. M. Herron, of Hanover town
ship, born March 6, 1859.
Thomas Alexander Black was born December
28, 1853, on the old farm in Hanover township,
which he now owns and resides upon. He at
tended the "Old McCausland School," and assist
ed with the farm duties. On July 4, 1881, he
married Alice E. Cassidy, daughter of Hugh and
Nancy (McCune) Cassidy, of Hanover township.
Since his marriage Mr. Black has followed farm
ing on the old homestead, and in 1883 took an ex
tended tour through the West, visiting several of
the growing States. He is an admirer of fine cat
tle, as the number of thoroughbred Holsteins to be
found on his farm amply proves. In politics he
is a Republican, but upholds the principles of the
Prohibitionists. He and his wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church. They have one
daughter, Beulah O. , born January 6, 1883.

\ILLIAM B. LIBBEY, a dentist, born in
Columbiana county, Ohio, is a son of
Bennett and Agnes (Littell) Libbey, the
former a native of Vermont, the latter of
Beaver, Penn. Mathias Libbey, grand
father of William B. , was also a native of Vermont,
where he died. He was the father of three sons
and one daughter — Bennett, William, Haines and
Alvira, all now deceased except Haines, who resides
at Lynn, Mass.
Bennett Libbey was a machinist, who moved to-
Pittsburgh in youth, where he married Agnes Lit
tell, whose father emigrated from Ireland and set
tled in the southern part of Beaver county, where-
he married Mary Walker. The couple lived at
Pittsburgh for a number of years, then moved to>

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

691

Columbiana county, Ohio, where William B. Lib
bey was born; five years later, the family returned
to Beaver county, Penn., where Bennett Libbey
died December 19, 1856, aged , fifty-two years.
His widow, Agnes, died at Pittsburgh, November
15, 1888, in her eightieth year. Their children
are: Alice, William B. , John E. and James A.,
all residents of Pittsburgh except William B., who
lives at Washington, Penn. Bennett Libbey was
a Presbyterian in religious opinion. In 1854 or
1856 he abandoned the Democratic and united
with the Republican party.
William B. Libbey was reared in Beaver county,
Penn., his education being secured at the common
schools of the neighborhood, and at Beaver acad
emy. For some years he was a traveling salesman
for a wholesale house, but abandoning commercial
life commenced the study of dentistry in the office
of Dr. J. G. Templeton, Pittsburgh, Penn., attend
ing also the Dental College at Ann Arbor, Mich. ,
and the Pennsylvania Dental College, where he
graduated. In 1880 he came to Washington, and
engaged in the active and successful practice of his
profession. At Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , Dr. Libbey
was united in marriage, April 11, 1882, with Ade
laide, daughter of Charles and Phcebe (Lockwood)
Sutton, of Fairfax C. H. , Va. , whose ances
tors were Quakers from Dutchess county, N. Y.
Mr. Sutton had eight children — Mariana, Alice,
Josephine, Adelaide, John and Charles (twin
brothers), Jennie and Ella. To this union two
children were born, Helen and Florence. The fam
ily residence in Washington is on the corner of
Wade avenue and Wheeling street. In 1863 the
Doctor enlisted in the one hundred days' service,
and in 1864 re-enlisted, this time in Company H,
Fifth P. V. A. , was promoted second lieutenant of
his company, with which he served until the close
of the war, being mustered out June 30, 1865, at
Vienna, Virginia.

T( OSEPH S. CULLEY. Among the prosper-
, I ous agriculturists of Hanover township, there
rlj are few, if any, who have made more prac
tical application of scientific principles in
their vocation than has this progressive
citizen. He is a native of Washington county,
Penn. , and grandson of Levi Culley.
. Levi Cully was born about 1769, in Maryland,
and there married Esther Smith, a Marylander,
who was born about 1775. Levi was a farmer,
who, about 1800, came to Washington county,
Penn. The long journey was made in a large
covered wagon drawn by four horses. When
crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular experi
ence befell them. As the large covered wagon stood
on the ferry-boat, a strong breeze was blowing, and
the cover served to catch the wind, the force of

which drove the boat some distance out of its course,
causing much trouble in securing a suitable place
to land, since they were unable to reach the usual
place. This wagon contained the father and
mother, with their two children, Jesse and Joseph.
They proceeded on their journey, sleeping on
their wagon beside the road at night, and finally
arriving in this county, located near Bulger Station,
Smith township, where the father rented a farm.
He was a tenant on differerft farms several years,
and by energy and economy eventually accumu
lated a small sum, purchased 277 acres of John L.
Proudfoot, partially lying in Hanover and Smith
townships. Levi Culley was a cooper, following
that trade in connection with his farm. He was a
hard worker, and very successful in his business.
In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a
member of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.
He died in 1818, and his widow, with the assistance
of her sons, managed the estate which he left,
until in 1840 she too was laid to rest by the side
of her husband in the Florence cemetery. Of their
children, the following is a brief record: Jesse
was born in Maryland, and when but a small boy
came to Washington county, Penn., with his par
ents (he was married to Susan, daughter of
Elder John Duncan, and settled on a farm in this
county, where he died in his seventy-second year);
Joseph, of whom a sketch follows; George was the
first child born after the family settled here (he
was married to Jane Fulton, and was a farmer; he
died in Hanover township, aged seventy-two years) ;
Robert was a cabinet maker by trade (his wife was
Amanda McCond; they settled in Florence, this
county, where he died August 21, 1848); Sinie
never married (she died in early womanhood);
Lydia was married to James Cubbison, a cabinet
maker (they afterward settled on a farm in Guern
sey county, Ohio, and in 1844 moved to a place .
near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she died) ; Rebecca
was the wife of William Cole, of Hanover town-
, ship, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's
trade at Florence, afterward entered into a part
nership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield, Ohio (he
was married to Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now
living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen
married Robert G. Smith, a farmer of Hanover
township, where she died; and John.
Joseph Culley, born in Maryland, was brought
by his parents to Washington county, Penn. , in
infancy. He was reared on the farm, received a
subscription-school education, and there learned
the cooper's trade. When his father died, the
management of the large farm was given to Joseph
and an older brother, Jesse. In 1825 Joseph
Culley married Martha Scott, who was born
December 13, 1796, daughter of a pioneer, Joseph
Scott. Three children were born to this marriage,
namely: Maria, widow of John Armor, born June

692

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

21, 1826, is now living near Murdocksville, Han
over township; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James
Anderson, of Beaver county, born December 21,
1829; and Joseph S., whose name opens this
sketch. The parents passed their lives on a por
tion of the "Old Scott Tract," near Raccoon
creek, in the eastern part of Hanover township.
The father followed his trade, and being a very
skillful workman could easily set up ten barrels a
day, besides attending to the general duties of the
farm. He was an old-time Whig, but united
with the Republican party upon its organization.
He possessed the spirit of industry, which seems to
be a special characteristic of this family, and was
an influential citizen. He died on the farm, and
in 1882 was followed by Mrs. Culley. Both were
conscientious members of the Cross Creek Presby
terian Church, and are buried side by side in the
Florence cemetery.
Joseph S. Culley was born March 26, 1838, on
the home farm in Hanover township, where his
boyhood was passed in attending the old Coventry
school, and receiving his initiation into the
mysteries of agriculture. His tastes led him to
the choice of a rural life, which he has continued
to pursue on the old home place. On June
15, 1864, he married Sarah Donaldson. Miss
Donaldson was born March 31, 1843, in Hanover
township, and was a daughter of Richard and
Mary (Bigger) Donaldson. Six children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Culley, namely: Edward A.,
now studying for the Presbyterian ministry at the
Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, and
is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College,
was born August 8, 1865; Annie M. , deceased at
the age of fourteen years, born September 9, 1867;
George W. , living on the home farm, born Feb
ruary 14, 1870; William C, at home, born June
5, 1873; Andrew D. , born January 8, 1875; Sarah
M., born October 31, 1878. In 1876 Mr. Culley
erected his present residence, and to the old farm
added an adjoining tract known as the ' ' Richmond
Farm." He now owns 300 acres of fine land.
His wife died March 12, 1879, and was buried at
Florence. On March 30, 1880, he married Carrie
Buchanan, a native of Robinson township, and a
daughter of John Buchanan. Joseph S. Culley is
an ardent supporter of the Republican party, with
which his first vote was cast. He is a member of
the Presbyterian Church at Florence, of which he
has been a trustee for several years.

I( RTHUR A. POOLE, the popular jeweler
\\ of Washington, of English ancestry, was
4\ born in Bedford county, Penn. , November
-* 9, 1844. Denton Poole, his grandfather,
emigrated from England to Maryland,
where was born, in 1816, Samuel, the father of our
subject.

Samuel Poole was a carpenter and builder. He
married, in 1842, in Pennsylvania, Margaret
Blankney, a native of Bedford county, and seven
children were born to them, two of whom survive:
Morgan, a resident of Braddock, Penn. , and Arthur
A. The parents lived in Allegany county, Md.,
until 1850, when they removed to Cumberland,
Md. , where the father died in 1877, and the mother
in March, 1857, at the age of forty years.
Arthur A. Poole had the advantages of a good
common- school education, after which he clerked
in a shoe store in Cumberland, Md., until he
enlisted in September, 1861, in Company H,
Second Maryland Infantry, and served until the
close of the war, chiefly in the valley of Virginia.
After his discharge he learned the jewelry business
with S. T. Little, in Cumberland, Md., and on
finishing an apprenticeship, he worked as journey
man in various places. In 1875 he opened a
jewelry store in Cumberland, Md., in partnership
with P. J. Smith, the style of the firm being Smith
& Poole; in 1878 he came to Washington, and
opened a small store in the same line of trade, now
one of the finest in the place. By industry and
careful attention to business, Mr. Poole has met
with well-merited success. To-day he is one of
the leading business men of AVashington. In
October, 1871, our subject married Laura V.,
daughter of Capt. R. A. French, of Cumberland,
Md. Five children were born to them : Arthur
French (who graduated from AVashington and
Jefferson College in the class of 1891, and is now
in his father's store), Edith V., Helen May, Her
bert C. and Marguerite. Mr. and Mrs. Poole are
members of the First Presbyterian Church of
Washington; in politics he is a Republican.

4>

li JffRS. NANCY REED, widow of James
\»A\ Reed, is descended from that noble stock
Mill of Scotch-Presbyterians who, owing to
^ religious persecutions, passed over from
Scotland to the North of Ireland. She
is a daughter of John and Orpha (Cornwell) Hays,
both of Chartiers township.
* The family of Hay (or Hays as they generally spelled
their name after making their new home in the North of
Ireland) have prominent place in the history of Scot
land. It is said that about the year 980, in the reign of
Kenneth III., the Danes having invaded Scotland, they
were encountered by that king near Lancarty, in Perth
shire. The Scots at first gave way and tied through a
narrow pass where they were stopped by a countryman
of great strength and courage and his two sons, with no
other weapons than the yokes of their plows. Upbraid
ing the fugitives for their cowardice, he succeeded in ral
lying them, and the battle being resumed, the Danes
were defeated. After the victory was obtained, the old
peasant, while lying on the ground, wounded and
fatigued, cried, " Hay, Hay," which word became the
* Taken from the " Origin and signification of Scottish surnames "
by Clifford Stanley Sims.

m^P-

MmA-n V7a^/,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

695

surname of his posterity, and the king, as a reward for
his signal service, gave him as much land in the carse
of Gowrie as a falcon should fly over before it settled;
and a falcon being accordingly let off flew over an extent
of ground six miles in length, after called Errol, and
lighted on a stone, still called " falcon stone."
JHay, Earl op Kinnool. This noble family is a branch
of the illustrious family of Errol, and is sprung from
Sir William Hay, ancestor of the house of Leys, who was
second son of Sir David, and brother-german of Sir Gil
bert Hay of Errol, who flourished in the reign of King
Alexander III. From him was lineally descended Sir
Edmund Hay of Melginch, who made a considerable
figure in the reign of King James VI. He was father of
Sir Peter, the father of Sir Patrick, who was in much es
timation with King James IV. George, his second son,
being, by the care of his father, well brought up, was, for
the improvement of his education, sent to Prance, where
he spent some years under the tuition of the learned Ed
mund Hay, his uncle; soon after his return, being about
twenty-one years of age, he was introduced to the court
of King James VI. by his kinsman, James Hay, Viscount
Dowcaster and earl of Carlisle, and in a very short time
raised to be one of the gentlemen of his majesty's bed
chamber, and had a gift of the Carthusian priory of
Perth. He was by the same king preferred to very prom
inent positions, among them that of lord high chancellor
of Scotland, in which post he was continued by Charles
I., King of Great Britain (for in the meantime the union
of England and Scotland had been consummated), who
advanced him to the dignity of Viscount Dupplin, and
Earl of Klnnoul. The position of chancellor he held up
to his death, which occurred December 16, 1634, a period
of fourteen years. He married Margaret, daughter of
Sir James Haliburton of Pitcur, and by her had issue Sir
Peter, who died unmarried; George, his successor; and
Lady Margaret.
George, second earl, was made captain of the yeomen
of the guard to Charles I., and one of his privy council,
but lost most of his estate in pursuit of his loyalty to the
king. William, son of George, third earl, died in 1677, and
was succeeded by his second son.
George, fourth earl, who died in Hungary, 1687, with
out issue, and was succeeded by his brother.
AVilliam, fifth earl, who, dying a bachelor in 1709, the
honor descended to Thomas Hay, of Dalhusy,near Perth,
the next male heir.
Which Thomas, sixth earl, was the brother and heir of
George Hay, of Belhusy, son of Peter Hay, of the same
place, third son of Sir Patrick Hay, of Melginch, and
brother of George, first earl of Kinnoul, and so succeed
ing, was elected one of the fifteen peers of the third and
fourth British parliaments. He married Elizabeth,
daughter of William Drummond, Viscount Strathallan.
Their youngest son, Col. John Hay, of Cromlich, in 1715
followed the Pretender from Scotland, who gave him the
title of Earl of Inverness.
George Henry (eldest son of Thomas), Viscount Dup
plin, in 1711 was created a peer of Great Britain by
CJueen Anne. In 1718 he succeeded his father as seventh
iarl of Kinnoul. In 1709 he married Abigail Harley,
youngest daughter of Robert, Earl of Oxford, and by her
had four sons and six daughters. The sons were Thomas,
\ iscount Dupplin; Robert, who took the name and arms
ot Drummond as heir of entail to his great-grandfather,
Hnliarn Drummond, Viscount Strathallan, and was
ejected in 1748 bishop of St. Asaph; in 1761 was elected
Bishop 0f Salisbury, and same year archbishop of York.
John was rector of Lincoln; Henry Edward was consul-
general in Portugal in May, 1754, and plenipotentiary to
same king, 1762.
{From a work giving an account of the " Clan Hay."

Thomas, eighth earl of Kinnoul, was commissioner of
the revenue in Ireland, afterward commissioner of the
board of trade in England; was ambassador to the King
of Portugal, 1759, and was soon afterward appointed
chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, but resigned all
his offices in 1762. In 1741 he married Constantia, daugh
ter of John Kirle Ernie, of Whetham, in AViltshire,
EBquire; she died 1753 without surviving issue.
John Hays, a widower, emigrated from Lismore,
County Londonderry, to America about the year
1775, accompanied by four sons, one, John, the
second eldest, remaining in Ireland. He settled
on Plum run in Washington county, Penn., taking
up in his own name a tract of land containing
some 419 acres, which in the patent is called
"Hayfield." This patent, which had not been
lifted until April, 1794, covered what was after
ward known as the Anderson, Halft and Ramsey
properties, the old homestead being on the Ander
son tract. John Hays, after coming to this country.
married a second time, and this wife, Jean, died
September 15, 1795, aged sixty years. John Hays
departed this life December 26, 1801, aged seventy-
five years, and was laid beside his wife. He had
five sons, all born in Ireland as follows: AVilliam,
March 1, 1753; John, April 15, 1756; Robert,
September 12, 1758; James, December 10, 1762;
and Samuel, February 27, 1776. As the father
lived in the bounds of Dr. McMillan's church,
doubtless he was a member of same. Politically
he was an Old-line Whig.
William Hays, eldest son of the pioneer John,
on his arrival in the county from Ireland, took
possession in his own name of a tract of land
about one mile further up the Plum run valley,
containing 441 acres, which he designated in the
patent "Haywood." Soon afterward (probably
about the year 1793) he married Jane Henderson
who bore him children as follows: Jane, born
November 4, 1794; William, March 26, 1796;
Nancy, March 25, 1798; John, July 14, 1799;
Isaac, March 15, 1801, died October 6, 1805; Cath
erine, August 29, 1802, died October 24, 1805;
Robert, May 12, 1804, and Catherine, December
15, 1805, died September 4, 1806. The father of
this family died suddenly October 26, 1805, and
he and a son and daughter, all dying within a few
hours of each other, were laid to rest in Miller's
Run graveyard. The bereaved wife and mother
subsequently married Henry McAfee.
John Hays, second son of William, was born in
Chartiers township. He married, March 29, 1819,
Miss Orpha Cornwell, and the young, couple re
mained in Chartiers township until 1860, when he
came to Canonsburg. The children by this union
were William, born July 29, 1820, died April 27,
1881; Nancy, born June 17, 1822, married to
James Reed, sketch of whom follows; Jane E. ,
born September 7, 1824, married to Rev. Mc-
Farland; Isaac, born April 17, 1827; John Smith,

696

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born August 2, 1830; Matilda, born September 29,
1832, died September 2, 1833, and George Price,
born February 2, 1838. The mother died Novem
ber 2, 1851, in the fifty-fifth year of her age, hav
ing been born in 1796. The father subsequently
married Miss Jane Daily, formerly of Mononga
hela City, but then of Pittsburgh. He died July
31, 1875; his widow is living on the old homestead
in Canonsburg. He was first a Whig, afterward
a Republican, and served many years as justice of
the peace. He was a member and elder of the
Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run, and at Can
onsburg, and was a trustee of Jefferson College.
James Reed, only son of Mathew Reed, was
reared and educated on the old home place in
Cecil township, and December 11, 1845, was mar
ried to Isabel Johnston, of Washington county,
Penn. They had four children, namely : Mathew
M. , Eliza J. , Carr and James I. , all of whom died
young. This wife dying January 21, 1857, Mr.
Reed married, September 15, 1866, Nancy Hays,
of Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn. He re
mained on the farm until the spring of 1869,
when failing health compelled him to give up
agricultural pursuits, and he removed to Canons
burg, where he died December 4, 1890. Like his
father he was a thorough Presbyterian and lib
eral supporter of the church.

,\ILLIAM H. UNDERWOOD is a descend
ant of a family of Quakers of that name
who came to America with William Penn,
and made a settlement in what is now
the State of Pennsylvania. The paternal
grandfather of William H., a tailor by trade, was
a resident for a time of Fayette county, this State,
whence he moved to Monongahela, where he died
about the year 1843, at the age of seventy-seven
years. George Washington Underwood, father of our
subject, was born February 22, 1814, at Red Stone,
Fayette Co., Penn., and was reared to the tailor's
trade. In Monongahela he married Elizabeth Jay,
a native of this county, and this union being out
side of the Quaker faith, his name was dropped
from the list of Society of Friends, as was then
the custom. When William H. was seven or eight
years of age the family returned to Fayette county,
whence, after a stay of some years, they came, in
1850, to Washington, where the father followed
tailoring in. partnership with George AY Deiver
for several years, but is now living retired in Erie
county, at the age of seventy-seven years; the
mother was called to her long home in 1856, aged
forty years.
AVilliam H. Underwood is a native of Washing
ton county, bom in Monongahela, June 4, 1839,

and was consequently eleven years old when the
family came to Washington, the common schools of
which city he attended in hiB boyhood and early
youth. He then commenced clerking in a store in
the borough, continuing in that capacity until
1861, when, in response to Lincoln's call for troops
he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth P. V. I., which
was ordered to the vicinity of Baltimore, Md. At
the end of the three months' term he returned,
invalided with camp fever. In January of the
following year he re-enlisted for three years, in
Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I. (" Round
Heads"), and participated in the memorable expe
dition to South Carolina. His war record in this
regiment is as follows: Mustered in January 1,
1862; promoted first sergeant May 12, 1865; mus
tered out with the company at Harrisburgh, Penn.,
July 24, 1865. Prior to the expiration of his term
he veteranized, in East Tennessee. He was twice
wounded, first November 29, 1863, at the siege of
Knoxville, Tenn., a minie rifle ball breaking his
jaw. Declining to goto hospital, he tied his face
up with his handkerchief, and remained on the
field. The second wound he received June 2,
1864, at Cold Harbor, where he was struck by a;
minie ball in the right shoulder, which necessitated
his going to hospital, where he remained until
September following. After that he was present
at the siege of Richmond, etc. At the close of the
war he returned to Washington, and again took up
clerking, which he followed four years, at the end
of which time he bought the news-stand now occu
pied by McKay & Co. , selling out the same in,
1881. In the meantime, in the fall of 1878, he
had been elected register of wills, in which office
he served three years. After selling out his news
business, he remained in Washington, engaged in
various occupations, until the spring of 1884, wheni
he bought a grocery store, carrying it on alone
until his appointment in 1890 to the postmaster-
ship of Washington, a position he has since filled,
with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public.
At the time of his appointment he sold an interest
in his grocery business to R. B. Dougherty, the
firm being now Underwood & Dougherty. On
April 29, 1869, Mr. Underwood married, in Wash
ington, Penn., Miss Emma, daughter of Silas -
Clark, whose family (now almost extinct) came to
the county at an early day. They were for the
most part stock dealers, and the village of Clarks
ville was named after them. Two children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Underwood, viz.: Owen
Clark (whois a graduate of Washington and Jeffer
son College, class of 1891, in classics, and is now
assisting his father in the postoffice), and Homer
Krepps. Mr. Underwood is a member of the M.
E. Church, and of William F. Templeton Post.
No. 120, G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

mi

I OSEPH HOWARTH, of the firm of J. How-
1 arth & Son, of the marble, slate, granite and
tf\ mantel works, Washington, Penn., was born
^ at Barnsley, England; January 14, 1826.
Joseph Howarth,his grandfather, was a stone cut
ter in England, where he died. George Howarth,
father of our subject, also a native of that " little
spot," there married Ann Walker, an English
woman, who bore him the following-named chil
dren: Ann Elizabeth, widow of William Day, of
Allegheny, Penn.; Joseph; John, who died in Eng
land; Sarah Anna, who died in infancy in Phila
delphia; William James, in the marble business in
Washington, Penn.; Hannah Mary and Emma
(both deceased), and Emily Mary, deceased wife of
George A. Lawman, of Pittsburgh. In 1830 George
Howarth and his wife came to the United States,
making their first home in Philadelphia, and moved
to Pittsburgh in 1833. The father died at Se
wickley, Penn., in January, 1876, at the age of
seventy-nine years; the mother died in March,
1881, at Washington, Penn, in- the home of her
son Joseph, aged seventy-eight years.
Joseph Howarth, of whom this biographical
sketch mainly treats, was brought by his parents to
this country in 1830. He learned his trade of his
father at Pittsburgh, and in 1865 came to Wash
ington, Penn., where he established his present
prosperous business. In 1874 he erected the build
ing at present occupied as a business stand and
dwelling, in which one store room is rented for a
grocery. In 1852 he married, at Pittsburgh, Jane,
daughter of John Tyler. Nine children blessed
this union, namely: George, in the marble trade at
Sacramento, Cal.; Elizabeth A., at home; Joseph
ine, married to Rev. J. E. Irvine, of Altoona,Penn. ;
William E., in partnership with his father; Bertha
E., Harry A., Annie W. and Edna Jane, all at home.
Mary A. died in Allegheny. Mr. Howarth is
the oldest resident marble cutter in Washington,
and from a very small beginning has made his own
success, and won an enviable popularity through
strict attention to business, earnest perseverance,
judicious economy and unquestionable integrity in
all his dealings. Politically he is a Republican,
and has served as a councilman of the borough of
Washington.

</

MARTIN COULSON. Although this gen
tleman has been identified with the history
of Washington for but a short time, he
has already taken a place among the most
prominent and valued citizens of the com
munity. He was born October 6, 1830, on a farm
on the National road, situated about one mile east
of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and there
learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, who
had followed that vocation all his life.

At the age of eighteen years Martin Coulson left
home, and, taking a position on a steamboat,
was rapidly promoted. For thirty-three years he
served as engineer on the Mississippi, Ohio and
Missouri rivers, having run on the Missouri river
for sixteen years, and during the last seven years
of his river life he was captain. On March 4,
1857, he married Violet G., daughter of Capt.
Joseph Sheplar, a native of Westmoreland county,
Penn. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coulson
resided in Allegheny until 1888 (where they moved
in the highest social circles), when he purchased
his present farm, about two miles west of Monon
gahela. He has given especial attention to stock
raising, and now owns nearly fifty blooded trotting
horses. The place consists of 260 acres, sur
rounded by a good fence of pine and cedar, which
he had erected, and he also erected the buildings
on the farm. The dwelling is a handsome modern
structure, fitted and furnished in a manner afford
ing ample evidence of the progressive spirit char
acterizing the owner. In politics Mr. Coulson
votes with the Democratic party. He takes an
active interest in all public enterprises. His chil
dren are Joseph S., Mrs. Margaret E. Adams and
A. K. , all living with their parents on the home
place. Mrs. Coulson and her daughters are mem
bers of the Methodist Church, and are well-known
society ladies.

1 OHN WHITE was bom December 10, 1814,
I in East Pike Run township, Washington
Pjj Co., Penn., and is a son of Fisher I. White,
^^ whose father, Benjamin White, was a native
of Delaware. The last named was a ship
builder by trade, and died in his native State. His
children were Fisher L, James, and Sarah (wife
of John Mcllvaine).
Fisher I. White was born in 1773, in Delaware,
and grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving
a subscription-school education. In early life he
was married to Helen Joy, who bore him four
children, namely: Wesley, Mary, William and
John, the latter being the only living representa
tive. The father was identified with the Whig
party, and served in many township offices. He
died April 28, 1858, and not long after was fol
lowed by his wife to the grave. Both were mem
bers of the M. E. Church.
John White received an education in the neigh
borhood of his birthplace, and October 26, 1 843,
was married to Maria L. Allen, a native of Allen
township, this county, born October 28, 1822.
She is a daughter of Abia Allen, and grand
daughter of Joshua Allen, whose father, Joseph,
was a Quaker of eastern Pennsylvania. The last
mentioned came here, and bought of William

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Penn a large tract of land near the present
Fayette City. This tract was called in his honor
" Allen township." He donated the grounds for
the Mt. Tabor cemetery, in which three genera
tions of the Allen family are now sleeping, his
wife, Deborah (Hill) Allen, being the first tenant
¦of a grave there. Joseph Allen became a wealthy
farmer. Among his children was a son, Joshua,
who followed his father's agricultural business,
•and, when a young man, married Elizabeth Mc-
'Crory, who bore him eight children, all of whom
are deceased except Mrs. Stark.
Abia Allen, son of Joshua and Elizabeth Allen,
was born in July, 1799, in Allen township. In
1821 he was united in marriage with Mary Hough,
born near Mt. Pleasant, December 22, 1799.
They were the parents of Charlotta, wife of D.
Morlin, a resident of Allen township; Barbara, wid
ow of Wilson Jackman, of Henry county, 111. ; A.
B., living at Cleveland, Ohio; Maria L., wife of
John White, and two who are deceased. Mr. Al
len was a prominent worker in the Republican
party, and served in various local offices. He
was a successful farmer, and died in 1849. In
1886 his wife was laid by his side. Both were
members of the Disciple Church. To the union of
John and Maria L. (Allen) White, three children
were born: Allen J., a resident of Fallowfield
township; Elliott S., a Methodist clergyman of
Elizabethtown, Allegheny county, and Frank W.,
living at home. The home place contains 148
well-cultivated acres, upon which Mr. White car
ries on practical farming with signal success. He
is identified with the Republican party, and in re
ligious faith he and his wife are members of the
Ebenezer M. E. Church.

^ILLIAM IAMS. Prominent among the
progressive farmers of West Bethlehem
township is the gentleman whose name
— ' introduces this sketch. He is a grand
son of John lams, a native of New Jersey,
who in early manhood removed to this county,
where he secured a patent for nearly one thousand
acres of land in West Bethlehem and Amwell
townships, nearly all of which land is yet iu the
possession of his descendants. His children were:
John, Mary, Sarah, Nancy, Charity and William,
all of whom were born in Amwell township, where
they lived and died respected citizens.
William lams, son of John the pioneer, was born,
in 1782, near Martins mill, Amwell township, and
received a liberal education in the common branches
of the subscription schools. He married Delilah,
daughter of Elisha Meek, one of the early settlers of
Greene county, Penn. , and to them were born the
following named children: Betsey (deceased), Miller
James, John H. (deceased), Elisha, Thomas,
Isaac, William, Delilah Johnson, Mrs. Mary Bigler

(deceased), Abraham (deceased) and Rachel Smith.
Abraham died in the service of his country at the
battle of Fair Oaks, while a member of the Eighty-
fifth P. V. I. , serving under Capt. Sellers. Miller
lams resides in Ritchie county, W. Va. , where he
is a well-known farmer;- Delilah Johnson and
Thomas live in Greene county, Penn. ; Isaac resides
in Amwell township; Elisha, William and Rachel
are residents of West Bethlehem township. The
father of this family was a Christian, and a member
of the Baptist Church; a brilliant Bible scholar and
faithful toiler in the service of his Master. He was a
Democrat of the Old School, but, aside from doing
his duty at the polls, was not prominently iden
tified with politics. His death took place in 1868,
aged seventy-nine years. His wife died in 1877,
aged eighty-four years.
William lams, son of William and Delilah lams,
was born March 2, 1830, on the old homestead farm
still retained in his possession. In early manhood
he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
five years, when he turned his attention to farm
ing and stock raising, in which he has been very
successful. He married February 9, 1854, Eliza,
a daughter of Zebulon and Catherine Ferrel, a na
tive of New Jersey, and an early settler of Wash
ington county. They have the following family:
Sadie F., John H. (deceased), an infant (deceased)
and Laura A. Mrs. Eliza lams died July 8, 1863,
and on February 13, 1870, he married Mary,
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Swihart. The
children born to this union were: Etta R. (de
ceased), Lizzie B. (deceased), William J., Mary
E., Miller A., Clark J., Isaac W., Charlie P. and
Iris M. Miss Laura A. lams, who married
Samuel Greenlee, resides in Amwell township, also
Sadie, married to James Hufford. Mr. lams is a
remarkably intelligent man, and an active member
of the Democratic party, who have shown their
appreciation for him by electing him to town
ship offices of trust, which he has filled with credit
to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and an
ardent believer in the teachings of our Lord.
The home farm consists of 127 acres of very good
land, upon which he raises a fine breed of cattle
and sheep. \ILLIAM WOLF is descended from a stal
wart German family who in an early day
made a settlement in AVashington county.
Peter Wolf, great-grandfather of our sub
ject, was born in Germany, and prior to
the French-Indian war in this country emigrated
from his home on the banks of the Rhine, to seek
a new one on the less densely populated American
continent, where
A man is a man if he's willing to toil,
And the poorest may gather the fruits of the soil.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

69 9>

When the Wolf family came to Washington
county they made their home in the dense forest,
where roamed the wolf", the deer and the bear, and
the ofttimes less welcome Indian. Here they lived
in comparative safety in their little log house, en
during all the hardships and privations incident
to pioneer days, and ere they passed from earth
were eyewitnesses to very many of the chauges that
brought about the development of civilization in
their midst. At one time the Indians became so
hostile that the settlers were compelled to seek
safety in the nearest blockhouse. Peter Wolf
bought three farms in this county, one for each of
his sons, William, John and Jacob. Two sons,
Peter and Cresley, had moved to Ohio, where all
trace of them is lost. The father died in this coun
ty at a very advanced age, and it may here be men
tioned that the family have generally been remark
ably long-lived.
William Wolf, grandfather of William, was born
in Lancaster county, Penn. In 1775 he came to
Washington county, and soon afterward enlisted
in the service of Louis AVetzel, the great Indian-
hunter, as a spy. For some time he taught in
country schools. In those days the Indians were
very hostile, and the only protection the settlers
had was a blockhouse or fort, situated some dis
tance off. William Wolf married Miss Susan
Ashbaugh, who bore him eight children: Mary,
Betsey, Susan, William, Peter, John, Simon and
Christopher, all of whom lived to be over eighty
years of age, except William who died when sixty
years old. The mother died some time in the
early part of the present century, and the father
afterward remarried in Ohio; he died in 1840,
aged fourscore years, his second wife surviving
him. Jacob Wolf, his brother, followed farming
in Buffalo township, and was also a justice of the
peace. His home was on the road usually taken
by travelers, and his house frequently served the
purposes of an inn. One of his daughters, Sabina,
was a beautiful girl of a comely figure. In 1 780,
when she was eighteen years of age, Judge Hugh
H. Brackenridge, of Philadelphia, being enroute, in
company with several friends, for Wheeling, W.
Va. , stopped at her father' s house, to seek a night's
lodging. Sabina was told to "put the gentle
man's horse away," and supposing herself unob
served sprang lightly on the horse's back, and
galloped off to the stable. The Judge, however,
saw the act, and also observed that on her return
to the house she cleared the fence with a running
jump. Brackenridge was so delighted at seeing
such an agile female, so different from city girls,
that he passed the entire evening in conversation
with the fair damsel, and became so infatuated
with her, that, just as he was about to renew his
journey the following morning, he asked the ' ' old
squire" for his daughter's hand in marriage. A

few days later, on his return trip, the Judge again
stopped at the house of his lady-love, married her
in her father's house, and took her with him to
Philadelphia, where he had her educated in a se
lect seminary. Some of her descendants are now
residents of Washington county, where she died
some twenty years ago.
Peter Wolf, father of our subject, was a native
of this county, having been born in the year 1786,
in Buffalo township, where he was reared to farm
life, but subsequently learned the trade of cabinet
maker with John Wilson, of Washington borough,
where he followed the business forty years. In
1849 he was elected sheriff of the county, serving
three years, and then retired into private life. In
1813 he married Miss Sarah McGonigal, a lady of
Irish parentage, and a native of Carlisle, Penn.,
who had come to Washington, Penn., when about
thirteen years of age. The children born to them
were William; Elizabeth, wife of William K.
Shannon, of South Strabane township; Jane, wife
of John C. Copeland, of Steubenville; Sarah, wife
of J. H. Bristow, also of Steubenville, and Simon,
who died in Washington, Penn. The father died
in 1865 at the age of eighty years, the mother in
1846, aged fifty years.
William AVolf, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born in the borough of AVashington, Penn. ,
June 10, 1815. He was educated at the schools
of the place, and learned the trade of cabinet
maker, at which he worked in Washington some
twenty-eight years. For twenty years he "has
beea speculating and dealing in real estate. He
built the John A. Best store, which he afterward
sold to Mr. Best. In 1836 Mr. Wolf was married
in Washington to Lavina, daughter of Joseph
Hallam; they have had no children. He is a Re
publican in politics, and during his father's incum
bency as sheriff he served as deputy under him.
He is a Sir Knight Templar, and at one time was
a member of the I. O. O. F. Strictly a temper
ance man, Mr. Wolf has not tasted liquor for forty
years, and has never used tobacco in any form. For
thirty-four years he has lived at the same home,
in South Strabane township, just outside the bor
ough limits. Mr. Wolf has made his own success
in life, and has accumulated a comfortable com
petence.

¦ EORGE W. STACEY, proprietor of a hand
some glassware and china store in Monon-
\( gahela, has become prominently identified
., with the interests of that town during his
short residence within its limits, and is a
most valued citizen.
John Stacey, his father, was born in Cut Lam
beth, London, England, and coming to America,
when a young man, settled in Kentucky and fol-

'700

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

lowed the trade of a marble cutter. After remain
ing some time in that State, he came to Allegheny,
Penn. , where he died in 1858. His wife, Louisa,
was the daughter of John Larcombe, also a native
of England, who, before coming to America, mar-
Tied Mary Bird. They located at Burgettstown,
Penn., but after a time moved to a permanent
.home at a place called Joseph's Mills, W. Va.
Their children, eight in number, were born as fol
lows: Louisa (Mrs. Stacey), Charles, Martha, Jane,
George, Levi, Virginia and Ann. The father was
a stanch advocate of Democratic principles, and
in religion was a member of the Protestant Epis -
copal Church. He died at his home in 1879. The
following named children were born to John and
Louisa Stacey: George W. , John W. , Louisa and
Deborah. George W. Stacey, the subject of this sketch,
¦was born October 15, 1849, at Allegheny, Penn.,
where he was reared and educated. At the age
of eighteen years he began working for a mer
chant, with whom he remained three years; then
he embarked in the trading business, which he
followed seventeen years in different portions of
Pennsylvania. In 1890 he opened a glassware
and china store in Monongahela, which is now one
of the largest, and most complete establishments
of the kind in the Monongahela Valley. Polit
ically he is an active Republican. He was married
August 9, 1886, to Annie, daughter of John
Freed, a resident of Beaver Falls, Penn. , to whom
one son was born.

Hf ENRY RIDER. Among those hardy fron
tiersmen whose energy and patient toil have
made the dreary wilderness " to blossom as
j -* the rose," the ancestors of this gentleman
v were prominently associated. His grand
parents, Chrystopher and Mary Magdalene Rider,
were early settlers of Fallowfield township, and of
the children born to them was a son, named John.
John Rider was born in 1799, in Fallowfield
township, this county. He attended the subscrip
tion schools in early life, and was afterward mar
ried in Washington county, to Hannah Budd, who
who was born in Westmoreland county in 1800.
They settled on a farm adjoining the home place
in Fallowfield township, and children were born to
them as follows: Joseph; Henry; Hannah, wife of
John Carson of East Pike Run township, and five
who are deceased. The father was a Whig and
Republican, having served as justice of peace, also
filling the office of constable for ten or fifteen
years. He and his wife were members of the Dis
ciple Church, of which he was an elder. He died
in 1882, aged eighty-three years, followed by the
mother in 1891.
Henry Rider was bom March 10, 1824, on the

farm in Fallowfield township. From boyhood he
was trained to agricultural pursuits, which he has
continued to follow. In "early manhood he was
married to Eliza, daughter of Solomon and Rebecca
(Sheplar) Cooper, pioneers of this county, now de
ceased. The young couple settled on the home
stead in Fallowfield township, where his wife died
leaving four children, namely: John, Teagarden
Rebecca Ann, and Hannah (who is living in Fallow
field township). After the death of his first wife
(June 5, 1859), Henry Rider was married Sep
tember 6, 1861, to Rebecca, daughter of Simon
and Rebecca (Crawford) Wilson, pioneers of Fal
lowfield township, who have both been laid to rest.
After his marriage, Mr. Rider bought 107 acres
adjoining the homestead, and now owns 239 acres
of well-cultivated land, where he carries on a gen
eral farming and stock raising business. He takes
an interest in public questions, votes -with the Re
publican party, has been prominently identified
with educational progression, and has served as a
member of the school board. In religious faith he
is a member of the Disciple Church. Mrs. Rider
died in 1880, leaving two children, Henry E. , a
widower (living on the home place), and Simon.

( "VlLLIAM BEALL is a representative of a
l\ Ml family of Scottish pioneers, who were
y7 early settlers in Brooke (now Hancock)
county, W. Va. The first ancestor who
came to West Virginia was Philip Beall, who was
bom in Maryland, of Scotch parentage. In early
life he came to Hancock county, W. Va. , and took
up a tomahawk claim of 600 acres. The family
were often compelled to leave their cabin and flee
for safety from the Indians, to a fort which the
pioneers had united in erecting. After selecting
his land, Mr. Beall began to clear ground to plant
the amount of corn required by law in order to se
cure the tract. In the meantime their supplies
were brought over the mountains from the East,
and some years later their salt was all brought
from the East. Philip Beall and his faithful wife
lived to a ripe old age, and saw the wild country
around them dotted first with cabins and then
more substantial homes. Mr. Beall possessed
great physical strength, aud was of massive propor
tions, weighing over two hundred pounds. He
died in 1805, and his wife survived him only a few •
years, when she was buried in "Three Spring'
cemetery, Hancock Co., W. Va. Nine children
were born to these pioneers, seven daughters and
two sons, of whom William moved to Jefferson
county, Ohio, where he died.
Philip Beall, youngest son of Philip, was born in
1793, in Hancock county, W. Va. He attended
the rude schools of that time until the death of his
father, when the care of the farm fell upon him

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

701

and his brother William. The former was not yet
thirteen years of age, but he went bravely to work,
and, preparing the ground, the boys each planted
ten acres of corn and oats, using the clumsy im
plements which were then provided. Philip re
mained on the home farm until after the death of
his mother, when, the old place being sold, he lived
for some time with a brother-in-law. In early
manhood he was married to Mary Gibson, who
was born in 1800 in Washington county, Penn. , a
daughter of James and Elizab'eth (Campbell) Gib
son. The following children were born to them:
Elizabeth (died in early girlhood), Mary Ann (de
ceased wife of John Carson, Stark county, Ohio),
William (whose sketch follows), Rebecca (Mrs.
James Morrison, of Paris, Penn. ), James (living in
Kansas), Melinda (an unmarried lady, of Salem,
Ohio), Nancy (deceased) and Philip (of Salem,
Ohio). The parents began married life in Han
over township, this county, and in 1827 came to
the home farm, where the father passed the re
mainder of his active life. He was a popular citi
zen, and in politics was a lifelong Democrat, be
ing an enthusiastic supporter of his party. Al
though not a church member, Mr. Beall contrib
uted liberally to the U. P. Church at Paris, of
which his wife was a member. He died October
24, 1860. His wife died September 12, 1849.
They are buried in the Paris cemetery.
William Beall, son of Philip and Mary (Gibson)
Beall, was born December 11, 1826, in Hanover
township. When a young man he learned the
blacksmith's trade at Frankfort, Penn., which he
followed a year and a half. He then sustained .an
injury which necessitated his temporary absence
from the anvil, and finally compelled him to aban
don the business. He returned to the farm, and
followed rural pursuits until 1852; then joined in
the California Argonauts, making the trip from St.
Joseph, Mo., to Placerville (then "Hangtown"),
Cal., in 104 days. He remained in California six
years and eight months, returning via Aspinwall,
Panama City and New York, and resumed work on
his father's farm. In the fall of 1860 he married
Margaret Ann, born in 1836, in Smith township, a
daughter of Robert and Mary (Reed) McCready.
The following children were born to them : Mary
L. (Mrs. Seward Walker, of Toronto, Ohio), Harry
E. (a skilled railroad man in Nevada), James A. (a
farmer of Hanover township), Addie L. (Mrs. Dr.
Mayo Patterson, of Greensburg, Penn.), Laura V.
(wife of Thomas McAVright, of Hanover township),
Dessa L., William C. and Alvie J., all of whom
are living at home. After his marriage William
Beall located on a farm which he had previously
purchased near Florence, Penn. , and when the old
homestead was sold in 1864, he purchased it, and
took up his residence there. The old place has
been greatly improved under his care, and is now

adorned by a fine residence. He cultivates small
fruits, and was formerly interested in the wool bus
iness, but now devotes his principal attention to a
dairy. In politics Mr. Beall is a lifelong Demo
crat, taking an active interest in his party. Both
he and his wife, are members of the United Presby
terian Church at Paris, and all the family are
highly esteemed.

IlAMES BROWN TENAN. A record of the
, I substantial citizens of Washington county
\l)] would be incomplete were the names of this
^^ representative family of Smith township not
included in the list. They were among the large
number of pioneers who emigrated from Ireland to
America during the eighteenth century.
James Tenan was born in 1758, in County Lon
donderry, Ireland, where he was educated. Soon
after the close of the Revolution the young man
crossed the ocean to America in a small sailing
vessel, and in the course of time located in Penn
sylvania. He married Jane Brown, near the town
of Octoraro, Lancaster county, where they re
mained until 1785, when they purchased and
settled upon a small tract of land in Smith town
ship, this county, where the following named chil
dren were born: John, Robert, James, AVilliam,
Mary and Moses. Mr. Tenan (who then spelled
his name Tynan) united with the Democratic
party. In religion he was an early member of the
Associate Reformed Church. He died in 1B40,
having been preceded to the grave by his wife in
1836. James Tenan, son of James and Jane (Brown)
Tenan, was born in 1796, in Smith township, and
received his education in the subscription schools
of the neighborhood. In 1829 he was united in
marriage with Margaret, daughter of George M.
McCullough, a native of Lancaster county, Penn.
Mr. McCullough grew to manhood there, and there
married Agnes Gibson, to whom the following
named children were born: Christina (Mrs. James
Wilson), Agnes (wife of Thomas McCullough),
Susan, Jane (Mrs. Joseph McNall), Mary (wife of
James Brown) and Margaret (Mrs. James Tenan).
Mr. McCullough came to Washington county and
settled on a 400-acre tract of land in Smith town
ship, where his life was passed. He brought a
few slaves with him to Washington county, where
they remained until they died. Politically .he
was a Federalist, and in religion a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Florence, where both he
and his wife were buried. James and Margaret
(McCullough) Tenan passed their married life on
the home place in Smith township, and to their
union two sons were born, viz. : George McCul
lough and James Brown. The father was liberal
in his political views, and voted with the Jackson-

702

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ian Democrats. In religious faith he was a mem
ber and liberal supporter of the Associate Re
formed Church until his death, which occurred
April 1, 1859.
James Brown Tenan was born September 14,
1832, the day of the burning of Nejv York City, in
Smith township, where he received a common-
school education. On June 5,1860, he married Mary,
daughter of Jonas Amspoker, of Smith township,
and to this union one son, Douglas, was born
(died at the age of three years). On March 21,
1864, the mother died, and for his second wife
Mr. Tenan married, at Philadelphia, in October,
1876, Harriet E., daughter of William H. Bozman,
of McConnellsville, Morgan Co. , Ohio. Her par
ents are both deceased; the father died in Septem
ber, 1860, and the mother died at Athens, Ohio.
In politics Mr. Tenan is an active Democrat, and
with the exception of three years, spent at Athens,
Ohio, has been a resident of Burgettstown ever
since. He is a member and earnest supporter of
the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown,
Mrs. Tenan being a member of the M. E. Church.
On the farm in Smith township, which is situated
two miles from Burgettstown, are two oil wells,
with fair prospects for others. Mr. Tenan had
(on his mother' s side) two aunts (McCullough by
name), who lived to be over ninety years of age.

AMUEL McCOY (deceased), a pioneer farm
er of Chartiers township, is a son of John
and Lydia McCoy, who came to Pennsylva
nia about the time of the Revolution, and
took out a patent of the land in Chartiers township,
Washington county, where the widow of Samuel
McCoy is now living. John and Lydia McCoy re
mained on the farm until their death, and reared
the following children: Elizabeth, born Decem
ber 2, 1801; Agnes, born September 23, 1803;
Nancy, born January 19, 1805; Robert (deceased
September 19, 1819), born January 25, 1808; Neal
(living in Washington county, Penn.), born Sep
tember 16, 1813; John (deceased October 24,
1889, in this county), born September 13, 1815;
Samuel, born September 17, 1817; and Lydia
(Mrs. AVilliam McWilliams of Canonsburg), born
May 27, 1820.
Samuel McCoy, whose name opens this sketch,
was born on the farm in Chartiers township, this
county, remaining at home during his boyhood
aud receiving an education at the subscription
schools of the vicinity. On March 3, 1859, he was
married at Paris, Penn., to Isabelle Anderson, a
native of Hancock county, Va., and daughter of
Alexander and Anne (Anderson) Anderson, both of
whom were also born in Hancock county. Alex
ander Anderson learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed, and in I860 moved with his

family to Washington county, Penn., settling in
Washington borough. He died a few years later,
and his widow survived him many years. Their
children were Isabelle (Mrs. Samuel McCoy), Sally
(widow of Robert Andrews, living in Prosperity,
this county), Nancy (Mrs. Joshua Hartman, resid
ing in Liverpool, Ohio, wife of John Arnold, both
deceased), Elizabeth Hattie (living in Washing
ton), Minnie (deceased in November, 1889), Alfred
(enlisted in Washington county in the war, and
was killed at the battle of Gettysburg), William
(married), a blacksmith in Nebraska, and John,
who died a few years ago.
Samuel McCoy passed his married life on the
place where his widow is now residing, and fol
lowed agricultural pursuits. Five children were
born to his union with Isabelle Anderson, namely:
Mary, born March 5, 1860; Lydia Ann, born March
19, 1862 (married on September 9, 1885, to Sam
uel Fee) ; Samuel (deceased October 8, 1866), born
June 16, 1864; John, born February 24, 1867;
and Elizabeth, born October 2, 1869. The father
of this family died October 9, 1871, in Chartiers
township, at the age of fifty-five years. During
life he took an interest in political questions, vot
ing with the Democratic party, but preferred to
spend the greater part of his time in home work.
The old home farm, where Mrs. McCoy is now
living has been in the possession of the family for
more than a century, and is a valuable piece of
property.

V

MRS. ELMIRA REDD is a daughter of
John Conrad, and the widow of Thomas
C. Redd, who was a son of Solomon Redd.
-1 The latter was born in Washington county,
Penn., and there married to Mary, daughter
of Squire Scott, also a native of this county. The
children of Solomon and Mary Redd were as fol
lows: Thomas C. (deceased), Samuel, Sarah A.
(wife of James Wygant), Margaret (married to Will
iam Dicky), Susan (wife of Dr. Riggs), John, Sol
omon and Parke (the last named being deceased).
The father was a farmer, also a boatman on the
Ohio and Monongahela rivers. In politics he
voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and
he was a member of the Baptist Church.
Thomas C. Redd was born April 12, 1822, on the
home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington
Co. , Penn. , and received his education in the sub
scription schools of the neighborhood. He then
worked on the farm, and also went on the river
with his father to New Orleans. On September
25, 1851, he was united in marriage with Elmira
Conrad, and the following children have been born
to their union: Marion P., Josephine, Melissa E.,
John H, S. Ellsworth, AVilliam Henry, Marguer
ite and Charles F. The parents resided for twenty

#

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

705

years on a farm about two miles from Charleroi,
then located near Cooper Mill, in Fallowfield
township, and in 1881 came to the present home
of the family in Charleroi. In March, 1890, Mr.
Redd sold to the Alexander Land Company 116
acres, upon which site the eastern portion of Char
leroi is situated. .Mr. Redd was a stanch sup
porter of the Republican party, and served in
various local offices; in religious faith he was a
zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He died February, 7, 1892.

J%[ LEXANDER W. POLLOCK, of the firm of
// 1\ Baker & Pollock, widely known as extensive
fp4\ dealers in lumber, Washington borough, is
//a native of the county, having been born
• v April 21, 1839, in Peters township.
Alexander Pollock, grandfather of our subject,
emigrated from his native County Derry, Ireland,
to America, about the end of the last century.
With. him came one brother and one sister, the
former of whom is now deceased; the latter mar
ried Robert Thompson, of this county, and her de
scendants are still living here. Alexander Pollock
here married Martha Greives, and they had a nu
merous family. The grandfather died in Lawrence
county, Penn., at the advanced age of eighty years;
the grandmother passed away in the year 1810,
leaving five children: John; Mrs. Sarah Brown,
in Lawrence county; James; Elizabeth, wife of
Thomas Brown; and Alexander, in Lawrence
county. Alexander Pollock was engaged during
his lifetime in public works — canals, the Pennsyl
vania & Erie Railroad, etc.
James Pollock, father of Alexander W. , was born
in 1805 in Peters township. His first occupation
was farming and teaming in his native township,
and afterward, in addition to agriculture, he oper
ated a gristmill and carried on a general store. In
1834 he married Miss Jane, daughter of John Bu
chanan, of Cecil township, who came from Ireland
to this county about the close of the last century,
settling in this county; one grandson, John Bu
chanan, is now living in Cecil township. Mr. and
Mrs. James Pollock lived on their farm in Peters
township, where were born to them : Martha, who
married David G. Moore, of this county, and is
now deceased; John, deceased at the age of sixteen
years; Alexander W. ; Isabella, wife of W. T. Moore,
of Cecil township, and Jane, who was married to
MP. Ross, and is now deceased. The mother died
in 1845, at the age of thirty-seven years; the
father was carried off by typhoid-pneumonia in
1862, being then in his fifty- eighth year. In the
fall preceding his death he had been elected county
treasurer, on the Republican ticket, and had been
in office but about six weeks when death overtook
34

him; he was a member of the United Presbyterian
Church, and in politics an active worker.
Alexander W. Pollock grew to manhood on the
homestead in Peters township, attending the com
mon schools of the neighborhood. He assisted in
farm work until September 12, 1861, when he en
listed in Company A, Eighty-fifth P. V. I. for three
years' service. He was in the Peninsular Cam
paign and served in the engagement at Kingston,
N. C, December 14, 1862, where he was struck by
a bullet in the thigh, which so disabled him that
for sixteen weeks he was unable to use crutches,
and when at the end of that time he could move
around with them, it was ten months before he was
well enough to lay them aside. On May 28, 1863,
he was honorably discharged and returned home.
In 1864 Mr. Pollock married Miss Mary J. , daugh
ter of Robert Moore, of Peters township, and the
children born to them were: James, attending a
law school at Buffalo, N. Y. ; John, in the Theo
logical Seminary, at Allegheny; Robert (deceased),
and Alexander and Mary, both at home. In 1866
Mr. Pollock and his family moved to the borough
of Washington, he having been elected county
treasurer, a position he held two years, after
which, desiring to improve his education, he at
tended Washington and Jefferson College two and
one-half years. He then spent one year and one-
half as cashier in a bank at Washington, Penn. Find
ing his health failing about this time, Mr. Pollock be
took himself to the farm in Peters township, where
for twelve years he followed agricultural pursuits,
including droving, etc. When he went on the farm
his weight was 135 pounds, with symptoms of
consumption; now (1893) he tips the scales at 165
pounds, with a grand constitution and many years
of life before him. In 1886 he returned to the
borough and embarked in the general lumber bus
iness, including sash, door and builders' materials,
in partnership with David B. Baker. Mr. Pollock
is a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
and of W. F. Templeton Post, G. A. R. , at Wash
ington. i^-EORGE W. BLACK, wholesale and retail
I dealer in all kinds of tobacco, his factory
11 1! being known as "No. 153," is a native of
^4 Washington, Penn., having been born March
^ 26, 1842, in the house where he now lives.
His grandfather, Daniel Black [Schwartz] came to'
this country from AVurtemberg, Germany, prior to
the Revolution, and settled in Cumberland county,.
Penn. He died, at an advanced age, at Chambers
burg, Penn., whither he had moved in 1800. He
was married in Germany, and had two sons — Daniel
and George. Of these Daniel settled in Knox
county, 111., where his descendants are yet to be
found, having the old family German name
" Schwartz;" he died when aged over ninety years.

706

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

George Black, the second son of Daniel, was
born, in 1793, at Shippensburg, Penn., and was
reared to agricultural pursuits from boyhood. He
also learned milling, which he followed in connec
tion with farming, and drew many a load of flour to
Baltimore and Philadelphia in his day. About the
year 1820 he learned the tobacco and cigar business
in Adamsburgh, Penn., and in 1823 came to Wash
ington, where he opened a business in that line,
carrying on same until he retired in 1852. In
1856-57 he built the house in which A. B. Caldwell
now lives, and there resided until his death, Jan
uary 30, 1862, he being then sixty-nine years of
age. Mr. Black was no politician. For thirty or
forty years he was a director of the First National
Bank of Washington. He was the originator of
the " Stoga " cigar, so called from the old Cone-
stoga wagons that were used in freighting over the
National pike. The wagoners requiring a cheap
cigar, and "plenty of it" for the money, having
more regard for quantity than quality, Mr. Black
gratified their wants by introducing his far-famed
"Stoga." He married, in 1832, Julia, daughter
of Jacob Shaffer, one of the first watch and clock
makers in the borough of Washington, and who
also made the old-fashioned silverware, some of
which is still in the possession of our subject. His
store was opposite the " Auld House, '' in the old
block corner now standing, and his residence was
in Morgan's brick house. He came here from
Lancaster county, Penn. , and died in Washington
in 1850, aged ninety-six years and four months.
Mr. and Mrs. George Black had eight children,
viz. : Jacob S., who went to California in I860, and
died there in 1889; Martha, now Mrs. A. J. Mont
gomery, living in Washington, Penn. ; George W. ;
subject of sketch; Mary, widow of Elbridge Cra
craft, living in Washington, D. C, and four that
died in childhood. The mother was called from
earth July 19, 1865, at the age of fifty-six years.
George W. Black received his primary education
at the common schools of his native town and
later attended Washington and Jefferson College.
After leaving school he assisted A. R. Waltz & Co.
in the tobacco business, to which he ultimately suc
ceeded. In 1866 he was united in marriage, at
Monongahela, with Myra B. Crall, of this county,
and to them seven children were born: Samuel, in
Washington; Martha, head nurse at present in a
hospital, State of California; Maryetta, at home;
William, a printer in Pittsburgh; Lucy and Myra
Belle, at home, and George, who died in infancy.
Mr. Black is Democratic in politics, and in his
social connections is a member of the F. & A. M.
The family for generations back have been Luther
ans. Our subject is popular as a whole-souled,
genial, good-natured, sociable companion, a loyal
and progressive citizen, and has hosts of friends.

The home in which he lives on South Main street
was built in 1830 by his father, and is a substantial
relic of the past.

AVID S. FULTON. Few men are better
known in Hanover township than is this
gentleman, who is descended from an old
and prominent Irish family, the first mem
ber of whom to set foot on American soil was
John Fulton. This ancestor was born about the
year 1768, in Ireland, where he received a good
education, and came to America between 1790 and
1795. He landed in Philadelphia, Penn., remain
ing there for some time; and in 1795 was married
to Jane Lockhard. She was born in 1769, and
resided with a brother David, who was a merchant
of Philadelphia.
Soon after their marriage the young people
moved to a farm in Maryland, where one son,
James L., was born to them about 1796. They
finally left Maryland, and crossing the mountains
located on the home farm in Hanover township,
then called Wimbleton, patented by William
Campbell about 1796, and sold by Campbell to
Morton, and by Morton to Fulton about 1802.
Their cabin of logs stood intact for many years
afterward, and some of the logs used in its con
struction are now utilized in a building on the farm
of their grandson, David S. The children born to
John and Jane Fulton after their arrival in Penn
sylvania were as follows: Nancy, married to David
McNary, Muskingum county, Ohio; Jane, wife of
George Culley, Hanover township; Phcebe, Mrs.
James Bradley, of West Virginia; David, a farmer
of Hanover township, this county; Martha, wife of
David Hays, Smith township; Mary, Mrs. John
Dunbar, of Jefferson county, Ohio, died in Wash
ington county, Penn., while visiting friends; Rob
ert, a farmer of Hanover township; and Sarah,
widow of Col. Samuel McGill, of Cross Creek
township. The father prospered after his location
on the farm in Hanover township, year after year
adding to his possessions, until he became an ex
tensive landowner. He was an ardent admirer of
fine cattle, and took great pride in stock. When
he first came to Hanover township, the con
veniences for keeping stock were very limited,
He constructed a rude feed-mill by making a hole
or mortar in a rock in which the grain was ground
by hand with a wooden pestle. He was known as
the best and most careful stockman in this town
ship. His cattle, when fat, were driven to Pitts
burgh, where a butcher, named Taggart, slaught
ered and sold the animals, holding the hide and
tallow of each for his services and returning to Mr.
Fulton the full price received for the meat. Mr.
Fulton possessed an excellent judgment. Polit-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

707

ically he was a Democrat, and in religion one of
the leading members of the Associate Reformed
Church of Harmon's Creek, now the United Pres
byterian Church of Paris. He died September 24,
1849. His wife died August 23, 1857. The
-remains of both husband and wife are buried in
Paris cemetery. Their descendants number at the
present time nine children, fifty-seven grandchil
dren, 179 great-grandchildren, or 245 in all.
Some died in childhood, but the great majority
grew to maturity.
James L. Fulton, son of John and Jane Fulton,
was born in 1796, in Maryland, and was but a
young child when his parents came to this county.
He was reared on the home farm, and obtained his
education in the subscription schools, afterward
learning the carpenter's trade, and erecting many
dwellings and barns. About the year 1829 he was
married to Sarah Russell, who was born in 1804,
a daughter of William and Nancy (Strain) Russell,
of Smith township, . this county. The ' young
couple first located on a farm in the eastern part of
Hanover township, and in 1850 moved to the old
home place. Their children were born as follows:
William, Jane (Mrs. Samuel Bigger, of Beaver
county, Penn.), Samantha (wife of Rev. John R.
May, a U. P. minister of Cecil township), Rev.
John Lockhard, D. D. (pastor of the Second Pres
byterian Church of Allegheny, Penn.), David S.
{whose name opens this sketch), James R. , Robert
A., Nancy E. (Mrs. Joseph Leeper, of Beaver
county, Penn. ) and Mary M. (wife of A. S. Dunbar,
a farmer of Allegheny county). Of these children
William, James R. and Robert A. died in youth.
The first named was buried in Cross Creek ceme
tery, the others in the Paris cemetery. Mr. Ful
ton secured a practical education, and by good
management, combined with business sagacity, be
came a prosperous citizen. In political matters he
was a local adviser and counselor of the Demo
cratic party, and held various offices in Hanover
township to the satisfaction of his constituents.
He was an elder and leading member in the U. P.
Church at Paris for over fifty years, or until his
death in 1878. In 1890 the wife and mother was
laid to rest by his side in the Paris cemetery.
David S. Fulton, born April 18, 1838, near Rac
coon creek, in the eastern part of Hanover town
ship, obtained an education at the Coventry and
Hamilton schools, which was supplemented by a
course at the Paris academy. On November 23,
1864, he married Jane E. Wylie, who was born
August 9, 1840, in Hancock county, W. Va. She
was a daughter of Andrew and Amanda (Tarr)
Wylie, her paternal grandfather was John Wylie,
who came from Scotland in pioneer times, and set
tled in Hancock county. Seven children blessed
the union: Andrew Wylie and Sarah R. teachers,
Amanda T., James L. , David C. , Robert M. and John

C. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton have always lived on the
home place. Like his father and grandfather,
David S. Fulton is very fond of fine stock, having
been prominently identified with the breeding of
Short- horn cattle. In addition to farming he gives
some attention to the dairy business. He is an
ardent reader, and fluent conversationalist. In
politics he was a Democrat until the Civil war,
when he joined the Republican forces, with which
he has since been actively identified. He and his
wife are leading members of the U. P. Church, and
since 1865 he has served as elder.

Ei LI H. HILDEBRAND was born August
27, 1859, upon the old homestead farm con
sisting of 175 acres, in West Bethlehem
township, Washington Co., Penn. His
grandfather, Michael Hildebrand, also a native of
West Bethlehem, born in 1796, was a soldier in
the war of 1812. He was considered an excep
tionally successful farmer, and was a well-in
formed man. He was married to Christine Harsh,
a daughter of Philip Harsh, and to this union were
born children as follows: Demas, Andrew, Sarah
Ann (who married Samuel Walton), Mrs. John
Doak (deceased in 1876), Levi (a resident of Am
well township, this county), and Mrs. John Hanna.
Michael Hildebrand was one of the sturdy Demo
crats of his township, although not an active poli
tician, and he and his wife were adherents of the
Lutheran Church. He passed from earth Decem
ber 13, 1885, in his ninety-third year, followed by
his wife May 30, 1886.
Andrew Hildebrand was born on his father's
farm in February, 1827. His education was ob
tained in the common schools, and he became an
eager reader and well-informed man. He had al
ways been associated in business with his father,
but received no assistance from him until he had,
by his own unaided efforts, accumulated a con
siderable amount of property. In 1855 he mar
ried Mary Tombaugh, who has borne him the fol
lowing children: Marion (a minister of the Gos
pel at Webster,this county), Eli H.,Mrs. J. L. Brady,
Rachel C, Frank (a teacher at Corning, Ark. ),
Zoe and Alvin O. Mr. Hildebrand has always been
a Democrat, and has served as school director and
road supervisor. He and his wife and four of the
children are members of the Methodist Church.
Eli H. Hildebrand, the subject of this sketch,
acquired his elementary training at the common
schools, and afterward attended Pleasant Valley
Academy two years. At the age of twenty-one he
taught his first term in West Bethlehem township,
and continued in this work about six years, attend
ing school during the intervals between terms. He
spent one term at Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, also a term at the State Normal University,

708

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Normal, 111. About six years ago he left the pro
fession, and has since been engaged in farming.
In 1890 he was united in marriage with Miss
Emma, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Mc
Keen, of Claysville, this county. Mr. Hildebrand
is a successful business man, and in politics is a
Democrat. He is one of the auditors of his town
ship. He is a member of the Brethren Church,
and his wife is an adherent of the Methodist Church.
His brother Alvin has always lived upon the home
stead, and after securing his education at the com
mon schools, has followed the business of farming.
Like the rest of the family he is a Democrat, and
is a member of the Methodist Church.

V I7ENRY MESTA, one of the most enter -
>J prising and genial citizens of Union town-
| jj ship, traces his lineage to a German family.
j -^ His grandfather, Henry Mesta, was a na-
v tive of Germany, and was killed by foul
air in the Hessian mines. He was the father of
five children, namely: Henry, Frederick, Lawrence,
Eliza and Elizabeth, all of whom came to America
after the death of their father, Henry and Fred
erick coming first and settling in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Henry Mesta, son of Henry the pioneer, was a
pattern-maker, and worked at his trade in Pitts
burgh until they had saved enough money to bring
the remainder of the family to this country. In
1852 the others came, and Henry Mesta continued
to follow his trade until 1862, when he bought and
moved to a farm in Snowden township, Allegheny
Co., Penn. In 1889 he retired from active life, and
died December 19, 1892, in his sixty-first year.
When a young man he was married to Miss Ann
Gerhold, a native of Germany, who came to Amer
ica, when but five years of age, with her father,
John Gerhold. To this union were born nine
children, viz. : Henry, Mary (deceased), Anna,
George, Matilda (deceased), Aurilla, Charles,
Amanda and Frederick.
Henry Mesta, the eldest son of Henry and Anna
Mesta, was born December 4, 1854, in the South
Side, Pittsburgh, -Penn., and in 1862 moved with
the family to Snowden township, Allegheny county.
He spent his boyhood days on the farm, and Feb
ruary 27, 1879, was married to Miss Catherine
Kncedler, of Jefferson township, Allegheny county,
daughter of Jacob Kncedler, of German descent.
The young couple lived on the farm known as the
"Horning Farm," in Snowden township, for two
years after their marriage; then located near
Library, Allegheny county, and in 1885 came to
the place where they are now living in Union town
ship, Washington county. The following children
have been born to them: Henry, Jacob, George,
Rosa, Anna, Louise, William. Mr. Mesta owns
109 acres of excellent land, and keeps a dairy of

from twenty-five to twenty-eight cows. He has
made a study of his chosen vocation, devoting his
whole time to the care and improvement of his ex
cellent farm, and keeps a strict account of every
cent expended, raising only such crops as are most
profitable; and he is further making a study of all
kinds of fruit, which he intends to plant and raise
largely as soon as the time will permit. When he
started on this place in 1885 Mr. Mesta had no
money, but a good friend, and has succeeded in
paying for the land, and furnishing the place with
every convenience. He has been a stanch Repub
lican, and in religious faith is a supporter of the
Presbyterian Church of Finleyville, having for
merly been a member of the German Lutheran
Church.

JACOB MONINGER, one of the best-known
and most prominent of the farmers of South
Strabane township, was born January 14,
1822, in Washington county, Penn., near
the village of Amity. He is of German descent,
his grandfather, John Moninger, having come
early in the present century to this country with
his family, from the Fatherland, where he had
married, and reared seven children: Henry, John,
George, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary and Madeline.
They landed at Baltimore, and in Maryland re
mained a short time, then coming over the mount
ains on pack horses and in wagons to Pennsylvania
(the journey taking a considerable time), and in
1807 made a final settlement in Amwell township,
Washington county, near the present village of
Amity. Here the grandparents ended their days,
surrounded by many improvements accomplished
by their own industry and good management. The
farm on which they died still belongs to their de
scendants, and the old house continued to be used
as a dwelling until a few years ago, since when it
has been utilized as a sheep- shed.
In company with the Moninger family there
came into Washington county the following: the
Dagues, Bakers, Wansettlers, Hewitts, Mowls,
Hasses, Sowers and others — all settling near the
villages of Scenery Hill, Clarktown, Amity and
Lone Pine'; the country being then a perfect wil
derness. For a time they lived in log cabins, and
later John Moninger (grandfather of Jacob) was
among the first to hew logs, and build what was
then considered a first-class house. Then they
put up two churches of hewed logs — one (Presby
terian) at Mt. Nebo, the other (Lutheran) in West
Bethlehem township, their dimensions being about
35x45, in those days considered great structures.
This little colony raised the flax, spun the yarn,
and wove the material with which they made their
own clothes, moving the looms from place to place
as required; they also made all their bed and table

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

711

linen, towels, etc. Shoemakers would carry their
tools on their backs from house to house, and
¦"shoe the families" for the winter season; in sum
mer time they generally went without shoes.
Henry Moninger, son of John Moninger, the
pioneer of the family, was born in 1789 in Shunks-
town, Md. , and came with the rest to Washington
oounty, where he followed farming, and was ex
tensively engaged in stock buying, driving cattle
to Baltimore and Philadelphia. He also dealt
largely in real estate, and finally purchased a farm
in Brooke county, W. Va., to which he moved,
dying there in 1864. He was a member of the
Disciple Church. In early manhood he was mar
ried to Susan Hass, who bore him children as
follows: John, George, Mary (wife of Isaac lams),
Henry, Ann (wife of Jackson Closser), Jackson,
Jacob, Catherine, Sarah (wife of William Gilmore)
and Elizabeth. The mother of these children died
June 29, 1841, at the age of fifty years, and some
time in the following year the father married Mrs.
Sarah Pettit (nee Hughes), by whom he had three
children: Robert (deceased), James A. and Emma.
Politically Mr. Moninger was a AVhig, and he took
an active part in building up the community in
which he lived.
Jacob Moninger, subject of sketch, was reared
on the home place, and received his education at
the schools of the neighborhood. While yet young
he was wont to assist his father in driving live
¦stock to the Eastern markets, walking the entire
distance each way. He seems to have inherited
his father's penchant for real estate dealing, and
has, probably, owned and improved more farms in
Washington county than any other resident. On
February 10, 1846, Mr. Moninger was united in
marriage with Mary, daughter of Samuel Vance,
and by her had four children: John, Martha (Mrs,
John Chambers), Margaret (Mrs. Albert McElree)
and Samuel. This wife dying July 2, 1856. Mr.
Moninger on January 28, 1858, married Elizabeth,
daughter of William Fife, and she bore him seven
¦children, named as follows: Morgan, Joseph,
William, Frank, Harry, George and Charles E.
Mr. Moninger is a member of the Second Presby
terian Church at Washington; in politics he was
first a Whig, and has, since the formation of the
party, been a strong Republican. His present
commodious and elegant residence in South Stra-
hane township is one of the pleasantest in his sec
tion. He was a large stock dealer in Washington
and adjoining counties, his business running into
the hundred thousands yearly; but now in his old
age he is resting quietly on his farm, one mile
and a half north of Washington.
[Since the above was prepared for the press, we have
information of the sudden death, April 1, 1893, from apo
plexy, of Mr. Jacob Moninger.— En.

+/

MAXWELL WORK. Although this gen
tleman has but recently become a citizen
of Washington county, he is already
prominently identified with its business,
political and social interests. He is a son
of Alexander and Prudence (Rankin) Work (the
former of whom was a resident of Fayette coun
ty, Penn.), and was born December 8, 1856, on
the home farm in Dunbar township, Fayette
county. His brother's name is Winfield S., and
his sister's name is Nancy Jane. His boyhood
was passed in the various employments usual to
agricultural life, the monotony of which was varied
with a few months' attendance at the common
schools each winter. As he was the eldest son,
the greater portion of the work fell to his share,
thus depriving the boy of enjoying even the prim
itive educational advantages within his reach. But
the keen observation of an intelligent mind sup
plemented the lack of literary training, and he has
become one of the most successful business men
of the county. On January 12, 1877, he married
Susan Hair, who was born February 18, 1859, in
Dunbar township, Fayette Co., Penn., a daughter
of Daniel and Harriet (Work) Hair. Three chil
dren were born to the union of Maxwell and Susan
(Hair) Work, namely: Maud D., Bessie F. and
one deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Work
passed the first thirteen years of married life on a
farm in Fayette county, Penn. , residing there un
til 1891, in which year they came to Smith town
ship, Washington county, locating in Cherry Val
ley, on the Thomas McFarland farm, a well-im
proved and valuable tract of land upon which they
are yet residing. Mr. Work is a very progressive
farmer, ever ready to assist in all worthy enter
prises, and takes an active interest in the success
of the Republican party, of which he is an active
member.

DANIEL WILSON SOWERS, one of AVest
\ Bethlehem's most enterprising and repre-
/ sentative citizens, is a grandson of George
~ Sowers, who was born in Maryland about
the year 1813. While yet a boy the grandfather
came to West Bethlehem township, Washington
Co., Penn., thus becoming one of those bold
pioneer settlers who inaugurated a work which
their descendants are now carrying on to comple
tion — the formation and improvement of Washing
ton county. George Sowers was married to a
daughter of Daniel Gardner, one of the earliest
settlers of West Bethlehem township. Mr. Sowers
spent his life as a farmer in that township, and
died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years.
Levi Sowers, the only son of George Sowers,
passed his boyhood in the usual manner of pioneer

712

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

boys, attending the old log schoolhouse with its
great fireplace, slab benches and primitive fur
nishings. He married Samantha Enoch, and to
them were born the following children: Andrew
J., Warren, Elizabeth J., Daniel Wilson, Cathe
rine, Mary C, David Enoch, Madison B. , Aman
da, Elmer and George W., all of whom, except
Mary and Madison, are yet living; David is a
prominent attorney, and resides in Topeka, Kans.
The others are residents of West Bethlehem town
ship. Daniel Wilson, son of Levi Sowers, was born
July 30, 1848, in the old stone house, on the farm
which adjoins his present home, and which is now
the property of his brother Warren. His educa
tion was very good for the period. On May 9,
1872, he married Belle Oiler, a daughter of Jona
than Oiler, of AVest Bethlehem township, and
their children are Thorman Tilden and Maggie
May,- both residing at home with their parents.
Politically Mr. Sowers is a Democrat, and has
served in the offices of supervisor and auditor of
the township where he resides. He is an esteemed
citizen, respected by all who know him.

M,RS. MARGARET A. HARRISON is a
daughter of Andrew Bryce, a native of
Scotland, who was there married to Jane
-i Gilchrist. Mr. and Mrs. Bryce settled
V iQ Fayette county, Penn. , where he fol
lowed the trade of miller, conducting the mill
at Merrittstown for many years. Mrs. Margaret
A. Harrison had two sons by her former marriage,
October 14, 1845, to Samuel Edmiston, namely:
William Alexander, cashier of the Monongahela
National Bank, Fayette county, Penn. , and James
M., superintendent of the water- works at Atchison,
Kans. On March 2, 1865, Mrs. Margaret A. Ed
miston was married to George W. Harrison, son
James Harrison.
James Harrison was born in Maryland, where
he remained until about forty years of age. In
early manhood he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Hedgel, a native of Berkeley county,
AV. Va. , who bore him the following children:
William, George W., James, Joseph (all born in
West Virginia), Eliza (deceased), Mrs. Harriet
Van Gilder (living in Centreville, Washington Co. ,
Penn.) and Maria (deceased). In 1817 the family
moved to Washington county, ^Penn., where the
father was a cropper for several years, then rented
a farm and finally settled near West Brownsville,
Penn. He died in 1825, his widow in 1861. In
politics he was an active member of the Whig
party. George W. Harrison was born in 1812, on the
eastern shore of Maryland, and when yet a small
boy came with his parents to Pennsylvania. His

father died soon afterward, leaving no property,
and, being the eldest of the family, much of the
care of his mother and the younger children fell
upon his youthful shoulders. The child bravely
accepted the heavy responsibility thus suddenly
thrust upon him, and continued to bear his share
of the burden until the younger ones were old
enough to support themselves. He was then re
leased from that duty, but continued to work
industriously, and carefully saved his earnings un
til he had accumulated a sufficient amount with
which to purchase thirty acres of land in East
Bethlehem township, this county. After buying
this place he proceeded to cultivate it to the
highest extent, and soon sold it at a good profit,
then went with his brother Joseph to Indiana,
where they bought a farm which he also sold at
a good price. The brothers then returning to
Washington county, Penn., purchased a handsome
place on the National pike, in East Bethlehem town
ship, where they resided together for one year.
At the expiration of that time George W. sold his
share to his brother, who is yet living on the place.
After disposing of this property George W. Har
rison bought 123 acres of well-improved, valuable
land, upon which a handsome brick edifice has
been erected. Mr. Harrison won his success by
years of patient toil, and when he had attained
prosperity was ever ready to lend a helping hand
to others who were struggling upward. In politics
he was a valued member of the Republican party,
but invariably declined the political honors of
which his friend's vainly urged acceptance. The
latter years of his life were filled with pain, and he
i was laid to rest January 5, 1890, in the beautiful
"God's acre" adjoining the Taylor M. E. church.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Harrison has
continued to reside in her pleasant home, person
ally superintending the work of the farm. Her
only daughter, Lillian, a cultured young lady, is
living with her mother, and whose son, George W.,
died in infancy.

\ILLIAM COVENTRY, one of the best
known and substantial citizens of Han
over township, traces his ancestry to
the "Emerald Isle," from whose shores
so many of our early pioneers had sailed.
John Coventry was bom in 1750, in County Done
gal, Ireland, where he learned the trade of a weaver,
and when a young man was married to Martha
Brown, who was born in 1754. Some years after
their marriage this young couple sailed for America.
After their landing and securing a temporary home
in eastern Pennsylvania, their household effects
were moved thence in a churn, and their only child
was carried by the parents. John Coventry joined
the Continental army, taking an active part in the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

713

struggle for independence, and undergoing the
terrible sufferings which were the common lot of
those heroic patriots. Long and difficult marches
were made, their only food consisting of cold po
tatoes. After the war money was almost worth
less, and the most common articles sold for fabu
lous prices . A little dress which was purchased
for a son, cost $60 in Continental currency. In
1782 John Coventry and family concluded to se
cure one of the cheap homes offered to the settlers
in western Pennsylvania, and packing up their
few earthly possessions, started on foot to make
the long and tedious journey across the mountains.
The hardships which they endured can not be im
agined, yet on they toiled, carrying their little son
Robert, who was at that time about two years of
age. At last they arrived at Hanover township,
Washington Co., Penn., and purchasing a small
piece of land, erected their rude log cabin in the
midst of the surrounding woods, and there Mr.
Coventry followed his trade of a weaver in con
nection with farming. This cabin was soon sup
planted by one more substantial, which is yet
standing. With true Irish enterprise and indus
try John Coventry struggled on, and prosperity
finally crowned his patient efforts. When the
need of a permanent piece of ground for a school -
house became apparent, he gave the necessary
amount of land to be used for ninety-nine years,
and the building which was there erected has ever
since been known as the "Coventry School." In
politics he was a Democrat, adhering to the princi
ples of his party. He and his wife were members
of the Seceder Church, which was nearly ten miles
from their home, and walked the entire distance.
A church was afterward organized at Burgetts
town, to which their membership was then trans
ferred. John Coventry died February 5, 1845, in
his ninety-fifth year, and was laid to rest by the
side of the wife who had gone before him April 8,
1832. Both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at
Burgettstown, Penn. The following children were
born to this heroic couple: Robert (deceased in
Hanover township), William (of whom a sketch
follows), James, John (a school teacher, who lived
some time at Steubenville, Ohio, thence moving to
Philadelphia, Ohio, where some of his descendants
are yet living), Jane (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased
wife of William Smiley), and Martha (deceased).
William Coventry, son of John and Martha
(Brown) Coventry, was born in 1782, having been
the first member of the Coventry family who was
born in Hanover township. He was reared amid
the usual scenes of pioneer life, attending a few
months in each year at the subscription schools.
In 1815 he selected a life companion in the person
of Rebecca Ramsey, who was born in 1791, a
daughter of Robert Ramsey, who was born east of
the mountains and came to Washington county.

The children of William and Rebecca Coventry
were as follows: Martha, deceased in Carroll
county, Ohio, married Thomas Smiley; Mary, Mrs.
Hamilton Walker, of Carroll county, Ohio; John,
a carpenter of New Brighton, Penn. ; Robert R. ,
deceased farmer of Hanover township; James, a
citizen of Des Moines, Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of J.
H. Lawther, Carroll county, Ohio; William, whose
name opens this sketch; and David, living at East
Liverpool, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Coventry settled
on Brush run, two miles from Florence, this
county, where he successfully followed farming.
He was fond of reading, and had a practical and
thorough education. He was a member of the
Seceder Church, and in politics was a Democrat,
serving in numerous township offices, taking a
lively interest in all the political and social ques
tions of the day. He died February 26, 1850,
followed, March 25, 1872, by his wife, who rests
beside him in the U. P. cemetery at Burgettstown.
William Coventry was born January 2, 1830, on
a farm adjoining his present home, and attended
the rude schools of those days, with their rude
furnishings ; wooden benches, an old, rickety door,
and a stove which was accustomed to fall down at
the slightest provocation, to the great delight of
the weary urchins and the discomfiture of the
dignified master. On February 18, 1857, AVilliam
Coventry was married to Sarah Spence, who was
born February 16, 1835, in Beaver county, Penn.,
a daughter of John and Mary (Adams) Spence.
The young couple located oh the farm on Brush
run, where they are yet living, about two-thirds of
which Mr. Coventry has cleared, and by incessant
toil and labor has succeeded in converting it from
an unbroken forest into a fertile, producing tract
of land. He thoroughly understands every depart
ment and detail of agriculture, having won a
signal success in this vocation. He votes the
Democratic ticket, having been called upon to fill
various offices in Hanover township, which he has
done with great credit to himself, and to the
satisfaction of all. Three daughters were born to
this couple, namely: Rebecca J., Mary Agnes and
Elizabeth A. , all of whom died of diphtheria in
October, 1864; thus leaving the parents childless,
but living in the anticipation of a glad reunion on
the other shore. They are both consistent mem
bers of the Frankfort U. P. Church.

f OHN C. LOFINK was born on the Atlantic
I Ocean, May 30, 1844, and arrived at Balti-
If II more, Md., with his mother, Anastasia, her
^^ four brothers (Joseph Lofink, Louis Lofink,
Simon Lofink and Frank Lofink) and his
little sister, Lavina, when he was two weeks old.
He was baptized in St. John's Church at Balti
more, and then was taken to Pittsburgh, where the

714

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

family lived for some time before their removal to
Caseyville, Ky. In Pittsburgh the mother married
George Green, by whom she had two children:
Francis and Tone. In Kentucky John C. Lofink
worked for Mr. Bell (the candidate of the Free-Soil
party), but left that State in 1862 to learn mechan
ical engineering at Pittsburgh. Owing to the de
pressed condition of this branch of industry at
that city he went to Monongahela City and found
work in the coal mines there.
Mr. Lofink was married June 20, 1864, to Hester
Burgan, daughter of Peter and Mary Burgan.
This lady was born at Minersville, Penn. They
are the parents of twelve children, namely: John,
Peter, Frank, Joseph, Samuel, James, Mary, Eliza
beth, Annabel, Lena, Jane and Catherine. In
Centennial year James, Jane and Catherine (trip
lets) were born. Of this large family there are
eight children living. The maternal grandfather
of these children was a centenarian, and the
grandmother sixty-four years old. Both were of
French descent. The paternal grandfather is not
remembered by even the father, but Mrs. Anastasia
Lofink died when the subject of this sketch was
only five years old. The family have resided on
the Riverview farm in Carroll township for over
twenty years. Here Mr. Lofink owns forty-five
acres, devoted to agriculture. On the land is a
valuable deposit of coal which he has developed.
He carries on a store here and is the postmaster of
this section. The members of the family are
Catholics. Politically Mr. Lofink votes with the
Democrats of Pennsylvania for State and National
officials and legislators.

I( DAMS GILLILAND, a highly esteemed
|\ citizen of Buffalo township, was born June
4\ 6, 1826, in Hopewell township, AVashing-
-^ ton Co., Penn., on the farm of his father,
where he remained several years after at
taining his majority. His father was a native of
Maryland, and came to Washington county in early
life, settling on a farm in Hopewell township,
where for several years he successfully followed
agricultural pursuits. He died by an accident in
1831, and his widow and our subject then moved
to Pleasant Hill, near West Middletown, where the
latter lived till he was fourteen years old, when he
lived with Asa Manchester, a wealthy farmer, in
Independence township, sometimes by the month
and sometimes by the year. His mother was born
in 1787, died February 1, 1869.
On April 4, 1849, Adams Gilliland was united
in marriage with Louisa Low, who was born June
11, 1824, in West Virginia, a granddaughter of
David Low, a rich planter of the same place, aud
a daughter of John Low, who lived in Brooke
county, Va. , in the days of slavery, and was the

owner of many slaves. David Low died in 1840,
and John, his only son, in 1871. Mary Bryson,
beloved wife of John Low, died January 6, 1860.
She was born in Indian times, a daughter of John
Bryson, a native of Ireland, who came to this
country in early life, and married a French lady
named Priscilla Lafevers ; they settled on a farm
near Dunsfort, situated on Buffalo creek in Wash
ington county. It 1861 Mr. Gilliland removed to
his present place in Buffalo township. He has
been industrious and progressive, and all he has is
the result of his own individual efforts. He re
ceived nothing from his father's estate, as there
were other heirs. In political preferences he is an
ardent advocate of the principles embodied in the
platform of the Democratic party, but has never
been an aspirant for political office.

J)

MRS. RACHEL BELL, a well-known and
highly esteemed lady of Burgettstown, is
a daughter of Free Gift Crawford, son of
-1 Elijah Crawford, and representative of one
of the oldest families in Smith township.
Elijah Crawford was born in eastern Pennsylva
nia, and on June 22, 1778, was united in marriage
with Elizabeth, daughter of Free Gift and Eliza
beth Stout. They afterward moved to Smith town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., there purchasing
an unimproved farm, and became the first settlers
of that locality. The men were obliged to carry
guns with them to their work to defend themselves
from the Indians lurking near. Amid these scenes
the following children were bom to Elijah and
Elizabeth Crawford: Joseph, Isaac, Free Gift,
Rebecca, Elizabeth and Anna. The father was a
surveyor, and also served under Gen. Washington
in the Revolutionary war. In politics he was a
Democrat, and in religion a member of the Pres
byterian Church at Florence, this county, where
he and his wife were buried.
Free Gift Crawford was born October 22, 1785,
in eastern Pennsylvania, where his boyhood was
passed, afterward coming with his parents to
Washington county. On Jannary 12, 1811, he
was married to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Cole,
a native of Maryland. Mr. Cole was married to
Nancy Hunter, who bore him children as follows:
Sarah, Abraham, Thomas, William, Rachel, Betsy
and Nancy. The father was a Democrat in politics,
and in religion a member of the M. E. Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford passed their married life
in Smith township, where he followed farming
and milling, also teaming over the mountains. The
mill was first called the "Scott mill" and then the
"Burgettstown mill." They kept the hotel in
Burgettstown for thirty years. Free Gift Craw
ford was also an extensive dealer in stock. In
politics he voted with the Democratic party, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Ill

he held various township offices ; in church relation
he was connected with the Baptist denomination,
Mrs. Crawford being a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He died in 1854, aged seventy-six years,
followed iu 1876 by his widow at the age of ninety-
one years; both are buried in the cemetery at
Florence, this county. They were the parents of
five children, viz. : Thomas (deceased), Elijah (de
ceased), Sarah (first married to Benjamin F. Wood,
afterward to John McCartney), Margaret and
Eachel. Of these Rachel Crawford was married
August 28, 1861, to George W., son of Samuel
Bell, proprietor of the Frankfort Springs at that
time. Samuel Bell was born in Washington county,
and in early life was married to Malvina Sowers,
also a native of the county. Their children were :
George W., Mattie, William, Delia (wife of W. K.
Bailey) and James (deceased). Mr. Bell traveled
for a wholesale house in Philadelphia until 1880,
when he moved to Clark county, Mo. In politics
he was a Whig, and in religion an active member
of the M. E. Church, taking a prominent part in
the Sunday-school and church work.
George W. Bell was born September 12, 1834,
in Beallsville, Washington Co. , Penn. He was ed
ucated at Washington and Jefferson College, and
after graduating attended Jefferson Medical Col
lege, Philadelphia, receiving his degree in 1858.
He graduated with first honors in a class of 600
students, and was the valedictorian of the class.
He read medicine with Dr. Wilson; of Beallsville,
where he practiced his profession a short time,
afterward locating permanently in Burgettstown,
where he practiced for thirty-six years. He won
an enviable reputation as a skilled physician, and
enjoyed a lucrative practice. In politics he was a
stanch Republican, and in religious faith he was a
member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. To
his marriage with Rachel Crawford was born one
child, Samuel, who died at the age of two years
and four months. Dr. Bell was called to rest from
his labors September 6, 1884, at the age of fifty-
one years. The remains of the deceased, by his
own request, made some time prior to his death,
were taken to Washington, where the body under
went the process of cremation, and the sleeping dust
"was finally placed in the Beallsville cemetery. '
Far away in the land of the pure and the bright,
Is the city of God, with its golden light;
Oh, there is our home, and we ever shall stand
'Mid the shining ones of that better land.
Oh, that beautiful land we are nearing now,
Where a crown of bright glory encircles each brow;
Where the tree of life grows on that beautiful shore,
n here flowers shall freshen to fade no more.
Oh! beautiful home, oh! beautiful home,
Where beautiful saints surround the white throne;
How I long to be there and forever to stand
-Mid the shining ones of that Better Land.

DR. WILLIAM S. DODD, a leading physi
cian of Charleroi, is a representative of one
/ of the oldest and most distinguished families
of Pennsylvania. Their lives were indissolu-
bly linked with the early history of Washington
county, with whose progress they were most prom
inently identified.
Rev. Cephas Dodd, M. D. and D. D., son of the
famous Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, was born October 12,
1779, on Ten-Mile stream, Washington county, Penn.
Cephas Dodd took a thorough classical course at the
Canonsburg Academy, then studied theology with
Rev. John McMillan. In 1801 he began preaching
in Ohio, and in 1817 came to the church at Ten-
Mile, AVashington county, Penn. He then began to
study medicine, and being finally led to believe
that he could do more good as a physician than
pastor, devoted his later years principally to med
ical work.
Thaddeus Dodd, a son of Cephas, was born
March 22, 1810, near Amity, Amwell township,
Washington county, Penn. His early education
was obtained at the subscription schools, and he
then tookacourse of study at AVashington College.
He afterward attended medical lectures at Jeffer
son Medical College, Philadelphia, having pre
viously studied with his father. After receiving
his degree, Dr. Dodd began to practice his profes
sion in Millsborough, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he remained about three years, and then
lived in West Bethlehem township a short time.
He afterward moved to Amity, and ten years later
located in Dunningsville, remaining there four
years, and finally returning to Amity. On April
24, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary
Stockdale, who was born February 8, 1817,
daughter of William Stockdale, a native of Greene
county. The following children were born to the
union of Thaddeus and Mary Dodd: Hannah, born
September 16, 1840, deceased February 28, 1847;
Cephas D., born July 16, 1842, a decorator by
trade, living in Montgomery, Ala. ; Agnes B. , born
June 29, 1844, deceased August 12, 1845; William
S., born June 23, 1846; Sarah E;, wife of W. C.
Sargeant, born February 3, 1848; Thomas D.,
born November 16, 1849, deceased March 17, 1852;
Norton McGiffin, born June 23, 1851, living at
Charleroi; Alice, born May 15, 1853, wife of J.W.
Thatcher, of Columbus, Ohio; Ruth, born April
17, 1855, wife of J. K. Hazelett, living at New
Salem, Fayette Co., Penn. ; James D., born March
10, 1857, living in La Fayette, Ind., and Mary M.,
born July 6, 1859, wife of John H Jewel, of
Charleroi. The father of this family was a AVhig
and Republican, and in religious faith a member
and elder of the Presbyterian Church. He died
August 25, 1877, and Mrs. Dodd was laid by his
side July 27, 1883.
Dr. William S. Dodd was born on the farm in

718

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

West Bethlehem township, Washington Co. , Penn.,
and attended the public schools of the neighbor
hood. He then began to study medicine in his
father's office, afterward taking a thorough course
in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery,
from which he graduated in 1878. He began his
professional life at Amity, having been given his
father's practice, and remained there until Novem
ber, 1889, when he went to Pittsburgh, and in 1890
came to Charleroi, this county. He was married
June 9, 1886, to Sarah R. , daughter of J. Wesley
Chambers, a native of Amwell township, and they
have had one son, John Wesley Chambers, born
May 22, 1889. Dr. Dodd has acquired an enviable
reputation, both as a citizen and physician. He is
a stanch supporter of the principles embodied in
the Republican party, and in religion is a member
and elder of the Presbyterian Church.

L. DODD, M. D., of Amwell township,
traces his ancestry back to Rev. Thad
deus Dodd, a man of pioneer fame in that
township, concerning whom the follow
ing excerpt has been taken from Dr.
Waine's "Historical and Farewell Addresses:"
"In the summer of 1777 Mr. Thaddeus Dodd, of
Morris, N. J., a licentiate of the Presbytery of
New York, paid the Ten-Mile people a visit. They
were extremely anxious that he should settle
among them. But how was he to be supported?
Silver and gold they had none; but such as they
had they freely offered. Mr. Dodd accepted the
call, for he was a man of kindred spirit. He went
back to Virginia, was ordained by his Presbytery,
and brought his family for a permanent residence
to Ten-Mile, in the autumn of 1779. His position
was advanced post, the forlorn hope of our
Western Zion. Long after the members of other
congregations could go and come in safety, those
of Ten-Mile were kept in constant terror by the in
roads of the savages. Mr. Dodd was confessedly
the most learned among the ministerial compeers
of the AVest. He possessed an extraordinary
mathematical genius. He was an excellent clas
sical scholar, and, had time permitted and inclina
tion prompted, he might have excelled in the compo
sition of poetry. The first classical school west of
the Alleghanies was established by Rev. Dodd in
1782, and he was also the first principal of Wash
ington Academy (now Washington and Jefferson
College, Washington, Penn.). Rev. Dodd was a
great lover of music, he had a delicate ear, and had
thoroughly mastered the science. He delivered
sermons and lectures on the science, and in that
way aroused the interest of the people. Dr. Dodd
died of pulmonary consumption on the 20th of
May, 1793, after a ministry of nearly sixteen
years. Rev. Cephas Dodd, the son of Thaddeus

Dodd, succeeded his father about ten years after
his father's death, in the Upper and Lower Ten-
Mile congregation. He was possessed of a clear,
strong mind, enriched by manly culture and varied
learning." Rev. Cephas Dodd also practiced med
icine in connection with his ministerial duties. He
was the great-grandfather of the subject of our
sketch on his mother's side, and of his lineal de
scendants seven have chosen the medical profession.
Daniel F. Dodd, father of subject, was born
December 25, 1825. On August 6, 1853, he was
married to Ruth McFarland, a lineal descendant of
Maj. Daniel McFarland, of Revolutionary fame,
through William McFarland, Esq., James and
John McFarland. Daniel F. Dodd, who was a
farmer, died August 20, 1880; his widow is still
living, and is in her fifty-eighth year.
Dr. AV. L. Dodd was born October 17, 1866, in
Amwell township, where he has always resided.
He pursued his literary studies at home under the
direction of a tutor, and in 1886 attended a course
of lectures at the College of Physicians and Sur
geons, Baltimore; then studied a year with his-
preceptor, Dr. W. S. Dodd, at Amity, this county.
In 1887 he began a course at the Western Penn
sylvania Medical College at Pittsburgh, graduating
in the spring of 1888, the youngest member in a
class of forty-five. After leaving school he prac
ticed with his preceptor at Amity one year, and
then, having won a large and lucrative practice,
bought him out. Descended from eminent patriots,.
sturdy soldiers and intellectual leaders, this intel
ligent young physician has a bright future opening
before him. Young in years, but older in experi
ence, with the wisdom of a race of brilliant men
behind him, he can not fail to become one of the
foremost men in his profession.

iJLLIAM S. MOORE, an enterprising and
successful farmer of Independence town
ship, is a son of James Moore, whose
father was born near Dublin, Ireland,
and when a young man immigrated to America.
The latter located in Washington county, Penn.,
becoming one of the early settlers, and there
passed his whole life, enduring all the usual dan
gers and hardships incident to pioneer life. He
married and reared the following children: John,
James, Joseph, Samuel, Michie (wife of James
Wilson), Maria (Mrs. David AVaugh), Eliza (wife
of Richard Waugh) and Jane (married to William
Mayhall), all of whom lived to an adult age. Mr.
Moore died at a ripe old age, and his widow after
ward died in Brooke county, W. Va.
James Moore was born in Washington county,
Penn., on his father's farm, and received a pre
liminary education at the primitive schools of the
day. He intended to prepare for the ministry,.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

719-

but the death of his father changed his plans,
making it impossible for him to finish the course
which had been mapped out. However, he at
tended the West Liberty (W. Va.) Academy, and
being an apt and intelligent student, acquired a
considerable amount of information during the
short time he remained in the school. After
abandoning his former hopes he learned the trade
of a millwright under R. Mayhall, assisting in
building the old "Waugh Mill" of Brooke county,
W. Va. On April 12, 1827, he was united in mar
riage with Nancy Boyd, who was born February
13, 1806, daughter of James Boyd, of Independ
ence township, and the following children were
born to their union: John, born February 13,
1828, died March 16, 1889, in Indian Territory,
and was buried at Coffeyville, Kans. ; James, born
August 6, 1829, died in infancy, and was buried
in Lower Buffalo cemetery; David (a farmer of
Putnam county, 111.), born February 7, 1831;
Marshall, born January 6, 1833 (living in Inde
pendence township); Samuel, born December 28,
1834 (residing in Independence, Penn. ) ; Mary J. ,
born November 7, 1836 (formerly widow of G. M.
L. Plummer, now Mrs. Stephen Smith, of Florence,
Penn.); Joseph (farming in Knox county, Ohio),
born July 26, 1838; Margaret, born December 8,
1839 (living in Independence township, Penn.) ; Will
iam S.; Robert, born June 6, 1845 (residing in Can
onsburg, Penn.); and Richard (deceased in youth).
For some time after his marriage Mr. Moore lived
in Brooke county, W. Va. , at the home of Richard
Waugh, where he superintended a "fulling-mill."
In the spring of 1828 he purchased the ' ' John
Thorn farm" in Independence township, this
county, upon which he removed, and divided his
time between farming and performing the work of
a civil engineer, being very skillful and efficient in
the latter vocation. He was naturally of a mechan
ical turn of mind, and was also a good financier
and business manager. He was fond of reading,
and was well informed on general topics. Politically
he was a Democrat. His death occurred Novem
ber 28, 1848, and in the fall of 1892 his remains,
with those of his son Richard, were removed from
the old cemetery to the new one at Independence,
where a monument is erected to their memory in
the center of the four lots owned by William S.
Moore. The widow of James Moore passed the
mostof her remaining years with her son AVilliam.
She died December 16, 1890, and was buried in
the new cemetery.
William S. Moore was born September 8, 1841,
on the farm which is yet his home. His boyhood
was passed in attending to the usual farm duties,
and in obtaining a common-school education, and he
Partially learned the carpenter's trade, but never
followed it continuously. On August 30, 1876, he
was married to Martha Ann Murchland, who was

born March 28, 1851, daughter of John Murch
land, of Jefferson township. To Mr. and Mrs.
Moore have been born children as follows: Lydia
W., Joseph L., Artie L. and Nancy V., all of whom
are living with their parents. For several years
previous to his marriage Mr. Moore lived with his
mother and sister on the farm which has always
been his home. In connection with his other
work, he raises first class stock, being very suc
cessful in both vocations. He was one of the pro
moters and founders of the beautiful new Inde
pendence cemetery, which is a credit to the com
munity, much taste having been exercised in its
arrangement and construction, the grounds being
arranged with exquisite care and neatness. Polit
ically, Mr. Moore favors the Democratic party, but
votes according to the dictates of his own judg
ment, believing that more attention should be given
to the character and ability of the man than to his
political views. On February 12, 1892, Mrs.
Moore passed from earth, and was laid to rest in
the new cemetery at Independence. She was a
consistent member of the Presbyterian Church,
with which denomination Mr. Moore is also united.

DAVID M. McCARRELL, M. D., a prom-
j inent physician and* surgeon of Hickory,
was born November 6, 1833, in Mt. Pleas
ant township, Washington Co., Penn., a
son of Thomas McCarrell, who was a son of Lodo-
wyck. The latter was born in Ireland, and left
his native land in early youth, coming to America
and settling in Mt. Pleasant township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., where he was married to Mar
tha Leman, a native of this county. At Hickory,
in that township, Mr. McCarrell was engaged in
mercantile work. Some years later he moved to
Ten-Mile, where he carried on a milling business,
but afterward returning to Mt. Pleasant township
he settled on the farm yet owned by the McCar
rell family, and here engaged in agriculture and-
distilling. The following children were born to
Lodowyck and Martha McCarrell : John (deceased,
who had settled in Venango county, Penn.), Isa
bella (deceased wife of Isaac Hodgens, of Taylors
town, this county), Thomas, James (a minister of
the U. P. Church, of Beaver county, Penn.), Eliza
beth (Mrs. John Cockins, who died in 1890, at
Canonsburg), Andrew (who resided on the old
homestead in Mt. Pleasant township), and Leman
(deceased in Taylorstown), all born in Mt. Pleas
ant township, and all now deceased.
Thomas McCarrell was born in Washington
county, and was married to Esther McNary, a na
tive of the same place. They settled on a farm in
this county, and children were born to them as
follows : John (formerly a physician and surgeon
of Wellsville, Ohio, who died in 1891), Martha
(died January 12, 1893, in this county), Margaret

720

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(wife of Joseph Cowden, of Cecil township), and
James (a physician of Allegheny, Penn.). The
mother of this family dying, Thomas McCarrell
was married in June, 1832, to Elizabeth McCon-
aughey, who bore him the following children:
David M. (our subject), Leman (a farmer of Mt.
Pleasant township), Thomas Jefferson (deceased in
1854), Lodowyck (an attorney of Washington,
Penn.), Alexander Donnan (a U. P. minister at
Stewart's Station, Westmoreland Co., Penn.).
This wife died in 1858, and Thomas McCarrell was
•again married, his third choice being Margaret
Martin, a native of Canonsburg, this county. Mr.
McCarrell was an active member of the Democratic
party, and served his county as associate judge
and county commissioner, also as justice of the
peace for several years. He died October 21, 1872,
in Mt. Pleasant township; his widow died in 1891
at Canonsburg, this county.
Dr. David M. McCarrell was reared on the home
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and educated in
the schools of Hickory. After his elementary
studies were completed he entered Jefferson Med
ical College, Philadelphia, attending during the
year 1856-57. After graduating, Dr. McCarrell
came immediately to_ Cross Creek village, this
county, and began practice. In 1861 he settled
in Hickory, where he has since been established,
being the oldest physician in that part of Wash
ington county. On December 25, 1862, he was
united in marriage with Adeline, a daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Campbell) Cassidy, all natives
of Cross Creek township. Mr. Cassidy and his
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church;
he died in Jefferson township, his wife having long
before passed over the river. After his marriage
to Adeline Cassidy, Dr. McCarrell settled per
manently in Hickory, this county. During his
professional life twelve students have been in
ducted into the mysteries of medical science under
his instruction. Mrs. McCarrell died October 6,
1888, leaving her husband and the following chil
dren to mourn her loss: Lizzie Ora Lulu Blanche
(deceased at the age of eight months), Mattie
Leila, David Leander and James Patterson (twins).
Dr. McCarrell has erected a handsome brick resi
dence upon his place, and improved his property
in many ways. He is a member of the Presbyte
rian Church at Mt. Prospect, as was his wife; po
litically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

IjOHN C. MORGAN, the leading dry- goods
, I merchant of Canonsburg, Penn., was born
\\l October 28, 1846, in Allegheny county, Penn.
^^ His father, James Morgan, was bom on the
same farm where his son John C. first saw the light
of day. John C. Morgan remained on the home
farm until about twenty years of age, when he
went to Marshalltown, Iowa, and worked for a rail

road company. He then returned to Pennsylvania,
and in the spring of 1881 came to Washington
county, settling in Canonsburg, where he opened
a dry-goods store, and has since remained in that
business. In April, 1886, he was united in mar
riage with Miss Clara Wilson, and three children
have blessed their union, namely : Edith and Edna
(twins) and Clara.
Mr. Morgan is not an old resident of Washing
ton county, but since his first identification with
the interests of Canonsburg has been a prominent
leader in every movement for the general advance
ment and upbuilding of his adopted city. The
beautiful store, which is now the pride of every
citizen of Canonsburg, was at the time of Mr.
Morgan's arrival a dilapidated and broken-down
old structure. With characteristic energy and
perseverance he remodeled and added to the origi
nal building until a complete transformation was
effected. In 1891 he completed one of the finest
four-story blocks within the limits of Washington
county. It is built of pressed brick, and has two
fronts, nine store rooms, seven offices and two
lodge rooms. When this building was in process
of erection, this enterprising citizen saw the press
ing need of a public hall' in Canonsburg, suitable
for lectures and other entertainments, tending to
educate and entertain the people, and to keep
them abreast of the times. To think, with him,
was to act, and in an incredibly short time after
ward his beautiful and commodious opera house
was erected. This provides a seating capacity of
500, and is fully equipped with all necessary
articles, being undoubtedly the superior of any
similar hall in this county. Mr. Morgan keeps a
full stock of goods which meet the wants of the
surrounding community. His store is both beau
tiful and expensive, fitted to be an ornament to
any city. In the very prime of life, surrounded by
friends and family, John C. Morgan is indeed a
prosperous man, possessing wonderful business
capacity, combined with untiring energy. He be
lieves in patronizing home industries, and to this
end endeavors to supply his customers with a full
line of modern goods at reasonable prices. It is
almost needless to add that these endeavors have
met with hearty approval and earnest co-operation
from the citizens of Canonsburg, who appreciate
the debt they owe to enterprising and public-spirited
men like these. John C. Morgan is a member of
the First Presbyterian Church, in the western
part of Canonsburg, and in politics is a Republican.
THOMAS B. HIXON is a prominent farmer
of North Strabane township. His paternal
grandfather was a native of Germany, and
came to the United States prior to the year
1790. He fought under Gen. Harrison in
the war of 1812, and then made a permanent

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

721

home in Washington county, Penn. , where he re
mained until his death, which occurred in 1847,
his wife passing away in the same year. He was
a man of quiet tastes and habits, never entering
public or political life. He reared a family of six
children, of whom James was the youngest son.
James Hixon, father of our subject, was born in
1790, on the farm adjoining the present home of
his son Thomas B. He grew to manhood on the
home place, and was then married to Jane Batey,
who was born in 1809, and she bore him three chil
dren, namely: Thomas B., Mary and Lucy (wife
of H. H. Raney, of Washington county). Mr.
Hixon was a representative citizen of the county,
and in religion he and his wife were members of
the United Presbyterian Church. He died in 1881,
on the farm where he was born, and his widow was
laid beside him in 1889.
Thomas B. Hixon was born October 14, 1840, on
the old home farm in North Strabane township,
where he is now living. He passed his boyhood in
attending to the school and farm duties. In the
year 1861 he was married to Priscilla J. Horner,
who was born in 1843, in North Strabane town
ship, daughter of Robert and Matilda Horner,
early pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hixon
have had the following children: James H, Mary
A. (wife of George Beebout, of Ohio), Nettie P.
(married to Thomas Berry, a farmer of Missouri),
Louis, Scott, Anna, Thomas, George, Howard,
Charles and Ella. Mr. Hixon has owned and oper
ated a public gristmill, and also two portable saw
mills, for many years. He has a fine farm of 114
acres, which he manages with marked success. He
is a Democrat, and has served the township in the
capacity of assessor four years, and as school
director for three terms. He and his wife are
devoted members of the U. P. Church.

( OBERT S. COOLEY was born September
16, 1843, in Hanover township, Beaver
county, Penn. He was a son of Joseph,
whose father, Robert, was born near Pitts
burgh, Penn. Robert Cooley was married
to Jane Smith, who was born near Saw Mill run, in
Allegheny county. He was a blacksmith by trade,
and worked near Pittsburgh for some time, then
moved to Hanover township, Beaver county, locat
ing about two and a half miles east of Frankfort.
He worked at his trade there, and afterward turned
his attention to farming, following that pursuit the
remainder of his active life. His death occurred
about 1868, having been preceded by his wife in
1863, and both are now buried in Hopewell ceme
tery, Allegheny county. They were the parents of
the following children: Joseph, Jane, Mary Ann,
Robert, Francis, Nancy, Elizabeth, Mary, Marga
ret, Ellen and William (who died in infancy). The

children of this family now living are: Francis,
residing near Abilene, Kans. ; Elizabeth, a maiden
lady of Beaver county; and Margaret (Mrs. Mc-
Callister Dunlap), of Beaver county.
Joseph Cooley, son of Robert and Jane Cooley,
was born in 1816, in Allegheny county, where he
attended the rate schools. He then served a four
years' apprenticeship as a carpenter, and worked at
his trade in various places. In 1838 he was mar
ried to Matilda Anderson, who was born in 1818,
and their children were born as follows: Mary Ann
(Mrs. Samuel Kiefer, of Beaver county, Penn.),
Elizabeth J. (wife of John Cool, of Allegheny
county), Robert S. (whose sketch follows), Letitia.
E. (Mrs. Thomas), Joseph (a farmer of Beaver
county), Matilda (wife of John Donnell, of Alle
gheny county) and Nancy (who died in infancy).
After his marriage Joseph Cooley located on the
farm of his father, in Beaver county, and resided
there the remainder of his life. In politics he was
a Republican, taking an active interest in the suc
cess of his party, and in religion was formerly a
member of the Presbyterian Church at Hopewell,
in Allegheny county, afterward uniting with the
Frankfort Presbyterian Church. He died in 1881.
Robert S. Cooley was born September 16, 1843,
in Beaver county, passing his youth on the farm,
and being educated in the common schools. On
October 28, 1874, he was married to Jennie L.
Gilleland, who was born in 1849, daughter of Will
iam Gilleland, of Beaver county. Robert S. and
Jennie L. (Gilleland) Cooley have had six children,
viz.: Mary E. , William R., Harry A., Estella, a
son deceased in infancy, and Robert C. Mr. and
Mrs. Cooley began wedded life on the farm in
Hanover township, Washington county, where they
yet reside. He has been engaged in general farm
ing and stock raising, and is numbered among the
well-to-do and successful farmers of the commu
nity. He is ever ready to assist in any beneficial
enterprise, and was among the first to aid in the
establishment of a creamery, which was opened near
his home some time since. In politics he is a Re
publican, and in religion he and his wife are mem
bers of the Frankfort Presbyterian Church, in
which he is a member of the Session.

))

MrRS. NARCISSA V. YANT is the widow
of James H. Yant, and daughter of New
ton and Nancy (Cooper) Vanvoorhis. Isaac
^ Vanvoorhis, a well-known farmer of Som
erset township, this county, is an uncle of
Mrs. Yant.
James H. Yant was a son of Daniel, who was
born in Chester county, Penn., his parents having
emigrated from Germany to Pittsburgh. In 1825
Daniel Yant came to AVashington county, Penn.,
and bought a good farm, to which he brought his

722

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

wife, Sarah Applegate, a native of Allegheny
county, Penn. They were the parents of two chil
dren: Martha, widow of John Stoud, living in
Allen township, and James H. Tfie father died on
the farm in September, 1867.
James H. Yant was bom April 30, 1827, in Car
roll township, Washington Co., Penn., and received
a subscription-school education. His youth was
passed in assisting his parents, and he early evinced
a strong inclination for mechanical pursuits. In
November, 1852,' he selected a life companion, in
the person of Miss Narcissa Vanvoorhis, who bore
him the following children: Clarence Linden, James
Taylor, Lena May (all of whom are deceased);
Daniel Newton, born December 13, 1857, is super
intendent of the iron mills at Allegheny City; Sam
uel Linton, living on a farm in Allegheny county,
born August 26, 1863; Theodore Clinton, a carpen
ter, of AVashington, Penn., born May 22, 1867;
Nora Ethel, living at home, born August 24, 1874,
and Harvey A. , also at home, born January 20,
1879. Mr. Yant was a hard-working man and an
excellent manager, having owned 135 acres of good
land. When his health failed, the sons took
charge of the place, which they have since con
ducted very successfully. Mr. Yant voted with the
Republican party, and in religion associated with
the Presbyterian Church. In business circles he
possessed the thorough confidence of all, and ' ' his
word was ever considered as good as his bond."
He died July 10, 1888, and was buried in the Van
voorhis cemetery at Pigeon Creek. Since the
death of her husband, Mrs. Yant has rented a por
tion of the farm, and resides in the handsome brick
residence, which is located about two and a half
miles from Monongahela City. She is a very pop
ular, agreeable lady, and a valued member of a
large social circle.

EORGE H. MILLER, M. D., one of the
leading physicians of McDonald, in this
county, was born near Claysville, Penn.,
April 23, 1846. He is a son of Christopher
and Sarah J. Miller, who were married in
1840. To them were born nine children — six sons
and three daughters. The sons are Leamon, Cal
vin, George H., Charles W. , William and John;
the girls are Mary Jane, Margaret (wife of John
Holmes) and Frances E. (widow of Bruce Ramage).
Of the boys, three are dead — Leamon, William and
John. Dr. Miller was born in Donegal township, this
county. He received his elementary education at
the common schools, at the Southwestern State
Normal School, California, and the normal school
at Millsboro, and after teaching four or five years
in the different schools of the county commenced
the study of medicine, in 1867, with Dr. John

Kelly, now of Washington, Penn. In the fall of
1870 he attended medical lectures at Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia. He then con
ducted a drug store at Burgettstown until the
fall of 1872; again attended medical lectures at
the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati (Ohio)
from which he graduated in March, 1873, and
commenced the practice of his profession at Clays
ville. After remaining there for eighteen months
he moved to Midway, Penn., and after staying
there some four years moved to Imperial, Alle
gheny Co., Penn., where he remained for eicht
years. He then moved to McDonald, his present
location, where he is engaged in the practice of
his profession, also conducting a drug store.
On May 30, 1872, the Doctor was united in
marriage with Frances E. AVoodburn, daughter of
John and Margaret Woodburn, of Burgettstown,
both of whom are still living — he at the age of
eighty -two and his wife at the age of eighty-one.
The following named children were born to this
union: Lawrence E. (deceased), Anna M., Will
iam M., George F. and John Stanley. Dr. Mil
ler is an attendant of the United Presbyterian
Church, and in political opinion is a prominent
member of the Republican party; was one of the
first members of McDonald council, and also one
of the first members of its 'school board. He now
enjoys a very lucrative practice, and is a popular
physician.

k\ILSON S. CAMPBELL. The great-great
grandfather of the subject of this sketch
came from Scotland in the beginning of
the sixteenth century, and settled in east
ern Pennsylvania or New Jersey, where
he died. The great-grandfather of Wilson S. was
married to  — Hammond about 1775 (a native
of eastern Pennsylvania), and shortly afterward
they came further west, settling in the northern
part of AVashington county, Penn. , near what is
now Cross Creek village, at a time when the forests
were abounding in wolves and other wild beasts.
They had nine children: Gracie, John, James,
William, David, Charles, George H., Betsey and
Polly, all of whom lived to be married, and scat
tered. Gracie, John, James, William and David
moved to Belmont county, Ohio; the other four
married and remained in Pennsylvania. Gracie
married Benjamin Bay; John married Betsey Lyle;
James married Peggy Smith; AA'illiam married
 Smith; David married Ann Ray; Charles
married Easter Mason; George H. married Eliza
beth Ray; Betsey married William Ray ; Polly mar
ried William Fulton. George H. and Charles re
mained on the old homestead, and died there at
advanced ages.
George H. Campbell, grandfather of subject,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

723

had eleven children: Jane, married to John Wil
son of Noble county, Ohio; John, married to Eliza
Moore, of Hickory, Penn. ; Mary, married to John
Graham, of Knox county, Ohio; William, married
to Elizabeth Nichols, of Greene county, Penn. ;
Elizabeth, who died at the age of fifty-eight, un
married; Samuel S. (named for Dr. Scott, deceased,
Mrs. President Harrison's father; was married
three times: first time to a daughter of Dr.
Wright, of Ashtabula, Ohio; second time, to Ann
E. Wallace, of Washington, Penn. ; third time, to
Mary Law, of Harrison county, Ohio) ; George W.
(the father of our subject); Esther I. (unmarried),
living in Cadiz, Ohio. The others died when
young. Mason Campbell, son of Charles, now
lives on the old home place.
George W. Campbell was born in 1826, in Cross
Creek township, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits on the old home farm, attending in his
boyhood the subscription schools of the vicinity.
In 1855 he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of
James and Margaret Wilson, of West Pike Run
township. After marriage they located on the old
farm in Cross Creek township, and there remained
till October, 1867, when they moved to Midway,
Robinson township, and two and one-half years
later built the hotel in Midway, which they occu
pied and carried on till September, 3, 1885, at
which date the father died very suddenly, aged fif
ty-nine years. The family.remained at Midway,
continuing the hotel business, until March, 1 890.
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Campbell were the par
ents of five children, as follows: Johnetta Jessie,
who died at the age of ten months ; Wilson S. (our
subject); Graham S., living at McDonald, this coun
ty; Esther Elida, married to W. H. Baldwin, of
Cadiz, Ohio, and Mary Veima, deceased at the age
of nine months.
Wilson S. Campbell was born April 20, 1858, in
Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., on
the homestead where he was reared to farm life,
his education being received in the public schools
of the neighborhood. He removed with his par
ents to Midway, and at the age of fifteen com
menced clerking in a general store in that town, in
which he continued nine years. Then for six
years he conducted a furniture establishment in
the same town. On January 5, 1891, he was ap
pointed clerk of the commissioners of Washington
county, and removed into the city of Washington,
where he is now residing. Under President Ar
thur's administration he had been appointed post
master at Midway, and served in that office until
the appointment of a Democratic successor under
President Cleveland. On September 20, 1882, Mr.
Campbell was united in marriage with Miss Kate
E., daughter of J. J. and Margaret Cleland, of
Buffalo township, this county, and two children
were born to them, James St. Clair and Flora

Elida. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of
the Second Presbyterian Church at Washington,
and while at Midway he was a member of the Ses
sion, of Raccoon Presbyterian Church. In politics
he has always been a straight Republican.

EiDWARD P. CHERRY. This well-known
and successful gentleman can boast a
prouder lineage than lord or lady of royal
birth, for his ancestors were among the
first rulers of the New World, and martyrs for the
future generation, freely giving their lives that
"the children" might have happier homes and
the God-giving liberties which were denied our
fathers. Shall the memory of these ancestors, our
royal peerage, sink into oblivion while we enjoy
the priceless liberties for which our fathers toiled,
suffered and died? Small wonder that we are
eager to obtain and record every incident of those
noble lives, hoping to thus rear a monument for our
loved and honored ones, which will live in the
hearts of our children when we, too, "are gathered
to our fathers." Among the earliest of early
pioneers the name of Cherry takes a prominent
position. Thomas and Mary Cherry were born near Bristol,
England, and emigrated to America' in 1770, first
settling in Frederick county, Md. In 1774 they
moved to Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co. ,
Penn., where he erected a log cabin. He was a
spy in the Revolutionary war, and one morning
was found lying dead by the spring near the cabin,
scalped by the Indians; his son John was also
killed by the Indians the following year. In 1774
Fort Cherry was built on the home farm, contain
ing three log buildings, one twenty-five feet square,
and the smaller ones arranged in a triangular
manner. This was used some years as the resi
dence of the Cherry, McCarty and Rankin families.
Edward Cherry was born in July, 1776, on the
home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
where his boyhood was passed amid the dangers of
pioneer life, trebled by the horrors of the
Revolution. On March 4, 1802, he was united in
marriage with Rebecca Perrin, who was born in
1781, in New Jersey, and bore him children, of
whom the following is recorded: William P., born
in December, 1803, was reared on the farm,
receiving a meager subscription-school education,
but by close application became an expert
mathematician (he was several times offered the
chair as professor of mathematics, but would not
accept it, preferring to remain on the old farm;
he was actively interested in politics; he died
April 10, 1890); Eleanor, born March 10, 1805, on
January 20, 1825, was married to Thomas Stewart,
a farmer, and resided in Allegheny county, Penn.
(she passed away February 5, 1872); Nancy, born

724

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in November, 1806, on March 12, 1835, gave her
hand in marriage to Matthew Rankin (they settled
in Mt. Pleasant township, where she died Decem
ber 5, 1855; her husband married again and died
at Burgettstown June 13, 1880); Aaron, bom
August 29, 1808, on May 19, 1834, was united in
marriage with Margaret Benward, first settling in
Mt. Pleasant township, thence moving to Woos-
ter, Ohio, and afterward returning to Mt.
Pleasant township where they lived twenty years
on the farm, then went to Uhrichsville, Ohio,
where he died September 17, 1875; Maria L.,
born in November, 1810, was never married, and
died August 12, 1886; Rebecca, born in Decem
ber, 1812, passed her life on the home farm and
died October 8, 1881 ; Rachel, born in December,
1814, was married on October 8, 1840, to James
Stewart (they settled in Allegheny county, Penn. ,
where she died) ; Sarah, born in 1817, lived with
her brother, Edward P., until her death, which
occurred in December, 1891; Edward P., born
May 19, 1819, whose sketch is given below; Eliza
Jane, born in 1821, was married October 8, 1850,
to William Cherry, Guernsey county, Ohio (they
first settled on the home farm, and in 1875 moved
to near Waco, McLennan Co., Tex., where they
now reside).
The father of this large family was a soldier in
the war of 1812, and in politics was a stanch ad
herent of the Whig party. He was a man of
sterling moral worth and true piety, but a member
of no church. Mrs. Cherry was a member of the
Presbyterian Church of Candor, this county. He
died July 1, 1854, in his seventy-eighth year, on
the farm where his whole life had been passed.
Edward P. Cherry was born on the old farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, on Cherry's run, in Cherry
valley, which is yet his home. He was educated
in the subscription schools of the neighborhood,
and on September 26, 1854, was married to Mary
Jane Lawton, a native of Cross Creek township,
this county. She is a granddaughter of Joseph
and Mary (Alway) Lawton, natives of Rhode Is
land, who came to this county in 1824, and settled
in Cross Creek township, where he died in 1839,
his wife passing away in 1841. She is a daughter
of Pardon Lawton, who was born, in 1798, in
Rhode Island, and in 1824 he and his parents
came with a six-ox team over the mountains to
Washington county, Penn. , settling in Cross Creek
township. In 1826 he was married to Tabitha
Vincent, daughter of Alexander and Jane Vincent,
natives of Maryland, who moved to Washington
county, Penn. , settling in Hopewell township, and
the young people settled permanently in Cross
Creek township. He was an active politician of
the Whig party. Mrs. Lawton was a member of
the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and both she
and her husband were conscientious Christians.

He died January 27, 1876, and was followed by
his wife October 25, 1884. Their children were
born as follows: Joseph (living in West Middle-
town, Penn., married to Mary Louisa Quest);
Rosanna (married to Samuel ' Davidson, Hopewell
township); Mary Jane, born April 18, 1830 (mar
ried to Edward P. Cherry); Sarah (living in Hope
well township, wife of George Leggett) ; Peter (liv
ing in Cressna Park, Penn., married to Mary
McCoy) ; Alexander (living in West Middletown);
Charles (residing in Washington, Penn. , married
to Sarah Guiney); John (enlisted in 1861, at AVest
Middletown, in the Forty-second P. V. I. , serving
till the end of the war, when he went to Monmouth;
he was married to Matilda Brownlee, and died in
September, 1878); James (living in West Middle-
town, this county); Thomas Vincent (a resident of
West Middletown) and Margaret Elizabeth (also
living in West Middletown).
Mr. Cherry owns a good farm containing 103
acres, part of which he rents and uses as a pasture.
It has been in the possession of the Cherry family
since 1774, and many improvements have been
made, a good house being erected in 1884. Mr.
Cherry is fond of hunting and is a skillful marks
man. Politically he has long been an active Re
publican, having voted for General Harrison, and
served his party in various township offices. He
and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at
Hickory, this county. [Since the above was writ
ten, Mr. Edward P. Cherry died at his home in
Mt. Pleasant township, December 23, 1 892, in his
seventy-fourth year.

THE FARLEY FAMILY. The oldest mem
ber of the family of this name, of whom
there is any record, was Joseph Farley, a
farmer by occupation, a native of County
Armagh, Ireland, who there married Sarah
Carr, a resident of the same county, and reared the
following children: Joseph, William, Robert,
James, Samuel, John and Rebecca (Mrs. John
Kennedy). Mr. Farley was a member of the Pres
byterian Church, of which Rev. James Harvey was
the pastor.
Joseph Farley was born in 1779, in County Ar
magh, Ireland, and received his education in the
schools of that country. In early manhood he was
married to Nancy Lindsey, a resident of the same
neighborhood, and the children born to them in
Ireland were: John, Mary (Mrs. Samuel Palmer),
James, William, Rebecca and Samuel. In 1824
Mr. Farley and his family embarked at Warrens-
point, Ireland, for America, and after a voyage of
five weeks and three days landed at Quebec, Can
ada, in which city they remained eight weeks, and
thence traveling slowly by boats and carriages, ar
rived at Pittsburgh with but $15 with which to

/^72^

m^mm^/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

727

begin a new life. They pushed bravely on, how
ever, and finally reached Washington county,
Penn., where Mr. Farley rented a farm in Char
tiers township. Here he remained four years, and
then moved to South Strabane township, where he
lived five years, at the end of which time he re
turned to Chartiers township, where he resided
nineteen years, afterward purchasing a farm in
South Strabane township, to which he s5ou added
the place now occupied by the family, and hither
he moved. After settling in AVashington county,
two daughters were born to them: Sarah and Nancy
J. Mr. Farley was another example of what suc
cess might be achieved by patient industry, for
from small beginnings he became a prosperous
farmer and stock raiser. In politics he was a lead
ing Democrat, and in religious faith he was a
member of and liberal contributor toward the
United Presbyterian Church at Cross Roads, in
Chartiers township. In June, 1857, he was laid to
rest by the side of his wife, who had preceded him
to the grave in November, 1856.
James Fakley was born in Ireland, March 2,
1814, and when a small boy came with his father
to Washington county, Penn., where he imbibed
the fundamental principles of education in the
common schools, becoming a good reader, well-in
formed on current topics. On August 28, 1851,
he was united in marriage with Jane Ross, who
was born January 12, 1814, daughter of Thomas
Ross, a native of eastern Pennsylvania; they after
ward adopted Rebecca Ann McLaughlin, who re
mained with her foster parents till 1877, when she
was united in marriage with Rev. Lycurgus
Mechlen, of New Athens, Ohio, and their children
were James F. , George, Robert D. and Jane Re
becca. Mr. Farley was a successful farmer, and
engaged extensively in the live stock business. He
was a leading member of the Democratic party.
On April 14, 1891, he died, and was buried in the
cemetery at Washington. His widow still lives on
the farm.
William Fakley (a brother of James) was born
in May, 1816, in Ireland, and coming with the
family to America in 1824, received the greater
part of his education in the common schools of this
country. He is an eager reader, and an enterpris
ing member of the community. In political life he
is a Democrat, and though never caring to assume
a prominence in the arena of politics, still he is
ever ready to advance the cause of his party.

JlOHN FEE, a successful farmer of Chartiers
township, was born March 10, 1817, in North
| Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn.
His ancestors were natives of the Emerald
Isle, the grandparents, William and Elizabeth Fee,
having emigrated from Ireland to Maryland, where

they were married. They afterward came to Can
onsburg, Washington county, where William Fee
died about 1815, being followed by his wife a few
years later.
William Fee (father of subject) was born in
Maryland, coming to Washington county, Penn.,
when about sixteen years of age, and was afterward
married to Elizabeth Hamilton, a native of North
Strabane township, this county, and daughter of
David Hamilton, whose father came to Chartiers
township when but five years of age. He served
six months in the Revolutionary war. The father
of Miss Hamilton was born March 10, 1750, near
Carlisle, Penn., where he was united in marriage
with Margaret Gardner, and afterward came to
Washington county, settling in South Strabane
township, where he followed farming. He died in
1840, his widow in 1848; both were members of
the Presbyterian Church.
After his marriage to Elizabeth Hamilton, Will
iam Fee lived for some time in North Strabane
township, this county, moving to a farm in Char
tiers township about 1822, where the following
children were reared: Harriet (widow of William
Harsha, of Canonsburg, this county), Elizabeth
(deceased in 1851), John (subject), David (married
to Maria McLaughlin, and died in 1852), Samuel
(deceased October 8, 1849) and William G. (of
whom mention is made further on). Mr. Fee was
an active member of the Whig party, serving as
justice of the peace for many years, and in religion
a member of the Cross Roads United Presbyterian
Church. He died November 25, 1861, being fol
lowed by his wife on October 28, 1877.
John Fee was educated in the schools of Char
tiers township, and then learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed about thirteen years, spend
ing six months in Cincinnati in 1843. On Sep
tember 29, 1847, he was married to Hannah Quinn,.
a native of Washington borough, but reared in
Chartiers township. She is a daughter of James
Quinn, who was born in Ireland, and settled in
Washington county, Penn., at an early day. Mrs.
Fee has one living brother, James Quinn, of Tyner,
Ohio. The following children have been born to
John and Hannah Fee: Lida A., John, David
(married to Eva Pattison, and living at Canons
burg, this county), Rebecca (wife of Matthew A.
Cain, of Chartiers township), Samuel (married to
Anna McCoy, and living at McConnell's Mill),
Ellis, Harry (married to Jennie McCarty, and living
at McConnell's Mill), and William H. (married to
Julia M. Humphrey, and living in Canonsburg).
After his marriage John Fee settled on the farm of
113 acres, where he is now living. This farm is of
excellent soil, has upon it a considerable amount of
timber and is underlaid with a vein of No. 1 coal.
Mr. Fee has served the public several terms as
school director, and both he and Mrs. Fee are held

728

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in high esteem by all who know them. Both are
faithful and consistent members of Cross Roads
United Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Fee
is a Republican.
Mr. Fee' s only living brother is Prof. William
G. Fee, of Cherokee county, Iowa, married to
Elizabeth Welch. He is a noted educator, and
has twice held the office of county superintendent
of schools for Washington county, Penn. He re
moved from Canonsburg to Iowa in 1878, where
he owns a quarter section of land. He is an elder
in the United Presbyterian Church, of Quimby,
Iowa.

T' M. BERRYHILL. Among the progress
ive business men of Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this gentleman is recognized as one of
the leading citizens and most successful
dairy farmers. He is a representative of
one of the prominent pioneer families of Washing
ton county.
William Berryhill was of Scotch descent, and
served as captain under Washington throughout
the Revolution. After that struggle he settled
near Greencastle, Penn., and followed the black
smith's trade some years, afterward purchasing the
farm where his life was passed. In early manhood
he was united in marriage with Ruth Steele, who
was born in Ireland, coming with her parents to
America when but one year of age. The children
born to William and Ruth (Steele) Berryhill were
as follows : Alexander S. , Ruth (Mrs. Noble), Will
iam, Samuel, Elias and Isabella (wife of Rev.
Blackburn). Mr. Berryhill was a Federalist in
politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of
the county. He and his family were members of
the Presbyterian Church.
Alexander Berryhill was born in Lancaster county,
Penn., and was educated in the schools of the
neighborhood. In early life he came to Union-
town, Penn. , where he was married to Mary, daugh
ter of Moses Linn. After his marriage he moved
to West Virginia, and conducted a tan yard for
some time, and then opened a general store at
West Liberty. He finally sold out, and became
one of the pioneer boatmen of that vicinity, mak
ing trips from West Liberty, to Nashville, Tenn.
He exchanged the northern produce for cotton,
sugar, and other articles raised in the Southern
States. While returning from one trip, he met the
first jteamboat that was ever on the Ohio river, and
challenged the crew for a race to Short Creek.
They accepted, and he won the race. In 1830 he
came to Cross Creek township, this county, where
he made a permanent home. In politics he was
formally a Whig, afterward uniting with the Dem
ocratic party. He and his wife were members of
the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents

of the following children: William, Moses L., Alex
ander S., Maria I. (wife of William McKenly),
James, John, Samuel and Martha.
William G. Berryhill (son of Alexander) was
born in 1802, in West Liberty, W. Va. , and came
with his parents to Cross Creek township in an
early day. On December 8, 1831, he was united
in marriage with Maria Marshall, who was born in
1803, in Venango county, Penn., and coming with
her parents to North Strabane township, there
grew to womanhood. Mr. Berryhill was a teacher
of Cross Creek township, and after his marriage
resided in different parts of the county until 1841,
when he and his wife moved to Knox county, 111.,
thence to Richland county, Ohio, where they re
mained one winter; then located in Knox county,
Ohio, where he followed his profession in connec
tion with farming; in 1848 he returned to Cross
Creek village, AVashington Co., Penn. In politics
he was an ardent Democrat, and in religion he and
his wife were members of the Union Church in
Mount Vernon, Ohio. He died in June, 1848, and
within a fortnight his wife was laid beside him.
They were the parents of six children, viz. : Alex
ander (deceased in 1856, a cabinet maker of Mount
Vernon, Ohio), T. M. (whose name opens this
sketch), Abner (deceased in 1858, Armstrong
county, Penn.), Moses Linn (deceased when two
years of age), Arabella (deceased in Allegheny
county, Penn.) and James (accidentally killed near
Burgettstown, Penn.).
T. M. Berryhill was born September 19, 1834,
in Cross Creek township, this county, where his
boyhood was passed, excepting an interval of seven
years which he spent in Ohio. His early educa
tion was obtained in Knox county, Ohio, and in
1848 returned to Cross Creek village, Penn. On
March 21, 1861, he married Miss Jane Griffith, a
native of Mt. Pleasant township, the marriage
taking place at Hickory, this county. Miss Grif
fith was born on the farm which she and her hus
band have occupied. She is a daughter of Isaac,
and granddaughter of John and Jane (Martin) Grif
fith, natives of Maryland, who settled on the home
farm in Mt. Pleasant township many years ago,
he dying April 1, 1825, his widow April 2, 1834.
Isaac Griffith was born, in 1800, on the old home
farm, and in 1836 was married to Elizabeth Esler,
who came with her parents to Cecil township when
a child, locating on Miller's run. Isaac Griffith
was a farmer, in politics a Whig, afterward be
coming a Republican; he and his wife were mem
bers of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church.
She died in 1857, and in 1867 he was laid by her
side. The children born to this union were as
follows: Jane (Mrs. T. M. Berryhill), Robert (liv
ing in Missouri), John (living in Mt. Pleasant
township), James (assassinated in August, 1890,
in Arizona, near Flagstaff), Elizabeth (residing

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

729

in Hickory, this county), Isaac M. (accidentally shot
himself in 1884 at Coffey ville,' Kans.), Letitia (wife
of M. J. Liggett, living in Independence township,
this county), and Harriet Ann (wife of J. S. Lig
gett, a resident of Independence township).
T. M. and Jane (Griffith) Berryhill first settled
in Hickory, this county, where he followed the
blacksmith' s trade until 1863. He then moved to
Jefferson county, Ohio, where he bought a farm
and remained until 1867, when he sold out, and
returning to Washington county, settled on the
farm of 162 acres which he now owns. He has
followed dairy farming exclusively for six years,
milking from twenty to twenty-four cows daily, and
raising enough stock to supply the dairy. He has
a good house and barn, and is a prosperous citizen,
in politics voting with the Republican party. Mr.
and Mrs. Berryhill are members of the U. P.
¦Church at Hickory, of which he is a ruling elder.
Their union has been blessed with the following
children: Nettie A. (wife of Robert A. Russell,
Mount Pleasant township), William G. (a medical
student, married to Delia McCarrell), Blanche B.
(wife of Harry A. Smith, Mt. Pleasant township),
Charley M. and Lulu A. (the latter two yet living
at home).

RS JANE SAWHILL, widow of John
Sawhill, was born in 1824, in Ohio county,
W. Va., a daughter of Thomas Pollock.
In 1843 she was united in marriage with
John Sawhill, who was born December 6,
1812, in East Finley township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he received a common- school educa
tion, which he afterward considerably improved by
reading. Alexander Sawhill, his father, was a na
tive of Ireland, whence he came to this country
with his parents who settled in eastern Pennsyl
vania where they died. He was there married to
Mary Neely, a daughter of native-born Irish par
ents, and after the death of his parents the young
¦couple came, about the year 1803, to Washington
county, locating in Buffalo township. Here they
remained several years, and then moved to take up
their final residence in East Finley township, near
the Buffalo township line. Twelve children were
born to them, of whom John was sixth in order of
birth. l
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Saw
hill settled down to farm life, in East Finley town
ship, near Claysville. Some years later he pur
chased the Milligan property, situated about one
mile from Claysville, in East Finley township, and
near the Donegal township line, where his widow
still lives. Here he died August 30, 1887. He
was a successful farmer, and by industry and good
management accumulated considerable property.
Re was a prominent man in the community, enjoy

ing the highest respect and esteem of his neigh
bors. In politics he was a stanch Republican; in
religion he belonged to the Presbyterian Church
at Claysville, toward which he was a liberal con
tributor. To Mr. and Mrs. John Sawhill were born chil
dren as follows: Anna M., born February 8, 1845,
wife of James McConahey, of Donegal township;
Mary A., born August 1, 1849, died July 10, 1870;
Thomas A., bom February 3, 1851, now living in
Concordia, Cloud Co. , Kans. ; Elizabeth Jane, born
July 5, 1853, wife of John Post, of East Finley
township; William F., born October 16, 1855, now
in Concordia, Kans. ; John E., born October 7,
1858, residing in Iowa; Elden C, born May 30,
1861, now a Presbyterian minister in Enon, Law
rence Co., Penn., and three that died in infancy.

DAVID E. McNARY. No family has been
more prominently identified with, or can
/ boast a prouder record among, the heroic
pioneers of Washington county, than those
who bear the McNary name. The earliest an
cestors of the race were natives of Scotland, in
which country one James McNary was born in
1711. His boyhood was passed among his native
hills, but in early manhood he went to Ireland, re
maining there a short time. Youth is ever rest
less, and, longing for new and wider fields of
action, the young man emigrated to America in
1760, where he made a permanent settlement in
Chanceford township, York Co., Penn.
Thomas McNary was born on his father's farm
in York county, and in 1782 located on a place of
250 acres on North Strabane township, Washing
ton Co., Penn. , for which he paid £375 in current
specie. He was married, and reared a large family
of children. From 1799 to 1820 he was an elder
in what is now the Chartiers United Presbyterian
Church. In personal appearance he was a large,
fine-looking man. He died in 1820.
David McNary was born in 1771, in York county,
Penn., and came with his parents to Washington
county when yet a boy. He was reared to man
hood on the farm in this county, and was married
to Miss Jane Edgar, who was born about 1791 in
Ireland, daughter of Samuel Edgar, a very prom
inent man in his day. The following children
came to their union: Phoebe, born May 28, 1818;
Thomas J., born January 24, 1820; Samuel, born
January 22, 1822; Jeanette, born November 29,
1823; Mary, bom February 6, 1826; David E.,
born March 3, 1828; Matthew, born February 21,
1830; James, born August 17, 1833; and Joseph,
born January 28, 1836. Of this family are yet
living: Samuel (who is a very large man, weighing
330 pounds); Mary (married to John Templeton, a
farmer of North Strabane township); Joseph (a

730

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

retired farmer, living in Washington, Penn.), and
David E.
David E. McNary was born on the old McNary
homestead in North Strabane township. He worked
on the farm in boyhood, mowing hay with an old-
fashioned scythe, and gathering it with a wooden
fork cut from a bush. On August 11, 1853, he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ann,
daughter of Samuel Martin, a well-known citizen
of Chartiers township, and the following children
have blessed their union: Samuel M., born May
29, 1854; James B.,born July1 29, 1856; Adeline,
born February 15, 1858; Anetta, born May 23,
1860; Thomas A., born December 17, 1861; Mary
B. , born November 20, 1865 ; and Elizabeth E. and
David C. (twins), born August 20, 1869. Follow
ing their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McNary resided
in North Strabane township until 1871, when they
located on their present place in Cross Creek town
ship, erecting their handsome residence in 1875.
Mr. McNary is another practical witness to the
possibilities which lie before every industrious and
intelligent young man. Beginning life a poor boy
with limited education, by honest and hard work,
strict economy and sturdy integrity he has risen
step by step, and to-day he occupies a prominent
and enviable position among the citizens of not
only Cross Creek township, but of the entire
county. He now owns 196 acres of fine land, and
is much interested in stock raising, making a
specialty of fine-wooled sheep, of which he owns
between three and four hundred. Politically, Mr.
McNary has ever been a stanch Republican, serv
ing his party as county commissioner during the
years 1888, '89 and '90. In religious faith he is
a member and elder of the United Presbyterian
Church of West Middletown.

P,ETER MARTIN, a prominent and enter -
' prising farmer of Chartiers township, is a
native of the same, having been born Feb
ruary 6, 1823, on his father's farm in this
county. He is a grandson of Peter Martin,
who was born in Scotland, and at an early day
came here and settled in Washington county, Penn. ,
where he made a permanent home. His son Sam
uel was born on the farm in South Strabane town
ship, and there grew to manhood. He was mar
ried to Jane White, a resident of North Strabane
township, and the young couple settled, about 1816,
in Chartiers township, this county, where they
made a permanent home. The following children
were born to their union: Mary (Mrs. Robert
Morgan, who died in 1888), Eleanor (deceased
wife of John Fergus), Petef , Sarah, Jane (married
to John Morgan, of Chartiers township), and Ann
Elizabeth (wife of David E. McNary, of Cross
Creek township). Mr. Martin was a farmer, and

was always prominently identified with the inter
ests of the community. His wife died in 1836
and he passed to his last resting place in 1864.
Peter Martin passed his boyhood on the home
farm, where, together with the neighboring
urchins, he attended the country school. On No
vember 10, 1859, he was married to Mary A.,
daughter of David and Margaret (Morrison) Wat
son. Miss Watson was of Scotch descent, her
great-grandfather, Gavin Morrison, having come
from Scotland in 1773, with his family of three
sons. Gavin Morrison died in AVashington coun
ty in 1782, and the elder son, James, grandfather
of Mrs. Martin, settled on the land, it having been
surveyed for him in 1784. The Morrison family
trace their lineage to this ancestor, who died in
1813. David Watson married Margaret Morrison.
He died many years ago, leaving a family of
children, among whom was Mary (Mrs. Martin).
His wife died in 1875, aged eighty years and six
teen days.
After his marriage Peter Martin settled on his
present home in Chartiers township, a well-culti
vated, productive farm of 142 acres, with two good
gas wells on the place. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have
had four children: Anna M., Eva Jane (Mrs.
John R. Jamison, of Chartiers township), Lizzie
B. , and George C. ' Mr. Martin has a good grade
of stock, and is a successful business man. He is
not an active politician, but casts his ballot with-
the Republican party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin
are members of the Cross Roads United Presby
terian Church.

TlAMES BUCHANAN MONTGOMERY, a
^ I prosperous and progressive young farmer,.
Vj) and extensive landowner, of East Finley
^^ township, is a native of the same, born July
27, 1856, a son of Silas and Margaret (Elliott).
Montgomery. Hugh Montgomery, his grandfather, was born
in Ireland in 1780, and when yet a young man left
his native land to seek his fortune in the New
World. He landed in Philadelphia, whence he
pushed on to Washington county, and October 21,
1803, he took up 200 acres of land embracing
what is now the home tract of the Alexander Mont
gomery estate, .situate about seven miles southeast
of Claysville; the farm is situated on the head-'
waters of Big Wheeling creek. Here he built a
log cabin in the midst of the wilderness, and began
to clear the land. In 1808 he was united in mar
riage with Ruth Enlow, a resident of East Finley
township, and who was living near the lonely
young pioneer, to which union were bom the fol
lowing children: Susanna (Mrs Thornberry), born
February 20, 1810; Anne (Mrs. Sprowls), born
November 17, 1811; James, born October 23, 1813

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} (rnZa<m/i&d^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

733

(moved to Ohio); John, born November 5, 1815
(settled in East Finley, where he died) ; Jesse, born
September 27, 1817 (settled in East Finley) ; Will
iam, born July 23, 1819 (was a resident of Wash
ington borough for many years; he kept a store,
and was justice of the peace twelve years); Re
becca (Mrs. Post), born May 24, 1821; Phcebe
(Mrs. Martin), born November 14, 1823 (lived in
Ohio); Alexander, born August 6, 1825; Mary
(Mrs. Sprowls), born May 13, 1828, and Silas,
born June 18, 1830. Only one of this family is now
living, Mary, residing in East Finley township,
the widow of Simeon Sprowls. Hugh Montgom
ery was a farmer all his life, and his success in
business was but a just reward of his industry and
economy. In addition to the land which he first
took up after settling in Pennsylvania, he after
ward purchased over 600 acres, and at his death
he bequeathed 150 acres to each of his six sons; he
was also an extensive stock dealer. In politics he
was a lifelong Democrat. He died May 17, 1847,
aged sixty-seven years, followed by his wife July
22, same year, aged sixty-one years.
Silas Montgomery, the youngest child of Hugh
Montgomery, first saw the light in East Finley
township, this county, and his boyhood and early
youth were passed on his father's farm, his educa
tion being limited to a few weeks' attendance at
the old log school-house at Stony Point. On Sep
tember 7, 1855, he was married to Margaret,
daughter of William Elliott, of Morris township.
By this union two children were born, as follows :
James Buchanan and Elliott Wilson, the latter
born October 31, 1857, and died September 15,
1877. Silas Montgomery died August 27, 1883,
since when his widow has made her home with her
son J. B. Silas Montgomery was a successful
farmer, and at the time of his death owned a con
siderable amount of property. In politics he was
a Democrat, and in religious connection he held to
the Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine; he was
one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyte
rian Church at Fairview.
J. B. Montgomery received a good, practical
common-school education, and learned farming
with his father, an occupation he has since suc
cessfully followed. On August 22, 1878, he was
united in marriage with Kate, daughter of Samuel
Hunt, of West Finley township, and to this union
were born children as follows: Ross, Silas, Ida,
Robert, Janettie, Samuel, Lucinda, Rosella
and Catherine (latter being now deceased). Since
his father's death, Mr. Montgomery has continued
to reside on the old home farm, consisting of 333
acres of well-improved land lying between Bar-
tholdi and East Finley postoffice, on it being .one
of the finest residences to be seen in the township.
Mr. Montgomery, in addition to his general farm
interests, is extensively engaged in threshing in

the season, and has a large sawmill on his property
which he operates; he also gives particular atten
tion to the breeding of Short-horn cattle. In
politics he is a Democrat. Religiously Mr. Mont
gomery belongs to the United Brethren. He has
always been very charitable, giving to all charities
and helping the poor.

THOMAS FERGUS. The Fergus family are
of Scotch descent, John Fergus, the grand
father of Thomas, having been born in Scot
land, where he was married. He came with
his family to America, and settled in Hunt
ingdon county, Penn.. where he died. John Fergus
had three sons: Thomas, John and Samuel.
Samuel Fergus was born in Huntingdon county,
Penn. , and passed his youth on the home farm,
receiving his education in the common schools. In
early manhood he was married to Miss Mary Pax
ton, and the following children were born to their
union : Hugh, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Hart), Mar
garet (Mrs. Thomas Maxwell), John,Martha,Thomas,
Sarah (Mrs. Hugh Fergus), Jane and Nancy. He
was a member of the Seceder Church at Canons
burg, and was an elder for many years. In politics
he was a Whig. He died April 14, 1853, at the
age of ninety years, and was followed by his wife
February 18, 1861, in her ninety-third year.
Thomas Fergus was born November 2, 1802, on
the home place in South Strabane township, and
received his education at the subscription school,
which was at first held in a log cabin on his
father's farm. The floor was of ashes, and the
seats were slabs of wood supported by wooden
pegs. They had no backs for the weary urchins
to rest upon, and the chimney consisted of a hole
in the roof. The fireplace occupied one end of
the building, and the windows were made by re
moving a portion of a log, and covering the space
with greased paper. The only text-books used
were t£e Testament, the United States Speller and
the Western Calculator. But even with these
meager opportunities Thomas acquired a fair edu
cation. On May 3, 1831, he was united in mar
riage with Elizabeth, daughter of John D. Roberts,
and to their union have been born the following
children : John D. , Mary, Susan (deceased), Han
nah J., Maria, Isabella, Samuel P., Addison R.
and Sarah M. After his marriage Mr. Fergus
settled on the farm in South Strabane township
now owned by Mr. Roberts, and resided there
seven years, when he removed to his present home.
He was formerly a Whig, and since the formation
of the party has been a Republican, being actively
interested in the political issues of the day. In
religion he is a prominent member of the United
Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, to which he
gives a liberal support.

734

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

It Mt H. BORLAND, a leading stock raiser and
\//\ prominent agriculturist of Cecil town-
¦i | ship, is a son of Cornelius Borland. His
I -1 grandfather, Matthew Borland, was born
v in County Down, Ireland, and about 1790,
while in early manhood, immigrated to America,
first locating in Allegheny county, Penn. He
married Margaret Connor, a native of upper St.
Clair township, where the young people began
their married life. In 1829 they moved to South
Fayette township, Allegheny county, where their
lives were ended. He was an active participant in
the Whisky Insurrection. Politically he was a
Democrat and afterward a Whig, and in religion
was a member of the Associate Reformed Presby
terian Church. He died in 1842, his wife in 1837.
Cornelius Borland was born June 10, 1806, on the
home place in Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny
county. In June, 1836, he married Rebecca Kelso,
who was born in 1816, in South Fayette township,
Allgeheny Co., Penn. The young people first
located on the old homestead, afterward moved to
North Fayette township, and in April, 1846, bought
204 acres of land in Cecil township, upon which
they settled. This tract was originally patented by
Edward Cheese, who disposed of his right to Mrs.
Kerr, who sold it to Arthur Long, who afterward
sold it to Dr. Riddile, and Mr. Borland finally
purchased it from the heirs of the last-named
owner. To Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Borland the
following children were born: M. H. , Martha M.
(wife of David Reed, of Smith township), Margaret
C. (Mrs. Vincent McBride, of Canton township),
Mary E. (wife of James A. Little, of Cecil town
ship), Agnes R. (wife of Andrew R. Paxton, of
Savannah, Ohio), Andrew C. (who married Amanda
R. Stevenson, is living on the old homestead), and
John K. (also living on the home farm). The
father was a colonel in the State militia for seven
years, and was actively interested in the political
questions of Allegheny county. He and his wife
were formerly members of the Associate Reformed
Church at Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with
the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. He died
in 1872, aged sixty-seven years. His widow is yet
residing on the old home farm.
M. H. Borland was born August 27, 1837, in
Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny Co., Penn.
When nine years of age he came with his parents
to Cecil township, Washington county, and there
received a district-school education. On July 6,
1875, Mr. Borland was united in marriage with
Mattie Miller, a native of Canonsburg, this county,
a daughter of Reed and Martha (Fergus) Miller,
natives of Washington county, and residents of
Canonsburg. The father was bom in 1817 and
died in 1873; the mother died in 1851.
After marriage, our subject and his wife settled
on the farm of 157 acres where they are now liv

ing, and which is situated on Miller's run. Mr.
Borland has made many improvements, and has-
erected a pleasant new residence and other build
ings. The proprietors of the Ridgeway Bishop
Coal Company have bought twenty acres of Mr.
Borland's farm, which already has railroad facili
ties, making it easy of access to Pittsburgh. In
August, 1862, Mr. Borland enlisted in Company
G, One Hundred and Twenty-third P. V. I., for a
term of nine months, and was assigned to the army
of the Potomac, taking part in the battles of Fred
ericksburg and Chancellorsville. He received an
honorable discharge in May, 1863, at Harrisburg,
Penn., and returned to his farm in Cecil town
ship. In politics he votes with the Republican
party; he has been justice of the peace several
years; has served in various other positions, and
was secretary of the school board for ten years.
Mr. and Mrs. Borland are members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Venice, this county. They
have six children: John M. , Agnes R., Matthew
H, Anna M., Ida M. and Rose E.

TfOHN G. PAXTON, an enterprising and suc-
. I cessful citizen of Chartiers township, is ex-
(( J) tensively engaged in the dairy business,
together with farming and stock raising. He
represents an early pioneer family, being a son of
Thomas Paxton, whose father, John Paxton, was
born in York county, Penn. John Paxton came to.
Washington county in 1782, and was married to
Martha Paxton, a native of York county, who
crossed the mountains on horseback, coming to
this county when but a child. She afterward re
turned to York county, and carried salt from there
to Washington county on horseback. After their
marriage the young couple settled in Chartiers
township, where both died, leaving several chil
dren to perpetuate their memory, viz. : Eliza,.
Thomas, John and Samuel, all dead but Samuel.
Thomas Paxton was born in 1804, on the home
place in Chartiers township, and in 1833 was
united in marriage with Jane Mills, who was born
in Jefferson county, Ohio, where the wedding took
place. Her parents were of Scotch-Irish descent,
and natives of Ohio, the pioneers of the family
having settled in that State in an early day, and
there their descendants are yet living. They made a
permanent home in Chartiers township, this county,
and reared the following children: John G., George
Mills (deceased at the age of twenty-six years),
Samuel (married, and a farmer of Boone county,
Iowa), Mattie (deceased in 1884, second wife of H.
O. McKnight), Isaac N. (married and living in
Chartiers township), Nancy (Mrs. Thomas McEwen,.
of 'Chartiers township), Mary (deceased in her
twenty-third year), Thomas (married and living on
the old homestead) and Minnie (wife of William.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

735-

Zeh, living near Monongahela City). Of these chil
dren' George Mills was educated at Jefferson Col-
tege,'Canonsburg, and afterward took a theological
course at the United Presbyterian College, Alle
gheny City. He then filled part of an appointment
at Rochester, N. Y, under the jurisdiction of the
Presbytery, but soon after his return home was
taken ill and died. Mr. Paxton followed farming in
this county, and in politics was a Whig, afterward
uniting with the Republican party. He was a
member and trustee of the Cross Roads United
Presbyterian Church. He died in 1887, on the
old homestead.
John G. Paxton was born August 18, 1836, on
the home farm in Chartiers township, where he was
reared and educated. On January 1, 1863, he was
united in marriage with Ann Knox Miller, a native
of Mt. Pleasant township, and daughter of John
and Margaret Miller. They were natives of this
county, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the grand
parents of Mrs. Paxton having emigrated from
Ireland, and patented a claim which is yet in the
possession of the family. John Miller was a
farmer, and in religious faith was first a member
of the Seceder Church at Hickory, this county,
then united with the United Presbyterian Church
at Cross Roads. He died many years ago, and was
followed by his wife in 1872, both being very old
at the time of their death.
In April, 1863, Mr. and Mrs. Paxton settled on
the farm where they are now living, which he has
improved with a good residence and barns. The
farm contains 128 acres of well- cultivated land.
In 1876 he began dealing in stock, having been the
first to introduce Holstein cattle into Washington
county, Penn. He also dealt in Merino sheep,
breeding some fine Black-Top. He milks an av
erage of twenty cows, shipping forty gallons of
milk per day, and has been in the dairy business
since 1873. He has raised registered Yorkshire
swine, having taken premiums at Detroit (Mich.)
and other places. Mrs. Paxton died February 22,
1872, leaving four children, viz.: George Grant
(living in Chartiers township, and married to Mary
McNary, daughter of J. C. McNary, of Chartiers
township), James, Lillie and John Graham (editor
of the Kent Courier, at Kent, Ohio, employing five
or six men). In 1873 Mr. Paxton was married to
Ellen, daughter of William and Martha (Mitchell)
Cameron, natives of South Strabane township, this
county. The father was a farmer and died in 1874,
having been preceded by the mother to the grave.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pax
ton, viz.: William, Jennie A.. Emma and Eva
(deceased in infancy); the last two were twins. In
politics Mr. Paxton votes the Republican ticket,
and has frequently held township offices. He and
his wife are members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Houstonville, and he has been president

of the board of trustees until quite recently. He
ranks among the progressive men and farmers of
his county.

( LEXANDER BORLAND is a native of
l\ Washington county, Penn., and son of An
il drew Borland, who was born in Washington
-* county. In 1824 he was united in marriage
with Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Mc
Clure, and eleven children were born to their mar
riage, namely : Alexander, Mary, Rebecca, Margaret
A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine, Andrew, Martha,
Rachel and James. Of this family, Rebecca,
Catherine, Martha and Rachel are now deceased.
The father always followed farming on the old
place, with the exception of about six years, and
died in 1860. The mother passed away April 10,
1889. Alexander Borland, eldest son of Andrew and
Elizabeth Borland, was born December 10, 1825,
on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he grew to manhood. On December
4, 1849, he was married to Margaret Jane, daugh
ter of James and Agnes Crawford, who were the
parents of nine children, namely : William (de
ceased), Sarah, Andrew (living on the old homestead
in Peters township), Tamar, Mary Ann, Agnes,
Elizabeth, Margaret Jane (Mrs. Borland) and
Priscilla; of whom Andrew and Margaret are the
only ones yet living.
To the union of Alexander and Margaret Jane
(Crawford) Borland the following children have
been born: James Crawford, Elizabeth McClure
(Mrs. Caldwell), Andrew Alexander, Mary Agnes,
and Elmer Ellsworth (deceased). In 1876 Alex
ander Borland purchased his present home of 110'
acres in North Strabane township, all under culti
vation. In politics he votes with the Democratic
party, and has held various positions of trust in
North Strabane township. He is an elder in the
U. P. Church.

DANIEL SWICKARD, a prosperous shoe
merchant of Monongahela, born November
26, 1816, in Somerset township, is a son of
John and grandson of Martin Swickard who
was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania.
Martin Swickard came to this county among the
earliest settlers, and locating in a log cabin in
Somerset township, assisted in clearing up and im
proving the land. He was twice married. To the
first union were born the following children : Mat
thias, Daniel, Samuel, John, Lucy and Sarah. Mr.
Swickard always followed farming, and in 1805-
went to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained!
until his death. In politics he was a Democrat,.
and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church.

736

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

John Swickard was born in 1783, in Somerset
township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his
youth on the home place. When a young man he
married Mary, daughter of John Smith. They con
tinued to reside on the home place, where children
were born as follows: Catherine, John, Samuel,
Daniel, Mary, Barbara, Susan and Elizabeth. The
father was a lifelong agriculturist, and a noted
hunter and sportsman; in politics he voted with
the Democratic party. The clothing for his family
was made from wool carded by hand and woven by
his wife, who died in 1860 and was buried in the
Lutheran cemetery, where her husband was buried
January 9, 1877. The were both members of the
Lutheran Church.
Daniel Swickard was educated in the subscrip
tion schools of Nottingham township, his text books
being limited to the Testament and United States
Speller. In 1840 he was married to Harriet,
daughter of Abram Leyda, a native of Nottingham
township, who has borne him the following chil
dren : John, married to Malissa Beatty, living in
Colorado; Mary E., wife of Daniel Berry; Hester
A., married to Harrison Leyda; Daniel, deceased;
James L., married to Maria Woodward, of Monon
gahela, living at Meadville, Penn. ; Alex. Y. , mar-
t ried to May C. Coulter, of Venango, Penn. ; and
David M. , married to Carrie E. Van Kirk, of Am
well, now living at Monongahela. Mr. and Mrs.
Swickard resided on the home place for twenty
years after their marriage, or until he purchased the
Leyda Mill in Nottingham township. Conducting
that enterprise for thirteen years, he continued to
own the home place. In 1865 he opened a grocery
store in Monongahela City, but five years after
ward sold out, purchasing a furniture and undertak
ing establishment which he kept for thirteen years.
At the expiration of that time he opened th§ shoe
¦store where he is now carrying on a profitable busi
ness. He is a representative citizen, a stanch sup-
orter of the Democratic party, and has served in nu
merous capacities; in 1855 he was elected county
commissioner, which office he held three years. In
religion he is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Mrs. Swickard died in 1872, and Mr.
Swickard again married, in 1874, M. L. McCurdy,
of Allegheny county, Penn. , daughter of Daniel
McCurdy.

HENRY COOK, miner, is a well-known resi
dent of Carroll township, and was born
February 29, 1836, and reared in " Old
Ml -^ England. ' ' His father, George Cook, was
v a laborer in the old country, and was there
married to Annie Humphreys, descended from an
old and prominent English family. After his
marriage George Cook went to Australia, his
family remaining in England. He died in the

latter place when about twenty-seven years of age,
leaving a widow and two sons, James and Henry,
the elder of whom was accidentally killed with a
hay-knife. The mother is yet living in her native
land, and some years ago was married to Richard
Cottle, to whom she has borne several children.
Henry Cook remained in England until five
years of age, when, after the death of his father,
the family left his birthplace and came to Wales.
The mother there supported herself and children
for one year by binding shoes, and Henry entered
the coal mines, where he remained until nineteen
years of age. He then returned to Worcester
shire, England, and was married October 26, 1857,
to Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas Hampton, and
some years later moved to Yorkshire, finally emi
grating to America in 1863. He firBt located at
Monongahela, Penn., and then sent for his wife,
who has borne him the following children: Henry
W., George, Samuel (residing at Monongahela),
Mary Ann (living in Illinois), Lucy (living at
home), Anna, Jane, Elizabeth, Maggie, and Amelia
(deceased). Mr. Cook has carefully saved his
earnings, which he has invested in a tract of land
at Riverview, near Monongahela, having also
erected a neat little home near that city. One of
his half-brothers is now living in America. In
politics he is a stanch member of the Republican
party, and holds an honorable place in the esteem
of his neighbors, who recognize his sterling worth
as a man and citizen.

THOMAS WRIGHT, who in his lifetime was
one of the best-known and most highly re
spected prosperous agriculturists of Buffalo
township, was a native of the same, born
February 27, 1810.
His paternal grandfather, William Wright, a na
tive of Ireland, followed the trade of weaver in
County Monaghan, in that country. He was there
twice married, and had the following named chil
dren: William, Thomas, Robert, John and Samuel.
In 1785 he came to America, and after a short
sojourn in Chester county, Penn. , settled in Buffalo
township, this county, where he continued to follow.
his trade. Here he and his wife died. He was a
member of the Associate Church, and in politics
was a Whig.
Samuel Wright, father of subject, was born
in Ireland in 1782, and when a young lad came
with the rest of the family to America. In Buffalo
township, this county, he commenced farming on a
place which was then entirely wild, but which he
and his family, by dint of hard labor, in course of
time reduced to a condition of fertility. In about
the year 1804 he was married to Rachel, daughter
of Thomas Hill, of Donegal township, but a na
tive of Ireland, and their children were Mary

zy?7?^a^:) sf/z^mi/.

£4 cmmmrym

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

741

(Mrs. Thomas Carson), William, Thomas, Robert,
Samuel and John, all now deceased except Robert.
After the death of the mother of these children,
which occurred February 8, 1817, Mr. Wright
married Mary Howe, who bore him three children :
James Ann (Mrs. Samuel Graham) and Rachel,
all deceased. The father died January 24, 1849,
in his sixty-eighth year, the mother December 5,
1841. Thomas Wright, whose name opens this bio
graphical memoir, was educated at the subscrip
tion schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace,
and early in life commenced farming. On De
cember 13, 1844, he married Miss Sarah, daughter
of John Carson, a native of eastern Pennsylvania,
where his father James was also born. The latter
was there married to Mary Hill, a native of Ire
land, who bore him children as follows: John,
Isaac, James, Adam, Mattie (wife of Hugh Mehol-
lin), Betsy (wife of Davrd Carson), Ann (wife of
Archibald Stewart), and Jane (wife of William
Brownlee). Mr. Carson was a farmer, and came
to Buffalo township, this county, in an early day,
when Indians and wild animals were yet numerous.
The family were all members of the Seceder
Church. John Carson, son of the above, and
father of Mrs. Sarah Wright, in early manhood
married Sarah Hill, who bore him the following
named children: May, Rebecca, Rachel, Martha,
*• Adam,. Jane (wife of James Howe) and Sarah (wife
of Thomas Wright). The father died in 1840, the
mother in 1855. They were members of the Se
ceder Church at South Buffalo, of which he was
an elder and liberal supporter, and in politics he
was a lifelong AVhig.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wright continued
to reside on the home farm, where were born to
them three children: Rachel (who died at the age
of twenty-four years), and two that died in infancy.
Mr. Wright was called from earth May 31, 1881,
and his widow is now calmly awaiting the final
summons. He was a member and liberal sup
porter (as is his widow) of South Buffalo United
Presbyterian Church; politically he was first a
Whig, and after, on the formation of the party, a
stanch Republican to the day of his death. Mr.
Wright was a thoroughly representative, self-made
man, and has left to posterity the heritage of a
good name.

' EORGE DORSEY ranks among the success
ful agriculturists and prominent citizens of
East Pike Run township, and is a member
of an old and highly respected family. His
grandfather, Joseph Dorsey, was born near
Ellicott's Mills, Md., and in 1782 moved to Wash-
mgton county, Penn., where he' purchased 1,500
¦acres of land, two miles from West Brownsville,

Penn. He erected a log cabin upon this tract,
and resided there until 1787, then built a large
stone house, which is yet standing on the old farm,
in a good state of preservation. He was the father
of the following children: Mrs. Dr. Wilson, of
Steubenville, Ohio; Nancy, Mrs. John De Bois, of
Ohio; Clarissa, Mrs. West, and Betsey, Mrs.
Daniel Workman, both of whom died in Ohio;
Matilda, Mrs. William Blair, who died in Ken
tucky; Edward G., who married Matilda Bra-
shears; John D., who died in Cincinnati, and
James. James Dorsey, father of subject, was born in 1790,
on the home farm in Washington county, Penn.
In early manhood he married Elizabeth Elder, a
native of Maryland, who was born February 4,
1800. She came to Pennsylvania when a child
with her widowed mother — Mrs. Mary Elder, who
died at the age of eighty-three in Washington
county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey passed their
lives on the old homestead (of which he owned
500 acres), where two sons were born to their
marriage, viz. : James (who died in 1883, in Alle
gheny county) and George. Mr. Dorsey was
actively identified with the Whig party. He died
in 1852, and his wife passed away January 27,
1883, having been connected with the M. E.
Church for over sixty years.
George Dorsey was born November 11, 1833, in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and has given his attention wholly to the vocation
of agriculture. On June 1, 1854, he selected a
life companion in the person of Martha Phillips, a
native of Washington county, Penn., who was
born August 8, 1836. Her father, Solomon Phil
lips, was born December 23, 1793, in this county,
and on May 23, 1835, married Maria Garrett, who
was born September 19, 1812, and they were the
parents of five children, viz. : Martha (Mrs. Dor
sey), Jonathan, Rebecca (Mrs. Joseph P. Craw
ford, Madison county, Iowa), William (deceased)
and Ruth (deceased). Mr. Phillips followed
teaching for many years, and then took up farm
ing. He voted with the Whig party. He died in
1848, followed by his wife in 1883. He was a
Quaker in religious faith, his wife a member of the
M. E. Church. George and Martha (Phillips)
Dorsey reared the following children: Elizabeth
(Mrs. W. S. Grimes), Cassius A. (who married Hen
rietta, daughter of John and Marjory Watkins, of
East Bethlehem township), Charles I. (who mar
ried Anna Watkins), William, Anna, John, Ells
worth, and two who died in infancy. Three of
these children are now living: Elizabeth, Cassius
A. and Charles I. Mr. Dorsey is a prominent
worker in the Republican party, and he has
served in various local offices; and in religious
faith he is a member of the Taylor M. E. Church,
having been trustee, steward and Sabbath-school

742

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

superintendent for several years. He owns 315
acres of good land on the National pike, where he
has erected a handsome two-story brick residence,
and a large frame barn.

E* EMAS L. HILL. This gentleman enjoys
|i the distinction of standing among the fore-
*j most of the prosperous farmers of West
— Bethlehem township.
His grandfather, Joseph Hill, was born in Mary
land in 1770. He was educated in the rate schools
of the day, and became an exceptionally well-read
man. At the age of eighteen he married Mary
Jamison, and to them were born: John, David,
Mrs. Nancy Jamison, Joseph, James J., Mrs.
Nancy Haviland, Margaret, Thomas and Eli. Mr.
Hill began life upon the farm adjoining that of D.
L. Hill on the north. He was originally a Whig,
later a Republican, and was always an active poli
tician. He and his family were members of the
regular Baptist Church. Mrs. Hill died in 1835,
her husband following her to the grave in 1852.
James J. Hill was born November 10, 1804, on
the old home farm, and his younger days were spent
at school, where he proved himself a good scholar
and an eager reader. In 1826 he married Cathe
rine Lyda, daughter of Benjamin Lyda, of Somer
set township, and they had born to them the
following children: Julia A., Mrs. Catherine Mc-
Uvane, George L., Benjamin L., Sarah, Demas L.,
Mr.ry (deceased) and David (deceased). James J.
Hill lived upon the home farm one year, and then
moved to West Pike Run township, remaining
there upon a farm of 100 acres, six years, thence
moved to Pigeon creek, and lived there three years.
He afterward came to Somerset township, where
he resided twenty-one years, both farms being in
this township. On March 26, 1860, he came to
the place where his son and daughter now live, and
there spent the remainder of his life, dying Octo
ber 9, 1881. Mr. Hill was an active Republican,
one of the " wheel horses ' ' of the party, and served
as inspector and auditor of his township. Mrs.
Hill, who was a member of the Lutheran Church,
died in May, 1884.
Demas L. Hill was born January 8, 1844, in
Somerset township, Washington Co. , Penn., and
received his education in the common schools. He
assisted his father some time after attaining his
majority; has always followed farming, and has
been very successful. He is giving especial atten
tion to sheep raising, and has some very fine breeds
on his farm, which consistsof eighty-seven acres.
Mr. Hill was married November 12, 1876, to
Melissa, daughter of Robert Latta, and they have
five children: Orpha, Ulysses Grant, Alexander
Leslie, Huber and Edgar. He is a Republican,
though not an active politician, his time being all

given to his private affairs. He occupies the farm
together with his sisters Julia A. and Sarah, who
have always lived at home. Julia A. is a member
of the Regular Baptist Church.

ELI TOMBAUGH, an energetic farmer of
Somerset township, is a son of Matthias
Tombaugh, who was born December 26,
1792, in Ohio, and in early life was united
in marriage with Rachel Sphon, who was born
April 2, 1807, in this county, and they reared the
following children: Solomon (living in Washing
ton, Penn.), John (a farmer of West Bethlehem
township, this county), George (an agriculturist
of Gage county, Neb.), Eli (whose name opens
this sketch), Isaac (living on the home farm) and!
Jacob (farming in Livingston county, 111.) (twins),.
Adam (a grain dealer "in Mulberry Grove, 111.),
Levina (who was married to Jacob Swagler, and)
died February 25, 1860), Mary (wife of A. J. Hil
debrand, died August 10, 1877), and Matthias.
(who was drowned in the Illinois river in attempt
ing to rescue a friend from the same fate). The
father of this family died May 21, 1864. He was
a member of the German Baptist Church, and in
politics was a Republican. The mother died at the
old homestead, May 17, 1892. at the advanced age
of eighty-five years, a member of the German
Baptist Church.
Eli Tombaugh was bom May 26, 1838, and was
educated in the country schools near the home
farm in Somerset township, this county. He en
listed in the Civil war in 1864. and after serving
three months under Capt. H. H. Templeton, was
honorably discharged. He then returned to rural
occupations, and on February 21, 1865, was united'
in marriage with Rebecca AVise, who was born in
1836, a daughter of Joseph and Permelia (Bar
nard) Wise, who were the parents of the following
children: Solomon, Morgan, Mary, Elizabeth, Re
becca (Mrs. Eli Tombaugh), Maria, Barbara, Jo
seph and Emily (deceased). Both parents are
dead. The father was a Democrat in politics.
Mr. and Mrs. Eli Tombaugh had five children,
namely: Joseph Allen, born January 7, 1866;
Percy Matthias, born August 15, 1867; Walter
Scott, born December 24. 1869; Eli Edwin, born
April 14, 1873; and Cora Josephine, born January
23, 1876. The mother was a member of the Bap
tist Church. She died March 6, 1880, and on
April 21, 1887, Mr. Tombaugh was married to
Sarah Smith, who was born January 4, 1850, a
daughter of Israel and Hannah Smith. Mr. Tom
baugh owns 204 acres of excellent farm land,
which is kept in a good state of cultivation. He
takes an active interest in public matters, and*
votes the Republican ticket.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

743

I OSEPH SMITH is a son of Ralph Smith,
1 whose father, also named Ralph, emigrated
t( j from England many years ago, and locat-
'^ ed permanently in Washington county,
Penn. His son, Ralph, was born in East
Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and
was a slave until twenty- eight years of age. W hen a
young man he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth H.
(Shiveley) Hazelbaker, , a widow, who bore him
four children, viz.: Henry (deceased), Joseph,
James (living in West Pike Run township) and
Louisa (deceased). Mrs. Smith was also the
mother of four children by her first marriage,
namely: Daniel, Abraham, Jacob and Polly, all
of whom are now deceased. The mother of these
children died in 1850 and was interred in the Quaker
cemetery in East Bethlehem township; in 1858 she
was followed by her husband, who was buried in
the Baptist cemetery at Washington.
Joseph Smith was born August 20, 1806, in
East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and had no opportunity to secure a literary
training, being obliged to give his whole time to
farm work. In early life he was united in mar
riage with Mary Brown, who was born in 1815, in
AVashington county, Penn. Their children were
born as follows: Matilda, wife of Jacob Simons,
a Baptist minister of Monongahela City; Joseph,
deceased; Henry, a resident of West Bethlehem
township; Simeon, a farmer of West Bethlehem
township; William, deceased; John; James; Mary,
wife of Howard Wallace; Margaret; and George,
deceased. James now residing in East Beth
lehem township, was married to Jennie Maxwell,
who died May 2, 1892, leaving three children:
Mabel, Hazel and Eli. She was a member of the
African M. E. Church. The father of these chil
dren is well known in West Pike Run township as
an honest, industrious citizen. He began life as a
farm laborer, pushing coal boats during the fall
and winter, and by strict economy at length saved
enough to purchase 194 acres of good land. He
devotes most of his time to the care of this place.
Mrs. Smith died in 1880, a member of the M. E.
Church; Mr. Smith is associated with the U. P.
Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

| OBERT H. HILL, one of the many highly
esteemed farmer citizens of East Bethle
hem township, is a grandson of Stephen
Hill, an early settler of that township,
who married a Miss Welsh, and had by
her the following named children: George, John
W., William, Robert, Stephen, Elenor, Mary,
Margaret and Nancy. Of this family, William
and Robert are living, the former in the borough
of Washington, the latter in West Bethlehem
township.

John W. Hill, father of Robert H. , was born in
1800 in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and was reared to agricultural pursuits, his
education being received at the subscription school
of the vicinity, held in an old log cabin, and the
copy book used by him is now in the possession of
our subject. In 1825 he married Susan Hawkins,
who was born in 1808, a daughter of William and
Nancy Hawkins, and for a few years the young
couple continued to reside in West Bethlehem
township. In 1832 Mr. Hill bought a farm in
East Bethlehem (where his son, Robert H. , now
resides), and here successfully carried on farming
the rest of his life; he died April 21, 1857, thirty-
one years after his marriage, and his widow sur
vived him thirty-one years, dying in Beallsville,.
Penn., October 6, 1887. The children born to
them were: William, in East Bethlehem township;
Robert H. ; George; John, deceased; Joseph, in
Beallsville; Stephen, living with Robert H.; Mary
Ann, married to Mr. Bishop, of Claysville, Penn. ;
Sarah Ellen, wife of Christopher Horton, in Cen-
treville, Penn. ; Eliza Jane, Mrs. Thomas Sargent,
in Beallsville; Margaret E. (Mrs. Enloe), in Clays
ville, Penn., and two that died in infancy. The
father was a Republican during the later years of
his life, in former years a Whig; socially he was
a F. '& A. M. , in church matters a Methodist.
Robert H. Hill was born July 12, 1832, on the
farm now owned by him in East Bethlehem town
ship, and was there reared to the occupation of his
forefathers, his school training being restricted to
a few months' attendance, in winter time, at the
subscription schools of the vicinity. In 1867 he
married Caroline Keys, who was born in 1836, a
daughter of Abram Keys, of East Bethlehem town
ship, and by this union there has been born one
child, Cora May. Like his father before him, Mr.
Hill is a Republican in politics, and In church con
nection a Methodist. His fertile and well-kept
farm comprises 100 acres of prime land, devoted
to general farming inclusive of stock raising, the
breeding of sheep being a specialty with him. His
comfortable and elegant residence is well situated,
and provided with all modern improvements.

+/

MfRS. DELILA KEYS, widow of Parker
Keys, was born January 8, 1838, on a
farm in Greene county, Penn. She is a
daughter of John Goodwin, a native of
York, Penn., who came to Greene county
young man. He followed farming and
and was married to Sarah Gordon, who
bore him the following children: Jackson, DanieL
William. Seth, John, Elizabeth (widow of Sylvester
Rush), Mrs. Jane Webster, Mrs. Mary Richey,.
Mrs. Sarah Shuver, Lucinda (deceased) and
Delila. Of this family all except our subject are-

when a
weaving

744

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

residents of Greene county, Penn. Delila Good
win was united in marriage, in 1855, to Parker
Keys, son of Enoch Keys.
Parker Keys was bom in 1826, on the farm in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn.,
which is now owned by his heirs. He received a
common-school education, and learned agricultural
pursuits, which he followed, farming all his life.
He and his wife were the parents of six children.
He was a Democrat in his political preferences, but
voted independently when the occasion in his
opinion required it. He died February 4, 1891,
at the age of sixty-five years, since which time his
widow and children have resided on the home farm,
consisting of ninety-four acres of valuable land.
She and all her children are devout members of
the Baptist Church.

JAMES A. MOUNTS, one of the leading
representative farmers of Franklin township,
of which he is a native, was born January 14,
1845, a son of Richard R. and Margaret
(Johnson) Mounts. Our subject was educated at
the schools of the district, the attendance being
limited to a few weeks during the winter season,
and the remainder of the year occupied in assist
ing on his father's farm, and learning the practi
cal lessons of agricultural labor. From earliest
life he has been accustomed to hard work, and he
is now the owner of some 280 acres of prime land
in an excellent state of cultivation. In 1870 Mr.
Mounts married Martha, daughter of J. W.
Chambers, and of this union the following named
children were born: Margaret (Mrs. Brook Ander
son), Harriet (Mrs. Mike Buckley), Jennie, Nellie
and John W. The mother was called from earth
January 27, 1891, deeply lamented by all who
knew her. In political life Mr. Mounts has
always been an active worker in the ranks of the
Republican party, and in Church matters a liberal
and earnest supporter of the Presbyterian Church
at Buffalo.

IlAMES CASSIDY, a leading citizen and re-
. I tired farmer of Burgettstown, was born June
lf\\ 6, 1825, in Jefferson township, Washington
~-^ county, and is of Irish parentage.
John Cassidy (father of subject) was born in
1792, in County Donegal, Ireland, where his boy
hood was passed. In early life he crossed the
ocean in a sailing vessel, the voyage occupying
eleven weeks and two days. He landed at Phila
delphia, and for a few years was employed in a
powder-mill there. The young pioneer then pro
ceeded on foot to Westmoreland county, Penn.,
afterward revisited Philadelphia, and again walked
•to Westmoreland county, where he was married to

Jane, daughter of James Osburn. In 1816 the
young couple settled on a farm in Jefferson town
ship, this county, near the Virginia line, and re
sided there a few years, thence moving to the wild
tract which has now been transformed by cultiva
tion into a pleasant and comfortable home. In
this wild country, surrounded by savage beasts,
and yet more savage men, their children were born
and reared as follows: Margaret (wife of Charles
Scott), William (deceased), Ann (married to Rob
ert M. Smith), James (whose name opens this
sketch), Robert, Mary J. (Mrs. Charles Scott),
Catherine E. (married to Frances Magee), and
Martha E. (wife of John Gillespie). Mr. Cassidy
made several journeys to Philadelphia on horse
back, bringing back salt to his home. They raised
their own flax, and made their clothing from that
plant and from wool. Grain was cut with a sickle,
threshed by tramping of horses, and cleaned by a
sheet and "fanning." Politically John Cassidy
was a Whig and Republican, and in religion an
earnest, active member of the Protestant Methodist
Church. He died in 1870, and was buried at
Bethel Church in Jefferson township, this county.
James Cassidy remained on the home farm in
Jefferson township, during his boyhood, and was
an irregular student at the school which was held
in a rude log cabin near his home. On January
31, 1856, he was united in marriage with Maria,
daughter of Hugh "Cosgrove, and granddaughter
of Michael Cosgrove, who was born in Ireland,
and after coming to America was married to Annie
Campbell, a native of Maryland, who bore him
four children: William, Margaret, Hugh and
Hannah. The parents of this family settled in
Maryland after their marriage, and the father fol
lowed farming. He was a Democrat in politics,
and in religion a member of the Society of
Friends. Hugh Cosgrove was bom April 2, 1784,
in the State of Maryland, passing his youth on the
home farm, and also teaching school. He was
married to Priscilla Jones, who was born March
15, 1789, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Maryland,
and she bore him the following children : Eliza A.
(wife of Rev. Jacob Comstock), William, Thomas,
Amelia (Mrs. Isaac Everett), Catherine, Maria
(married to James Cassidy) and Hannah (wife of
William Thompson). Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove
passed the first years of their married life in Mary
land, but finally decided to leave their native
State. The journey was made in a two-horse
wagon, which contained the emigrants and their
entire stock of worldly goods. They purchased
and located upon a farm in Jefferson township,
Washington county, Penn., where the remainder
of their lives was passed. Mr. Cosgrove accumu
lated a good property after locating in Pennsylva
nia. He was a Democrat, serving his township as
school director, and in religion supported the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

74f>

Methodist Church. Mrs. Priscilla Cosgrove died
January 17, 1847, and Hugh Cosgrove on March
'4 1854. Both are buried in the Eldersville
cemetery. James and Maria (Cosgrove) Cassidy resided on
the home place in Jefferson township about seven
years after their marriage. They then moved to
Monroe township, Carroll Co., Ohio, remaining
there five years, thence returning to Washington
county, Penn., located in Independence township.
Four and one-half years later Mr. Cassidy bought
a farm in Cross Creek township, and in 1891 they
moved to their present home in Burgettstown.
The following children have been born to their
marriage: Vista (deceased) , Robert C. (married
to Jennie M., daughter of George W. Osburn, and
has one daughter, Ora), William J. (married to
Fannie, daughter of Rev. Tuttle, and has one son
Herschel), and Oliver J. Politically Mr. Cassidy
was originally a Whig, uniting with the Repub
lican party at the date of its organization, and has
served his township as director; he is especially
interested in educational matters. In religious
faith he is a member and liberal supporter of the
Methodist Church.

Il NDREW PROVINES has passed his eighty -
\\ seventh birthday, and is now as hale and
hearty as many a man of twenty years his
junior. He is a son of AVilliam Provines,
whose father, John, was born and reared
among the hills of Scotland, where he was married
and whence a few years later he moved to Ireland.
William, the son of John Provines, was born in
Scotland, and came with the family to Ireland
when a boy. He was there reared to agricultural
pursuits, and was married to Rebecca Hemphill, a
native of Ireland. William Provines remained in
Ireland about ten years after his marriage, where
his eldest five children were born : Mary, Samuel,
Andrew, John and Robert. At the end of that
time, the family came to America, locating in
Washington county, where children were born as
follows: Margaret, James, Sarah, Jane and Re
becca. Andrew Provines, the third child of William
and Rebecca (Hemphill) Provines, was born August
11, 1805, in County Tyrone, Ireland, being seven
years of age when his parents emigrated to Amer
ica. They embarked in a sailing vessel named
" AVilliam S. Bradford," and landed "in New York,
thence proceeding to the home farm in Washing
ton county, of which our subject still owns a por
tion. Here Andrew grew to manhood and assisted
in the general duties of a farm. At the age of
eighteen years he began to work for neighboring
farmers at a salary of $8. per month. He con
tinued in this employment several years, then went

to Washington, where he was employed to haul
freight to Philadelphia and other points east of the
mountains. Since then he has been engaged in
various occupations, of late years having passed
the greater part of his time upon the farm, but is
now living a retired life with his brother-in-law,
Robert Stewart, having never married. In politics
Mr. Provines is a stanch Democrat, and has never
missed but one election since her came of age. He
has voted in the States of Ohio, Pennsylvania and
Maryland.

TJT^OBERT STEWART. Of the prosperous.
lW7 and highly esteemed citizens of Jefferson
||V township, none are more universally es-
\\ -^ teemed or more widely known than the
v gentleman whose name introduces this ar
ticle. The Stewart family trace their lineage back
through the generations to one Lord Stewart, a na
tive of Scotland, who afterward settled in County
Tyrone, Ireland, at a place known as Foggy Hill.
James Stewart, a descendant of the old Scottish
nobleman just mentioned, was married to Elizabeth
Hemphill, and with his* family sailed from Ireland
for America on the ship "Doras." Along and
tedious voyage followed, during which the vessel'
was boarded by a British man-of-war, and all the
able-bodied men of the " Doras," as was custom
ary in time of war, were impressed into the navy.
Among those who were thus obliged to render un
willing service to the English Government was a
son of James Stewart, named Robert, a youth of'
eighteen years. He was taken on board a British
man-of-war, where he remained several months,.
finally obtaining his release through the efforts of
his father, who persuaded a young lady to claim
him as her husband. The ruse succeeded, and the
young man was liberated, after which he came on to
America, and first located in Philadelphia, whence-
after a year he joined the family in Smith town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., whither they had
preceded him. In course of time he moved to Mt.
Pleasant township, where his father died. Here he
was soon after married to Miss Ann McGough,
also a native of Ireland, and though history is
silent concerning the identity of the self-sacrificing
young lady who freed young Robert from im
prisonment, yet romance would fain hope that she
and his chosen bride were one. However, there is
no foundation for the supposition, and historians.
are expected to confine their statements to known
facts. After marriage Robert and Ann (McGough)
Stewart went to Jefferson township, and they
reared a family of six children, named John, Eliz
abeth (Mrs. Kidd), Sarah, Robert, James and
Andrew. The' father was a Democrat, and a mem
ber of the U. P. Church.
Robert Stewart was born May 21, 1824, on the-

746

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

home farm in Jefferson township, this county,
where he passed his youth in attending school and
assisting with the general farm duties. He married
MisB Sarah Jane Elliott, who bore him three chil
dren: John Elliott (born March 13, 1853), James
(born November 25, 1855), and Robert (born Feb
ruary 26, 1858). The mother died September 25,
1858, and for his second wife Mr. Stewart was
married to Miss Eliza Orr, of Irish descent, who
died soon afterward, and June 17, 1864, he
wedded, for his third wife, Miss Rebecca H. ,
daughter of William Provines, who came from Ire
land and settled in Jefferson township, this county.
Robert Stewart is a popular and prosperous citizen.
In political opinions he has always voted the Dem
ocratic ticket, being a counselor and adviser of that
party, and in religious faith he gives a hearty sup
port to the U. P. Church, of which his wife is a
member.

ERNARD C. JACKMAN. This well-known
gentleman is a representative of a pioneer
family of Washington county. His grand
parents, William an& Elizabeth (Conley)
Jackman, were born in County Cavan, Ireland,
and emigrated in 1789. They settled on a large
tract of land in East Pike Run township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where the following children
were born and reared: Bernard, William, Mary,
Eliza, Joshua, John, Margaret, Nancy, and four
who died in infancy.
John Jackman, son of William and Elizabeth
Jackman, was born on the farm in East Pike Run
township, this county, and received a subscription-
school education. In early life he was married to
Phcebe Taylor, daughter of William and Phcebe
(Kirkwood) Taylor. Her parents were of Scotch-
Irish descent, and after coming to Pennsylvania
bought 160 acres on the National pike, between
Beallsville and Brownsville, Penn. Mr. Taylor
then conducted a tavern for several years, and also
built the first M. E. Church in that locality, which
is yet known by his name. The children of this
family were born as follows: Edward, Sophia,
William, Isaac (who died in his one-hundredth
year), Phebe, George, Joshua, Ann, John, and
others who died in infancy. The parents both
died on the old place, and were buried in the
cemetery of the Taylor M. E. Church. To the
union of John and Phebe (Taylor) Jackman eight
children were born, namely: Elizabeth, wife of
Wesley H. Taylor, a resident of Carroll county,
Ohio; Bernard C, whose name opens this sketch;
Mary A., Edwin, Caroline, and three who died in
infancy. The father was a farmer, and for a num
ber of years served as local preacher at the Taylor
M. E. Church, with which his wife was also iden
tified. He also erected the first log school- house

in the neighborhood, serving for many years as
school director, and doing all in his power to pro
mote the educational and religious' interests of the
community. He was actively identified with the
Whig party, and was one of the most influential
men of his neighborhood. He died in 1861, fol
lowed by Mrs. Jackman in 1878.
Bernard C. Jackman was born August 26, 1824,
in East Pike Run township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He attended the public schools, and in
1852 was united in marriage with Ruth Lilley,
who was born in 1829, in East Pike Run township.
She is a daughter of Ellis and Elizabeth (Phillips)
Lilley, who were pioneer settlers of this county.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lilley were Solo
mon, residing in Alliance, Ohio; Ruth, wife of
Bernard C. Jackman; Elizabeth, a resident of
Ohio; Thomas, deceased; Phebe, living in Ohio,
and Alica, deceased. Both parents were members
of the Quaker Church. The father died in 1872.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackman reside on the old home
stead, consisting of 132 acres of land, upon which
good buildings and other improvements have been
erected. He votes with the Republican party, and
has been school director for several years. They
are the parents of three children, namely: Phebe
E. (deceased), Hattie M. (wife of John F. Colvin,
a farmer of East Pike Run township), and Wilbur
S., a teacher in the Cook County Normal School at
Chicago. As already state.d, Mr. Jackman' s grandparents
were natives of Cavan, Ireland, with the exception
of the grandmother, Phcebe (Hardman) Taylor, who
was born in the Scottish Highlands, and came to
Ireland with her parents (Moxruder Hardman and
wife) to escape the Cromwellian atrocities. Mrs.
Hardman, nee Miss Kirkwood, became owner of
1,000 acres of land near Dublin. Phcebe Hard-
man married William Taylor. He was 'born in
1754, and emigrated in 1789. The ages of the
grandparents are as follows: William Jackman,
eighty-eight years; Elizabeth Conley, his wife,
eighty-five years; William Jackman, eighty-six
years, and Phoebe Hardman, his wife, ninety-six
years. Away back in 1831 AVilliam Jackman pro
vided whisky for his harvesters. One of the men
tasted it too freely, returned to his cabin and
whipped his wife. On Mr. Jackman learning of
this he emptied the whisky on the ground and in
troduced temperance in the harvest field, being the
pioneer of the cause in this section of the State.

It Mi ATTHEW R. AVELCH. In the foremost
\iA rank of the honored and prosperous citi-
Mi | zens of Smith township is the name of
A this gentleman gladly welcomed. His
father was Matthew Welch, who was born
in County Down, Ireland.

JJ

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

747

Matthew Welch (the father) was educated in his
native country, and, at the age of twenty-four
years, crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, the
voyage occupying eight weeks. He landed in
New York, proceeding thence to Lancaster county,
Penn. After residing in that county for about
four years in 1797 he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of William Reed. The young
couple resided in Lancaster county three years af
ter their marriage, and in 1802 moved to Wash
ington county, Penn., the journey being made in
an emigrant wagon containing their household
goods and provisions, drawn by four horses.
They were three weeks on the road, and finally
settled until spring on a small place in Smith
township, this county. They bought a place two
miles distant, and immediately began to make im
provements upon it, afterward raising a large
amount of stock. In politics Matthew Welch was
a Whig, and in religion a member of the Seceder
Church, at Burgettstown, to which he gave a
hearty support. He died in 1851, and in 1873 his
widow was laid beside him in the United Presby
terian cemetery at Burgettstown. The children
born to this marriage were: Isabella (wife of
William Galbraith), Mary (married to William
Campbell), Jane (wife of James McNary), Nancy
(Mrs. Mark Stephenson), Elizabeth (wife of Robert
McBurney), Margaret (Mrs. Thomas McCorkle),
Rachel (married to R. K. Scott), Julia A. (wife of
James Vincent), Hannah (married to Matthew
Welch), and Matthew R, Of this family Mrs.
Robert McBurney, Mrs. Thomas McCorkle, Mrs.
James Vincent, Mrs. Matthew Welch and Matthew
B. Welch are yet living.
Matthew R. Welch was born December 19, 1826,
on the home farm, in Smith township, where his
boyhood was passed in working on the farm and
attending school three months each year. The
schoolhouse was built of logs and furnished with
slab seats and writing desks, an ordinary quill pen
being used for the practice. On October 17, 1850,
he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of
John and granddaughter of John White. John
White, the grandfather, was born and reared in
eastern Pennsylvania, where he was married to
Ann Bonar. They made a permanent home in
Chartiers township, near Cook's Station, where he
purchased a large tract of land. Their children
were James, Nancy (wife of Alexander McElroy),
Ann (married to John Anderson), Mary (Mrs. John
McCall), Sarah (wife of William Stewart), Will
iam, John, Ebenezer,. Samuel, Jane, David, Mat
thew, and Margaret, who married John Malone.
The father was a Whig. He was a member of
the Associate Reformed Church.
John White was born in 1786, near Canonsburg,
V'b.artiers township, and in early life began to
haul goods over the mountains, having carried

ammunition for the Government during the war
of 1812. In 1814 he was united in marriage with
Mary, daughter of John May, of Cecil township,
this county, who bore him the following children:
Ann (Mrs. John Scott), Phoebe (wife of John Far-
rar), Julia, Jane, John, James, Mary (wife of Mat
thew R. Welch), Nancy (married to John Reed),
Alexander and Samuel. Of these children, Julia,
Jane, John and Alexander are deceased. In 1814
Mr. and Mrs. White located on Raccoon creek, in
Smith township. Selling out in 1850, they
bought a farm in Allegheny county, Penn. , where
they resided eight months. Thence they moved
to Belmont county, Ohio, and lived there two years,
finally returning to Canonsburg, where he died.
Politically Mr. White was a Whig and Republican,
and held many township offices. In church re
lations he was a member and elder of the Asso
ciate Reformed Church.
Matthew R. and Mary (White) Welch first set
tled on the home place, in Smith township, but
in 1889 moved to Burgettstown, where they are
yet living. Five children have been born to them:
Elizabeth M. (wife of M. L. Cook), Anna M. (Mrs.
J. L. Malcolm), John W. (married to M. A. Daugh
erty), Jennie (Mrs. Robert Russell) and Julia B.
(wife of J. C. Morrow). Mr. Welch has been a
Republican in politics, and has held various town
ship offices; he has ever been especially interested
in the progress of educational matters. He is a
member of the U. P. Church, and of the Session;
formerly he was a member of the Associate Church
of Burgettstown.

) OBERT D. WYLIE, a well-known repre
sentative, native-born citizen of South Stra-

IT V, bane township, is descended from rugged
J) —* Scotch ancestry, of whom the first to come
v to this country were three brothers — two
settling in eastern Pennsylvania, the third, the
great-great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, taking up his abode in the western part of
the State.
David Wylie, father of Robert D. , was born, in
1799, near Wheeling, W. Va., where he was reared
and educated. When a young man he came to this
county, and for a time made his home in the
borough of Washington, with Hugh AVylie, his
uncle, at that time a leading citizen of the county.
Hugh Wylie was postmaster at Washington, his
nephew, David, being his assistant, and served
during three administrations, the office during that
period being important as a distributing one for
Pittsburgh and all points west. In 1828 David
Wylie married Eunice, daughter of David Hanna,
of Columbiana county, Ohio, and they then settled
on the place where David Wylie passed the re
mainder of his days. By this union there was

748

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

one child, Eunice H. (Mrs. E. M. Mansley), de
ceased. This wife dying, Mr. Wylie married,
June 1, 1831, for his second helpmate, Harriet
Belle, daughter of Gen. Robert Simison, of Colum
biana county, Ohio, who had been a Revolution
ary soldier under AVashington, and was afterward
sent west, during the latter's administration, to
survey the State of Ohio, at which time he took up
a large tract of land in what is now Columbiana
county. He commanded, as brigadier-general, a
division of the army detailed to keep the Indians
in check, and, while on a forced march, was seized
with a fever from which he died. He was a native
of Cumberland county, Penn., where he married
Margaret Sanderson. They had seven children as
follows: Elizabeth( who became the wife of Robert
Leonard, of Hancock county, Ohio) ; Jane (wife of
William' Blanchard, of Lawrence county, Penn.);
Margaret (wife of Robert Filson, in Columbiana
county, Ohio); Martha (wife of James Scott, in
Jack3on county, Iowa); Ann, unmarried; Harriet
Belle (wife of David Wylie) and Samuel S. By
this marriage Mr. Wylie had a family of ten chil
dren, of whom the following is a brief record:
Tappan W. died March 1, 1871; Hugh H. died in
1834; Simison R. , living at home; Edmund B. , in
• Jackson county, Iowa ; Robert D. , our subject, of
whom special mention is made further on; AVilliam
S., Catherine I. and James S. (triplets), all de
ceased; Rev. Samuel S. and David Austin. Of these,
Tappan W. attended Washington College three
years, and married Nancy, daughter of Ebenezer
McLean, of Washington county, Penn. He was a
soldier in the Civil war, serving in the army of the
Potomac; he was killed in 1871 by the explosion
of a boiler; Simison R. attended Washington
College two years, after which he engaged in farm
ing on the home farm in South Strabane township,
where he still resides; he is still unmarried. Ed
mund B. attended Washington College two years
and was married, in 1869, to Lizzie McConnell, a
native of Beaver county, Penn., and their children
are Robert B., Clyde K. , Scott and Harry B.
Edmund B. enlisted in August, 1862, and served
throughout the entire war with Sherman, being at
his post of duty without intermission. Since 1865
he has resided in Jackson county, Iowa, where he
owns and manages a large and profitable farm.
Samuel S. graduated from Washington and Jeffer
son College in 1866, studied theology for two
years at the Western Theological Seminary, Alle
gheny, Penn., and one year in Edinburgh, Scot
land (he settled at Middle Springs, Cumberland
Co. , Penn. , as pastor of the Presbyterian Church
at that place, in 1872, where he now resides, hav
ing had but one charge in the ministry. While a
student at college he enlisted inKnapp'sBatteryand
served his country in guarding Washington, D. C,
for six months. On November 9, 1873, he was mar

ried to Jane M. McCune, of Cumberland county,
Penn., and his children are Hattie M. , Eva and Sam
uel S.). David Wylie, the father of this family, died
April 13, 1879, the mother August 25, 1883. Mr.
Wylie commenced with 100 acres of wild land,
which he vastly improved and greatly added to.
In politics he was a Whig, afterward a Republican,
and was one of the leading men in his party; in
religion he was a member for many years of the
Presbyterian Church in Chartiers township.
Robert D. Wylie, whose name opens this sketch,
was born August 23, 1840, on the farm where he
now resides, and in the same house, and was here
reared. His primary education was received in
the schools of the district. In 1857 he entered
Washington (Penn.) Union School, attending that
school for two years. In 1859 he was enrolled in
the senior prep, class of Washington College,
and went without interruption until he grad
uated in September, 1863, being graded fifth in
his class. Soon after graduation he undertook to
fill the different positions of tutor of ancient
languages and professor pro tern, of mathematics
in the same institution. In 1868 he gave up teach
ing as a profession. During that year he was
entered as a law student in Washington bar, read
ing with Alex. Wilson; but owing to continued ill
health, at the urgent solicitation of his parents he
reluctantly gave up a profession and concluded to
try farming. Since 1869 he has been actively
engaged in farming on the farm where he now
resides: On June 14, 1882, he was married to
Margaret E. Walker, youngest daughter of Jona
than Walker, of Butler county, Penn. They have
two living children: Walker M. and Leila M. McK.
Wylie. R. D. Wylie is a member of the Presby
terian Church, and Mrs. Wylie is a member of the
Lutheran church.

OBERT WRIGHT, a representative native-
born citizen of the county, is one of the
most prominent and influential agricultur-
^ ists of Buffalo township, standing well with
his neighbors, respected far and wide for
his many good qualities of head and heart; one
who has prospered in those things that make even
the humblest life well worth living.
Mr. Wright was born March 8, 1812, in Buffalo
township, where he received his education at the
subscription- schools of his boyhood days, which
was supplemented by considerable home study and
close reading. His paternal grandfather, William
Wright, a native of Ireland, followed the trade of
weaver in County Monaghan, in that country. He
was there twice married, and had the following
named children: William, Thomas, Robert, John
and Samuel. In 1785 he came to America, and
after a short sojourn in Chester county, Penn., set-

Sf'M

:

¦: 3-M

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

751

tied in Buffalo township, this county, where he
continued to follow his trade. Here he and his
wife died. He was a member of the Associate
Church, and in politics was a Whig.
Samuel Wright, father of subject, was born in
Ireland in 1782, and when a young lad came with
the rest of the family to America. In Buffalo
township, this county, he commenced farming on
a place which was then entirely wild, but which he
and his family by dint of hard labor in course of
time reduced to a condition of fertility. About
1804 he was married to Rachel, daughter of
Thomas Hill, of Donegal township, but a native of
Ireland, and their children were Mary (Mrs.
Thomas Carson), William, Thomas, Robert, Sam
uel and John, all deceased except Robert. After
the death of the mother of these children, which
occurred February 8, 1817, Mr. Wright married
Mary Howe, who bore him three children : James,
Ann (Mrs. Samuel Graham) and Rachel (all de
ceased). The father died January 24, 1849, in his
sixty-eighth year; the mother December 5, 1841.
Robert Wright, whose name opens this sketch,
in 1847 married Susanna, daughter of Samuel
Neely, and one child, Robert N. (now a prosper
ous farmer in Donegal township), was born to
them. The mother died in 1850, and June 18,
1857, Mr. Wright married Margaret L. , daughter
of Robert McNeal, of Claysville, this county, by
which union there are two children: Mary (wife of
Isaac Grimes) and John S. , born October 14, 1 865,
now conducting the home farm (he was married
September 30, 1890, to Miss Lou B. Crawford).
After his first marriage, Robert Wright continued
to live for some thirty years on the home place, the
dwelling being an old log cabin, and then erected
his present commodious residence, which is well
situated, and admirably equipped with all modern
improvements. The farm he cleared up and im
proved with his own hands. He and his worthy
wife were originally connected with the Associate
Church, but of late years they have been members
of the United Presbyterian Church at South Buf
falo, he being one of its most influential support
ers, and a trustee of same. Mr. AVright has al
ways taken an active part in politics, first as a
Whig, then as a member of the Liberty party, and
of late years as a Republican; and while taking an
active interest in all movements for the good of
the country, he has invariably avoided public pre
ferments. By hard, honest work, judicious econ
omy and sound judgment, he has secured a com
petence, being now one of the most extensive and
prosperous farmers in his section. [Since the
above was written, Mr. Wright died December 27,
1892. S
Robert McNeal, father of Mrs. Wright, was
born February 3, 1789, and learned the trade of
blacksmith. His parents came from Scotland at

an early day, settling near Pittsburgh, Penn.
Robert McNeal married Polly Long, and to them
was born one child: Jane L. On January 4, 1825,
he married Isabella Bonar, a native of Donegal
township, Washington county, born December 26,
1797, and to them were born the following chil
dren: John H, who died May 3, 1859; James
B., who enlisted in the war of 1861-65, and died
in hospital September 4, 1864, from the effects of
a wound received in the battle of Jonesborough;
Nelson R., who served through the Civil war,
and now resides in Donegal township; Margaret
L. (Mrs. Robert Wright); Sarah F. , deceased at
the age of eight years. Mr. and Mrs. McNeal
located in Claysville, Penn., where he followed his
trade many years. He died November 28, 1863,
his wife having preceded him across the River
July 8, 1855.

T/HOMAS STOCKTON is a representative of
one of the oldest families of Franklin town
ship. Thomas Stockton, the ancestor of the
family in Pennsylvania, was a native of Vir
ginia, and at an early age came to Cham-
bersburgh, Franklin Co., Penn. He was for many
years a member and elder in the Presbyterian Church.
He died May 31, 1795, aged eighty-six years, of
whooping-cough, at the house of his son-in-law,
William Waddell, in Mercersburgh, Penn. (William
Waddell was a brother of Rev. James Waddell, of
Virginia, whose daughter, Jeanette, was married
to Rev. Archibald Alexander, D. D.). Mr. Stock
ton reared the following children: Thomas, John,
David, Robert, Elizabeth (Mrs. Waddell), Isabella
(Mrs. Neilson), Mary (Mrs. Bard), and Margaret
(Mrs. Johnston).
Robert Stockton was born October 19, 1737, in
eastern Pennsylvania, near Chambersburgh, and on
December 22, 1761, be was married to Mary Mc-
Kennie. Mr. Stockton served in the Revolution- '
ary war, taking part in the battles of Trenton and
Monmouth. He moved to Washington county in
1782, and in the following July purchased a farm
of Peter Jolly, which was named in the survey
"Beaver Dam." It is situated three and a half
miles west of Washington borough, in Franklin
township, and is still ip the possession of the fam
ily. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert (McKennie) Stock
ton were born the following children: Thomas,
Col. Robert, Margaret (wife of Col. John Cotton, of
Meadville, Penn.), Frances (Mrs. Charles Stewart),
Jane (wife of Rev. John Brice), John (married to
MargaretMcCombs), Rev. Joseph (married to Esther
Clark) and Elizabeth (wife of Rev. James Cun
ningham, of Ohio). Col. John Cotton and Col.
Robert Stockton were both elders of the Presbyte
rian Church at Meadville, Penn.
Thomas Stockton inherited the old Stockton

752

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

place together with his brother John, who after
ward died, when Thomas purchased the remainder
of the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah Graham, and the children born to them were
as follows: Robert, Thomas, John, Mary and Sarah.
Mr. Stockton was a Whig in politics, and in relig
ious belief was for many years a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Washington, in which
he was an elder.
Robert Stockton, son of Thomas and Sarah (Gra
ham) Stockton, passed his youth on the home
farm, and was united in marriage with Rebecca,
daughter of John and Sarah Wilson. To their
union were born children as follows: Thomas V. ,
John Wilson, Emma O'Ella (Mrs. C. C. Cozad)
and Maggie (Mrs. A. R. Gayhort). Mr. Stockton
was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church
at AVashington. In politics he was a Whig and
Republican. He died in October, 1864, aged sixty-
seven years.
Thomas V. Stockton, son of Robert and Rebecca
(Wilson) Stockton, is unmarried, and has managed
the home farm since the death of his father. He
is an enterprising young citizen of Franklin town
ship, and a member of the Republican party.
Dr. John Wilson Stockton graduated in the sci
entific department of Washington and Jefferson
College in 1868; he graduated from the Eclectic
Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1877. He
was married August 8, 1890, to Romayne Wade
McKown, of Allegheny county. He is located at
present at Washington, Penn., where he is engaged
in the practice of his chosen profession.

DANIEL B. MOWRY was born November 17,
1827, in Allegheny county, Penn., near
/ Pittsburgh. His father, also named Daniel,
was born in 1783, and was married to Jane,
daughter of William Wylie, of Washington county,
of the lineage of David Wylie, being a full cousin,
and the children born to this union were Margaret,
wife of Edward Wood, now living in Philadelphia;
AVilliam, who was killed in Custer's raid at Little
Big Horn; John, a physician, who graduated from
Philadelphia Medical College; Peter, deceased;
Daniel B.; Robert G. ; George W., deceased.
Daniel Mowry, Sr., the father of these children,
died in 1862; the mother, Jane Mowry, in 1874.
In politics he was an Old- line Whig, and in religion
a member of the Covenanter Church. Mr. Mowry
was a life resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., where he
was for a time clerk of the courts, and, afterward,
tipstaff. Daniel B. Mowry, the subject of this biograph
ical memoir, though born in Pittsburgh, lived with
his grandfather Wylie during most of his minority,
following the vocation of farming. He was united
in marriage with Mary A., daughter of Major

William Wilson, and the children born to them
were William W., a major in the Pennsylvania
Militia, and a resident of Washington, this county;
John died in infancy; Charles E. , in Pittsburgh;
Lottie (Mrs. Herbert Wilson, of Nebraska); Harry;
Mary A. and Sarah, of Washington county. The
mother passed from earth August 27, 1890. In
1861, during the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Mowry
enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I.,
better known as the Round Heads, and served
throughout the entire struggle. In politics he is
a stanch Republican, by occupation a farmer.

T. JACKMAN is of Teutonic ancestry, his
grandparents, William and Barbara (Shively)
Jackman, having been natives of the country
of the Rhine. They emigrated from Ger
many before their marriage, which ceremony took
place in a fort on the Monongahela river, ill AVest-
moreland county, Penn. In 1788 William Jack-
man took out a patent for 368 acres of land-called
"Hobson's choice," in Washington county. He
paid the Indians, for their right, $15, a gun, and a
blanket. He made a permanent home on this
tract, where seven children were born to him, all
now deceased. The parents were members of the
Baptist Church.
Simeon Jackman, son of William and Barbara
(Shively) Jackman, was bom, in 1795, in East Pike
Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and there
attended the subscription schools. In 1819 he was
married to Mary Dunlevy, who was born in 1800,
in East Pike Run township, and the young couple
settled permanently on 100 acres of the original
tract (above mentioned) in Allen township. He
afterward bought 100 acres from his brother Cyrus,
paying him $10 per acre. The following children
were born to them : one deceased in infancy ; Jo
seph Wilson, of Henry county, 111.; Anthony D.,
a resident of El Dorado, Butler Co., Kans. ; Me
lissa, wife of George Morton, a Presbyterian min
ister of Indiana county, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of
James Wilson, of McLean county, III. ; Mary, mar
ried to John Steele, of Fayette county, Penn.
Harriet, wife of George Hill, of McLean county,
111.; William H, living in Wayne county, Ohio; S.
T., whose name opens this sketch; Isaac K, living
in Los Angeles, Cal., and Sarah D., wife of Will
iam Dunlevy, of Butler county, Kans. Of these
children Mary, William H, S. T., and Isaac K
are yet living. The father was a Republican, and
served for many years as justice of the peace; was
also captain in the State Militia. He died in 1881,
having been preceded by his wife in 1873. Both
were members of the Presbyterian Church.
S. T. Jackman, the only living representative of
his family in Washington county, was born Octo
ber 23, 1835, in Allen township, AVashington Co.,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

753

Penn. He received his earlier education in the
subscription schools of the neighborhood, and then
took the sophomore year at Washington College.
In 1862 he enlisted at Pittsburgh, Penn., in Com
pany F, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, for
three years or during the war, and was afterward
promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Com
pany E, in the same regiment. He served in the
battles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, also in the Shen
andoah Valley and the Seven Days' fight before
Richmond. In 1865 he received an honorable dis
charge at Cumberland, Md. , and returned to the
home farm in Allen township, Washington county.
On May 20, 1868, he was married to Florence J. ,
daughter of Azariah and Sarah A. (Murphy) Crow,
pioneers of Washington county, now living in How
ell county, Mo.
Mr. Jackman yet owns ninety- five acres of the
original patent. In politics he votes with the Re
publican party, and served as a member of the
school board, assessor and road commissioner of
Allen township. Since the Howe cemetery has
been established Mr. Jackman has served as treas
urer and trustee, and is also a trustee of the Eben
ezer M. E. Church, of which he and his wife are
members. Their children have been born as fol
lows: Nora Elsie, wife of William Steele, a grocer
of West Belle Vernon; Leslie T. ; H Roscoe; Ruby
C; Mary S.; A. Parker; J. Riley (deceased at the
age of six years) and Morton Hanson (deceased
when seventeen months old). In 1891 Mr. and
Mrs. Jackman moved to their present home in
West Belle Vernon.

OBERT C. HOLMES, a successful ' and
well-known farmer of Cross Greek town
ship, is a son of James Holmes, whose
father died in Ireland, the land of his
birth.
James Holmes emigrated from his native coun
try in 1837, and remained in New York two years
after landing on American soil. He then lived
four years in AVestmoreland county, Penn., after
ward renting a place in Cross Creek township,
Washington Co., Penn., and purchasing the home
farm just before the Civil war. His wife was for
merly a Miss Margaret Thompson, to whom he was
wedded in 1836. Children were bom to their
union as follows: Jane, Thomas, John, James,
Robert C, William, Thompson B. and Joseph D.,
all of whom were born after the parents had set
tled in America. The father followed general
farming and sheep raising, owning a good fertile
farm of 144 acres. In politics he affiliated with
the Democratic party, to whose 'interest he was ever
keenly active, supporting its principles with en
thusiastic ardor, and holding various offices of
honor and trust in Cross Creek township, which he

filled to the satisfaction of all. In religious faith
he was an active member of the United Presbyte
rian Church at AVest Middletown, Penn., to which
he gave a hearty and liberal support. He died in
1869. Of the children born to James and Mar
garet (Thompson) Holmes, William was married
to Miss Emma Neely, a native of Donegal town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., and the following
children have blessed their union: Robert, Jane
M., Grover C, Joseph, James and Mary, all of
whom are living with their parents on the old home
farm. Robert C. Holmes, the fourth or fifth child of
James and Margaret Holmes, was born in 1844.
His boyhood and youth were passed in the arduous
duties of farm life, and attending the district
schools of the neighborhood. When his father
died, Robert took entire charge of the business,
which he is now managing with marked success,
and caring for his aged mother, who lives with her
son, awaiting the summons which will unite her
again with those loved ones who have "passed over
the river home. "
Mrs. Margaret (Thompson) Holmes was born in
Ireland in 1819. In 1840 her parents came to the
United States and settled in Chartiers township,
Washington county, following their children.
Mrs. Holmes was the first of the Thompson fam
ily to emigrate, the other children followed her
example, and the parents ultimately decided to set
tle in the New World. Of the eight children who
came hither, five are living. The mother of Mrs.
Holmes died in Cross Creek township in 1879,
aged eighty-seven years.

^/HOMAS A. HIND MAN, a highly esteemed
and prosperous citizen of Cross Creek vil
lage, Washington Co., Penn., is a son of
William Hindman, and grandson of Samuel
T/ Hindman. The latter was born near Can
onsburg, in Chartiers township, this county, and
was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he fol
lowed through life. When a young man he left
Washington county and made a permanent home
in Brooke county, W. Va. He? was united in mar
riage with Miss Catherine Davis, a native of east
ern Ohio, and nine children were born to their
union, namely: Polly, AATilliam, Rebecca, Eliza,
Samuel, James, Margaret Ann (Mrs. Barber, of
Knox county, Ohio), Harriet (Mrs. Murchland, of
Colliers Station) and Evan D. (also living at Col
liers Station).
William Hindman (the second child of Samuel
and Catherine Hindman) was born in 1812, in
Brooke county, W. Va. , growing to manhood on
the home farm. He received a common-school
education, which was supplemented by the reading
of good books. He was married to Elizabeth Mc-

754

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Cullough, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent, and the
following children were born to them: Andrew (a
blacksmith living near Colliers Station, this
county), Catherine (deceased in childhood), Samuel
(farming in this county), Thomas A. (subject of
this sketch), Charles (died when quite young),
Jane (living in Dennison, Ohio), Mary (also a resi
dent of Dennison, Ohio), Eliza (deceased), Evan (a
farmer of Cross Creek township, Va.), an unnamed
infant (deceased), Rebecca, William (died when
eight years of age), and George, all living near
Colliers Station. The father of this family pos
sessed a remarkable memory, and was consid
ered one of the most intelligent men of the com
munity. He was a man of generous impulses
and warm sympathies, never allowing any person
to leave his door hungry, or refusing aid to worthy
objects of charity.
Thomas A. Hindman was born January 23, 1840,
in Brooke county, W. Va., where he worked on the
farm during his boyhood. At the age of eighteen
years he learned the blacksmith's trade with his
brother Andrew, then worked as a journeyman,
traveling over several States, and finally, in 1865,
settled in Cross Creek village, this county, where
he opened a blacksmith shop. In 1868 he sold
out, and returning to Brooke county, W. Va.,
worked two years for his brother Andrew. At the
end of that time he returned to Cross Creek village,
and purchasing his old shop, has since remained
in the place. On November 8, 1871, he was united
in marriage with Miss Hannah Stephenson,
daughter of Mark Stephenson, of Smith township,
this county. Three children have been born to
their union: Delia May, Audley Oliver and Nettie
Pearl. Delia M. and Audley O. have attended
the Cross Creek Academy for several years, the
latter now being a student of the Northwestern
University at Ada, Ohio. Mr. Hindman began life
with no assistance from home, and by industry
and perseverance is now one of the best and most
successful workmen, owning one of the finest black
smith shops in Washington county. In politics he
is a stanch Democrat, and in religion a member of
the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek village.

dfAMES H. BARKLEY, a well-known stock
raiser of Nottingham township, is a native of
I the same. His father, James N. Barkley,
was born in 1814, in this county, and when yet
a boy learned the shoemaker's trade, which he fol
lowed for one year, then bought the home farm,
containing fifty-seven acres in Nottingham town
ship. On October 25, 1.837, he was united in
marriage with Sarah Caster, who was born in 1816,
in Allegheny county, Penn., and their children were
born as follows: Robert, James, Thomas, Frank,

Catherine (wife of L. Culbertson), Caroline (mar
ried to William Hamilton) and Maggie (Mrs. F.
Irwin). The father died in 1886; the mother is
yet living.
James H. Barkley was born May 12, 1850, in
Washington county, where his youth was passed.
He worked in a sawmill for three years for Maj.
James Gaston, and on March 10, 1880, made choice
of a life companion in the person of Patience B.
Hamilton, a native of this county, and daughter of
James R. Hamilton. The latter was born in 1818, in
Peters township, Washington county, and received
a classical education. During his earlier years he
followed the profession of school-teaching, and be
ing solely dependent upon his daily earnings for a
livelihood, he was obliged to practice strict econ
omy. In 1846 James R. Hamilton was married
to Miss Patience Morrison, a native of this county,
and having managed to save a small amount of his
salary, the young man bought a little farm in Not
tingham township, this county, upon which he and
his bride began their wedded life. They were
poor in worldly goods, but rich in the possession
of health and love. Fortune soon began to smile
on the brave young couple, who met her frowns
with such cheery faces, and as years passed on
children came to brighten the little home as fol
lows: Patience B. (Mrs. Barkley), William H. L.,
Charles James Reed, John H. G., Joseph G. P.,
Elizabeth Ann, Margaret Elnora and Mary Jane.
Of these the three latter are deceased. At the
time of his death, James R. Hamilton owned 300
acres of land.
James H. and Patience B. (Hamilton) Barkley
have had five children, namely: Reed, Lee (de
ceased), Earl, Mary and Ralph. After their mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Barkley settled on the home
place, where they have since resided, and upon which
he raises a variety of good stock. Politically he
is a firm believer in the principles advanced by the
Republican party, and in religion he and his
family are all members of the Methodist Church.

FATRICK RODGERS. Prominent among
the most respected and the wealthiest citizens
of Donegal township is found this well-
known retired agriculturist.
He is a son of Francis Rodgers, a native
of County Donegal, Ireland, who when a young
man came to America, and to Washington county,
Penn., making a settlement in Donegal township,
about one mile northwest of where is now Coon
Island postoffice, and where Franklin Rodgers, his
grandson, is at present living. Here he hewed for
himself a home out of the unbroken primeval
forest, and naturally then began to look around
him for a suitable helpmate. Her he was fort-

W^m^ ;

0 <Zmm\AjeA Utc^Jkmm

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

757

ornate to find in the person of Elizabeth Hupp, a
member of one of the oldest families of the county
.and first settlers of Donegal township. To their
marriage were born children as follows: John,
who was a farmer in Washington county, and died
at the age of forty-five years; Patrick, the subject
of this memoir; Rosanna, wife of Joseph Cox;
Nancy, wife of Samuel Cox; Isabel, married to
Jacob Stoolfire; Margaret, wife of Thomas Davis;
Mary, married to George LinviUe; Sarah, wife of
Isaac Deeds; and Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Davis,
all now deceased except Patrick. The parents died
on the old home farm, the father in 1829, and the
mother in 18 — . When Francis Rodgers came to
America he was but a poor boy, and his success in
life was due to the characteristic thrift, energy and
good management of himself and his faithful wife.
In his political life Mr. Rodgers was a lifelong
Democrat, a useful, reliable man in his party.
Patrick Rodgers was born in February, 1808, in
Donegal township, this county, where, on his father's
farm, he was well trained to the manifold duties
pertaining to agricultural pursuits, while his edu
cation was secured at the subscription schools of
his day. At the early age of sixteen the care of a
large farm fell on him, thus putting an end to his
opportunities of attending school any longer; but
the manner in which his extensive and trying
duties were performed gave evidence of ideas far
beyond his years, and promises of a brilliant
future before him in his state of life.
Mr. Rodgers has been twice married, first time
to Harriet, a daughter of Jerry Linville, of Done
gal township, to which union there were born chil
dren as follows: Johnson, who died at the age of
twenty-eight years, and Franklin, a farmer in Don
egal township. The mother of these children dying
in 1846, Mr. Rodgers afterward married Jane,
¦daughter of Robert and Eleanor (Mitchell) Me-
haffey, of Donegal township, and she bore him
the following named children : Elizabeth, now the
wife of J. 0. Scott, of Washington, Penn. ; Mary,
at home with her parents, and Emma, now the
wife of Avery Counselman, of Brooke county, W.
Va. After his first marriage Mr. Rodgers con
tinued on the home farm, engaged in general
agriculture and stock raising, until 1870, when he
removed to the old Cracraft farm, situated near
Dunsfort, in Donegal township, on Buffalo creek,
where he has since resided, now several years
retired, the farm being operated by others. "This
property he had purchased some years before. In
his political affiliations Mr. Rodgers is a stanch
Republican, formerly a Whig, and has held nu
merous township offices pressed upon him by appre
ciative friends. In religious sentiment be is a
member of and liberal contributor toward the
Dutch Fork Disciple Church.

H OBERT M. PATTERSON is a prominent
citizen of Cross Creek township, and a son
of Samuel, whose father was Gen. Thomas
Patterson. Thomas Patterson was of Irish
descent, his grandfather having been born
in Ireland in 1708, and immigrating to America in
1728, settled in Pennsylvania, where his son AVill
iam was born in 1733. William was first married
to Rosanna Scott, and reared a family of five chil
dren, among whom was Thomas. His first wife
died in 1769, and in April of the following year
William was married to Elizabeth Brown, who
bore him ten children.
Gen. Thomas Patterson, the grandfather of our
subject, was born October 1, 1764, in Lancaster
county, Penn., and came to Washington county
with his parents, at the age of fifteen years. In
1795 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Finley, of Westmoreland county, Penn. Of the
twelve children born to their union the following
lived to an adult age: William, James, Samuel,
Mary, John, Thomas, Finley, Elizabeth, Moses
and Rosanna. Gen. Patterson was a wealthy ag
riculturist, and actively interested in politics, hav
ing represented Washington county in the United
States Congress for several years. He passed
away November 17, 1841.
Samuel Patterson was born March 27, 1800, in
what is now known as the " Mill Property " in Cross
Creek township, this county. He was reared on
the home farm, and, when a young man, took
charge of the mill for a few years. In 1825 he came
to the place now occupied by Robert M. Patterson,
and passed the rest of his life in agricultural pur
suits, making a specialty of raising fine-wooled
sheep. He was married, to Miss Anna McClave,
daughter of the late Stewart McClave, who emi
grated from Ireland at an early day and settled in
the northern part of Jefferson county, Ohio, where
his descendants are yet living. Samuel and Anna
(McClave) Patterson werethe parents of the follow
ing children: Thomas, Lydia, Eliza, Stewart, Rob
ert M., Eleanor, Mary A., Harriet, Julia, Emily,
Franklin (the latter three being deceased in in
fancy), Rosanna, Silas C. and Adeline (deceased at
the age of nine years).
Robert M. Patterson was born June 19, 1829,
in the house where he is now living, which was
erected by his great-grandfather in 1794. It is a
stone structure with massive walls, two and a half
feet through ; the interior being divided by board
partitions into several rooms which are finished in
the best manner known to the workmen of those
days. In this house Robert M. Patterson grew to
manhood, obtaining his knowledge of farming from
the instruction of his father. On October 15,
1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Ann
McClave, daughter of Samuel McClave. She has

758

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

borne him children as follows; Annie Luella,
Rachel Ellen, Charles L., Frank M., Mary E.,
Robbie (deceased in infancy), Willie (also deceased
in infancy) and Harvey (deceased when three years
of age). Robert M. Patterson is a most successful
farmer, and has devoted his principal attention to
raising sheep. He owns 245 acres of land in Cross
Creek township, which he keeps in excellent con
dition and well filled with good stock, now
having some of the most valuable fine-wooled sheep
within the limits of Washington county. He usu
ally keeps from three to four hundred sheep. In
politics Mr. Patterson votes with the Democratic
party, but is very liberal in his views. He is much
interested in educational matters, having be
queathed to his children that invaluable gift — a
collegiate education. In church relationship, he
is a member of the Cross Creek Presbyterian
Church, giving to that Society a most liberal
support.

OBERT SUTHERLAND, a venerable and
honored representative of one of the oldest
and most highly esteemed families of AVash
ington county, is a native of the same,
born May 20, 1815, in West Finley town
ship. John Sutherland, his great-grandfather,
was a "native of Scotland, a son of George Suther
land, a farmer in that country. John Sutherland,
grandfather of Robert, was also born in Scotland,
and was there married twice, having by his first
wife one child, Barbara, and by his second wife
(Mrs. Gordon Sutherland) one child born in Scot
land, by name George. After coming to America
he married Margaret Morrow, and had the follow
ing children: John, Polly, Daniel, Alexander,
David and Rebecca (Mrs. Donnelly). In 1772 he
came with his wife, son George and one daughter,
Barbara, to this country, and on arrival bound
himself to a planter in Maryland, near Bladens-
burgh, working for him four years in order to pay
his and his family's passage out. His occupation
there was overseer of slaves, about three hundred
in number, and he was never known to strike or
abuse any of them; on the contrary, he treated
them with uniform kindness. At the termination of
the four years Mr. Sutherland came to Washing
ton county, Penn., with his family, the journey
across the mountains being made in wagons. They
made a settlement first in Chartiers township, and
then in 1800 moved to West Finley township,
where they remained until the death of the head of
the family, which occurred in 1826; his wife sur
vived him ten years, dying in 1836, and they now
rest side by side in West Alexander cemetery.
They were members of the " Three Ridges " Pres
byterian Church, now known as the West Alexan
der Church, and in politics he was an Old-line

Whig. The farm on which they settled covered
106 acres, nearly all wild land, which has since-
been from time to time improved by the family; it
is now occupied by Joseph Sutherland, the great-
great-grandson of the pioneer settler.
George Sutherland, father of subject, was born
in the "land o' cakes" in 1769, and when three
years of age was brought by his parents to this
country, as already related. He was a purely
home-taught, self-made man. In Washington
county he was married to Charlotte, daughter of
Alexander McCoy, who came with his family from
Scotland to this country about the same time as
the Sutherlands. In 1784 he settled on a farm in
West Finley township, and there passed the rest
of his life. The names of his children are Nancy,
Jane, Charlotte and Alexander. Mr. McCoy was
one of the first elders of the " Three Ridges " Pres
byterian Church. The McCoys were living here
in August, 1789, when nine members of the Mac
intosh family were killed by the Indians just out
side the blockhouse. A girl of fourteen years
escaped, and the Sutherlands were the first to hear
her cries and rescue her. After marriage George
Sutherland and his wife settled on a farm in West
Finley township, and here carried on agriculture
up to the day of their death. The children born
to them were John, Alexander, Eleanor, Isaac,
William, Daniel, Christiana, Robert, and one that
died in infancy. The mother departed this life
October 14, 1840, the father September 12, 1848,
and both are buried in West. Alexander cemetery.
They were members of the Presbyterian Church,
of which he was a leading elder, and in politics he
was a Whig.
Robert Sutherland, of whom this sketch more
particularly treats, attended the subscription
schools of the locality of his birth, and was early
trained to the arduous duties of farm life, which
has been his vocation from boyhood. Mr. Suther
land has been thrice married; first time May 2,
1839, to Jane, daughter of John and Polly (Tem
pleton) Lucas, and the children born to this union
were Mary E. (wife of Rev. John B. Dawson),
Lydia M. (deceased), who married R. J. McKeown
(deceased), Martha J. (Mrs. David G. Roney),
John (deceased), James, Julia (deceased), and
Lulu E. V. (wife of James McCleary). The mother
of this family died in 1872, and in 1878 Mr. Suth
erland wedded Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph Law-
son) who survived her marriage but five months,
and in 1881 our subject took, for his third partner
in life, Anna, daughter of John Taylor. After his
first marriage Mr. Sutherland settled on a farm in
West Finley township, and successfully followed
agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he retired
from active labor and moved to the borough of
West Alexander, where he has since resided. He
is a typical self-made man, and has always been_

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

759-

an enterprising loyal citizen. He has been a
Republican since the organization of that party,
prior to which he was a Whig and a strong anti-
slavery man, a "conductor on the underground
railroad," having frequently aided in securing the
escape of hound-hunted slaves to the free soil of
Canada.

ICHARD RAWLINS THOMAS, a repre
sentative citizen of Morris township, is a
son of Rev. John Thomas, who was a native
of Wales, born in the year 1800, near Swan
sea, in Glamorganshire. John Thomas'
father died when he was but a small boy, and his
widowed mother, inspired by a desire to give her
two sons the best possible chance, immigrated to
America in 1819. Landing at Philadelphia, they
at once proceeded to Indiana county, Penn. , where
they located, and the support . of the mother fell
upon the two sons. John, the father of our sub
ject, had learned the trade of a weaver in his
native country, which served him well in this new
country. He became an expert, and was enabled
to make it pay him well. At the same time he oc
cupied his leisure time in obtaining an education
and in fitting himself for the ministry. Having
progressed sufficiently to prepare himself for teach
ing, he afterward taught school at various places,
among the others, at Morgantown, West Va.
He then began preaching, to which he devoted
himself the remainder of his life. Among the
different places at which he preached were Mt.
Herman, Beulah, Bethlehem, Ruff Creek and other
places in that section. On October 27, 1824, Rev.
Mr. Thomas married Jane Roberts, daughter of
William Roberts, who was a native of Wales, and
a wealthy merchant and prominent man of Cam
bria county, Penn. For a short time they lived in
Indiana county, where Mr. Thomas owned a farm.
Later they removed to Fayette county, near
George's creek, and afterward to Turkey Foot,
AVestmoreland county. Here he remained some
time, when he removed to Monongalia county,
West Virginia.
To the union of John Thomas and Jane Rob
erts, children were born as follows: William R.,
December 14, 1825; Elizabeth, October 6, 1827;
Mary Jane, March 20, 1829; John P., January 15,
1832; James Estep, March 11, 1834; Richard
Rawlins, January 14, 1837; Harriet Eliza, October
10, 1839; Anna A. Judson, June 29, 1842; and
Shadrach and Martha (twins), December 7, 1843.
Mary, wife of James Vandyke, now resides at Cal
ifornia, Penn. ; John P. and William R. live in
Indiana county, and are prominent coal operators;
Anna A. Judson Thomas died March 12, 1843 ; James
E. was a member of the Twelfth Regiment, P. V.
I. during the late war, and died in the service

March 21, 1862; Harriet, wife of William McCol
lum, resides near Amity, Penn. ; Shadrach and
Martha were twins; Shadrach, a successful truck
gardener, lives near Pittsburgh ; Martha was mar
ried to Boyd Emery, of Amwell township, and died
in March, 1875; Elizabeth died June 3, 1829.
Richard Rawlins Thomas was born January
14, 1837, in Fayette county, Penn., near George's
creek. He received only a common- school educa
tion, and made his home with his parents until he
was thirteen years of age, when he left home to
battle with the world on his own account, using
his own language — "with only one extra shirt, a
straw hat and no shoes." For twelve years he
made his home with Lemuel N. John, of Monon
galia county, W. Va. , when he returned home
to assist in the erection of a house for his father,
and took a piece of uncleared land lying in Morris
township, Washington county, near the Greene
county line. After a few years he removed with
his parents to the southeast corner of Morris town
ship. On June 2, 1868, the father died; he was
an arduous worker and a liberal Christian man,
and gave his family every comfort his moderate
salary would allow. The wife and mother died
December 15, 1870. On June 6, 1869, Richard
R. Thomas married Sarah H. Lindley, born May
31, 1849, a daughter of Milton Lindley and Eliza
B. Blachly. To this union there have been born
two children: Lindley Whitfield, bom September
'23, 1872, and Mabel Genevieve, born March 29,
1887. Mr. Thomas has been successful as a
farmer and stock breeder, as the condition of his
farm and the uniform high grade of his stock
attest. In politics he formerly was a Republican,
but is now an active Prohibitionist. He is a mem
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at
West Union, Penn., and his wife is identified with
the Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church at Pros
perity.

JOHN H. HILL, a prominent citizen of Clays
ville, is a native of West Bethlehem town
ship, this county, born October 8, 1838, on
the home farm. His ancestors were natives
of the Emerald Isle, one family of whom, con
cluding to seek their fortunes in the New "World,
emigrated hither. They settled in Washington
county, Penn., and took a "tomahawk right" of
600 acres, which has since been in the possession
of their descendants, James (the father of subject)
now owning a portion of the original tract. They
built their log cabin home near the site of the
present commodious family residence. The Indians
were numerous, and these early pioneers had many
skirmishes with their copper-colored neighbors.
An Indian lay in ambush for some time at a cer
tain spring, and took every opportunity to seize

760

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the unsuspecting pioneer who chanced to come
near, but he was finally killed. Of the children in
this family little is known, but one son was born
-while the parents were crossing the ocean to
America. This son grew to manhood, married
and settled on the home farm in West Bethlehem
township, and reared a family of children, three of
whom were Joseph, John and William. The father
was a Federalist in politics, and in religion was a
member of the Baptist Church.
John Hill (grandfather of subject) was born
November 10, 1785, in AVest Bethlehem township,
Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth
on the home farm. He was united in marriage
with Nancy Sargeant, who was born December 25,
1789, and tbey had four children, namely: Jane,
Sarah (Mrs. Joseph Grable), William and James
S. Mr. Hill was a Whig in politics. In religious
connection he was a member of the Baptist Church,
and one of the founders of that Society in Wash
ington county.
James S. Hill was born June 13, 1811, on the
home farm in West Bethlehem township, this
county, where he received his early education. On
July 24, 1834, he was united in marriage with ¦
Elizabeth Yohe, of German descent, and the fol
lowing children were born to their union: Nancy
(Mrs. Solomon Addleman), John H , Thomas T.
and William H. Politically Mr. Hill was formerly
a Whig, and since the formation of the Repub
lican party has been actively connected with it.
John H. Hill passed hi? early years on the home
farm, and received a common-school education.
On June 16, 1859, he was married to Elizabeth
Wygandt, of Carroll township, this county, and
they have had four children, namely: Frank (mar
ried to Artie Enlow), Ella J. (Mrs. Jacob Shoe
maker), Nannie (deceased wife of E. Shivers, died
May 14, 1890), and Albert G. Mrs. Elizabeth Hill
died August 31, 1875, and on January 6, 1876,
Mr. Hill was married to Sarah McElwee, daughter
of John McElwee, whose father, Samuel McElwee,
was born November 25, 1791, in Lancaster county,
Penn., and on January 10, 1811, was united in
marriage with Ruth Ann Edwards, who was born
January 8, 1793, and she bore him children as
follows: John, Samuel and Lavina (Mrs. Robert
Simmons). Mr. McElwee was a Methodist Episco
pal minister, and traveled on the Philadelphia
Conference, following his calling throughout life.
In political opinion he was a Whig.
John McElwee passed his early youth in Chester
county, Penn., and when a young man came to
Washington county, where he drove stage on the
National pike until the Hempfield (now theB. & O.)
R. R. , was established, when he served as a rail
road agent until 1879. On February 28, 1840,
he was married to Susan, daughter of Walter No
ble, of Bradford county, Penn., and the young

people made a permanent home in Claysville, this
county. Their children are Sarah (Mrs. John H.
Hill), Ruth A. (deceased) and Celia J. (deceased).
Mr. McElwee was formerly a Whig, and after the
organization of the party became a Republican.
He was an active and enterprising citizen. He
and his family were members of the M. E. Church.
Mr. McElwee died January 29, 1880, and was fol
lowed by his wife November 3, 1884.
In March, 1862, Mr. Hill enlisted in Company
B, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, known
as the " Ringgold Cavalry. " He was sent to the army
of the Potomac, and appointed first clerk to Gen.
Emery, of the regular army. He was afterward ap
pointed chief clerk in the muster office, which posi
tion he filled until the close of the war. After his
return home, Mr. Hill located in Valley Inn, then
went to Kammerer, thence to Monongahela City,
where he remained seven years, during which
time he was elected high constable over three other
aspirants for that office, receiving all the votes
cast except thirty-six. Afterward he was engaged
in the general commission business at Wheeling,
W. Va. In 1884 he came to his present home in
Claysville, Washington county, and engaged in
the grocery business. In 1889, he was appointed
postmaster at Claysville, and abandoned the gro
cery. Mr. Hill is a charter member of Patterson
Jobes Post, G. A. R. , at Claysville, and is now
serving his third term' as post commander. He
has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-
three years, and is now D. D. G. P. of Washing
ton county. He was also a charter member of the
A. O. U. W. of Monongahela City, Penn., and is
now a member of the Grand Encampment of
Pennsylvania, also a representative to the Grand
Encampment of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R.

\ILLIAM SNODGRASS WHITE, retired
agriculturist, is one of the highly respected
citizens of Washington county. His
grandfather, William AVhite, came at an
early date to this county, and was mar
ried here. He died in 1822, in Canonsburg, and
his wife followed him in 1827. They had three
children: one son, John, and two daughters.
John White, father of our subject, grew to man
hood in Canonsburg, and after attending the
elementary schools of his native town, entered
Jefferson College, where he graduated in 1804.
He next began studying law at Steubenville, where
he was admitted to the bar. Later he returned to
Washington county, where he married Agnes Park,
daughter of John Park, of Cecil township; he took
up his residence in Washington, and acted as
prothonotary one year. Abandoning the law about
this time, he commenced the study of medicine at

mm

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

763

Thompsonville, Peters township, under the tuition
of Dr. Robert Thompson. He resided in Cecil
township, and taught school while he studied
medicine. After taking his diploma, he commenced
the practice of his new profession, and in Novem
ber, 1815, located about one and one-half miles east
of Hickory, where he practiced. In the following
April he moved to Hickory, where he continued to
follow his profession up to the time of his death,
which occurred in July, 1853, he being then sixty-
seven years of age. His wife followed him to the
grave August 19, 1866, in her seventy-seventh
year. In religion they were Presbyterians, and in
politics he was a AVhig.
William Snodgrass White was born December
12, 1812, in Cecil township, Washington county,
and was three years old when his parents moved
to Hickory. He received his education in the
common schools and an academy. From 1835 to
1841 he conducted a general store in Hickory, and
then moved on a farm on which he remained until
the spring of 1872, at which time he came to
Canonsburg. On March 31, 1839, he married Miss
Jane, daughter of Archibald Stewart, of Chartiers
township, and of this union were born the follow
ing children: John Stewart (who died in April,
1880; he had served in the war of the Rebellion),
Agnes Ann (widow of John M. Miller, who died in
May, 1888), Margaret Jane (Mrs. R. H. Black,
of Canonsburg), W. Vance (of Canonsburg),
Rebecca Jane (who died in 1845), Archibald Park
(who died April 19, 1859, at the age of twelve
years), Jenette (living with her father), Howard
(in Ohio) and Matilda K. D. (living at home).
Mrs. White died at Canonsburg, August 21, 1881,
at the age of sixty years. In 1856 Mr. White was
a member of the old Know-Nothing party, but
since the formation of the Republican party he
enrolled under their banner. He has frequently
declined to accept positions of honor and trust.
The position of associate judge was offered him,
but even that he found it necessary for various
causes to refuse. For forty years he has been a
consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.
His farm, containing 300 acres, lies about half a
mile north of Hickory, and in addition he has
ninety acres on which there is a coal mine, located
near Hickory. Mr. White has retired from active
life, and his home is cared for by his dutiful and
affectionate daughters. Both his paternal and
maternal ancestors were of Scotch-Presbyterian
descent, from the North of Ireland.

j^ILLIAM M. HUTCHISON, a prominent
citizen of West Finley township, is a son
H of Thomas, whose father, James Hutch-
— ison, emigrated from Scotland in 1785,
and settled in Washington county, Penn.,
on a portion of .the farm now owned by William

M. Hutchison. He erected a home in the wilder
ness, but was obliged to leave it, as the Indians
were hostile and very numerous. Five years later
he returned to his pioneer home, bringing with him
a bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, nee Miss Elizabeth
Law. They began married life on the farm where
they passed their remaining days. The following
children were bom to them: Matthew, born July
5, 1792; Margaret, born August 5, 1794; Eliza
beth, born October 3, 1796; Thomas, born Janu
ary 28, 1799; Catherine, born June 27, 1801, and
Nancy, born July 20, 1803. Of these children,
Margaret, Thomas and Nancy lived to be over four
score years of age.
Thomas Hutchison passed his earlier years on
his father's farm iu East Finley township, AA'ash-
ington Co., Penn., and assisted in the agricultural
duties. In the year 1824 he was united in mar
riage with Elizabeth McClelland, after which
event he bought out the heirs of the home place,
and settled upon it. To the above union were born
children as follows: Jane, born November 20,
1825; James, born June 7, 1828; William M.,
born December 17, 1830; Margaret L., born May
19, 1836; Mary E., born April 30, 1840; andCath-
erine, born April 2, 1843. The mother of these
children died March 30, 1844, and Mr. Hutchison
remained single for three years, caring for his fam
ily as best he could. Iu the year 1847, he was
married to Isabella McMillian. In 1875 Mr. and
Mrs. Hutchison moved to Independence township,
this county, where he died November 24, 1884;
his widow is still residing on the place. Mr.
Hutchison was an elder in the U. P. Church at Dog
wood Grove for over forty years.
William M. Hutchison was born on a part of the
farm in East Finley township, Washington Co. ,
Penn. He still resides on part of the farm in West
Finley township and passed his youth at home.
On March 26, 1857, he was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah G. Gilmore, and began married life in
his present home. They have had four children:
John G., born February 17, 1858, an attorney at
Emporia, Kans., who married Lelia A. McKee,
December 11, 1884, to whom a son, Curtis McKee,
was born November 12, 1890; Thomas A., born
September 9, 1859, married Zillah E. Giles, Sep
tember 27, 1888, to whom two sons were born —
William Henry, September 12, 1889, and Giles
Virgil, September 14, 1891; James A., born De
cember 6, 1861, married Ada V. Sutherland, to
whom one son, Harry Sutherland, was born June
30, 1892, and Eva May Hutchison, born September
8, 1864. Mrs. Sarah (Gilmore) Hutchison died
March 14, 1890. Mr. Hutchison started in life
with no financial assistance, and the additional dis
advantage of poor health. But his strong will and
invincible determination overcame even these for
midable obstacles. He now has a good farm of 125

764

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

acres, upon which are comfortable dwellings, and
he has given to all of his children that invaluable
inheritance — a good education. He is a member
of the United Presbyterian Church at Claysville,
this county; his son John is an elder of a United
Presbyterian Church in Kansas, and another son,
James, is an elder of the same church in Dogwood
Grove, East Finley township, this county. In
politics, Mr. Hutchison was formerly a AVhig, and
since the organization of the party, has been a
Republican. He has held several important town
ship offices, and is highly esteemed by all who
have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

TiOHN NELSON EALY, one of the well-to-do
. I and substantial citizens of East Finley town -
\j\ ship, was born in Cross Creek township,
^^ April 27, 1841, a son of John and Eleanor
(Sprowls) Ealy, both natives of the same township.
John Ealy, his paternal grandfather, was a native
of Schuylkill county, Penn., where he married and
reared a family of children, some of whom and his
wife he brought with him when he moved to
Washington county. He settled here, near where
is now East Finley postoffice, not far from the
headwaters of Wheeling creek, in East Finley
township, and here died, as did also his wife.
Their eldest son, George, was bom in 1773, in
Schuylkill county, Penn. , and came to Washing
ton county with his parents, as above related. His
boyhood days were passed upon his father's farm
and in attending, during a few months in winter
time, the subscription schools of his district; but
perhaps the most lasting of his lessons were those
of practical experience in industry, economy and
perseverance, which have all along been marked
traits in the character of the Ealy family in Wash
ington county. George Ealy was a farmer all his
days. He was married to Christina Ealy, who was
born in 1786, and to this union were born the follow
ing named children: John, Polly, Henry, George,
Michael, Martin, Mary and Christina, of whom but
two survive, viz. : Michael, living in Highland county,
Ohio, and Christina (widow of Silas Sprowls), in
East Finley township, this county. The father of
these children died June 19, 1869, the mother hav
ing passed away in 1849.
John Ealy, father of subject, was born in East
Finley township, in 1803, and at the schools of the
neighborhood secured a somewhat limited educa
tion, the better part of his time being occupied in
work on his father's farm. In 1834 he was mar
ried to Eleanor, daughter of John Sprowls. of
East Finley township, and she bore him children
as follows: Nancy, Jane, John N. , Lewis, David,
George W. and Silas, all of whom attained adult
age, but there are only two now living: John N.

and George W. The father was called from earth
November 4, 1857, the mother September 9, 1886..
John N. Ealy received a substantial common-
school education, learned agriculture of his father,
at whose death he came into possession of the home-
place, and has since resided there, engaged in
general agriculture, including the breeding of
blooded stock. The farm is situated about half a
mile south of East Finley postoffice, and is highly
improved. Mr. Ealy is a member of the United
Brethren Church, of which he has served as
trustee; in politics he is a lifelong Republican;
and one of the advisers and counsellors of his
party. He has never married.
George W. Ealy, the other surviving son of
John Ealy, was born July 8, 1847, in Cross Creek
township, this county, and received a good com
mon-school education. He came to East Finley
township when young, learned farming under his
father's preceptorship, and his entire life has been
devoted to agricultural pursuits. On December
17, 1872, he was married to L. V. Carroll, daugh
ter of William and Elizabeth (Seeman) Carroll, of
Irish ancestry, and the children of this union are
MaryE., born October 26, 1873; William Haz
lett, born August 3, 1876, and John Hamilton,
born August 14, 1880, all living at home with
their parents. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Ealy are
members of the United Brethren Church at Fair-
mount, and in politics he is a stanch Republican.

D'

AVID SUMNY. The family, of which the
subject of this memoir is a prominent mem
ber, have long been residents of Pennsyl
vania. Isaac Sumny, father of David, first
saw the light July 5, 1776, the day after the old
Liberty Bell had proclaimed the birth of our infant
nation. He was born in Westmoreland county,
Penn., and in 1798 was united in marriage with
Mary Turney (who was also born in 1776), and
nine children were born to their union, of whom
three sons are yet living. The father followed the
potters' trade all his life.
David Sumny, the fifth son of Isaac and Mary
(Turney) Sumny, was bom June 6, 1808, in AVest-
moreland county, Penn., and learned the potters'
trade of his father, following that business for
thirty years. In 1830 he plighted vows at the
marriage altar with Nancy Hand, a native of this
county, who was born in 1808. Eleven children
have blessed this union, all of whom are living in
their native State, the family home circle having
never yet been broken by the touch of the Silent
Messenger. The children are as follows : Williamson,
Julia A. (wife of Isaac AVolf), Maria (Mrs. J. Gait),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Devre), Mrs. Mary Young, John
T. (served three years in the war, and returned
home uninjured), David H. (in the service three

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

765

years, having escaped any injury), Isaac, Daniel,
Benjamin F. and Nancy Isabelle (Mrs. Gilmore).
These children are all married, and, with but one
exception, are living in Washington county. The
sons are farmers, and are all engaged in that voca
tion in connection with the various trades which
they have mastered. Some years ago the father
abandoned his trade and bought a small farm in
Nottingham township, this county, consisting of
forty acres, which is kept in an excellent state of
cultivation. He has always been a worker in the
Democratic party, having cast a vote for Gen.
Jackson. He has served the township as school
director. Mr. Sumny and his entire family, with a
few exceptions, are members of the. Presbyterian
Church. Williamson Sumny, son of David and Nancy
(Hand) Sumny, was born April 29, 1827, on the
old place in this county, there receiving his early
education. On April 16, 1850, he selected, as a
life partner, Miss Sarah Swickard, also a native
of this county, and they have had five children,
two of whom are yet living, namely: John S., who
married Melissa Sprowls, of this county, and Ann
Eliza, wife of William Lusk, residing in this coun
ty. Mr. Sumny has followed the carpenter's trade
since 1845, also being a millwright, and owns twenty
acres of land in this county. He has filled various
offices in Nottingham township, and in Church re
lation is connected with the Methodist denomina
tion. Two of his brothers were soldiers in the war
of the Rebellion: David and John T. They enlisted
in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Reg
iment P. V. I., participating in the battle of Gettys
burg and all other engagements under Gen. Hancock.
They both remained until the close of the war,
when, John's health failing, he returned home, and
afterward went West, becoming a pioneer settler.
On September 28, 1892, a reunion of the eleven
children, husbands and wives, was held at the old
homestead, numbering twenty -one. There were
present thirty-one grandchildren and twenty great
grandchildren, numbering seventy-two present. Of
the whole connection, there are living ninety- two
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

*/

Mi RS. SARAH E. GILLESPIE, a represent
ative of one of the best and most pop
ular families of Washington county, is a
daughter of John Gillespie, whose father
(also named John) emigrated with his fam
ily from Ireland at an early date, and settled in
Jefferson township, AVashington Co., Penn. The
wife of this John Gillespie was formerly Mary
Derrickson, and six children were born to their
union, namely: William, Nathaniel, John, Mary,
Sally and Elizabeth, all deceased excepting Eliza
and John.

John Gillespie (father of subject) was born, in
the year 1810, in Washington county, and passed
his early life on the home farm in Jefferson town
ship. In 1838 he was married to Nancy Leggett,
a native of Washington county, and they settled
on the old homestead, where the following children
were born to them: Mary Ann (deceased), Sarah
E. Wesley, and Hester (deceased).
Sarah E. Gillespie (the subject proper of our
sketch) was born May 1, 1842, in Jefferson town
ship, this county, and assisted in the household
duties of the home. At the age of eighteen years
she entered Pleasant Hill Seminary, which she
attended fifteen months, and was then married to
W. J. Gillespie, her second cousin and son of AVill
iam M. K. Gillespie. Their children were James
W., John, Charles O., Nannie M., Minnie O., Venie
B., Winifred and Ella Nora. After their mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie moved to his father's
farm, and tenderly cared for the old gentleman
until his death. Mr. Gillespie then took charge
of the farm, and bought out the interest of the
other heirs. In politics he was a stanch Repub
lican, but being of a retiring disposition would
accept no political office, preferring to devote his
time to personal business. He was a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Bethel. Since Mr. Gillespie's death, his widow
has kept the children together, all of whom live on
the old homestead. The farm consists of 284
acres of highly cultivated and fertile land, well
stocked with all necessary articles.

</

IV JfrRS. ELIZABETH GARDNER, an esti-
\l\ mable and respected lady of Jefferson
Mi I township, is a daughter of John and
-* grandchild of Caleb Merriman, who were
natives of the State of Maryland. She
was born October 8, 1831, in what is now West
Virginia, and assisted her mother in the household
duties of the farm in her early youth. She was
united in marriage March 15, 1855, with David Gard
ner, who was born January 29, 1827, in the house
where Mrs. Gardner is now living. It was then
known as a public tavern, and was kept by
David's father, who came from Maryland in 1814,
and on February 10, 1820, was married to Nancy
Donovan. His father then erected the tavern for
the accommodation of travelers going from Pitts
burgh to Steubenville, and also engaged in farm
ing. To David and Nancy (Donovan) Gardner
fourteen children were born, of whom but ten
lived to maturity, namely: Eliza, John, David,
James, George M. , William, Rachel, Ann, Martin
and Mary. Mr. Gardner died September 9, 1845.
David Gardner was born on the home farm
which came into his possession after the death
of his father. He lived at home during his early

766

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

manhood, and after his marriage to Miss Merriman
continued to reside on the home place, where the
following children were born: Laura A., born
December 15, 1855; George S., born September
25, 1857; Howard, born March 25,1860; Nancy
K.,born March 18, 1862; Henry, born July 11,
1864; John, born September 28," 1866; David F.,
born January 11, 1869; Chapline B., born Feb
ruary 12, 1871; and Thomas P., born April 26,
1873. Mr. Gardner was an industrious man,
a good neighbor and an enterprising citizen. He
was a member and liberal supporter of the Dis
ciple Church; in politics he was an ardent Demo
crat, and served many years as justice of the
peace. He died May 15, 1878, and was buried in
the cemetery at Eldersville. He gave all his
children a good education, and at the time of his
death owned a good farm of 184 acres.

INGLAND. The Emerald Isle has con
tributed largely to the intellect, and, conse
quently, the social and material develop
ment, of America. Many of the brightest
minds and most successful business men
which the United States has produced have
emigrated from, or were descendants of natives
•of Ireland. Among the latter will be found the
name of Ringland. The following is copied from
a letter written by Col. Thomas Ringland at Grand-
view, III, in 1860:
As respects the Ringland branch, there is a tradition in
¦our family that our common ancestor came to Ireland
from Hanover, in the army of King William III. , in the
latter part of the seventeenth century, previous to the fa
mous battle of the Boyne, in which William was victo
rious. After the war our ancestor settled in the North of
Ireland, and all of the name of Ringland that I ever knew
sprung from that ancestor. My grandfather, whose name
was George, died when my father was an infant, and my
grandmother again married another Hugh Ringland, and
after the death of the latter she lived with my father un
til her death. My father, William Ringland, had one
brother and one sister, both older than himself, and both
living when we left the country in 1795. My mother,
Prudence (Bailie), was born of an old and respectable
Scotch-Irish Presbyterian family. Both her parents were
members of the Presbyterian Church, in the parish of
Bellee, County Down, Ireland, and was herself a member
¦of the Presbyterian Church for some years before her
death, February 6, 1824, at her home in Morris township,
AVashington Co., Penn., aged sixty-three years.
William Ringland and wife, formerly Prudence
Bailie, parents of the above-named Thomas Ring-
land, with six children — George, Margaret, Mary,
Thomas, •William (first James and first Nancy
having died in infancy in Ireland) and second
James — emigrated from Ireland to America, and
settled in the summer of 1795 in Morris township,
Washington Co., Penn., on the middle fork of
Ten-Mile creek. After their arrival in America
ihey had children: second Nancy, Catharine,

Robert (who died an infant), Eliza and Jane, in
all thirteen children. William Ringland, Sr., died
September 9, 1827.
George Ringland, first son of William, had four
children: Thomas, Margaret, Rebecca and Ma
tilda. Thomas settled in Natchez, Miss., became
wealthy, and died many years ago. Margaret
married Harvey Bane, whose family are very much
scattered. Rebecca married William McKenna, a
merchant of Hillsboro, Washington Co., Penn.;
had one son, George R. ; lost sight of. Matilda
married Cephas Bane, lived in Streator, 111., and
both died there a few years ago, leaving a consid
erable family.
Thomas Ringland, second son of William, mar
ried Anna McCollum in 1813; had six sons: Will
iam, John Newton, Samuel, George, Benjamin
Anderson and Alexander Hamilton, and three
daughters: Mary, Nancy and Anna. Of these
William married Christian Bane in 1836; had four
daughters: Elizabeth, Anna Eliza, Clarissa and
Emily; died in 1843. Of these Elizabeth married
Col. W. A. Lowe, colonel of the Seventy-ninth Illi
nois Regiment, who died at Newman, 111., in
1869; had one son, George W. Lowe, who is single
in Kansas, 111. Anna Eliza died in infancy. Clar
issa married Henry Chambers, of Coles county,
111., has several children. Emily married Thomas
Lawhead, and lives near Kansas, 111.; no children
living. Nancy Ringland, daughter of Thomas,
died at Kansas, 111., in February, 1884. Dr.
George Ringland, son of Thomas, married Mar
garet Rea, of Greene county, Penn. ; has had three
sons and three daughters: John Thomas, William
Franklin, Rea Crawford, Hannah, Mary and Mar
garet. Of these John Thomas died in his six
teenth year, at Kansas, 111. ; William Franklin, a
Presbyterian minister, has had charge at Pana,
111. , and Hastings, Neb . ; is president of Hastings
(Neb.) College; in 1881 married Anna C. McCorkle,
at Crawfordsville, Ind.; has three sons: Paul
Franklin, George Lyle and William. Rea C.
married Josephine Hampshire, of Decatur, 111.,
where he now lives; has had three sons, one living.
Hannah married John Skinner, at Newman, 111.,
and died soon after. Mary and Margaret, single.
live at home with their mother at Kansas, 111. Dr.
George Ringland died at Kansas, 111., in 1891.
John Newton Ringland married Patty Clark;
had one child, and both mother and child died; he
afterward married Jane AVeir, and had three sons
and one daughter: E. Bernard, Adam AA'eir,
Thomas and Annie Mary. Of these, Dr. E. B.
Ringland has a water-cure establishment at Ham
ilton, 111., opposite Keokuk, Iowa; has been mar
ried three times; child by second wife living. Rev.
Adam AVeir Ringland, Presbyterian minister, has
had charges at Dubuque, Iowa, Tuscola and Beu-
lah, 111., and Duluth, Minn.; has recently been

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

767

called to the presidency of a theological school in
same State; was married to (Cena Patten, of Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa, in 1873; has young son and
daughter living. Thomas married Anna Nixon,
lives in Iowa and has some children. Annie Mary
is unmarried, living at Hamilton, 111., with Dr. E.
B. and his mother. John Newton Ringland died
in Lee county, Iowa, in 1851.
Samuel Ringland, son of Thomas, died unmar
ried at Dudley, 111., November 8, 1874. Benjamin
Anderson Ringland, son of Thomas, is living at
Oakland, 111. ; married Mary Smith, of Grandview,
111., has four sons and four daughters. Alexander
Hamilton Ringland, son of Thomas, is living
in Chicago, 111., married to Ellen AA'allace; have
three children living: Allie, Ralph and Bertha.
Anna Ringland, daughter of Thomas, married
Stephen Post, of Washington county, Penn. ; had
two sons, one living, Hamilton B. Post, married to
-Miss Lindley, and they have two sons. Mary
-Ringland, daughter of Thomas, married Jacob
Braden in 1838; she died in 1846; had one son,
James, and three . daughters ; Elizabeth Ann,
Martha and Isabel. Of these, Elizabeth Ann died
in infancy. Martha married a Mr. Bergen, and
had two sons and one daughter, her husband hav
ing died, she married J. B. Weir, of AVashington
county, Penn., in 1886, and they live in Washing
ton, Penn. Isabel married James S. Hewitt,
of Dudley, 111., has two sons and one daughter.
Jacob Braden died at Dudley, 111., February 4,
1893, aged eighty-one years.
Col. Thomas Ringland, son of William, came to
America with his father and family in 1795, and
settled in Morris township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he continued to reside until 1857,
when he moved to Grandview, Edgar Co., 111.
During the war of 1812 the Colonel volunteered
his services as a private soldier, and was afterward
promoted to major for gallant conduct, and re
ceived an honorable discharge. By a life of up
rightness the Colonel so endeared himself to the
people of his adopted county, that in 1825 he was
nominated and elected to a seat in the House of
Representatives, and again in 1826 and 1827; and
such was the fidelity and ability with which he
discharged the duties of the office, that in 1828 he
was elected to the Senate from the District then
composed of the counties of Washington and
Greene, and was re elected and served with the
entire approbation of the people until 1834. As
an evidence of the high appreciation of his worth ,
and integrity, his brother senators elected him to
the honorable and responsible position of Speaker
of that body, the duties of which he discharged
with a courtesy and impartiality unsurpassed. In
politics Col. Ringland was all his life an earnest,
unswerving Democrat. He sustained the pure
patriot, gallant soldier and eminent statesman,

Gen. Jackson, throughout his eventful administra
tion. During the struggle of that great and good
man with the Bank of the United States, while-
others faltered and many yielded to the seductive
influences of that corporation, Col. Ringland stood
firm. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church for some years before his death, which oc .
curred January 7, 1869, at Grandview, 111. , when
he was aged eighty-six years.
William Ringland, third son of William, in
1826 married Mary Bane, of north fork of Ten-
Mile creek, Washington county, Penn. Had four
children: two sons — Isaac B. and Henry W. — and
two daughters — Harriet and Mary V. All moved
to Marshall county, Iowa, about 1856. Of these
children, Isaac B. married, in 1857, Mary A.
Evans, of Marshall county, Iowa; had two sons
and three daughters: William, Harvey, Emma,
Mary Eva and Margaret. Of these William died
in infancy. Harvey is at school in Minnesota,
studying pharmacy. Emma married H. F. Will-
son, in 1878, lives in Wayne, Neb. ; have had two
children, one living, Homer. Mary Eva married
C. E. Smith in 1881; live in Correctionville, Iowa;.
no children. Margaret married R. E. K. Mellor
in 1883; live in Wayne, Neb.; have four children
— William, Mabel, Mary and Zoa. Henry W.,
second son of William and Mary (Bane), died un
married in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1867, aged
thirty-five years ; buried in cemetery at Boone, Iowa..
Harriet L., first daughter of William and Mary
(Bane), married Samuel Munnell in 1860; had five
children; four died in infancy, one living: Mary
R. Munnell, who is attending school in Chicago,
111. Harriet L. died in 1871, aged forty-one
years. Mary V., second daughter of William and
Mary (Bane), in 1859 married D. M. Moninger, a
successful farmer and stock raiser of Marshall
county, Iowa, where they now reside; had four
sons and one daughter: William R., John H,
Frank B., Harry W., and Anna M. ; of these,
William, in 1887, married Mary H. Kellogg, of
Grinnell, Iowa; have one daughter, Margaret; live
in Marshall county, Iowa. John H. and Frank
B. were drowned in the Iowa river near their home,
in 1887. Anna M. , a handsome little girl, died
at the home of her grandfather, John Moninger,
in Washington county, Penn., in 1870, aged three
years. Harry W. lives at home with his parents,
unmarried. Maj. James Ringland, fourth son of William,
was born in County Down, Ireland, in June, 1791,
came to this country with the family in the sum
mer of 1795; June 26, 1828, married Sarah^
daughter of James Stockdale, who also emigrated
from Ireland about the same time. On being
duly elected and returned, he was commissioned
major of the " First Battalion of the Washington
and Greene Vanguards " (a regiment of volunteers.

768

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of the militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl
vania), by the Governor on August 3, following,
for the term of seven years. Major Ringland
joined the Lower Ten-Mile Presbyterian Church
about 1830, of which he was a faithful member
until his death, which occurred May 12, 1871,
when he was aged eighty years. Sarah Ringland,
wife of Major James, was born near Zollarsville,
Washington Co., Penn., in 1796; joined the Pres
byterian Church at Amity in 1830, and died Octo
ber 31, 1878.
AVilliam Ringland, son of James, left Washing
ton county in September, 1862, located in Marshall
county, Iowa, for a number of years. Then set
tled in Boone, Iowa, about 1866, where he now
lives; owns a warehouse and lumber yard in Boone;
was married to Miss Delia M. Swaine June 9,
1870; have had eight children: one died in infancy;
James, Edmund Alleman, Guy Jay, Josiah Allen,
Cady Stockdale, Annie Mary and Elsie Sarah, who
are all at home with parents. George S. Ring-
land, son of James, went west in the fall of 1855;
spent about one year in southern Iowa; then set-
led in Fort Dodge, Webster Co. , Iowa, where he re
mained until the commencement of the Civil war.
In 1862 he assisted in organizing a volunteer
cavalry company, which joined the Eleventh Penn
sylvania Cavalry Regiment under Col. Harlin, in
which he served for three years in eastern Vir
ginia and North Carolina, during which service he
was promoted to the captaincy of his company.
After the close of the war, in 1865, he returned to
Fort Dodge; about 1868 was married to Miss Anna
A., daughter of Woolsey Wells, of Fort Dodge,
for many years an attorney there; has one child,
Jennie, now taking a course in Wellesley (Mass.)
College. Captain Ringland is now engaged in
the manufacture of plaster of paris and in banking.
Mathew B. , son of James, unmarried, remained at
the old home all his life; died November 23, 1881.
Elizabeth J., only daughter of James, married H.
H. Conger, in November, 1863; now lives adjoining
her birthplace; has three children: George R. (who
married Miss Emma Casy in September, 1890), H.
Hershel and Omar D. Of these Dr. George R.
Conger is now located at Taylorstown, AVashington
Co., Penn. , in the practice of medicine. H. Her
shel and Omar D. live at home with their parents.
Josiah, youngest child of James, now owns and
lives on the farm which his grandfather, William
Ringland, bought of William Clutter, August 25,
1795, the same summer they came to America.
Has Edwin and Eva Young living in the house
with him; though unmarried, still has hope that
Cupid may yet come his way, and tarry with
him through his remaining years.
Margaret Ringland, first daughter of William,
married William Ferguson, and had one son,
Henry, who married Nancy Young, and had a large

family; moved to Clark county, Ind. Nancy Ring-
land, second daughter of William, married Moses
Braddock, and removed to Hancock county, Ind.,
near Greenfield. Catherine Ringland, third daugh
ter of William, married James Andrew; moved to
Morrow county, Ohio, where James Andrew died;
the widow and children returned to Pennsylvania;
they had seven children: George, Hindman, Thomas
R., Eliza Ann, Prudence, Mary and Sarah. Of
these, George Andrew died before he became of
age. Hindman married Ann Minton in 1855, and
had eight children: James E., Lee H., M. W.,
Bell (who died when a child), Inez P., Florence,
Annie M. and Osee B. Hindman Andrew died Feb
ruary 19, 1884, near Lindley's Mills, Washington ,
Co., Penn. Thomas Andrew went AArest about
1855, and married there; now lives in Spring Hill,
Iowa; has three sons and two daughters living.
Eliza Ann married Ira Andrew, and has one son and
two daughters living. Eliza Ann Andrew died the
day her brother Hindman lay a corpse. Mary and
Sarah went West about 1857. Mary married Mr.
Bataw, in Illinois ; now live with a daughter in In
dianapolis, Ind. ; have two daughters living. Sarah
died unmarried. Jane Ringland, fourth daughter
of William, married John Bane about 1830; had
seven children: George, Mary, Thomas, Margaret,
Addison, Ann and Nancy. Of these, George mar
ried twice and had a large family; names of wives
and children not known. Thomas married Susan
Collins, of Charleston, 111. ; no children. Mary
married Mr. Enlow, who died leaving two small
children, son and daughter; she still lives, a widow,
at Stockton, Coles Co., 111. Margaret married Mr.
Nuby; had some family; she died some years ago.
Anna married John McKinley; she is a widow with
four children, two boys and two girls. Nancy
married Mr. Ball. Addison married; name of
wife unknown. Mary Ringland, fifth daughter of
William; unmarried; lived with her brother James;
died May 25, 1829. Elizabeth Ringland, sixth
daughter of William ; unmarried; quite handsome;
died February 6, 1825, aged twenty-four years.

\ILLIAM AVHERRY. Among the public-
spirited and successful citizens of Sorh-
erset township, the gentleman whose name
opens this biography takes a prominent
position. He was born July 2, 1815, and
is a son of John, and grandson of James and Sarah
(McConel) Wherry. The grandparents were na
tives of Chester county, Penn., and after their
marriage settled on 400 acres of land in Washing
ton county, where a family of eleven children were
reared. The grandfather died in March, 1807, on
the home farm, and was followed to the grave by
his widow in the same year.
John AVherry, the second child of James Wherry,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

769

was born in 1776, on the farm in Washington
county, and attended the subscription schools of
the neighborhood. He followed farming and stock
raising, and in early life was wedded to Elizabeth
Welch, who bore him the following named children :
William, Mary, James, John, Eli, Stephen, Ellen,
Elizabeth and Margaret. Of this family, AVilliam
and Mary are the only living members. The father
was a AVhig, and, in religion, he and his wife were
members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1831,
being followed by his widow in 1866, in her
eightieth year.
William Wherry passed his early years on the
home farm, where his grandparents had also passed
the greater part of their lives. He has always
lived on the place of his birth, and having never
married, his maiden sister Mary has managed the
household affairs, and been a companion to him
since the death of their mother. Mr. Wherry owns
•600 acres of land, all in one farm, which is highly
•cultivated. Last year he shipped 10,000 pounds
of wool, in which product he deals extensively.
He is a Republican.

J}

MRS. NANCY GILLESPIE, a cultured and
highly- esteemed lady of Jefferson town
ship, this county, was born October 3,
1 1815, near West Middletown, Hopewell
township, Washington county. She is a
daughter of Abraham Leggett, whose father, Sut
ton Leggett, was bom in Maryland, and in early
life was united in marriage with Hannah Green, a
native of the same State, who bore him the following
named children: Benjamin, John, Sutton, Jesse,
Elijah, Ellen, Mrs. Pervard, Abraham and Nathan.
In 1794 the family moved to Pennsylvania, locat
ing in Washington county, near West Middletown.
Abraham Leggett was born in 1787, in Mary
land, and was about seven years of age when his
father moved to Pennsylvania. He was reared to
agricultural life, and educated in the schools of
the period. When a young man he married Miss
Nancy Dempster, and six children were born to
their union: Lemuel, Sutton, Jesse, Nancy, El
len, and an infant, unnamed.
Nancy Leggett was born on the home farm near
West Middletown, Penn., and grew to woman
hood, assisting in the household duties and attend
ing school in the neighborhood. In 1838 she be
came the wife of John Gillespie, and a few years
later happy voices called her "mother," little feet
pattered through the house, for her home was
brightened with four little ones, called by the fol
lowing names: Wesley A., Sarah Ellen, Mary
Ann and Hester Ann. The two last named have
been laid to rest, and on May 19, 1885, the hus
band and father passed away, leaving his widow to
the comfort of her two remaining children. Mr.

and Mrs. Gillespie started in life together with lit
tle of this world's goods, but industry and pa
tience have accomplished much. A beautiful
home, surrounded by 200 acres of fertile land,
gives ample evidence of the prosperity of the fam
ily. Mr. Gillespie was a stanch member of the
Republican party. Mrs. Gillespie is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Independence,
this county.

JOSEPH HENDERSON, a worthy representa
tive of one of the oldest families of AVash
ington county, and one of its best-known and
most highly respected citizens, was born
June 3, 1817, in Chartiers township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., a son of AVilliam Henderson, a
native of eastern Pennsylvania.
William Henderson married a Miss Patterson,
and had children as follows: Samuel, born Janu
ary 29, 1784; John, born November 18, 1785;
William, born January 10, 1788; Martha, born
June 30, 1789; Hugh, bom April 2, 1791;
Thomas, born March 22, 1793; James, born De
cember 18, 1794; Nancy, born in March, 1798, and
Elizabeth, born August 28, 1801. The mother of
this family dying, Mr. Henderson married, for his
second wife, Mrs. Elay (Seffrey) Kain, widow of
Jacob Kain, by whom she had children as follows:
Jacob, bom in October, 1797; Agnes, born August
13, 1799; John, born May 31, 1801; Sarah, born
August 4, 1803, and Mary, born June 22, 1805.
To the marriage of William Henderson with Mrs.
Elay Kain, there came a family of five children,
viz. : Matthew, born June 26, 1810; Ealy, born
May 31, 1812; David F., born November 9, 1814;
Joseph, born June 3, 1817, and Jennie, born Jan
uary 15, 1822. In July, 1842, the father was
called from earth, and was interred in the cemetery
at North Church, Buffalo township. In politics
he was an active Whig, and in religion a member
of the Seceder Church. From the time of his
coming to AVashington county he was a resident of
Chartiers township, where he successfully carried
on farming and coopering. Mrs. Elay Henderson
died in 1865.
Joseph Henderson, whose name opens this
sketch, passed his early life in his native township,
where he received his education. On October 12,
1841, he was united in marriage with Rebecca,
daughter of James Laird, by whom he had one
son, James L., a sketch of whom follows. This
wife dying May 12, 1853, Mr. Henderson married
in May, 1859, Anna B. , daughter of James Stewart,
of Chartiers township. Our subject is a member
of the United Presbyterian Church at Washington,
and since 1871 has been an elder and office-holder
in the church at Cross Roads. He is now living
retired in Washington.

770

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

James L. Hendebson, son of Joseph and Re
becca (Laird) Henderson, is a native of Washing
ton county, born in Chartiers township, March 6,
1844. His boyhood was passed on the home
place until he was seventeen years old, when he en
listed in August, 1861, in Company B, First
Virginia Cavalry, serving with distinction under
Gens. Shields and Sheridan. When the regiment
was mustered out he returned home, and entered
Duff's Business College, from which he was gradu
ated with high honors. On December 15, 1866,
he was married to S. Jennie, daughter of John and
Sarah (Harsha) Shaw, and the children born to this
union are: Joseph B. , Sarah R., Frank T. , James
L., and Earnest G. Mr. Henderson is extensively
engaged in stock dealing and raising, and is one
of the best- known importers of sheep and cattle in
his section; he owns one of the finest herds of
cattle ever introduced into the county, one which
he has collected regardless of labor and expense.
In his political predilections he has always sup
ported the Republican party, but close application
to business has prevented his accepting political
preferments. He has taken an active interest in
educational matters, both in Chartiers and Canton
townships, and is now serving his fourth term as
school director. Mr. Henderson and his family
are members of the United Presbyterian Church
at Washington.

d'|OHN GOURLEY, a retired argriculturist,
| having his residence in the borough of Clays-
I ville, comes of stalwart Scotch-Irish ancestry,
' noted for their indomitable perseverance,
sound judgment and characteristic probity. His
grandfather, Robert Gourley, a native of the Em
erald Isle, at an early day came to the United
States, where he married, and reared a family con
sisting of the following named children: Thomas,
James, Robert, Mary (Mrs. James Jones), Nancy
(Mrs. Thomas Dunn) and Mrs. Dunlap.
Of these, Robert was born near Greensburg,
Penn., in 1800, where and in Donegal township,
this county, his boyhood was passed. He lived on
a farm in the latter township, which property came
to be known as the " Gourley homestead. " Here
he was married to Margaret Roney, who bore him
the following named nine children: Alexander,
Susanna and Robert (all deceased), Ann Eliza,
John, Thomas, Sarah J. (wife of Rev. N. L.
Laferty), Catherine (Mrs. James Feather) and
James. The father successfully carried on farm
ing operations in Donegal township until 1859, in
which year he moved to Warren county, 111., where
he died, July 29, 1883, and the mother in Febru
ary, 1884. They were members of the Presby
terian Church, and in his political predilections
Mr. Gourley was a wide-awake Democrat.

John Gourley, the subject proper of this bio
graphical sketch, was born January 17, 1834, in
Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and
there received his education as well as early lessons
in farm work. At the age of eighteen years he
went to Warren county, 111., where he followed
farming until 1862, and then removed to Done
gal township, this county, and has here since re
sided. He lived on his farm until 1865, when he
removed with his family to Claysville, where he
has since resided, and where he owns one of the
most handsome residences of the village. On
March 13, 1860, he was married to Mary J.,
daughter of John Marshall, a member of one of
the oldest families in Buffalo township, and the
children by this union were Adele (wife of George
M. Gray) and Mary (now deceased). The family
are members and strong supporters of the Presby
terian Church at Claysville, and are much respect
ed and esteemed. Politically Mr. Gourley was a
Democrat till 1880, since when he has voted the
Prohibition ticket, and he is recognized as a pro
gressive, honorable and loyal citizen.

THOMAS MILLER, a retired agriculturist
and one of the oldest and most highly re
spected citizens of Canonsburg, was born
October 15, 1815, in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county. Andrew Miller, his father,
came from Ireland to America in 1812, bringing
his wife, his parents (Thomas and Sarah Miller),
and their children — Andrew, Thomas, Sarah, Mar
garet and Mary. These children all settled in
Mt. Pleasant township, where many of their de
scendants are now living. Andrew Miller was mar
ried, in Ireland, to Sarah Steele, a sister of Rev.
James Steele, who for many years was a Presby
terian minister at Strabane, Ireland, where his
son, Frederic Steele, attorney at law, now lives.
After his arrival in Mt. Pleasant township Andrew
Miller commenced farming, an occupation he con
tinued many years, and then, some forty years
ago, moved to Chartiers township, where he died
in 1853, at the age of seventy years. After
his death, his widow lived with her daughter in
Mt. Pleasant township, dying there in 1856 at a
very advanced age. Andrew Miller was a prom
inent Democrat in his day, and held various of
fices of trust in his township and county, such as
director of the poor. He was a member of the old
Associate Church. Of their marriage four chil
dren were born, viz. : James (who was an attorney
in AVooster, Ohio, and died in 1844), Thomas (our
subject), Andrew (who died in Allegheny county,
Penn.), and Jane (widow of Andrew Russell, re
siding in Chartiers township, with her daughter
Mrs. Homer Wilson).
Thomas Miller received the rudiments of his

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

773

education in an old log school-house on Chartiers
creek, and his first day's attendance was indelibly
fixed on his memory by his being an eye-witness
to the singular freak of a snake climbing up the
wall of the house. He had a thorough, practical
training in all the departments of agriculture, which
was his life vocation, and in 1875 retired from act
ive labor. On May 17, 1843, Mr. Miller married
Annie, daughter of David Reed, of Cecil township,
Washington county, and the following named chil
dren were born of their union: Andrew S. (who
served in the Union army in the defense of his
country, and is now an attorney in Pittsburgh),
David R. (a United Presbyterian minister in East
Palestine, Ohio), J. Martin and John C. (both on
the farm in Chartiers township), Almira (wife of
Rev. W. T. McConnell, of Des Moines, Iowa), and
Sarah Jane (Mrs. AV. H. S. Ritchie, of West Point,
Ky.). Mrs. Miller died in March, 1858, and No
vember 20, 1860, our subject married Elizabeth,
daughter of James Linn, who was born in South
Strabane township, this county. No children were
born to this union. In 1875 Mr. Miller built the
elegant house in Canonsburg, into which he and
his faithful wife moved the same year, and in which
they now live, calmly awaiting the summons that
shall call them from earth. They are lifelong
members of the U. P. Church, in which he has
been an • elder for about forty-five years. Polit
ically Mr. Miller was originally a Democrat, but
left the ranks of that party on the slavery issue,
and united with the old Whig party; he first voted
for Martin Van Buren, then for William Henry
Harrison. He was a delegate from Canonsburg at
the first National Convention . of the Republican
party, held in Pittsburgh in 1856. In 1884, with
a sense of duty to his fellow-men and to his God,
he enlisted under the Prohibition banner. Al
though earnest and most conscientious in his polit
ical associations Mr. Miller has, nevertheless, con
sistently refused office. At the first Republican
county convention he declined to become the nom
inee of his party for the State Legislature. He
was a delegate to the Congressional Convention
that nominated Hon. T. M. T. McKennan to fill
the vacancy in Congress through the death of Hon,
Joseph Lawrence, in 1842. Mr. Miller's old farm
in Chartiers township, comprising 250 acres of
highly improved land, is now owned and worked
by his sons, J. Martin and John C. Miller.
J. Martin Miller, son of Thomas Miller, was
born November 27, 1848, on the farm above men
tioned. He grew to manhood under the parental
roof, and was educated in the schools of Chartiers
township, then taking the freshman and sophomore
years at Washington and Jefferson College. In
1875 he was united in marriage wjth Mary B.
Stewart, a native of St. Clairsville, Belmont Co.,
Ohio, and daughter of John Stewart, who was

born in Pennsylvania, and when a young man
moved to Belmont county, Ohio. In 1832 he was
married to Ann Bell, a native of the same county,
and they settled on a farm in Ohio, where their
children were born and reared. He was ruling
elder for sixty years in the U. P. Church at St.
Clairsville, Ohio. He died in February 1892, aged
eighty-seven years, and the faithful wife was laid
to rest beside him three weeks later, having passed
through eighty years of life. The Stewart family
are of Scotch origin, and trace their ancestry to
Robert Bruce, of historic fame. They first settled
in Pennsylvania, afterward moving to Ohio.
After his marriage to Mary B. Stewart, Mr.
Miller bought the old homestead, consisting of 150
acres of land. He has since carried on general
farming, including the raising of Holstein cattle
and Delaine Merino sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
have had six children, viz. : Anna Bell, born No
vember 7, 1875, died at the age of eight years;
Stewart, born July 3, 1877; Lena Alice, born
August 16, 1879; Karl Martin, born September 6,
1882; Edna Bruce, born December 11, 1886, and
Mary Bell, born June 29, 1892. J. Martin Miller
is a Republican, and in religious connection he
and his wife are members of the Chartiers U. P.
Church, Rev. W. B. Smiley, pastor, of which he
was elected ruling elder in 1886.

I AMES T. PATTERSON, a leading citizen of
jl Burgettstown, was born April 9, 1851, a son
If I of John Patterson. His grandfather, James
^^ Patterson, was born in County Down, Ireland,
receiving his early education in his native
land. At the age of fourteen years he came with
his parents to Washington county, Penn., and
settled in Canton township, on the farm now owned
by John McClay, erecting their cabin home in the
wild new country. At the age of twenty-six years.
James Patterson was married to Mary Miller, a
native of Chartiers township, and after their mar
riage the young couple settled on the farm in Hope
well township, now owned by Lemon Patterson (a
grandson). Politically, James Patterson was first
a Federalist, then a Whig, and next an active
worker with the Abolitionists. He was among the
earliest members of the Seceder Church at North
Buffalo, his parents being also members of that
denomination. He was a member of and elder in the
church for fifty years, holding that office at the
time of the coalition of the Seceder and Union
Churches. He was successful in business matters,
having made his own way in the world. He died
in 1868, in his ninety-second year, and was buried
by the side of his wife in North Buffalo Cemetery.
They were the parents of the following children :
Alexander, Thomas, Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Leper),
Elizabeth (wife of James Richmond), Jane (mar-

774

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ried to James Armstrong), James, David, Mary
(Mrs. Taggart), John and Martha.
John Patterson, son of James and Mary (Miller)
Patterson, was born on the home farm in Hope
well township, this county, receiving his train
ing in a school which was held in the upper story
of a log spring house. He was married in Feb
ruary, 1850, to Jane, daughter of Thomas McClel-
lan, and they continued to reside on the old place
until his death. John Patterson was a Whig and
an Abolitionist, afterward becoming a Republican,
being an active politician, and much interested in
school matters, having served as director for years.
He was formerly a member of the Seceder Church,
and afterward united with the U. P. Church at
North Buffalo, contributing liberally to the support
of that denomination. Mrs. Patterson is yet living,
making her home with her son Lemon. The re
mains of Mr. Patterson were interred in the ceme
tery at North Buffalo.
James T. Patterson received a common-school
education in Hopewell township, and afterward
attended Pleasant Hill Academy. He then studied
medicine, but other matters taking his attention his
medical course was never completed. 'On Septem
ber 28, 1876, he was united in marriage with Jen
nie E. Witherspoon, daughter of John Witherspoon
of Smith township, and the following children
have blessed their union: Lenora, Lizzie Myrtle,
Jennie Estelle, James Witherspoon and Emma
Margaret (twins, deceased at the age of five
months). After his marriage James T. Patterson
settled on a farm in Hopewell township, remaining
there six years. He opened an insurance office in
Burgettstown, where he conducts fire and life insur
ance, and also deals in real estate. He and his
family are members of the United Presbyterian
Church, in which he has been a ruling elder for
thirteen years. In politics he is a leading member
of the Republican party, having filled several town
ship and borough offices, and is actively interested
in all political questions. He was appointed
notary public by Gov. Beaver, holding that office
four years, and reappointed by Gov. Robert E. Pat
tison in 1893.

OHN PRESLEY PROUDFIT, an energetic
young farmer of Smith township, is a great-
\f\\ grandson of David Proudfit, a native of Scot-
^^ land, who came to America and located in
York county, Penn. , where his son, John, was born
January 28, 1775. In 1802 John Proudfit came
to Washington county, Penn., locating in Hanover
township. On April 9, 1809, he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross
Creek (then Hopewell) township, born March 24,
1793, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hays)
Lyle. Some time after their marriage John and

Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit returned to York county,
Penn. , as the father of John was growing old and
feeble and needed the care of his children. The
young people remained on the home farm until the
death of the father, which occurred in 1826, and
then John and his family again moved to Washing
ton county, settling one mile west of Burgettstown,
where he passed the remainder of his life. The
trips across the mountains were full of dangers
and accompanied with many inconveniences. On
one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300
miles on horseback to visit relatives in York
county, Penn., the wife carrying a young baby in
her arms, and many hardships were endured on
the journey. The following children were born to
these pioneers: David (deceased September 19,
1813), born August 13, 1810; John L. (deceased),
born September 3, 1812; James K. (deceased Feb
ruary 25, 1816), born April 21, 1815; Eliza J.
(Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith township), born
January 2, 1817; Agnes (deceased August 15,
1824), born June 17, 1819; Robert F., born Decem
ber 23, 1821; Cinderella (wife of Jacob Proudfit, re
sides in Ashland county, Ohio), bom September 16,
1824; William, born May 10, 1828; Andrew, born
March 20, 1831; and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Ship
ley, of Hanover township), born August 29, 1833.
Robert F. Proudfit was born in York county,
Penn., coming with his parents to AA'aehington
county, when about four years of age. The family
located one mile and a half west of Burgettstown,
where Robert F. grew to manhood, working on the
farm and receiving such education as could then
be secured in the country schools. On January
15, 1849, he was married to Sarah E. Porter, who
was born August 9, 1823, in the eastern part of
the county, near Monongahela City. She was a
daughter of AVilliam Porter, who kept a hotel
along the National pike, two miles from Monon
gahela City. Two children were born to this
union, namely: Margaret E. (Mrs. W. J. Mc
Nary, of Smith township), and John P. (subject of
our sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit lived near
Bavington, Smith township, for several years after
their marriage. His father died in 1849 and he
then moved upon the home place. When a lad of
fifteen years, Mr. Proudfit received an injury from
which he never fully recovered, and during his later
years spent much time in travel, hoping to improve,
physically. In 1870 he took a trip to Europe, and
the benefit received from the journey, though en
couraging, was but temporary. In 1876 he visited
the western States, and the trip seemed to impart
new strength, but, as before, the improvement was
not permanent, and August 13, 1887, he passed
away. He was an energetic and industrious man,
leaving considerable property, and in politics was
a lifelong Democrat. He was formerly connected
with the Presbyterian Church, but not long before

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

775

his death joined the U. P. Church. His widow
has continued to reside on the home farm, which
is owned by her only son, with whom she makes
her home.
John P. Proudfit was born May 5, 1858, on the
home farm near Burgettstown where he has al
ways resided. He received a common-school edu
cation, and on September 3, 1879, was married to
Carrie I. Russell, who was born April 25, 1858,
daughter of Alexander Russell, a native of Char
tiers township, who settled in Muskingum county,
Ohio. To John P. and Carrie I. Proudfit four
children have been born, namely: Ethel S., born
August 20, 1880; Alexander R., born May 3, 1883;
Annie M., born February 24, 1886; and Robert F.,
born March 15, 1888. Mr. Proudfit has had
charge of the home farm since coming of age, and
is a successful and progressive agriculturist. In
politics he has always been a Democrat, and in re
ligion he and his wife are members of the U. P.
Church at Burgettstown.

' ATTHEAV WELCH (deceased) was one of
the most prominent and highly esteemed
citizens of Smith township. He was a son
-* of John AVelch, who was born in 1782, in
County Down, Ireland, and when ten
years of age came with some older brothers to
America. They located in Lancaster county, Penn.,
where he was reared to manhood, and married to
Jane McClelland, a native of that county. After
marriage this couple came to AVashington county,
locating " in the eastern part of Smith township;
afterward moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where
their children were born, as follows: Mary (mar
ried to Abraham Barger, of Harrison county, Ohio),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel Osburn, of Harrison county,
Ohio), Ann (deceased wife of Matthew Siemens, of
Harrison county, Ohio). Samuel (living in Wash
ington county, Iowa), John (a resident of Union-
port, Jefferson Co., Ohio), Matthew (subject of our
sketch), Jane (deceased wife of John McCullough),
David (a resident of Harrison county, Ohio), James
and William (both in Harrison county). Mr. Welch
possessed characteristic spirit of energy and enter
prise, and beginning life a poor boy, he became a
successful business man. In politics he was first a
Whig, afterward a Republican. He and his wife
were earnest members of the Presbyterian Church.
They both died in 1872, and are buried side by
side in the Ridge Church cemetery, Archer town
ship, Harrison Co. , Ohio.
Matthew Welch was born March 27, 1825, in
Archer township, Harrison Co., Ohio, and remained
on the home farm during boyhood, receiving a
common-school education. In early life he took a
trip west, but being seized with ague, did not
remain, but returned east, settling in Washington

county, Penn. On December 18, 1856, he was
married to Hannah M. Welch, who was born Sep
tember 19, 1823, in Smith township, this county,
daughter of Matthew Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Welch
first made their home in this county, in Cross Creek
township, then moved to Robinson township, and
in 1872 came to Smith township, locating about
one mile and a half south of Burgettstown, where
Mr. Welch died April 23, 1890. Since the death
of her husband, Mrs. AVelch has continued to
reside on the farm, which is well improved and
adorned with an elegant residence. Mr. Welch
was a Republican, and was often called upon to
fill offices of honor and trust in his township. He
was a member of the U. P. Church, of which his
widow is also a member. Their children were
John M. , Lizzie B., Matthew R. (deceased in
childhood) and J. Vincent, all those living being
still at home, the two sons having charge of the
farm, which they manage with admirable success.

m LBERT D. SCOTT, a representative busi-
II 1\ ness man and leading grocer of Mononga-
fr^\ hela, is of Irish ancestry. His grandfather,
II — * James Scott, was born in Ireland, where he
followed farming, and came to America
when about twenty-five years of age. He and his
wife (who was formerly a Miss Scott, and a native
of Scotland) first settled on a farm in Maryland,
and in 1800 came to Pennsylvania, locating on a
wild tract of land in Carroll township, Washington
county. They afterward moved to Millsborough,
same county, where they died, leaving the follow
ing children; JohD, Alexander, William, Joseph,
James, Robert, Elmer, Nancy and Rebecca.
John Scott, son of James, was born in 1798, in
Elkton, Md. , and in 1800 was brought by his par
ents in a pack-saddle to AVashington county, Penn.
He received his early education in the schools of
AVashington county, then learned the shoemaker's
trade. In early manhood he was married to Miss
Hannah Davis, of Ohio, and children as follows
were born unto them: John Davis, Mary Jane,
James Alexander, Lucinda, Hannah Louisa, Nan
cy Ann, Albert D., Amanda, Rebecca and Cas
sandra. For his second wife he was married to
Mary Hazelett, but she bore him 'no children.
After his marriage Mr. Scott followed teaming
from Baltimore, often using six-horse teams, and
also worked at his trade, proving an enterprising
man. In his political opinion he voted with the
Democratic party; in religious faith he was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1890.
Albert D. Scott was born April 4, 1845, on the
home place in Washington county, where his school
days were passed. In 1867 he began business for
himself with D. H. Williams in the butchering
line, which he continued to follow for ten years,

776

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and in 1868 opened the grocery establishment
which he has since conducted at Monongahela,
having won success by untiring industry. On De
cember 15, 1869, he married Rebecca, daughter of
Upton Ammon, a resident of Monongahela, Penn. ,
and they have five children, namely: Anna, Mary,
Tracy, Judson and John.

JAMES THOMPSON (deceased) was born
March 30, 1814, at Evansville, Ind. His
father, John Thompson, was a native of Ire
land, and was married to Ann Lazalier, of
English birth. John and Ann Thompson
had three sons who were left orphans at an early
age, then being taken charge of by an uncle, James
Thompson. He gave them an education and trade,
James choosing the tanner' s trade and his brothers
selecting the saddler's business. James served his
apprenticeship, then, deciding to follow agriculture,
engaged in that calling. He was offered a position
in a mercantile business, but refused it, and with
some assistance from his uncle, began to farm.
He was married February 29, 1848, to Mary A.
Provines, who was born December 31, 1817, near
Burgettstown, Penn. , and received a limited edu
cation in the subscription schools, walking three
miles to secure her literary advantages. She was
the daughter of Charles and Sarah (McCon
nell) Provines, both of Irish parentage. Her ma
ternal grandparents came to Pennsylvania during
the Revolutionary period. Mr. Provines died when
Mary A. was but nine years of age, and when she
had attained the age of womanhood, her mother
sold the home farm, removing to West Middle-
town, where the daughter was married. Her
grandparents were Thomas and Martha McConnell.
After his marriage, James Thompson settled in
Cross Creek township, near West Middletown. He
then purchased the adjoining farm in Hopewell
township, where he remained until his death,
which occurred August 5, 1879, he leaving four chil
dren: John L., James Franklin, William W. and
Dorcas A. Mr. Thompson was a successful busi
ness man, and owned two large and fertile farms.
He was prominent in local affairs, but accepted no
public offices, although a zealous supporter of the
Republican party. He was a regular attendant of
the United Presbyterian Church, serving many
years as a trustee, although never formally uniting
with the congregation. After the death of her
husband, Mrs. Thompson continued to reside on
the old homestead which nestles among the hills
near West Middletown. In the year 1891 she
erected a handsome house of modern design in
West Middletown, where she and her daughter are
now residing. Among the family records preserved
by Mrs. Thompson, there is a faded and worn scrap
of paper, upon which is written, in her father's

hand, the following lines, given as an indication
of his character, for Charles, Provines was ever as
ready to avow his faith in the Creator, as to name
his home: Charles Provines is my name,
Ireland is my nation;
Onega is my dwelling place,
And God is my salvation.
Two of the sons of Mrs. Thompson are married:
John L. selected as a life companion Miss Adeline
McNary, of Cross Creek township, and they are
living on the old homestead. James Franklin is
married to Lucy L. Denny, of West Middletown,
and is living in Independence township. ¦ They
have three children: James D., Harold and Mary.
The Thompson family are identified with the United
Presbyterian Church, and are descended from an
cestors who were God-fearing men and women.

NfOBLE FAMILY. About the year 1801
AVilliam Noble, who was a weaver, a trade
he followed for many years in his- native
-* land, Ireland, set sail with his family for
V America, the voyage across the Atlantic
occupying fourteen weeks. They landed at New
York, and from there proceeded to Shippensburgh,
Penn., where they remained two years, and then
came westward to this county, arriving about the
year 1810. William Noble settled on a rented
farm in Buffalo township, where he engaged in
agriculture until 1822, in which year he moved to
Stark county, Ohio, where he and his sons, Robert,
John and James, purchased a farm near the town
of Massillon, which property was entirely unim
proved, but was by the industry and care of the
family ere long converted into a fine fertile piece
of land. Here he died in 1845. He reared a
family of five children, viz. : John, James, Will
iam, Robert and Elizabeth (wife of James John
son). Mr. Noble was a member of the Presby
terian Church, and for thirteen years was an elder
of the same in Ohio; politically he was a Demo
crat, at all times taking an active interest in the
affairs of the party.
William Noble, son of this veteran pioneer, was
born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1793, and
when eight years of age came with his parents to
the United States, and to Buffalo township, this
county, where during the rest of his life he suc
cessfully followed farming, also worked at his trade,
that of a weaver. He was married to Rachel
Spencer, whose father was a native of Florida, and
the children that came to this union were Sarah
(wife of George Miller), James, Robert, Eliza,
Henry C. , Nancy A. (wife of Daniel McPherson),
Samuel A. and William. The father passed from
earth in 1867, the mother following him to the
grave in 1884, and both repose in the cemetery at

j^^Zspi^e-i?

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

779

Claysville. They were devout members and liberal
supporters of the Presbyterian Church at Upper
Buffalo, and he was a warm friend of education
and a zealous advocate of all public enterprises
tending to the promotion of good in the- commu
nity. A member of the Democratic party, he was
an active worker and fearless partisan.
James Noble, one of the oldest and most re
spected citizens of Buffalo township, was born
August 13, 1816, in Donegal township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., a son of William and Rachel
(Spencer) Noble. He received his education at
the primitive schools of his boyhood days, and at
the age of thirteen years commenced to work on
the farm of Isaac Hodgens, with whom he re
mained some twenty-two years, his wages being
for first year $6 per month, increasing year by year
until he was in receipt of $20 per month. In
August, 1839, Mr. Noble was married to Maria,
daughter of George Mealy, and one child was born
to this union, Mary, now the wife of John Brown,
of Donegal township. The mother of this child
dying in 1841, Mr. Noble married, August 14, 1849,
Rebecca, daughter of George Ritchey, of Donegal
township, and the children bom to this marriage
are Rachel (wife of T. B. Craig), Hester J. (wife
of Franklin Bebout), Amanda, Nettie (wife of W.
F. Crothers), Clara, Blanche and James. Mr.
Noble has passed his entire life in Buffalo and Don
egal townships, twenty-three years in the latter,
having, in 1870, come to his present fine home
where he has 425 acres of well -improved land. In
politics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an
active interest in the affairs of the party in both
the townships he has been a resident of, and has
held various positions of trust. He and his wife
are members and prominent supporters of the
United Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown.
Robert Noble, another worthy representative of
this prominent family, is also a native of Washing
ton county, born in Buffalo township, April 4, 1819,
a son of William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. He
received his education in the subscription schools
of the locality in which he was born, and was
reared to the arduous and manifold duties of farm
life. On September 2, 1842, he was married to
Rachel, daughter of John McKean, and the chil
dren bom to this union are: William R. (a farmer
in Buffalo township), Margaret J. (Mrs. John H.
Van Kirk), and John W. and AVishart S. (both
farmers of Buffalo township). The mother of this
family dying May 5, 1855, Mr. Noble in 1856
married Mary Graham, who was called from earth
in 1887, and our subject afterward, in February,
1889, was united in wedlock with Jane, daughter
of John Zink, of Brooke county, W. Va. Up to the
year 1885 he carried on farming operations in Buf
falo township, and then came to the borough of
•Clay'sville, where he has since lived a retired life.

The family are members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Claysville. In his political preferences
Mr. Noble has always voted the Democratic ticket,
and he has held various township offices with much
credit to himself, and the perfect satisfaction of his
'constituents. He is the owner of 55Q acres of fine
farming land in Buffalo township, arid has always
been regarded as an enterprising and progressive
man, commanding the respect of all.
[Since the above was prepared for the press, word has
been received of the death of Mr. Robert Noble, Febru
ary 22, 1893.— Ed.
Henry Clay Noble, a well-known representative
citizen of Buffalo township, is a native of the same,
having been born November 14, 1825, a son of
William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. His educa
tion was received in the subscription schools of the
neighborhood, which, however, owing to his many
duties on the farm he was unable to attend with
any degree of regularity. His first " book " was
a common shingle, on which were chalked the let
ters of the alphabet, and from this our youthful
hero and his classmates (who were similarly pro
vided) had to learn their " A, B, C's." This, it may
well be imagined, became the source of no small
amusement to, and a great deal of ridicule from,
the boys of the more advanced classes, who teased
these juniors unmercifully and unceasingly, so
much so that, after school was dismissed, they
took their shingles to the corner of the school-house
and broke them into splinters, for which they were
duly punished at home. Many were the hardships
the early student had to contend with; but it was
such hardships that produced brain and brawn in
the community from which have evolved some of
the very best men in our land. On June 21, 1854,
Mr. Noble was married to Rachel C, daughter of
Thomas Carson, of Buffalo township, and the chil
dren born to this union were: Thomas G. (living at
home) and William L. (married June 13, 1878, to
Miss Bertha R. , daughter of William Mitchell, of
Washington county, Penn., by which union there
has been born one child, Mary H. ; Mr. Noble died
March 19, 1885). Henry Clay Noble has passed
his entire life in Buffalo township, with the excep
tion of ten years before his marriage and ten years
after, during which period he was a resident of
Donegal township. He is a typical self-made man,
and is justly proud of his success, which he secured
by hard work, judicious economy and enterprise.
His farm of 208 acres is finely situated and well
improved. He is an attendant and liberal sup
porter of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville,
and in his political preferences is an active Demo
crat; he has frequently been urged to accept office,
and has at various times been elected a justice of
the peace, but has invariably either refused to
accept or declined to serve. Physically, Mr. Noble
is a large, strong man, well-preserved for his

780

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

years, with the promise of a long life before
him. Samuel A. Noble, the next youngest son of
William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble, was born
October 14, 1827, in Donegal township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., where he was carefully reared to
the arduous duties of farm life, attending in the
winter months the schools of the neighborhood.
Being a diligent student and an apt scholar, Mr.
Noble soon fitted himself for the position of teacher,
which he filled with marked ability during several
winters, in his township. He remained on the
home farm until his marriage, and then took up
his residence on Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, in
the same township, where he followed agricultural
pursuits. For a couple of years his family lived
in West Alexander, during which time he contin
ued farm work, and in 1873 he moved to what was
known as the " George Stoolfire farm " in the same
township, which he now owns and lives on; it is
situated two and one-half miles north of West
Alexander, and is a highly improved piece of prop
erty. On September 3, 1851, Mr. Noble was
united in marriage with Catherine B. Shaler, who
was born August 31, 1834, in Donegal township,
this county, a daughter of William Shaler, of that
township, and the following children have come to
bless their union: Clara (who was twice married,
first time to W. O. Ralston, and after his decease
to Joseph Wetzel, of Granville, Licking Co., Ohio),
Luther and Flora (both deceased when young),
and Harry (living with his parents, and working
on his father's farm). Mr. Noble is now one of
the largest landowners in this township, the result
of hard work, good management and sound finan
ciering. His farm is kept in excellent order, neat
and trim, and well-merited success has repaid his
labors, and he is extensively engaged in the wool
business, keeping over one thousand sheep. He is
a prominent member of the Democratic party, and
he and his wife are substantial members of the
Dutch Fork Disciple Church.
AVilliam R. Noble, one of the most popular and
best known farmers and stock raisers of Buffalo
township, was born July 2, 1844, on the old home
stead (originally the Carson farm) in Buffalo town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., a son of Robert and
Rachel (McKean) Noble. His education was secured
at the common schools of his district, which he has
supplemented with much reading and general ob
servation, and to-day he is one of the best informed
men in his section. At the age of twenty-two he
married Rachel, daughter of George Miller, of
Donegal township, by which union there is one
child, Laura B., now a highly accomplished young
lady, attending the academy at AA'ashington, this
county. This wife dying December 16, 1872, Mr.
Noble married, August 31, 1876, Miss Emma,
daughter of David Clark, of Buffalo township.

After his first marriage Mr. Noble settled on the
farm where the family now reside, and which he
has greatly improved, having added many new
commodious buildings, thereby making it one of
the finest country seats in Buffalo township. It is
situated near the western boundary line of the
township, and comprises 175 acres of the choicest
land. Here Mr. Noble's chief occupation consists
in overseeing the work on the farm, and the raising
and selling of live stock, in which he does a large
business. He is an extensive breeder of Spanish
sheep and Shorthorn cattle. Politically, Mr. Noble
is a Democrat, and a leading adviser in his party.
Mrs. Noble is a very highly esteemed lady, well-
known and generally admired for her sterling
qualities. John W. Noble, the next youngest son of Rob
ert and Rachel (McKean) Noble, was born July
26, 1850, in Buffalo township, this county, on
the old farm that has been in the possession
of the family ever since it was patented. He
was educated in the common schools of his
district, and early in life evinced an aptitude
for business, which, judiciously applied, has
brought him well-merited success. On November
14, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss
Anna M. Jamison, of Donegal township, and two
children have been born to them — Robert Andrew
and Lester Floyd. Mr. Noble and his family at
tend the services of the United Presbyterian
Church at Taylorstown, toward the support of
which he gives liberally of his means. He is a
stanch member of the Democratic party, always
taking an active part in its councils. He is a lead
ing man in his section, enjoying the respect and
esteem of all as an honest, upright, loyal citizen.
Wishart Stevenson Noble, youngest son of
Robert and Rachel (McKean) Noble, was born
July 20, 1854, in Buffalo township, this county,
on the old home farm. His boyhood was passed'
in attending the common schools in winter time,
and in assisting in the work of the farm during the
summer months. Until the age of twenty- two he
remained at the parental home, and then, having
married, moved to his present farm in the same
township, where he has since been engaged in gen
eral farming and stock raising (with the exception
of one year he was engaged in the hardware busi
ness, in Finleyville, this county), and in all his
enterprises he has been eminently successful. On
August 17, 1876, Mr. Noble was married to Flora
Bebout, who bore him children as follows: Jennie
Bell, born March 25, 1878; Daztmease Burnell,
born September 6, 1880; Susie B. , born June 24,
1888, and Edna, born June 9, 1891, all yet living.
Mrs. Noble and other members of the family are
members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically
Mr. Noble is a Democrat, and has filled with mucb
credit several offices of trust in his township.

stssaeSiS&J^'-.- ' ¦ '¦ >--:',^ •¦"¦

&L^m^ £Z ^O^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

783

JOHN S. NOBLE is a grandson of William
Noble, who was born in Woodside, Scotland,
and there received a superior education. In
the year 1805, William Noble immigrated to
America, abandoning a large estate to seek
a fortune in the New World. After arriving in the
United States, he finally settled in Lancaster
county, Penn., on a tract of land. He married
Elizabeth Howe, and had a family. He was a
soldier in the war of 1812, and in that contest gave
his life for his adopted country.
William C, a son of William and Elizabeth
(Howe) Noble, was born in America, May 2, 1789,
and in early manhood was united in marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of John Scott, an early settler
of Washington county. The following children
were born to them: John S., born November 22,
1833; Elizabeth, born March 30, 1836; Wlliam H,
bom July 19, 1837; and James S. (deceased), born
March 11, 1839. The father died April 20, 1859.
John S. Noble (the subject of this sketch) was
born on the old homestead in Buffalo township, and
received a good education in the common schools.
When the Civil war broke out, he enlisted in Com
pany B, First West Virginia Cavalry, Capt. Forbes
commanding. He was taken sick while in the
service, and lost his health. Mr. Noble has been
a Republican in his political preferences. A sister
now makes her home with him. She is a devout
Christian lady, and has been a member of the
United Presbyterian Church at Claysville, this coun
ty, since she was twenty-two years of age.

tive of
Sr., his
married

Mi RS. MARTHA MEHAFFEY, widow of
Mitchell Mehaffey, was born June 20,
1818, in Buffalo township, Washington
j -^ Co., Penn., and is a daughter of Charles
McRoberts, Jr., who was also a na-
Buffalo township. Charles McRoberts,
father, was born in Scotland, and there
Mary Herron, shortly after which they
emigrated to America, making a settlement in
Washington county, Penn., where he patented a
large tract of land. At this early period of the
county's history, Indians and wild animals roamed
the forests where are now peaceful valleys and
fertile farms. Here this sturdy Scotch pioneer set
to work and cleared a portion of the land, whereon
he erected a saw and grist mill, which, despite
the incursions and menaces of the Redmen, he
conducted for many years. He departed for the
"Better Land" in 1785, leaving a widow and seven
children: James, William, John, Samuel, Charles,
Charlotte and Mary, all now deceased
Of this family, Charles, the father ¦ of the sub
ject proper of these lines, was born June 1, 1773,
in Buffalo township, where he received his educa
tion in the primitive schools of the period. In

early manhood he taught for several years in the
schools of Taylorstown and also several terms near
Claysville. At the age of about forty years he
married Mary, daughter of William Donaldson, a
resident of Pennsylvania, east of the mountains,
and the children born to this union were twin
daughters — Martha (Mrs. Mehaffey) and Elizabeth
(Mrs. Grimes, mother of A. J. and W. C. Grimes,
farmers in Buffalo township). The father died
May 29, 1857, aged eighty-four years, and the
mother on October 1, 1855, aged seventy-nine
years. They were honored and respected citizens,
and devout Christians, members of the North Buf
falo United Presbyterian Church.
Martha McRoberts was born June 20, 1818. She
passed her girlhood on her father's farm, and re
ceived her education at the subscription schools of
the neighborhood. On January 24, 1839, she was
united in wedlock with Mitchell Mehaffey, of
Donegal township, Washington county. His par
ents were natives of Ireland, who had emigrated
to this country and made a settlement in Wash
ington county, Penn., in an early day, where he
was born December 29, 1814. To this union were
born children as follows : Ellen (Mrs. McGuffin), died
August 3, 1891; Samuel, residing in Washington,
Penn., and Robert, John, Charles Madison, Will
iam A., Mary J. and Martha, all yet living on the
old homestead. Mr. Mehaffey dejjarted this life
April 22, 1884. He was a sincere Christian and
a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church;
in politics he was a prominent Democrat, and had
filled with much credit many offices of trust and
responsibility in his township. Mrs. Martha Me
haffey is a lady of much intelligence and refine
ment, and possessed of remarkable memory for one
of her years. She is a devout member of the
Presbyterian Church, as are the entire family; and
she is now calmly awaiting with Christian resig
nation the summons that shall call her to the River
of Life. Her sous are highly respected citizens,
and thoroughly practical farmers and stock
raisers.

ILBERT ENGLE is a son-in-law of
Henry Moninger, who was born in Ha
gerstown, Md., in 1790, and coming to
Washington county at the age of twenty
years, finally located near the Lutheran settlement
"on the place now known as the " Mike Moninger "
farm, which he afterward bought. Henry Mon-
inger's education was received in the subscription
schools of his day, and he was considered a well-
informed man, one possessed of an unusual amount
of good judgment. He was united in marriage
with a Miss Hess, of Amity, this county, and the
following named children blessed their union:
John, born 1810; George, 1812; Mary, 1814;

784

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Henry, 1816; Andrew J., 1818; Susanna, 1820;
Jacob, 1822; Catherine 1825; Sarah, 1827; and
Elizabeth, 1832; one child died in infancy. The
children of his second marriage, with Miss Sarah
Hughes, of Washington county, were Robert M. ,
born in 1844, died young; James A., in 1848,
and Emma C, in 1850. One child died in in
fancy unnamed. Mr. Moninger was engaged in
buying and selling land, farming and stock drov
ing. He was remarkably energetic and perse
vering, as was evinced in the fact that when
seventy-five years of age he moved with his
family to Brooke county, W. Va. , and there pur
chased 600 acres of land, upon which he died in
1864. He was originally a AVhig, and afterward
a Republican, and though always willing to give
any possible aid to his party, was no office seeker.
In religious connection he was an honored member
of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine.
Mrs. Emma C. (Moninger) Engle was born in
Chartiers township, and remained with the family
in West Virginia and Washington county, Penn.
She attended school at Washington, Lone Pine
and at Pleasant Hill Seminary. She prepared for
the vocation of a teacher, but having met with an
accident in 1868 was compelled to abandon that
profession. Like her sister, Elizabeth, who was a
graduate of Olome Institute, Canonsburg, Mrs.
Engle was a close student and is an excellent
scholar. In April, 1891, she became the wife of
Wilbert Engle, a prominent young citizen of Lone
Pine, Amwell township. Wilbert Engle was born
in Washington county, where he has always re
sided. He is a son of William and Catherine
Engle, and was educated in the common schools.
Mrs. Engle is an eager reader of current literature,
for from 1868 to 1888, during the period of her
lameness, she read many of the standard works
and much of all that was good in modern publica
tions. Mr. Engle farms during the summer and
mines coal during the winter. Both are devout
members of the Church of Christ at Lone Pine.
Mrs. Engle and her brother James are the only
representatives of this large family, who have re
sided at home within the period covered by her
memory, and both are living at Lone Pine.

,\ILLIAM M. PHILIPS is a son of Jo
siah, whose father, David, was the leading
pioneer preacher of Peters township.
Rev. David Philips was born in 1742, in
Wales, and emigrating many years ago,
first settled in Chester county, Penn., where he
was married to Miss Mary Thomas. The young
couple then came to Washington county and took
up 400 acres of land on the boundary line of Wash
ington and Allegheny counties, for which a patent
was secured March 4, 1786. Prior to locating in

Peters township David Philips had been a captain
in the Revolutionary war, and in religious connec
tion was a member of the Great Valley Baptist
Church. After settling in Washington county he
served forty years as pastor of the Peters Creek
Baptist Church, the land upon which the church is
now standing having formerly been a portion of
his property. The following children were bom to
this couple: Mary, Benjamin, John, Joseph,
Joseph 2d, Thomas, Josiah, David, David 2d, Mar
tha and Rachel (twins), Sarah and Isaac. During
the Civil war a full company of the descendants of
Rev. David Philips took an active part in the con
test, and nearly one thousand of his descendants
are yet living.
Josiah Philips, son of David and Mary (Thomas)
Philips, was born April 14, 1776, in Chester
county, Penn., and in 1779 came with his parents
to the old homestead near Library, Washington
county. He grew to manhood on the old place,
and was wedded to Sarah Bell, who bore him the
following children: David, Mary, John, Joseph,
Isaac, Robert, Elizabeth, Sarah, Nancy and Josiah.
The mother died, and for his second wife Josiah
Philips married Mary, daughter of John and
Jane Boyer, and widow of Richard Blackmore.
They had four children, namely: Margaret, Rich
ard (deceased), William M. and James B.
William M. Philips, whose name introduces this
biography, was born April 11, 1826, on the home
stead in Peters township, Washington Co. , Penn.
He remained on the farm during boyhood, and in
early life learned the cabinetmaker's trade, follow
ing that business for the five years following 1853.
On August 18, 1853, he married Miss Mary E.
Riggs, of Peters township, who was born June 3,
1835. To them were born the following children:
Edward B., Lloyd S., Hettie L., Anna C, Norman
W. , Roland J. and Harry W. The farm, which he
has occupied since 1858, contains sixty-five well-
cultivated acres; all improvements having been
made by the present owner. He has always voted
with the Republican or Prohibition party, and in
religious faith is a member (with all his family) of
and deacon in the Christian Church. Mrs. Mary
E. Philips died July 17, 1892.
Edward Riggs was a man " ever foremost of his
comrades " in all matters of social, religious, edu
cational and political reform. A stanch advocate
of Abolition in its most unpopular days, with
Edward Campbell and Edward Anderson — the
"Three Edwards" — comprised for many years
the whole of the Abolition party in Peters township.
He was one of the leading spirits in forming the
Peters Creek Christian Church. He was born
July 2, 1802, married Hettie Newrneyer, of Fay
ette county, Penn., January 1, 1826, and to them
eleven children were bom, of whom the late Mrs.
Philips was one.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

785

J| AMES THEODORE DAY. Among the early
settlers of Washington county, who helped
| to reclaim its fertile lands from the dense
primeval forests, was Luther Day. He was
descended from a hardy English family, who, in
early colonial days had settled in New Jersey.
Locating in Morris township about 1787, he mar
ried Mary Van Kirk, and reared a family of seven
children, as follows: William V., Daniel, Priscilla,
Lavina, Arvida, Maria and Artemus; of whom
Daniel, Priscilla and Arvida are still living, being
residents of Morris township. Luther Day
devoted his whole life to farming and was success
ful. He died in 1874. His eldest son, William
V. Day, was born July 12, 1812, and on Decem
ber 5, 1834, was married to Sarah Patterson, a
native of Morris township, born November 17, 1812.
To them were bom seven children: AlansonR.,
born October, 1835, married Lydia M. Cort, and at
present resides in Carroll township, Washington
county; James Theodore, whose sketch follows;
Almus L., born May 2, 1840, and died February
28, 1845; Sarah L., born December 9, 1842,
married Joseph Andrew, and resides in Boulder
county, Colo. ; Mary E. , born August 1, 1845,
was married September 21, 1873, to Oresta Vail,
and died April 2, 1880; William Howard, born
February 19, 1848, was married September 10,
1876, to Mary E. Rowley, of Texas, where they
now reside; Ida P., born February 28, 1854, mar
ried October 13, 1875, to W. J. Fleniken, now de
ceased. The father died May 2, 1883, and the
mother in 1887. Luther Day was a great reader —
possessed a wonderful memory, and was a ready
speaker. His height was five feet and ten inches,
and his weight 170 pounds.
James Theodore Day, born March 7, 1837, was
reared on his father's farm, and trained to a good
practical knowledge of farm work. His early
mental training was received in the neighborhood
schools, from which he obtained an ordinary busi
ness education. In beginning business life, he
started as a farmer, in which he has since, success
fully continued. He entered the Federal army
August 12, 1861, as a member of the Twenty-
Second Cavalry Regiment, of Pennsylvania Volun
teers. He rendered gallant service until Septem
ber, 1863, when he was honorably discharged on
account of disability, resulting from a serious
wound received in making a charge near Moore-
field, W. Va. One year later he returned to his
home in Washington county, and on May 24, 1 866,
was married to Elizabeth Hortpn, a daughter of
Thomas Horton, of East Bethlehem township.
To them five children have been born, viz. : Maria
S., born July 9, 1869; Annie M. , born October 19,
1871; Lizzie Bell, born June 15,-1874; Margaret
Elnora, born May 2, 1880, and died January 9,
1882.; Mabel Ida, born November 17, 1881. The

daughters that have attained a requisite age are
teaching school, and preparing themselves for a
high class of educational work. Mr. Day gives
his exclusive attention to the management of his
excellent farm, located at the west end of Sparta,
and which has in turn been owned by grandfather,
father and son. In politics Mr. Day is a Repub
lican. Both he and his wife are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Concord.

Mi RS. MARTHA STILLWAGEN is a daugh
ter of Joseph Miller, whose father, Chris
topher Miller, emigrated from Germany to
j -1 this country and settled on Dutch Fork
v creek, Buffalo township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where his son Joseph was born (supposed
in 1804) and reared. Joseph Miller passed his
early years on the home farm, and was afterward
united in marriage with Miss Sally Cellars, of
Washington county, Penn. He settled on a farm
near Claysville, this county, and followed agricult
ural pursuits all his life. The following children
were born to them: Valentine, John, Thomas, Mary,
Martha, Joseph, Cellars, James, and an unnamed
infant. Mr. Miller was a generous, kind-hearted
man, and enjoyed a deserved popularity among his
neighbors. He was a stanch member of the Whig
party, but not an active politician.
Martha Miller was born April 19, 1830, and was
the fifth child in the order of birth. She was
reared on the home farm, and assisted with the
household duties until her marriage to Charles
Stillwagen (who was born January 19, 1819), which
event occurred on February 14, 1850. The young
couple began their married life in Donegal town
ship, Washington county, and afterward re
moved to the present home of the family in West
Finley township. Fifteen children have been born
to them (but ten of whom are now living), viz. :
George J., Andrew J., Charles, Mary E., Martha
J., Annie, Vanissie, Joseph, Michael, Clarissa,
Caroline, Eliza B., Thomas, John and William.
Mr. Stillwagen was a stanch Democrat, and held
several important offices. He was always indus
trious, and owned over two hundred acres of fine
land at the time of his death, which occurred De
cember 4, 1886. In religion he was a member of
the Catholic Church.

I/SAAC HODGENS, a progressive and popular
young farmer citizen of Buffalo township, is
a native of the same, born March 27, 1858, on
the farm where he yet resides. He is a son
of Thomas and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens, the
latter of whom was a daughter of William Wilson,
late of Buffalo township.
Thomas Hodgens was a native of the same town-

786

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ship, whither his parents had come in an early day,
and here he was born June 29, 1826, and reared
to the many and varied arduous duties of farm life.
His winter months were to a considerable extent
devoted to attending the neighboring subscription
schools, and improving what he may there have
learned by study at home, acquiring in course of
time, by earnest application to his books, a good,
useful education. While yet a young man, Mr.
Hodgens was married to Margaret Wilson, who was
born in Taylorstown, January 5, 1829, and the
young couple then took up their residence on the
farm now occupied by R. W. Crothers, from which,
after a few years, they moved to the place that is
at present the home of our subject and his brother.
This farm was totally unimproved, and was brought
to its present state of cultivation by the assiduous
labor, industry and perseverance of Thomas Hodg
ens, the buildings thereon having been erected by
him and his family. The children born to Thomas
and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens were: William
and Ella (both deceased), James W. , Isaac and
Clara. On May 8, 1862, the father passed from
earth, and was followed to the grave by the mother
April 13, 1869. They were constant attendants
and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church
at Claysville, and enterprising citizens, earning a
reputation of which the family are justly proud.
Mr. Hodgens was a stanch and loyal Democrat,
and, although rarely accepting political prefer
ment, was ever a zealous worker for the party's
cause. Isaac Hodgens received his education at the
common schools of the district, and was reared in
the practical lessons of farm life — lessons more val
uable to him in his sphere of life than all the
classic lore of Athens and Rome. On October 27,
1881, he was married to Caroline V. , daughter of
Abraham and Margaret (Wright) Hair, of Done
gal township, and the children born to this union
are Harry and William. The family attend the
services of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville;
in politics Mr. Hodgens is an active Democrat, and
has served his township in various positions of
trust and responsibility, now holding the office of
school director. He is a well-known and valuable
citizen, prominent in all undertakings conducive to
the prosperity of the township and county.

^ILLIAM A. GABBY, an enterprising citi
zen of AA^ashington borough, comes of
Scottish ancestry. His grandfather, James
Gabby, emigrated from Scotland with two
brothers, John and William, to Maryland, thence
moving to Washington county in the year 1787,
and, locating on the farm in Franklin township
which is now the home of his heirs, became one of
the pioneer settlers of this county. He was united

in marriage with Miss Jean Gabby, who bore him
children as follows: William, Joseph, Mary, Ann,
Jane, Margaret and Emma.
Washington county was then almost an unbroken
wilderness, inhabited principally by fierce savages,
who often wreaked their fury on the daring pioneers
who presumed to invade their domain. One night
they attacked the house of Mr. Gabby and burned
it to the ground, the family, who had barely time
to escape with their lives, saving nothing but a
Bible and a rifle. James Gabby was originally a
Federalist, and then a Whig. In religious faith
he was a member of the Covenanter Church.
William Gabby (father of subject) was born
September 14, 1803, on the home farm in Franklin
township, this county, and in 1829 was married to
Margaret, daughter of John and Mary McClellan.
The following children were born to this union:
Mary (Mrs. James G. Allison), James F., Margaret
A. (Mrs. Jonathan Allison) and Jane (Mrs. Ezra
Cavey) (twins), William A., Frank M. and Ellen
(twins), Hugh A. , Robert R. , John and Joseph.
After his marriage Mr. Gabby settled on the farm
where his son (William A.) now resides, and re
mained there thirty-three years; then removed to
another part of the farm, now owned by J. P.
Sayers, where he died May 21, 1883. He was an
ardent member of the early Republican party. In
religious faith he united in youth with the U. P.
Church, and formerly attended the churches both
at North and South Buffalo. He was one of the
organizers of that denomination at Washington
borough, and served as one of the first elders in the
church, filling that position until his death.
William A. Gabby was born January 8, 1840, on
the old home farm in Franklin township, and there
passed his early life, attending school and Washing
ton College. He then entered the war of the Re
bellion, enlisting August 28, 1861, in Company A,
One Hundredth P. V. I., and was sent to South
Carolina under T. AV. Sherman, against Beaufort
Island, and under Burnside to Kentucky and Ten
nessee; thence marching under Grant he took part
in the siege of Knoxville. Mr. Gabby then reen-
listed December 28, 1863, for three years more,
and was sent to the army of the Potomac. During
the war he took part in the following engagements:
Fort Wagner, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg,
evacuation of Jackson, siege of Knoxville, Wilder
ness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor,
Petersburg and the mine explosion which occurred
there. During one battle a bullet struck Mr. Gab
by' s canteen, but he escaped any injury, and was
one of the participants in the grand review at
Washington. He was discharged from the service
July 26, 1865. -
On November 22, 1870, Mr. Gabby was united
iu marriage with Edith, daughter of Henry H. and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

787

Phcebe (Mintor) Wilson, of Washington county,
Penn., and, locating on the farm which is yet his
home, reared the following named children : Harry
W., John, Helen, Mary and Margaret. Mr. Gabby
is a leading citizen, noted for his industry and enter
prise. In politics he is a Republican; in religion
he has been a member of the United Presbyterian
Church at Washington for many years.

!\ILSON and JOSEPH ARNOLD, members
of the prosperous and well-known firm
of Arnold Bros. , stock dealers in Chartiers
township, are sons of John and Elizabeth
(McMillen) Arnold, and are representatives of one
of the earliest and most prominent pioneer fami
lies of Washington county.
Henry Arnold, a native of Germany, immigrated
to America prior to the Revolution, and settled in
eastern Pennsylvania, taking an active part in the
conflict. After the close of the war he was mar
ried to Sarah Taylor, and moved upon a farm in
Washington county, Penn., where his life was
passed. He died at the age of ninety-nine years,
and was buried with the honors of war, his aged
wife surviving him about two years.
John Arnold, son of the pioneer Henry Arnold,
was born, in 1790, in Washington county, Penn.,
and received his education at the so-called sub
scription schools of the day, in the meantime be
ing reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1815 he
married Elizabeth McMillen, who was born Sep
tember 15, 1797, in eastern Pennsylvania. She
was a daughter of Robert and Sarah McMillen,
who were of Scotch-Irish descent and settled in
Chartiers township in 1803. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold
settled on a farm in Chartiers township, where he
died in 1842. He was a member of the Associate
Reformed Church at Cross Roads, and in politics
affiliated with the Whig party. Mrs. Arnold passed
away in May, 1879, leaving a large family of
children, of whom the following is a brief record :
Levi, born in 1816, was married in 1837 to Miss
Jane Donaldson, of Canonsburg, this county, and
ten children were born to them, five of whom are
yet living, namely : Mary (wife of Dr . Clark, of
Pittsburgh, Penn. ), John (married to a Miss Smith,
of Canonsburg), Ettie, Simon and Sadie, the latter
four living in Canonsburg (the father died in 1880,
and his widow is yet living). Simon, born in Sep
tember, 1817, was married in 1861, to Josephine
McMillen, of Cambridge, Ohio (he entered the serv
ice in 1862 in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I.,
and was killed July 2, 1863, at the battle of Gettys
burg; his wife died a few weeks before). Robert,
horn April 21, 1820, was married, about 1845, to
Rachel Morrow, a native of this county (he was a
blacksmith, also conducted a grocery in Washing
ton and Pittsburgh; he died in this county, April

26, 1886, leaving a widow and five sons, namely:
Henry H. , living in Chartiers township; J. M. ,
Robert and James S. , all three married and resi
dents of Pittsburgh ; and William Simon, a wid
ower, in Pittsburgh). Henry, born on February 22,
1822, died in 1844. Nancy Jane, born April 17,
1824, was married to Thomas Wallace, and settled
in Knox county, Ohio, where two daughters were
born to her: Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. Hanna) and Jen
nie (wife of James L. Lindsey, living in Columbi
ana county, Ohio, but born in Washington county),
the mother died in October, 1883. John, born
March 14, 1826, was married to Mary Ann Ander
son, a native of Virginia, who came to Washington
county, Penn., in an early day (after his marriage
John settled in Chartiers township, but in 1862
left home and enlisted in Company B, One Hun
dred and Fortieth P. V. I. ; he fought in the army
of the Potomac, taking part in all the engagements
of that division, and after the close of the war re
turned home to find that his wife had passed away
in 1864, while he was in the service; he was acci
dentally killed in 1869, in Washington; he left
five children, viz. : John Logan, born October
4, 1853, died December 25, 1881; Anna (wife of
William White, of Chartiers township), born in
1855; George, living in Chartiers township, born
December 28, 1857; William, living in Chartiers
township, born in 1859, and Elizabeth, born April
26, 1861, her home being with Arnold Bros., Char
tiers). Sarah, born in March, 1828, married to
AVilliam Harsha, who first settled in Ohio, then in
McLean county, 111. , where he died in 1872, leav
ing a widow and the following children: William
H. (married and living in Missouri), Maggie, Liz
zie, Jennie, Hattie, Simon, Samuel Farley, Wilson,
Joseph and James. Elizabeth, born February
12, 1831, wife of Samuel Farley (she died in Feb
ruary, 1864, leaving three children: James, living
at Boston, Penn. ; Samuel, married to Anna Mani-
fodd, and Elizabeth, deceased June 14, 1890, wife
of John Manifodd). Esther Ann. born January 20,
1833, wife of D. M. Stewart, of Cross Creek town
ship. Wilson and Joseph.
Wilson Arnold was born July 27, 1836, on the
home farm in Chartiers township, and received his
education at the common schools of the neighbor
hood. After leaving school he began business as
a farmer and stock raiser, which he and his
brother Joseph have followed with signal success.
The home farm consists of 240 acres of well-culti
vated land, upon which they raise large numbers
of sheep and cattle. Politically Mr. Arnold is an
active Democrat, and he is a member of the United
Presbyterian Church at Houstonville.
Joseph Arnold was born March 28, 1838, in
Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., on
the home place, where he grew to manhood. On
June 1, 1864, he was married to Maria Stewart, of

788

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Cross Creek township, this county, who bore him
three children, namely: J. F. (living in Chartiers
township), born April 6, 1866; Sadie, born Novem
ber 29, 1867, drowned February 10, 1880; and
Simon, born July 29, 1870. The mother of these
children died December 26, 1872, and on April 29,
1875, Mr. Arnold married Miss Mary L. Black, of
Canonsburg, this county, born October 2, 1847.
She is a daughter of John E. Black, who was born,
in 1814,in Allegheny county, Penn. , and in 1 840 was
united in marriage with Alice Hanson, a native of
Cecil township, this county, born in 1818. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled in
Canonsburg, this county, where he became a prom
inent and successful merchant. He was treasurer
of Washington and Jefferson College for some
time, and during his later years carried on a bank
ing business at Canonsburg. He voted with the
Republican party, and in religious faith was a
member and ruling elder of the Associate Reformed
Church in Canonsburg. He died in December
1868; his widow is yet living in the town.
Joseph and Mary (Black) Arnold began married
life on the farm where he is yet living, which he
and his brother, Wilson, had conducted for several
years prior to the marriage of Joseph, doing a
profitable business in sheep raising. Mr. and Mrs.
Arnold have had the following children: Kate,
bom June 11, 1878; Joseph, born August 21,
1882, died at the age of three weeks; one deoeased
in infancy; James, born July 24, 1884, and
Joseph J., born December 9, 1885. In politics
Mr. Arnold is an active member of the Democratic
party. He and his wife are members of the
United Presbyterian Church at Houstonville.

IfOHN K. McMILLAN was born December 10,
. ||| 1852, in Fallowfield township, Washington
/(J1 Co., Penn., a son of Robert McMillan, a
^^ native of this county, whose father was a
farmer by occupation. Robert was married to
Elizabeth. Bennett, and nine children were born to
them, of whom the following is a brief record:
Leander is deceased ; Harvey lives in Pittsburgh ;
Mary is the wife of Jacob Gibson, of Fallowfield
township; Amanda is the deceased wife of Smith
Carson, who also lives in Fallowfield; Anna Louisa
died in infancy; Cynthia, Robert, Jr., and Jennie
H. reside at home; John K. is the subject of this
memoir. The mother died in 1867.
John K. McMillan was reared on his father's
farm, and received his elementary education in the
common schools of his native township, which was
supplemented with a course at the Southwestern
State Normal School, California, Penn., and at
Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, class of 1877-
78. He then came to Washington, and for a time
carried on an insurance business. In 1881

he purchased first the half and later the entire in
terest in his present drug store in the borough. Mr.
McMillan is a registered pharmacist (1887), and
his store is equipped with everything essential to a
first-class prescription establishment and general
drug business. In 1879 our subject was united in
marriage with Miss Kate E. Jones, daughter of
William McK. Jones, a farmer of the county, of
Somerset township, now of Monongahela City.
Three children have blessed this union, viz. : Bes
sie Ula, Ariel Vivene and John Adrian, all at home.
The family are members of the M. E. Church. Mr.
McMillan is a member of the F. & A. M. ; in pol
itics he is a Democrat.

OHN MEHAFFEY, the largest landholder
Donegal township, and one of the most

Iflj extensive in Washington county, is descended
^^ from a vigorous Scotch-Irish race, noted for
their honesty, industry, energy and loyalty.
Robert Mehaffey, a native of Ireland, born in
1772 in County Tyrone, set sail about the year
1800 for the Western Hemisphere, landing at New
York after a lengthy voyage. From "Gotham"
he proceeded to Lancaster county, Penn., where
for some time he rented and worked a farm. Here
in 1801 he married Eleanor Mitchell, who bore
him the following named eight children: James,
Joseph, Robert, Mitchell," Jane, John, Ellen and
Lizzie, all of whom lived to an adult age except
Lizzie, who died in infancy, and two are yet living,
viz. : Jane (wife of Patrick Rodgers, of Donegal
township) and John. About the year 1816 Robert
Mehaffey moved from Lancaster to this county,
where he leased the McDowell farm in Buffalo
township, along the National pike, and here re
mained some years, after which he came to Done
gal township, settling on a farm about four miles
northwest of Claysville. Here he followed agri
cultural pursuits during the remainder of his busy
life, dying July 22, 1824, aged fifty-two years; his
widow continued to live on this farm (it being op
erated by her sons) until her death, which occurred
September 9, 1846, when she was sixty-six years old.
John Mehaffey is a native of the county, as has
already been intimated, having been born January
11, 1821, in Donegal township, his education,
which owing to circumstances was very limited,
being obtained at the public schools of his locality.
He was but three years old when his father died,
so, his widowed mother requiring all the assistance
on the farm she could muster, he began very early
in life to work about the place, " doing chores,"
etc. But it was a sound, practical training that
proved of invaluable service to him in after life —
an education that brought him wealth that no clas
sic lore of ancient Rome or Athens could ever help
him to, as a tiller of the soil. Farming has been

\

£$£$£

A"

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

791

his life-work from boyhood, and fortune has smiled
upon his labors. By good management, sound
judgment, indefatigable perseverance and wonder
ful sagacity he has accumulated possessions, until
he is now the owner of over 1,000 acres of prime
farm land, on which he has many tenants, and
whereon browse his sheep, numbering in the hun
dreds, for Mr. Mehaffey, in addition to general
farming, is extensively engaged in wool growing.
He himself now does little or no real active farm
work, as the management of his vast estate, to
gether with his other business affairs, occupies
about all his time.
On March 31, 1859, Mr. Mehaffey was married
to Sarah Jane Barr, who was born in Buffalo
township, this county, March 6, 1834, a daughter
of Robert Barr; she died September 4, 1864, leav
ing one child, Eleanor, an accomplished and re
fined young lady, still living with her father. His
second wife, whom he wedded November 22, 1866,
was Elizabeth Sawhill, also a native of Buffalo
township, born November 29, 1830, who b.ore him
one son, William J., a promising young man. Mr.
Mehaffey, after his marriage with Miss Barr, lived
in various parts of his native township up to 1870,
in which year he located on his present piece of
well-improved land lying four miles northwest of
Claysville, and here he has since made his home.
His residence, which he erected himself, stands on
an elevated part of the grounds, and commands a
fine view of the surrounding country. Prior to his
first marriage he had followed farming on the old
homestead, the place of his birth.
Mr. and Mrs. Mehaffey are consistent members
of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, and they
are known and respected, far and wide, for their
philanthropy and many charitable acts. In his
political associations our subject was first a Whig,
and since the organization of the party has been
an equally zealous Republican. He believes in
protection for American industries and workmen.
Much of his attention has been devoted to the wool
industry, which he believes to be dependent upon
'a protective tariff. Mr. Mehaffey is a man of pro
nounced views, genial and quiet and pleasant in
his manner; and though now somewhat advanced
in years, he is still hale and active. He and his
family enjoy the respect and esteem of a wide cir
cle of friends and acquaintances.

W*

STEVENSON. The first ancestor of
this gentleman, of whom we have authen
tic record, was Richard Stevenson, of
Berkeley county, Va. (now W. Va.), where
he was born and reared.
Richard Stevenson was married in. early man
hood to Mrs Onora Crawford (widow of Hugh
Crawford, an old Indian trader, by whom she had

two sons, William and Valentine). William Craw
ford was colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regulars,
commissioned in 1781. The circumstances of his
death, which occurred June 11, 1782, in Sandusky,.
Ohio, are recorded in nearly every U. S. history.
He was burned at the stake by Indians (who had
captured him) for the evident purpose of wreaking
vengeance on their victim in return for the historic
massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas Co. , Ohio,
many Indians having been there slaughtered by
the whites. At the time of his capture Col. Craw
ford was conducting a campaign against the
Wyandotts and Moravian tribes. To the union of
Richard and Onora (Crawford) Stevenson children
were born as follows: John, Hugh, Richard,
James, Marcus and one daughter. Mrs. Steven
son possessed great physical strength, and whs a
kind and affectionate mother; she died in 1776.
Gen. George AVashington was a frequent visitor at
this home, often taking part in athletic contests
with the sons. The early friendship ripened with
the passing years, and when Gen. Washington rose
to prominence in military life, James Stevenson
was yet his dearest friend and constant companion.
James Stevenson, son of Richard, was born and
reared on his father's farm in Berkeley county (W.
Va.), where he was united in marriage with Rachel
McKeever; their children were Moses, William,
Mary, Theodosia, James and Sarah. In 1781 Mr.
Stevenson concluded to take advantage of the
cheap lands then open in western Pennsylvania.
He was then in the prime of life, and a splendid
specimen of physical manhood. In company with
a negro slave named Fortune (who had been the
property of George Washington, from whom Mr.
Stevenson purchased him), he started on foot on a
journey of exploration, leaving his family at home,
not wishing them to undergo the perils of such a
hazardous expedition. The two men arrived safely
in Washington county, Penn., and Mr. Stevenson
took up a "tomahawk claim" of 500 acres of
choice land, four miles southeast of Burgetts
town, Smith township. A humble cabin was
soon erected, some rude improvements made, and
a crop of corn planted. The negro previously
mentioned was then left to manage the place, and
Mr. Stevenson then returned to West Virginia, the
negro subsisting on game and roots during his ab
sence. The entire family were located in their
pioneer home, which was afterward supplanted by
a larger log cabin. Mrs. Stevenson died Decem
ber 14, 1789, and for his second wife Mr. Steven
son married Martha Barr, the following children
being born to their union: Benjamin, Richard,
Joseph, Achsah and John. The land increased in
value as civilization progressed, and at the time of
his death Mr. Stevenson was a wealthy man. He
died in 1813, being followed by his wife in 1816.
AArilliam Stevenson, born January 24, 1771, was a

792

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

son of James and Rachel (McKeevers) Stevenson,
and the grandfather of- W. 0. Stevenson. He
was married to Margaret Crawford, and they
reared a family of ten children. Their father
died March 1, 1851, their mother May 11, 1819.
Oliver Stevenson, their son, was born in 1801 in
Smith township, od his father's farm, and received
his elementary education at the country schools.
On January 12, 1826, he was united in marriage
with Sarah Curry, who was born in 1803, daughter
of Robert Curry, a cooper by trade, and a native
of Scotland. He immigrated to Pennsylvania,
locating in Allegheny county, near the present
site of Allegheny, and was often obliged to flee to
a neighboring blockhouse from the Indians. The
children of Oliver and Sarah Stevenson were as
follows: Margaret A., born January 15, 1827 (wife
of J. B. Haines, a prominent wholesale merchant
of Pittsburgh, Penn.); Isabel M. , born June 5, 1829
(died at the age of twenty-one years); W. O., born
May 5, 1832; R. T. C, born August 15, 1839, a
citizen of Burgettstown, Penn. ; Sarah Juliet, born
August 15, 1843 (died in youth); and Oliver M.,
born December 5, 1848, died in infancy. Mr. and
Mrs. Stevenson first settled on a farm in Smith
township, and afterward moved to the farm where
the remainder of their lives was passed. At the
time of his death Oliver Stevenson was quite an ex
tensive landowner. In politics he was much inter
ested in the success of the Democratic party, with
which he was connected. He died in 1854, his
widow on June 18, 1885, aged eighty-three years.
W. O. Stevenson was born on the home farm
in Smith township, where he is now living. On
March 2, 1869, he was married to Ophelia Ann
Walker, who was born September 21, 1847, in
Jefferson township, this county, daughter of Sam
uel and Elizabeth (Jerome) Walker. They have
had three children, namely: Sarah L. (deceased in
infancy), Maggie B. (at home), and Nellie Ophelia.
Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson have always lived on the
home farm, which consists of 160 acres of valuable
land, lying four miles south of Burgettstown. He
has successfully followed agricultural pursuits; in
politics he is a lifelong Democrat.

fiOHN B. WEIR. In the galaxy of names of
I the influential citizens of Washington bor-
iM ough, that of John B. Weir ranks with the
^^ first. He is a descendant of Scotch-Irish an
cestors, to which two races many of the most
intelligent and enterprising citizens are proud to
trace their lineage. In the latter part of the
eighteenth century three brothers first landed on
American soil, whose descendants are numbered
amoDg the leading families of the Eastern States:
Adam, William and Samuel Weir (with his wife)
crossed the ocean together, and soon after their

arrival in the United States settled near the head of
Chartierscreek. The families of Adam and Will
iam in after years pushed farther westward, their
descendants being scattered throughout Iowa and
the neighboring States.
Samuel Weir, the grandfather of John B., made
a permanent settlement on a farm in Washington
county, Penn., where he followed agricultural pur
suits and distilling, the latter industry being then
a common occupation; and not many years ago one
could count, from a neighboring hill on his pioneer
farm, the smoke from fifteen distilleries, all in
operation. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Weir were the
parents of the following children: Joseph, Adam,
Thomas, Polly (married to Thomas Axtell, of this
county, and leaving descendants in Solsberry,
Ind.), Jane (deceased wife of John Buck, a stage
driver on the National road, who settled in Ohio,
where her descendants are living), Rachel (de
ceased), Sarah (widow of Charles Rettig, in Am
well township) and Mrs. Deaver (of Hillsborough,
this county). Samuel AVeir was a Democrat in
politics! He died many years ago, and his widow
afterward married George Ringland. She died in
the year 1847, at an advanced age.
Joseph Weir, a son of Samuel, was born in
Franklin township, on the farm now owned by
Stephen Post. He was married to Jemima
Squires, a native of Morris township. (The Squireses
were among the pioneer settlers of Franklin town
ship, now scattered, some of the members having
moved to Ohio). The young couple settled on the
farm in Franklin township which is still in the
possession of their descendants. Their children
were as follows: Samuel C. (died at the age of
sixty-one. years, leaving two sons, who are residents
of this county), William L. (died at the age of
thirty-three), Elizabeth (Mrs. Post), Jane, George
and Joseph (all three died in infancy) and
John B. (subject of this sketch). The mother of
these children died in 1842, at the age of forty-
two years, and in 1844 Mr. AAreir married Mrs.
Phcebe Hanna, of Carrollton, Ohio, to whom two
children were born, namely: Morris (living near
Washington) and Margaret (wife of John M. Day,
of Franklin township). Mr. Weir was an active
member of the Democratic party. He served one
term as director of the poor, and filled various
township offices. He was school director for many
years, also supervisor, and was twice elected jus
tice of the peace. He was familiarly known as
" Uncle Joe " among his friends, being a genial and
popular man. He followed farming, but devoted
his attention to raising sheep, being so fond of
these animals that he would neither kill one nor
eat its flesh. He shipped the wool one year to
Lowell, Mass. , and received the highest price paid
for fleeces in the entire county. Joseph Weir
was a regular attendant and supporter of the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

793

Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was a man
of strong convictions, one who never swerved from
any duty which lay before him, and a perfect speci
men of physical manhood. Though far advanced
in years, his death was an unexpected blow to
all. He was salting the sheep one morning, and,
failing to return to the house, was found dead in
the pasture. The medical authorities gave a ver
dict of heart failure, but his son John is of the
opinion that the old gentleman, being crippled by
sciatica, tripped in the deep grass over the salt
pail, and could not regain his breath. Joseph
Weir died in 1867, at the age of seventy-one
years, being followed by his widow in 1881.
John B. Weir was born in 1837, in Franklin
(then Morris) township, and received his early
education in the common schools. He attended
AVaynesburg College, and finally graduated at
Duff's Business College, at Pittsburgh. He after
ward taught a term of school, later going to Van-
Buren, where he sold goods for his uncle (Adam
Weir), and in the summer of 1865 began business
for himself. In this he continued three years,
then finding his health failing, retired to a farm in
Morris township, this county, where he remained
fifteen years. In 1864 he married Miss Julia Bane,
granddaughter of Benjamin Lindley, a pioneer
settler of Washington county. To them four
children were born: Mary J. (wife of W. E.
Baldwin, of Franklin township), Ida M. (studying
for a professional nurse, at the Homoeopathic
Hospital, Pittsburgh, Penn.), Chester and Annie
(living with their parents). The mother died in
January, 1886, and in 1887 Mr. Weir married
Mrs. Mattie Burgan, daughter of Jacob Braden, of
Edgar county, 111., and widow of Langdon Bur
gan, by whom she had two children: James (a
telegraph operator at Terre Haute, Ind.) and
Mollie (wife of Rev. AV. F. Schrontz, of New
York). No children have been born to Mr. Weir's
last marriage. Fifteen years after settling on the
farm in Morris township, the house of John B.
Weir was burned. He then sold the farm, and
moved to his present home in Washington
borough, where he is living a retired life. His
early years were actively employed, as a general
farmer, giving attention to the breeding of heavy
draft horses, having been the first to introduce the
registered heavy draft horse brought into Wash
ington county in the year 1879. In politics he is
a Democrat. The position of road commissioner
in Morris township was filled by him for nine
years, and he served as a constable and assessor
several years. His business career has been most
successful, and during the period of active life he
settled many estates, and collected the county
school and road taxes. He has been a member of
the Church for twenty-five years, and is now a

member of the Second Presbyterian Church of
Washington. Mr. Weir is one of the most hon
ored citizens of Washington.

,JLLIAM ARMSTRONG, one of the oldest
native-born, prosperous agriculturists of
the county, is a grandson of the veteran
pioneer, James Armstrong.
James Armstrong came from eastern
Pennsylvania, the locality of his birth, to AVash
ington county, Penn. , several years prior to the
close of the last century. He served as a soldier
in the Revolution. Some time before coming here
he had married Margaret Martin, and they with
some of their children made the trip westward
over the mountains, experiencing in their long and
hazardous journey not a few hardships. They set
tled in Donegal township about one and one-half
miles south of West Alexander, and erected a log
cabin and set to work to make a clearing in the
then unbroken forest, converting it into what is
now a fertile and beautiful farm. Here they toiled
from year to year, surrounded by the innumerable
dangers incident to pioneer days, until finally
called to their long home, the grandmother dying
in 1838, the grandfather in 1849. The children
born to them were as follows: Hugh (of whom
special mention will presently be made), Mary
(who died at the age of seventy-five years), John
(who died in Darke county, Ohio, where he was
an early settler), James and Joseph (both of whom
died in Donegal township), David (who was a mil
ler and farmer, at Triadelphia, W. Va., and who
died at the age of seventy-three years), Margaret
(married to Robert Stewart, and. now deceased),
Martin (a farmer of West Finley township,' now
deceased), Samuel (who died in Donegal township,
leaving several children), and William (who died
in childhood).
Hugh Armstrong was born in eastern Pennsyl
vania, and came with his parents to AA7 ashington
county as above stated. He learned blacksmith
ing, a trade he followed for some time, and then
began farming, which he carried on during the
rest of his life. In 1816 he was married to Jane
McCoy, a native of Finley township (since divided
into East and West Finley townships), and to this
union were born children as follows: Margaret,
William, James (who moved to Missouri and there
died), Isabella (Mrs. John M. Oldham, now living
in Jefferson City, Mo.), John (who died in West
Union, Marshall Co., W. Va.), Thomas, Martin
and Jane (all three deceased when aged thirteen,
four and three years, respectively), and David
(who was a farmer in West Finley township, and
died in February, 1892). The mother of this
family dying in 1847, Mr. Armstrong married, for

794

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

his second wife, Elizabeth McCoy, who died in
1850, without issue. After his first marriage Mr.
Armstrong made a settlement in the northwest
corner of West Finley township, near the West
Virginia line, where he carried on farming. He
was called from earth in 1854, having lived a life of
honest industry which brought him well-merited
success. He was an elder in the Presbyterian
Church, and, in politics, was first a AVhig, after
ward a Republican, and served for many years as
a justice of the peace.
William Armstrong, whose name appears at the
opening of this sketch, was born December 9,
1819, in what is now West Finley township,.
Washington Co., Penn., where he was reared to
agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, his edu
cation being received at the subscription schools
of the locality. In 1851 he was married to Mary
M. Oldham, who was born in 1828, in Ohio
county, AV. Va., a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca
(Wylie) Oldham, of that county, and to this union
the following named children were born: Jennie
(now wife of John C. Hamilton, of Donegal town
ship), a son that died in infancy (unnamed), Lina
(Mrs. AV. F. AVhitham), Milton B. (a farmer in
Donegal township), Lizzie .B. and William W.
(both at home), Frank E. (who graduated from
Washington and Jefferson College, and afterward
attended the Western Theological Seminary at
Allegheny, and the Union Seminary at New York;
he is now a Presbyterian minister at Evanston,
Wyo.), Celestine (a school teacher, living at home),
Samuel O. (a farmer in West Finley township)
and Irene M. (a college graduate, now teach
ing school, her home being with her parents).
Mr. Armstrong in his younger days taught school,
and after his marriage commenced agricultural
pursuits on the old home farm in AVest Finley
township, remaining there until 1866, in which
year he came to Donegal township, settling on his
present farm, situated about one and one-half
miles south of West Alexander, and on which he
has erected a neat and commodious residence. He
and his wife are devout members of the Presby
terian Church at West Alexander; in his political
preferences he is a lifelong Republican, and has
served his township as school director for several
years. The family are highly respected in the com
munity, and are all well-to-do, Mr. Armstrong him
self having made his life-work an eminent success.

HOMASH. BRUCE, an enterprising citizen
of Buffalo township is a son of Henry,
and grandson of George Bruce, who was
born in Scone, Perthshire, Scotland, and
"*/ never left the country of his birth. George
Bruce followed the vocation of a weaver, and dur
ing the latter part of his life had charge of the

Forestry in his native heath. His wife was for
merly Helen Norwell, who bore him the follow
ing children, all of whom are now deceased:
Robert, Agnes, Janet, Lillie, David, Margaret and
Henry. Of these children, Robert and Henry im
migrated to America. Robert located in Pitts
burgh, Penn., and subsequently became president
of the Western University of Pennsylvania. His
descendants are now living in Pittsburgh.
Henry Bruce was born in 1788, in the parish of
Scone, Scotland, and there grew to manhood, re
ceiving a common-school education, and learning
the weaver's trade. He (as previously stated)
afterward sailed to America, and first landed in
New York, but immediately pushed westward,
making a permanent location near Taylorstown,
Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn. He
was then married to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas
Brownlee, and to them were bom children as fol
lows: Henry (deceased in youth), Lizzie and Helen
(both of whom grew to womanhood, but are now
deceased), and Thomas H. Soon after his mar
riage, Mr. Bruce located on the farm now owned
by his son, which is situated in Buffalo township,
on the National pike, cultivated the land and also
conducted a store. On his arrival in Washington
county, Henry Bruce had scarcely any capital, and
his later success was due wholly to his own efforts.
He was an active and consistent member of the U.
P. Church, to which he gave a liberal support.
In political life he was a follower of the Free-Soil
party while it existed, and afterward became a
Republican. He departed this life in 1862, his re
mains .being interred in Washington cemetery,
His widow followed him in 1887.

I(OHN R. LEONARD, one of the best known
. I and most prominent citizens of the borough
\[\\ of Washington, is .a native of the county,
^^ having been born in Morris township, De
cember 7, 1821. He is of Teutonic descent, his
great-grandfather, John Leonard, having come
from Germany to America many years ago. John
Leonard, grandfather of John R., was born in
Ohio, where he married Nancy Huffman, of Wash
ington county, Penn., and one of their sons, John,
became the father of John R. Leonard, the subject
of this sketch. Grandfather Leonard died in Ohio.
John Leonard, son of John and Nancy (Huffman)
Leonard, was born in Washington county, Penn.,
where he was reared and educated. He settled in
Morris township, and here married Rebecca, a
daughter of John Robertson, of same township,
and ten children were born to them, as follows:
Jesse, killed at Chattanooga, Tenn., during the
war of the Rebellion; John R. ; Ann, deceased wife
of Jackson Delong; Abigail, married to Jesse De-
long, and died in Ohio; Elizabeth, deceased wife

=*®s '-"•

,'¦:..¦-'¦

w&m

111

llfe-::;''-.
w^r <^?A^ty^a^t>cm
WASHINGTON COUNTY!

797

of Conrad Maloy; Emeline, who died at the age of
four years; Benjamin F. and James W., both in
Noble county, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Aaron Delong,
in Portage county, Ohio; and Margaret, widow of
James E. Ray, of Greene county, Penn. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leonard remained in Mor
ris township a year or two, and then moved to Ohio,
where they died, the mother in 1871, at the age of
seventy-three years, and the father in 1872, aged
seventy-seven years; he had been a soldier in the
war of 1812.
John R. Leonard, whose name opens this memoir,
was but an infant when his parents moved to Ohio,
where, in Warren and Trumbull counties he learned
the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked some
forty-six years. On July 5, 1845, he returned to
AVashington county, Penn., and settled on a farm
in Morris township, which he operated, at the same
time carrying on his trade. He built many of the
best houses in that and East Finley townships, be
sides some in Greene county, on the boundary line.
On January 22, 1846, Mr. Leonard married Miss
Matilda, daughter of Stacy Farabee, of Morris
township, and two children were born to them,
both of whom died in childhood, the one at the age
of five years, and the other at the age of six months.
Mrs. Leonard was called from earth June 3, 1891,
and March 16, 1892, Mr. Leonard was united in
wedlock with Mrs. Henrietta Farabee, widow of
Benjamin Farabee (deceased in November, 1884),
by whom she had three children, as follows: Laura
Belle, who was twice married, first to Simeon
Clarke, and after his death to William Chambers ;
John Franklin and Homer. Mrs. Leonard was
born in Allegany county, Md. , a daughter of
Aaron and Rachel (Coleman) Hixenbaugh. She
is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.
On September 22, 1869, Mr. Leonard came to
Washington borough, taking up his residence in
the house where he is yet living, and which he had
built. Here he continued at his trade until his
final retirement, doing a great deal of contract
work, besides building some eight houses for him
self in various parts of the borough. In 1847 he
joined the M. E. Church, Mt. Zion, but a few
years ago he identified himself with the Methodist
Protestant Church, of which he is now trustee,
class-leader, assistant superintendent of Sunday-
school, and a teacher of the Bible class. At the time
of his joining Mt. Zion Church, there were forty-
five members, and when he visited it last winter he
found he was the only one living of those forty-five.
Politically he is a lifelong Democrat. Mr. Leonard
is a typical self-made man, having risen by sheer
industry, perseverance and economy, from compar
ative poverty to a condition of enviable affluence,
and is highly respected in the community in which
he lives, now enjoying the income of his hard-
earned competence.

[ ^ILLIAM ALLISON CONKLIN. The
history of the development of any new
country affords interesting illustrations
of zeal and rigid determination, so essen
tial to the successful prosecution of a difficult
undertaking. Of this Captain John Conklin, one of the old
pioneers of Washington county, presents a striking
example, and his numerous descendants of the
present day possess the same characteristics in no
small degree. Capt. John Conklin was born in
Morris county, N. J., September 30, 1763. In
1784 he married Elizabeth Mills, a native of the
same county, who was bom March 29, 1766. In
November, 1790, with his wife and three daughters,
he started for Washington county. It is hard to
realize the difficulties of that journey by wagon.
The route was a very hilly one, the grading steep,
rendering it necessary to make frequent stops in
ascending a hill, in order that the team might rest.
These rests necessitated the services of "a blocker"
to follow the wagon, and place a block behind a
wheel when a stop was made. This duty devolved
upon Mrs. Conklin. In many instances, to render
this assistance she left the youngest child at the foot
of the hill, and the wagon having reached the sum
mit, she would return and carry the child. Arriv
ing at the glades in the mountains, they were com
pelled to stop three or four months on account of
Mrs. Conklin' s illness. Then, renewing their
journey, with their four children, on horseback,
and leaving all behind except what clothing they
could carry on two horses, they arrived in Wash
ington county in May or June, 1791. Capt. Conk
lin purchased 440 acres of land, near Sparta, on
the south fork of the north branch of Ten -Mile
creek, the present property of W. A. Conklin.
Here he devoted his energy to the improvement of
the place, which was made to yield a good income.
Capt. Conklin died July 12, 1824, having given to
the country a family of twelve children — eight
daughters and four sons — all of whom married,
forming twelve families of eighty- four children;
sixty-six of the grandchildren married, all but
about seven having families, some very large ones.
The eldest son, John, grew up, always having
close friends. He married, in 1820, Jane Andrew,
a quiet, kind and loving wife and mother. Two
years after he moved west to a quarter section of
land, given to him by his mother, on the west
bank of Little Darby creek, now opposite West Jef
ferson, Madison Co., Ohio. Here he lived until
his death, October 26, 1873. He reared a family,
and lived to see four out of seven children married
well. John was a great hunter, and was soon
known for hundreds of miles around by that class
of people through the wilderness of central Ohio.
All strangers or friends were so cordially wel
comed by him that they soon were his loving

798

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

friends. As soon as his visitors rested, John
would order his best team and rig, suitable for
the occasion, and rations for each, and off they
would go, until all parties were satisfied.
Two years after her husband's death, Mrs.
.Cop.klm_marri^^Caleb Lindley. Mr. Lindley lived
about ten years, and the widow returned to the old
homestead, and lived with her son AVilliam, hardly
knowing what sickness was, until she died sud
denly August 16, 1852.
William Conklin, born July 4, 1810, was the
youngest of this family of twelve children. He
remained with hia father until the latter's death.
Then, being fourteen years of age, he was bound
to John Griffith to learn the shoemaker's trade.
Having served his term, he worked as a journey
man shoemaker at different places in Ohio, until
1835, when he returned and settled on his farm in
Washington county, where he dwelt until his
death, June 25, 1880 (he died within a few feet
of the log cabin where he was born), in a brick
mansion, built in 1862. He was a farmer. As a
justice of the pease, for ten years he filled the office
with credit to himself and satisfaction to the
people. On March 2, 1838, he married Catherine,
born May 16, 1818, a daughter of Jacob and Abi
gail Ross, of Greene county. Jacob was one of
the prominent drovers of the time and section.
Jacob Ross' parents, John and Elizabeth Ross,
were the first owners of the tract of land on Ruff's
creek, near Jefferson, Greene county. John died
in 1813, and was buried on the farm, there being
no graveyard. He owned slaves, and frequently
had serious trouble with the Indians. Jacob Ross,
her father, donated the land for the first grave
yard, and lot for the first church (Baptist) that
was built in that section of the country. It still
stands, enclosed with the old stone wall. Timothy
and Rachel»Ross settled on a tract four miles west.
(John and Timothy were no relation, but of the
same name). On this farm the Indians found a
man and his two sons clearing a lot for corn.
They shot and scalped two of them, one son escap
ing to the fort. This was the last murder by the
Indians jn that section. Timothy Rosb died on
one of his farms, near Shinstown, Monongalia
Co., W. Va. , aged eighty-five years. Mr. Ross
was one of the first Campbellites in this part of
the country. He often rode his big sorrel horse,
"Mose," to Bethany, Brooke Co., W. Va., to hear
Elder Alexander Campbell preach. Elizabeth Ross
died at the home of her son William, in Ohio, in
1834, aged almost one hundred years. Jacob Ross
died iu 1856. Abigail Ross, Catharine's mother,
died July 2, 1881. With remarkable eyesight
and strength, she was out overseeing her farms in
Richhill township, Greene Co., up to a few days
before her death.
To William and Catharine Conklin nine chil

dren were born: Phebe Jane, born December 2
1838, married, April 2, 1868, to Cephas Meek (he
died on his farm on Ruff's creek in Greene Co. ,
leaving a widow and one son) ; William Allison is
the subject proper of this sketch; Benjamin Frank
lin, born September 12, 1841, taught school for sev
eral terms, read medicine, attended Jefferson Med
ical College, Philadelphia, and the following winter
graduated from the AVestern Reserve Medical
College, Cleveland (he settled in Fayette Citv,
Penn., and in 1871 married Millie J. Kelley, of
Salem, Ohio. He was the father of one child, now
the wife of Guy W. Boudinot, of Cleveland, Ohio.
He practiced medicine until his death, January 18,
1873. He was one of the most prominent and
successful physicians in the Monongahela Valley).
Thomas H. Benton, born May 25, 1844, died June
1, 1845; Cinderella, born March 27, 1847, married
Noah D. Sowers, February 17, 1881, and resides
in Vermilion county, 111. ; Gleason P., bom March
29, 1849, married, January 1, 1879, to Victorine
Wilson, daughter of James Wilson, of Franklin
township (they reside near West Union, Greene
Co. , and are the parents of six children) ; one who
died in infancy; Ophelia Belle, born February 6,
1853, married, in 1875, to Ross McClain (they reside
in Greene county. She is the mother of seven
children, all living); Catharine Ivagenia, born
July 4, 1856, married March 7, 1888, to George E.
Mann (they reside in Vermilion county, 111. She
is the mother of one child, Chloe) ; Ross M. , born
August 4, 1861, received a common-school educa
tion, attended college a number of terms, and
graduated at Duff's Commercial College, Pitts
burgh (he went to McPherson, Kans., in 1884,
where he taught school four years, and married
Madeline Burwell, of McPherson, May 28, 1888.
Shortly after they moved to Oregon, where he has
been principal of the Roseburg College ever since,
and in which his wife is an instructor).
William Allison Conklin, born March 28, 1840,
received a common-school education, and taught a
number of terms. He attended a commercial
college, and then chose a farmer's life. He has
always been a hard worker, and is possessed of
more than ordinary intellect and culture. A
genial disposition, which is only found in those
who are temperate, characterizes him. He never
uses strong drinks or tobacco; never has been
known to swear an oath under the most trying
circumstances; has always been kind to the poor,
true to his word and firm for his rights. His
widowed mother, kind, gentle and affectionate,
lives with him on the old place, which has been
handed down from father to son for three gener
ations. He has been a member of the M. E.
Church for over twenty years, and has served as
superintendent of Sunday-school, steward and trus
tee. He is a Democrat, who seeks not office, but is

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

799

always found working for the man best fitted for
the office. No one "rejoiced more heartily than he
did over the results of the elections of November
8, 1892.

,\ILLIAM W. JACKMAN, one of the old
est citizens of East Pike Run township,
is a native of the same, having been born
December 10, 1814. He is a son of Will
iam Jackman, whose father was Robert
Jackman, a native of Ireland.
Robert Jackman came, when a young man, to
America with three brothers, and located in AVash
ington county. In March, 1784, he obtained from
the Pennsylvania land office a warrant for the
land now the sites of the towns of California and
Coal Centre, on the waters of Pike run. These
tracts were surveyed and enrolled in Patent Book
No. 15, page 255. The tract on the east side of
the creek was called "Allybar," and that on
the west side, "Ararat." Robert married Sarah
Whittiker, and afterward Ann Dixon. Of his nine
children, two were bom to the first wife and seven
to the last wife. They are named as follows:
Robert (born May 16, 1772), Henry (born August
7, 1774, married Sarah Sphar), Ruth (born May
7, 1779, married William Gregg), Sarah (born May
15, 1781, married Joseph Nealan), Samuel (bom
February 8, 1784), William (born January 4,
1786, married Nancy Steele), Dixon (born April
5, 1789, married Elizabeth Phillips), John (born
January 5, 1792, married Miss Stockdale), James
A. (born September 1, 1794). Many members of
this family finally settled in Indiana, Illinois and
Iowa. The father died in Washington county, and
was buried in the cemetery at California.
AVilliam Jackman was married to a daughter of
William Steele, and she bore him one son, Will
iam. For his second wife Mr. Jackman selected
Ann Wilkins, a native of Washington county, and
they had two children: Ann (wife of William
Reeder) and William W. The father followed
farming all his life until drowned in the Mononga
hela river.
William W. Jackman received a limited educa
tion in the subscription schools of the home neigh
borhood, then at the juvenile age of twelve years
began life for himself. He worked at various oc
cupations, and at the age of eighteen took a boat
load of coal down the river to Maysville, Ky.; con
tinued in that business for several years, also act
ing as pilot for boats to Louisville, Ky. In 1839
he was married to Ruth, daughter of William Mor
gan, one child having been bom to their union,
Louisa, wife of Alexander Carlisle. The mother
died a short time after the birth of this daughter.
For his second wife William W. Jackman married
Eliza Jane, daughter of William Miller, a resident

of Greene county. To this union nine children
were born as follows: Leroy, Dora, Arabella,
Lena (deceased wife of Charles Minehart), Albert,
William E., Calvin, Santford and Louis S. Of
these, Leroy, William E. and Louis S. are living.
After laying out the town of California, and before
the lots were sold, William AV. Jackman joined the
advance army of "Argonauts" from "the States"
in " '49" for the Sacramento Valley, Cal., for which
the Pennsylvania town was named. In 1849 Mr.
Jackman, in company with Job Johnson, Abram
Fry, George Hornback, Samuel Ashmade and John
Woods, purchased 311 acres in East Pike Run
township, laid out the town of California, and di
vided the upland tract among themselves, the
share of Mr. Jackman being fifty acres. He has
been a Whig and Abolitionist in politics, and is
deeply interested in educational progress, having
been a prime mover in the Southwestern State
Normal School at California, to which he has con
tributed largely.

AMUEL GEORGE is descended from an
early pioneer family of Hibernian ancestry.
Robert and Christiana George were natives
of Ireland, where they were married, and
soon afterward immigrated to America. In 1 772
they settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
this county, where he died many years ago. His
widow survived him twenty years, making her
home with her son John George, of Washington
county, Penn.
David George was born on the home place in Mt.
Pleasant township. In early life he was married
to Nancy Scott, who bore him children as follows:
Betsey (deceased), Christy (deceased), Margaret
(wife of John Roney), Nancy (deceased in 1888,
wife of William Connor), Robert and Mary (twins)",
the former living in Allegheny, Penn., and Samuel
(of whom a sketch follows). Mr. and Mrs. George
were members of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church in Chartiers township for many years. He
died February 7, 1856, and his wife in 1857.
Samuel George was born September 19, 1828,
on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, re
ceiving his education in the district schools of the
neighborhood. On December 24, 1866, he was
united in marriage with Christiana, a native of Mt.
Pleasant township, daughter of John and Jane
(Slater) George, who were of Irish descent, and
natives of Allegheny county, Penn. , moving to Mt.
Pleasant township, Washington county, in an early
day. Her father died in Beaver Falls some years
ago; her mother is yet living in Beaver Falls.
Samuel and Christiana George settled on the
farm where they now reside, containing 190 acres
of excellent land. Their children are Jennie
Slater, Annette Mary, John D., Harrison, Lizzie,

800

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Emma, Maggie M. and Willie L. In religious
faith Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church.

J f AMES M. CHANEY, a prosperous and well-
known farmer, is a native of Donegal town-
| ship, Washington Co. , Penn. , and a son of
James Chaney, whose father Abraham was
born in Maryland, and married in tiis native
State. The last named came to Washington
county in the latter part of the eighteenth century,
and located in Donegal township, where his family
was reared.
James Chaney was born on his father's farm in
1806, and passed his boyhood in the usual farm
duties, receiving a very meager-education. He be
gan life at an early age, and had many hardships
to contend with. He made rails for George Wilson,
of West Alexander, receiving for his work 25 cents
per hundred, which he was expected to spend at
the store of his employer. He could get a yard of
muslin for 25 cents, or was obliged to make 300
rails to buy goods enough for one shirt. On
March 25, 1831, Mr. Chaney was married to Su
sanna McMillan, who was born in 1805, daughter
of John McMillan. They had the following family :
Thornton, born December 20, .1831 (deceased
August 1, 1880); Mary, born August 9, 1833;
George W., born November 15, 1835 (living in
West Alexander, Penn.); James M., born Novem
ber 6, 1837; Sarah, born October 12, 1839 (de
ceased in 1879); John, born January 18, 1842
(deceased in youth) ; and Barnet B. , born March
1, 1844 (a farmer of Donegal township). For some
time after his marriage Mr. Chaney resided on a
farm about two miles south of West Alexander,
Donegal township. He afterward moved to Coon
Island, same township, where he resided several
years, and in 1853 purchased and moved to a farm
about two miles north of West Alexander, where
he lived and worked on the farm until his death.
Mr. Chaney's success in life was wholly due to his
own efforts. In politics he was formerly a AVhig,
and afterward a Republican. He and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian Church at West
Alexander. He died in February, 1879, having
been preceded by his wife in 1874.
James M. Chaney was born in Coon Island, this
county, and passed his early years on the home
farm, receiving a common-school education. On
October 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company H,
Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and
served till the close of the war. He took part in
the engagements at White Sulphur Springs, Va. ,
Beverly, W. Va. , Droop Mountain, Fisher's Hill,
Cedar Creek, and numerous other minor conflicts.
On June 5, 1865, he was honorably discharged,
and coming home worked on his father's farm.

On February 6, 1868, he was united in marriage
with Pamelia, daughter of Andrew and Pamelia
(Gilfillan) Alexander, also of Donegal township,
and seven children were born to them: Fannie
(wife of John Gibson, a wholesale grocer of
Wheeling, W. Va.), Jennie (wife of Prof . John M.
Oliver), Andrew M., James, Susanna, John H. and!
Maggie Grace, all living at home. After his mar
riage Mr. Chaney first located a quarter of a mile
east of West Alexander. In 1874 he purchased
the "Joseph Alexander" farm, situated about
three and a half miles north of West Alexander,.
in Donegal township. He is engaged in farming
on this place, and deals largely in stock. Polit
ically he is a Republican, and though he has been
elected to numerous township offices, he is not a
politician. Mr. Chaney is an enterprising and
progressive farmer. In religious connection he
and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian
Church.

yTfATHANIEL NEELY. In the first rank of
VI the intelligent and prominent farmer citi-
\l zens of Washington county stands the sub-
. J ject of this sketch.
v His grandfather, Robert Neely, was born
in Ireland, where he learned the trade of weaver.
He married Susan Rutherford, a native of his own
county, and together they immigrated to the United
States, coming to Lancaster county, Penn., where
he engaged at farming and worked at his trade.
Here for some years they remained, and then, in
1800, removed to this county, taking up their resi
dence in Canton township, on the farm now occu
pied by the David McClay family, whence after a
time they moved to Buffalo township, and finally
settled on a farm, their first home being a log cabin,.
where they passed the rest of their busy and hon
orable lives. The children born to them were:
Elizabeth (Mrs. Andrew Herron), Samuel, Mary
(Mrs. John Jamison), and John. The father died
in 1804, the mother ten years later. They were
members of the North Buffalo Church (Seceders),
of which Mr. Neely was one of the organizers, and:
in politics he was a Federalist.
Samuel Neely, father of subject, was born in
Lancaster county, Penn. , in 1793, where his early
boyhood was passed, and when seven years old he
was brought by his parents to this county, where
he received his school training. At the age of
twenty-three he married Sarah, daughter of Na
thaniel McDowell, and the young couple resided on
the Neely homestead, in Buffalo township, until
1843, in which year our subject purchased the
farm now occupied by James Noble, and moved
thereon. Here he died in 1862, the father of nine
children : Susanna (Mrs. Robert Wright), Nathaniel
(our subject), Robert, John, Samuel, James and!

//arffcawJ/L^* c/feji~&^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

803

David, all of whom are deceased, the latter dying
of measles; Sarah J. (Mrs. David McConahey),
and Leman. Politically Samuel Neely was a
Whig, taking an active interest in the party's
affairs. At an early age he united with the North
Buffalo (Seceders) Church, of which he was an
¦elder for years, and assisted materially in the erec
tion of the present church building.
Nathaniel Neely, whose name opens this sketch,
was born in Buffalo township, Washington Co.,
Penn., July 16, 1822, and being the eldest boy in
his father's family had a large share of farm work
to perform. His education was received at the
subscription schools of the locality, but being
quick and apt he learned more in the practical
school of life, and to-day he is recognized as one
of the best-informed men in the township. On
December 5, 1850, Mr. Neely was united in mar
riage with Mary C, daughter of James Irwin, of
Canton township, this county, and their children
are Susan (wife of James McCabe), James L., and
Nannie (wife of Martin Rolston). The mother of
these children dying September 7, 1862, in her
thirty- sixth year, Mr. Neely, for his second wife,
married, October 4, 1864, Rose W., daughter of
Samuel and Hannah (Way) Graham, of Buffalo
township, by which union there is one child, Vena
M. Samuel Graham was an early pioneer of Buf
falo township, coming there from Ireland about the
year 1800. He died March 23, 1850, in his eight
ieth year; his wife passing from earth November
17, 1869, in her seventy-fifth year.
The family are members of the U. P. Church at
Taylorstown. Mr. Neely having been one of the
members that helped to organize the church; he
was elected one of the elders, in which he served
for some time and then resigned. He has given
liberally of his means toward the support of
churches. Politically he was originally a Whig,
and since the formation of the party he has been a
solid Republican. He has served as assessor of
his township with marked ability and characteristic
prudence. Mr. Neely is a typical self-made man,
enterprising and prosperous, and a leading, up
right citizen, descended from an old honored fam
ily. His highly improved and well-kept farm now
comprises 200 acres of prime land.

DONALDSON, JACOB M. and ROBERT S.
Among the leading families of Washington
county, none are more worthy of prominent
mention in the pages of this Biographical
Record than that of the gentlemen whose names
open this sketch.
Jacob Donaldson, their grandfather, was born in
1763, in Ireland, and came to America in early
manhood, locating in Washington county, Penn.
He married a Miss McKinney, and first settled on

a farm in Hopewell township, thence moving to the
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet owned
by his descendants. He was a member of the Se
ceder Church at Hickory, this county, afterward
uniting with the U. P. Society. In April, 1850, he
moved to the village of Hickory, where he died in
August of the same year, having been long pre
ceded by his wife, who had borne him the follow
ing children: William (who settled in Somerset
township, this county, where he died), James (who
settled in Hopewell township, and died in Clays
ville), Richard (a tailor, of Hickory, who afterward
bought a farm and was killed by a falling limb
while on his way home from Noblestown), Andrew
(who resided in Mt. Pleasant township, where he
died), Isaac (of whom further mention is made),
Margaret (who died in Hickory), and Mary (de
ceased wife of James Ackleson, of Hanover town
ship). Isaac Donaldson was born July 4, 1805, in Hope
well township, this county, where his boyhood was
passed. On January 31, 1828, he was united in
marriage with Sarah Maxwell, who was born Feb
ruary 18, 1808, in Hopewell township. The young
couple resided on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township
several years (the farm where William Donaldson
now lives), and about 1838 moved to the farm now
owned by their son Jacob M., where the remainder
of their lives was passed. The father was a prom
inent farmer, and in politics voted the Democratic
ticket, giving that party his cordial and hearty
support. In church relations he was formerly a
member of the Seceder Church at North Buffalo,
later transferred his membership to the United
Presbyterian Church, of West Middletown, and
afterward united with the Associate Reformed
Church at Patterson's Mills. He died November
13, 1882, and was followed by his wife August 19,
1883, in her seventy-fifth year. They were buried
in the cemetery at North Buffalo, and left three
children, all now living, to mourn their loss, viz. :
Jacob M., Robert S. and Hannah J. (wife of David
Davidson, Hopewell township).
Jacob M. Donaldson was born June 5, 1829, in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and was reared
and educated on the farm adjoining his present
home. In 1862 he was united m marriage with
Miss Mary Elizabeth Pry, a native of Cross Creek
township, who was reared in Hopewell township, a
daughter of John and Hester Ann (Forester) Pry.
Mr. Pry was born August 10, 1811, in the "Old
Dominion," and in early manhood came to Wash
ington county, Penn., and settled in Hopewell
township, where, in June, 1838, he married Hester
Ann Forester, born June 2, 1817, in Maryland.
She was a daughter of George William and Eliza
beth (Clark) Forester, natives of Maryland, of
English descent, who moved to Washington county,
Penn., about 1817, settling in Buffalo village,

804

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Hopewell township. Mr. Forester was a school
teacher, whioh profession he followed for many
years, and in religion was a member of the Old
Presbyterian Church. He died in Mt. Pleasant
township, having been preceded by his wife many
years. Mr. and Mrs. Pry located on a farm in Cross
Creek township, and in 1853 moved to Hopewell
township, thence to Canton township, and finally
settled in Burgettstown, Smith township. He died
April 12, 1882, his wife having died October 7,
1868. Their children were as follows: J. Conrad
(a soldier in the Civil war, who afterward married
Minnie Aiken, at Prairie du Sac, Wis., and lives in
Montecito, Cal.), Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Donaldson),
George William (deceased in infancy), James D.
(enlisted at AAT ashington and served till the close of
the war; he married Mary Bigelow, and lives in
Minnesota), John Henry (who died May 8, 1885,
was married to Mary Boley, of Allegheny), Samuel
Clark (married to Emma Root, of Minnesota, lives
in Prairie du Sac, AVis.) and Catherine Rowena
(deceased December 11, 1885, in Burgettstown,
Penn., wife of Edward B. Evans).
Nine children have blessed the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Jacob M. Donaldson, viz. : Ina Hester (who
was married in 1880 to Dr. McClure, of Alpha,
Greene Co., Ohio, and has five children: Roy Don
aldson, Robert Templeton, Carl Ralston, James
Albert and Mary Etta); Willard Brady (who was
married September 11, 1888, to Jennie "F. Jack
son, a native of Mt. Pleasant township; he grad
uated from the Western Pennsylvania Medical
College with the class of '89, and located at Mid
way, this county, wliere he is now successfully fol
lowing his profession as physician and surgeon.
They have had two children; one deceased at the
age of six months, and Mary L.); Leoline (who
was married June 5, 1890, to Rev. D. T. McCal
mont, a U. P. minister of Butler county, Penn.,
and has one child, Howard Donaldson); Minnie
Etta; Edmund I.; John P.; James C. ; Robert
Lester and Percy J. M.
Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson since their marriage
have lived on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
containing 230 acres of good land, a portion of the
old homestead. Politically he is an enthusiastic
Democrat; is actively interested in educational
matters, and has been a member of the school
board. He and his wife are members of the Pres
byterian Church at Mt. Prospect.
Robert S. Donaldson was born June 16, 1831,
on the home place in Mt. Pleasant township, this
county, where he was reared to manhood, and
received an education in the district schools. On
May 14, 1857, he was united in marriage with Ra
chel V. Walker, daughter of John Norris and Ann
(Vance) Walker, of Cross Creek township, and na
tives of Jefferson and Smith townships, respect

ively. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Walker
settled in Cross Creek township, this county, where
he died in February, 1882, aged seventy-six,
having been preceded by his wife in 1870. Both
were members of the Presbyterian Church at Cross
Creek village.
Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson began wedded life on
the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where he is yet
living. Mrs. Donaldson died May 26, 1871. She
was the mother of six children, viz. : Frank W.,
who was married November 8, 1883, to Annie,
daughter of James Taggart, and has three chil
dren: Earl, Mabel V. aDd James T. ; Flora M.,
who was married in November, 1880, to James M.
Dinsmore, and has four children: Grace W.,
Mary J., Robert Edwin and William Lloyd; Anna
V., who was married December 25, 1884, to Dr.
Hugh Hanna, a graduate of Jefferson Medical In
stitute, class of '92, and has two children: Eva and
Hugh; Sarah M., who was married in October,
1887, to John M. Thompson, a farmer of Buffalo ,
township, this county; Charley I. (at home); and/
Harry N. , a dentist of Bellevue, Ohio.
After the death of his first wife, Mr. Donaldson
was married June 25, 1873, to Hettie J. Byers, a
native of Donegal township, this county, and
daughter of Thomas Byers. Her grandfather,
Thomas Byers, was born September 7, 1757, in
Ireland, and came to this country in early life.
On September 18, 1783, he was united in marriage
with Margaret Shannon, of Scotch descent, and!
settled on a farm in Finley township. The chil
dren of this couple were as follows: Samuel, born
July 10, 1784 (lived in Ohio); John, born July 22,
1786 (a physician of Piqua, Ohio); Sarah, born
March 25, 1788 (wife of Dr. Wiley, of Ripley,
Ohio); Thomas, who enlisted in the war of 1812;
Jane, born April 3, 1792 (wife of David Stewart,
of Ohio county, W. Va.); Margaret, born Febru
ary 7, 1794 (Mrs. John McDonald, of Donegal
township); Ann, born June 20, 1797 (wife of An
drew Yates, of Ohio county, AA7. Va.); James, born
June 20, 1799 (lived in Noble county, Ohio);
Nancy, born February 21, 1802 (married to John
Brice, of Belmont county, Ohio); Rachel, born
June 22, 1804 (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Ohio); and
William, born March 13, 1809 (resided in Butler
county, Penn.).
Thomas Byers, father of Mrs. Donaldson, was
born April 22, 1790, in East Finley township, this
county, where his boyhood was passed. On April
12, 1813, he was married to Margaret Hamilton,
who was born May 9, 1794, in Canton township,
this county. After marriage the young people re
sided in Donegal township till 1851, when they
moved to Washington, where Mr. Byers died Sep
tember 8, 1863. He lost a limb in early life, but
the sad accident made him none the less a useful
and energetic citizen. He was an ardent advocate

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

805

of temperance, and held many township offices.
He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church, and he was superintendent of the Sabbath-
school for years. They were the parents of the
following children : R. H. (a Presbyterian minis
ter of Houston, Tex.), Thomas (who died Decem
ber 25, 1870, an attorney of Fairfield, Iowa), Mary
R. (wife of James Todd, of Ohio county, AV. Va.),
Margaret S. (deceased October 11, 1887, married
to Benjamin Oldham, of Dallas, W. Va.), John C.
(an attorney of Stockton, Cal.), Samuel (deceased
February 22, 1872, in Marshall county, 111.), Alex
ander R. (a physician and surgeon of Pike county,
Ind.), Hettie J. (Mrs. Robert S. Donaldson) and
Sarah J. (deceased April 11, 1852).
Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson have continued to re
side on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, upon
which he has made many improvements ; in 1860
he erected a comfortable brick residence, and has
also put up other buildings. The farm contains
235 acres of good land, which is cultivated to the
highest degree. Mr. Donaldson votes the Demo
cratic ticket, and in religious faith he and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church at Buf
falo, of which he is a trustee.

CALVIN L. MILLER, a prominent and suc
cessful farmer of Donegal township, is of
Irish descent. The first member of the
family to locate in Washington county was
Christopher Miller, who was born and married east
of the Alleghany mountains. In 1782 he and his
family made the perilous journey across the mount
ains, and entered Washington county,locating about
three miles north of Claysville, near the headwaters
of Buck run. Here he secured a "tomahawk claim "
of 400 acres, upon which he erected his cabin
home, and began to clear the forest. The Indians
were still troublesome, and made frequent raids
through that part of the country, and for defense
against their common foe, Christopher Miller, to
gether with his few and distant neighbors, erected
a blockhouse, to which they were several times
compelled to flee for safety. Mr. Miller was a
pioneer of Donegal township, and passed the re
mainder of his life in that neighborhood. He was
twice married, but the names of his wives are un
known. His children were William, John, Chris
topher, Jacob, Sarah, Mary and Margaret, all of
whom passed their lives in ~SV ashington county.
The four sons located on portions of the 400 acre
tract, which land was equally divided among
them. John Miller was born in 1780, east of the Alle
ghany mountains, and when yet a child came with
his parents to Washington county. In 1802' he
was married to Margaret Guy, who was born
March 15, 1776, near Fredericktown, Md., and

afterward came to Washington county with her
parents, John and Elizabeth Guy. To the union
of John and Margaret (Guy) Miller were born the
following children: William, born July 17, 1803
(lived and died in Washington county); John,
born January 1, 1805 (deceased in Washington
county); Elizabeth, born January 11, 1807 (died
unmarried in Washington county); Susanna, born
February 23, 1809 (deceased wife of William Mc
Kay, of AVashington, Penn.); Christopher (father
of our subject), and George B., born December 10,
1812 (deceased in Washington county). Mr.
Miller's share of the original 400 acres which
his father had owned was 100 acres. He lived and
farmed upon this tract until his death, which oc
curred July 8, 1814. His sons then carried on the
farm, upon which his widow continued to reside
until her death, which took place May 26, 1847.
Christopher Miller, now a hale and hearty old
gentleman, of Donegal township, was born Feb
ruary 14, 1811, and passed his boyhood days on
the home farm with his widowed mother. He was
obliged to assist with the farm work, and was thus
deprived of a good education, but managed by
close application to make the most of his meager op
portunities. On May 21, 1840, he was united in
marriage with Sarah J. Knight (who was born No
vember 21, 1823), daughter of Charles Knight, of
Washington county, and their children were as fol
lows: Leamon (deceased), born February 16, 1841 ;
Calvin L. (subject of this sketch); Mary J., born
July 19, 1844 (unmarried, and living at home);
George H, born April 23, 1846 (a physician at
McDonald, Penn.); Charles W., born March 15,
1848 (living near Coon Island, Penn.); Margaret
C. , born September 12, 1849 (Mrs. John Holmes,
of Donegal township); Frances E. , born February
18, 1851 (widow of Bruce Ramagev residing with
her father); William B. (deceased), born August
28, 1854; and JohnB. (deceased), born September
1, 1857. After his marriage Mr. Miller located
on a part of the " tomahawk claim," which was
first secured by his grandfather, and is his present
home. He has always been a farmer, and although
now well advanced in years has never been sick
but once in his life, and that was in early youth.
In political life he was formerly a AVhig, and when
the party was formed, became a Republican. His
wife died in 1884, and his daughter has lived with
him since that time.
Calvin L. Miller was born August 18, 1843, in
Donegal township, this county, on the headwaters
of Buck run. He attended the common schools,
and worked on his father's farm until twenty years
of age, when he worked one season for Adam Car-
Bon, and having pleased his employer by his energy
and steady habits, he remained with Mr. Carson
eight years. In 1873 he was married to Margaret
Taylor (who was born December 29, 1853), daugh-

806

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ter of Thomas and Susan (Darlington) Taylor, of
West Finley township, this county, and they had
five children: Christopher W., Carrie E., Jessie
Belle, John L. and George Lawrence. For some
time after his marriage Mr. Miller resided on the
" Graham Farm," located about two miles north of
Claysville, this county. He then moved to West
Finley township, and in 1886 located on his present
home, situated about one mile north of Claysville,
in Donegal township, on a part of the old Gourley
farm. He has erected a fine house, barn and out
buildings, which have greatly enhanced the value
of his property. Politically he has always been a
Republican. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church at Windy Gap.

JOSEPH PATTERSON is a son of Richard
Patterson, whose father, John Patterson,
came in 1806 with his parents from Ireland
and first settled in Delaware. Eight years
later John Patterson came to Allegheny
county, Penn. He was married to Miss Mary
Miller, also a native of the Emerald Isle, who bore
him eight children, viz. : Robert, James, Moses,
Richard, three that died in infancy, and John, all
now dead.
Richard Patterson was born March 2, 1800, in
Ireland, and came to Allegheny county with his
father. On June 21, 1832, he was married to Miss
Mary Moss, who was born February 28, 1800, a
daughter of John Moss, of Washington county,
Penn. In 1834 Richard Patterson came to the
home farm in Peters township, AVashington Co.,
Penn. He was a member and elder of the Pres
byterian Church until 1854, when he joined the
United Presbyterian Church, in which he shortly
afterward served as elder. Four children were
born to his first marriage: Elizabeth J., Joseph,
John and James R. The mother of this family
died in 1847, aud in 1849 the father was married
to Miss Margaret Ross, a daughter of George Ross,
and she died in 1854. In 1857 he was united in
marriage with Miss Jane McMurray, a daughter of
James McMurray, of Allegheny county, Penn., and
to this union were born two children, viz. : Mary
B. (who was married to R. M. Patterson, a promi
nent minister of Armstrong county, Penn.), and
Richard M., who died in infancy. Richard Patter
son died April 17, 1891, having been preceded by
his wife, Jane (McMurray) Patterson, September
9, 1888.
Joseph Patterson, son of Richard and Mary
(Moss) Patterson, was born September 28, 1835,
on the farm iu Peters township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he is now living. He was there
reared to manhood and on May 15, 1862, was
married to Miss Jane W. Douglass, daughter of
Thomas Douglass, of Allegheny county, Penn.

To them have been born seven children, namely:
Thomas J., Mary J., Alice M., Richard M., Caro
line, Edwin (deceased in infancy) and James W.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson came
immediately to the home place, where they have
since resided. He has been a stanch Republican,
and has held the office of school director. He is a
member and has been a trustee of the United
Presbyterian Church of Peters Creek. The Pat
terson family have 144 acres of excellent land in
their possession.

ALEM FftACK. Among the early pioneers
of Washington county was John Flack, who
came from Lancaster, Penn. , to Washington,
where, in 1784, he purchased a town lot, be
ing one of the first lot owners in the town. In
1788 he removed to Buffalo township, and here he
purchased a farm on which he erected the first
frame house in that section of the county. He
married Jane Gault, a native of Canonsburg,
Washington county, and to them were born chil
dren as follows: James, John, Samuel, David, and
Mary. The mother of these children died on the
homestead in Buffalo township December 14, 1823,
in her sixty-third year.
John Flack was known among the early pioneers
of Buffalo township, and after his location there,
continued to reside on his farm until his death,
which occurred in 1832. The homestead has ever
since remained in the possession of the family, and
there may be found members of the fifth gen
eration. Samuel Flack, third child of John and Jane
(Gault) Flack, was born April 12, 1791, on the old
homestead in Buffalo township. During his early
manhood he went to Ohio, and there married
Sarah Brown, by which union there were four chil
dren, viz.: Salem, Mary Jane, Elizabeth A., and
Luther B. (who graduated at Washington College,
and died soon after graduating). They resided iu
Wayne county, Ohio, until 1827, in which year
they removed to Washington county, Penn., set
tling on a farm in Buffalo township, where they
resided during the remainder of their lives. Sam
uel Flack was a man of much force of character,
and determination, and was prominent among his
fellows in the pioneer days. During the Black
Hawk war, in response to a call for troops, he vol
unteered his services, enlisting with a company at
Taylorstown. They proceeded to Weirich' s tavern,
a well-known landmark of the early days, and
there went into camp for the night. The follow
ing morning they received notice that they were
not required, whereupon they reluctantly returned
to their homes. Samuel Flack was a quiet, unassum
ing man in his way, and while neyer seeking public
position was always conspicuous by reason of the

J^aJLimw Ju

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

809

active part he took in all public movements. He
died in Buffalo township in 1856 in his sixty-sixth
year, honored and respected by all. His widow
survived him until 1873, when she, too, was called
to a higher and better home.
Salem Flack, the immediate subject of this
sketch, was born May 19, 1824, in Wayne county,
Ohio, by the historic waters of the Killbuck. He
was but three years of age when his parents re
moved to Buffalo township, this county, and set
tled near Taylorstown. Here our subject was
reared to manhood, a part of his literary education
being secured at the old log schoolhouse and part at
the brick one, of the neighborhood, while his mors
practical training was received under the able pre
ceptorship of his father, on the home farm, lessons
being there given that have been invaluable to him
in his life work. On the death of his father Mr.
Flack purchased the interests of the other heirs,
and has since remained on the home farm, where
he has continued to follow agricultural pursuits,
including stock raising and other kindred interests.
In February, 1864, he was united in marriage
with Margaret A. , daughter of Aaron Farrar, and
to them have been born the following named chil
dren: Samuel L. (assisting his father in the man
agement of the farm), Sarah Virginia (who died at
the age of eighteen), John A. (married to Elizabeth
Ashbrook), and Jennie A. , both living at home
with and assisting their parents. The entire fam
ily are members of the Presbyterian Church, and
in politics Mr. Flack is a stanch though not active
Republican. His farm, which is one of the finest
in the county, and is situated about four miles
from the borough of Washington, contains 290
acres of choice land, whereon stand a handsome
pleasant residence and commodious out-houses, all
of which, together with the general surroundings,
bespeak enterprise, judicious management, pros
perity and contentment.
The Farrar family in Washington county are de
scended from James Farrar, who resided, at the
beginning of the Revolutionary war, in Hunterdon
¦county, N. J., where he and his eldest son, James,
worked as blacksmiths for the American army dur-
its operations in that State. Two sons, John and
Peter, were soldiers in Washington's army, and
were both killed at the battle of Long Island. In
the year 1785 Andrew Farrar, with his wife Mar
garet (Moore), a lady of Scotch-Irish parentage,
crossed the mountains to western Pennsylvania,
and settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington
county, where he died November 5, 1832. He
reared a family of seven sons and three daughters,
the ninth child in the family being a son, Aaron,
who became the father of Mrs. Flack. He mar
ried Jane Griffith, a native of Washington county,
Penn., born in 1812. They purchased a farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, and resided thereon until

1845, when they came to Buffalo township, and
purchased a farm from Robert Dinsmore, near
Taylorstown, now Owned by David Haggerty.
They had resided there but a year, when death en
tered the home, calling the father and husband to
his long home. He passed away January 6, 1846,
in his thirty-sixth year, at peace with all the world,
a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.
Their union had been blessed with five children, as
follows: Margaret A. (Mrs. Salem Flack); Jennie
M., married, November 1, 1860, to Milton B. Curry,
of Amwell township, Washington county; John G.,
married to Caroline Kerr, and resided in AVest
Virginia until his death (he served in the war of
the Rebellion, was with Sherman on his march to
the sea, was taken prisoner, and paroled and ex
changed); Mary E. (Mrs. James Hodgens), and
Harriet N. (who died at the age of two years). In
1848 Mrs. Jane Griffith Farrar was united in mar
riage with David Haggerty, and to them were born
three daughters: Sarah Josephine (now Mrs. Sam
uel Thompson), Lettitia M. (married to Frank
Moore), and Annie V. (at home with her father).
The mother passed away July 4, 1872.

THE FULTON FAMILY. John Fulton was
born in May, 1810, in Philadelphia, Penn.,
and after receiving a limited education,
learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol
lowed in Washington county, Penn. On
January 12, 1832, he was married to Miss Hannah
McMillan, who was born March 3, 1815, in this
county, in the dwelling now occupied by James C.
Fulton. Miss McMillan was a granddaughter of
John McMillan, D. D. , who settled on the same farm
in 1775. Although beginning life as a poor boy,
John Fulton, by dint of honest effort and careful
economy, became a prosperous citizen. He pur
chased 160 acres in North Strabane township, this
county, to which many improvements have since
been made. He and his wife were devoted mem
bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Canons
burg. He died October 18, 1869, followed Sep
tember 14, 1891, by his wife whohad borne him nine
children, viz.: Samuel (deceased). Joseph R.,
William, Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Pry, now living in
Brooke county, W. Va.), Thomas K., Robert D.,
John, Catherine Isabel (residing on the old home
stead with her brother R. D. Fulton) and James C.
Robert D. Fulton, son of John and Hannah
Fulton, was born April 8, 1846, and reared on the
old place in North Strabane township, this county,
receiving a common-school education. On Novem
ber 23, 1881, he was married to Aggie M., daugh
ter of James and Rachel (Hamilton) Rath, and to
this union were born a son and a daughter, namely :
James R. and Maggie J. The mother died May
7, 1886. She was a member of the United Presby-

810

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

terian Church, with which the father is also identi
fied. He is a member of the Democratic party,
and is now serving as supervisor of roads in his
district. John Fulton, seventh child of John andHannaS
Fulton, was born April 29, 1849, on the old home
stead in North Strabane township. On October
11, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss
Sallie C. Crawford, who has borne him four chil
dren, namely : Chatham Crawford, Dora Martha,
Samuel Reed aDd Alexander Clyde. Mr. Fulton
is actively interested in the educational interests
of the community, and is now serving as school
trustee. In politics he is a Democrat, and in
religion he and his wife are members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.
James C. Fulton, youngest son of John and
Hannah Fulton, was born February 8, 1857, on
the old homestead in North Strabane township.
He attended the country schools of the neighbor
hood, and has since remained upon his birthplace.
On October 28, 1886, he was united in marriage
with Etta V., daughter of Isaac and Isabel (Lewis)
Walker. Three children have blessed this union,
namely: Thomas C, Mabel H. and Elsie Anetta.
Both parents are members of tjie- United Pres
byterian Church at Canonsburg, and in polit
ical opinion the father is a Democrat. The old
homestead contains 295 acres in North Strabane
township; since the death of John Fulton it has
been under the management of the three sons
above mentioned, Robert D., John and James C.

CLINTON L. MILLER, a progressive citizen
of Donegal township, is a son of William
and a grandson of Frederick Miller. Little
is known of the latter' s parents save that
they were of German birth, and among the earliest
settlers of Donegal township, Washington Co.,
Penn. There their son Frederick was born in an old
blockhouse where the parents resided for safety
from the Indians. Frederick Miller grew to man
hood amid the surroundings of pioneer life, and
was married to Elizabeth Miller, also a member of
an old family, but no relation to her husband's
people. Among the children born to their union
was the father of our subject.
William Miller was bom March 4, 1809, on the
farm in Donegal township, this county, and
passed his boyhood days on the home place, attend
ing the rude schools of the period. On January
1, 1852, he was united in marriage with Catherine
Clemens, who was born November 19, 1824,
daughter of Nicholas Clemens, of Donegal town
ship, and to their union were born the following
children: Lehman (deceased in infancy), Clinton
L., Luther G. (deceased in infancy), Ermina L.
(Mrs. Joseph Miller, of Donegal township) and

Florence V. (Mrs. James Castner, of Independence
township). After his marriage Mr. Miller located
on the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, about two and
a half miles north of Coon Island, where he made
a permanent home. He was a successful farmer,
and in politics was a member of the Democratic
party. He died in 1880, since which time his
widow has resided on the home farm, now man
aged by her son, Clinton L.
Clinton L. Miller was born December 16, 1854,
on the home farm near Coon Island, where he is
now living, which has remained in the possession
of the Miller family since it was first patented.
Clinton L. received a common-school education,
and has always been a farmer, in which vocation
he is very successful. He is in a fair way to be
come one of the wealthiest men of Donegal town
ship. Politically he is a member of the Demo
cratic party.

HARLES H. BURIG, a prosperous and
highly respected agriculturist of Donegal
township, is a native of Germany. His
father, Charles W. Burig, was born in July,
1797, in the town of Brunswick, Germany, and
attended the public schools of the place until four
teen years of age. He then learned the trade of
miller, which he followed for forty years. In 1827
he was married to Fredericka Ide, who was born
in 1807, also in Germany, and to their union were
born four children: Sophia (widow of Frederick
Miller, living in Triadelphia, Ohio Co., W. Va.),
Caroline (deceased wife of August Miller), Amelia
(Mrs. Henry Snyder, of Moundsville, W. Va.) and
Charles H. In 1848 Mr. Burig set sail from Bre
men for America, but as war was then raging
between Prussia and Denmark, but few vessels
were sailing from German ports, and the emigrants
were obliged to come over in an English packet.
They were sixty days on the ocean, but finally
landed safely in New York. Thence they went by
boat up the Hudson river to Albany; by railroad
to Buffalo, N. Y. ; by Lake Erie steamer to Erie,
Penn. ; from Erie to Beaver by canal, from Beaver
down the Ohio river to Wheeling. Mr. Burig
located on Peters run, in Ohio county, W. Va. ,
where he followed milling and farming until 1860,
when, on account of age and failing health, he
retired. During the last years of his life Mr.
Burig lived at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
Miller, in Wheeling, W. Va., and there died in
1875, having been preceded by his wife in 1866.
Charles H. Burig was born December 21, 1838,
at Furstenberg, Duchy of Brunswick, Germany,
and came to America with his parents. He received
his education at the common schools, at the same
time, in his boyhood and early youth, assisting his
father in the mill work, and the duties of the farm.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

811

On September 4, 1862, he was united in marriage
with Catherine Helfenbien, who was born February
27, 1843, in Marburg, Hessen Cassel, Germany,
and was but six years of age when her parents
immigrated to America, settling in Ohio county,
W. Va. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burig had the
following children: William (a farmer of West
Finley township), Amelia (Mrs. Armour J. Roney,
of West Finley township), George (also of West
Finley township), A. Elmer (living with his par
ents), Gertrude (Mrs. Albert Morrow, of Donegal
township) and Charlton L. (living at home). After
his marriage Mr. Burig farmed for some time in
Ohio county, W. Va., and in 1865 settled in Done
gal township, Washington Co., Penn., locating on
the old " De France farm," lying a short distance
from the mouth of Dutch fork of Buffalo creek.
He was engaged in milling for twenty years; but
in 1885 he abandoned this business to devote his
entire attention to farming. In political life Mr.
Burig was a Democrat until 1880, when he united
with the Republican party. He has recently
erected an elegant residence which is equal to any
in the vicinity.

T AMES H. SUPLER. The Supler family are
. I identified with the early settlement and im-
rll provement of Washington county, and the first
^^ pioneer of that name, of whom there is any
authentic record, was John Supler, the great
grandfather of our subject. He was born about
1757, in eastern Pennsylvania, and was there mar
ried to Rachel Kirk, who was born August 13,
1767. In company with his wife and a sister of
Mr. Supler's, the young conple made the rough
and tedious journey over the mountains. They
finally located in Donegal township, about three
miles southeast of West Alexander, where in the
midst of an unbroken wilderness they erected their
log cabin home. The following children were
born to them: Susanna, born December 21, 1783;
Rachel, born February 18, 1785; Margaret, born
March 17, 1787; John, born January 25, 1790;
Sarah, born May 6, 1792; Ann, born January 30,
1795; and Edward, born February 18, 1804; all of
whom lived to an adult age, and are now deceased.
The father of this family died June 14, 1835, after
many years of toil and care, and the mother fol
lowed him August 28, 1850.
John Supler was born on the pioneer farm in
Donegal township, this county, and shared all the
hardships incident to pioneer life. In later years
he was united in marriage with Margaret Sargent,
a member of an old family of Washington county,
and the children born to them were as follows:
Thomas, John, Isaac, William, Henry, Elizabeth,
Sarah Ann, Margaret, Rachel, Mary and Jane.
Of this family those now living are Rachel, Eliza

beth, Sarah Ann and Isaac. Mr. Supler passed
his life farming on the old home place, and died
April 28, 1871. His widow died in 1881.
Thomas Supler was born February 23, 1814, on
the farm in Donegal township, this county, and
was the eldest son of his parents. He received a
common-school education, and was trained to agri
cultural pursuits by his father. In 1838 he was
married to Margaret Hill, who was born August
19, 1813, and their children were: Nancy Jane,
born January 8, 1840; John H, born January 6,
1842; Joseph G., born November 4, 1843; Alexan
der D., born March 21, 1847; Henry H., born
January 26, 1849; and J&mes H., the only child
now living. After his marriage Thomas Supler
located in Greene county, Penn., where he re
mained some time, then moved near Beallsville,
West Bethlehem township, Washington county.
He afterward purchased and moved upon the
old home farm of the Suplers in Donegal township,
this county. In 1876 he moved to West Alexan
der, same township, where his wife died May 5,
1883, and October 20, 1884, he was united in mar
riage with Mrs. Caroline (Rogers) Mounts, widow
of James Mounts. After his marriage to Caroline
Mounts, Thomas Supler located in Claysville, April
1, 1885, where he died February 15, 1886. Polit
ically he was a Republican, and in religion was a
member of the M. E. Church. His widow is still
living. James H. Supler was born March 18, 1850, near
Beallsville, AVest Bethlehem township, this county,
and came with his parents to Donegal township.
He received a common-school education, and as
sisted his father in the farm work. On December
29, 1875, he was married to Elizabeth Bryans,
who was born April 3, 1855, at Port Stanley,
Ontario, Canada, daughter of William and Marga
ret (Bamford) Bryans. They have four children,
namely: William *H., Bessie M., Minnie M. and
James W. , all of whom are living with their par
ents. Mr. Supler located on the home farm,
where he is now living, and which has been in the
possession of the family four generations. He is
engaged in general farming, and also operates a
threshing machine in the summer season. Polit
ically he is a Republican, and he is an energetic
and prosperous young man.

ip^EORGE W. RITCHEY, a skillful black
If smith and well-known citizen of West Alex-
ll If ander, was born December 10, 1827, in
^41 Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn.
^ He is a son of John and grandson of George
Ritchey, who was born and grew to manhood in
Ireland. George Ritchey was married in his
native country, and some time afterward came to

'812

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

America, locating in Buffalo township, Washing
ton county, near Taylorstown. They remained
there several years, and then came to Donegal
township, where Mr. Ritchey purchased the home
farm. He had a family of twenty-one children.
In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious
connection a member of the U. B. Church of Done
gal township.
John Ritchey was born in Donegal township,
Washington Co., Penn., and there received his
early education attheprimitivesubscriptionschools.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Fowler,
a resident of Washington county, and their chil
dren were: Margaret J. (deceased wife of George
Karnes), Elizabeth M. (first married to John Miller,
now the wife of Thomas Phillips), George W. (our
subject), David, William T. (deceased minister of
the U. B. Church) and John. After his marriage
Mr. Ritchey made his permanent home in Done
gal township. He was a public -spirited man, in
terested in all progressive movements, and an act
ive worker in the Democratic party; in relig
ion he was a member of the U. B. Church of
Donegal township. He died in 1861, and was fol
lowed by his widow in 1866. The remains of both
rest in the U. B. Church cemetery.
George W. Ritchey received his early education
and passed his boyhood in Donegal township. At
the age of eighteen years he was apprenticed to
Lewis Hallom, of Washington borough, to learn
the blacksmith's trade. He remained there two
years, and then entered the employ of John Mor
row, with whom he worked four years, when he
established a shop at Taylorstown. Mr. Ritchey
conducted the blacksmith business at that place
for eight and a half years, and then entered the
employ of William McCoy, in West Alexander, re
maining with him until 1862, when he enlisted in
Company C, "Ringgold Cavalry," serving until the
close of the struggle. After the war he worked at
his trade in West Alexander until 1871, when he
settled in Buffalo village, which was his home
thirteen years, but finally came to West Alexander
where he has since remained. On April 5, 1848,
he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter
of James Mitchell, of Bentleyville, Washington
county, and their union has been blessed with the
following children: Winfield S. , Lena (Mrs. Robert
Martin), Thomas, A. E., Mary (Mrs. George Tim-
mons), William and Lester G. Of this family,
Thomas, A. E. and AVilliam are deceased. Mr.
Ritchey has always been a progressive man, and
has taken an active part in the development of the
community. Politically he is an earnest Repub
lican, and while residing in Hopewell township,
served three terms as justice of the peace. He is
a substantial member of the Presbyterian Church
at AVest Alexander.

QEORGE BLACK. Chief among the well-
known farmers and breeders of fine Black-
Top Merino sheep ranks George Black, who
resides on his farm adjoining Canonsburg.
James and Elizabeth (Horner) Black,
grandparents of our subject, came from the Cum
berland Valley in company with William Horner,
making the trip across the mountains in a wagon
drawn by four horses. James Black owned a farm
in Cumberland county, but was not satisfied with
the settlement of his father's estate, and after sell
ing his farm moved to the wilds of Washington
county, known at that time as "the backwoods."
He first settled on the land in North Strabane
township now owned by the Samuel McNary heirs;
from there moved to Peters township, and for a
time lived near Bethany Church on Miners run,
Allegheny county, Penn. His wife died in Peters
township, April 10, 1834, at the age of sixty years,
and he'passed away at the residence of his son-in-
law, Daniel Hickman, in Peters township, Novem
ber 6, 1842, aged seventy-two. Both are buried
in the Chartiers cemetery, North Strabane town
ship. The children born of their union were:
Margaret S., born July 22, 1796 (she was married,
in 1818, to James Hare, who bought a farm near
Claysville, where they both died); Nancy, born
March 1, 1798, and married, in 1825, to James
Lyons (she and her husband died on their farm
near Industry, Beaver Co. , Penn); Elizabeth, born
May 31, 1800 (she married Thomas Cotner in 1826,
and moved to Carroll county, Ohio) ; William, born
June 22, 1802 (married Eleanor Manifold); Sallie,
born in October, 1804 (married Daniel Hickman,
and settled in Stark county, Ohio); Richard, born
in December, 1806 (he married Jane Speer; he was
a carpenter and resided in Allegheny City, where
he died); Robert, born January 9, 1809 (first mar
ried Sadie Rankin, and afterward Elizabeth Mani
fold; he made his home on a farm near Beck's
Mills, North Strabane township) ; James, born May
25, 1812 (married Nancy Gilmore, on March 27,
1841; he settled in Bridgeville, Allegheny Co.,
Penn.); and Rebecca, born February 14, 1816
(married March 2, 1843, to Robert Johnston). To
each of these marriages were born children. Will
iam Horner, brother-in-law of James Black, owned
three farms near Beck's Mills, in North Strabane
township. He was a member of Chartiers Presby
terian Church, and died February 23, 1860, aged
eighty-two. William Black, father of subject, was born June
22, 1802, in Washington county, a son of James
and Elizabeth (Horner) Black. He married Miss
Eleanor Manifold, a native of York county, Penn. ,
who came with her parents across the mount
ains when twelve years of age. After their mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled on the farm in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

813:

North Strabane township now owned by our sub
ject, where they both died. William Black was a
man of pure principle and of more than ordinary
intelligence. He and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian Church, and he was an elder in the
Chartiers Church for a number of years. Six sons
and four daughters were born of their union, viz. :
Margaret (wife of Rev. AVilliam Grimes, of Bel
mont county, Ohio), Ann (who died at the age of
twelve years), Mary (wife of Rev. James S. Barr,
of Sealkote, northern India, where he is a mission
ary of the United Presbyterian Church), Elizabeth
(who married Joseph Willison of this county, now
deceased), William (who married Mary Bebout,
and resides in North Strabane township), Benja
min (who enlisted in the Fortieth Regiment, P. V.
I., as a sergeant, and was killed at Gettysburg; he
was unmarried), James L. (who enlisted in the
Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; he was
admitted to the bar, located in Pittsburgh, *and at
present is an attorney at law in Lumpkin county,
Ga.), George (our subject), Richard (who married
Flora White, and lives on a farm in North Stra
bane township), and Robert (who married Margaret
White, and owns a marble and granite yard in
Canonsburg). George Black was born December 3, 1843, in
Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., a son
of William and Eleanor (Manifold) Black. He at
tended the common schools of Canonsburg, learned
farming with his father, and upon the latter's
death came into possession of the old homestead
farm. This land was purchased of James Murray,
who had bought it from the old Jefferson College
trustees. On January 26, 1871, Mr. Black was
married to Miss Jane E., a daughter of Samuel.
and Margaret (Templeton) McNary, born on her
father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members
of the First Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg,
of which they are liberal supporters. Two sons
and one daughter have blessed their marriage,
viz.: Samuel 0., Benjamin M. and Jeanette. In
September, 1862, Mr. Black enlisted in the Eight
eenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was
stationed at Hagerstown, Md., but after a few
weeks his services were no longer needed, and he
was sent home. Our subject is a representative
and progressive farmer, unassuming, but practical
and reliable. He is one of the few agriculturists
who realize that successful farming requires more
study, concentration of mind and executive ability
than any profession. Mr. Black is one of the or
ganizers of the Black-Top Merino Sheep Breeders
Association of Washington county, and was treas
urer of this association two years. Politically, he
works with the Republican party. He enjoys the
confidence and respect of all who know him, and
is universally considered an upright and honorable
gentleman.

JAMES C. MATTHEWS, farmer and under
taker, is a resident of North Strabane town
ship, of which he is a native, born July 20,
1843. James Matthews, his grandfather,
was born February 17, 1785, in Ireland, and
in a very early day immigrated to America, set
tling in Washington county, Penn., where he fol
lowed farming the rest of his life, dying February
18, 1853; in politics he was a typical old-school
Democrat. James Matthews, father of James C. , was also
a prominent agriculturist of Washington county,
where he was born. He was here married, in 1836,
to Sarah Crawford, who was born Febrnary 6, 1815,
by whom he had a family of ten children, all of
whom grew to maturity, viz.: Nancy J., wife of
Matthew Ross, a farmer of Washington county;
Tamar M., wife of John B.* Milholland, of Pitts
burgh, Penn.; James C, subject of sketch; Eliza
beth, wife of William Caldwell, a farmer in Al
legheny county, Penn. ; Leonard, a farmer, of
Columbiana county, Ohio; Andrew, proprietor of
grocery store, Canonsburg, Penn. ; Levi, proprietor
of a furniture store at Beaver Falls, Penn. ; Sarah
M., wife of J. H. McMurray, a farmer in Peters
township, this county; Chatham G., a grocery mer
chant in Allegheny county, Penn. ; and Martha A.,
now deceased. The father died December 30, 1885,
the mother having some years preceded him to the
grave. They were both active members of the
United Presbyterian Church.
James C. Matthews was educated at the dis
trict schools of his native township, and was reared
from boyhood to the Arcadian pursuits of the farm.
On November 4, 1869, he was married to Miss
Belle M. Thomas, a native of North Strabane
township, born May 17, 1848, a daughter of Liver
ton and Mary A. (Glandon) Thomas, the former of
whom was born in North Strabane township, May
12, 1808, the latter in Maryland, October 2, 1813,
and moved with her parents to Harrison county,
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Liverton Thomas were mar
ried in 1834, in Ohio, and shortly afterward set
tled in North Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn. They reared a family of nine children,
eight of whom are yet living, viz. : Edmund, a
farmer in Saline county, Neb.; William, a farmer
in Chase county, Neb.; James M. , a merchant
in the village of Thomas,- Washington Co.,
Penn. ; Rhoda L. , wife of John Hodgens, in Des-
Moines county, Iowa; Liverton G., a physician in
Philadelphia, Penn. ; Belle M. , wife of James C.
Matthews; A. J., a farmer of North Strabane
township, and Ida M., wife of William Kittle, of
Rush county, Kans. (Caleb F. died in infancy).
The father of this family is at present living with
his daughter, Mrs. John Hodgens, at Middletown,
Des Moines Co., Iowa; he is a member of the-
Presbyterian Church, and in politics a stanch

814

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Democrat; his wife passed away December 10,
1873. To Mr. and Mrs. James C. Matthews have been
born six children — three sons and three daughters
— as follows: Thomas C, born August 12, 1870
(he is a mechanical draughtsman in Barberton,
Ohio); James F., born September 10, 1873 (en
gaged in the photography business); Ernest
W., born November 17, 1875; Sarah E. and
Mary A. (twins), born July 27, 1880, and Lena
M., born May 16, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews
are members of the U. P. Church, in which he has
lieen an elder for the past fifteen years, and is
superintendent of the Sabbath-school of Mount
Prospect Church. He is a solid Democrat in his
political preferences, and February 15, 1892, was
elected township assessor. In his farming opera
tions he has been emiftently successful, and since
1875 has conducted an undertaking establishment
an the village of Thomas.

IC RA M. BUTLER is of AVelsh descent, his grand
father, Benjamin Butler, having been a native
of Wales. The latter ancestor, a Quaker in
religious faith, in 1776 accompanied his
parents to America. The Butler family settled in
Lancaster county, Penn., and there secured 1,000
Acres of land, part of which was in Chester county.
Benjamin Butler was married in this country, and
reared his family on the farm, but finally deciding
to move to Ohio, sold the place, and purchased
farms for the children. In 1805 sixteen persons
began the journey to Ohio, with a two-horse team
and carriage, arriving at Monongahela City on the-
•evening of October 7, 1805. The following morn
ing Mr. Butler was suddenly stricken with apo
plexy and died that day. The other members of
the family fell sick with malaria, which a
quack doctor of the neighborhood pronounced
yellow fever. These misfortunes compelled the
family to remain in Washington county for some
time, and they finally abandoned the idea of pro
ceeding farther. The mother resided with her son
Ira R. until her death. She left the following
children: Jonathan, a wagon and plow maker;
Abner, a cabinet maker; Noble; Eunice; Isaac;
Benjamin; Joel; Joseph and Ira R., of whom the
younger sons were carpenters with the exception
of Ira R.
Ira R. Butler was born November 15, 1792, in
Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1805 came with
the family to Washington county. After his ar
rival in this county he attended school for two
years, then learned the saddlery business. His
health failing, he abandoned this pursuit by the
advice of a physician, and in 1814 engaged as cap
tain of a freight vessel on Lake Erie. He followed
this vocation three years, then returned to Monon

gahela City and became captain of "The Eagle,"
a passenger boat on the river, remaining in that
position two years, at the end of which time he
bought a farm near Monongahela City, meanwhile
working in the boatyard for Robert Beebe. On
June 4, 1822, Ira R. Butler was married to Mary
A. Boyd, a resident of Washington county, and
their children were as follows: Benjamin, William,
Samuel M., Ira R., Eunice J. (wife of C. Z. Kcech'-
lin), Mary E. (married to Richard Pratt), Eliza
beth (wife of James Blythe), Emmeline (wife of
Dr. R. S. H. Keys; she was the widow of Maj. S.
B. Howe, of the First W. Va. Cavalry, who had
served during the entire Civil war without receiv
ing a wound. On April 8, 1865, the night before
the surrender of Lee, he was shot and killed by a
rebel sharpshooter at Appomattox), Sarah (mar
ried to Charles Fry), and Ira M. In 1839 Mr.
Butler sold his property, and in 1840 purchased
the "John Stockdale farm," where he died July
18, 1884, his wife having gone before September
7, 1874. He was a leading member of both the
Whig and Republican parties, and served for
twenty-five years as justice of the peace. In re
ligion he was actively identified with the M. E.
Church. Ira M. Butler was born January 22, 1843, on
the home farm in Carroll township, Washington
Co., Penn. He received a common-school educa
tion, and on May 17, 1874, brought his bride,
Nancy J. Frederick, to the home place. She is a
native of West Pike Run township, this county,
and daughter of Joseph Frederick. In 1880 the
young couple moved to Elizabeth, Penn., where
they resided until 1883, then returned to the home
place and managed the farm until 1885. He
afterward engaged in the livery business at Mo
nongahela City, which he continued to follow two
and a half years, then worked on the railroad for
two years. In 1889 he opened a feed store which
he has since conducted. Politically he is a Repub
lican, but votes independently in local matters.
He is a member of the M. E. Church.

Jjii DAM AUGHENDOBLER was born August
l/V 14, 1823, near the city of Nuremberg,
Ip4\ Bavaria, Germany, where his parents passed
II -* their lives. His mother died when' he was
eleven years old, leaving one child. Adam
Aughendobler remained at the home of his uncle
after the death of his parents, and there learned
the weaver's trade, also assisting on the farm. In
1852 he embarked on a vessel bound for America,
and after a voyage of seven weeks landed at Balti
more, Md. He then came to Washington county,
Penn., and worked on a farm for Major Millinger,
also for James Stockdale. On May 4, 1853, he
was united in marriage with Mrs. Lizzie Zeh, a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

815

ladv of German parentage, and the widow of
J. B. Zeh, by whom she had one child — John
B. Zeh, born in Germany. She was married to
Mr. Zeh in the Fatherland, where he died. She
came to America in the same vessel as Adam
Aughendobler, to whom she was married, as just
related, and in 1865 they came to Monongahela,
where the family have since resided. Mr. Augh
endobler is an active member of the Republican
party, has served as councilman, and for twenty-
eight years has been superintendent of the ceme
tery, which position he now holds. In religious faith
he is identified with the Lutheran Church, which
he has served as elder. To Mr. and Mrs. Aughen
dobler have been born the following children:
Maria (Mrs. Levi Friend) and Bessie (Mrs. William
Woodward), (twins), Jane (wife of James Dickey),
Maggie (Mrs. Hoffman), Anna (wife of John Staib),
George (deceased) and John L.

T OHN A. FRAZEE, who belongs to one of
j the oldest and most prominent families of
tfl Amwell township, is a native of the same,
^ born May 28, 1834. His grandfather, Col.
David Frazee, was the son of David Frazee,
who moved from New Jersey in about 1780, locat
ing in Amwell township, this county, where he
died in June, 1789.
Col. David Frazee was born about 1782 in Am
well township, and afterward removed to AVest Beth
lehem township. The father dying when David
was a boy of seven years, the family were soon sep
arated, and his early life was passed in West Beth
lehem, where he purchased what was afterward
known as the "Frazee Homestead," on Brush run,
a tributary of North' Ten-Mile creek. He was
married to Catherine Sutton, daughter of Andrew
Sutton, and their children were David, Andrew
and Sallie (who married Peter Miller), all now de
ceased. The father passed from earth in 1850.
Col. Frazee was one of the leading men of the
time, and was often asked to decide matters of
difference by arbitration. At one time he and his
son David owned 1,000 acres in the two townships
— Amwell and West Bethlehem. In politics he was
a Whig, and though by no means an office seeker,
he worked earnestly for the interests of his party.
He was a member and one of the founders of the
Disciple Church at Lone Pine.
David Frazee, son of Col. David Frazee, was
born in 1812, and came with his parents to West
Bethlehem township. He received a limited edu
cation in the common schools, but became a well-
read, intelligent man. He was united in marriage
with Amy Cooper, of Amwell township, daughter
of Moses and Christine Cooper, and to this union
were born two children: Mrs. Sarah Curry and
John A. Politically Mr. Frazee was first a Whig
and afterward a Republican; in religious faith he

was an earnest member of the Disciple Church at
Lone Pine, in which he was an elder for many
years. Mrs. Frazee died in 1884: and was fol
lowed by her husband March 29, 1888, when in
his seventy-sixth year.
John A. Frazee received his primary education
at the common schools, attended Pleasant Valley
Academy for two years, and also spent one term at
Washington and Jefferson College. He remained
at home until October 23, 1859, when he was
united in marriage with Maria Woodruff, daughter
of Joshua and Priscilla Woodruff, of Knox county,
Ohio. Mrs. Frazee has the following brothers
and sisters all living in Ohio: Mrs. Benjamin Bell,
residing near Martinsburgh ; Morgan, a resident of
Licking county; Mrs. Amanda Murdick, living in
Newark, and L. M. Woodruff, a resident of Utica.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazee were
Calvin, born August 25, 1860; John Hamlin, born
March 21, 1862 (died February 25, 1864); Mrs.
Priscilla Paul, born January 20, 1864, residing in
Washington; Allison J., born January 14, 1866;
William W. , born January 15, 1868; Eddie, born
November 19, 1870 (deceased December 26, 1884);
Ida M., born September 19, 1872; Olive, born
August 17, 1874; Isa, born November 4, 1876;
Odessa, born November 22, 1878; and Angeline,
born September 24, 1880, deceased January 11,
1885. Mr. Frazee has been a very successful farm
er, and now owns 473 acres of as good land as
can be found in his township. In politics he has
always been a Republican, and he is much inter
ested in public matters. In religious faith he is
a member of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine.

JOHN W. FERGUSON, one of the wide-awake,
enterprising and prosperous merchants of
Smith township, is a representative of an old
pioneer family who trace their genealogy from
one John Ferguson, who was born July 5,
1766, in County Down, Ireland, and was reared to
agricultural pursuits. In 1793 the good ship
"Wilmington" (commanded by Capt. James Jeff
ries, with John Magee as first mate) sailed for
America. Among the passengers bound for the
New World were John Ferguson and a neighbor
family by the name of AVarnock. They landed at
Philadelphia, where the friends parted, the AA7ar-
nocks remaining in that city, while young Fergu
son went further west. He invested his small
savings in a peddler's pack, and with this meager
provision for the future started on his lonely
journey of exploration. But among the members
of the AVarnock family was a daughter Jane, born
October 23, 1772, in County Down, Ireland, to
whom he had plighted his troth, promising to
return and claim his bride when success should
reward his efforts. He journeyed along the Ohio
and Mississippi rivers, trading on the way. From

816

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Pittsburgh, Penn., he made a trip to New Orleans,
walking the entire distance on the return journey.
He made various other expeditions, finally realiz
ing enough money to enablehim to fulfill his long-
cherished plans, and return to his love in Phila
delphia, who was patiently awaiting his arrival.
In 1795 they were made one, and immediately
went to Washington county, Penn., locating as
tenants on part of a tract of 1,000 acres in Smith
township, near the Hanover township line, which
had been patented by Capt. Daniel Bavington.
The young couple began life in their frontier
home, enduring many inconveniences and dan
gers, and, as was then necessary, he was often
obliged to cross the mountains to get salt" and
provisions. On one of these occasions the young
wife was left alone in the cabin, and the wolves
(which were at that time very numerous) sur
rounded it. Unable to keep them outside, the
helpless woman fled to the garret, leaving the
lower room to the mercy of the brutes, thus escap
ing with her life. Some years after this, John
Ferguson purchased the land on which he resided,
and later an adjoining tract, where the rest of his
life was passed. He was a representative citizen,
possessing good judgment; in politics he was a
Democrat, and was often sought for advice on ques
tions of moment, while his wife was no less a val
ued member of the community. She was a famous
nurse, being more successful with her patients
than the majority of physicians, and both Mr. and
Mrs. Ferguson were members of the old Seceder
Church. Their children were Elizabeth (wife of
James Smith), born July 7, 1798, who died in
1871, in Beaver county, Penn. ; Anne, born Decem
ber 17, 1801 (deceased in 1819); Mary, born Sep
tember 5, 1805 (was fatally burned in an accident,
dying November 4, 1887, unmarried); and John,
born December 14, 1807. The father died Feb
ruary 22, 1842, and November 24, 1850, the wife
and mother passed away.
John Ferguson was born on the home farm in
Smith township, near Bavington, being reared to
agricultural pursuits, and receiving a country-
school education. On October 23, 1851, he was
married to Martha C. Kryster, who was born Jan
uary 25, 1825, in Stark county, Ohio, the cere
mony taking place at North Springfield, Summit
Co. , Ohio. She was a daughter of Isaac and
Frances (Fraker) Kryster, the former a member of
an aristocratic family of Philadelphia, Penn., the
latter born near Greensburgh, Westmoreland Co.,
Penn. They were early settlers of Stark county,
Ohio, and parents of seven sons and six daughters.
John and Martha C. (Kryster) Ferguson settled
on the home farm in Smith township, and four
children were born to them, viz. : Jennie A. (wife of
William Beal, a farmer of Beaver county, Penn.),
Isaac C. (an agriculturist of Smith township),

John AV. (whose name opens this sketch) and May
F. (wife of F. B. Stewart). Mr. Ferguson was an
eager reader, a practical scholar, and one of the
most influential citizens of the community. In
early life he gave some attention to dentistry, but
never learned it as a profession. In politics he
was a Democrat, and served as justice of the peace
under the old constitution (which elected for life
or good behavior), also serving two terms after the
present laws were introduced, filling the position
in. all for twenty- one years. Being a very careful
business man, he was often called on to transact
important affairs for others, and among the estates
which he settled were the Garrett Van Emman,
the Calvert, the Free Crafford, the Samuel Clokey,
the J ames Brimner, the Samuel Neil and the James
Stephenson estates, and was also associated with
Squire Pollock in settling up the extensive Baving
ton estate. He held various township offices, was
school director for eighteen years, serving as presi
dent of the board, and acted as guardian for many
children and minors. In religion Mr. and Mrs.
Ferguson were members of the U. P. Church at
Burgettstown, of which he was an elder over thirty
years, and was also a member of the building com
mittee when the second building was erected.
His useful life closed January 31, 1882, and Mrs.
Ferguson resided on the farm some time after his
death, but afterward removed to Bavington, this
county, where she is now living with her children,
May and John W., enjoying the affection and re- »
spect of all who know her.
John W. Ferguson was bom January 1, 1858, on
the old place in Smith township, where he passed
his youth working on the farm and attending the
schools of the vicinity. He resided with his par
ents until twenty-eight years of age, then began
clerking for John McBride, a merchant of Baving
ton, and two years later became a partner. In
1892 he purchased the entire business, which has
virtually been under his control for several years,
Mr. McBride having devoted his attention princi
pally to other interests. Mr. Ferguson is a pro
gressive and thoroughly competent merchant, and
enjoys a large custom. In politics he has for sev-.
eral years been a leading figure in the Democratic
party, and has held various township offices with
credit to himself. Of late he has been obliged to
partially retire from political life, to meet the in
creasing pressure of his growing business. In re
ligion he is a member of the U. P. Church at
Robinson.JAMES HODGENS. The family, of which
this gentleman is a worthy member, is one of
the earliest to make a settlement in Buffalo
township, and one of the most highly re
spected and esteemed in the county.
Thomas Hodgens, grandfather of the subject

^/tZ^t^e^ ^c^c^our

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

819

proper of this biographical memoir, was a native
of County Armagh, Ireland, whence, in the spring
of 1807, he emigrated with his family to America.
After a brief sojourn in Philadelphia they came to
AVashington, this county, and in the spring of
1808 Mr. Hodgens purchased a farm in Buffalo
township, near the village of Taylorstown, on which
they settled. Here Grandfather Hodgens ended
his pioneer life, dying in 1821, at the age of sixty-
five years, his wife following him to the grave sev
eral years later. In his native land Thomas Hod
gens has been, in religious faith, a strict Seceder,
but after coming to this county, for reasons sound
and just, no doubt, he associated himself with the
Christian (or Disciple) Church, dying an earnest
and devout member thereof, after having taken an
active interest in the establishment and welfare of
that Society in his township.
Of the four children comprising the family of
Thomas Hodgens, a son, by name Isaac, was born
iu 1794, in County Armagh, Ireland, where he re
ceived an excellent educational training under the
preceptorship of Alexander Campbell, who after
ward came to this country, and established, at
Bethany, W. Va. , an academy, now known as
Bethany College, where Isaac Hodgens (who had
immigrated with his parents) completed his edu
cation. During their voyage across the Atlantic,
the vessel on which were the Hodgens family was
boarded by a British man-of-war (probably for the
purpose of impressing some of the able-bodied
sailors of the merchant ship into the regular navy,
as was the custom in those days in time of war —
for Great Britain was then at war with France),
and by some means Isaac became separated from
the rest of the family, aud was carried off by the
warship. Later, however, he was placed on board
the American ship "Martha," and ultimately re
stored to his parents. In Buffalo township he
passed the rest of his active life, engaged in agri
cultural pursuits, and distinguished himself among
his fellows as a man of unimpeachable character,
a great reader, deep thinker and possessed of much
knowledge. He was a zealous Democrat, and a
personal friend of Andrew Jackson. So popular
was he, and in such high esteem was he held by
the community in which he lived, that he held
every position of honor and trust in his township
that could be conferred upon him by the people.
He served as associate judge of the courts, also as
county commissioner, and in the militia of his
early times he took an active and conspicuous part,
rising to the exalted rank of major-general.
In 1822 Isaac Hodgens married Isabella McCar
rel], daughter of Ludawick and Martha (Lemon)
McCarrel], the former of whom came from Ireland
to AVashington county, Penn., in 1790, the latter
being a native of the county ; they were the parents
of a large family. After marriage Mr. and Mrs.

Hodgens resided on the old homestead in Buffalo
township till 1835, when they moved into Taylors
town; but after one year's residence there they pur
chased a farm (now occupied by R. W. Crothers)
adjoining the village, and here they passed their
declining years, the father dying February 24,
I860, the mother in June, 1872. They were the
parents of eleven children, of whom five yet sur
vive, viz. : James, Martha (Mrs. Vance), Isaac (in
Kansas City), AAMlliam L. (a farmer in Iowa) and
Robert A. (in Washington county, Pennsylvania).
James Hodgens, whose name opens this sketch,
is the fourth child of Isaac and Isabella (McCar
rell) Hodgens, and was born September 19, 1829,
on the old original homestead in Buffalo town
ship. His rudimentary education he received at
the public schools of the neighborhood of his boy
hood home, afterward completing his literary
training at Jefferson College; and in all his studies,
from the child's primer up, he proved an apt and
diligent scholar, remarkably quick and intelligent
— such a one as the philosopher might have had in
his mind's eye when he penned the immortal axiom :
"The boy is father to the man." At college he
found a favorite study in mathematics, in connec
tion with which he learned civil engineering, of
which science he made himself master ; and in after
life he practiced surveying, in connection with
farming and stock raising, for forty years. Mr.
Hodgens remained on the old homestead up to the
time of his father's death, and then took charge of
his present farm in the same township, comprising
250 acres of prime land. In addition to his home
interests he owns property in Iowa and elsewhere.
He is a prominent member and supporter of the U.
P. Church at Taylorstown, and in his political
preferences is an active and influential Democrat.
He has served as justice of the peace and in other
township offices of trust.
On December 24, 1863, James Hodgens was
united in marriage with Mary E. Farrar, a native
of Washington county, Penn. , and a member of an
old representative family, of whom special mention
will presently be made. Nine children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Hodgens, and of them six are yet
living, viz. : Thomas Milton (cashier of the State
Savings Bank, in Butte City, Mont.), Ella Maude,
Isaac Walter, James Oscar, Albert McClees and
Ralph Morrow.
The Farrar family in AA' ashington county are
descended from James Farrar, who at the com
mencement of the Revolutionary war resided in
Hunterdon county, N. J., where he and his eldest
son, James, did blacksmith's work for the Ameri
can army during its operations in that State. Two
other sons — John and Peter — were soldiers in Wash
ington's army, and were both killed at the battle
of Long Island. In 1775 Andrew Farrar (an
other son of the original James Farrar), together

820

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

with his wife, Margaret (Moore) Farrar, a lady of
Irish parentage, crossed the Alleghany mountains
into western Pennsylvania and settled in Mt.
Pleasant township, this county, where he died
November 5, 1832, the father of a large family —
seven of them being sons, all of whom he reared to
maturity. Aaron Farrar, who was the eighth child, married
Jane Griffith, a native of AVashington county, born
in 1812, and five children came by this union, to
wit: Margaret A., Jennie M., John G. (deceased),
Mary E. (Mrs. James Hodgens) and Harriet N.
(deceased at the age of two years). Mr. and Mrs.
Aaron Farrar resided in Mt. Pleasant township un
til 1845, and then moved to Buffalo township,
where he purchased a farm near Taylorstown. A
year after settling on this farm Mr. Farrar was
summoned to his long home January 6, 1845, pass
ing away in the thirty-sixth year of his age, at
peace with all the world. For years he had been
a constant and earnest member of the Presbyterian
Church, and his life was one of exemplary piety.

^ILLIAM S. LEE is a great-grandson of
Robert Lee, a native of Ireland, who im
migrated to America, and settled in Cross
Creek township, Washington Co., Penn.
His son Hugh was the grandfather of our
subject. John Lee, father of William S. , was born on the
home farm in Cross Creek township, this county,
and in early life was united in marriage with Mary
Ann Walker, who bore him two daughters. He
afterward married Jane Ann Scott, who was born
October 3, 1817, near Washington, Penn. She
was a daughter of Samuel Scott, whose father,
Josiah Scott, a native of Scotland, came to this
country, where he ended his days. He was mar
ried to Jane Noble, who bore him eight children:
four sons — Samuel, John, Hugh and Alexander —
and four daughters. Samuel Scott was born about
1779, near Washington borough, and remained on
the home farm during his boyhood. He was mar
ried to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of AVilliam
Wiley, of this county, and the following children
were born to them: William W. , Josiah N., Jane
Ann and Samuel G. (a prominent farmer of this
county). After his marriage to Jane Ann Scott, John Lee
settled on the home farm in Cross Creek township,
this county, where the following children were
born, the names and dates of birth being given:
William S., October 18, 1838; Eliza A., June 13,
1841; Mary M., March 25, 1843; Hannah J.,
March 20, 1846; JohnO., August 2, 1847; Samuel
W., January 14, 1850; Hugh, December 25, 1851;
Alice, January 26, 1853; Lucy, July 19, 1856.
The father died April 23, 1856. He was a success

ful business man,' and owned 310 acres of land at
the time of his death, which property is now in
the possession of his heirs, who occupy it. He
was one of the most active politicians in the Whig
party; in religion he was a member of the Pres
byterian Church, holding the office of trustee, and
working for the Master in many ways.
William S. Lee passed his early life on the
home place. On December 31, 1863, he was
united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of
Thomas P. Vance, whose father, AVilliam Vance,
born in 1776, was reared in Washington county,
where he received a necessarily limited education,
as schools were few, and at best afforded but
meager opportunities. He was first married to
Rachel Patterson, a resident of Cross Creek town
ship, who bore him six children. She died, and a
few years afterward he selected a second wife in
the person of Hannah Patterson, a member of an
old family of Cross Creek township, and to this
union, also, there were born six children. William
Vance always lived iu Cross Creek township, and
was one of the representative men of the day. He
died in 1856. He was a Whig in politics, and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Thomas P. Vance, son of William and Hannah
(Patterson) Vance, was born July 15, 1819. He
was reared on the pioneer farm, experiencing the
privations of early frontiersmen, and received his
education at the subscription schools. In early
manhood Thomas P. Vance was united in marriage
with Mary, daughter of George and Mary (Mar
quis) Newell, of Ohio, whose children were Hugh,
Jane, Marquis, Margaret, David, Mary W., Ann,
Sarah, Elanore, Joseph, Bentley, and Elzania. Mr.
Newell was a Democrat, and in Church connection
was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Vance settled
on a farm in Cross Creek township, this county,
where he passed his life in agricultural pursuits.
He paid much attention to stock raising, making a
specialty of blooded stock. He was formerly a
AVhig, and upon the organization of the party, be
came a Republican. In religion he was a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Cross Creek. On
May 31, 1891, he was laid to rest in Cross Creek
cemetery, leaving his wife and two children, AV.
W. (who married Miss J. A. Porter, of Cross
Creek, and is now a successful merchant of Bur
gettstown), and Mary E. (Mrs. W. S. Lee).
AVilliam S. and Mary E. (Vance) Lee began
married life on the home farm in Jefferson town
ship, this county, and six years afterward moved
to Burgettstown, where they have since resided.
They have two children: H. May (wife of AV. F.
Scott) and Thomas V. (who was married June 3,
1891, to Miss Willa Carnahan, of Burgettstown).
William S. Lee carried on a livery business for
five years after removing to Burgettstown, but has

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

821

since been giving bis exclusive attention to under
taking. He is now identified with the U. P.
Church. He is a leading citizen and an active
member of the Republican party, and has been a
councilman of Burgettstown for three years.

di L. AUGHENDOBLER, proprietor of meat
market, Monongahela, is a native of the
county, born in Carroll township, July 17,
1856, a son of Adam Aughendobler. He
had very early in life to commence working
for a living, and as a consequence had but little
opportunity to attend school. He was first em
ployed by Robert Van Voorhis, a farmer of Monon
gahela, with whom he remained one year; then
entered the employ of W. C. Shaw, a gardener who
resided at Pine Creek, Allegheny county, and, after
three years' engagement with him, clerked for
William Kennan, of Monongahela, some years.
He also worked for George Kern, in Monongahela,
in meat shop twelve years. In 1885 Mr. Aughen
dobler opened his present meat market and butch
ering business, in which, by close attention to
the wants of his customers, by care in furnishing the
choicest meats, and by his well-known urbanity of
manner and honorable dealing, he has earned a
well-merited success.
On June 8, 1878, our subject was married to
Margaret E., daughter of William Brooks, of Mo
nongahela, and the children born to this union are
Maude, Adam, Bessie, Leonard and Donald, all liv
ing. Mr. Aughendobler is a straight Democrat,
and has held the office of councilman in Monon
gahela two years; he has also served on the
school board, having been recently reelected for his
second term. He and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

'/

MRS. MARY KEYS. John Keys (deceased)
was one of the most respected citizens and.
prominent business men of Smith town
ship. He was a son of James and a grand
son of James Keys, who was born and
reared in Cumberland county, Penn., and was there
married to a native of the same county, who bore
him one son James. Soon after the birth of this
son, the father died (about 1777), and his widow
was then married to Robert Watson. Her son
James lived with them, and in 1794 accompanied
the family to Washington county, where they lo
cated on Chartiers creek.
In 1800 James Keys was united in marriage
with Jane McClelland, who was born in 1779, a
daughter of James McClelland, a native of Ire
land, who, in an early day settled in the locality of

Miller's Run. To the union of James and Jane
Keys children were born as follows: Martha (mar
ried to William McBride, of Robinson township,
this county), Jane (wife of John McBurney, of Mt.
Pleasant township), John, James (a retired farmer
of Steubenville, Ohio), William (a farmer of Kan
sas, deceased), Joseph (residing in Smith town
ship) and Ezra (a grocer of Leavenworth, Kans).
After his marriage to Jane McClelland, James
Keys moved to Trumbull county, Ohio (then a
vast wilderness), remaining there but a short time,
and then coming to Smith township, this county,
located on a farm in Cherry Valley. In 1822 he
represented Washington county in the Legislature,
serving five years, and then returned to his farm.
He was a brilliant and intellectual man, a leader
in ever}' undertaking for the public good. He was
a AVhig in politics, and in religious connection he
and his wife were members of the Seceder Church,
in which he was an elder. His wife died in 1838,
and, after a useful and successful life, he was laid
by her side in 1854.
John Keys was born June 18, 1808, in Smith
township, this county, his boyhood being passed
on his father's farm. The children of those days
bad but limited educational advantages, but John
Keys eagerly availed himself of such as were
within his reach. In 1832 he was united in mar
riage with ' Ann May, who was born in 1808,
daughter of John May, of Cecil township, this
county. To this union were born the following
children: Jane, James M. (a farmer who lives in
Jefferson county, Ohio), and Phebe (wife of
Matthew Galbraith) and Annie B. (wife of John
McCalmont), both deceased. The mother died in
1846, and January 23, 1849, he was married to
Mary Shillito, who was born January 6, 1822, in
Harrison county, Ohio, daughter of John Shillito,
the latter a native of Beaver county, Penn. He
was married to Jane Biggert, afterward moved to
Harrison county, Ohio, and finally located in Wash
ington county, Penn. John and Mary Keys had
the following children: Agnes E., Maggie M.,
Albert M. (an energetic young farmer of Smith town
ship), and Clara (widow of T. P. Weaver) and John
(deceased at the age of nineteen years) (twins).
Mr. and Mrs. Keys began wedded life on a place
in Smith township, and in 1869 settled on the farm
where his widow is now living, situated about one
mile south of Raccoon Station. In politics Mr.
Keys was originally an Old-line Whig, and after
ward became a Republican. He was connected
with the U. P. Church, being an elder therein for
several years, and contributing liberally to its
support. He died in May, 1883. His widow is also
a member of the U. P. Church, and enjoys the re
spect of all who know her. She is living on the
farm, which is managed by her son, A. M.

822

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

¥ OHN G. McCORMICK, a progressive agri-
. | culturist of Somerset township, is the eldest
\f}\ child of John McCormick, and a grandson
^^ of John McCormick, who was born in 1762,
in Ireland, and came to America in 1783.
He located in Washington county, Penn., where, in
1812, he was married to Elizabeth Figley, whowae
born in 1772, and she bore him three children:
Margaret, Jacob and John. The father followed
farming all his life, and died in his adopted country
July 17, 1828, his wife passing away in 1863.
John McCormick, a son of John and Elizabeth
(Figley) McCormick, was born June 1, 1815, and
received his education in the schools>0f'"th« period.
In 1838 he was married to Juliana Grable, who
was born August 15, 1815, and they had five chil-'
dren, namely: John G. , Mary (wife of H. B.
Leyda, a farmer of Somerset township), Salome,
Albert J. (living in Bentleyville), and Elizabeth
(deceased). The father of this family was a Dem
ocrat in politics. He died May 8, 1887, having
been "preceded to the grave by his wife Mav 19,
1845. John G. McCormick was born June 11, 1839, on
the home farm in Somerset township, this county,
receiving a common-school education. On Decem
ber 21, 1869, he was united in marriage with Susan
Dickerson, who was born November 19, 1847, in
Harrison county, Ohio. She is a daughter of
Joshua Dickerson, who was born in 1804, in Penn
sylvania, and in 1828 was married to Belijah Laf
ferty, who bore him nine children, namely: Samuel,
Edward, Margaret (wife of David B. Wallace, a
farmer of Harrison county, Ohio), Jane (married to
Robert Moore, also farming in Harrison county,
Ohio), Susan (wife of John G. McCormick), Mary,
Louisa, Joshua and Sarah (the four last named being
deceased). Joshua Dickerson followed farming, and
in politics was a Democrat. He died October 6,
'1872, and the mother was laid by his side August
11, 1887. Both were members of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have had one daugh
ter, Juliana, born June 16, 1871. Mr. McCormick
is a practical farmer, and deals extensively in stock,
which he ships from Chicago. He votes with the
Democratic party, but takes little part in active
politics, preferring to spend his time in the cultiva
tion of his well-improved farm. He is one of the
most enterprising citizens of Somerset township,
ever ready to aid all progressive movements.

AMUEL ALEXANDER MARKS was born
October 10, 1849, in Wellsburg, W. Va., and
attended the schools of that city during his
boyhood. He learned furniture finishing
andundertaking, a business he followed in his native
town until 1886. He then removed to West Mid

dletown, where he has since been engaged in an
undertaking and house furnishing establishment.
On March 25, 1886, he was united in marriage
with Elizabeth Caroline, only daughter of John
Sampson. Mr. Sampson was born in 1811, in
Pennsylvania, and when a child came with his
parents to Cannonsburg, Washington county,
where his boyhood was passed. He rceived as
good an education as was obtainable, and then .
learned cabinet making. In 1834 he was married
to Sarah • McCauley, of Washington county, and
removed from Canonsburg to West Middletown. He
immediately opened a modest establishment in
undertaking and cabinet making, and by upright
dealing combined with perseverance, his trade soon
increased. He enlarged his factory, employing a
number of young men, many of whom there learned
the trade. John Sampson acquired a wide reputa
tion as a manufacturer and undertaker, his custom
in the latter department extending many miles in
all directions. During his active business career
of over fifty years, Mr. Sampson carried over five
thousand persons to their last resting place, and
in all that time he was never late at a funeral. He
was a man of unusual intelligence and rare judg
ment, always interested in the welfare of the com
munity, in which he was an unassuming but earn
est worker. Politically he was a firm believer in
the principles of the Democratic party, but was
never a politican; however, he served three years
as director of the poor. In religious connection
he was a consistent member of the Upper Buffalo
Presbyterian Church, in which he served many
years as a member of the board of trust. Although
his home was four miles from church, his pew was
never vacant on the Sabbath day, unless he was
called upon to perform the necessary duties of his
vocation. His wife was laid to rest February 20,
1881, and to her memory no fitter or more tender
tribute can be given than the testimony of her rel
atives and friends: " She was a true Christian wife
and mother." Mr. Sampson died February 3,
1886, and was laid to rest by the side of his wife.
The life of this well-known and valued citizen is
comprised in the simple sentence: "He was a good
man and a just," and such lives, we can not doubt,
reap their merited reward.

JAMES M. K. REED. Among the leading
citizens of Cross Creek township none are
more prominently identified with the inter
ests of the community than the above-named
gentleman. Joseph Reed, the first of the family of whom
mention is made, was born November 27, 1733, in
Ireland, whence he emigrated to America prior to
the year 1763. He first located in Lancaster
county, Penn., and in 1763 moved to York county,

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, m4

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

825

«ame State. On January 23, 1765, he was united
in marriage with Jeanette Brotherton, who was
born December 3, 1745, in Ireland, and when two
years of age was brought by her parents to America.
To this marriage children were born as follows:
James, June 7, 1766; Nicholas, April 17, 1768; Ag
nes, May 8, 1770; Margaret, October 8, 1772; Jean
ette, May 1, 1776; Esther, December 24, 1780;
Joseph, May 6, -1784; Ann, December 16, 1787,
and William, April 18, 1790. Of .these, Agnes
married her relative, Joseph Reed (who had been
in the Continental army during the Revolution),
and they came in 1789 to Washington county,
where they continued to reside; they are buried in
Cross Creek graveyard; their children afterward
removed to Armstrong county, Penn. James mar
ried his second cousin, Elizabeth Reed, removed to
Washington county about 1798, and settled on
200 acres of Col. Reed's 359-acre tract; they
reared a family of six children: Joseph, married
to Jane Beatty, settled in Richland county, Ohio,
and raised a family; William, married to Rosan-
nah, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rea) Lyle,
settled in Ashland county, Ohio (they are the par
ents of Hon. Joseph R. Reed, now chief justice
of U. S. Court of Land Claims); James, married
to Margaret Glass, died near Washington, Penn. ,
leaving children; John, married, and moved- to
Hardin county, Ky. , and has three daughters ; Jane
died unmarried; Mary married Joseph Lyle (now
deceased), and resides with her son, James Reed
Lyle, near Hickory, Washington Co. , Penn. Mar
garet married James McNary, came to Washing
ton county and settled on part of Col. Reed's 359-
acre tract. She raised a family of three sons and
three daughters, all of whom married and left de
scendants. Many of her descendants still live in
this county. She died May 25, 1866. and is buried
in Hickory graveyard. The other sons and daugh
ters of Col. Reed remained in York county, where
many of their descendants still reside.
In 1780 Joseph Reed received of Col. Marshall a
farm consisting of 190 acres seventy-five perches
and allowances, making over 200 acres, patented
as "Pensacola,"in Cross Creek township, AVashing
ton county. This was given in payment for mov
ing the household effects of Rev. Joseph Smith
from York county to Washington county, Penn.,
and the wagon used is said to have been the first
driven west of Washington. He then bought 359
additional acres of Col. Marshall, which is now a
part of the McNary tract, owned by John L.
Thompson & Bro. , but did not move from his old
home. Mr. Reed was a miller and farmer. He
was a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania
in 1780, having presented the Act leading to the
liberation of the slaves in Pennsylvania, and was a
member of the Continental Congress in 1787 and

1788. He held the commission of colonel in the
American army during the war of the Revolution,
and acted for some time in the capacity of quarter
master. He died October 19, 1804, at the age of
seventy-one, and is buried in Chanceford grave
yard, Ydrk county, Penn. His widow came to
Washington county after his death, and died Jan
uary 27, 1838; she is buried in Cross Creek grave
yard. She and her young sons, James and Nich
olas, operated the mill during the absence of her
husband in the army.
Nicholas Reed was born at Reed's Mill, in York
county, Penn, and in early life was married to
Elizabeth, daughter of James Fulton, of same
county. In 1797 the young people settled on the
farm in Cross Creek township, Washington county,
which had been bought of CoL, James Marshall.
It was then all heavily timbered woods. Nicholas
erected a log cabin where the house of J. C. Reed
is now standing, which in 1867 replaced the first.
Nicholas Reed passed away in 1854, leaving the
following children: Joseph, who settled in Rich
land county, Ohio; James, who died September
22, 1823, in Huron county, Ohio; William; Hugh,
who settled in Richland county, Ohio; Samuel, in
Marion county, Ohio; John, in Wabash county,
Ind. ; Robert, who died unmarried; Jane, who died
unmarried; and Eliza, married to James Wilson,
and has one daughter, Mrs. Eliza J. Burns, near
Claysville, Penn.
AVilliam Reed was born February 10, 1801, in
Cross Creek township, Washington Co. , Penn., and
in early life learned the trade of a cabinet maker.
In 1828 he was united in marriage with Isabella,
daughter of Robert and Isabella (McKenzie)
Curry, and they then made their first home in
Cross Creek village. In 1836 they came to his
father's farm in this county, whence in 1840 they
went to Allegheny county, finally returning to
Washington county in 1844. In 1855, by pur
chase, he became owner of his father's farm in
"Pensacola." In 1859 he deeded 103 acres of
his farm to his son, James M. K. Reed, in consider
ation of $4,000, and the remainder was left to
John C. Reed, who is residing on the old home
stead. To AVilliam and Isabella (Curry) Reed
were born children as follows: Eliza J., June 14,
1829, died October 25, 1890, unmarried; James
M. K, September 5, 1831; Isabella M., January
16, 1836, married Eli Marquis, and died Decem
ber 28, 1865, leaving one daughter, Flora M.
Pyles, of Orange county, Cal. ; and JohnC, March
6, 1838, residing on the old homestead. The
father of these children died in February, 1877,
the mother October 1, 1849. William Reed was
much honored in his community, taking an active
interest in the general welfare of the county, and
holding various positions of trust and honor in his

826

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

township. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and a trustee of the same.
J. M. K. Reed received a liberal common-school
education, and at the age of twenty years began
teaching a district school. In the spring of 1852
he entered Pittsburgh Commercial College, from
which he graduated. During the following summer
he studied privately under the instruction of
Robert Curry, Ph. D., principal of Canonsburg
union schools, and then again taught school, con
tinuing until 1860, during the winter months.
One summer he taught with Dr. Curry in AVest
Manchester (now a part of Allegheny), and one
summer was professor of penmanship in the New
Brighton Female Seminary, established by Dr.
Curry. On October 28, 1858, Mr. Reed married Miss
Mary P. Tucker, who was born in Merrimack
county, N. H., a daughter of David and Clarissa
Tucker, who in 1849 removed to Richland county,
Ohio. John Tucker, grandfather of Mrs. Reed,
came from Scotland to New Hampshire, and he was
a son of Ezra, who was a son of Jacob. David
Tucker was a prominent man in New Hampshire,
was a justice of the peace, and prior to his mar
riage he went to Ohio, where he entered land, to
which he afterward finally moved. Mrs. Reed,
before marriage, taught several terms in common
schools of Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Reed settled on their present farm in Cross Creek
township, their first residence thereon being a log
house built in 1826 by an uncle, Hugh Reed, and
which is still standing. In 1879 our subject
erected the present fine house, and in 1889 his
commodious barn. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. J. M. K. Reed were as follows: Clara Bell,
born August 29, 1859 (a teacher in the public
schools of Imperial, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Irene
Jane, born January 24, 1861 (married June 2,
1887, to John H. Chapman, and they now reside
in Hanover township, Washington county); Clinton
May, born May 1, 1864, died June 1, 1866;
Alice Mary, born May 14, 1867 (a teacher);
Mabel Blanche, born November 30, 1870; Alma
Livonia, born June 12, 1874; and James Winfield,
born January 30, 1878. The parents are members
of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church (in which
Mr. Reed has been trustee several years; he was
formerly member of the U. P. Church at Patter
son's Mills). Politically he is a Democrat, and has
served as school director, auditor, supervisor, and
he is now serving his fourth term (of five years
each) as justice of the peace. He is one of the
original incorporators, stockholders and directors
of the Cross Creek Cemetery Association, and,
being their secretary, largely assisted in laying
out and starting their beautiful cemetery at Cross
Creek village.

OBERT GILLIS TAYLOR. Among the
prominent agriculturists of East Bethlehem
township, the above named gentleman
occupies a leading place. He traces his
lineage back through the years to one
Beriah Taylor, who was born in England, and,
emigrating to America, settled in New Jersey.
He was there married to Keziah Gaskill, who bore
him eleven children, of whom Beriah is named;
the parents died at a good old age.
Beriah Taylor, son of Beriah and Keziah Taylor,
was born June 18, 1785, and served in the war of
1812. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and was
married to Elizabeth Short, who was bom Feb
ruary 8, 1786, in Virginia. She was a daughter
of John Short, a native of Scotland, who, having
been forbidden to leave his native land, concealed
himself in the hull of an American-bound vessel
until well out at sea. He settled in Virginia, and
there was united in marriage with Alsie Craven, a
native of Germany, who was then residing in
Loudoun county, Va. John and Alsie Short reared
a family of ten children, and died at an advanced
age. To the marriage of Beriah and Elizabeth
(Short) Taylor twelve children were born. The
father died at the age of eighty-eight years.
Caleb Taylor, son of Beriah and Elizabeth
Tajjor, was born April 15, 1811, and learned the
wagon-maker's trade. He was married to Mary
Gillis, daughter of Robert, and granddaughter of
John Gillis, who was a native of Ireland. The
grandfather was married in Old Erin to Mary
Martin, and she bore him two sons, viz. : Robert
and Samuel. These children came to America,
locating in Huntingdon county, Penn., where
Robert Gillis was married,in October, 1814, to Agnes
Porter, who was born June 20, 1787, and was a
daughter of James and Sarah Porter. Robert and
Agnes Gillis settled in Washington county, Penn.,
where their daughter Mary (who became the wife
of Caleb Taylor) was born. Caleb and Mary Taylor
were the parents of thirteen children, four of whom
are yet living. The parents passed their lives in
Washington county, where their father died
August 3, 1870, followed by the mother July 30,
1880. Robert Gillis Taylor was born December 13,
1834, in Washington county, Penn., and attended
the country schools of the locality of his birth. On
September 30, 1861, he answered the call of his
troubled country, and served thirteen months
under Col. Joshua B. Howell, of Uniontown, Penn.,
as second lieutenant, in Company E, Eighty-Fifth
P. V. I., but being attacked with partial paralysis
he was obliged to resign his commission. After
regaining his health Mr. Taylor was for two years
receiving clerk for the A. V. R. R. at Pittsburgh,
Penn., then became first clerk on one of the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

827

packets belonging to the Pittsburgh, Brownsville
& Geneva Packet Company. In 1886 Gov.
Pattison appointed him to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Moses McKeag, hjte commissioner
of the Cumberland Road. Mr. Taylor is now
engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm, which
is located four miles from West Brownsville, in
East Bethlehem township. He is a loyal member
of the Democratic party, and in 1887 was elected
county commissioner of Washington county,
having received 5, 705 votes, which was next to the
highest number on his ticket. Our subject was
twice married: first, November 7, 1867, to Mary
Ann, daughter of Nathan and Jane Tannehill, and
three sons were born of this union : John William,
August 28, 1869; Nathan T., April 4, 1872, died
February 23, 1876, and James Robert, November
29, 1875. The mother of these children dying
August 21, 1876, Mr. Taylor married, on October
27, 1878, Ellen W. , daughter of Zephaniah and
Ann W. Crawford. The sons of Mr. Taylor are
attending school, John William studying for the
ministry.

,\ILLIAM DENNISTON sailed from Ireland
in 1774, and a short time after landing in
America he enlisted as a soldier in the
war of the Revolution. After peace was
declared he settled in Chester county,
Penn., and afterward married Elizabeth Wilson,
daughter of an early pioneer. A few years later
they moved to Allegheny county, same State, and
settled on Chartiers creek, on the old Neville farm,
so famous as the scene of the Whisky Insurrection.
Their family consisted of the following children:
Nancy Abbie, Mary, Thomas, Sarah, Samuel,
Joseph and William. In the year 1827 three of
the sons — Samuel, Joseph and AVilliam — purchased
the Jacob Long farm in Peters township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., whither they moved with their
parents. The father died in 1842, the mother in
1846, and both are buried in the cemetery at Cen
tre Church.
Samuel Denniston was born February 27, 1796,
in Allegheny county, and April 21, 1836, was mar
ried to Elizabeth, daughter of William Caldwell.
They lived on the farm near Thompsonville until
April 1, 1839, when they bought the William James
farm in Union township, same county. Here he
conducted an extensive farming business, giving
his attention chiefly to that of sheep and cattle
raising. In 1850 he erected all necessary build
ings. In 1851 the mother died leaving the follow
ing children: William, John W. (deceased), Mary
J-, Elizabeth, Thomas and Sarah A. (deceased). On
March 17, 1853, Mr. Denniston married Elizabeth
Applegate, and two children were the result of this
marriage: James A, and Rachel N. (both de

ceased). In politics he was a strong advocate of
the principles embodied in the Republican party.
In religion he held to the faith of his father who
was a rigid Presbyterian. He died September 7,
1879, and was buried in Mingo cemetery, Union
township. William Denniston, son of Samuel and Elizabeth
(Caldwell) Denniston, was born February 11, 1838,
near Thompsonville, Peters township. On August
19, 1861, he, with many other brave boys of Union
township, in answer to their country's call, enlisted
in Company I, First Pennsylvania Reserve Caval
ry, under Col. George D. Bayard. After return
ing home he remained on the farm until 1870, when
he spent a year in the West. The father died in
1879. AArilliam and his brother Thomas have
managed the farm, giving their attention princi
pally to stock raising.
Thomas Denniston was born May, 19, 1847. On
August 14, 1884, he was married to Marian V.,
daughter of Isaac Lytle, Esq., of Gastonville.
They, with their two children, Lawrence and Helen,
live at the old home.

JLLIAM COULTER, a wealthy and lead
ing citizen of Monongahela, was born No
vember 11, 1817, in western Pennsylva
nia. His father, James Coulter, was
born in Ireland, and when but six years
of age came with his parents to America. They
first located in western Pennsylvania, then came to
Williamsport (now Monongahela), Washington Co. ,
Penn. When a young man James Coulter was
married to a Miss Blakney, who lived but a short
time, and his second choice was Nancy Nichols,
who resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. She bore him
children as follows: Raphael B. (deceased), Will
iam, James (deceased), and Robert. The father
was a Whig and Republican in politics, and in re
ligious faith a member of the Presbyteriau Church.
He passed the remainder of his life in Mononga
hela, and was killed while hauling a load of fodder,
having been thrown from a wagon, whereby his leg
was broken above the ankle. He died in 1823,
from the effects of the injury, at the age of sixty-
nine years, and was followed to the grave by his
wife in 1843.
William Coulter came to Monongahela in 1817,
and received his education in one of the earliest
subscription schools, which he attended during the
winter season only. At the age of fourteen years
he began working in a brickyard, where he re
mained three years. He then learned and com
pleted the carpenter and millwright trades, to
which most of his time has since been devoted,
having taken contracts in different portions of
Washington county. In February, 1840, he mar
ried Rebecca, daughter of James Collins, of

:828

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Monongahela. She died in 1856, leaving eight chil
dren, all now deceased. For his second wife Will
iam Coulter was married June 25, 1857, to Forbes,
a daughter of William Stockdale, of Carroll town
ship, this county. Her father was born in County
Down, Ireland, where he grew to manhood and
was married to Jane Manown; they came to Amer
ica in 1811, and first settled on a farm in Alle
gheny county, Penn. , afterward locating in AVash
ington county, same State. He followed farming
all his life, and in politics he was a AVhig. Will
iam Stockdale diedin 1851, in Washington county,
Penn., having been preceded by his wife in 1834,
who had borne him children as, follows: Sarah,
John, Rachel, Richard, Margaret, James, William,
Eliza J., Forbes (Mrs. Coulter) and Robert. To
the union of William and Forbes (Stockdale) Coul
ter the following children have been born: Sarah,
William, Ella, Carrie, P. Sheridan and Robert,
all living except AVilliam and Robert. Mr. Will
iam Coulter has been the architect of his own
fortune, and has ever made the interests of the
community identical with his own. In politics he
was originally a Whig, and now votes with the
Republican party, and he has served as a mem
ber of the council and school board.

THE SAMPSON FAMILY, who are among
the most influential and wealthy citizens of
Carroll township, were originally native's of
Westmoreland county, Penn., where Will
iam Sampson was born in 1765. He was
married in that State to Mary Nill (who bore him
four children), and some time after his marriage
the family came tp Washington county, where the
father died in 1815.
James Sampson, son of AA'illiam and Mary
Sampson, was born February 5, 1806, just above
Webster, on the Monongahela river, in Westmore
land county, Penn. He came with his parents to
Washington county in 1810, and in 1840 was mar
ried to Mary Grant, a native of the last named
county. She bore him seven children, of whom are
named William T., Harvey J. and John G. The
mother died in 1888. James Sampson has carried
on a distillery for twenty years in connection with
farming, and now owns 1,250 acres of land. He
was president of the People's Bank of Mononga
hela City for twenty-two years, and is one of the
leading citizens of Washington county.
Harvey J. Sampson was born April 21, 1850, in
Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., and was
reared to agricultural pursuits. On February 17,
1876, he married Miss Jennie B. Yorty, a native of
Westmoreland county, Penn., and daughter of
John and Nancy (Brewer) Yorty, prominent citi
zens of Carroll township, now deceased. Harvey
J. and Jennie B. Sampson are the parents of the

following children: Bertie O., born June 17, 1877;
Grace L., born September 19, 1879; James E.,
born April 11, 1881; Ada E., born August 4, 1885;
Frank H, born.J'ebruary 20, 1888, and Ethel J.,
born September 8, 1890. Mr. Sampson is a very
progressive and enterprising citizen, and, polit
ically, affiliates with the Republican party. He
owns 276 acres of land in Carroll township, and
breeds some of the best trotting horses in Wash
ington county.

PEV. WILLIAM R. M'KEE, the earnest
and well-known pastor of the United Pres
byterian Congregation of Robinson, traces
^ his lineage back to one Joseph M'Kee, a
native of the North of Ireland, who immi
grated to this country near the close of the last
century, and located on a farm in Jefferson county,
Ohio. His wife was a Miss Ramsey, of that county,
and to them were born nine sons and two daughters.
Two of their sons are still living: Joseph (a min
ister in Los Angeles, Cal.), and Ralston (a farmer
near Mansfield, Ohio). Mr. M'Kee was a promi
nent citizen of eastern Ohio, being called to serve
as a member of the first Legislature of the State of
Ohio, and as associate judge of Jefferson county
for a number of years. He was also a ruling elder
in the Associate Presbyterian Congregation of
Mount Pleasant, Ohio, for many years. He died
at the advanced age of ninety-five.
James M' Kee, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was born February 6, 1800, and reared on
the home farm in Jefferson county. When a young
man he followed the profession of teaching for
some time. He was able to take a class in arith
metic as far as through the " Single rule of three,"
corresponding to the first case of proportion in
modern text books. This was as far as classes in
common schools were usually taken in arithmetic
in those days. On February 27, 1821, he was
married to Miss Susanna Ramsey, who bore him
one daughter, Jane. The mother died April 18,
1822, and for his second wife Mr. M'Kee married
Miss Martha Humphry, who was born November
3, 1791, in Ohio county, W. Va. She was a
daughter of Robert Humphry, a soldier of the
Revolutionary war, and among the many engage
ments in which he« participated are mentioned:
Bunker Hill, Brandywine and Germantown.
Shortly after the close of the war he was married,
and the young couple settled in what was then the
wilds of Virginia, within the bounds of what is now
known as Ohio county, W. Va. , but near to the Penn
sylvania line. They were many times compelled to
flee from their home to the fort, for safety from the
Indians, the last time when the infant daughter Mar
tha was three weeks old. Mr. Humphry laid out the
village of West Alexander, Penn. , on one of his

^m^% efa^.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

831

farms, calling it for his wife, whose maiden name
was Jane Alexander. Five children were born to
the union of James and Martha M'Kee, viz. : Rob
ert and John (who both died in boyhood), Joseph
(a physician of Denver,Colo.), James A. (for twenty-
seven years pastor of the U. P. Congregation of
Wheeling, five miles south of Claysville in this
county, now of Emporia, Kans.) and William R.
The father and mother both died in Washington,
Iowa, the former August 1 , 1873, the latter March
17. 1866.
William R. M'Kee was born in Ohio county,
W. Va., September 13, 1832. His father's fami±y
removed to Ohio, settling when he was seven years
old on a farm near Wooster, Wayne county. Here
they lived until he was sixteen, and then removed
to Harrison county, Ohio, near to New Athens, the
seat of Franklin College, from which institution
he graduated September 8, 1854. After spending
one year in teaching he commenced the study of
medicine, but, before completing the course, aban
doned it, and entered the United Presbyterian
Theological Seminary of Xenia, Ohio, where he
graduated in the spring of 1859, and was licensed
to preach the Gospel April 19, 1859, by the U. P.
Presbytery of Wheeling, in the city of Wheeling,
AV. Va. During his ministry of thirty-three years
he has had but two charges, both substantial
country congregations. His first settlement was
in the congregation of West Hebron, AVashington
Co., N. Y., where he was ordained and installed,
September 19, 1860. Here he remained until the
fall of 1867. On April 30, 1863, he was united in
marriage with Miss Frances Lytle, of Xenia, Ohio.
Her father was born and reared in Mifflin, Penn.
On April 15, 1821, he married Miss Fannie Smart,
¦of Huntington, Penn. , a granddaughter of Rev.
John Smart, who came to this country from Scot
land in 1761, and a sister of Revs. J. P. and John
G. Smart, well-known ministers of the U. P.
Church. To them were born John S. (long a
wholesale dry-goods merchaut of Dayton, Ohio),
David and James P. (boot and shoe merchants of
Cincinnati, Ohio), Robert (of the Second National
Bank, Xenia, Ohio), Rachel Mary, J. Smith, Mar
garet Jane (deceased), and Frances. When
Frances was six years old the family removed to
Ohio, settling on a farm in Greene county; after
ward they located in Xenia, where she graduated
from the Union Female Seminary, an institution
conducted for several years under the superintend
ence of Mrs. Hannah, of Washington, Penn. To
Mr. and Mrs. M'Kee have been born three daugh
ters: Martha Luella, Etta Lytle (Mrs. D. J. Mc-
Cabe, Coraopolis, Penn.) and Emma Jane (de
ceased). On October 18, 1869, Mr. M'Kee was installed
pastor of Robinson Congregation, by the Presby
tery of Frankfort. Here he has remained to the

present time, February, 1893, a period of twenty -
three and one-half years, being, we believe, the
longest present existing pastorate, with one excep
tion, in all those parts of Pennsylvania and West
Virginia bounded by the Pan Handle Railroad and
the Ohio river. This charge has been no sinecure.
Being almost ten miles long from north to south and
seven miles wide from east to west it has given him
almost incessant labor, and yet he believes that few
pastors have found fields of labor affording them
a higher degree of pleasure than has he. In this
field he has met with' a good degree of success.
While no great revivals have marked their career,
yet there has been a steady growth in numbers and
efficiency. Although situated entirely in the
country, and in a community where almost all the
families are in connection with some church, with
but little emigration into it, but subject to the
usual depletion by death, emigration from it, and
especially that drain of our young men to the cities,
which is telling so fearfully on all of our country
churches, it has increased in membership from 110
to 200. Never in all these years has there been a
deeper sympathy or more cordial feeling than ex
ists between this pastor and his people to-day,
and never has his work, and theirs with him, been
more efficient for good than it is to-day. It is
pleasant" to close this sketch with such a record,
and we but echo the wish of especially the Chris
tian people of this county, that the days of one so
long and favorably known among us may yet be
many, and that his last days may be his best days,
both in usefulness and in happiness.

</

M/RS. JOANNA BOONE is a daughter of
Samuel K. AVeirieh, now a resident of
Washington borough, and the widow of
- James M. Boone, to whom she was united
in marriage April 23, 1863.
James M. Boone (deceased) was born March 29,
1829, in Washington county, Penn., a son of James
M. and Margaret (Miller) Boone, who were of Irish
descent. He passed his youth on the farm, where
he received a good education. He inherited and
also acquired habits of sobriety and industry, to
which much of his success in life was due. After
his marriage to Miss Weirich, he lived in Canton
township, Washington county, until 1871, when
he removed to the place in Buffalo township, which
is situated on the line of the B. & O. R. R. ,
Chartiers Station. Mr. and Mrs. Boone had the
following children: Mattie, Edwin, Susie, Anna,
Emma (wife of David Moore) and Maggie (who is
married to Robert W. Davis, of Canton township,
Washington county, son of Dr. R. W. Davis).
The unmarried children are living on the home
farm with their mother. James M. Boone was
esteemed by all who knew him, being a devout

832

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Christian man, benevolent, almost to a fault. He
believed that an abundance of worldly goods is in
trusted to some men by the Creator for the purpose
of doing good, and that "he that giveth to the
poor, lendeth to the Lord" — a Bible precept to
which he strictly adhered. The truth of a com
panion saying: "Cast thy bread upon the waters,
and after many days it shall return to thee, ' ' was
forcibly illustrated in the life of Mr. Boone. He
had an abundance of property which was acquired
by industry and enterprise, and the advancement
of the Master's cause was 'ever uppermost in his
mind. His earnest efforts in the church will long
be remembered. Some men are practically dead
even while existing, and others, though their
" tenement of clay " has crumbled to its primitive
dust, yet live in the lives and hearts of others, ex
erting a powerful influence for good. We do not
exaggerate the simple truth when we affirm that
James M. Boone was a good example of the latter
class, and none can estimate the good inculcated
by his life on both the present and future of Wash
ington county. He passed away December 23,
1891, after a protracted illness of three months.

S. THOMPSON, a prominent farmer of
Mt. Pleasant township, is a son of Allen
Thompson, who was a son of Allen Thomp
son, a native of eastern Pennsylvania,
who, when a young man, came to Washington county.
About the year 1812 Allen Thompson (1) was
married to Martha Lindsay, and, settling on the
farm in Mt. Pleasant township adjoining the pres
ent home of W. S. Thompson, passed his life in
the county. His wife died in 1871.
Allen Thompson, son of the pioneer Allen, was
born in February, 1824, on the home farm in Mt.
Pleasant township, where he remained during his
boyhood. In 1848 he was united in marriage with
Mary Jane Griffith, who was born in June, 1827,
in Chartiers township, a daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Boone) Griffith. Samuel Griffith was
born in Maryland, and when a boy came with his
parents to Buffalo township, this county. He was
married in Chartiers township to Elizabeth Boone,
a native of Delaware, and settled in Chartiers town
ship, this county, where he died in 1869 at the
age of seventjr years. In 1888 his wife was laid
to rest by his side. They were both members of
Miller's Run Presbyterian Church. In 1849 Al
len Thompson and his young wife came to Mt.
Pleasant township, settling in 1852 on the home
farm, which was then owned by one Guthrie. Three
children were born to this couple: Nancy M. (mar
ried to James Kerr, of Chartiers township, this
county), W. S. (subject of this sketch) and Martha
Elizabeth (wife of Hamilton Crawford, of North
Strabane township). The father followed carpen

tering and farming in Mt. Pleasant township,
afterward moving to Cecil township, this county,
where he died in 1853. He was a member of
Miller's Run Presbyterian Church. In 1872 his
widow (who is yet living) was married to William
Havs (a native of Chartiers township), who died
in April, 1881.
W. S. Thompson was born February 22, 1851,
in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and was
educated in the McNary' s district school in Char
tiers township. In 1878 he was married to Mat-
tie Henry, a native of Cecil township, and daugh
ter of Samuel and Martha (McConnell) Henry,
also natives of Cecil township, this county, who
died many years ago. After his marriage W. S.
Thompson remained in Chartiers township until
1880, when he bought eighty-two acres of land in
Mt. Pleasant township, where he has since resided;
he has made many improvements, and erected a
good house and barn upon the farm. His wife
died in 1883, leaving two children to mourn her
death: Lizzie M. and Mattie Henry. In 1885 Mr.
Thompson was united in marriage with Belle Bar
nett, a native of Chartiers township, daughter of
Ephraim Barnett. The latter was born and reared
in Chartiers township, this county, and was mar
ried to Sarah Willard, a native of Cecil township,
this county. They lived in Chartiers township,
where Ephraim Barnett died in 1876; his widow
is yet living on the homestead.
W. S. and Belle (Barnett) Thompson have had
one child, Boyd Barnett. Mr. Thompson is a
Republican, but casts his ballot for the best man,
regardless of party preferences. In religious con
nection he and his wife are members of Miller's
Run Presbyterian Church, in which he is a ruling
elder.

TEPHEN D. MILLER, a well-known citi
zen of Amwell township, is a son of Joseph
Miller, whose father emigrated from Ire
land, and located in Greene county, Penn.,
where Joseph was born February 1, 1791.
Joseph Miller learned the carpenter's trade,
cabinet making and undertaking, and in the course
of his wide experience in the latter vocation was
called on to bury the remains of Rev. Solomon
Spaulding, who wrote the romance entitled "Man
uscript Found," on which, it is claimed, the "Book
of Mormon" was founded. In the war of 1812
Joseph Miller became a member of Capt. AVilliam
Patterson's military company, and was sent to
Black Rock, on the Niagara river. He saw no
active service, but remained there with his com
pany until they were ordered into winter quarters,
when the volunteers returned home on furlough,
and Mr. Miller's company traveled on foot through
southern New York to Amwell township, Washing-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

833

ton county. It was a toilsome and adventurous
journey, over several feet of crusted snow, at times
guided only by a narrow Indian trail, traveling
twenty-eight miles, one day, with no humap
habitation in sight. Joseph and a .comrade were
obliged to carry, besides their own burdens, an
other brother who was sick; but they finally arrived
home the day before Christmas, after having been
thirteen days on the route. On March 4, 1813,
Joseph Miller was married to Parmelia Harris, of
Amwell township, Washington county, and then
began work on the farm in the same township,
which is now owned by George Swart, in 1816 mov
ing to the farm now owned by A. J. Swart. Joseph
and Parmelia Miller had the following named
children: Nehemiah, Mulvina (deceased), William
(deceased), John F., Benjamin (deceased), Tunis
and Stephen D. Mr. Miller owned a farm of
forty-two acres near the village of Ten-Mile, in
Amwell township, and was considered a good busi
ness man. In politics he was formerely an Old-
line Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He
was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, of which he and his wife were members
for many years. Mrs. Miller died in 1862, and
Mr. Miller followed her, April 12, 1885, in his
ninety-fifth year.
Stephen D. Miller was born August 29, 1833,
in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn., and
acquired but a meager education in the public
schools of the neighborhood, which, however, he
made a good practical use of. On August 11,
1853, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Baldwin, of Amwell township, and their children
were as follows: JohnF., born December 11, 1854,
died January 11, 1855; William, born March 28,
1860, was killed June 29, 1870; Emma Frances,
born March 20, 1864; Phcebe Jane, born Decem
ber 25, 1865; John B., born January 1, 1870; and
Thomas and Elizabeth (twins), born October 10,
1872. The mother of this family dying October
22, 1872, Mr. Miller married, April 30, 1873,
Sarah McCracken, who bore him the following
children: Herbert McCracken, born February 18,
1874; Clark H, born November 16, 1875; Effie Z.,
born December 20, 1877; Myrtie Iona, bom April
24, 1879, and Melville D., born March 2, 1882.
After his first marriage Mr. Miller began work in
a sawmill, disposing of which he worked the Evans
farm three years, and in 1867 purchased the farm
of eighty-five acres where he has since resided, en
gaged in general agriculture, and also following the
undertaking business; by industry and good man
agement he has been most successful. In politics
he has been a Republican ever since the formation
of the party, having voted for John C. Fremont,
the first candidate in that party for President.
He has been treasurer of the school board twelve

years, and is now road commissioner. Mr. Miller
and the greater part of the family are members of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

AMUEL C. IMHOFF, one of the young and
energetic farmers of Canton township, was
born August 16, 1863, upon the farm where
he still resides, and which was also the birth
place of his father. Very little is known of the
grandfather of our subject, except that he was a
native of eastern Pennsylvania, and died in middle
life, leaving the following children: George,
William, Henry, Samuel and two daughters.
Samuel Imhoff was born December 30, 1816, and
although receiving but a limited education, he pos
sessed a strong mind which easily grasped the
knotty problems of life, and came from each con
test fresh and vigorous, ready for another battle.
In early manhood he went to California, and re
mained there six years. He was married to Mary
J. Stewart, a resident of Canton township, and she
bore him only one child, Samuel C. Mr. Imhoff
was originally a Whig, later becoming an active
worker in the Republican ranks; in religious faith
he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He
died in December, 1874, and was followed by his
wife March 22, 1881. They both rest in the Upper
Buffalo cemetery.
Samuel C. Imhoff attended the common schools
of the neighborhood during his minority, and
when old enough assumed the management of the
farm, upon which he has always lived. On Jan
uary 28, 1886, he married Emma J., daughter of
James Smiley, of Cross Creek township, and they
have two children: Mary S., born November 21,
1886, and James C, born May 19, 1889. He is
an energetic supporter of the Republican party,
and, with his family, is a member of the United
Presbyterian Church of North Buffalo.

H. WINGET (deceased) was a native of
AVashington, Washington Co., Penn., bom
November 24, 1818. His father, Moses
Winget, removed in an early day from New
Jersey to Washington county, Penn., where he
purchased land and reared a large family, giving
them such educational advantages as the neighbor
ing schools afforded. Reared under these auspices,
young Mr. Winget began life as a farmer, which
vocation he followed during the whole of his life.
By dint of energy and economy he had amassed a
comfortable fortune at the time of his death.
He was married February 28, 1838, to Miss
Matilda, a daughter of William Garrett, who
moved from Maryland in the early days to Har
rison county, Ohio, and thence to Lancaster, Ohio,

834

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

where Mrs. Winget was born. To the union of B.
H. and Matilda Winget were born twelve children,
¦seven of whom are living, as follows: Caroline M. ,
Theodore, Mary E., Osborne, Florella A., Steven
and Clara. Mr. Winget died in 1878, and Mrs.
Winget and the family still reside on the farm,
which is located just outside of Sparta, in Morris
township.

W. MILLER. Among the representative
and prosperous agriculturists of Chartiers
township, A. W. Miller is prominently
identified. His grandfather, Andrew Miller,
was born and reared in Ireland, where he
was married to Sarah Steele, and came to America
about 1800. He first located on the road from
Hickory to Canonsburg, on a farm in Mt. Pleasant
township, and then moved to a place one mile aud
a half northwest of Hickory, this county, afterward
settling on the farm on the north fork of Chartiers
creek, which is now occupied by our subject. Their
children were James, Thomas, Andrew and Jane.
James Miller was born in 1812, in Mt. Pleasant
township, this county, and was reared on the home
farm. He attended Jefferson College, and after
graduating read law in Washington with Hon.
Isaac Leet, being admitted to the bar in 1840. In
the same year he was united in marriage with Mary
Watson, who was born in 1820, in Canonsburg,
daughter of John Watson, a native of Pennsylva
nia. After his marriage Mr. Miller moved to
Wooster, Ohio, there following his profession, and
taking an active part in the politics of Wayne
county, Ohio. He was a member of the Seceder
Church, afterward uniting with the United Presby
terian Church. After his death, which occurred
in 1844, Mrs. Miller returned to Mt. Pleasant
township, this county, then moved to Houstonville,
where she is now residing. She is the mother of
two children: A. W., and Mary E. (wife of A. T.
Haft, of Houstonville).
A. AV. Miller was born September 27, 1841, in
Wooster, AVayne Co., Ohio, and was the eldest of
his father's family. He was brought to this county
when but a child, reared in Mt. Pleasant and Char
tiers townships, and received a subscription- school
education. On November 25, 1861, he was united
in marriage with Allie A., daughter of Levi and
Margaret (McClellan) Griffith. Mr. Griffith was
a carpenter and builder, who located near Canons
burg after his marriage, and there followed his
trade for many years. He died in 1886 in Canons
burg, where his widow is yet living.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller settled on the old farm
where his grandfather located in 1848, and the
following children have blessed their union: George
B. (married, and in the boot and shoe business at
Mansfield, Allegheny Co., Penn.), Ida (wife of

Samuel Morgan, of Chartiers township), Minnie,
Andrew (a merchant of Pittsburgh, Penn.), James
(a boot and shoe merchant at Kensington, Alle
gheny Co., Penn.), Edward, Clarence and Alvin,
the last three, named living at home. The home
farm consists of 177 acres of good land, which is
well improved, and is adorned with a fine brick
residence and good out-buildings. Mr. Miller
devotes a considerable portion of his time to raisiuc
a fine grade of stock. He is actively interested in
politics, voting with the Democratic party, as did
his fathers before him. He has served as super
visor of Chartiers township, as a member of the
school board, and has always been interested in
school matters. He and his wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church at Houstonville, of
which he is a trustee.

AMUEL SMITH, one of the leading citizens
of Canonsburg, is a son of Christopher
Smith, who was born, reared and educated
in Washington county. In early manhood
he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of
Reuben Hull, a native of this county. The follow
ing children were born to this marriage: Andrew,
William, Robert, John, Richard, Samuel, May-
bury, J. P., Elizabeth (wife of George Shields) and
Lydia (Mrs. George Buchanan). The father of
this family was a farmer and stock raiser; he had
purchased an unimproved farm in Smith township,
where he always resided. He was a Whig, and in
religious faith was connected with the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church from the time of its first
organization. He died in 1814, and was buried by
the side of his wife in the Raccoon cemetery.
Samuel Smith was born in March, 1812, on the
hpme farm in Smith township, this county, and
attended the log cabin subscription school of the
vicinity. In 1828 he went to Guernsey county,
Ohio, becoming the apprentice of Samuel Lawrence,
a tanner, with whom he remained four and one half
years. At the expiration of that time he returned
to Pennsylvania, and opened a tannery in Canons
burg, which he has since conducted. In 1835 he
was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of
John McCoy. North Strabane township, this
county, and she dying July 20, 1855, he was mar
ried October 3, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Stewart
Goshorn, and she bore him children as follows:
Tryphenia (Mrs. B. C. Arnold), Samuel C, Mrs.
Joseph Carter, Mary (wife of Alvin Forsythe),
George V. and Sadie. The mother of these chil
dren died February 4, 1865, and on December 10,
1873, Mr. Smith was married to Ella Hanna, and
after her death to Sarah J., daughter of Daniel
Gault. Politically Mr. Smith was a Whig, and has been
a Republican since the organization of the latter

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

835-

party, and has taken an active part in local offices,
especially those pertaining to school and borough
interests. In religion he has for many years been
a member of the U. P. Church at Canonsburg, and
was also a member of the Session. He is a suc
cessful business man and prominent citizen.

,\ILLIAM LOUGEAY GASTON. Among
the citizens of Union township, whose
names are indissolubly associated with
its history and general progress, is this
well-known gentleman. His early ances
tors were natives of France, whence one Samuel
Gaston emigrated to this country many years ago.
He located in Washington county, Penn., on a tract
of 350 acres, where his life was passed, he dying at
about eighty years of age; he was buried in Mingo
cemetery. He was twice married, and reared a
large family of children. He was a member of
the Presbyterian Church.
William Gaston, son of Samuel Gaston, was born
in 1808, in Gastonville, Union township, Washing
ton county, and attended school in the log school-
house of the period. He was married to a Miss
Morrison, who bore him two children, and died in
1834. Mr. Gaston was a member of the I. O. O.
F., and in politics voted with the Democratic
party; in religious faith he was a Presbyterian.
He gave his children a good education. He was a
generous, kind-hearted, fine-looking man, and a
friend to every one alike. He died in 1884.
Maj. James M. Gaston, son of William Gaston,
was born in 1832, in Gastonville, Washington
county. He attended the common schools, and
then entered Washington and Jefferson College.
In early life he married Matilda Ensell, of Pitts
burgh, Penn., a daughter of Edward Ensell, wto
was of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston
resided in Lawrence county, Penn., for a short
time after their marriage. He was a farmer by
occupation, and during the latter part of his life
was a sawyer and lumberman. Their children
were as follows: Mary P., living in Gastonville;
Ida S., wife of John McChain; Haddie B. ; Ed
ward, deceased in infancy, and William Lougeay.
The father entered the Civil war as a volunteer,
and served three years in the First Pennsylvania
Cavalry; he was wounded three times, once at the
battle of Gettysburg, and being taken sick while
in the service, returned home to AA7 ashington
county. Politically he was a Democrat, and in
religion a member of the Methodist Church. He
died September 8, 1885, in his fifty-sixth year.
William Lougeay Gaston was born April 15,
1861, in Gastonville, Penn. He received his edu
cation in the common schools of his native village,
and attended Duff's Commercial College, Pitts

burgh. Beginning life without capital, Mr. Gas
ton has secured a snug property, having success
fully engaged in the lumber, sawmill and farming
businesses, and is now conducting a butchery. In
political opinion he is a Democrat. On Septem
ber 16, 1885, he was united in marriage with
Emma, daughter of Frank P. Scott, M. D., of
Monongahela, and she has borne him two children:
Myrna and Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston are mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church. For ten years
he resided at Gastonville. At present he is a resi
dent of Finleyville.

AMUEL PROVINES was born in 1803, in
County Tyrone, Ireland. In about 1812
his parents, AVilliam and Rebecca (Hemp
hill) Provines, came to America with their
family of five children — Mary, Samuel, Andrew,
John and Robert — landing at Philadelphia, where
they remained some time, and then came farther
west. Having but a limited supply of money,
their manner of traveling was in the most econom
ical fashion, several members of the family walk
ing a considerable part of the distance. In about
1813 they came to Washington county, Penn., first
locating in Cherry Valley, where other children
were born, viz.: Margaret, James, Sarah, Jane
and Rebecca; later they removed to Jefferson
township. Samuel Provines was reared to manhood on the
farm of his father, receiving but limited opportu
nities for an education. In 1836 he was married
to Isabella Gracey, a native of Cross Creek town
ship, this county, and daughter of John Gracey.
To the union of Samuel and Isabella Provines
children were born as follows: John (who now
has charge of the home farm, together with his
brother Andrew), William (a carpenter, of Denni
son, Ohio), James (a carpenter), Rebecca (living
at home), Andrew (also at home), Margaret (living
on the old place), Samuel (a carpenter, of Wells
burg, W. Va. ), Henry (deceased in early manhood)
and Harper H. (a carpenter, of Wilmerding, Alle
gheny county). After his marriage, Samuel Pro-
vines settled in Hanover township, on the farm
which he had purchased before his marriage, and
at the time it was nearly all covered with woods,.
which he cleared away. Although beginning life
with comparatively nothing, he accumulated a
good property. In politics he was a lifelong
Democrat, and an ardent supporter of that party.
He was called from the scene of his labors in 1877,
and was followed to the grave by his wife in 1885;.
their remains rest in Burgettstown United Presby
terian Cemetery. They were both consistent mem
bers of the United Presbyterian Church.

836

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ORGAN L. DUNN, farmer, was born on
Ruff creek, Morgan township, Greene
Co., Penn., a son of Joseph and Jane
Dunn. His paternal grandfather, Isaac
Dunn, was born in eastern Virginia, and
his boyhood days were passed in the place of his
birth ; but in early manhood he removed to Wash
ington county, Penn., which then included the ter
ritory that is now Greene county. He settled on
Castile run, near the dividing line between Wash
ington and Greene counties, and here he lived and
died. When he first came to Washington county
he was offered land, now one of the finest farms in
Greene county, in exchange for a horse. He was
one of the pioneers of Washington county, and
was respected and esteemed by all who knew
him, for his integrity, enterprise and thrift. He
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his
gallantry and bravery are already historical. Mr.
Dunn's long life was one of hardship and toil.
Labor was to him more a pleasure than a neces
sity, so accustomed had he become to it. He made
many trips to Winchester, Va., trading farm prod
uce for salt, which was "racked" across the mount
ains in pack saddles, made of crooked roots and
limbs of trees. His method of life, however, did
not seem to affect his health, for he was one of the
best preserved men recorded within these pages.
At the age of ninety-two years he bound wheat,
and kept up with two cradles. He died at the ad
vanced age of ninety-seven.
Joseph Dunn, the father of subject, was born in
Greene county, Penn. In his early days he at
tended the subscription schools, but .the principal
part of his education was received under his
father's personal supervision in learning the suc
cessful management of a farm. He married Jane,
a daughter of James Martin, who emigrated from
New Jersey to Washington county in its early days,
the trip being made overland and in wagons.
During the journey they passed many great tract
of beautiful land, which might have become theirs
for the asking; but they continued their journey
toward the glorious West, the land of which they
had heard so much, but had never seen. Accord
ing to rumor, this land, which was called " Red
Stone," was a veritable paradise; and they were
immeasurably disappointed aud disheartened to
find, instead of this imaginary "Eden," nothing
but dense woods. Reluctantly they went to work,
clearing off the land on which they had located.
As there was no clearance in which to place the
timber and underbrush cut down, they were obliged
to bum great stretches of giant oaks. During the
closing part of Mr. Martin's life he was obliged,
for several years, to sleep in his chair, being un
able to rest in the natural position. The family of
Joseph and Jane Dunn consisted of the following
children : Washington, James M. (he went to Cali

fornia during the first gold excitement, and is liv
ing in that State to-day with his family), Morgan
L., Joseph (a prominent merchant "of Millsborough,
East Bethlehem township), William (who, after
serving in the Civil war under Capt. Crea, died
soon after his return home, of disease contracted
in the service; his widow, who survives him, re
ceives a pension secured her by the untiring efforts
of our subject), John and Ann, both of whom were
never married (they live in Washington township,
Greene Co., Penn., John being there engaged in
the nursery business).
Morgan L. Dunn was born in 1824, and his boy
hood was spent in much the same manner as that
of his father. The little education he received
was obtained at the subscription schools, almost
the only kind the period afforded. At the break
ing out of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Dunn
raised over $3, 000 by subscription for substitutes
in Washington and Greene counties. He has been
married three times: his first wife was Phoebe
Ann, a daughter of Mr. Taylor, whose father was
a drummer in the Revolutionary war; to this union
were born five children: Jane, Mary, George W.,
Dorcas and Phoebe A. Jane is the wife of Milton
Bigler, a Baptist minister, and resides in West
Bethlehem township, this county; George W. lives
in West Bethlehem township (he was married to
Maria Hoover June 15, 1876, and three children
have been born to them, viz. : Winston, Sherman
and Elsie); Mary is the wife of George Hufford,
and resides in Ten Mile, Washington county;
Phcebe A. married Addison Swihart, and they re
side in Washington township, Greene Co., Penn.
(none of the three married daughters had any child
ren born to them). Mr. Dunn's second wife was
Eliza Corwin, a daughter of William Corwin and a
granddaughter of Stephen Corwin, prominent resi
dents of Washington county. This wife bore him
the following children: William, a resident of
Lone Pine, Amwell township, married Cora Gray,
and two children have been born to them: Rerie
and Murral; Flora, the wife of James Huffman,
residing in Washington (they have three children:
Frank, Willie and Lulu); Walter, a prominent farm
er of West Bethlehem township, married Maggie
Yoders, and they had two children: one that died
in infancy, and Myrtle, still living; Richard, who
lives in East Liberty, married Nannie Huffman,
daughter of George Huffman, and Loualin, who re
sides at home with his father. The departure of
Mrs. Dunn from this life was mourned not only by
her husband and children, but by her numerous
friends. Mr. Dunn married for his third wife
Emma Curry, a daughter of Philip Curry, and to
this union have been born two children: Arthur
Extell and Earl Guy.
Mr. Dunn is one of the best-known and most
successful agriculturists in AVest Bethlehem town-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

837

ship. He is also extensively engaged in stock
raising — coach and Clydesdale horses and Merino
sheep being his specialties. Politically he is a
stanch Democrat. When a young man he was
possessed of a splendid physique. He thought
nothing of making 200 rails in one day, mow
ing three acres with a scythe or cradling 200
dozen of wheat.

J[OHN F. NICHOLSON, a leading jeweler of
| Monongahela, is descended from Irish ances-
I try. His grandfather, James Nicholson, was
born in Ireland, and, immigrating to America
in about 1790, settled in Union township, Wash
ington Co., Penn, locating in 1795 on his farm on
Mingo creek. The land in that region was wild
and covered with forests, but the hardy pioneer
persevered until the dreary wilderness was trans
formed into a comfortable homestead. The chil
dren of this family were as follows: John, AA7illiam
McKendrie, James, Asa, Sarah (wife of Andrew
Pierce), Mary, Jennie (wife of Matthew Murdy),
Nancy (wife of James McAllister) and Elizabeth
(wife of William Tidball). The father was a mem
ber of the M. E. Church, and in politics voted with
the Whig party. For many years in those early
days his home was the Methodist preaching place,
services being held there every two weeks, on
Saturdays, by Rev. Asa Shinn, who was succeeded
in that work by Rev. George S. Holmes.
William McKendrie Nicholson was born April
21, 1820, on the home farm in Union township,
AVashington Co. , Penn. He attended the subscrip
tion and public schools, proved an eager reader
and close student, and was trained from boyhood
to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through
out life. He was married to Rachel, daughter of
Samuel Morrison, of Nottingham township, and
their children were: William Alvin, Arilinda J. (wife
of E. J. McClure), John Fletcher, Violet A.
(wife of Samuel McMillan), Flora B. (deceased),
Sarah Adalaide, Clara Lucina (wife of George
Kahl) and Laura Pricilla. Mr. Nicholson con
ducted a general store at Ginger Hill from 1844
to 1846; then followed farming, but in 1887 re
tired from active life. He has been an enthusi
astic leader in politics, has voted with the Whig
and Republican parties, and has taken a special
interest in school matters. In religion he is a
member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Rachel Nich
olson died in 1880.
John Fletcher Nicholson was born April 21,
1851, in Union township, AA^ashington Co., Penn.,
and received a common-school education. In
1872 he came to Monongahela, and opened the
jewelry and music store, which he has since con
ducted. In 1877 he was united in marriage with
Miss Sue E. Wilson, and their children are:

Alverda, Jessie Rebecca, John Fletcher, James
Bloomfield, Marjorie Ann and Louis McKendrie.
Mr. Nicholson is a shrewd, honest business man,
and enjoys a large and constantly increasing
custom. He is an active member of the Repub
lican party, and has served two terms as treasurer
of Monongahela, also as Congressional and Sena
torial conferre, as well as in various other offices.
He was elected mayor at the February election and
was duly sworn in to serve as mayor for one year
from April 3, 1893. Mr. Nicholson shows his
identification with the people of the city in their
social and moral interests, by his church and so
ciety relations. He has been secretary of the
Royal Arcanum Council for twelve years, is past
master by service in the Masonic Lodge of this
city, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. He is past
grand in Nucleus Lodge of Odd Fellows, and was
D. D. G. M. for Washington county for three
years. He is an Encampment member, and was
D. G. P. for three years; he is a member of the
American Mechanics, is deputy State councillor
now, and a past chief in the order of the Golden
Eagle. In this way he contributes largely to the
social Orders, giving them part of his time and
ability, and always for good. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present '
secretary of the Sabbath-school, which position
he has acceptably filled for some time.

H. HOUSTON, a leading dentist of Monon
gahela, is a grandson of Isaac Houston, who
was a son of James Houston, who was born
in this country of Scotch-Irish parents.
He came with his family to Washington county,
Penn., many years ago, and located in Buffalo
township, where he died.
Isaac Houston was born and reared on the home
place in Buffalo township. He learned the trade
of bricklayer and mason, which he followed most
of his life. Politically he voted with the Demo
cratic party, and in religion he was a zealous mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo.
He was married to Nancy Ashbrook, who bore him
ten children, among whom was a son James; the
father died at the age of sixty-two years.
James Houston, son of Isaac, was born Novem
ber 11, 1825, in Buffalo township, AVashington
Co., Penn., where he learned his father's trade,
and followed same for several years. In 1860 he
moved to Washington borough, Penn. , and is now
doing a prosperous business. He erected the
First Presbyterian and United Presbyterian
churches in that city, also built the brick work for
the town hall. By unremitting effort he has
achieved success. He has served the Democratic
party as a member of the council, and in other
offices. In religion he is a member of the Third

838

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Presbyterian Church. On March 22, 1855, James
Houston was united in marriage with Martha,
daughter of John Ramsey, and she has borne him
four children: S. H. , Flora M. , and two who died
when young.
S. H. Houston was born May 3, 1860, in Wash
ington, Penn., and graduated from the high school
of his native city. In 1877 he entered Washing
ton and Jefferson College, graduating in 1882
with the degree of A. B. In 1884 he attended the
dental department of the University of Michigan,
and the following year went to the Baltimore
Dental College, from which he graduated in 1886.
He then settled in Monongahela, where he has
since practiced his profession. On September 29,
1887, S. H. Houston was united in marriage with
Margaret G. , daughter of William Power. They
have three children: James Power, Rebecca
Ramsey and Ada Florence. In 1890 Dr. Houston
was elected mayor of Monongahela City, and was
re-elected in 1892. He is an ardent and valued
member of the Republican party.

v J. ANDERSON, a prosperous farmer of
Union township, is a grandson of John An
derson, who came from Ireland in 1771,
^ and first settled in Beaver county, Penn.
He was compelled to leave that section on
account of the Indians, and prior to 1788, he hav
ing paid tax in that year, came to the place in
Washington county, Penn. , where his descendants
are yet living. While living in Ireland he was
married to Miss Elizabeth Bigger, who came with
them to America. The descendants of Thomas
Bigger, brother of Miss Elizabeth Bigger, now re
side in Robinson township, Washington county.
To John and Elizabeth Anderson five children
were born, viz. : James, Benjamin, Matthew,
Martha and John, all born in Pennsylvania, except
James, who was born in Ireland. In September,
1786, he bought the farm on which the subject of
this sketch now resides.
John Anderson, the youngest son of John and
Elizabeth, was born June 5, 1789, on the farm in
Union township, Washington county, in a cabin
which stood on the site now occupied by the house
of W. J. Anderson. John Anderson was reared
to farm life, and remained at home until 1843,
when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scott, a
native of West Virginia, residing near East Liver
pool, Ohio, and they then settled on the home
farm in Washington county, Penn., where he died
June 3, 1868, followed by his wife, April 20, 1873.
The father was a stanch, " High- Tariff " Repub
lican. They had six children, viz. : W. J., two
died in infancy, James G. (dead), Martha E. (mar
ried to J. C. Borland, of Peters township, now a

grocer in Sewickley, Penn.), and Ada V., who is
living with her brother, W. J.
W. J. Anderson was born January 22, 1844, on
the farm in Union township, AVashington county.
On December 21, 1876, he was married to Agnes,
daughter of Thomas Kiddoo, and granddaughter of
James Kiddoo, a native of England. The family
are now residents of Allegheny county, Penn. Af
ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came
to their present home, where he has been success
fully engaged in general farming. In politics he
is a Republican, having held a number of town
ship offices, and in religion is a member of the
Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church, in which
he is also trustee. They conduct a small dairy in
connection with the farm, and for twenty years
have sold butter to W. J. Caskey & Co., Pitts
burgh. The home place contains eighty-four
acres of excellent land. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson
had One child that died in infancy.

THOMAS F. HILTON, a prominent and
wealthy resident of Claysville, was born
September 26, 1835, in Chartiers township,
Washington Co., Penn., and is descended
of rugged ancestry, of the ' ' Land of the
mountain and the flood," that " Caledonia, stern
and wild," immortalized so beautifully in verse
and song by Scott and Burns. His grandfather,
a native of Scotland, had four sons and one daugh
ter — William, Robert, Thomas, George and
Margaret — all born in Scotland, and with his
family immigrated to the United States, making a
settlement in Chartiers and Buffalo townships,
this county.
George Hilton, father of Thomas F. , was mar
ried in Scotland to a native of the same part, and
they had children as follows: John, Robert, Mary,
Jane, Sarah A., Isabelle, George James and
Thomas F., all natives of Washington county.
Mr. Hilton came with his father's family to this
county, and here followed the trade of miller, which
he had learned in his native land. He died in
1837, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
in politics a Whig; his wife was called to her long
home in 1835.
The early life of Thomas F. Hilton was passed at
the home of Joseph Donahey, a resident of Buffalo
township, and his education was received at the
common schools of the district. On May 21, 1874,
he was married to Sevena, a daughter of Benjamin
Bartilson, of Hopewell township, and the results
of this union were five children: Sadie, George,
Mary, Benjamin and Roland (the latter being
deceased). After marriage Mr. Hilton settled on
a farm in Buffalo township, and here remained
until 1889, when he moved into Claysville, and built

Wmm.

WSk

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

841

his present residence, one of the finest in the
borough. The family are all members of the
Presbyterian Church at Claysville; in politics Mr.
Hilton is a stanch Republican, and an active
worker in the party.

El LLA M. GREGG. The Gregg family were
among the earliest settlers of East Pike
Run township. Henry Gregg, Sr., came
— ' from Ireland to Pennsylvania, took up be
tween 300 and 400 acres of public land, and also
purchased a tract from the Indians. He then sent
for his brothers, John and William, and sister,
Peggy. He was a bachelor, but raised many chil
dren to manhood and womanhood; he served as
justice of the peace for many years. Margaret
Gregg married Jacob Springer, who also came from
Ireland, and her brother Henry gave her the farm
on which Eli Williams now lives. The same Henry
Gregg gave the farm (on which Mrs. Ann Hugans
now lives) to his brother William, and a farm to
his brother John, on the State Road between Pitts
burgh and Brownsville, where the " Black Horse ' '
tavern stood, now owned by E. Richard.
Ella M. Gregg's paternal great-grandfather,
William Gregg, had five sons and one daughter,
namely: Margaret, who married William Crow;
Henry, who married Jane Dowler; John, who mar
ried Nancy Gregg; Andrew, who married Dorcas
Nichols; William, who married Ruth Jackman, and
Robert, who married Ann Robison; they were all
born in Ireland. Henry and Jane Dowler' s chil
dren were: Henry, Thomas, John, Robert, Seth,
Israel and Edward. William Gregg had three
sons — Robert (who married Mary West), Henry
(who died in manhood) and Andrew (married to
Mary Ann Hugans— and four daughters — Mary
Ann (married to Jonathan West), Jemima (married
to Robert Jackman), Sarah (married to Col. Frie)
and Peggy (married to Henry Sphar). Henry
Gregg has two sons living: AVilliam and John.
John Gregg married Sadie Price. His brothers
were: William and Henry (deceased). Henry and
Nellie Gregg's children were: Jane, Ala, Nancy,
Sarah and Emily. Andrew Gregg had three
daughters and one son. Polly, when thirteen
years old, married Andrew Moore, and gave birth
to a son in her fourteenth year. She subsequently
married John Reeves, and by him had three chil
dren, Katy, Dacious and Jesse. Old Henry Gregg
died on the farm now owned by Alexander Devaul.
It was left to our subject's mother, but some one
stole the will. The children of Robert and Ann
(Robison) Gregg (grandparents of Ella M. Gregg)
were: John R., William, Mary, Jane, Andrew,
Ann, Harriet Matilda, all now deceased except
Jane, Andrew and Ann. John R. married Sarah
G. Wallace; William never married, and died ten

years ago; Andrew married Mary Ann Ailes, and
had no issue; Jane married Daniel Williams, and
had eight children (she resides in Ohio, and has
ten great-grandchildren; of her children — John R.
married Mary Peppers (he is a merchant in Coal
Centre); Robert (unmarried) resides in Coal Centre;
Amanda married Caspar Williams, who resides on
his farm near Brownsville; Ann married a farmer
and lives in Ohio; Elizabeth married a Mr. Mill-
horn; Eliza married an Ohio merchant; Keziah is
unmarried) ; Ann married Thomas Hugans, a farmer,
and had two children: Sarah Jane (deceased), and
Will (a bachelor, living on the old Hugans farm);
Sarah Jane, married to Jehu West, and had one
daughter, Deborah AVest. •Mrs. Ann (Robison)
Gregg's father settled in East Pike Run township
in 1793, and was there married. He kept a tavern
on the National pike for many years. Robert
Gregg was actively identified with the Democratic
party, and his wife was a member of the M. E.
Church. He died May 19, 1872, aged ninety-two
years, having been preceded by Mrs. Gregg in
John R. Gregg, son of Robert and Ann (Robi
son) Gregg, was born April 5, 1810, in East Pike
Run township, where he was reared and educated,
then taught several terms of school in his native
township; at one time he taught thirteen months
without any vacation. On November 29, 1832, he
married Sarah G. Wallace, a native of this county,
born May 1, 1812, and the young couple resided
in East Pike Run township for a short time after
their marriage. They then conducted a hotel for
several years at Coal Centre, and Mr. Gregg after
ward engaged in mercantile business; he also
served many years as postmaster. Politically he
was identified with the Democratic party. He died
April 17, 1885, in his seventy-fifth year. Mrs.
Gregg was a member of the M. E. Church at Coal
Centre. She died June 5, 1871, aged fifty-nine
years, and left four children, namely: Ella M. ;
Ann Jane, wife of L. AAr. Morgan, merchant, of
California, Penn. ; William Henry, living in Coal
Centre, and married to Mary Lambert, and Mary
E., a member of the M. E. Church in Coal Centre,
who died January 11, 1875. William Henry Gregg
served four years during the Civil war as sergeant
in Company I, First West Virginia Cavalry. Of
his five children, John R., Lusetta Jane and Eliz
abeth M. are living. Ann Jane Gregg married
L. W. Morgan, and of their seven children, Peto
W. is cashier of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com
pany at Erwin depot; Albert T. is principal of the
Derry schools; Elizabeth is teacher in the Normal
School at California, Penn. Ella M. Gregg,
daughter of John R. and Sarah Gregg, repre
sents five generations of her family who have
resided in the Monongahela Valley. In 1886 she
bought a lot in Stockdale, and having erected a

842

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

pleasant residence, has since made her home in the
village. She owns a farm of 133 acres in Allen
township, which was the Crow farm bought by her
father. She has in her possession a thimble that
was used by "old Uncle Henry," who did his own
sewing, patching and knitting.
John Gregg, brother of Henry, and son of one
of the immigrants from Ireland, had three daugh
ters — Nancy, Sarah and Eleanor — rand two sons,
who died of consumption. Eleanor (who died in
1813) married William Wallace, who served with
the Maryland troops in the war of 1812, and at its
close settled in Washington county. (Sarah G.
Wallace, who married John R. Gregg, a son of
Robert, was a daughter of William and Eleanor
Wallace). John Gregg, Sr. , married after the
death of his first wife, and to this second marriage
three sons — Audrew, Robert and Jacob — and four
daughters were born. One daughter married Rich
ard Hugans, and has one son, Jacob Hugans, liv
ing in California, Penn. ; another daughter married
William Hannon. Robert married Ala Hugans;
Andrew married Peggy Hugans; Jacob married
Nannie Hanna. Jacob Gregg has three daughters
living — Jemima, Jane and Elizabeth — and one son,
Henry Gregg, of Greene county, Penn. Nancy,
Sarah and Eleanor were children to John, by first
wife. Nancy married John Gregg, Sr. ; Sarah
married John Greer, and Eleanor (as told above)
married William Wallace. John and Nancy Gregg
had four sons. James, Andrew, Henry, John,
Mary, Nela, Sarah, Nancy and Elizabeth are all
dead. John's daughter, Lila, lives on the old
home that came from the old Henry estate. She
is the widow of Luther Axtell. Edward Gregg
has two daughters living: Malinda West, of Cali
fornia, and Mary J. Baker, of Centreville. Malin
da West had five daughters: Emma, married to H.
Louis; Myrtle, married to Frank Craven; Dora,
married to John Beazell; Mary, married to Ember-
son Reade, and Kate, unmarried. John Gregg's
widow is living. Edith (Woodward) Gregg has
one son, William H. , a merchant in Coal Centre
(married to Jane Forsythe, and has one son, Ed
gar, living in Pittsburgh), and another son, Thomas
(married to a Miss Cooper, and living in West Vir
ginia).
JOSEPH MOORE CURRY, one of the leading
business men of Union township, is a native
of Allegheny county, Penn. He is a grand
son of Moses Curry, who was born in eastern
•• Maryland, and was there married to Miss
Sarah Moore. Their children were Samuel, David,
Moses, Robert, John, Ezekiel, Joseph and Hiram.
Joseph Curry was born in 1778, iu Chester coun
ty, Penn., and was educated as a physician. In
1804, in company with the progenitors of many
of the old families of Washington a-nd Allegheny

counties, such astheFinleys, Campbells, Hindmans,
McClellans, etc., he came to western Pennsyl
vania, and purchased a large tract of land near
Pittsburgh, at what is now Curry Station, Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad. Here for a period of sixty years
Dr. Curry carried on an extensive medical prac
tice, covering a circuit of many miles. He also
conducted large farming operations, together with
other industries, such as gristmills, sawmills, dis
tilleries, etc. , located on his property. Soon after
coming to this place he was married to Jane,
daughter of John Finley. She bore him the fol
lowing children: John F., Joseph M. (mentioned
below), Sarah (wife of Samuel Happer), Margaret
(Mrs. Richard Storer), Mary J. (wife of Dr John
son), Susan (married to Robert Foster), Isabelle
(Mrs. Robert Hutchinson), and William E. The
rather voted with the Democratic party, and in re
ligious faith was a member and eider of the Associ
ate Reformed Church. Dr. Curry died in 1862.
His wife survived him fifteen years, dying in 1875
at the age of eighty-four years.
Joseph Moore Curry, whose name introduces
this biography, was born July 24, 1813, on the
place in Allegheny county, Penn. He, also, was edu
cated for the medical profession, but abandoned
that career for a mercantile life. He embarked in
the dry-goods business in Pittsburgh, in 1834, in
company with H. B. Green, forming the house of
Curry & Green, situated on Market street. In 1841
this became Chadwick & Curry, and continued for
a number of years. In 1839 he established a gen
eral store and supply depot at the sign of the "Roe-
Galley" (now the town of Finleyville), a post sta
tion, fourteen miles out from Pittsburgh, on the
Pittsburgh and Brownsville stage road.- The goods
with which this famous old establishment was
stocked, comprising every known commodity, were
transported by canal boat and conestoga wagon
direct from the East, in immense cargoes
four times a year. Great quantities of country
produce of every kind — butter, eggs, lard, tallow,
wool, fruit, vegetables, grain, cheese, beeswax, vin
egar, etc., were taken in exchange for supplies, and
shipped to Pittsburgh every morning by wagon. A
glance over the books and records of this old estab
lishment is a revelation of the wonderful variety
and immense quantity of merchandise carried by
these old country stores.
In 1845 the subject of this sketch was married
to Mary J., daughter of Robert Campbell. In
1852 he purchased a tract of land one mile below
Finleyville, from J. S. Gaston, and there built a
large store, mansion house, a number of tenant
houses and shops, thus founding the town of Cur-
ryville, which he afterward had changed to Gaston
ville, in honor of the original landholder. He
removed to his new place in 1854, where he has
since resided, continuing in active business until

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

843

five years ago, when he retired from active busi
ness, being succeeded by his son George A., in
1889. He was bereaved of his beloved wife, De
cember 14, 1870, who left the following children:
Joseph Roland, William Hindman, Edward Camp
bell, George A, Frank Morgan, Mary J., Lilly B.
and Robert Charles.
Politically Mr. Curry has always supported
the Democratic party, and in religion is a member
of the Presbyterian church at Mingo. He has al
ways been a public-spirited citizen, contributing
liberally toward all worthy objects.
¥ OHN A. McKEAN, M. D., a physician of Wash-
| ington, Washington county, of which he is a
^J native, was born July 14, 1846, in the
'^ borough of Washington, a son of Thomas and
Fannie J. (Snodgrass) McKean, of whom
special mention will be found elsewhere. Dr.
McKean is, to a great extent, a self-made man,
having learned the trade of tobacconist in his early
years, and at which he continued to work during his
spare time while attending college and also while
pursuing his professional studies. His education
was received at the public schools of the place, and
Washington and Jefferson College. In 1867 he
commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas
McKennan; then during the winter of 1868-69 he
attended lectures at the University of Ann Arbor,
Mich. , and, in the winter of 1869-70, lectures at
the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,
graduating in the spring of 1870. In the fall of
that year he moved to Independence, a village in
the western part of Washington county, where he
commenced the practice of his profession, and here
continued until June, 1871, when he returned to
Washington, and has ever since been in successful
practice in the borough and surrounding country.
In October, 1876, Dr. McKean was united in
marriage with Jennie B., daughter of Capt. John
C. McCoy, now residing in Allegheny county.
Three children came of this union, viz. : Fannie S.
and John C. , both at home with their father, and
Harry M., who died at the age of nine years. The
mother of these children was called from earth in
1882, and in 1886 Dr. McKean married Mrs. Sarah
J. Zedeker, widow of B. B. Zedeker, formerly of
South Strabane township; she had one daughter
by her first husband. The Doctor is a mem
ber of and elder in the Third Presbyterian
Church of Washington. In his political prefer
ences he is a Republican, and serves as a member
of the school board of South Strabane township.
His home in South Strabane township is situated
on East Maiden street, with his office at No. 162
South Main street. Dr. McKean has made a fair
success of his chosen profession. For four years
he was the physician attending the County Farm
and the Jail.

J. McNARY is the representative of one
of the oldest pioneer families of Washing
ton county, whose descendants are very
numerous, and are numbered among the
most energetic and prominent citizens of the
county. James McNary, the earliest ancestor of
whom we have a record, was a native of the High
lands of Scotland, born about the year 1711. It
is supposed that he went to Ireland, and before
1760 emigrated thence to America with his family,
consisting of a wife, four sons and one daughter.
During 1760 he bought a tract of land in York
county, Penn. He died at the home of his son,
David, in Hanover township, Washington county,
same State, in 1796.
John McNary, great-grandfather of our subject,
was born and reared in Scotland. He married
Esther Boyle, a native of Ireland, who bore him
children as follows: Elizabeth, wife of William
Douglass; Mary, wife of James McCoy; James;
Margaret, wife of James Martin; Malcom; Esther,
wife of Thomas Irving; Agnes, wife of William
Pollock; John; Thomas; Alexander; Margaret;
Jane, married to James Marshall ; and Janet, wife
of Robert McKibben. The parents of this family
came, with such children as had been born to
them, to York county, Penn., some time prior to
the Revolutionary war, and in 1801 the father
visited North Strabane township, this county,
where he purchased the farm now in the posses
sion of his grandson, James S. After returning
to his home in York county, he died in 1802,
and the family subsequently removed to the farm
he had purchased. Of these children, James
McNary was the grandfather of W. J. He mar
ried and reared a family of children, of whom
Joseph McNary was one.
Joseph McNary was born in 1802, in Cross
Creek township, this county, and received a
meager education in the country schools of the
period. He learned and followed the carpentry
trade. He was married to Jane, daughter of
William Rea, of Cross Creek township, this
county, and the children born to this union were
Margaret (deceased), Esther I. (unmarried, living
in Burgettstown, Penn.), Jane R. (first married to
James McNary, now the wife of Samuel Cowen, of
Elizabethtown, Ky.), Rhoda (Mrs. Robert Withe-
row, of Murdocksville, Penn.), Nancy A. (deceased
wife of Eli Marquis), Sarah A. (deceased), Mary
E. (Mrs. J. W. Bailey), Harriet A. (wife of John
Witherow, of Beaver county, Penn.), Julia
(strangled with a grain of corn), Joseph R. (a
farmer of Smith township), W. J. (whose name
opens these lines) and an infant daughter (de
ceased). Mr. and Mrs. McNary lived in Cross
Creek township one year after their marriage,
then located one mile west of Burgettstown, Smith
township, where the remainder of his life was

844

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

passed. Beginning life with no capital, he man
aged his affairs so successfully that at the time of
his death his personal property was valued at
over $20,000. He and his wife were members of
the U. P. Church at Burgettstown, in which he
served as an elder a long time. In politics he was
always a Democrat, and had been chosen to fill
many township offices. He died in 1874.
W. J. McNary was born December 1, 1850, on
the farm adjoining his present home in Smith
township, this county, where his early life was
passed. On December 25, 1879, he was married
to Maggie E. Proudfit, who was born August 15,
1855, daughter of R. F. and Sarah E. (Porter)
Proudfit, of Smith township, and two daughters
have been born to their union: Sarah J. and
Esther R., both yet living at home. Mr. and
Mrs. McNary began wedded life half a mile west
of Burgettstown, this county, on a part of the old
home place, where he has since resided and made
many improvements. He is a very energetic and
"hustling" young farmer, always ready to assist
any worthy enterprise. Politically he is an active
worker in the Democratic party, and has held
various township offices with satisfaction to his
constituents. He and his wife are members of the
United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown.

fives

AMUEL T. MARTIN, a representative citi
zen and practical farmer of North Strabane
township, was born in Washington county
on the home farm. His ancestors were na-
of York county, Penn. Toward the begin
ning of the eighteenth century, Peter Martin moved
with his wife and family to Washington county,
Penn. , settling on the farm which is now occupied
by his descendants. He died at the age of eighty
years, having reared a family of seven children.
James Martin, a son of this early settler, was
born in 1792, in York county, Penn., and came
with his parents to this county when a boy. In
1821 he was married to Mary White, who bore him
children as follows: Peter B. , born February 4,
1822 (deceased); Samuel T., born January 24,
1824; James, bom December 12, 1826; John
White (a merchant of Canonsburg, this county),
born January 11, 1828; Matthew, born December
7, 1829; Mary Jane (deceased), born September
21, 1832; Ebenezer Henderson (drowned in the
Potomac river), born June 21, 1834; Ann Eliza
beth (deceased), born November 2, 1837; Eliza
beth Margaret, born October 10, 1839; William
Henry, born September 4, 1842, and Thomas Jef
ferson, born August 28, 1847. Mr. Martin con
tinued to improve his farm in connection with
managing a sawmill, during his active business
life. He was formerly a Whig, then a Republican,
and held several political offices. In religion he

first united with the Seceder Church, then joined
the United Presbyterians. He died in 1887, hav
ing been preceded by his wife in 1878.
Samuel T. Martin received a subscription and
district-school education, and November 6, 1856,
was united in marriage with Sarah Herron, who
was born in 1827, in this county, daughter of
James Herron, a pioneer settler of Washington
county. Mrs. Martin died July 17, 1885, leaving
the following children to mourn her death: Lizzie
M. (wife of William S. Whiteley), AVilliam, Sarah
and Charles E. The mother was a member of the
United Presbyterian Church, with which Mr.
Martin is also connected. He is a liberal con
tributor to all public enterprises of the county,
and a most successful agriculturist. He has an
excellent dairy, milking fourteen Holstein cows,
and shipping daily an average of twenty-five gal
lons of milk to Pittsburgh, Penn. His farm con
sists of 120 acres of fertile, well-cultivated land.

JD. McNARY. Among the representatives
of old families in Washington county the
subject of this memoir stands prominent.
He is a son of David McNary, who in 1782
came from York county, Penn. , to Washing
ton county, making a settlement in North Strabane
township. Thomas McNary, grandfather of subject, was a
son of James McNary, who, some time prior to
1760, emigrated from Scotland to this country, and
located in York county, Penn., afterward, in 1787,
settling in Hanover township, Washington county.
Thomas McNary was elected elder in the Chartiers
Church in about the year 1799, and continued to
serve in that capacity until his death in 1820.
David McNary, father of subject, was born in
1771, in (it is believed) York county, Penn., and
about the year 1795 located in North Strabane
township, where he purchased a farm of 320 acres,
on which he continued to reside until his death.
In 1816 he was married to Jane Edgar, daughter
of Samuel Edgar, and born in County Down,
Ireland, coming to this country with her father in
1794; for six years they lived in New York City,
and then came to Washington county, Penn. To
David and Jane McNary were born children as
follows: Phcebe, born in 1818, married James Beal,
of West Virginia, and removed to Licking county,
Ohio, where she died, leaving six children — two
sons and four daughters; Thomas, born in 1820,
died in early manhood; Samuel, born in 1822,
died in 1892, leaving eleven children — five sons
and six daughters (for fifteen years he was an
elder in Chartiers U. P. Church); Jeanetta, born
in 1824, died in early womanhood ; Mary, born in
1826, married John Templeton, and has four
sons, living in North Strabane township; David

CLD 7k !>A^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

847

E. born in 1828, is living in Cross Creek township,
and has three sons and three daughters (for twelve
years he was an elder in West Middletown United
Presbyterian Church); Matthew, born in 1830,
died in the State of California in 1852; James R.,
born in 1833, died in 1891, leaving four daughters
(for ten years he was an elder in Chartiers U. P.
Church), and Joseph D., subject of sketch. The
father of this family died in 1847, the mother in
1868. J. D. McNary was born January 28, 1836, on the
home place in North Strabane township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., where he was reared to agricultural
pursuits, attending, during a few weeks in winter
time, the common schools in the neighborhood.
After this primary instruction, he entered Jeffer
son College, at Canonsburg, where he remained
until his sophomore year. On April 1, 1857, he
removed to South Strabane township, since when
he has successfully followed agricultural pursuits
on the farm on which he now resides. On Feb
ruary 5, 1857, Mr. McNary was united in marriage
with Mary AV., daughter of John Caldwell, of
West Virginia, and the children born to this union
were Lizzie J. (deceased), Lou J., Mattie E.,
Clara V. (Mrs. Rowley Cook), John R., Thomas
H. and Mary J. The family are members of the
United Presbyterian Church at Washington, of
which Mr. MpNary has been an elder since 1864.
In politics he has always been a Republican, an
active worker in the party, and an influential
counselor. For the past eighteen years he has
served as school director, and in all things he has
proven himself a progressive and loyal citizen.

TEMPLETON BROTHERS. David Temple
ton was born in 1800, in Washington county,
Penn., where his life was passed in agri
cultural pursuits. On February 20, 1823,
he was married to Miss Margaret Martin,
who bore him the following named children:
Margaret, John, Samuel and James, the two latter
being deceased. The mother died May 25, 1833,
and on February 20, 1834, David Templeton was
again married, his second choice being Jane Mc
Nary, and their children were born as follows:
Matthew, born January 27, 1836; Thomas, bom
March 21, 1838; David, born June 6, 1840; Ann
(deceased wife of John White Anderson), born
January 26, 1844; Joseph, born April 26. 1846,
and AVilliam H. (deceased), born December 7, 1851.
The father of this family was a devoted Christian,
and both he aud his wife were untiring Bible
students. With but one exception the family
worship at the U. P. Church. He died June 28,
1867, and the old homestead is now owned by
his sons, Matthew, David and Joseph Templeton.
Of these three sons David Templeton is married to

Nannie C. Horner, who has borne him four
children. Joseph Templeton wedded Miss Katie Spear,
and they have two children.
Matthew Templeton has never married. On
September 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company A,
Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, command
ed by Capt. H. J. Van Kirk. He served three
years and two months, was in the Peninsular
Campaign, and fought at the battle of Fair Oaks.
Immediately after the engagement at Fair Oaks,
Matthew Templeton was seized with a fever, and
was sent for treatment to the hospital at Philadel
phia. On recovering he joined his regiment in
North Carolina, taking part in the engagements of
Yorktown, Williamsburg and Fort Wagner. At
the last- mentioned place he was slightly wounded
in the hip by a ball which killed a comrade at his
side. He received an honorable discharge Novem
ber 22, 1864, and returned to the old home where
he is yet living.

Q

EORGE VALENTINE, who in his lifetime
was one of the representative, well-to- do citi-
[ zens of Donegal township, Washington Co. ,
il Penn.,, was a native of the county, born in
^ Washington, November 22, 1822.
His father, John Valentine, was born in June,
1794, also in Washington. On May 11, 1818, he
married Catherine May, daughter of George May
(she was born March 20, 1800, in Bedford county,
Penn., and died August 21, 1831), and she bore
him the following named children: Julia A.
(wife of Templeton Lucas, of West Alexander),
George, John, Elizabeth M. (deceased wife of Joel
Truesdell, of West Alexander), Daniel and Charles.
Mr. Valentine, Sr., continued to live in Washing
ton, Penn., for sometime after his marriage, but
afterward kept hotel in Claysville, and subsequent
ly bought a farm and public house one-half mile
east of West Alexander, on the "National pike,"
where the family were noted for their hospitality
and good entertainment, and where he lived until
his death May 14, 1868. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church of West Alexander, and in
political persuasion was an Old-line Whig. His
second marriage, to Mrs. Elizabeth Mehaffey, of
Somerset county, Penn., was on December 28,
1839; she died July 14, 1867
George Valentine received his primary education
in the common school, which was supplemented
with a course of study at Dr. McClusky's academy,
in West Alexander, and an attendance for a short
time at Washington College, Penn. He was a
skillful and prosperous farmer, in addition to
which he dealt in wool, grain and many kinds of
produce as well as stock. In politics he was a
Republican, a prominent leader in the party; was

848

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

a member of the Presbyterian Church of West
Alexander for many years. He was a liberal man,
and a progressive citizen, a warm-hearted friend of
education, and for years was a trustee of West
Alexander Academy. He passed most of his life
on the farm owned formerly by his father, after
ward by himself, dying November 5, 1881. As
husband, father, friend, he was one of the most
genial, loving and kind, always cheerful, with a
smile for all; in tenderness almost feminine, but
firm and unwavering in principle and convictions
of duty. On October 7, 1852, Mr. Valentine mar
ried Louise Bayha, of Wheeling, W. Va., who
bore him one son, Louis B. , who still lives in the
old homestead, and is in the mercantile business in
West Alexander. On September 27, 1883, he
married Laura B. Anderson, of West Alexander,
and they are the parents of three bright boys:
George A. , John B. and Charles T. The death of
his first wife occurred on February 19, 1854, and
March 16, 1859, Mr. Valentine married Anna B.,
daughter of Andrew Yates, a native of Ohio
county, W. Va. , a lifelong farmer. Mr. Yates
married May 25, 1820, Anne Byers, of near Clays
ville, Penn. , by whom he had the following chil
dren: Mary F. (wife of Thomas Ralston), Thomas,
Byers T. , William, Margaret S., one daughter
deceased in infancy, Andrew and Anna B. (twins),
and Jane S. These parents were of Scotch-Irish
descent, and could trace their ancestry back for
many generations as a strictly religious people,
many of them office bearers in the Church. Mr.
Yates held the office of ruling elder in the Presby
terian Church for the space of half a century, and
was for years justice of the peace, under the old
constitution of Virginia. He was born July 16,
1795, and died on the farm, wbere he had lived
over fifty years, December 19, 1876, in the eighty-
second year of his age; his widow was born June
25, 1797, and died August 27, 1887, in the ninety-
first year of her age. The children all died young
and unmarried, except the two daughters already
named, and Byers T., who married Margaret
Purcell, of West Liberty, AV. Va. (she died March,
1889, and her husband February 16, 1892).
Anna B., widow of George Valentine, was mar
ried February 18, 1892, to Rev. J. S. Gilmor, of
Congers, N. Y., also a native of West Virginia, his
childhood's home, and that of many of his relatives,
being in the immediate vicinity of West Alexander,
Pennsylvania.

T OHN FLACK. The Flack family have for
j many years been identified with the inter -
v\\ ests of Washington county. About 1800 one
— ^ Robert Flack sailed from County Monaghan,
Ireland, and on arriving in America first
located in Chester county, Penn. He then moved

to Westmoreland county, same State, but in 1820
made a permanent location on the forks of Char
tiers creek, Peters township, Washington county.
He was married in his native land to a native of
County Monaghan, Ireland, Miss Mary Douglass,
who bore him the following children: James, Alex
ander, Mary, John, Nancy, Robert, Jane, Margaret,
Eliza and Sarah, all of whom are now deceased.
Alexander Flack, son of Robert Flack, was born
about 1794, in County Monaghan, Ireland, and
coming with his parents to America, was reared in
Chester and Westmoreland counties. He began
life as a teamster, and in 1835 opened a store at
Bower Hill, Washington county. He conducted
this business ten years, then bought the home farm
in Peters township. When a young man he was
married to Mary Porter, a native of this county,
who died not long after their marriage. For his
second wife Alexander Flack was married to Lillie
Ann McAlister, of Peters township, a daughter of
John McAlister, who, with his father, Archibald
McAlister, emigrated from County Antrim, Ireland,
about 1800, and settled first in Chester county,
Penn., and in 1802 removed with his parents to
W ashington county. John McAlister was married to
Isabelle McAllister, a resident of County Antrim,
Ireland, who bore him seven children, namely:
Archie, Nancy, Mary, Lillie Ann, John, Hannah, and
James, all of whom are now deceased,. Lillie Ann
McAlister was reared to womanhood in Peters
township. To the union of Alexander and Lillie
Flack one son was born, John. The father was
an active member of the Democratic party, and
held nearly every office in Peters township. He
died in 1857.
John Flack was born May 27, 1839, in Bower
Hill, Washington county, Penn. He began a
course at Jefferson College, but, being called home
by the death of his father, took charge of the old
place. On November 20, 1865, he was united in
marriage with Hester B., daughter of Albert Hol-
bert, a native of Franklin township, Washington
county. She died in 1882, leaving the following
children: Bertha A., John A., Florence W., William
L., Minnie B., and Bessie L., the last-named of
whom is now attending school at Bower Hill. On
March 3, 1885, John Flack was united in marriage
with Virginia M. Ruth, whose father, John Ruth,
was a native of New Jersey, and learned the car
penter's trade. He was married to Miss Mar
garet Barr, of Washington county, Penn., who
bore him one daughter, Virginia M. (Mrs. Flack).
Mr. and Mrs. Ruth died at Bethany, W. Va., of
cholera, and were buried in the same grave. The
orphan daughter was reared to womanhood by Miss
Jane Hardy, of Bower Hill, where she. resided
until her marriage to John Flack.
To the union of John and Virginia M. Flack
four children have been born, namelv: Walter H,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

849

Wallace R., Allan M., and Margaret Lillian.
After his first marriage Mr. Flack resided on a
farm in this county until 1869, when he moved to
Iowa. In 1871 he returned to the home farm, and
in 1884 opened a store at Bower Hill, this county.
Since 1886 he has lived on the farm which is now
his home. He is a Democrat in politics, and has
held various local offices. In religious faith he is
a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

C. GRIMES is a son of William Grimes,
whose father was bora in eastern Penn
sylvania, and on attaining majority set
tled in Donegal township, Washington
county, where he married Miss Mary
Gregg, and reared a family of nine children.
William Grimes was born in 1818, on the home
farm in Donegal township, this county, and after
ward moved to Ohio, where he lived twenty years.
He then returned to Pennsylvania, and settled on
the farm in Buffalo township, which is now the
home of his son Andrew. In 1843 William Grimes
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles
McCroberts, of Washington county, Penn. They
reared a family of nine children, as follows: Will
iam C, Mary (wife of Samuel Woodburn), J.
Thomas, Lawson, Lizzie M., David A., Sallie J.,
Andrew J., and Nannie B. (wife of J. A. Lind
say), all living but Lizzie M. Mr. Grimes died
iu 1881.
W. C. Grimes was born February 22, 1844, on
his father's farm in Ohio. He attended the com
mon schools, and when fourteen years of age re
turned to Pennsylvania with his, father. In 1867
he was united in marriage with Sarah E. , daughter
of James Allison, of Irish descent. They have
had the following children: Andrew J., Lizzie M. ,
Nannie B., William C, Lena B., Sadie L., Ollie
L., Alice H., an infant, and Birdella (the latter
two of whom, with Nannie, are deceased). Mr.
Grimes farms extensively, and is also engaged in
stock raising. His farm consists of 165 acres of
good land, lying on Buffalo creek, in the northern
part of Buffalo township, this county. In politics
he is a stanch Democrat, but not a politician. His
wife is a member of the United Presbyterian
Church at Taylorstown, Washington county.

LEMAN CARSON, a prominent stock raiser
I and agriculturist of Buffalo township, of
 | which he is a native, was born March 26,
1849, on the farm where he now resides,
which is one of the most productive in the town
ship. Isaac Carson, his grandfather, was born
and married in eastern Pennsylvania, whence he
came to this county. He was one of the earliest
settlers of Buffalo township, and a prosperous

farmer. His children were as follows: James,
born April 17, 1798; Thomas, born September 30,
1800; Adam, born June 20, 1803; Mary (Mrs.
William Bell), born February 14, 1806; Rebecca
(Mrs. William Ely), born May 18, 1808; Ann (Mrs.
William Wright), born April 15, 1810; Margaret
(Mrs. Albough), born May 27, 1812; Isaac, born
July 22, 1815; Samuel, born January 25, 1819,
and Jane, born May 2, 1821. The parents of this
family lie buried side by side in North Buffalo
cemetery; they were members of the Seceder
Church, and in politics he was a Democrat.
Thomas Carson, father of subject, was married
in 1829 to Mary AATright, daughter of Samuel
Wright. The children by this union are Rachel
(Mrs. H. C. Noble), Isaac, Samuel W. and Leman.
After his marriage Mr. Carson continued to reside
on the home place, where he carried on farming
and stock raising, and where he and his wife passed
the remainder of their busy lives, the father dying
January 15, 1865, and the mother January 5,
1886; they were consistent members of the United
Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Carson
was an ardent Democrat.
Leman Carson received his education at the
schools of his native township, and was reared to
agricultural pursuits under the preceptorship of
his father. On August 3, 1887, he was married to
Maggie Gillespie, of Buffalo township, and one
child, Willie, has blessed their union. Mr. Car
son is successfully engaged in general farming, in
cluding stock raising, and is well and favorably
known in the community in which he lives. His
political preferences are Democratic, and he is an
active party man.

Tfp^ OBERT E. WEIR was born May 10, 1850,
Iwy in West Bethlehem township, Washington
l[r\i Co., Penn., a grandson of James Weir, who
j\ ^ located in Somerset township, this county,
V at an early day, and engaged in agricult
ure. He had the following family of children:
Samuel, Joseph, Thomas (who died in 1863), Re
becca (Mrs. Robinson), Mary (Mrs. Roberts) and
Lavina (Mrs. Marshall). In politics he was a Re
publican, and in religious belief he was a member
of the Presbyterian Church.
Col. Samuel Weir, son of James, was born April
3, 1800, in West Bethlehem township, Washington
county, and made his home there many years, re
ceiving a common-school education. In 1825 he
was united in marriage with Ellen Weir, of Som
erset township, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy
Weir, and the children born to this union were
James, Thomas, Samuel, Joseph, Robert E., Nancy
(deceased), Mary, Sarah Ellen, Martha and Susan.
Mr. Weir carried on farming several years, and
also operated the gristmill known as "Weir's

850

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Mills." He was a colonel in the milita for several
years. Mr. Weir was a Republican since the for
mation of the party, and with his family was for
many years a faithful and earnest member* of the
Baptist Church. Mrs. Weir died in 1885, and on
June 5, 1892, he too passed away, aged ninety-two
years. He was buried in the cemetery of the Bap
tist Church at Pigeon Creek.
Robert E. Weir has passed his whole life on the
old farm in West Bethlehem township, and in his
boyhood received a limited education in the com
mon schools. On July 3, 1879, he was married to
Elnora Kahl, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah
Kahl, of Amwell township, Washington county,
whose children were George, Eliza (Mrs. Arnold),
Catherine (Mrs. Simpson), Clara (Mrs. Bedillion),
Flora (Mrs. Post), Sadie (Mrs. Horn), Ida (Mrs.
Snee) and Eloora (Mrs. Weir). Immediately after
his marriage Mr. Weir began business for himself,
and first located on the Hazlett farm near ' ' Pan
cake" or "Laboratory," in Amwell township,
Washington county, where he remained three
years, afterward residing on the National pike
thirteen years. Since that time he has resided at
his present home, which is brightened by a son and
daughter — Ellsworth, born October 13, 1881, and
Pearl, born November 23, 1883. Mr. Weir is one
of the thrifty farmers and good business men of
Amwell township, his well-cultivated farm com
prising 103 acres of excellent land. In politics he
has always been a stanch Republican. Mrs. Weir
is a member of the Christian Church at Lone Pine.

El B. BOYLE. Prominently identified with
the enterprising and successful citizens of
North Strabane township is the gentleman
above named. He is a. son of William
Boyle, who was born in 1794, in Allegheny county,
Penn., and there learned the carpenter's trade. In
1823 he came to Washington county, and pur
chased the farm in North Strabane township now
occupied by his son. When a young man William
Boyle was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wel
ler, a native of Washington county, Penn., born in
1800, and eight sons were born to their union,
namely: Daniel (deceased), Hugh (residing in
Washington, Penn.), J. W.. (living in Oklahoma),
William (a citizen of Iowa), E. B. (whose name
introduces this biography), Andrew Jackson (res
idence unknown), Benjamin Franklin (of Lawrence
county, Penn.), and James G. (living in Pitts
burgh). The mother of this family died in 1861,
followed by the father in 1865, and they were
buried in the private cemetery on the old Weller
homestead. Both were earnest members of the
Presbyterian Church.
E. B. Boyle was born October 22, 1826, on the
old farm in North Strabane township, Washington

Co., Penn., and received all the literary training
which could be imparted by the pedagogue of the
country school. On October 28, 1852, he was
united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of
Col. Moses and Nancy Linn. To the union of E.
B. and Elizabeth Boyle the following children have
been born: Agnes J., Lizzie W., Clara B. (Mrs.
R. J. Wallace, has one son, E. B. F.), Nettie G.
(wife of Charles Wilkinson, Lawrence county,
Penn., has two sons, Lawrence B. and Earnest),
Anna (Mrs. E. G. Walker, has one son, Fred),
William F., Blanche L., John Grant, H. A. and
Mamie. Of this family the three eldest daughters
have taught school, and all are regular attendants
and ardent supporters of the Presbyterian Church.
In political opinion Mr. Boyle votes according to
the ability of the candidate, regardless of party
preferences. During his father's lifetime, our sub
ject purchased one-half of the home farm, which
contains 175 acres, and after the death of his
father he purchased the remainder from his
brothers, B. F. and A. J. Boyle. His principal
attention is devoted to the general care of his farm
and the breeding of Jersey cattle. The home place,
on which he resides, is improved to the highest
point of cultivation.

\ORK, MAJ. GEORGE T. and SAMUEL
C. History may be properly regarded as
the biography of a few earnest, toiling,
self-reliant men, who were courageous
enough to stand by their convictions, possessing
the requisite patience and energy to reach the
goal for which they were striving. The lives
of such men are worthy of record, and the name of
Work is justly numbered among the progressive
citizens of Washington county, who, overcoming
all obstacles, have achieved a deserved success.
George Work was born and reared in County
Londonderry, Ireland. He followed the occupa
tion of a weaver. On March 3, 1780, he was united
in wedlock with Martha Dunlap, also a native of
"Old Erin," and two children came to their
union: Alexander, born February 11, 1781; and
Jane, born May 9, 1783. A few years after their
birth the father decided to seek a home in the
"New World, and on July 24, 1789, he and his
family boarded the brig "Keziah," at London
derry, Ireland. After a stormy voyage of eight
weeks, they landed at Wilmington, Del. (one child,
a son, was born and died at sea). In 1795 they
pushed farther westward in search of a cheap
home, the long, tedious journey being made by
wagon, the family finally arriving in Hopewell
township, Washington Co., Penn. They located
first on the Sam Davis farm, but soon afterward
moved to the log cabin near Buffalo, and on May
24, 1802, they purchased the farm now known as

Mek3*l  ;. iSa* .

SSgfE

Hi

,1 f,. «'

e

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

853

the AVork farm. He became a successful farmer.
Three children were born after they arrived in
America: Mary, November 8, 1790; James, Sep
tember 12, 1792, and JohnD., November 14, 1794.
The parents both died in this county, and their
remains are lying in the Buffalo cemetery.
James Work was born in Wilmington, Del. , and
when three years old was brought by his parents
to the farm in Hopewell township, this county, it
being then a deuse forest. He received a meager
education in the subscription schools, and followed
agricultural pursuits during his early youth. On
February 7, 1822, he married Grizzilla, daughter
of Robert Tweed, by his first wife, Elizabeth
Wylie, daughter of Adam Wylie, and sister of Adam
Wylie, M. D., and Andrew Wylie, D. D. By this
union were born two children : Elizabeth Grizzilla,
December 20, 1823 (who became the wife of
Robert Denny, and died in Morrow county, Ohio),
and George Tweed, born April 7, 1825. The
mother of these children was called to her rest
January 27, 1827, and July 3, 1828, James Work
was married to Margaret Caldwell, a lady of
Scotch descent, and the following children were
the result of their union: Martha L., born June 1,
1829, died August 19, 1832; Agnes A., born
November 17, 1831, wife of Robert S. Caldwell;
Sarah J., born October 14, 1832, wife of AVilliam
Denny, of Hervey county, Kans.; Mary B., born
May 8, 1834, died August 14, 1834; Clarissa E.,
born November 8, 1835, died August 29, 1840;
Samuel O, born July 16, 1838, married to Anna
Donahey; Maria I., born August 11, 1840, married
to William Morrow, October 1, 1889, and died
January 8, 1892; Margaret Emma, born October
26, 1842, wife of Joseph Rankin; Sophia M. A.,
bom March 6, 1846, wife of William Smiley.
James Work, the father, died September 26, 1868;
his second wife, Margaret (Caldwell), died in De
cember, 1885.
George Tweed Work received a common-school
education, and assisted his father on the farm
until he was twenty-six years of age, excepting two
winters in which he taught school in Harrison
county, Ohio, and also occasionally working at the
carpenter's trade. He then engaged in the lumber
business, putting up the first steam sawmill in the
vicinity. Excepting during the war he followed
that business until 1889, since when he has given
his time to farming. On September 19, 1850, he
married Catharine Denny, daughter of Robert
Denny, of Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and their children were James Alexander,
born August 1, 1851; Lydia Jane, bom January
13, 1854, died by drowning June 29, 1854; Mar
garet Eliza, born February 15, 1856; John Dun
lap, born August 17, 1858, died January 30, 1878;
Grizzilla Mary, born February 13, 1861, became
the wife of AVilliam Patterson May 11, 1882, and

died December 28, 1886, leaving two sons, George
W. and John Vance Patterson; Emma K, born
October 8, 1867; George Rankin, born October 7,
1870. Of these, James A. married Laura B.
Logan January 28, 1880, and is now (1893)
engaged in a lumber business in Sussex county,
Virginia. When the Civil war began, and soon after the
firing of Fort Sumter, George T. Work, acting
for a number of volunteers, offered a company of
cavalry to Gov. Curtin, but was refused for reason
that no cavalry were needed at that time. Soon
after the first battle of Bull Run the same company
elected W. W. McNulty captain, and again offer
ing their service were accepted and ordered into
camp. On the way there Mr. Work was appointed
orderly sergeant, and on the final organization of
the company became second lieutenant; soon after,
the captain having resigned to accept pro
motion, he became first lieutenant, and in Novem
ber following became captain. The company
meanwhile being attached to the First P. V. C,
by order of Maj. -Gen. Stoneman, chief of cavalry,
army of the Potomac, as captain of Company I,
First P. V. C, he commanded a squadron at the
battle of Drainesville, and participated in other
minor engagements; was under Gen. McDowell
in his movement to the Rappahannock, until his
regiment was ordered to join Gen. Fremont in the
Shenandoah Valley, and was with his column in
advance at Mt. Jackson, having participated in all
the marches and skirmishes of his regiment up to
that time. Here he was prostrated by malarial
fever, and sent by Surgeon D. Stanton to Douglass
Hospital, Washington City, June 5, 1862. Having,
by advice of the hospital surgeon, tendered his
resignation, he was discharged for disability July
25, 1862. On his way home he called on Gov.
Curtin, and received authority to recruit two com
panies of cavalry, or more if he could get the men.
As soon as able to ride, he began recruiting, and
uniting his efforts with Capt. John Keys succeeded
in enlisting two cavalry companies, besides send
ing many men to infantry and artillery regiments,
and was again mustered into the U. S. cavalry
service as captain of Company C, Ringgold Battal
ion, September 6, 1862. By the addition of other
companies this battlion was raised to a full regi
ment in February, 1863, and Capt. AVork was
commissioned first major Twenty-second P. V. C,
in which rank he served till the close of the war,
participating in all the marches, scouts, and
battles of the Shenandoah Valley campaign, until
he was wounded near Harrisonburg, September
27, 1863. His immediate command was the
extreme right of the line in each of the general
movements of the Union forces in 1864, in the
Valley. At his own request he was mustered out
in July, 1865, by reason of close of the war, and

854

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in August following took an agency as superintend
ent of an oil company operating in AVest Virginia.
This enterprise proved disastrous to the company,
and especially to their agent, whose sanguine
temperament led him to rashly put all he was
worth, and more, into it. Much broken in health,
he returned home, and again took up the business
of lumbering and milling, which he diligently fol
lowed when able until 1876, when he received the
Republican nomination for sheriff, and was elected,
his term commencing January 1, 1877, and ending
January 1, 1880. This term was noted for the
serious disturbances among the mines of the
Moilongahela river, and on the Panhandle Rail
road. The sheriff's prompt action in arresting
those charged with riot, and at the same time
organizing such a posse comitatus as he thought
necessary to preserve the peace and enforce his
authority, had the desired affect; and what at
times assumed most threatening proportions passed
off without serious conflict, and the prompt (though
mild) sentences imposed by the courts preserved
Washington county from any serious trouble from
that source since. For his conduct of this affair,
the sheriff received the thanks of the best citizens
regardless of party, also the compliments of Gov.
Hoyt. But what gave him even more pleasure than
this was the presentation to him by the miners and
their friends of a very handsome cane, suitably in
scribed, and presented at a public meeting of the
citizens of California and vicinity. This cane is
still one of his most cherished possessions. The
history of this affair demonstrates the possibility of
a sheriff effectually quelling riot and preserving
the peace, by the prompt use of the power given
him by the laws, without using any military force
other than the " power of the county," at all times
subject to his control for that purpose. Although
retired from the more arduous duties of agricult
ural life, Maj. Work yet supervises the cultivation
of his large farm. He possesses some literary
gifts, which he sometimes exercises in correspond
ence for various papers.
Maj. Work, now nearing the close of life,
desires us to conclude this sketch by tendering to
his many comrades of the G. A. R. and all others,
his most sincere thanks for the many words and
acts of kindness received at their hands, and asks
their kind remembrance in the future.
Samuel C. Work was born in Hopewell town
ship, on the same farm where he is now living, and
received a common-school education. On August
13, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, First Penn
sylvania Cavalry, and being assigned to the army
of the Potomac took part in most of the engage
ments participated in by that division of the army;
was wounded August 14, 1864, six days after the
expiration of his term of service, while in command
of a squadron, and he received an honorable dis

charge September 9, 1864. He then returned to
AVashington county, and on February 8, 1865,
was united in marriage with Sarah A., daughter of
W. R. Donahey, of Buffalo township, of whose
family a sketch follows. The children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Work were as follows: James E.,
born June 16, 1866; William D. , January 15,
1868; Luretta M., May 27, 1869; Harry A., March
16, 1871; Ora P., October 12, 1872; Nellie A,
March 2, 1875; Harvey B. S. R, April 25, 1879;
Samuel C., May 10, 1881; George R., November
11, 1884; and John Calvin, November 24, 1886.
Of these children, Harry A. died May 16, 1872,
and James E., June 19, 1892, leaving a daughter,
Mary Elvalena (he was married November 20,
1890, to Miss Mattie Stewart, of Canton township,
daughter of William Stewart).
Mr. and Mrs. Work have always resided on the
home farm, a valuable and well- improved piece
of property. He has followed farming and stock
raising with marked success, and is one of the fore
most breeders of Spanish Merino sheep of the De
laine type. He is an enterprising and progres
sive agriculturist, ever ready to adopt modern
methods, provided they are conducive to the best
results. Mr. Work is one of the most ardent sup
porters of education in both Church and State; and
to his perseverance and energy there now stands
the Buffalo Academy, it being the third academy
erected in this part of Hopewell township. Po
litically he is an enthusiastic supporter of the doc
trines embodied iu the Republican platform, be
ing a counselor of that party, and has held several
township offices. He and his wife and five of the
elder children are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Buffalo village, under the pastorate of
Rev. T. A. Anderson.
Donahey Family. This is one of the first fami
lies to settle in Washington county. Joseph Do
nahey aud Mary, his wife, with their children —
Jane, William, Samuel and Mary — emigrated from
Omagh, in County Tyrone, Ireland, May 23, 1790,
arriving in America August 24, same year.
They settled near Taylorstown, in Buffalo town
ship, on the place now owned by Jacob White,
which is known as one of the best oil farms in the
Taylorstown oil field. Two other children were
born to them in Washington county, named Joseph
and Margaret.
Samuel Donahey was bom in May, 1787, and
emigrated with his parents from Ireland. He was
married to Anna Reed, daughter of William Reed,
and they located on what is now known as the
James and Isaac Hodgens farm. In 1840 he was
ordained as a ruling elder in Buffalo Presbyterian
Church. He died suddenly in his own yard De
cember 25, 1840. To them were born six children,
viz. : Joseph, married to Mary A. Lowry, of Hope
well township (he resided near Buffalo, and was a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

855

leader of the music in the Buffalo Presbyterian
Church. In April, 1879, he and his family moved
to Adair, Iowa, where he served as a ruling elder
in the Presbyterian Church the rest of his life.
He died August 27, 1890, a man of a quiet dispo
sition, a kind husband and father and a devout
Christian); William R., born January 14, 1816;
Margaret, who married Rev. James Smith; Mary,
widow of Vincent Blayney, still resides on the
Blayney homestead near Taylorstown; Jane, mar
ried to Rev. Marshal, and Sarah A., married to
Rev. James Shields, now a resident of Allegheny,
William R. Donahey was* married in Decem
ber, 1843, to Mary Ely, daughter of Marten Ely,
an elder in East Buffalo Church. He located on
what is known as the William Donahey farm, two
miles south of Taylorstown. Four children were
born to them: Sarah A., bom September 9, 1844,
was married to S. C. AVork; Samuel, born Decem
ber 15, 1845, who now resides with his mother in
Buffalo village; Martin L., born September 22,
1847, was married to Frances E. Fergus, of Can
onsburg, Penn, November 2, 1872 (he was licensed
by the Presbytery of Washington, and is now pas
tor of the Presbyterian Church of Napoleon, Ohio);
Joseph A., born February 6, 1850, married Lizzie
H. McCleese, of Taylorstown, July 13, 1876, and is
now pastor of the Capitol Avenue Presbyterian
Church of Denver, Colo. William Donahey was
ordained an elder in Buffalo Presbyterian Church
in 1853, and served until his death, August 14,
1884. Much of his time and means were spent in
behalf of his fellow-men. In his youthful days he
taught school, which he took great delight in, as it
opened many ways for usefulness in after years.
He took special delight in the Sabbath-school, and
was for many years elected superintendent of Buf
falo Sabbath-school. Mr. Donahey was a devout
and earnest follower of Christ, honoring God in
his household, and was extremely conscientious and
faithful as a ruling elder.

' RS. ANN TAYLOR is the widow of Max
well H. Taylor, who was a son of Joshua,
and grandson of William and Phcebe
(Heardman) Taylor. The latter couple
emigrated from Ireland in 1788, and com
ing to America located in Washington county,
Penn., near Taylor's church, where their last days
werepassed. The father died in 1841, followed
by his widow in 1855. Joshua Taylor, son of
William and Phoebe, was born in County Cavan,
Ireland, where he married Jane Quinn, a country
woman, and immigrated to Pennsylvania. In
1829 they settled on a farm in Washington county,
and five children were born to them, of whom but
one is now living, Sophia, widow of William Stew

art. The father died July 3, 1851, followed by
his widow December 23, 1886.
Maxwell H. Taylor was born July 3, 1833, in
Washington county, Penn., and passed his whole
life on the home farm in East Bethlehem town
ship. On June 28, 1866, he was united in mar
riage with Ann, daughter of William C, and
granddaughter of Isaac C. Wolf. The latter was
a native of Virginia, and there married Susanna
Dehaven, who bore him four children, viz.: Will
iam C. , Joseph, Elizabeth and Rachel A. The
father voted with the Democratic party, and in relig
ious faith was a member of the M. E. Church.
Mrs. Wolf died January 19, 1846, and he was laid
to rest July 27, 1870.
William C. Wolf was born July 22, 1820, in
Virginia, and came with his parents to Washing
ton county, Penn., in 1829, receiving his education
in the subscription schools, and following agri
cultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he selected a
life companion in the person of Melinda J. Small-
wood, who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington
county, where they settled, and he followed teach
ing and cabinet making. In political opinion he
was a Democrat, and in religious connection a
member of the M. E. Church. His children were
Alfred D. , who enlisted in Company I, Second
Regiment, Virginia Infantry, and served three
years; Susanna, wife of James K. Ward; Joseph,
who enlisted in Company D, Seventy- ninth Regi
ment P. V. I.; Ann, wife of Maxwell Taylor;
Henry W. ; Sarah N. ; Abram, and Isaac C. Mr.
Wolf died March 4, 1855, and was followed to the
grave by his wife April 9, 1874. The father was
a Democrat. Maxwell H. and Ann (Wolf) Taylor had four
children, namely: Melinda J., wife of Lucian H.
Patterson; Felicia H.; Phcebe A., and one who is
deceased. Mr. Taylor was a successful farmer, and
in politics was actively identified with the Repub
lican party. He died September 25, 1876, and
his widow is yet residing on the well-improved
farm of seventy-three acres. She is a member of
the Taylor M. E. Church.

LEXANDER S. HAYS is a cousin of the
other representatives of that name who are
mentioned in this volume as residents of
Smith township, this county. His grand
father, Moses Hays, was the youngest son
of a large family born to David Hays, of New
Jersey, whose sons were Thomas, David, Joseph,'
William, James and Moses.
Moses Hays was born in the State of New
Jersey, and after partially learning the blacksmith's
trade, he was drafted at the age of nineteen into
Continental army, together with five of his broth
ers. He followed his trade till the close of the war,

856

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and during the contest his brother John received
a wound, which was the cause of his death. In
1783 Moses was married to Jemima Patterson, a
native of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the
Revolutionary war, Moses, with his wife and
brothers, went west, settling on 1,000 acres of land
about three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this
county,on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this
land, and Moses made a permanent home upon his
share, where the following children were born and
reared: Thomas (moved to Jackson county, Ohio,
where he died), born October 5, 1784; Edith (wife
of David Hayes, of Ohio), born February 27, 1786;
John (deceased, near Moorefield, Harrison Co.,
Ohio), born February 3, 1789; William (killed by
accident), born April 7, 1791 ; James (deceased
in Allegheny county, Penn.), born June 11, 1793;
Alexander, born November 11, 1795; Mary (de
ceased in youth), born December 25, 1797; Eleanor
(deceased wife of James Todd, of Allegheny coun
ty), born November 15, 1799; Joseph (deceased
on the home farm), born February 15, 1801; David
(deceased farmer of Smith township, married to
Martha Fulton), born May 7, 1803; and Ann (de
ceased in youth), born June 23, 1805. Moses
Hays possessed a remarkably retentive memory,
easily recalling incidents of the war fifty years
after the conflict. Anything once seen or heard
he never forgot, and easily brought it to mind
whenever the subject arose. He was a prominent
and successful farmer, and in religion was a mem
ber of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of
Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of
Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836,
being followed in a few days by his wife.
Joseph Hays was born February 15, 1801, on
the old home place, situated on Raccoon creek,
about two and a half miles east of Burgettstown,
Smith township. He attended the county schools
near the home farm, receiving but a meager educa
tion, then learned the blacksmith's trade of his
father, which he followed until about twenty-five
years of age. He then worked as a miller, and
having a natural taste for mechanical work he
easily learned different trades, also followed drov
ing. In 1842 he was united in marriage with
Eleanor Kerr, who was born about 1812, in Cross
Creek township, this county, daughter of William
and Eleanor (Lyle) Kerr. The children born to
this union were: Elizabeth L. (living at home),
Mary E. (deceased in early womanhood), Alex
ander S. (subject of our sketch), AVilliam Kerr (a
farmer of Allegheny county, Penn.), and Eleanor
J. (living with her brother Alexander on the home
farm). Joseph and Eleanor (Kerr) Hays settled
on the home farm after their marriage, where he
followed farming and stock raising with marked
success. He always voted with the Democratic
party, and in religion he and his wife were mem

bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hays died
February 6, 1882, having been preceded by his
wife September 30, 1871.
Alexander S. Hays was born October 8, 1849, on
the home farm, where he is now living, and re-
received a common-school education, at the same
time assisting his father to cultivate the soil.
After the death of the latter, Alexander S. Hays
purchased the " Old Home Farm," where his an
cestors had located over one hundred years ago,
and has since improved and cultivated the old
place. He raises first-class stock, making a spe
cialty of fine horses, for which he possesses a strong
admiration. He is a very progressive farmer, con
stantly making some new improvement, or illustrat
ing some new idea, and in 1891 he erected a hand
some new residence. Politically he is a prominent
member of the Democratic party, having frequently
served in township offices and given valuable as
sistance to the party in various ways. In religion
he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He
has never married.

+/

It Ml RS. SARAH BELLE MORRIS was born
x//\ in 1856, in Fallowfield township, Wash-
Mll ington Co. , Penn., a daughter of Joseph
^ and Charlotte (Carson) Rider, both of
whom were born in 1822, also in Fallow
field township. Her father was reared from boy
hood to agricultural pursuits, and has been a
practical, industrious farmer. Her parents are yet
residing on the old homestead, at the age of
seventy years, and two daughters have blessed
their wedded life, viz. : Hannah E., wife of Lewis
Carson, a farmer of West Pike Run township, and
Sarah Belle, widow of Emery Morris.
Emery Morris was born in 1855, on the old
home place in Fallowfield township, Washington
Co., Penn., a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Hill)
Morris, both of whom are natives of Washington
county, Penn. Elizabeth Morris is deceased ; but
Jonathan now resides on the farm in Fallowfield
township, where the children were born, as follows:
Isaac, living in Carroll township, Washington
county; Emma J., wife of Henry Heanon, a farmer
of West Pike Run township, and Emery, deceased.
The last named attended the schools of the home
neighborhood, and his life was passed in agricult
ural pursuits.' He was married in 1876 to Sarah
Belle Rider, and died March 15, 1890, deeply
mourned by the many friends who knew and ap
preciated his worth. In politics he was actively
identified with the Republican party, and was
ever zealous in matters of public interest. Since
the death of her husband, Mrs. Morris has con- '
tinued to reside on the farm, consisting of 104
acres, on which are two good gas wells, each yield
ing an annual income of $500. Five children

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

857

have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris, two of
whom died in infancy; those now living are: Flor
ence, born in 1879; Eugene, born in 1885, and
Noretta, born in 1888.

AMUEL CRESWELL, one of the oldest,
most intelligent and highly respected
farmers of Jefferson township, Washington
Co. , Penn. , is a grandson of James Cres-
well, who came from Fort Deposit, Md. ; settled in
Washington county about the year 1790; removed
to Brooke county, W. Va., about 1800; was married
to Miss Mary Johnston, a native of Lancaster
county, Penn., and was engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Their union was blessed with nine chil
dren, namely: Robert, John, Samuel, Margaret,
Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine and James, all
of whom died, leaving numerous descendants, who
are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific
oceans. Robert, the eldest son of James and Mary (John
ston) Creswell, was bom December 23, 1780, and
came to Washington county with his father in
early life. Robert was reared on the farm, but
turned his attention to milling soon after becoming
of age, and built for himself a mill, now known as
Ryland' s Mill, Brooke Co., W. Va., which he
operated for many years. He was united in mar
riage about 1808, with Miss Mary McCarrell,
whose father, Thomas McCarrell, came from Ire
land at an early date, and took part in the Revolu
tionary war, serving until the close of the conflict.
To this union were born seven children, viz. : James,
Eleanor, Thomas, Samuel, Robert J., Mary and
Jane, of whom but two are living: James and
Samuel. Samuel Creswell was born February 22, 1815,
in Brooke county, Va. , and attended the common
schools of that section. He afterward became a
millwright, in which business he was successful,
having built his first sawmill when but fourteen
years of age. This mill is still in operation, and
is known as the " Ry] and' s Mill." Among the many
witnesses to the skill and ingenuity of Mr. Cres
well are the old Wilson Mill, near AVest Middle-
town; the McBain Mill in Columbiana county,
Ohio, and the old mill now known as the ' ' Kidd
Mill," which Mr. Creswell built, and operated for a
number of years. He afterward came to the farm
where he has since continuously resided. He was
married February 2, 1837, to Mary Cunningham, a
native of Washington county, born April 25, 1820,
a daughter of John Cunningham, who came from
Ireland at an early date. She died August 9, 1890.
She was the mother of four children, viz. : Su
sanna, married February 7, 1861, to William Han
lin (deceased) (she first settled in Washington
county, but now resides at Richmond, Ohio. She

has had eight children : Samuel (deceased), Rachel
J., Grace M., M. D., George A., Marie E., John
D., and William F., deceased); Mary Eleanor (de
ceased), Rachel Jane and Emma F. Mr. Cress-
well has been a stanch Democrat, and one of the
counselors of his party. He has 186 acres of fine
land, and a comfortable home. In religion he has
always been a consistent member of the Meth
odist Protestant Church. His daughter, Emma
F., has been a photographer for several years, and
has in her possession quite a number of historical
photographs, the product of her own work.

XENOPHON COOKE is a representative
farmer, aud is a descendant of an old time-
honored family of Smith township. He is
^ a great-grandson of James Cooke. James
(the great-grandfather) was a native of
Lancaster county, Penn., where, in 1752, he was
united in marriage with a native of the same coun
ty, who bore him the following children: James,
born August 11, 1758; Dorcas, born October 12,
1764; John, born December 29, 1766; David, born
August 16, 1769; and Margaret, born February
28, 1773. Little is known of this family, save that
the father followed agricultural pursuits in Lan
caster county, Penn. , and the three sons moved to
Washington county soon after the Revolutionary
war. James Cooke was reared to manhood in his na
tive county, and served as a commissioned officer in
the Revolution, and about 1785 came to Washing
ton county. He purchased a tract of 649 acres in
Smith township, situated about three and one-half
miles south of Burgettstown, where he erected
a rude cabin, and began to cultivate the virgin
soil. On April 17, 1788, he was married to Hetty
Galbraith, of Lancaster county, Penn. , where
Mary A. was born May 20, 1793. In 1795 the
mother died, and Mary A., the only child then liv
ing, was taken to Lancaster county, Penn. , by her
mother' s relatives, and was married to a Mr. Car
penter, of Lancaster, where her descendants still
reside. On May 10, 1797, Mr. Cooke made choice
of a second wife in the person of Martha McCombs,
of Washington county, and to this union were born
the following children: David, born March 28,
1798; Julia A. (wife of James McDonald, a farmer
of Washington county), born December 17, 1799;
Samuel (deceased on the old homestead in 1879),
born April 22, 1803; Jane (wife of Joseph Vance),
born August 6, 1806; Dorcas (consort of Moses
Lyle), born May 18, 1809; Oliver P. (a farmer of
Smith township), born October 23, 1814; and Ma
tilda (married to David Gault of Cross Creek town
ship), born May, 1817, all now deceased. James
Cooke passed all his married life on the farm in
Smith township, which eventually became one of
the most valuable places of the neighborhood.
David Cooke, the eldest son in the above named

858

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

family, was born and reared on the home farm, and
was united in marriage with Agnes B. Ritchey.
She was born in 1808, in Harrison county, Ohio,
afterward coming with her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Ritchey, to Washington county. Mrs.
Ritchey was a member of the well-known McWill
iams family of Washington county. To the union
of David and Agnes (Ritchey) Cooke children were
born as follows: John (a carpenter, of Paducah,
Ky., afterward enlisting in Company A, One Hun
dredth Regiment, the "Round Heads," serving
until honorably discharged on account of physical
disability), Xenophon (of whom further mention is
made), Jane A. (Mrs. AV. K. Lyle, of Washington,
Penn.), Martha J. (deceased wife of Rev. Alexan
der White, a U. P. minister, of Washington county),
Silas (a Presbyterian minister, of Nebraska, also a
member of Company K, One Hundred and For
tieth P. V. I. , wounded in the battle of the Wil
derness), Marietta (wife of Prof. S. C. Farrar,
of Allegheny, Penn.) and Oliver R. (a law
yer of the Pittsburgh bar). Although enjoying
but meager educational advantages in early life,
Mr. Cooke succeeded by close and earnest study
in becoming a scholarly man, equal to many of his
more favored neighbors. He read Greek and
Latin, was a fine mathematician (becoming a
prominent civil engineer), all of which he secured
by close application after attaining the age of ma
turity. In his example the lesson is obvious to
those yet in the prime of life who bemoan the lack
or neglect of early education. ' ' Never too late to
learn" is a trite maxim, but one whose truth is evi
dent in all cases where people have had the cour
age and perseverance to devote time (otherwise
spent in a less profitable manner) to the acquire
ment of needed knowledge. Politically Mr. Cooke
was formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the
Republican party, and served in several offices. He
was a member and liberal supporter of the Pres
byterian Chunch in Cross Creek township. He
died December 24, 1857; his widow is now resid
ing in Allegheny, Penn.
Xenophon Cooke was born November 29, 1835,
on the farm in Smith township where he is yet re
siding. On September 23, 1863, he was united in
marriage with Jane Galbraith, who was born Oc
tober 20, 1835, daughter of William and Isabella
(Welch) Galbraith, of Smith township, and two chil
dren have blessed this union: David M. (deceased
at the age of twenty-two years) and Bella (an ac
complished young lady, living at home). After
his marriage Xenophon Cooke settled on the home
farm, and has since followed agricultural pursuits.
He is a very influential man, and in politics votes
the Republican ticket, having been elected to dif
ferent offices, and was chosen a justice of the peace,
but declined to serve. He and his wife are mem
bers of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.

AMUEL McCLAY, who is a son of David
and Margaret (McElroy) McClay, was born
February 25, 1853, upon the old farm in
Canton township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he passed his boyhood days and received
his first lessons in the fundamental principles of
success. He received a common-school education,
and was early inducted into the mysteries of
agricultural life. On March 4, 1873, he was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah, a daughter of
Joseph Wolf, who was one of the pioneer settlers
of the county. The young wife lived but a short
time after marriage, dying July 28, 1879, and on
November 30, 1882, Mr. McClay married Miss
Isabella, a daughter of John Fergus, whose father,
Hugh Fergus, was born in Chartiers township,
where he passed his early years, and, on attaining
the age of maturity, wedded Miss Nancy McClain.
To them were born : Sarah (deceased wife of James
Stewart), John (now living in Olathe, Kans.),
Mary (deceased wife of William Boone), Thomas
(deceased), Agnes (Mrs. Matthew Miller), Martha
(Mrs. Reed Miller), and Hugh (deceased). Hugh
Fergus was a self-made man, and always followed
agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig, but held no
political offices, and in religious views was formerly
a Seceder, but afterward united with the United
Presbyterian Church, and was a ruling elder.
His son, John Fergus, was born in May, 1822,
and beginning life for himself at an early age,
became a most progressive and energetic citizen.
He was married in March, 1844, to Miss Ellen,
daughter of Samuel Martin, and then settled on a
farm where he remained many years. Like his
father, he was a member of the U. P. Church, and
in politics was a Whig.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McClay
settled upon the old home farm where they now
reside. The children born to them are: Ora B.,
EbenM., Esther A. and Ellen Blanche. Mr. McClay
is active in the ranks of the Republican party, and,
like his ancestors, is a member of the Disciple
Church.

//

L If B. BUCKINGHAM was born August 3,
vl 1845, in Somerset township, this county,
ll where he is now known as a successful and
industrious farmer. He is a son of Igna
tius Buckingham, who was bom in 1817, in
East Bethlehem township, this county, and being
reared to agriculture, followed that vocation all
his life. In early manhood he was united in mar
riage with Martha Baker, who was born in 1820,
in East Bethlehem township, this county. Five
children were born to this union, of whom three
are yet living: Susan I. (wife of Henry Reade),
Phcebe E. (unmarried) and N. B. (subject of this
sketch). The father was a public-spirited man,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

859

holding various township offices. He died in 1885,
and the mother is now living with her daughter,
Susan I.
N. B. Buckingham was reared on the home
farm receiving a district- school education. In
1872 he was married to Miss Nancy B. Camp, who
was born February 25, 1843, in Washington
county, Penn. She is a daughter of Peter (who
was born in 1804) and Rosanna (Smiley) Camp
(who was born November 9, 1805). Their chil
dren were born as follows: Owen, Mary, Phcebe
(who married William Martin, of Greene county,
Penn.), Emma (unmarried), William H. (a farmer
of Somerset township), Matilda (wife of David G.
Bonner), Nancy B. (Mrs. N. B. Buckingham),
David G. , Maria (deceased) and Joseph (deceased).
The father died in 1870, and in 1882 his wife was
laid beside him. Both were members of the M.
E. Church. To the union of N. B. and Nancy B.
(Camp) Buckingham three children have been
born: Walter H. , born June 19, 1871; Frank R.,
bora in 1875; and Edwin C, born in 1879. Mr.
Buckingham is a practical agriculturist, owning
136 acres of fine, well-improved land. He is a
public- spirited citizen, interested in all progres
sive movements. He and his wife are members of
the M. E. Church, of which he is a steward.

EW. McCONNELL, a prosperous and intelli
gent young farmer of Independence town
ship, is a son of William and grandson of
George. McConnell, a pioneer settler of
Ashland county, Ohio. William McConnell re
ceived a limited common-school education, and
then left home and ran on the Ohio river from
Pittsburgh to New Orleans. While on a visit to
relatives in West Middletown, Washington Co.,
Penn., he met the lady who afterward became his
wife, Martha Ann Culbertson (who was born Oc
tober 24, 1816, in Independence (then Hopewell)
township, daughter of John Culbertson). Mr.
Culbertson was bom February 13, 1786, near
Chambersburg, Penn., and was married to Martha
Adams (who was born east of the mountains No
vember 10, 1777), daughter of David Adams, who
was among the early settlers of Washington
county, and an old river man. He made the re
turn trip from New Orleans on foot or horseback,
subsisting meanwhile on corn dodgers. It was
necessary to sleep out of doors, as the country was
unsettled, and their dreams were often interrupted
by the war-whoop of the savage or the scream of
some wild animal. Mr. Culbertson was a resident
of Independence township, where his daughter,
Martha Ann, was born. Mr. and Mrs. William
McConnell had the following children: Jane, John
(both deceased in youth), E. W., Margaret (Mrs.
Joseph Ralston, of Independence township), Annie

M. (deceased in youth) and William (a farmer).
After his marriage Mr. McConnell located on the
old Culbertson farm, lying about two miles
southeast of Independence, where he resided until
his death. He also owned the place now known
as the "McConnell Homestead," and was a pros
perous farmer. Politically he was a Democrat,
and filled many offices of trust. His widow, a
most estimable lady, is now living on the home
farm, and is a consistent member of -the Lower
Buffalo Presbyterian Church, with which her de
ceased husband was also connected.
E. W. McConnell was born August 2, 1849, on
the place in Independence township, which was
made a part of the homestead before the death of
his father. His boyhood was passed in farm work,
and receiving a common-school education, which
was in supplemented by a partial course at Mount
Union College, in Stark county, Ohio. He then
taught school for some time in Elizabethtown, Ky.,
and afterward returned to his birthplace, where he
has since resided. On October 6, 1881, he was
united in marriage with Annie Gourley (who was
born in 1862, in Brooke county, W. Va.), daugh
ter of James Gourley, a native of that place; and
to their union have been born children as follows:
James G. , Annie M. , Willard AV. , and William Cul
bertson, an infant son. Mr. McConnell erected a
pleasant residence on the home farm adjoining the
original tract owned by his father, aud engaged in
farming. He is one of the progressive men in his
vocation; in politics he has been a Democrat, but
at present is independent of any party connection.
Both he and his wife are members of the Lower
Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

ILLIAM A. SMILEY. There are men in
all communities whose influence is felt
rather than seen; whose lives' and char
acters, like the deep undercurrent of a
mighty stream, have deeper, greater aud weightier
effects in moulding their surroundings and shap
ing the course of events, than others who in out
ward appearances may have an important showing
in the affairs of the community. Among those
quiet, earnest men, whose depth of character and
firm uprightness of principles excite the admiration
of those who know them, is William A. Smiley,
who comes of a long line of honored ancestors.
William A. Smiley was born April 22, 1848, in
Hopewell township, this county. His father,
Caldwell Smiley, was a son of William Smiley,
who was of Scotch ancestry, and came to America
at a very early day. He was one of the first
elders of Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and
with Robert Caldwell, in 1779 selected the site
for the church. Prior to coming to Washington
county, he had lived in York county, Penn. The

860

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

personal appearance of Mr. AA7illiam Smiley is thus
described in " Old Redstone:" " He was a Scotch
man of strong mind, very shrewd, and extremely
pious. His manners were somewhat blunt, and
he had an integrity and honesty about him which
would not allow him to connive at anything he
thought to be wrong. He disliked everything
which in any way set aside the claims of religion,
and did not give it its proper place in the business
of life or the enjoyment of the social circle." It
is related of Mr. Smiley that where at one time
the church of Upper Buffalo had been unable for
some years to pay the salary of Rev. James Smith,
he volunteered to make the trip to New Orleans
with a boat-load of flour. Although sixty-four
years of age, he made the trip successfully, and
from the proceeds of the sale of the flour paid the
church debt. He died November 21, 1813, aged
eighty-two years. William Smiley was the father
of seven children, their names and dates of births
being as follows: Margaret, in January, 1796;
William, October 30, 1797; John, November 22,
1799; Robert, October 10, 1801; James, November
11, 1803; Samuel, November 28, 1805, and Cald
well, August 5, 1807. After a long career of use
fulness, Mr. Smiley passed away at the age of
eighty-two years.
Caldwell Smiley, youngest son of William, was
reared in Hopewell township, this county, and,
after receiving a fair English education in the com
mon schools, engaged in farming. He was first
married to a Miss Tweed, and after her death was
united in marriage with Martha Smiley, daughter
of Samuel Smiley, who bore him one son, William
A. Caldwell Smiley wielded a strong influence in
the community in which he lived. In politics he
was a Whig prior to the formation of the Repub
licans, after which he became a strict adherent of
the principles of that party. He possessed great
determination and industry, and accumulated a
handsome competence, the result of his own
efforts. After the death of his mother, which occurred
May 6, 1848, William A. Smiley was taken into
the family of his uncle, where he remained, at
tending school, until eighteen years of age, when
the failing health of his father obliged him to re
turn and take charge of the home farm. On Octo
ber 1, 1875, he was married to Miss Linnie A:AVork,
daughter of James and Margaret (Caldwell) Work,
of Hopewell township, residing near Buffalo vil
lage. After his father's death, Mr. Smiley pur
chased the farm upon which he is now residing,
containing 108 acres. He gives special attention
to the raising of sheep, hogs, horses and cattle, and
the usual farm products. The children born to
AVilliam A. and Linnie A. (Work) Smiley are:
James C, Austin Vincent, William A., Viola M.,
Harold H, Elsie Belle, and one child deceased in

infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Smiley are members and
regular attendants of church and Sabbath-school
of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

L

YSANDER PATTERSON, a well-known
surveyor in Washington county, Penn., was
born March 19, 1820, on the farm in Cross
Creek township where he is yet living. He
is a grandson of Thomas Patterson, and a son of
William and Margaret (Lyle) Patterson, the latter
of whom was a daughter of Hon. Aaron Lyle.
Lysander Patterson attended the English Depart
ment of AA?ashington College, under the tuition of
Hon. John L. Gow, and also enjoyed the advan
tage of private lessons from the renowned mathe
matician, Prof. John Armstrong, who was then
teaching in Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio.
After leaving school he returned to farming and
surveying. On March 27, 1845, Mr. Patterson was united in
marriage with Elizabeth M., daughter of David
Wallace, of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Patter
son owns ninety-four acres of the old homestead,
where his father first made a settlement. He is a
stanch Democrat, and has served for many years
as township auditor and justice of the peace.

T OHN BAVINGTON McBRIDE was born on
I the farm on which he now resides in North
tf I Strabane township, AVashington Co., Penn.,
^ March 15, 1837.
He received a good primary and more ad
vanced education at the common schools of his
district, supplemented by an extended course of
study at Jefferson College, then located at Canons
burg, this county. Indeed it may be truly said of
him that he has been a life student, a diligent and
thoughtful reader of selected books that furnished
the best food for the mind, keeping himself posted
in the current literature of the times, a close ob
server of men and things, and thus trained he has
always been ready to take a leading part in all ques
tions and enterprises of interest to the community.
In his political predilections he is a leading Dem
ocrat and a strong advocate of "clean politics."
He has held with characteristic ability various
township offices. Without solicitation on his part
he was nominated for the Legislature in 1869, and
again in 1890. In both contests he led his col
leagues, and although in a strongly Republican
district, was defeated in both contests by less than
100 votes. He was one of the corporators of and
is a stockholder in the "Oak Spring Cemetery
Company," located near Canonsburg, Penn. Mr.
McBride has been twice appointed, by Gov. Patti
son, a member of the board of managers of Mor
ganza Reform school, and takes a special interest

£. %_< y^cVL

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

863.

in the common schools in his community, having
been for many years identified with their manage
ment, believing this to be the children's golden op
portunity. He is a zealous worker for their suc
cess and in touch with such methods and appli
ances as will elevate and ennoble the schools.
Mr. McBride' s ancestral history is an interesting
one. The great-grandparents of the present gener
ation of the most numerous family of Washington
county McBrides were natives of near Belfast,
County Antrim, Ireland, where they lived and
died. The great-grandfather' s name was Nathan
iel McBride and the great-grandmother's maiden
name was Hamilton. The grandfather's name
was James McBride, and the grandmother's maiden
name was Sarah Sprowls; both were natives of
Ireland but were married in this country. Na
thaniel and some other brothers never came to this
country. James McBrkle, when twenty-three
years of age, came to America with his brothers,
Isaac and Samuel, about 1772, and settled first on
what was afterward taken up and known as the
" Washington lands " on Miller's run, AVashington
Co., Penn. Soon after their settlement here, Gen.
Washington, at the suggestion of his agent, Capt.
William Crawford, had a survey made of these
lands, and on July 5, 1775, a military patent
was issued to Washington for 2,813 acres, from
Lord Dunmore, Governor- general of Virginia.
In the meantime they, with other settlers, made im
provements on said lands, believing, as Col. George
Croghan, an Indian agent, told them, that Wash
ington had no right there and advised them to re
main. Washington's journal shows that on Sep
tember, 19, 1784, "he came to the settlement,"
but having learned that they were a religious
people deferred his visit until " Monday, Septem
ber 20, went early this morning to view the land
and to receive the final determination of those who
lived upon it. " . . . " Having obtained a pilot
near the land, I went first to the plantation of Samuel
McBride, who has about five acres of meadow and
thirty acres of arable land under good fencing, a
logged dwelling house with a puncheon roof and
stable or small barn of the same kind. The land
rather hilly but good, chiefly white oak. . . . Next
James McBride's three or four acres of meadow,
twenty- eight acres of arable land, pretty good
fencing, land rather broken but good, white and
black oak timber mixed, a dwelling house and
barn— of middling size — with puncheon roofs."
His journal further shows that they with Thomas
Biggert and nine others were ejected from their
improved lands in 1785. Samuel McBride and
family, with his brother Isaac, a bachelor, went
to Mahoning in eastern Ohio. James McBride,
with Thomas Biggert and several .others of those
ejected, settled in what is now Robinson township,
Washington Co. , Penn. These sturdy pioneer set

tlers felt that they were not justly treated by Gen,
Washington, believing that they were entitled to
their lands by improvement of them according to
the custom of the country. Ejected from these
homes which they had literally hewed out of the
forest, defeated but not disheartened, they again
entered the forest to carve out for themselves new
homes. James McBride selected 240 acres, and in
1785 secured a patent under the name of " Pump-.
ton" from the receiver-general's offices of Penn
sylvania, which patent contained this unique clause:
' ' Reserving only the fifth part of all gold and silver
for the use of the commonwealth, to be delivered at
the pit' s mouth free of all charges. ' ' This tract was
owned successively by his sons, William and Alex
ander, and is now owned by his grandson, John C.
McBride. Another grandson, William, now owns
and lives upon a part of the " AV ashington lands "
in Mt. Pleasant township. It is said that the Mc
Bride settlements were on the land now owned by
Luther Morgan in said township.
Mr. McBride's family was one of the three that
first formed the organization of the Associate Pres
byterian Church of Clinton, Rev. William Wilson,.
pastor. James McBride died October 6, 1827,.
aged eighty-four years, his wife died March 6r
1838, aged eighty-one years, and both are buried
in the Clinton Church cemetery. They had an
issue of ten sons, as follows: Nathaniel, died in
1860, aged eighty- two years; Francis, James and
John were at their deaths aged fifty-nine, sixty-
nine, and eighty-eight years, respectively; Mat
thew Hamilton, born in 1787, died March 12,.
1871, aged eighty-four years; Samuel died in 1877,
aged eighty-seven years; Isaac died aged eighty-
three years; David died aged seventy-two years;
William, born 1797, died October 22, 1878, aged
eighty- one years; Alex., born in 1800, died Novem
ber 20, 1885, aged eighty-five years. By the help
and industry of this large family of boys Mr.
McBride accumulated a large estate, about eleven
hundred acres of land, which he divided among
his children.
Matthew H. McBride was born in Robinson
township, Washington Co., Penn., and received as
liberal an education as the schools of his day af
forded. For a time he taught the district school,
and worked on the farm. He was by his father's
will made one of the executors of the estate. He
was married March 12, 1834, to Mary Bavington,
daughter of Capt. John and Ruth (McKinnon)
Bavington, one of the pioneer families of Smith
township .
Captain John Bavington was born February 2,
1750, and was married to Ruth McKinnon about
the year 1785. On February 22, 1786, he took
out a patent called "Mill Town," containing 404
acres near the east branch of Raccoon creek.
Soon after this he built a grist-and saw-mill,

864

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

which did the grinding and sawing for many miles
around. He built a cabin on the hillside about a
quarter of a mile east of the village of Bavington.
Later he built a house on the part of the farm near
the village of Bavington, where he lived until his
death, which occurred June 23, 1810, under the
following sad circumstances: He was on his way to
Steubenville with a four-horse load of flour, and
when crossing the Ohio river at Kelly's Ferry,
near the mouth of Harman's creek, the stamping
of the horses loosened the planks of the bottom of
the boat, letting in the water till it sank, and
both Capt. Bavington . and the ferryman were
drowned. Capt. Bavington's body was recovered,
brought home and buried in the Cross Roads
(now Florence) cemetery. He left a widow and
five sons : Daniel , Charles, Henry, John and Thomas.
His widow and eldest son, Daniel, were ad
ministrators of the estate, and the property was
divided. Daniel obtained the homestead aud
mill property; later he sold the mill property. to
James Clark, Sr., and went to Illinois. Charles
purchased mill property near Murdocksville, lived
therefor a time, and then migrated to Ohio. Henry
lived and died comparatively young at the home
stead. John received his portion of the estate in
money, and went to Oregon. Thomas received the
east portion of the farm now owned by D. Stewart
McBride, and which was rated as one of the best
farms in that part of the county. During the
palmy days of the " Steubenville Pike," Thomas
kept a public house for many years, it being about
midway between Pittsbugh and Steubenville; there
being quite a traffic between the?e two places
made it a good place for the accommodation of the
public. He was a good and public-spirited citizen.
In 1855, when the Pittsburgh & Steubenville Rail
road was first projected, he took an active part in
securing it, and was a liberal subscriber to its
stock, although the road was not located near
his farm. He lived upon this farm until his death,
¦which occurred about the year 1863. His children
nearly all died during their minority; only one
daughter, Eliza, now is living.
Capt. Bavington had five daughters: Nancy
married Matthew Hartford, a millwright who built
the Bavington mill; Elizabeth married Charles B.
Patterson, and they settled near Bavington, where
both died; Sarah married a Mr. Backhouse, who
owned a farm eight miles below Pittsburgh, now
owned by the " Pennsylvania Insane Asylum " at
Dixmont (here she was killed August 27, 1851, by
a passing train on the Pittsburgh & Ft. Wayne
Railroad) ; Catherine married J. Burns, and lived
and died near Clinton, Allegheny Co., Penn. ; Mary
married Matthew H. McBride, March 12, 1834,
and settled in North Strabane township. The
Bavington family is now entirely extinct in Smith
township.

To Matthew H. and Mary (Bavington) McBride
were born three children, viz. : James Hamilton
(who died October 23, 1862, from wounds received
while in the service of the State that year), John
Bavington (our subject), and Samuel Bruce (who
graduated at Jefferson College in 1861, and who
at the call of his country then enlisted in Company
G (Capt. Frazer), One Hundred and Fortieth
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; he was se
verely wounded at Fredericksburg, and was subse
quently discharged on account of this disability;
as soon as his health permitted, he resumed his
theological studies, and was licensed to preach by
Chartiers U. P. Presbytery; he now resides near
Sewickley, Allegheny Co., Penn.). In 1824 Mr.
McBride and his brother, David, bought the home
stead in North Strabane township, which they
jointly held until November 3, 1835, when Mat
thew bought David's interest in the farm. This
farm is located in what is known as the " Rich
Hill section," three miles south of CanoDsburg,
and one mile from Johnson's Station, C. V. R. R.
Immediately after buying David's interest, Mr.
McBride with his wife permanently located on the
farm, bringing up their children to manhood.
Here the parents died, Matthew H. McBride, Sep
tember 12, 1871, aged eighty-four years, his wife
February 12, 1873, aged seventy-six years. They
were members of the Associate (now United Pres
byterian) Congregation of Chartiers, where the
venerable Dr. James Ramsey, so long ministered.
Mr. McBride was an old- school Democrat, but
never made himself prominent in politics. In
educational matters, however, and in every other
question claiming the earnest consideration of
thinking men, he took a deep interest, and he
served as school trustee in his township for many
years. He was a progressive farmer and successful
stock raiser.
After his parents' death, J. B. McBride ob
tained full control of the farm, and on May 1,
1873, he was married to Alice, daughter of Maj.
James S. Scott, of Washington county, Penn. An
interesting family of six children have come to
brighten their home, as follows: James Scott,
John Bavington, Charles Cubbage, Samuel Bruce,
Mary Alice and George Wallace. The mother of
these children dying November 17, 1884, Mr. Mc
Bride wedded on June 28, 1887, Frances Emma
Jones, of Canonsburg, Penn., whose parents were
Ephraim Jones, of Jones Ferry, Pittsburgh, and
Mary E. Rambo, of Covington, Ky. By this union
there is no issue. The family are members of and
liberal contributors toward the Chartiers U P.
congregation, Canonsburg, Penn. , and enjoy the
respect and esteem of the entire community. Mr.
McBride is exteneively engaged in general agricult
ure and stock raising. He is noted as a thorough
and successful farmer in a region celebrated for

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

865

its good farms and its model farmers. Like his
father, he has devoted much of his income to the
improvement and adornment of his farm, and as a
result he has now one of the most desirable and
best improved farms in this section of Washing
ton county. In all his undertakings he has met
with well-merited success, a success due to his per
severance, sound judgment and progressive enter
prise.

JENNIE A. MORGAN. From time immemo
rial it has been the custom of all nations to
extol, in story and in song, the valor of those
who have performed gallant deeds in time of
war, but it has been left to civilized nations to
commemorate that truer manliness, that nobler
courage, which enables men to live uprightly and
deal justly, seeking no preferment or approval save
that of God and their own consciences. In heat
of battle, men long trained in the grim trade of
war, without forethought oft achieved most daring
deeds. Shall the soldier hero receive a greater
tribute of respect than one who silently, uncom
plainingly takes up his burden and fights back the
thousand adverse fates that seek to block his path
way to success ? Shall we wreathe the laurel and
rear the beautiful arch for the one, and bury the
memories of the other in the tomb that enshrines
his mortal dust ? Civilized — Christianized human
ity cries out against it. The deeds of a good man
should live after him, and in these days of wide
dissemination of thought, the transmission of the
story from father to son is inadequate. Perpetu
ate his deeds, and thus perpetuate his influence.
The pioneers of Washington county possessed such
noble characteristics that not one whit of their
lives' record should be lost. The old residents of
Washington county look back over a long and uni
formly prosperous period, which is attributed to
the mode of life of the people. No county in the
State has been more favored, and no county in the
State can exhibit better public institutions than
this; and this condition of affairs can be traced to
the efforts of the people who first settled the
¦county, founded and fostered its religious and edu
cational institutions, and directed its political ca
reer. It has been said that the pioneers of Wash
ington county were a God-loving people, whose
first thought upon entering the wilderness was to
¦erect an altar to His worship, and from whose cab
ins rose at mom and eve the voice of praise,
thanksgiving and appeal. Such were the founders
of AVashington county, and such were the ances
tors of the subject of this sketch.
Miss Jennie A. Morgan's (of West Middletown,
Penn.) maternal grandfather, William Greer, came
to America when western Pennsylvania was still a
wilderness. William Greer was born and reared

in Ireland. Emigrating about the time he became
of age, he settled in Lancaster county, Penn.,
where he was afterward married to Jane Graham.
About the year 1805, William Greer and family (a
child having been born in Lancaster county) pushed
westward into Washington county, locating near
Noblestown, where they remained until 1836. They
then removed to Hopewell township, and in 1845
settled in West Middletown, where he died in 1852.
AVilliam Greer is described as a man of medium
height, and of delicate rather than robust form.
His constitution being shattered by the effects of
fever and ague, he was an invalid for many years,
but was cheerful and patient, having a kind dis
position and a pleasant word for all. He was very
modest in demeanor, and withheld himself from
publicity, but was very active in promoting Church
matters, holding membership in the Grove United
Presbyterian Church. He was a man of unusual
intelligence, and an insatiable searcher for infor
mation. Being for many years unable to work, he
found his chief diversion in books, and his solace
and comfort in his family and Church. Five chil
dren were bom to AVilliam and Jane (Graham)
Greer: Margaret (married James Maxwell, and
resided in Hopewell township until her death in
1870); Jane (lived in AVest Middletown until her
death, which occurred in 1890); Elizabeth (men
tioned below); John (left home and died when a
young man), and Mary (wife of James France, of
West Middletown, where she died in 1866). Of
these children, Elizabeth Greer was born Febru
ary 5, 1810, on the home place, and in 1832 was
married to Billingsley Morgan, a native of Alle
gheny county, Pennsylvania.
Billingsley Morgan was born in 1811. He was
a son of Hugh Morgan, who came with his parents
to western Pennsylvania, settling on the old Mor
gan tract about twelve miles below Pittsburgh,
when the county was very new, and secured their
land by "tomahawk right." The times were un
settled, and the Indians very hostile, the settlers
having to take refuge in the forts and blockhouses
to escape being massacred. Billingsley received a
common-school education, and after his marriage,
in 1833, opened a shoe store in West Middletown,
Penn., where he remained until his death in March,
1836. He left two daughters— Jane A. (the subject
of this sketch) and Margaret (deceased at the age
of three years). At the time of his death Mr. Mor
gan was too young to have obtained great promi
nence in his community, yet he was regarded as a
young man of extraordinary promise, and enjoyed
the esteem of those with whom he was associated,
possessing a bright, cheerful disposition, and fight
ing the adversities of life with smiles. He was a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Morgan
was a member of the United Presbyterian Church
at West Middletown. She was left alone to care

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

for. and educate her children while yet very young,
but she performed every duty toward them, and at
the same time her influence was felt in every de
partment of church work. Her devotion and piety
were remarkable, and she was ever ready to assist
in every plan for forwarding the course of moral
ity. She passed away August 14, 1872, her death
being a severe blow to the entire community, and
it was said of her that " a true Christian woman
had gone home."
The ladies of the Greer family have all been
noted for their- piety, and Miss Jane Greer (an
aunt of our subject) was no exception to the rule.
Having no family depending upon her she adopted
the sick, suffering and distressed; wherever such
were to be found, Miss Jane Greer appeared, nurs
ing the sick, comforting the distressed and serving
her Master as best she could. Her labors were
not for glory or gain, but " she saw her duty and
performed it and counted it naught." Miss
Jennie A. Morgan, like the other members of her
family, is a devoted member of the Church, and
none of the precepts and examples of the others
have been lost on her. Though frail in form and
an invalid during much of the time, her influence
is felt in the community, and while prevented by
her infirmity from following the philanthropic
example of other members of her family to the
same extent, she " hath done what she could," and
none could do more. She is a member of the
Grove United Presbyterian Church, and, following
the rule long established-in her family, contributes
the tenth part of her income to the support of
church work, in addition thereto responding liber
ally to appeals for other worthy projects. Miss
Morgan resides in West Middletown, Penn., where
she has a pleasant home, and is much esteemed.

JOHN SPHAR. The Sphar family have been
identified with the history of Washington
county for many years. Mattern Sphar was
born in Switzerland, and, in company with
two brothers and one sister, emigrated to America
at the age of seventeen years, about the year 1760.
He first settled in Williamsburgh, Va. , and
on April 21, 1767, took the oath of allegiance
under Queen Anne. He was there married to
Margaret Shively, and in 1780 came to Washing
ton county, Penn., and purchased of one Colonel
Cooke 200 acres, on the Monongahela river, in
what is now Washington county. He took an
active part in the Whiskey Insurrection, and was a
soldier in the war of 1812. He died about the
year 1822, leaving three children: John, Mattern
(who moved to Adams county, Ohio, thence to
Indiana), and Henry (lived in this county).
John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun county,
Va., and when but three years of age came

with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He
received a subscription-school education in Allen
township, and when a young man was married to
Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county, and
reared the following children : Mary, wife of John
Shively, in Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob, was first
married to Susan Wood, who died, and he was
then married to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife
of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel, married to Mary
Speer, and lived in Kentucky ; Ann, wife of AVill
iam Spah, of Indiana; Barbara, wife of William
Hollingshead; Mattern, married to Margaret Coyle,
of Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph Beazell, iu Allen
township; Rachel, married to Robert Gailey, of
Clarion county, Penn. ; John, married to Lucy Ann
Scott, and Henry. Of this family three are living,
Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted with
the Whig and Republican parties, and served as
supervisor of the township. He and his wife were
members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1856,
having been preceded by his wife in 1852.
John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the
old place in Allen township, Washington county,
Penn. In 1839 he was united in marriage with
Lucy Ann Scott, a daughter of Parker and Sarah
(Carson) Scott, all of whom were natives of Fal
lowfield township. Her parents had twelve daugh
ters, of whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet living.
Mr. Sphar owns seventy-five acres of the old home
stead, where he has followed general farming. He
cast a vote for William Henry Harrison, and since
the organization of the Republican party has been
an earnest supporter of that faction; he has served
as a member of the school board and also as super
visor. He is no less interested in religious than
in political movements, having been licensed as an
extorter and class leader in the Ebenezer M. E.
Church, with which his wife is also identified. The
children of this influential family are as follows:
Sarah, wife of William Rogers, of Fallowfield
township ; Parker S. ; Henry, married to a Miss
McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penn. ; James,
deceased in his twenty-sixth year; John E. ; Ann,
widow of Ephraim McKee; Gertrude, married to J.
H. Redd, and Wesley, deceased at the age of nine
teen years.

T OHN M. BERRY, a leading and influential
, farmer and stock dealer of North Strabane
Vf\\ township, is a native of Washington county,
^^ Penn., born January 14, 1839. He is a de
scendant of John Berry, a native of Ireland,
immigrated to America, settling in pioneer
days in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where
in about the year 1796 he purchased 251 acres of
land. Here he passed the remainder of his days.
He left two sons — John and William Gilmore — of
whom John remained on the original tract, and

who

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

followed agricultural pursuits, in which he was re
markably successful.
William Gilmore Berry was born in Colerain town
ship, Lancaster Co., Penn., December 2, 1781. In
the spring of 1795 or 1796 he came with his father,
John Berry, to Mt. Pleasant township, Washington
Co., Penn., and when able to do for himself he moved
to Venice, Cecil township, where he purchased a
farm and mill property, afterward buying and set
tling on a farm in North Strabane township. In
1804 he married Jane, daughter of Matthew Mc
Connell, and they had born to them eight children:
John, Mary, Elizabeth, Jane, William, Prudence,
Matthew and James. About 1850 Mr. Berry re
tired from active work and took up his residence in
Canonsburg, where he died October 26, 1866; his
wife died February 25, 1848, and they are both
buried in the Canonsburg U. P. Church cemetery,
they having been members of that church.
John Berry, son of William G. and Jane (Mc
Connell) Berry, was born August 1, 1805, near
Venice, Cecil township, Washington Co. , Penn. On
December 1, 1829, he married Jane, daughter of
John Eagletpn, a native of Ireland, and to them
were born six children: Jane (married to Ebenezer
Carson), Rachel (married to Robert Herron), Will
iam, John M., David W. and Carson M. After
marriage Mr. Berry resided for seventeen years on
the Watson farm in Cecil township; then moved to
and lived in Canonsburg for three years, after
which he returned to Cecil township, remaining
three years. He then, in 1853, came to North
Strabane township, having purchased the "Am
sterdam ' ' farm from the Pees brothers, where he
passed the remainder of *his life, with the excep
tion of five years he lived in the borough of Wash
ington. During the earlier period of his life he
was a member of the Associate Reformed Church
of Robinson's Run, then of Canonsburg, afterward
joining the United Presbyterian Church, in which
he was a member of the Session fifteen years, and
after coming to North Strabane township he con
nected himself with the U. P. Church at Pigeon
Creek. In his political preferences he was first a
Whig, then a Republican with strong Abolition
sentiments, and he held various offices of trust in
his township. He died in June, 1881, and is
interred in the U. P. cemetery of Pigeon Creek;
his wife departed this life in January, 1844, and
she is interred at Miller's Run.
John M. Berry, the subject proper of these lines,
passed his youth in the township of his birth, at
tending the common schools of the district, and
learning practical lessons in agriculture on the
home farm. In 1853 he came to North Strabane
township with his father where he has since
resided, with the exception of the time he was
serving his country in the Civil war. In August,

1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I., and followed the fortunes of his
regiment until the battle of Spottsylvania, where
he was wounded in the left shoulder. They were
fighting in what was called the " Bloody Angle,"
and our subject was one of the first, if not the first,
to get inside the rebel redoubt; he was on the
right of the foremost company which led that
famous charge. The company numbered twenty-
one men, and nearly half of them were killed or
wounded. Mr. Berry, after spending, in all, six
months in hospital, recovered from his wound and
proceeded to Washington, D. C. , where he re
mained on duty till the close of the war, being
mustered out June 28, 1865. He then returned
home and settled down to the vocation of peace on
his farm in North Strabane township, where he
carries on general agriculture and is extensively
engaged in stock raising, but he is best known to
the public as a successful breeder and exhibitor of
"Black- Top Merino Sheep," for which he has a
large sale all over the United States.
On December 22, 1870, Mr. Berry married Mary
J., daughter of Samuel L. Weir, of Somerset town
ship, this county, and the children born to this
union were Samuel C. (deceased), Minnie J., John
L. W. and William E. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are
prominent members of the U. P. Church at Pigeon
Creek, in which he is an elder. In politics he is a
Republican, and has faithfully served his township
in various official capacities. In 1885 he was
elected justice of the peace, and again elected in
1890, which office he fills with eminent ability. Mr.
Berry has been successful and prosperous in his
many business interests, and is the owner of a
highly improved farm of 178 acres, well adapted to
stock raising. In 1890 he erected one of the hand
somest and most commodious residences to be
found in Washington county, finished throughout
with natural woods, and equipped with all the
latest improvements in plumbing, having hard and
soft, hot and cold water in both first and second
stories. David W. Berry, son of John and Jane (Eagle-
ton) Berry, and brother of John M., was born in
Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., in April
1841. He passed his youth in the township of
his birth, and in 1853 moved with his father to
North Strabane township. He attended the com
mon schools of the district, and afterward entered
Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, where he pros
ecuted his studies with success until the close of
the sophomore year, when, along with his brother,
John M. , he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred
and Fortieth P. V. I. He followed the fortunes of
his regiment, participating in all of its battles up
to that of Cold Harbor, where, on June 2, 1864, he
was mortally wounded, dying in the hospital at

870

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Alexandria, Va., on July 4, 1864; his remains are
interred in the cemetery of the U. P. Church at
Pigeon Creek, Washington county, he having been
a member of that Church.

dOHN P. WOOD, in his lifetime one of the
leading citizens of Burgettstown, came of
I English ancestry. His grandfather, Peter
Wood, was born and reared in the mother
country, where he married, and reared a large
family. They crossed the ocean and settled in
Philadelphia, Penn., where the grandfather en
gaged in the wholesale dry-goods business. Some
time later the family moved to Bucks county,
same State, where they resided several years. He
was a Quaker prior to his marriage, but, having
made choice of a Baptist wife, was on that account
dismissed from the Society. He died in Philadel
phia. Ingham Wood was born on the home farm in
Bucks county, Penn., where his boyhood was
passed. In early life he spent three years as an
apprentice in the pottery business, continuing in
that vocation the rest of his life. He was married
in Lancaster county, Penn., to Catherine Hoffman,
who bore him the following children: Ingham R.
(who was a graduate at West Point, and a lieuten
ant at Fort Snelling, dying at Baton Rouge),
Ann E. (Mrs. William B. Whitehill, of Salt Lake
City, Utah), Margaret (wife of James Phillips, of
St. Louis, Mo. ), John P. (of whom special mention
is made further on), William, Benjamin F., Har
riet (married to Dr. Donnan), and Jackson. In
1834 the father moved from Lancaster county, to
Peoria, 111., and thence proceeded to St. Louis,
Mo. ; but his wife dying, he afterward returned to
Lancaster county. He died at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
John P. Wood was bom November 27, 1815, in
Lancaster county, and passed his boyhood in the
town of Lancaster. At the age of seventeen years
he began to learn the pottery trade, serving a full
apprenticeship with his father. When twenty-one
years of age he came to Burgettstown, purchased
a pottery establishment of Robert Brown, con
ducted that business for sixteen years, then sold
out and bought the farm upon which he resided
until March, 1877. On January 2, 1839, he was
united in marriage with Esther M. , daughter of
Thomas Miller, and grandchild of Samuel Miller,
the latter of whom was a native of Ireland, and
was married in that country to Miss McNinch.
They came to America, and resided in Cecil
county, Md., "until 1795, thence moving to Mt.
Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., where
he purchased a large tract of land. Both were
members of the Seceder Church, and their chil
dren were Thomas, John, Samuel, Jane, Margaret,
Mary and Sarah.

Thomas Miller was born July 15, 1788, in Cecil
county, Md., where he grew to manhood, and on
July 10, 1809, was united in marriage with Eliz
abeth, daughter of Richard Simpson. The young
couple immediately moved to Washington county,
making their unique bridal trip on horseback, and
resided in Mt. Pleasant township until 1810,, when
they purchased a hotel in Burgettstown, Penn.
Five children were born to their marriage, viz. :
Anna M. , Elizabeth, Samuel, John and Esther M.
Mr. Miller was a drover in early life, buying and
selling cattle, and driving them over the mountains
to the eastern markets. He was captain in the
militia during the war of 1812, and assisted in the
defense at Lake Erie. He kept the first postoffice
in Burgettstown, Penn. He was a member of the
Seceder Church, and in politics voted the Demo
cratic ticket. He died September 3, 1819, his
widow in 1871.
John P. Wood passed suddenly away, June 27,
1892, his death being unexpected to all. He was
the architect of his own fortune, and was his own
success. He took an active part in politics, voting
the Democratic ticket, and at the time of his de
mise was serving his third term as justice of. the
peace. He was a member of the U. P. Church,
and one of the building committee who superin
tended the erection of the present house of wor
ship in Burgettstown.

TJT^OBERT MEHAFFEY (deceased) was an
Iwy example of the success which may be won
|[ V. by frugality and industry, coupled with
I) — ^ business sagacity. His father, Robert Me-
v haffey, was a native of Ireland, who emi
grated, in early life, to America, where he was
married to Eleanor Mitchell, of Scotch- Irish par
entage. Their children were: James, Joseph,
Robert (the subject of this sketch), Mitchell, Jane,
John and Eleanor.
Robert Mehaffey was born December 4, 1810,
in Donegal township. His boyhood was passed
near his birthplace. His education was limited to
two or three months' attendance each year at a log
schoolhouse provided with rude wooden benches,
a puncheon floor, and in the absence of a door a
sheet covered the vacancy. AVhen Robert was
thirteen years of age, their home was darkened by
a sudden calamity. It was in the harvest-field, and
the father had just completed a stack of hay, and
was sliding to the ground, when a wooden fork
which had been placed, prongs upward, against
its side, penetrated his bowels. He was carried
to the shade of a tree, and in a few hours the
strong man, in the prime of life, was dead. The
mother, left with seven children, the youngest but
a little over one year old, on a small farm, man-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

871

aged not only to exist, but to live well, and there
her children acquired those sterling principles and
practical knowledge which formed the basis of
most successful business lives.
As the years rolled on the family dispersed.
James purchased and removed to a farm a few miles
distant, where he resided until his death, March 16,
1858. Joseph, being of a more roving disposition
than his brothers, "pitched his tent" southward,
making his home near Vicksburg, Miss. After an
absence of twenty-one years he returned, purchased
land near the old homestead, and continued to reside
there until bis death, May 22, 1891. Mitchell and
Jane married. The mother died in 1846; the sister,
Eleanor, a few years later; and Robert and John
were left alone on the home farm. They needed not
the admonition which Joseph gave his brethren,
"See that ye fall not out by the way," for in all
their daily intercourse and business transactions
they never had a dispute as to " which should be
the greater. '.' On June 22, 1858, Robert married
Mary McCoy, daughter of Kenneth and Jane
(Brownlee) McCoy. To them three children were
born: Jennie E. (wife of Rev. W. R. Jamison, a
U. P. minister of Frankfort, Beaver county), Jo
seph B. (one of the leading and progressive
farmers of Independence township, living on the
home farm of which he has charge) and Lizzie M.
(residing with her mother and brother). In 1864,
Mr. Mehaffey removed to Independence township,
having purchased the "Jackson Spriggs" farm,
situated two miles northeast of Dunsfort, where
he resided the remainder of his life. In politics
he was a stanch Republican, and in religion a
valued member of the U. P. Church of Mt. Hope.
At the time of his death, August 17, 1890, Mr.
Mehaffey owned 864 acres of unusually good farm
land, besides a comfortable income. Though he
almost reached four-score years, yet the infirmities
of age sat lightly upon him. His cheerful dispo
sition and equable temper made him seem younger
than he was. Diffident and retiring in disposition,
his many excellencies were more appreciated in the
home circle, and by those who were his neighbors,
than by the noisy world around.

JOHN McCABE, who ranks among. the oldest
l I and most prosperous citizens of Peters town-
O sniP' is a son of Joseph E. McCabe, whose
father, William McCabe, born and reared in
Ireland, came to. the United States about 1783 and
settled in North Strabane township, Washington
Co. He followed carpentry, and erected many of
the buildings in that locality. His eight children
were James, William, Samuel, John, Robert,
Joseph E., a daughter (name unknown), and
Martha, all of whom have passed away, leaving

many descendants. He was an elder in the Hill
Presbyterian Church.
Joseph E. McCabe, son of William, was born in
February, 1790, in North Strabane township. His.
youth was pasBed in rural pursuits, and he then
carried on a distillery for several years. When a
young man, he married Margaret Fife, born in
1790, a daughter of John Fife, a resident of
Allegheny county, Penn., aud to them the follow
ing children were born: Eliza, John, William, Isa
belle, Mary, .Thompson and Lavinia. Of these Eliza
and William are deceased, while the others are
living in different parts of the United States.
After his marriage he settled on a farm in Alle
gheny county, and carried on a distillery. After
his children were born, the father abandoned the
distillery business, and followed carpentry for
some time. He finally settled on a farm, and in
1818 had one of the finest places in Allegheny
county; but owing to a sudden financial depres
sion, he was eventually compelled to give up his-
home. He was a colonel in the State militia, and
for almost half a century commanded a battalion
in the county as well as in Pittsburgh. He was
possessed of excellent business qualifications, was
one of the best educated agriculturists then living
in that locality, an excellent justice of the peace
and one of the most capable militia officers of the
State. He died February 5, 1870, his wife having
preceded him to the grave, July 29, 1831. In
church connection they were members of the Pres
byterian Church ; in politics he was a Democrat.
John McCabe, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born August 16, 1814, in Allegheny county,
Penn. , and at the age of seventeen years, began
work by the month for neighboring farmers. On
February 9, 1837, he married Sarah, daughter of
Robert Thompson, of Peters township, and after
their marriage the young couple remained in Alle
gheny county for two years, then removed to their
present farm in Peters township, Washington
Co., Penn., containing 225 acres of good land.
Their children are Robert (a farmer, now living in
Canonsburg), Joseph (an agriculturist, of Peters
township), and Catharine and John (both deceased).
Mrs. McCabe was laid to rest September 14, 1879,
and since then her husband has continued to reside
on the old place, keeping a family in the house to
care for the property. He has made a specialty of
sheep raising, and given much attention to general
farming. Politically, Mr. McCabe is an enthusi
astic Democrat, and he served as supervisor of his-
township. In matters of religion he is a member
of the Centre Presbyterian Church, which he has-
served as trustee. Though almost eighty years
old, he retains much of the strength which marked
his younger days, and can hitch up his horse andt
ride where he pleases, without the aid of hostler
or driver.

872

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

THE HESLEP FAMILY. Robert B. Hes
lep (deceased) was a grandson of Thomas
Heslep, who was a prominent farmer of
Coatsville, Chester Co., Penn. Desiring to
own more land, and knowing of the grand
resources which the Monongahela Valley afforded,
he concluded to locate there. He brought with
him his two sons, and purchased a tract of land on
the Monongahela river in 1792. Remaining with
his two sons a short time, he returned to his home
in Chester county, and there died at a ripe old
age. He served through the Revolution, and had
acquired a good estate.
John Heslep, a son of Thomas, was born at
Coatsville, in Chester county, and was among the
early settlers of Washington county. Arriving at
manhood he married Miss Polly Grant, an accom
plished and well-to-do farmer's daughter of New
Jersey. The following children were born to this
marriage: John D. Heslep, at one time a student of
the Western Univorsity of Pittsburgh, afterward
read law with Judge Hampden, of Pittsburgh, was
admitted to the bar; he formed a law partnership
with a Mr. Sliker, and the firm was known as
"Sliker & Heslep," of Pittsburgh. He died, a
bachelor, in 1878.
Thomas Heslep is a well-known school teacher
of Washington county, and a member of the
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church.
George T. Heslep is a popular major in the State
militia. He raised two sons who served through
the Civil war, fighting for the grand old flag of the
Union. Robert B. Heslep, the youngest son, was born
April 19, 1819, in Carroll township, and there
passed the days of his boyhood. At eighteen
years of age he was commissioned captain of a
company in the State militia, and held that posi
tion up to 1849. On November 29, 1849, he mar
ried Miss Margaret, a daughter of Ezekial Job, an
early Jersey settler and well-to-do farmer of Eliza
beth township, Allegheny Co. , Penn. , whose peo
ple were among the early explorers and active
Revolutionary soldiers of this country. The chil
dren born to them are as follows: Thomas McK.,
a prominent member of the Good Templars, and
among the leading workers for local option in Car
roll township in 1872; James Heslep, a farmer;
U. Grant Heslep (deceased); W. R. Heslep, who
entered the Sr. Prep, class of Washington
and Jefferson College in September, 1887, and
remained in that college for four terms. Not
satisfied with the system of teaching, he removed
to Waynesburg College in January, 1889, and
graduated in the classical course with the class of
1891. He was a member of the Philomathean
Literary Society of the college, and is now an
honorary member. He was twice chosen a candi
date to represent the society as orator for the

Inter-State Oratorical Contest, but never served.
He decided upon the law for a profession, and regis
tered with the well-known lawyer, John H. Mur
doch, of Washington, Penn., and is there pursuing
his studies. Noah John Heslep was the youngest
son of Robert B. Heslep. He died in January,
1892. He was a fair scholar, a natural genius in
the mechanical line, and was highly respected and
loved by the people and family. He was noted for
his veracity and business integrity, as well as for
his high moral character, but a kinder Father took
him to His everlasting home at the age of twenty-
one years; Harriet P. Heslep, the only daughter,
is a member of the Webster M. E. Church, and
remains with her aged mother, leading a useful
and happy life. The one-hundredth anniversary
of their location in Carroll township was cele
brated by the Heslep family in June, 1892. Mr.
Heslep was an industrious, economical man, and
accumulated a good property. Politically he voted
with the Republican party, also taking an active
interest in all religious work. He died October 2,
1872, and his widow is now residing on the home
place, in the old house which was erected in 1801.
The farm, which is now carried on by the sons,
consists of 130 acres, and includes a lovely grove
often used for picnic purposes, and is known as
Heslep's Grove.

AXTON FAMILY. The beautiful " Emer
ald Isle" has contributed largely to the pop
ulation of Hanover township, and among
those of her sons who sought a home in
America, many years ago, was David Saxton.
He was born about 1775, in Ireland, and when a
young man came to America, remaining some years
in eastern Pennsylvania, and in 1796 came to
Washington county, Penn., locating in what is
now Hanover township, about two and one-half
miles northeast of Florence, near the old site of
Fort Dillo. Here he purchased and moved upon
forty acres of land, and in 1800 was married to
Elizabeth Moore, widow of Samuel Moore (with
whom he got' forty acres more), an early settler
and very extensive landholder of that locality.
The children of David and Elizabeth Saxton were as
follows: Samuel, James (who resided for some time
on the old farm in Hanover township, finally dis
posing of it to his brother Samuel, then .moved to
Missouri, locating near California), Harriet (wife
of William Burns, and a resident of Hanover town
ship), Nancy (Mrs. John Saxton, living in Cumber
land county, Penn.) and Mary (married to Collins
Kimmell, of Hanover township). Of this family
Nancy is the only one yet living. The parents
passed their lives on the pioneer farm, in a rude
log cabin, which stood for several years afterward.
He was a farmer, also carrying on a distillery, a

'W-,«

•«p

m\

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

875

common practice among the early settlers. At
that time wild animals were yet numerous in the
country, and his son James once killed a deer not
far from home. In politics the father was a Whig.
He and his wife both died at an advanced age, and
they were buried side by side in Frankfort cem
etery. She was an exemplary Christian woman,
and a member of the Frankfort Presbyterian
Church. Samuel Saxton, son of David and Elizabeth
(Moore) Saxton, was bom July 27, 1801, on the
old farm, and, being the oldest son, a great deal of
work fell to his share. He was thus deprived of
even such meager educational facilities as were
then afforded, having but little opportunity to
attend school. When but eighteen years of age
he and his father made an agreement by which he
was to have the use of the home farm for ten years.
He at once began to work at whatever would yield
him an income, and, iu addition to his farm inter
ests, looked after the hauling of coal to certain
sections where that article was scarce, realizing a
considerable profit from this source. In the fruit
season he carried the produce of vines and orchard
to Ohio, Canton, New Philadelphia, and other
places; then, on his return, bought oats and hauled
them to Pittsburgh, where they were sold at a good
price. He was an excellent judge of horses, which
knowledge was instrumental in making some good
purchases and excellent sales. He was equal to,
if not the best reinsman in Hanover township at
that time, and on several occasions accomplished
feats with six-horse teams, pronounced impossible
by other skilled drivers. He always possessed some
good specimen of the equine variety, often keeping
them for sale. By using economy, he continued to
prosper, owning over 400 acres of land, paying
'$11 per acre for the first 100 acres, upon which he
erected a substantial brick residence, where he re
sided during his natural life time. He was an Old-
line Whig till 1864, then became a Democrat, sup
porting that party the rest of his life. When the
law of Pennsylvania required the militia to muster,
he was captain of a company. On October 15,
1833, he was married to Jane Dougherty, who was
born August 3, 1801 , a daughter of James Dough
erty, a merchant of Washington, Penn, who was
atone time elected recorder of Washington county,
and whose children became illustrious citizens. To
the union of Samuel and Jane Saxton children
were born as follows : James D. , Samuel S. and
Margaret. The father died June 14, 1875, followed
by his wife February 3, 1883, and they now lie side
by side in the Florence cemetery. Both were mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Florence, this
county. ,
Samuel S. Saxton was born June 26, 1838, on
the old farm in Hanover township, this county.

He first attended the common schools, supplement
ing this training by a course at the Paris Academy
and then at Florence. After leaving school he
taught in Beaver, Allegheny and Washington coun
ties; then became a traveling representative (as a
collector) of Hosteter & Smith, of Pittsburgh,
Penn., the extensive manufacturers of patent med
icines, his territory being through Illinois. On
September 30, 1875, he married Maggie J. Melvio,
who was born August 17, 1846, daughter of John
and Mary (Moore) Melvin. The children of this
marriage are: Samuel Lawrence and Silas Warren,
both of whom are improving their educational ad
vantages. Mr. Saxton has always lived on the
place of his birth, and has given his attention prin
cipally to buying and selling stock, also super
vising the farm work; being apt in driving success
ful bargains, and dealing honestly and fairly in
all business transactions, he has been crowned with
honor and financial success. He is a most inter
esting companion, a jovial and intelligent conversa
tionalist. •
In politics his sympathies are with the
Democratic party, to which his support is usually
given, but he always votes according to the ability
of the candidates. Mrs. Saxton, a pleasant lady, is
a member of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.
As a wife and mother she has no superior, always
kind and generous to all with whom she comes in
contact. Their beautiful home lacks no comfort,
and is situated in a charming spot.
James D. Saxton was born January 21, 1835,
in Hanover township, this county, on a farm ad
joining his present home. He attended the coun
try schools of his neighborhood, and passed his
youth working on his father's farm. On August
22, 1861, he married Mary Applegate, a daughter
of Isaac Applegate and Margaret Proudfit, the
latter of whom was a daughter of James Proudfit,
who was a justice of the peace thirty years, and a
ruling elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church
for nearly fifty years; he died over thirty-five years
ago, at the age of ninety-six. James D. and Mary
Saxton are the parents of the following children:
George M. C, Florence P., Addie May, Samuel
J. and Elmer Wylie, all yet living at home except
ing George M. C, who is residing in Hanover
township. After his marriage Mr. Saxton resided with his
parents for six years, then came to his present well-
improved farm, where his grandfather had located
nearly one hundred years ago. He followed gen
eral farming and stock raising until quite recently,
and is now partially retired from active life, the
sons performing the laborious part of the work
under his direction. Mr. Saxton is one of the
substantial Democrats of Hanover township, and
has held several local offices.

876

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

L. HENRY is a son of Joseph Henry. The
latter was born in 1811, in Washington coun
ty, Penn., and attended school in the home
neighborhood. In 1833 he was united in
marriage with Margaret Orr, also a native
of Washington county, Penn. They passed their
lives on the home farm, where seven children were
born to their marriage, of whom two are now de
ceased. He served the township in various ways,
and died in 1889, his wife passing away in the
same year. She was also born in 1811.
A. L. Henry was born in 1849, in Nottingham
township, where his school days were passed. He
Bpent one year in Allegheny county, Penn., and on
October 28, 1891, was married to a Miss Craw
ford. She is a daughter of Benjamin Crawford, an
old and prosperous farmer of this county, who died
several years ago. Mr. Henry has been engaged
in the piano and organ business for years, and is
still in the same business. J. A. and M. W., and
also a sister, M. A. Henry, reside on their fine farm
•of 165 acres.

I( NDREW B. DONALDSON. No man has
l\ been more closely identified with the best in-
4\ terests of Hanover township than this well-
— known gentleman, who is a lineal descend
ant of William Donaldson.
William Donaldson was born in Ireland, where
he was a farmer, and was married to Mary Mitchell.
He emigrated to America, and located in Hanover
township at a very early date, settling on the same
farm where Andrew B. is now living, there passing
the remainder of his life. He was among the lead
ing pioneers of his time, respected by all who knew
him. His death occurred February 17, 1843, aged
eighty-three, and on June 30, 1855, in the eighty-
third year of her age, his wife was laid by his side
in the Robinson Church cemetery, they having been
consistent members of that church, in which he
was also a ruling elder. The children of his
family were Richard, John (who followed the Ohio
river, and passed his later years in the South),
Margaret, Jane (who was first married to Thomas
Gormley, then to Jacob George), Susan (wife of
Robert McClarren, of Finley township, Allegheny
county), and Mary (who was never married).
Richard Donaldson was born in 1801, in Hanover
township, where his life was passed. In 1842 he
married Mary A. Bigger, who was born in 1822.
She is a daughter of Andrew Bigger, an early
settler in Robinson township. To the union of
Richard and Mary Donaldson the following chil
dren were born: Sarah (deceased wife of J. S.
Culley), born March 31, 1843; William, born May
8, 1845; Mary E. (Mrs. J. D- Scott, of Hanover
township), born March 19, 1848, and Andrew B.,
born October 1, 1851. The parents always lived

on the home farm, where his life was devoted to
agriculture and stock raising. In politics he was
a Whig and then a Republican. They were both
members of the U. P. Church of Robinson, to
which he was a liberal contributor. Richard Don
aldson died November 4, 1867, having been pre
ceded by his wife, who died March 11, 1859, aged
thirty-seven years. Their remains were interred
in the Robinson cemetery.
Andrew B. Donaldson, whose name opens this
sketch, was born on the old home farm which has
been in the' possession of their family for nearly
100 years. After the death of his parents he as
sumed charge of the old place where he still re
sides, and upon which he has erected a new res
idence and barn, and made other improvements.
Mr. Donaldson has been a prosperous agricultur
ist, but for several years has rented his place.
Politically he has always been a Republican, tak
ing an interest in the success of his party. In
religion he is a member of Robinson U. P. Church.
He has never married.

OBERT COULTER, one of the representa
tive farmers of Carroll township, is a son
of James Coulter, who was born in Ireland.
WThen but six years of age, James came
with his parents to America, and they first
located in eastern Pennsylvania, and then came to
Williamsport (now Monongahela). When a young
man he married Miss Blakney, who lived but a
short time, and his second choice was Nancy
Nichols, who resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. She
bore him children as follows : Rachel B. (deceased),
William (now living in Monongahela), James
(deceased), and Robert. The father was a Whig
and Republican in politics, and in religious faith a
member of the Presbyterian Church. He passed
the remainder of his life in Monongahela, and
was injured while hauling a load of fodder, having
been thrown from a wagon, and breaking his leg
above the ankle. He died in 1823, from the effects
of the injury, at the age of sixty-nine years, fol
lowed by his wife in 1843.
Robert Coulter was born February 18, 1822, in
Monongahela, Penn., and there learned the car
penter's trade. He was a poor boy, but by con
stant industry succeeded in accumulating property
in a few years. He followed his trade for eleven
years, and during that time was married, in June,
1842, to Miss Eliza Keenan, who was a daughter of
Samuel Keenan, and granddaughter of James Kee
nan. Mrs. Coulter died leaving the following chil
dren, none of whom are liviug: James, Samuel K,
Raphael, Robert, and William K. Robert Coulter
married Miss Mary Jane McCain, of Mononga
hela, January 4, 1855, and to them twelve chil
dren were born. Those yet living are named as

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

877

follows: Edward R. , Joseph H.-, Charles H. ,
Rowland C, Eliza May, and Dora F. , all of whom
are residing with their parents.
After making several very profitable invest
ments in coal land, Robert Coulter bought 202
acres of fine land in Carroll township, where he is
now living. Many improvements have been made
upon this farm since the present owner purchased
it, and his eminent success is due to no other
human aid than his own. He suffered a terrible
misfortune in the loss of one limb and injury to
the other. His right leg was amputated just
below the knee to prevent mortification, and the
left leg was broken. It is now as useful as before
the accident, while an artificial limb takes the
place of that which was amputated. He was
formerly a Whig, and has been a Republican since
the organization of that party. In religious faith
he is a member of the M. E. Church.

I OHN H. STAIB. This gentleman, a prosper-
, ous grocer of Monongahela, comes of Ger-
vl man parentage. His grandfather, J. Michael
^^ Staib, was born, reared, and married in Ger
many, where his three children were born as
follows: Lewis, John and Fredericka. In 1847
the family emigrated to America, locating on a
.farm in Butler county, Penn., where the father
continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his
death. In political opinion he was a Democrat,
and in religious faith a member of the Lutheran
Church. Lewis Staib was born in Germany, and there re
ceived a thorough education. He remained at home
some years after his arrival in this country, and
then entered the employ of Peter Graff, who was
the proprietor of an extensive iron establishment.
Lewis Staib remained in this business about ten
years; then came to Mingo, Penn., and conducted
a general store in company with William A. Rodg
ers. In 1864 he embarked in the coal producing
business, and managed the Victory Coal Works
until 1873, being also interested in the Harlem
Works. He then opened the Rea Coal Works in
Westmoreland county, and finally established the
works at Catsburg, which he conducted until 1889,
in which year he retired from active life. He was
an ardent member of the Republican party, and in
religion was associated with the Lutheran Church.
When a young man Lewis Staib married Martha
Jane, daughter of David Aultman, a resident of .
Armstrong county, Penn., and to them children
were born as follows: Mary, wife of Adam Kiel ;
Josephine; Mattie, married to M. S. Warne; John
H. ; Alberta, wife of F. M. Warne; Anna B., mar
ried to R. M. Gee; Alice; Lewis, and Fred W.
John H. Staib was born October 3, 1862, in
Carroll township, this county, receiving a common-
school education Some time after leaving school

he clerked for John Van Voorhis; then worked for
T. J. AVood, and on October 27, 1891, opened his
present business in Monongahela. On June 28,
1885, he married Anna, a native of that city, and
a daughter of Adam Aughendobler.
Adam Augtendobler was born August 14, 1823,
near Nuremberg, Bavaria. His mother died there
when he was eleven years of age, leaving but the one
child. Adam Aughendobler remained at the home
of his uncle in Bavaria after the death of his par
ents, and there learned the weaver's trade, and
assisted on the farm. In 1852 he sailed for America,
and after a voyage of seven weeks landed at Balti
more, Md. He then came to AA' ashington, Penn.,
and worked on a farm for Major Millinger and
James Stockdale. On May 4, 1853, he married
Lizzie Zeh, who is of German parentage, and
in 1865 they came to Monongahela, where the
family have since resided. He is an active mem
ber of the Republican party, has served as council
man, and for twenty-eight years has been super
intendent of the cemetery. He is identified with
the Lutheran Church, which he has served as elder.
Mr. and Mrs. Aughendobler are the parents of the
following children: Maria (Mrs. Levi Friend) and
Bessie (Mrs. William Woodward) (who are twins),
Jane (wife of James Dickey), Maggie (Mrs. Hoff
man), Anna (Mrs. Staib), George (deceased) and
John L.
John H. and Anna (Aughendobler) Staib are the
parents of two sons, Lewis and Harold. Mr. Staib
carries a full line of groceries and produce, and is
a very successful business man. In politics he is
a supporter of the Republican party, and in relig
ion a member of the Lutheran Church.

C. McKEAN, one of the leading young
business men of Charleroi, was born in
Robinson township, Allegheny Co., Penn.
He received a public-school education, then
took a course at Duff's Business College, at
Pittsburgh, Penn. , and after graduating there, de
voted his attention chiefly to agriculture and
horticulture. When the town of Charleroi was
organized in 1890, he opened a real estate and in
surance office, in company with James K. Clarke.
They conduct an extensive insurance business, and
also deal largely in real estate, being the sole
agents for the Charleroi Land Company. Mr. Mc
Kean owned about twenty acres of the original
plat of Charleroi, and erected the first building in
the town. The village has one of the largest and
most complete glass factories in the county, be
sides other important industries. Mr. McKean is
a pushing young business man, a thorough " hus
tler," allowing no favorable opportunity to pass for
the advancement of Charleroi. He is a stanch
advocate of the policy of the Republican party.

878

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

THOMAS ARMITAGE. England has given
to this country a host of substantial, pro
gressive and law-abiding citizens, and among
the number is the gentleman whose name
opens this biographical memoir.
He was born May 8, 1844, to George and Mary
Armitage, who died in England, his brothers and
sisters being William (deceased), Joseph (in York
shire, England), Sarah (deceased) and Hannah
(wife of P. C. Reniers, of Pittsburgh).
In 1864 Thomas Armitage came to America,
locating first in Pittsburgh, where he worked at the
marble cutter's trade for ten years. In 1876 he
came to Washington, this county, and opened out
for himself a general marble, stone- cutting and
mantel business; and notwithstanding that he had to
compete with old-established firms, he succeeded,
by close attention to business and upright dealings
with his patrons, in gaining a well-earned popu
larity, and a large patronage. His workmanship
is of the best, and his works find conspicuous place
in the most prominent yards in the country within
a radius of twenty-five miles. His place of busi
ness is at 305 South Main street. Mr. Armitage
married Miss Margaret Shaffer, of Pittsburgh,
July 7, 1870. Her parents, John and Louisa
Shaffer, are residents of Ohio. No children have
been born to this union.
Ever since coming to Washington Mr. Armitage
has taken an active interest in the affairs of the
borough, and his energy and enterprise have not
been excelled by any of the older or wealthier men
residents. He was among the first to assist in the
development of the oil industry in and around
Washington, and was interested in the pioneer well
known as the "Gantz Well," situated near the
Chartiers railroad depot, being one of the direct
ors of same. His property on South Main street
he bought and materially improved, and has done
much toward beautifying that portion of the bor
ough. He was one of the founders, and is at pres
ent one of the directors, of the Washington Glass
Works. It maybe said that no enterprise tending
to the advancement of the city has been established
or proposed without his prompt and willing assist
ance. Politically our subject is a Democrat, and
he is a member of the borough council. Of the
Second Presbyterian Church, of AVashington, he
and his wife have been members for sixteen years.
He is now one of the school directors of the city.

|VI(ATHAN. CLEAVER, born in York county,
Irvl ?ean-' in 1^01, was married, March 1, 1832,
| M| to Sarah Linton, a daughter of Mahlon
II -- Linton, who was born east of the mount-
v ains, in 1776. He married Ann Hilles in
1803, and after their marriage they came to Wash
ington county, Penn. , locating on a farm in East

Bethlehem township, where he died in 1831, fol
lowed by his wife in 1838.
To the union of Nathan and Sarah (Linton)
Cleaver one daughter was born, Martha, wife of
William H. Mitchell. Mr. Cleaver was a promi
nent citizen and prosperous farmer. He voted
with the Republican party, and served one term
as county commissioner. He died June 22, 1887,
at his home in Monongahela, to which city he
removed from his farm after his second marriage.in
1888, with Mrs. E. C. Leonard. He was laid to rest
in the old Friends' burying ground at Westland
beside his first wife, who died in 1873, and near
the site of the Friends' meeting-house where they
were publicly united in marriage under the Friends'
ceremonial, fifty-five years before. Both died in
the Quaker faith.

JAMES A. STEPHENSON traces his ancestry
to an old and prosperous family of Berkeley
county, Va. (now W. Va.), where Richard
Stephenson, the first of his ancestry of whom
we have any authentic record, was born and
reared. Richard Stephenson married Mrs. Onora Craw
ford. She was the widow of Hugh Crawford (an
old Indian trader), and bore him two sons, William
and Valentine. AVilliam Crawford was colonel of
the Fifth Virginia Regulars, having been commis
sioned in 1781. The circumstances of his death
(which event occurred June 11, 1782, at Sandusky,
Ohio), are recorded in nearly every U. S. history.
He was burned at the stake by Indians who had
captured him, for the evident purpose of wreaking
vengeance on their victim, in return for the his
toric massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas Co.,
Ohio, many Indians being there slaughtered by
the whites. At the time of his capture Col. Craw
ford was conducting a campaign against the Wyan-
dotts, and Senecas and other tribes who were
associated with the British and Moravians. To
the union of Richard and Onora (Crawford) Ste
phenson children were born as follows: John,
Hugh, Richard, James, Marcus and one daughter.
Mrs. Stephenson possessed great physical strength,
and was a kind and affectionate mother. She died
in 1776. Gen. George AVashington was a fre
quent visitor in this home, often taking part in
athletic contests with the sons. The early friend
ship ripened with the passing years, and when
General Washington rose to prominence in mili
tary life, James Stephenson was yet his dearest
friend and constant companion.
James Stephenson, son of Richard, was born in
Berkeley county (W. Va.), where he married
Rachel McKeevers. Their children were Moses,
AVilliam, Mary, Theodosia', James and Sarah. In
1781 Mr. Stephenson concluded to take advantage

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

879

of the cheap lands then open in western Pennsyl
vania. He was then in the prime of life, and a
splendid specimen of physical manhood. In com
pany with a negro slave, named Fortune, he started
on foot on a journey of exploration, leaving his
family at home, not wishing them to undergo the
perils of such a •hazardous expedition. The two
men arrived safely in Washington county, Penn.,
and Mr. Stephenson took up a "tomahawk claim ' '
of 500 acres of choice land, four miles southeast of
Burgettstown. A humble cabin was soon erected,
some rude improvements made, and a crop of corn
planted. The negro previously mentioned was
then left to manage the place. "He was originally
the property of George Washington, from whom
James Stephenson purchased him. The latter
then returned to West Virginia, the negro subsist
ing on game and roots during his absence. The
entire family were soon located in their pioneer
home, which was afterward supplanted by a larger
log cabin. The wife and mother died December
14, 1789, and for his second wife Mr. Stephenson
was married to Martha Barr, the following children
being born to their union: Benjamin, Richard,
Joseph, Achsah and John. The land increased in
value as civilization progressed, and at the time of
his death Mr. Stephenson was a wealthy man. He
died in 1813, being followed by his wife in 1816.
The comforts and luxuries of our modern days are
largely due to the patient effort and brave courage
of these early pioneers.
James Stephenson, a son of James and Rachel
Stephenson, was born August 5, 1784, passing his
boyhood among the exciting and dangerous scenes
of frontier life. He received a very limited edu
cation in the subscription schools, much of his
'time being employed in hunting, and the old
"flint lock" which he used was instrumental in
bringing down a large amount of game. He was
a volunteer in the war of 1812, enlisting at Hick
ory, Penn. , and serving until the close of the war.
In 1827 he was united in marriage with Emeline
Honeywell. She was born in 1808 in New York
State, and at the age of fourteen years came to
Washington county, Penn., with her parents, Israel
and Judith (Spicer) Honeywell. James and Em
eline Stephenson were the parents of Rachel (de
ceased wife of Christopher Matchett, of Robinson
township), Sylvester (deceased when four years of
age), Sylvester (deceased in infancy), Elmira (liv
ing on the home place), James A. (subject of this
sketch) and Amanda (wife of J. J. Campbell, liv
ing in Hardin county, Ky.). Mr. and Mrs. Ste
phenson resided on the home farm some time after
their marriage, then moved to the place now occu
pied by James A., where the father followed farm
ing and stock raising with marked success. He
died June 7, 1852, his'wife passing away May 20,

1883, and was buried by the side of her husband in
Prospect cemetery.
James A. Stephenson was born June 22, 1837,
on the home farm, in Smith township, which he
now owns and occupies. He received a meager
common-school education, afterward learning the
carpenter's trade, which he followed some time,
but has devoted the greater part of his life to agri
cultural pursuits with the exception of seven years
passed at Candor, this county. He was formerly
a well-known hunter, and to-day keeps, as a relic of
the exciting adventures of boyhood, a rifle-ball, with
which, when but ten years of age, he killed his
first fox. He also retains in his possession the old
hoe which was used by the negro slave Fortune
over a hundred years ago, when working for James
Stephenson, the grandfather. Mr. Stephenson
takes great delight in the preservation of old relics
and curiosities, being assisted in the gratification
of this taste by many contributions from friends.
Although owning and residing upon a valuable
faivm, he has never taken an active part in the ag
ricultural work, which is done by his tenants or
croppers or crofters. He invented a superior bee
hive, and can duplicate almost any article which he
once examines. In politics his sympathy and in
fluence are given to the Democratic party, al
though he is not a strict partisan.

JOHN WHERRY, JR. , is one of the most
widely-known and popular agriculturists of
West Bethlehem township. His grandfather,
John Wherry, was born in Somerset township,
where his father had secured a patent for
nearly 500 acres of land, in what was known as
the "tomahawk improvement." Here his boy
hood was spent, and his education, which was
very good for the time, was received in the old
subscription school, a considerable distance from
his home. After a long and successful career, he
died about the beginning of the present century.
John W. AA'herry, the father of our subject, was
born in Somerset township. His education was
like that of his father, but the schools were then
public or "common." He married Catherine, a
daughter of George Weaver, of AVest Pike Run
township, after which trfey remained upon the
farm about twelve years, then removed to West
Bethlehem township. To them were born the fol
lowing named children: Amy, John, Jr., William,
Elizabeth, Eleanor, George W., Eli, Mary and
James; all of whom are living in Washington
county, excepting Elizabeth, who died in 1887.
The subject of this sketch was born October 29,
1843, in Somerset township, and his boyhood was
principally employed in assisting his father in the
care of the farm. After the family removed to

880

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

West Bethlehem township, he attended the school
known as " AA'herry's School-house," situated on
his father's farm. In 1867 he married Elizabeth
Bigler, daughter of Henry Bigler, of West Bethle
hem township, after which he moved to the farm
he now owns, and where the following children
have been born to them: Elizabeth, Mary, Will
iam, Ida and Charles, all of whom, with the ex
ception of Elizabeth, who died in 1877, are living
at home with their parents. In 1890 Mr. Wherry
built one of the finest houses in this section. When
he took possession there was scarcely a building
or fence upon the place, whereas it is now one of the
best improved farms in West Bethlehem township.
Its strong and neat board fences and elegant
buildings bestow upon it an air of thrift and pros
perity. Mr. Wherry is a Republican, and although
he is no office seeker has been elected to many
positions of trust. He was a soldier in Company
G, One Hundred and Tenth P. V. I. , but escaped
in battle, only to meet with injury thirty years
later. In November, 1892, while hauling logs, he
got his arm broken, which left it crooked and help
less for a time. He is a member of the Ten Mile
Baptist Church (of which he is deacon), as are also
his wife and children. Mrs. Wherry is a lady
commanding the esteem and regard of all who
know her. The entire family are intelligent and
industrous citizens.

;ORNELIUS WEYGANDT was born in Ger
many, whence so many of our strong intel
lectual people trace their ancestry. Phys
ical and mental development go hand in
hand in the country of the Rhine, making some of
the grandest specimens of symmetrical humanity
the world has ever seen. In early manhood Cor
nelius Weygandt left his native land and came to
America, locating in the then wilderness of Penn
sylvania. Here was the pioneer cabin erected,
the hardships of frontier life endured, and finally
a little town arose destined to become a mighty city.
Amid these early scenes Cornelius Weygandt
passed the remainder of his life, becoming identi
fied with the history of the country. He lived to
an advanced age, and reared a large family of
children, among whom was a son who bore his
father's name.
Cornelius Weygandt (2) was born in Northamp
ton county, Penn., and received a very limited
education. During the earlier part of his life he
learned and followed the cooper trade, afterward
purchasing 300 acres of land in Carroll township,
Washington Co. , Penn. One hundred years ago
he erected buildings on that part of the land which
is now owned by the subject of this sketch, and
there passed the remainder of his life. He married
Barbara Stacker, who bore him many children, and

both parents died on the old home place many
years ago.
Cornelius Weygandt (3) was born on the home
stead in Carroll township, and received a subscrip
tion school education. He always followed agri
cultural pursuits on the old home place, and in
early life was married to Rosanna Bonniwitz, a na
tive of Fayette county, Penn. They had seven
children, of whom but three are living. In poli
tics he voted with the Democratic party, and served
as school director and auditor of the township. In
religion he was a member of the Lutheran Church.
He died in 1858, being followed by his. wife five
years later.
Cornelius Weygandt (4), the subject proper of
this sketch, was born May 5, 1832, in the house
where he is yet living on the ancestral acres in
Carroll township. He attended the log cabin
school of the neighborhood, and has passed his life
on the old place, now owning 115 acres of land.
In political opinion he is a Democrat, and in relig
ious faith a member of the Lutheran Church. He
has never married, and though somewhat enfeebled
by hard work, is yet a vigorous man for his age.
His nephew Jesse has charge of the place.

OBERT KNOX, who is prominently identi
fied with the insurance business in the bor
ough of Washington, is a native of the
county, having been born in Buffalo town
ship, February 19, 1858.
John Knox, his grandfather, came from Ireland
to this county about the year 1808, bringing with
him his young wife, and settled on a farm in Buf
falo township, where they both died. Their eldest
child was born on the Atlantic ocean while they
were on their way to America, and is now living in
Texas, at the age of nearly ninety years. The
grandmother died some years before the grand
father, who passed away when eighty-four years
old. They were the parents of eight children, five
of whom are living, viz. : William, in Buffalo town
ship; John, in Claysville; Margaret, wife of George
Smith, in Buffalo township; Thomas, in Kansas;
and Jenny, relict of Dr. Milliken.
Robert Knox, Sr. , was born in Buffalo township,
and for many years was a tailor in Taylorstown.
He purchased a farm in the township, which he
carried on in connection with his trade. In 1845
he married Anne, daughter of James Irwin, of
Canton township, and three children came to bless
their home, viz.: John, now in Taylorstown; J.
Irwin, living on the old farm; and Robert, our
subject. The father was called to his long home
irt July, 1889, when seventy years 'of age. He
was a stanch Democrat. In religion he was a
member of the U. P. Church of North Buffalo.
.Robert- Knox, whose name opens this sketch,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

881

received his education at the common schools of his
native township, and when a young man taught
school during the winter months while he worked
on the farm in summer time. For ten years he
taught in Chartiers, Canton and Buffalo townships,
and four terms in Taylorstown. In April, 1886,
he opened out a general store, in partnership with
his brother John, at Taylorstown, but sold out in
March, 1891. In November, 1890, he came to
Washington borough, where he has since been
successfully engaged in the insurance business.
He and his brother, J. Irwin, still retain control of
the old farm property in Buffalo township, on
which are located twenty-four oil wells. He mar
ried, January 17, 1889, Miss Ella B. , daughter of
James Wilson, of Taylorstown, and two children,
named Robert James and Russel W., have come to
brighten their home. Politically, Mr. Knox is a
Democrat, and has served as assessor of Buffalo
township, also as clerk of elections several times.
In his religious connections he is a member of the
First United Presbyterian Church of Washington.

ffOHN SLATER, manufacturer and wholesale
, l| dealer in cigars, is a prosperous and promi-
'\j\ nent citizen of Washington. He is a native
^^ of the borough, born June 11, 1858, a son of
Theodore Slater, who was born January 22, 1821,
in the city of Treves (Trier), Rhenish Prussia, and
who, in the year 1846, came, in company with his
brother, Matthias, to America, located at Pitts
burgh, Penn., and thence, some time later, pro
ceeded to Louisville, Ky. On July 19, 1847, the
war with Mexico being in progress, he enlisted,
although not yet an American citizen, in Company
K (Capt. Gardner), First U. S. Infantry, and
served under Gen. Winfield Scott during the re
mainder of the campaign, including the capture of
the City of Mexico. On July 23, 1848, he was
honorably discharged, and returned to Pittsburgh,
whence, after a short time, he moved to Greene
county, and embarked, in partnership with two of
his brothers-in-law, in the manufacture of shoes,
carrying on also a grocery and provision store.
Theodore Slater revisited his old home by the
Rhine in 1851, where he married Miss Apolonia,
daughter of Matthias AVeis. Her father died in
Germany in 1884, at the age of eighty-four years.
In May, 1851, Mr. Slater returned with his bride,
and finally settled in Washington, this county,
where they made their first home on the corner of
Main and Maiden streets, now the site of Acheson's
grocery store. He commenced in the boot and
shoe business on his own account. Later they
lived where now stands G. W. Roberts' drug store.
In 1866 they were burned out, losing everything,
including their furniture and clothing. In the
following year they moved to Main street, where

Mr. Slater established a trade in tobacco and the
manufacture of cigars, etc., and here passed the
remainder of his days, dying May 14, 1879, at the
age of fifty-eight years. He was an ardent Demo
crat, but not ambitious for office, though he was
nominated by his party for commissioner, and also
assistant burgess, to which latter position he was
duly elected. He was a member of the Catholic
Church, and a strong supporter of educational
measures. His widow is still living at the old
home in Washington, the mother of four children:
John, who died in childhood ; Mary L. , known as
Sister Mary Xavier, of the Order of The Visitation
in the convent at Mt. Chantel, near Wheeling, W.
Va., of which she has been a member for some
fourteen years; John, of whom special mention will
be presently made; and Annie, who died at the
age of nineteen years. Annie was an extensive
reader, and possessed a fine intellect. Her power
of memorizing was almost phenomenal. When in
her eighteenth year, she participated in a prize
literary contest in the East, the subject of her
essay being: " AVhat Catholics have done for
America." She had the honor of carrying off the
second prize, notwithstanding the fact that she had
to contend against many older competitors; truly
an honor of which the family feel justly proud.
John Slater received his rudimentary education
at the common schools of Washington borough,
which was supplemented by a two-year's course at
St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Westmoreland county.
Returning to his home, he worked at his trade of
cigar making under his father, at whose death he
succeeded to the business, and has since continued
to carry it on. The industry includes the general
manufacture of several brands of cigars, and job
bing in all kinds of plug and smoking tobacco.
Under Mr. Slater's management the business has
become the most extensive of the kind in the
county. The factory, which is in size 100x22 fleet,
two and three stories in height, gives employment
to a large number of hands. On August 25, 1886,
Mr. Slater was married to Regina, daughter of
Michael Stillwagen, of Claysville. This marriage
was blessed by three children, viz. : John Joseph,
Charles Francis and Edward Theodore. In politics
Mr. Slater is an ardent Democrat, and in religion
a consistent Catholic.

\ILLIAM McCREREY is one of the most
successful business men, and deservedly
. popular citizens of Buffalo township. He
was born June 30, 1838, in Marshall
county, W. Va., and passed his boyhood in the
usual uneventful manner of farmer boys. He
afterward worked at the carpenter's trade. On De
cember 27, 1864, he was united in marriage with
Kate, daughter of AVilliam Litle, of Buffalo town-

882

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ship, and the following children were born to them:
Virginia Lee, Alexander H. , William Litle, Emily,
Mary Ann and Bessie Bell, all of whom are living
at home. Mr. McCrerey began life with practi
cally nothing, his success being due solely to his
own energy and management. AVhen his father
died, he inherited a portion of the estate, but in
stead of using it himself, allowed a brother, Thomas
(who had remained on the old homestead, and
cared for the father in his declining years), to use
and occupy the entire portion until sufficiently
remunerated for his years of self-denial. When
Mr. Litle (his father-in-law) died, William McCre
rey bought of the heirs the entire farm of 190
acres, which is now his home. It is a pleasant
place, well -improved, and having an air of enter
prise, thrift and comfort surrounding it. In poli
tics he is a Democrat, and has served five consecu
tive terms as school director. In addition to gen
eral farming, Mr. McCrerey is an extensive wool-
grower, and breeder of Black-Top sheep, now own
ing nearly two hundred and fifty of that breed.
He commands the respect and friendship of. a large
circle of acquaintances. His wife is a devoted
member of the Methodist Church, and is widely
known for her good deeds.

THOMAS B. CRAIG was born in Buffalo
township, this county, June 6, 1840. He
came of a talented Scotch-Irish family, one of
the most influential and successful in the
county — a parentage that exercised no lit
tle influence in laying the foundation of modern
government and religion. This has made Wash
ington county widely known, in State and Nation;
has given her sons no little pride in saying " I hail
from Washington county." His parents were
Hugh and Hannah (Henderson) Craig. His father,
though a farmer, was needed in official position,
and served his township and county, and finally
the State Legislature, to the entire satisfaction of
his constituents.
Thomas B. Craig is the youngest of eight chil
dren, among whom were Rev. Dr. Hugh K. Craig,
who ranked high in the pulpit, and was president
for a time of Monongahela College. Hon. John
H. Craig, another brother, distinguished himself
for his scholarly attainments at college, and is
widely known in Iowa as a platform orator. Hon.
A. K. Craig, who served his party in Congress, and
a sketch of whose life is found in this volume, was
also a brother. Thomas B. Craig was raised on
the old Craig farm near Claysville, where he im
bibed those principles that gave to his character
the elements necessary for complete success. He
always held his own with the brightest pupils at
Science Hill School, among whom was the Hon.

S. J. McCarrel, now a member of the State Senate
of Pennsylvania.
Scarcely having attained his majority, the Civil
war broke out, and fired with zeal for the cause of
right, as it appeared to him, enlisted in August,
1862, in Company B, "Ringgold Cavalry" Bat
talion, serving in it for some two years, at which
time the battalion was reorganized into a regi
ment, known as the Twenty-second P. V. C. He
served in Company C, of this regiment, until the
close of the war. fie was a member of the corps
under Genera] Sheridan in his "famous raid" in the
Shenandoah Valley, and took part in the engage
ments, the most important of which were the bat
tles of Winchester (the scene of "Sheridan's
Ride," immortalized by Buchanan), Fisher's Hill
and Cedar Creek. After the war Mr. Craig en
tered into partnership with L. C. Truesdell in
general mercantile business at Claysville, which
continued for four years. He then embarked alone,
conducting a general store in which he has since
been very successful, and for many years has been
recognized by the public as the leading merchant
of Claysville. In 1871 Mr. Craig married Rachel,
daughter of James Noble, of Buffalo township, one
of the most successful farmers of the county. To
them were born four children, James, who is as
sisting his father in the mercantile business;
Homer, a student in Washington and Jefferson
College, McWilliams and Clarence, who are at
tending the public schools at Claysville.
Mr. Craig has always been a strong Democrat,
and has taken an active interest in politics; and the
Democratic party owes a great deal to his zeal and
fidelity for its success, and especially for its late
success, in having a Democratic representation in
the Twenty-fourth Congressional District of Penn
sylvania, of which this county is a part. A late
writer in speaking of Mr. Craig says: " Among the
well-known and enterprising business men of Clays
ville, none occupy a more prominent position, or
are more worthy of confidence and respect, than
the subject of this sketch- " Mr. Craig has been and
is at present a member of the City Council, and
has been frequently a member of the school board,
besides holding other offices of trust. He and his
family are members of the Presbyterian Church,
the church of his boyhood, to which he has given
his liberal support and work.

JOSEPH REED. In the front ranks of pros
perous agriculturists and prominent citizens
of Cecil township, we find the name of this
gentleman. His great-great-grandparents
were of Scotch-Irish parentage. His great
grandfather, David Reed, was born on the ocean
when his parents and two brothers were coming to
America in the early part of the eighteenth century,

a&^m

J

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

885

or about 1700 to 1715. One brother settled in
Kentucky and one in Carolina. The father,
mother and David settled in Lancaster county,
Penn. David was married to Miss Caldwell,
daughter of Capt. Caldwell, who commanded a
oompany called ' ' The Blue Hen' s Chickens ' ' dur
ing the Revolutionary war. Capt. Caldwell lived
on an island in the Susquehanna river. The chil
dren of this union were, in the order of age : Mol
lie, married to Peter Clark; Nancy, married to
James Clark (lived near Harrisburg, Penn. Peter
and James Clark were not related); Jane, married
to Matthew Atcheson, of Hickory, Penn. ; Rebecca,
married to Humphrey Atcheson, brother of Mat
thew; Lydia, married to Samuel McBride, of Ma
honing county, Ohio; John, married to Anna
Atcheson, sister of Matthew and Humphrey, and
David, married to Margaret May.
(The grandparents of the subject of this sketch).
Col. Crogan offered John and David very flattering
inducements to come from Lancaster county and
settle in what is now Mt. Pleasant township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., which were accepted by the two
young men, who came here in 1777, and settled on
what afterward proved to be "The Washington
Land," in Mt. Pleasant township. In the autumn
of 1777 David returned to Lancaster county, and
married Miss Margaret May, daughter of Alex
May, in the spring of 1778. They soon came to
their new farm, where they lived for several years.
On September 20, 1784, Gen. George Washington,
then traveling through this section, came and
dined with Mr. David Reed. During the day Gen.
Washington claimed that he owned the title to the
land on which Mr. Reed lived, which he afterward
proved, and that Col. Crogan did not have a title
to the property, and had unlawfully placed the
Messrs. Reed and others thereon. Gen. Washing
ton would not allow the settlers any rights nor any
compensation for the improvements. Finally he
made the following offer, a transcript of which is
taken from the journal of Gen. Washington, in
Washington, D. C. :
September 20, 1784, dined at David Reed's, after which
Mr. James Scott and Squire Reed began to enquire
whether I would part with the land, and upon what terms;
adding that, though they did not conceive they could be
dispossessed, yet, to avoid contention, they would buy if
my terms were moderate. I told them I had no inclination
to sell; however, after hearing a great deal of their hard
ships, their religious principles which had brought them
together as a society of Ceceders, and unwillingness to
separate or remove, I told them I would make them a
last offer, and this was— The whole tract at 25 shillings
per acre. The money to be paid in three annual pay
ments with interest — or to become tenants upon leases of
999 years, at the annual rental of 10 pounds per C per an
num, etc.
The above goes on to say that the settlers decided
to stand suit, and abide by the issue of the law.
In the December term of court, 1784, ejectment
42

suits were entered, and as the rights of Gen. Wash
ington by the Virginia patents were well authenti
cated, the settlers did not make a claim of priority
of title. The suit was decided against the settlers,
who, of course, had to move elsewhere or become
tenants of the land they had previously thought
was their own. John Reed purchased another
farm in Cecil township, now owned by Mrs. John
Cubbage. He died there April 14, 1817, aged sev
enty-three years. David Reed, about the year
1788, also purchased 300 acres of land in Cecil town
ship from Thomas Waller, which had been taken
up by him previous to 1780, for which he gave one
horse, one pair blankets and 13 pounds sterling.
A warrant of acceptance was issued to David Reed
by the board of Property, March 2, 1790, and
patent granted April 21, 1813. He moved to this
farm after the contest for the Washington lands
was decided against him, and lived there until he
died, September 30, 1824, aged seventy-seven
years, leaving his wife, who died November 19,
1840, aged eighty-two years. David in his young
er days underwent many hardships in clearing his
property, and from the treachery of the Indians.
He was a noted Indian fighter, and was at the In
dian massacre at Yellow creek, Ohio. But bright
er years were ahead of him, for financial prosperity
finally crowned his efforts. He was one of the elders
in Chartiers Associate Reformed (now U. P.) Church
at Canonsburg, Penn. They had five sons and one
daughter. The older son, Alexander, was married
to Martha Anderson; the second son, David, mar
ried Euphemia Paxton; Mary (" Polly ") became
the wife of George Murray; John, the third son,
married Jane May, and lived in Mt. Pleasant town
ship; James, born April 10, 1793, married Jane
Ann Allison (He was for many years a jeweler of
Washington, Penn., but afterward moved to Pitts
burgh, and founded the present jewelry house of
J. R. Reed & Co. He died June 5, 1878); Joseph,
the youngest son, was born April 30, 1796, and al
ways lived on the homestead of his father.
On October 18, 1821, Joseph Reed (just men
tioned) was married to Elizabeth Alexander, who
died May 1, 1822, without issue. For his second
wife Mr. Reed married Anna, daughter of Rev.
Daniel McLean, of Jamestown, Penn. Of this union
there were four children: (1) Margaret, born Feb
ruary 20, 1825, died August 29, 1 882, was married
to Robert Henderson (They had four children:
Anna, deceased; Mary Martha, who is the wife of
William Grounds; Joseph Reed Henderson, who
married Elizabeth Martin, and Mina, who became
the wife of Linus Welsh). (2) Mary, born Novem
ber 13, 1826, died August 20, 1881, was the
wife of John Nesbit, of Chartiers township. (3)
David, born January 1, 1829, was twice married;
his first wife was Vashti Elder (deceased), of West
Virginia; to his second wife, Amelia Forbes, he

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

had two children: Ernest and Ellis Anderson;
David was a leading physician of Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, and died there March 21, 1869. (4) Jane
Ann, born December 28, 1830, is the wife of John
B. May, of Venice, Penn. ; their two children died
in infancy. Anna, the mother of these children,
having died August 3, 1831, Mr. Reed was after
ward married to Martha Anderson, who was born
October 2, 1816, a daughter of Matthew Anderson,
of Chartiers township; she died October 2, 1882,
about three years before Mr. Reed's decease.
Eight children were born to them, as follows:
(1) Elizabeth, born August 1, 1833, is the wife of
David AVhite, of Canonsburg, Penn. ; they had two
children: Joseph Reed, and Elva (deceased). (2)
John, born November 10, 1835; he was a minister
in the U. P. Church, and died in Indiana, Septem
ber 21, 1863. (3) Matthew Anderson, born Janu
ary 26, 1838, resides in Allegheny, Penn. ; he was
married in 1862 to Anna Mary, daughter of Henry
Donnell, of Cecil township; their three children
are Harry French, Clara Mary and Anna Martha.
(4) Thomas Alexander, born March 20, 1840, mar
ried Martha Gladden ; they now live in Pasadena,
Cal. (5) Joseph, born April 30, 1843, married
Ella C. Cubbage, daughter of John and Mary
(Hutchison) Cubbage, who were natives of Alle
gheny county, Penn. , and Guernsey county, Ohio,
respectively; three children brighten this home,
Lettie Myrtle, Joseph Houston and Ethel. (6)
George Murray, born July 22, 1848, is a minister
in the U. P. Church of Newville, Cumberland Co.,
Penn.; he married Lizzie Kinner, of New AVilining-
ton, Penn., and four children have blessed their
union; George Kinner, Gertrude, Chloe and Paul
Mehard. (7) Julia A., born June 9, 1850, wife of
Alonzo Hemphill, of Houstonville, Penn. ; they
have two children: Helen and John. (8) Campbell
Ledlie, born June 29, 1853, was married to Annie
D. Cowden, deceased; they had two daughters,
Margaret Alberta and Martha Maud, also one son,
Ralph Rockwood, deceased. Mr. Reed afterward
married Jennie M. Patterson. They have one
daughter, Katharine Pauline. He resides in Cecil
township. Joseph Reed, the father of the above, was a
gentleman of the old school. His fine personal
appearance alone commanded respect everywhere.
For honesty of principle, goodness and charity, Mr.
Reed had no superiors, and his home was always
characterized by generous hospitality. He always
lived on the homestead of his father. He was for
many years justice of the peace; and it can be said
of him that during all these years he had only two
hearings before him, as he always used his influence
to get an amicable settlement between the parties,
rather than have a trial. Many other important
positions of local trust were held by him. In his
younger days he was a noted violinist, which art he

kept in practice until a short time before his
death. Those who knew him placed a high esti
mate upon his judgment, and esteemed him for his
uprightness, and the impress of his character was
left upon all who met him. He was ordained an
elder in Chartiers U. P. Church, February 15,
1854, but a few years later severed his connections
with this church, and afterward attended the U.
P. Church at Venice, which was much nearer his
home. He retired from active business many years
before his death. His memory never became im
paired, and his faculties for conversing even during
the latter years of his life were remarkably clear.
He died October 4, 1885, in his ninetieth year.
Joseph Reed, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born April 30, 1843, on the farm in Cecil
township where he is still living. His education
was received in the public schools of the neighbor
hood, and July 11, 1883, he was united in mar
riage with Ella C. Cubbage. Since their marriage
our subject and wife have resided on the old home
stead, which contains 206 acres of well-cultivated
land. Three children have blessed this home.
Mr. Reed makes a specialty of raising a high grade
of sheep. In politics he votes the Republican
ticket, and he is serving his second term as justice
of the peace.

d(OHN CUBBAGE was a native of Allegheny
| county, Penn., born January 12, 1812, in
) what is now the town of Mansfield. George
Cubbage, his father, who was a native of Ire
land, and a butcher by trade, came to America at
an early day, settling in Allegheny county, Penn.,
on a farm on which the present town of Mansfield
now stands. He married Nancy Caldwell, who
bore him the following children: Hannah (Mrs.
Henry Cowan), John, Abbie (Mrs. Hugh Graham),
Martha, Sarah (Mrs. Jacob Doolittle), Nancy
(Mrs. Robert Small) and William. The father
died in 1853, the mother on May 2, 1883, in her
ninety-fourth year; they were members of the
Presbyterian Church.
John Cubbage was reared and educated in Mans
field, Allegheny county, and when of suitable age
entered the employ of a Mr. Fahnestock, a drug
gist, and also studied medicine for some years. In
18 — he was united in marriage with Eliza J.
Ewing, and they had two children : George A. and
James S. This wife dying in 18 — , Mr. Cubbage
married, for his second, Mary Hutchison, by which
union there were six children, viz. : Sarah M.,
Hannah P. (Mrs. Theodore McCloy), Nancy J.,
Sarah A. , Ella C. (Mrs. Joseph Reed) and Lyda
J. (Mrs. John Harper). The mother of this family
departed this life December 16, 1863, and our sub
ject afterward married Ann J. Holland, who bore
him three children: Ann M. (Mrs. William Small),

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

887

Martha J. (Mrs. George Lenning) and Euretia M.
(Mrs. Harry McKeown). John Cubbage died
August 4, 1880. Mr. Cubbage in religious faith
was a Covenanter. He was a farmer by occupation
after 1865, the year in which he came to Cecil
township, this county.

,\ILLIAM H. MORRISON, a prosperous
manufacturer of Monongahela, is de
scended from a well-known family who
emigrated from Ireland. James Morri
son, the earliest ancestor of our subject
to settle in Pennsylvania, was born in County Lon
donderry, Ireland, and there grew to manhood.
Some time after his marriage he came to America
and located in Chester county, Penn. In 1773,
accompanied by their two sons, John and Henry,
Mr. and Mrs. Morrison moved to Nottingham town
ship, Washington county, where both parents died.
Henry Morrison was born in 1752, in New Lon
don, Chester Co. , Penn. , and was there reared and
educated. He then came with his parents to Not
tingham township, where he was married to Pa
tience Sayers, who bore him the following chil
dren: William, John, James, Henry, Elizabeth
(wife of William Donaldson), Patience (married to
John Gaston), Sarah (wife of William Gault),
Susan (wife of William Gaston), and others who
died in infancy. Mr. Morrison served as lieuten
ant in the Revolution, and passed his later years
on the home farm, a tract of 400 acres in Notting
ham township. He was an active member of the
Democratic party, and in religion a member of
Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died at the age
of eighty-two years.
John Morrison, son of Henry and Patience
(Sayers) Morrison, was born July 2, 1792, on the
home place in Nottingham township, received a
subscription -school education, and passed his en
tire life on the homestead, where he followed farm
ing and stock raising. Politically he was a Whig
and Republican, held various township offices, and
was an ardent supporter of the school bill of 1837,
doing all in his power to advance the interests of
the public schools. He married Mary, daughter
of Daniel Huston, a native of Nottingham town
ship, November 27, 1817, and their children were
William H, Joel, Daniel, John, Mary C. (wife of
Dr. Barnett), Patience (married to John Giffin)
and Elizabeth J. (wife of Robert McAllister).
The mother was called home in 1845, and in 1870
the father was laid to rest by her side in Mingo
cemetery. William H. Morrison was born December 19,
1819, on the old homestead in Nottingham town
ship, and attended the schools of the vicinity. On
May 20, 1879, he married Susan B., daughter of
Joseph B. Abell. Mr. Abell was a native of New

Jersey, who settled in Philadelphia and there mar
ried Jane A. Lambert, whose children were: John
L. , Joseph Edward, Susan B. (Mrs. Morrison),
Jane and Anna E. In 1870 Mr. Abell and his
family came to Washington county, where they
made a permanent home. He was a cooper by
trade, and in politics voted with the Democratic
party. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. W. H. Morrison came to Monongahela
in 1876, where he has been engaged in manufact
uring enterprises. He has for several years served
a prosperous firm as secretary and treasurer, and
the company, being largely interested in coal works,
has some of the largest plants for coal hauling in
the country. Mr. Morrison is actively identified
with the interests of the Republican party, and in
religious faith is a member of and elder in the
Presbyterian Church at Monongahela. He has
one son, William A.

AVID HAGERTY, a well;known agricult
urist of the county, but now retired from
active labor, having his residence in the
borough of Washington, was bom in 1822
in Canton township, three miles from Washington.
Joseph Hagerty, his father, came from Ireland
and married Mrs. Hannah Blair Fleming, a widow,
whose first husband, who was a merchant, died in
New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerty came to
Washington county in 1812, just as the war of
that period had broken out, and the Indians were
very hostile. Some of them were encamped on
the farm on which Mr. Hagerty had settled, and
on which two former settlers had been taken pris
oners. The nearest fort was at Taylorstown. Mr.
and Mrs. Hagerty were the parents of children, as
follows: John, Joseph, Robert, Blair and William,
all deceased; Joseph and David (twins), of whom
Joseph is living in Kansas, and David is our sub
ject; Nancy, deceased wife of James Van Kirk;
Mary, deceased wife of Samuel Wilkey; Betsey,
deceased, unmarried; and one that died at the age
of three years. The father died in 1825, at the
age of sixty years; the mother passed away in
1850, at the home of her son, David, when aged
ninety-three years.
David Hagerty, whose name opens this sketch,
helped, when a boy, to clear the farm which he
now owns. The subscription school which he at
tended, three miles from his home, was a primitive
structure, 24x40 feet in area, made of cut logs,
the windows being simply greased paper pasted
over openings in the wall. The benches were made
of split logs without backs. The only books then
used were the United States Speller, the English
Reader, the AVestern Calculator and the Bible.
Our subject attended school three months in the
year. Mr. Hagerty was married to Mrs. Jennie

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Griffith Farrer, of Buffalo township, this county,
who died in 1873, leaving daughters, viz. : Sarah
Josephine (wife of Samuel Thompson, of Holton,
Kans. ), Letitia M. (wife of Francis Moore, of Buf
falo township) and Anna Virginia (living with her
father). The old home farm of Mr. Hagerty is
where the sons of Joshua Russell were taken cap
tive by the Indians. They were traced as far as
the Ohio river, where their pursuers found that the
boys had escaped while the Indians slept. On the
farm there are nineteen oil-producing wells. In
1890 Mr. Hagerty came to Washington to live re
tired the rest of his days. Politically he is a
Democrat, and has held several offices.

T'HE McCLURG FAMILY. This well-
known family of Hanover township are of
Irish ancestry, and trace their genealogy to
one Robert McClurg, who was born about
the middlp of the eighteenth century in
County Tyrone, Ireland. When a young man he
was married in his native country, and in June,
1773, the young people came to America.
They made a temporary location in the eastern
States, and some years later came to Hanover town
ship, locating on King's creek. They occupied
the primitive log cabin so common in those early
days, and this one stood for many years afterward.
Here Robert McClurg and his wife passed the re
mainder of their lives, and died at a ripe old age,
having endured the hardships and struggles com
mon to those perilous days, to which no pen can
do full justice. Husband and wife were laid to
rest in the Paris cemetery. Both were members
of the Seceder Church. Their children were born
as follows: Jane, Anna (wife of David Andrews,
Jefferson county, Ohio) and John.
John McClurg was born January 3, 1774, on
the home farm in Hanover township. He attended
the rate schools of his time, receiving but a meager
education, and, when a young man, learned the
trade of a shoemaker. In August, 1823, he was
married to Nancy Herron, who was born in 1800,
a daughter of John and Nancy (Galliher) Herron.
John Herron came from Ireland about the time
that Robert McClurg left that country, first locat
ing in Maryland, but later in Washington county.
The following children were born to John and
Nancy McClurg: Jane, Nancy, Anna, Sarah A.,
Mary J., Robert W., John J., William andDavid A.,
all of whom are living. The father was a prosperous
man, and followed farming in connection with his
trade. He remained on the old place all his life,
and died there March 16, 1838, after two or three
years' suffering from consumption. He was laid
to rest in the Paris cemetery. His widow survived
until January 10, 1883, when she was laid to rest

by the side of her husband. He was a hearty
supporter of the Democratic party, and both par
ents were zealous members of the Seceder Church,
which eventually became the United Presbyterian
Church. Of their children Jane, Anna, Sarah A.
and Mary J. are yet unmarried, and live on the
home farm with their brothers Robert W. and
John J., who have been farming the place since
the death of the father. William is a blacksmith,
and is working at his trade on the home farm.
David A. is a merchant of Beaver Falls, and Nancy
is now Mrs. Joseph Lyons, of Hanover township.

1Tp\\EV. AV. B. SMILEY. John Smiley was
Iwv born in 1730, in Ireland, to which country
![rV his grandfather had fled from Scotland
JJ — ^ about 1612 for religious freedom. With
v his father John came to this country when
quite young. About 1758 he married Ann Houton
Stewart, and they lived in Dauphin county, Penn. ,
where ten children — six sons and four daughters —
were born to them. The family belonged to what
is known as the " Seceder " Church, one of the
" straitest sects;" and because Thomas, the
eldest son, turned Baptist, he became as a stranger
to the rest of the family, and so remained behind
when the father and mother and other nine chil
dren crossed the mountains and located in Mt.
Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., in
1785. Thomas, however, became renowned as a
Baptist missionary in the early history of Penn
sylvania. He died in 1832 at the age of seventy-
three, leaving a large posterity, and his monument
stands in White Deer cemetery, in Lycoming
county, Penn. , where he had organized a church
in 1808. John Smiley, the pioneer of the family,
died in 1811 in the eighty-first year of his age,
and Ann, his wife, passed away in 1814, aged
seventy-five years. The sons who came west with
them were: James (who died in 1844, aged eighty-
two years), Robert (who died in 1853), John (who
died in 1818, aged fifty-eight years, leaving no
descendants), Samuel (who died in 1806, and
whose family afterward moved west, and their de
scendants are now living in Illinois and Iowa) and
AATilliam (who died in 1866, in the eighty-eighth
year of his age). The only descendants of James'
Smiley now living are two grandsons, James A.
and Leander, the former of whom now lives on his
grandfather's farm in Mt. Pleasant township.
Robert has one son living, James G. , who is a farm
er living on the " Middletown Road." Robert's
other children were John, who died in 1877; Jane
(Gabby by marriage), who died in 1842, leaving
three children; Anne (Coulter by marriage), who
died in 1882, leaving one son, Nathaniel; Thomas,
who died in 1885, leaving two daughters and one

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

891

son, who live on a part of their great-grandfather's
farm; Margaret (Thompson by marriage), who died
in 1890; Sarah (Thompson by marriage), who died
in 1865, leaving descendants in northern Pennsyl
vania; Mary, who died in 1858, and three that
died in infancy. John had no children, and Sam
uel's family moved to the West. When William
married he located in Robinson township and
raised eleven children — nine sons and two daugh
ters. William and his wife on their wedding day
weighed just 400 pounds, he weighing 198 pounds
and she 202 pounds, and the aggregate height of
the nine sons was fifty-five feet. "There were
giants in those days." But these nine sons have
only left four sons, now alive, to carry the name
down to future generations. The older ones all
left the county, and all but one the State, John,
the oldest, locating in Beaver county, Penn. The
one next the youngest died just after he had fin
ished his education for the ministry. David, the
youngest, inherited his father's farm, but after
ward sold it and located near Burgettstown, where
he lived until 1890, when he moved to Coraopolis,
Penn. The farm is now occupied by two of his
children, the oldest, Martha J. (now Mrs. W. F.
Purdy), and the youngest, John N. Both these
have families, the former a daughter and a son
living, and a daughter and a son dead; the latter
has two boys and two girls, all living.
The second son, William Brownlee, very early
in life manifested a strong inclination for study,
and when six years of age memorized and recited
without missing a single word the " shorter cate
chism of the Westminster divines." He received
his English education in the public schools of
Burgettstown, which he completed in the spring
of 1873, at sixteen years of age. During the win
ter of 1874-75 he taught school in Robinson town
ship, having spent eighteen months in the mean
time on the farm with his father. In the fall of
1875 he commenced the study of the classics in
Jefferson Academy, Canonsburg, Penn., and in the
autumn of 1876 entered the sophomore class in
Westminster College, from which he graduated in
1879 at the head of his class. Together with J.
S. Garvin, his intimate friend and room-mate at
college, more than a year was spent as joint prin
cipal of McKeesport Academy and Normal School.
He entered the Theological Seminary in Septem
ber, 1880, having studied privately a year under
Rev. James Kelso, of McKeesport, and graduated
in 1882. The following is taken from the Bur
gettstown Call : "AV. B. Smiley has just com
pleted the course at U. P. Theological Seminary,
Allegheny City, with the highest grade in a class
of eleven. We believe he is the first young man
that has been raised, educated and licensed to
preach within the bounds of Burgettstown U. P.
Congregation. The young gentleman has fine

abilities, and is, no doubt, entering upon a career of
great usefulness."
Rev. Smiley was married June 7, 1882, to Miss
Maggie D. Fergus, a daughter of Thomas Fergus,
of Elizabeth, Penn. , and in publishing an account
of the wedding, among other things the McKees
port Times said: "The bride-elect was most hand
somely dressed, though richer than robes of silk
is the tender grace of youth and maidenly worth
with which she was adorned. The happy groom
was our former fellow citizen, Prof. AV. B. Smiley,
who is held in such high esteem by all who know
him here, for his Christian character and intellect
ual attainments." Three bright children have
blessed this marriage — one daughter and two sons.
Mr. Smiley was licensed to preach by the Presby
tery of Allegheny on April 4, 1882, and by the
1st of July had the opportunity of three settle
ments — West Newton (Penn.), AVashington (Iowa)
and Chartiers Congregation, Canonsburg (Penn.).
The latter he decided to accept, and on August 1
entered upon his duties as pastor of one of the
oldest and most substantial congregations in the
Church. He preached his tenth anniversary ser
mon on the first Sabbath of August, 1892, in which
it was stated that 384 persons had been, received
into membership in the congregation during the
ten years of his pastorate, or an average of one for
every two sermons preached. A large congrega
tion of the most intelligent people wait regularly
upon his ministry, and manifest in every way their
loyalty and devotion to him as their pastor. He
was recently urged to take charge of an important
station in the West, but the ties by which he and
his people were bound together were so strong that
the thought of separation could not be entertained.
Just recently the people have greatly beautified
and enlarged the seating capacity of their church
building, and they have now a very inviting place
in which to worship.
DESCENDANTS OP JOHN AND ANN SMILEY:
— Thomas, a Baptist preacher who remained in
the eastern part of the State. James — descend
ants : James A. and Leander.
Robert — children : James G. (has four children
— three living and one dead — all daughters) ; John,
who died in 1877; Jane (Gabby, by marriage), who
died in 1842, leaving three children; Anne (Coulter,
by marriage), who died in 1882, leaving one son,
Nathaniel; Thomas, who died in 1885, leaving two
daughters and one son, who live on a part of their
great-grandfather's farm; Margaret (Thompson,
by marriage), who died in 1890; Sarah (Thompson,
by marriage), who died in 1865, leaving descend
ants in northern Pennsylvania; Mary, who died in
1858, and three that died in infancy.
John, who had no family.
Samuel, whose family moved west.
William — children (1) John, who had no chil-

892

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

dren, and died in Burgettstown, Penn. , after spend
ing most of his life in Beaver county, Penn. ; (2)
Margaret, who married John Witherspoon, and
moved to West Virginia (she has two sons living) ;
(3) Thomas, still living in Ohio (has no children);
(4) Ann, who married Matthew Bailey, lived all
her life near the old homestead in Robinson town
ship, and left eight children; (5) William, who
left one daughter, living in Ohio; (6) Robert, who
left two sons and one daughter in Iowa; (7) Eben
ezer, who lives in New Lisbon, Ohio (has no chil
dren, but one grandson) ; (8) James, who left one
daughter; (9) Samuel, living in Bloomfield, Ohio
(has no children) ; (10) Archibald, who died upon
entering the ministry; (11) David, who had three
children: (1) Martha J. Purdy (has two children
living: Maggie Belle and Brownlee Smiley, and
buried two: Lizzie Lena, and an infant unnamed);
(2) John N. , who has four children, all living:
Eva Leona, Earl Brownlee, Lena Florence and
Charles Raymond; (3) William Brownlee, who has
three children, all living: Olive Bell, Thomas Fer
gus and Howard Brownlee.
The four daughters of John and Ann Smiley
married, respectively, Robert Thome, Archibald
Brownlee,  Atchison (who moved to Ohio), and
Stewart (who moved to the northern part of

Pennsylvania). Through all the different generations there has
been manifest in the Smiley family that integrity
of character and devotion to religious principles
which characterized their forefathers. There has
not been one of the descendants of John and Ann
Smiley, so far as known, that has been a dishonor
to the family name. When John Smiley first set
tled in Washington county, he became identified
with what is now known as the North Buffalo U. P.
Church, then known as the Associate (or Seceder)
Church, and to this faith his descendants remained
true, being characterized, with scarcely an excep
tion, as faithful and earnest Christian men and
women, and a great many of them holding office in
the church. They have not aspired much after po
litical honors, and not many of them have turned
aside from the pursuits of their father — agricult
ure — but sterling worth of character has been a
feature prominently marked in the family history.
An ensign, in the form of a chevron, with an armed
arm (on which is a wreath) as a crest, and bearing
the motto: "viribds virtus " (meaning " valor in
arms," or "virtue with power"), was conferred
upon the ancestors of the Smiley family in Ireland,
probably in the seventeenth century, and was con
firmed by the Crown through Sir William Betham,
Knight, Deputy of Ulster King of Arms, in 1815,
and duly recorded. The occasion of its being con
firmed was probably some special act of valor or
bravery manifested in defense of the Crown.

HARLTON M. LIGGETT is a prosperous
young merchant of Independence, Penn.,
and a son of David A., whose father, Thom
as Liggett, came from Scotland with a
brother, and after landing in America, remained a
short time in Baltimore, Md. They made a per
manent settlement in AVashington county, Penn.,
where Thomas was united in marriage with Par
melia Dempster. The young people settled in
Independence township, where the following chil
dren were born and reared: Joshua, Elizabeth
(deceased), James (deceased), Harriet (widow of
Laban Headington), Robert, Mary Ann (deceased
widow of John Hemphill), William, Thomas, Da
vid A., and Anderson. Mr. Liggett was a man of
perfect physical proportions, and was noted for
his firm character and strict integrity. He died
January 29, 1861, his widow on September 17, 1882.
David A. Liggett was born September 1, 1831,
on his father's farm in Independence township,
and received his early education in the country
schools, afterward taking a course at the West
Alexander (Penn.) Academy, which is now aban
doned, but at that time was a popular and flourish
ing institution. After leaving school he followed
the mercantile business in Independence, this
county, for thirty years; then" became a traveling
salesman, visiting the principal cities and towns
of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West
Virginia. This business afforded him an excellent
knowledge of that portion of the country, with
which he became very familiar during sixteen
years of life as a commercial traveler. On August
10, 1852, he was united in marriage with Esther
Armstrong, who was born January 15, 1832,
daughter of James Armstrong, of Hopewell town
ship. The children born to them are Charlton
M., Emma J. (Mrs. J. T. Raybuck, of Omaha,
Neb.), Ella L. (wife of Rev. John Buckey, an M.
E. minister of Holbrook, Mass.), Annie F. (wife of
Rev. A. H. McKee, an M. E. minister of Hamilton,
Ind.), Nettie S. (married to Rev. J. C. Burnworth,
an M. E. minister of Newton, Greene Co., Penn.),
Carrie A. (Mrs. William Kinnaman, wife of a
farmer of Cass county, Ind.), Lizzie Bertha (living
at home), Orie W. (a traveling salesman) and
Grace E. (living with her parents). This family
are among the leaders of the community, as are the
other representatives of the name. Politically Mr.
Liggett has always been a Democrat.
Charlton M. Liggett was born May 18, 1853,
at McConnell's Mill, near Canonsburg, Penn.
During his boyhood his parents moved to the vil
lage of Independence, where he attended the com
mon schools, and assisted his father as clerk in the
store. He afterward took a position with the
wholesale grocery house of J. A. Miller, of Wheel
ing, W. Va., with whom he remained two years.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

893

He then accepted a similar situation at an increased
salary with Nicholas Schultz, of the same city,
where he remained about the same length of time.
The experience thus gained had given him much
valuable information concerning mercantile life,
and also made him acquainted with the leading
merchants of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania
and West Virginia, advantages which he was not
slow to appreciate, After leaving the employ of
Mr. Schultz, he engaged in the manufacture of
cigars, being the proprietor of a factory in Steu
benville, Ohio. In the year 1877 he sold this
business, and returning to Washington county
again entered mercantile life, in which he is now
engaged. On May 6, 1880, he was married to
Clara A., daughter of W. A. Smith, a resident of
Brooke county, W. Va. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Liggett were Mabel C, Harry H,
Sheldon S. (deceased), Merwyin, Roscoe, Esther
and Paul W. "Charley," as Mr. Liggett is
familiarly called by his many friends, is a very
popular and prosperous merchant. Politically he
is a Democrat, and although that party is in the
minority in his neighborhood, he has held various
offices of trust, to which he has been elected by
admiring friends, regardless of party connection.
The efficient manner in which he has discharged
such duties is evidence of the good judgment of
those who elected him to the positions.

,\ILLIAM B. WINTER, a young and
prosperous farmer of Donegal township,
is a native of the same, born February 1,
1854, on the farm of his father, David B.
Winter. His great-grandfather, Chris
topher Winter, was born in Rhine-Pfalz, Germany,
and immigrated to America, locating in Donegal
township, Washington Co., Penn. A log cabin
home was soon erected in the wilderness, and he
was united in marriage with Catherine Schaeffer,
living near Washington, Penn. The Indians were
then numerous and very hostile, and oftentimes
compelled the adventurous pioneer to flee for life,
while the savages ruthlessly burned or plundered
the desolated homes. But, nothing daunted, these
"pale-faced" heroes of the forest struggled on,
and established their home in the face of innumer
able dangers and obstacles. Mr. and Mrs. Winter
died on their pioneer farm, leaving their children
to finish the work so bravelybegun.
David Winter was born on the home farm in
Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and
worked on his father's farm, attending the sub
scription schools during the winter months. He
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Perry Mc
Coy, also of Donegal township, and the following
children were born to them: David B., and Eliza
beth Margaret (deceased wife of Alexander Wyeth).

After his marriage Mr. Winter built a residence
near that of his father, and farmed successfully.
In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife
were buried near the scene of their labors.
David B. AVinter was born November 1, 1823, in
the old house, which is but a short distance from
his present comfortable home. He passed his
youth attending the common schools and assisting
in the farm duties. In 1846 he was united in
marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of William
Bryson, of Donegal township, this county, and to
them were born children as follows: Elizabeth,
Hannah (deceased), David A. , William B. , Joseph,
Nancy, Alice, Mary (deceased), and John F. (de
ceased in infancy). Mrs. Winter died, and in the
year 1866 Mr. Winter was married to Sarah,
daughter of William Milligan, of East Finley
township, this county, and they have two children:
George K. and Eudora, both of whom are residing
with their parents. Some years after his marriage
Mr. Winter removed from the home farm, and
erected a handsdme residence on an adjoining
piece of land, which is his present home. He has
always been a successful farmer, and in political
life was a Democrat until the year 1860, when he
voted for Lincoln, and has since been an enthusi
astic worker in the Republican party. He con
tributes regularly to the Dutch Fork Baptist
Church, of which he and his wife are members.
William B. Winter worked on his father's farm
and attended the common schools during his
minority. On December 15, 1881, he was married
to Barbara Clemens, who was born June 6, 1856,
daughter of George and Margaret Jane (Crow)
Clemens. They have had three children, namely:
Elizabeth W. J. , Selina C. and Ethel Mary W.
During the first years of his married life Mr. Win
ter lived on some rented property, and followed
farming. In 1886 he purchased a farm which ad
joins that of the birthplace of himself, his father
and grandfather. Mr. Winter is a modern scien
tific farmer, and also gives considerable attention
to wool growing. Politically he is a Democrat,
and well informed in the current questions of the
day. He and his wife are members of the U. B.
Church, in which he is both steward and trustee.

[( LEXANDER J. CULBERTSON, one of the
l\ leading dentists of Washington, was born
T( in Westmoreland county, Penn. , a son of
-^ Alexander and Amanda (Giffen) Culbert
son, natives of the same county. The father
died in Greensburg, Penn., in March, 1871 ; the
mother is yet living. The family are of Scotch-
Irish extraction, and the grandfather, Alexander
Culbertson, came to this country from the North
of Ireland at an early day.
Alexander J. Culbertson, the subject proper of

894

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

these lines, passed his boyhood and youth in
Greensburg, Penn., and there commenced the
study of dentistry. In the spring of 1885 he came
to Washington, this county, and having just grad
uated from Pennsylvania Dental College, in Phila
delphia, he opened out for the practice of his pro
fession in the building where he is now thoroughly
established. In June, 1891, Dr. Culbertson mar
ried Etta M. , daughter of Col. J. B. Ruple, and
same year he finished his elegant home on Wade
avenue, where they now reside. Dr. and Mrs.
Culbertson are members of the first Presbyterian
Church; in politics he is a Republican.

^n OBERT C. OSBURN, a leading and emi-
/) nently prosperous merchant of Eldersville,
V. Penn., was born in 1842 in Robinson town-
-^ ship, this county. The pioneers of the
family resided in Westmoreland county,
same State. His grandfather, James Osburn,
was born in Ireland, and married to a Miss Cutch-
eon, of the same part of that country. Emigrat
ing to America, they, settling in Washington coun
ty, Penn., reared a large family. Some of their
numerous descendants remained in Westmoreland
county, while others settled in Johnstown, Penn.,
and among those who perished in the dreadful
flood were Squire Fisher, his wife (a cousin of
Robert C. Osburn) and six children. James Os
burn died in Westmoreland county.
James Osburn was born in Ireland, being nine
years of age when his parents settled in Westmore
land county, Penn. He was reared on the farm,
and continued to follow agriculture most of his
life; also worked at the milling business for a time
in Jefferson township, this county. In early man
hood he was married to Martha McKennett, of
Robinson township, this county. Her father,
Adam McKennett, was born in Ireland, and, immi
grating to America, first settled in Fayette county,
Penn., thence coming to Cecil township, this
county, locating on what is now called Miller's
run. Remaining there but a short time, he finally
bought a place in Robinson township, now known
as the old Adam McKennett farm, occupied by his
descendants. He was married to Rebecca John
ston. To James Osburn four children were born:
One deceased in infancy, James J. (living in Rob
inson township), George AV. (a resident of Bur
gettstown, Penn.), and Robert C. The father died
in 1843, in his forty-second year, and his wife
mourned her loss until the age of eighty-two years,
when she was called to her rest, passing away in
1885. Robert C. Osburn lived on the home place until
eighteen years of age, and received a good com
mon-school and academic education. He then
taught five terms of school, afterward taking a

course at Duff's Mercantile College, Pittsburgh,
Penn. He graduated in 1864, after which he
opened a general store in Eldersville, Penn. At
that time goods were yet sold at war prices, and
even a small store required a large amount of
money. To illustrate the marked contrast between
the prices then and those of the present day, we
give a few examples: Prints now selling at 7 and
8 cents a yard, then brought from 45 to 50 cents;
muslin now worth 8 or 9 cents a yard, then sold at
75 or 80 cents; all-wool flannel cost $1 per
yard, which is now procured at about one-third of
that price; kerosene was 80 cents a gallon; sugar
25 cents a pound, and coffee so expensive that rye,
chicory, burnt crusts, etc. , were used by everyone
as a substitute.
In 1868 Robert C. Osburn was married to Mary,
daughter of James P. Robertson, of Eldersville,
Penn. She died in 1877, and he was afterward
married to Hannah M. , daughter of W. W. Knight,
of Jefferson township, this county. This wife
died in 1882, and Mr. Osburn' s third choice was
made in the person of Hattie M., daughter of Cy
rus McConnell, of Hanover township, this county.
Mr. Osburn's business has steadily increased, and
he is now the proprietor of a large store replete
with a complete and varied stock of dry goods, gro
ceries and hardware. When he began business at
Eldersville he was obliged to haul goods eight
miles from Steubenville to his store; but no ob
stacles daunted his energetic spirit, and his life
success has been made in the town where he had
made so humble a beginning twenty-eight years
ago. In 1871 the large and comfortable dwelling
was erected which is now his home and place of
business. In politics Mr. Osburn is a Republican,
an active worker in the party, and has filled vari
ous township offices.

FRESSLY LEECH. Men of business ca
pacity and intellectual force need no formal
introduction in a work of this character, for
their names are indelibly printed in the
minds and hearts of the surrounding com
munity, whose interests they are continually plan
ning to advance. In the foremost rank of the best
citizens of this county, the name of Leech has
ever been identified and interwoven with its earli
est history.
James Leech (the grandfather of subject) was
born in County Down, Ireland, and there married
Jane Reynolds. Three children were born to
them: John, Thomas and William. Having de
cided to try life in the New World, the grand
father, in company with his family and a brother
named Robert, sailed from Ireland in 1774. They
landed at Philadelphia, where the brothers sepa
rated, Robert going south, eventually settling in

_y 4xddJ?w c^>-m^&^_

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

897

South Carolina, while James and his family pushed
farther west, first locating in Northampton county,
Penn. In August, 1775, they came to Smith
township, Washington county, and in the unbroken
wilderness erected their one-room log cabin home,
which compared very favorably with the houses of
the other early settlers. AVith his firearms as
constant companions, James Leech began the her
culean task of transforming the unsightly forest
into a fertile farm. Eight years passed away be
fore civilization had rendered the little home com
paratively safe from attacks of the Indians, and in
the meantime the settlers were often forced to flee
to the neighboring blockhouse for protection, which
blockhouse stood on the old Leech farm. Un
daunted by the toil and privations of this life,
James Leech found time and strength to take part
in the national struggle of his adopted country.
Her cause was his, her liberties dearer to his heart
than life, and with the beginning of the Revolu
tion he enlisted in a company organized by Capt.
Joseph Erwin, afterward incorporated under Col.
Samuel Miles' Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. This
division finally became a part of the Thirteenth
Pennsylvania, then of the Second Pennsylvania,
and on January 1, 1778, having served his time,
he was discharged from the service at Valley
Forge. He was paid in "Continental money,"
which was worthless, and part of it is still in the
possession of the family. He then returned to the
farm in Washington county, where he died in De
cember, 1823, having been preceded by his wife
in 1812. The children who were born after the
family had settled in Pennsylvania were as follows:
James, Robert, Samuel, Margaret (wife of John
Cunningham) and Jane (unmarried), all of whom
lived to an adult age.
James Leech, son of the old pioneer James, was
born September 17, 1775, in Northampton county,
Penn. His youth was passed on the home farm,
and he received a subscription-school education.
Early evincing a taste for mechanical work, he
learned the trade of millwright. He bought a
farm where the old fort stands, and had a saw and
grist mill, to which latter wheat was brought on
horseback. In 1803 he was united in marriage
with Elizabeth Wishart, who was born in 1782, in
Franklin county, Penn. , and came with her parents
to Washington county when thirteen years of age.
James and Elizabeth Leech were the parents of
the following children: James, Jane (wife of James
McKeen, of Greene county, Penn., both deceased),
Nancy (Mrs. James McGhee, of Tama county,
Iowa, both deceased), John, Robert, David, Thomas,
Elizabeth (living with her brother Joseph), Joseph
P., Mary (wife of A. Phillis, of Smith township)
and Pressly. Of these children there are yet liv
ing: Elizabeth, Joseph P. and Pressly. After his

marriage James Leech settled on a farm in Smith
township. In 1812 he entered the war of that
period, serving under Harrison throughout the
campaign. In politics he was a Whig, first a
Jackson man; but changed on the bank question,
and took a very active part in the campaign pre
ceding the election of President Harrison. He
was an enthusiastic admirer of his older leader, and
did all in his power to secure the election of the
sturdy, fearless veteran. In 1818 Mr. Leech was ap
pointed a justice of the peace, fillingthatoffice twen
ty-two years, during which time his rulings were
invariably sustained by the higher courts. He and
his wife were members of the Seceder Church and
then of the Union Church, to which he contrib
uted liberally, having given the land for a church
at Mt. Vernon before the project was abandoned,
owing to disorganization. He was a ruling elder
in the Seceder Church and of the Associate
Union Church during his life. The old church
stands. He was called to his long home June 27,
1852, and June 4, 1867, his wife was laid to rest
beside him.
Pressly Leeoh (son of James and Elizabeth
Leech) was born October 20, 1832, on the home
farm in Smith township, where his boyhood was
passed. His early education was received at the
country schools, after which he was a student at
Washington and Jefferson College for one year,
being then obliged to leave school on account of
an attack of inflammatory rheumatism. Return
ing to the farm, and upon regaining his health, he
taught from 1854 to 1857 in Smith township, also
followed agricultural pursuits. On January 8,
1857, he was united in marriage with Susan R.
Marshall, who was born in 1835, in Queen Anne's
county, Md., daughter of Stewart and Maria
(Tittle) Marshall. Stewart Marshall was born in
Cross Creek township, a son of William Marshall,
who came from Ireland to America when twelve
years old, and died in Cross Creek township.
Stewart Marshall, who was a stone mason, was
married in Baltimore to Maria Little, and by her
had four children: Elizabeth, in Midway; Louisa,
widow of John Robertson, of Cross Creek village;
Susan R., Mrs. Pressly Leech, and Sarah, wife of
John Barnes, living in Jefferson county, Iowa.
Mr. Marshall died in Iowa, his wife in Maryland.
Mrs. Leech spent her girlhood in Baltimore, and
after coming to Pennsylvania taught school for a
time in Cross Creek township prior to her marriage.
The children of Pressly and Susan R. (Marshall)
Leech are Lizzie Wishart (living at home), Susan
L. (wife of William Mcllvaine, of Mount Pleasant
township), James P. (a farmer of Smith township,
living on the old Grandfather Leech farm), Robert
V. (deceased in youth), John C. (residing with his
parents), Linda E. (a graduate of California

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(Penn.) College, now teaching school in Mt.
Pleasant township), J. Gibson and Ernest A. (liv
ing at home).
Mr. and Mrs. Leech began married life on the
old Leech homestead, where they resided until
1867. He then purchased some, land adjoining
the old place, to which he has continued to add,
now owning almost two hundred acres of choice
land. A few years ago he erected one of the finest
country residences in Smith township, including
many conveniences which can be found in no other
farm-house of the neighborhood. The dwelling is
elegantly furnished and very commodious, while
the barn— a substantial structure 40x60 feet, with
wing 28x30 feet— was built in 1892, and is one of
the finest in the township. In 1891 Mr. Leech
erected an aermotor, which pumps water, shells
corn, grinds chop feed for his own use, as well as
thousands of bushels per annum for his neighbors.
The first steam thresher used in the township was
owned by a company of which Mr. Leech was a
member. The first sewing machine (a " Wheeler
& Wilson ") in the vicinity was owned by the fam
ily, and was a curiosity in its day. His farm is
situated about five miles from Burgettstown, on
what is called the "Contention tract," the Vance,
Campbell and Stevenson families all at one time
advancing claims to it, but which finally became
the "Campbell farm."
In politics he was formerly a Whig, and upon
the organization of the party became a Republican,
but has always limited his political interests to the
ballot, preferring to spend his time in other ways.
He and his wife are members of the Mt. Pros
pect Presbyterian Church, of which he is a deacon.

JOHN GARDNER, Sr., one of the pioneer
settlers of this county, was born in 1757,
and died September 10, 1821. He came
from Wales to America about the middle of
the eighteenth century, settling on the banks of
the Potomac river, near Mt. Vernon, the home
of Washington, and was familiar with the patriot.
In his early days he came to Washington county
(between 1770 and 1774), married Elizabeth Clark
(in 1783), daughter of James Clark, and moved to
the farm, then known as Greathouse Castle, where
they both died. They were buried in Cross Creek
graveyard, where a marble monument, eight feet
high, marks their resting-place, and bears their
names. Elizabeth Clark, born in 1748, died October 1,
1853, was left by herself one day before her mar
riage, busy at her loom, while her father, James
Clark, Alexander Leeper, a brother in-law Samuel
Leeper, 'and others went to the Leeper farm to
build some fence; and John Yeaman went to a
garden, about one and one-half miles off, to get

some parsnips for dinner. The latter, on his re
turn, stopped at a spring to get a drink of water,
and was sitting on a log resting, when the Indians
rushed on him, and killed and scalped him. The
same day, before they killed Yeaman, they came
on James Robinson and his son, where they were
fixing or preparing ground to plant potatoes.
The boy got on the horse, but the father missed
his jump and fell, and the Indians killed and
scalped him. The boy made home in safety.
The Indians came along where Miss Clark was
weaving. She, seeing them, got up in the loft of
the loom-shop, and covered herself with flax-tow.
They came in and took some meat from the pot
that was boiling on the fire, cut some of the web
off the loom and left. She expected to be burnt
alive, but they did not know she was there. When
the men came for dinner, she told the tale, and
they went to hunt up Yeaman, but found him as
described. They started in pursuit of the Indians
as soon as they could get help, and traced them
to the Ohio river, near Mingo bottom, in time to
see them climb the bank on the other side. Know
ing there was a large force at Mingo, they re
turned home, and next day they buried Mr. Yeaman
near where he was killed, under a gum tree on
the farm now owned by George Criss' heirs, one
and one-half miles west of Eldersville, where there
were several persons buried from 1770 to 1775.
Those were the last deaths at the hands of the
Indians in these parts . The whites had a fort
on the Richard AVells farm; but had not been
troubled much with Indians for sometime, so were
not on the lookout, and they had just come from
the fort a short time before. The grant of land
to John Greathouse, made by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, comprised 289 acres on Harmon
run. It was surveyed March 7, 1775, and Septem
ber 15, 1784, and deeded to Greathouse July 7,
1786, with other lands amounting to 400 acres.
The children born to John and Elizabeth (Clark)
Gardner were William, born August 7. 1784;
Sarah, January 7, 1786; Margaret, July 26, 1785;
Lydia, March 27, 1790; Rachel, November 25,
1792; John, October 2, 1794; James, May 29,1796;
David, March 23, 1798; Samuel, May 15, 1801.
All have passed away except James, who is living
with his son, Levi, in Hancock county, W. Va. ,
where he has seventeen oil-producing wells on his
farm of 300 acres in the Turkey Foot oil region.
David Gardner, born March 23, 1798, married
Nancy Donovan in 1819, and to this union the fol
lowing named children were born: Eliza, born
November 22, 1820 (married G. Swearingen); John,
October 1, 1822 (married Parmelia Gardner, Au
gust 20, 1846); David (married Lizzie Merry man,
of Brooke county); Thomas (died in youth); James
(married Mary Sanders, of Brooke county, Va.);
George (married Mrs. Lizzie Robinson, of Steuben-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ville, Ohio); Rezin (died in early youth); William
(married Carity Hendricks, of Brooke county,
Va.); Rachel (married Reason Wralker, of Wash
ington county, Penn.); Anne (married AV. B.
Morrow, of Brooke county, Va., now of Selina,
Kans.); Martin (married Lizzie Sanders, of this
county); Mary (married D. F. Patterson, of Pat
terson's Mills, Penn., now a prominent lawyer of
Pittsburgh, Penn.). Thomas Donovan, Sr., came
from Baltimore, Md., with his family in 1812, and
settled on the farm now occupied by his son,
Thomas, now a man over ninety years old. The
pioneer of the name in this county was born Sep
tember 10, 17—. On August 3, 1787, he married
Anne Cole, born November 7, 1765, and their
children were Honor, born May 26, 1788, married
Thomas Wheeler; John, born June 8, 1790, died
January 5, 1834; Abram (1), born November 26,
1792, died November 26, 1795; Sarah, born March
11, 1795; Harriet, born March 17, 1797; Ellen,
born March 11, 1799; Nancy, born December 16,'
1800, married David Gardner in 1819; Thomas',
born February 14, 1803; Abram (2), born May 3,
1805; Cornelius, born September 20, 1807; Ruth,
born March 26, 1810; and Selina, born February
9, 1813. All are numbered with the dead, except
Thomas Donovan, named above.
Samuel Gardner, born May 15, 1801, married
Ruth Sharp, in 1826. Their children were Per-
melia, born November 8, 1827; Clarissa, Novem
ber 17, 1829; Edward M., January 7, 1832; Jane,
July 14, 1834; John F., December 27, 1836; Levi
S., May 23, 1839; Samuel Scott, June 27, 1842;
James H, April 13, 1845, and David Reeves. April
13, 1845. The father of this family died April 1,
1877, leaving to the heirs a tract of 600 acres con
nected with the home farm. John Gardner, bom
October 1, 1822, married Permelia Gardner,
August 20, 1846. She is the eldest daughter of
Samuel Gardner, named above. The children of
this marriage are D. S. Gardner, born July 9, 1847;
Edward Morgan, born June 16, 1849, died January
23, 1854; Thomas D., born October 14, 1850, died
March21, 1876; Marion F., born October 23, 1852;
Emma, born April 29, 1855; Ruth Ella, born De
cember 7, 1858; Reason Walker, bom November
19, 1861; Freeman Sharp, born September 14,
1864; Lucy Etta, born July 3, 1866; Nancy Cora
Austa, born January 21, 1869, and Robert C,
born November 12, 1872.
John Gardner, Sr. , was a Presbyterian; Eliza
beth, his wife, united with the Disciple Church,
founded by Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, Va.,
and commonly called Campbellites, now known as
the Christian Church, and was a faithful member,
and regular at all convenient meetings until she
lost her sight. Being blind for many years, but
very industrious, she was nearly always knitting,
and could shape a very nice stocking, knowing

when she would drop a stitch. Their son, William,
married Patty Wilcoxon, and settled near Lisbon,
Ohio; afterward settled on a farm near Holliday's
Cove, Va. Their children were John, Samuel,
Robert, William, Betsy, Verlinda and Margaret.
Sarah married Arch Freshwater, their children
being John, Arch, William, David, Fanny and
Betsy. Margaret married John Hindman, of
Brooke county, Va., settled on a farm on the road
from Washington (Penn.) to Steubenville (Ohio),
but exchanged that for other land and mill prop
erty at Holliday's Cove, where they ended their
days. Their children were Betty, John (represent
ative to Richmond, who was killed by the cars
while walking on the track in sight of his house
a few years ago), James, AVilliam, Samuel, Frank,
Cyrus, Harriet, Margaret and Mary, nearly all
devout Christians. Lydia married David Cham
bers, settled at Cadiz, Ohio, kept a hotel for many
years, went on a farm and died, leaving John,
David, Nancy and Rachel. Rachel married Robert
Scott, settled and spent their days on a farm on
the pike from AVell'sburg, Va. , to Washington,
Penn., where they kept a tavern and store, and
worked their large and fertile farm, which still
belongs to their heirs, for many years. Both were
very useful members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and were the means of building the Frank- '
lin meeting house. Their children were Eliza,
married to Rezin Reeves, of Wellsburg, Va. ; Per
melia, married to Rev. James Plopkins, and located
at Sewickley, Penn. (Mr. Hopkins died a few years
ago; he was a ruling elder for many years; his
widow is still living); Katharine, married to Rev.
Crea, and they lived on part of the home farm
until their death; Mary, married Edward Hunter,
and took the home house to live in, which is
now occupied by their two children, Robert and
• Ella; Rachel, married to Rev. George Hudson (he
and family own part of her father's farm, she
being dead for many years); David, who went West
while young; McKendry, Fletcher and Ella, living
at Washington, D. C. ; John, married to Eliza
Reeves, of Brooke county, Va. , and lived at Wells
burg many years, where he kept a store and tavern,
and had an interest in a steamboat called "The
Swan" (he ran coaches, and was a very useful
man; he moved to a point opposite East Liverpool,
Ohio, where he had a large tract of land, built a
large house, established a ferry, and left a consider-
ble fortune to his three children; he was justice of
the peace for many years); James, married to Mary
Sharp, and settled near Paris, Penn., on a beautiful
farm, raised a large family, became rich, and is
yet living (his wife died many years ago; his sons
were good workers, as were also his two daughters) ;
Eliza, married to Rev. James Campbell, who
preached in the Paris church for many years,
moved to near Cincinnati, Ohio, and died leaving

900

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

his family on a fine farm; Levi, who owns a large
farm (on which there is much oil), and lives on it
(his children are all married; he married Miss
Hannah Vanordstrand); Samuel, a bachelor, lives
a rather retired life, spending the summer on
his farm near Paris, Penn., and at his fine resi
dence near Natchez, Miss., where he went to live
with an old aunt in his younger days (he saw
pretty hard times during the war, and had a great
amount of property taken); David, married to
Mis3 Amanda Butterfoss, of Paris, Penn., settled
near his old home, and raised a large family;
James, the youngest son, married to Miss Mary
McGuire, who had two daughters, and died on her
way to Tennessee, where they were moving (he
owns a small farm near Colliers, Va. ; his daughters
are both married, and he is alone).
David and Nancy, his wife, belonged to the M.
P. Church until their death in 1845. In August
David was a delegate to Conference, returned
home, and but a few days after was taken ill with
dysentery and died (he was a Jackson Democrat).
Their children were Eliza, who married George
Swearingen (they moved last to Ida county, Iowa,
where he died and she is still living) ; John, mar
ried to Permelia Gardner, and living on the old
Samuel Gardner home (their children are scattered,
' two being in Dakota, the rest near home; three
are married, six single and two deceased); Samuel,
married to Ruth Sharp (they belong to the Church
of Christ) ; Edward is living on a part of the home
farm, married to Rebecca Gardner (he has erected
a fine house and other good buildings); S. S. has
a part of the homestead, and resides on it; D. R.
owns the farm of forty- seven acres, well improved
land, where his father died.

MrISS ANN C. MARSHALL. The Mar-.
shalls of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio
are descendants of the four brothers —
II -^ John, William, Thomas and Robert Mar-
V shall — who accompanied their sister Mary
from Ireland to America, early in the second half
of the eighteenth century. They were natives of
County Down. John Marshall was married in
Ireland to Nancy Kyle. They settled in Cross
Creek township, Washington Co. , Penn. , but re
moved to Wayne county, Ohio, where some of their
descendants still reside, others being found in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
William Marshall, the great grandfather of Miss
Ann C. Marshall, married Mary Speers in Ireland,
and to them five children were born: Thomas,
William, James, Jane and Barbara. He came here
before the Revolution to inquire into the condition
of the country; but the war of the Revolution
breaking out, he joined the patriots and fought for
the right. After the close of the Revolution he

sent for his wife and children, and in 1783 they
arrived at Philadelphia. That year the reunited
family proceeded to Washington county, where
they found a temporary home in the house of An
drew Russell, of Chartiers township, until they
settled on the farm in Cross Creek township, now
owned by A. V. Reed, later in that year. In 1788
William purchased 101 acres from David Vance at
15 shillings (or I1.87J-) per acre (the same now
owned by David Gault), and on this tract the fam
ily resided until the death of the mother in 1817,
when he and his son James removed to Wayne
county, Ohio, where the soldier and pioneer shortly
after died. Of his children, Thomas was grand
father of T. M. Berryhill, of Hickory, Penn. , and
was married to Katie Hamilton, and whose de
scendants now reside in Ohio. James married
Jane McNary, of Wayne county, Ohio, removed to
Iowa, founded Marshalltown, and died there. Jane
married John Moore, and settled near Bulger,
Penn. Their children were William, John, Mary,
Elizabeth, Nancy, Jane and Ellen. Barbara mar
ried Robert Glass, and settled with him near Liver
pool, Ohio. William, grandfather of Miss Ann C.
Marshall, is referred to at greater length. Thomas
Marshall, one of the immigrants, married Margaret
Woodburn, settled for a time in Washington coun
ty, but removed to a point near New Athens, Ohio,
where he died, and where many of his descendants
now reside.
Robert Marshall, born in Ireland in 1760, died
in 1833. Coming to America in his youth, he en
listed in the Continental line at the age of sixteen
years, in opposition to the wish of his mother,
who protested solely on account of his youth. He
served in six general engagements. At the age of
twenty-three years he began to study theology un
der Rev. Graham, continuing under Rev. McMill
an, of Canonsburg, Penn., and was licensed to
preach by the Redstone Presbytery. For some time
he preached in what is now West Virginia; but in
1791 he removed to a point eight miles from Lex
ington, Ky. , where he died. His first wife was a
Miss McCandless. After her death he married Miss
Glass. Descendants of Robert Marshall are found
to-day in Kentucky. Mary Marshall, who married
Robert Walker, settled in Washington county, and
thence removed to Mar, Lawrence county. They
were the parents of six daughters and three sons.
William Marshall, grandfather of subject, mar
ried Ann Crawford, daughter of Thomas Crawford
(who died in June, 1783) and Judith Crawford-
Cassell-Adams, nee Jones (born in 1742, died Oc
tober 5, 1839). Mrs. Crawford was married three
times. From Thomas and Judith Crawford are
descended the Stephensons, Marshalls, Creighs,
Moores and many other extensive families settled
in Washington county. Thomas was a son of Mar
garet Shearer, by her first husband  Crawford.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

901

It is related that on the return home of some of
her family from the interment of the first corpse
in Cross Creek graveyard, Mrs. Margaret Shearer
inquired where the grave was made, aud on being
informed, exclaimed, throwing up h er hands : " There
is now a graveyard started, and I know I will be
the next;" which prediction came true.
William Marshall, born December 11, 1769, died
October 1, 1860, married Ann Crawford, born
February 19, 1774, died October 27, 1860. Their
children were Crawford (born in 1795, died in
1857); William (1797-1874); Thomas (1799-1890);
Stewart C. (1806-1871); Elizabeth (1794-1838);
Judith (1802-1863); Margaret (1808-1867); Ann
Jones (1810-1877); Mary (1804-1878); Ruth
(1812-1846); Louisa (1815-1852) and Barbara
Jane (1818-1870). Of these, Elizabeth married
John Glass; to them one daughter was born, who
married Douglass Geary, of Candor, Penn., where
their son, Robert Geary, now resides. Judith mar
ried Ewell Canon; Margaret married William
Aiken, who was born in 1799, died in 1868; Ann
Jones married Thomas Wilson, who was born in
1806, and died in 1882; Louisa married John
Dungan, while the other daughters never married.
The father of this family, William Marshall, son
of William, came from Ireland at the age of twelve
years; was in the service against the Indians from
March 1, 1792, to September 1, 1792, under
Captains Samuel Smith and Robert Stephenson,
stationed awhile at Yellow creek, and then at
Coes. For this service he received a pension about
1837, and warrants for land. William, Jr., married
Mary LinviUe, and died near Des Moines, Iowa,
where his descendants still live. Stewart C.
married Mrs. Ann M. Register (who had one son
by first marriage, Wilson Register), and had four
daughters: Elizabeth A., Louisa J. (married John
M. Robertson), Susan Rebecca (married Pressly
Leech), Sarah A. (married John C. Barnes, now of
Fairfield, Iowa).
William and Margaret (Marshall) Aiken were
married March 16, 1829, by Rev. Alex. Donnan,
settled near Candor, where they resided until their
deaths, and were buried at Centre church. A
memorial window was erected to his memory in
Midway U. P. church. Their sons are William
Marshall, born October 22, 1832 (married Lizzie
Elder, and has two daughters); Joseph Wilson,
born December 29, 1845, died in 1892 (he married
Lulu Crawford; they resided at Burgettstown, and
had two children); Nancy married Samuel Jones
(now deceased), and they resided at the old Aiken
homestead, near Candor, Penn. (had two children —
Dollar and Frank); Ann married David Manson,
of Burgettstown (their children are Fred, Robert,
Mary, Ellen and Elizabeth, the latter of whom is
a successful teacher of music and painting);
Elizabeth married Benjamin R. McCarty, of Mid

way (her children are Edward and Joseph);
Louisa married William H. McPeak, of Hickory
(they are the parents of one son, Robert Wilson
McPeak). Ann and Thomas Wilson had children as
follows: William Marshall, married Phebe, daugh
ter of Col. S. Magill, reside in northern Nebraska;
Eleanor Ruth married A. W. Pry, near Hickory;
Margaret Jane married Craig Tweed Bebout, re
moved to Caldwell county, Mo. (they have two sons
and three daughters).
Thomas Marshall, father of subject, married Si-
bella Campbell, who was a daughter of Jesse
Campbell (1779-1858), a son of William Camp
bell (1739-1801), who was a soldier in the Revo
lution. William Campbell had a sister who mar
ried Andrew Ritchie, and settled in Cross Creek
township. Jesse Campbell's wife was Sibella Mc
Clure (1777-1840). They had sons: William
(married Mary Welch), Jesse (married 
Jones), Robert (married Mary McClure), John Mc-
C. (married Sarah A. Puder), Edward (married
Rusina Rankin). Of the three daughters : Sibella,
Elizabeth married Daniel McGugin, of Knox
county, Ohio, and Rebecca married her cousin,
George Campbell; Sibella McClure's brothers were
Richard, Andrew, Robert (father of R. B. Mc
Clure, Benjamin F. and Alexander McClure) and
John. Her sisters, Margaret (married  Gal
braith), Rebecca (married James Ridgeway), Cath
erine (married  • Sloan). The McClures
came from Ireland.
Thomas Marshall (born November 25, 1799, died
October 30, 1890) was married January 30, 1834,
by Rev. David Hervey, of Mt. Prospect Church, to
Miss Sibella Campbell, who was born March 15,
1806, and died September 14, 1867; their children
were Ann Crawford, born October 18, 1836, un
married; WTilliam, born January 16, 1839, married
Harriet M. Noah (have one son, William) ; Hadassah
Melissa, born March 2, 1840, married John Mil
ton Rankin, March 3, 1864 (settled near Hickory;
removed in 1872 to a point near Elizabethtown,
Hardin Co., Ky., where Mr. Rankin died June 6,
1873; the widow and family returned to AVashing
ton county, and lived with her father, and at his
death inherited part of the old homestead, where
they still reside. Her children are John Taylor,
Lincoln county, Neb. ; Mary Sibella, a prominent
teacher; Thomas Marshall, Dessa Elm Orlou, Will
iam Matthew Milton, who reside with their mother) ;
Rosannah, born June 17, 1841, married February
9, 1860, to Hervey B. Mcllvaine, removed to a
point near Fort Scott, Bourbon Co., Kans. (her
children are Frank Marshall, Nina Hervey, Sibella
J., Dessa A., Mary Ellen, Cora C. and Thomas
Lawrence) ; Mary Ruth, born September 20, 1842,
died March 18, 1892 (she married May 10, 1860,
William Perry, resided on the old Crawford Mar
shall farm; they have two sons: Thomas Marshall,

902

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

married to Anna Armstrong, and residing near
AVashington, Iowa, and have children; and Will
iam Campbell, who resides with his father at the
old home).
Miss Ann C. Marshall, a daughter of Thomas
Marshall and Sibella Campbell, is one of the highly
esteemed and most successful school teachers of
Cross Creek township. She was born on the farm
in Cross Creek township, which is now occupied
bv William Perry, and began teaching school in
her early girlhood. She taught several years, and
achieved an enviable reputation in her chosen call
ing, but retired from the profession on the death
of her mother in 1867, and kept house for her
father.

f | AMES B. BOYER was born February 25,
. I 1822, in Butler county, Penn., and died July
tfjj 9, 1889, in Monongahela City, respected by
an.
His ancestors in this country were natives of
New Jersey, in which State James Boyer (his
grandfather) passed his early youth among the
peaceful Society of Friends. When a young man
he came to Pennsylvania, and purchasing a farm
in Peters township, Washington county, was there
married to Nancy, daughter of Col. William
Blackmore. Five children were born to this mar
riage, namely: John, Amy, Samuel, Peter and
Sarah (wife of Carvel Rigdon, brother of Rigdon,
the Mormon preacher), none of whom are now
living. Samuel Boyer, son of James and Nancy Boyer,
was born in 1791, in Peters township, Washing
ton Co., Penn. He attended the subscription
schools of the neighborhood, then taught several
terms in Beaver county, Penn. On February 8,
1821, he was united in marriage with Mary Boyer,
who was born April 10, 1800, died November 16,
1853, a daughter of Leonard Boyer, of Bethel
township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Samuel and
Mary Boyer resided in Beaver county, Penn., for
six years after their marriage; then returning to
AVashington county, lived on the old home place
six years. They finally bought and moved upon
what is now the Higbee farm, adjoining the old
homestead, where they died, the father July .18,
1878, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, leav
ing children as follows: James B. ; Peter, living
near Library, Allegheny county; John W., a re
tired farmer of Union township; Elizabeth, de
ceased wife of David Higbee; Nancy, married to
E. T. Townsend, of Peters township; Amy, de
ceased wife of D. AVelch, of Limetown, and Lu
cinda, second wife of her brother-in-law, David
Higbee. James B. Boyer was reared to agricultural pur
suits on the home farm, and received his education

at the subscription schools of his native township.
On August 24, 1853, he married Mary, daughter
of Henry Pomerene, of Allegheny county, Penn. ,
and to this union were born two children: Mary E.,
married to Samuel Cook, and Melinda. After mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Boyer took up their residence
on a farm in Peters township, whereon they re
mained several years; then removed to Allegheny
county, where they made their home until 1873,
in which year they returned to Washington county,
and in Monongahela City prepared to pass the re
mainder of their lives, where Mrs. Boyer is yet
living. Mr. Boyer was a typical self-made man,
one who by industry, prudence and judicious
economy made a success, and when he died he was
one of the largest property owners in the city. He
was enterprising, and at all times strove to advance
the interests of his locality. An ardent Repub
lican, he for several years was a member of the Mo
nongahela City Council. Consistent in his church
connection, he was a prominent adherent of the
Baptist faith. His wife is also a member of the
Baptist Church.

D

AVID M. BOYD, a well-known and popular
citizen of AVest Middletown, is a grandson
of David Boyd, whose father, John Boyd,
was born in Ireland. This John Boyd came
to America when but a lad, and settled in Cumber
land county, Penn., where he was married to Mary
Urie, who bore him four children: David, John,
Sarah aud Rhoda.
AVhile John Boyd the pioneer was on a business
trip to the house of Stewart, his children were all
captured by the Indians, and his wife scalped and
killed. The husband and father, on returning to
his little home, found his cabin in flames, and the
mutilated body of his wife lying upon the ground.
The children were nowhere in sight, and the
agonized father, after a frantic but almost hope
less search, gave up the quest and mourned them
as dead. Meanwhile the little ones had been car
ried off by' the Indians. The son John and the
two daughters were never heard from afterward,
but David was taken to Fort Du Quesne in 1758.
He was then returned by the old Indian who
adopted him, and remained with his father at Car
lisle, Penn. As may be supposed, the young man
had little love for the Redskins who had so wan
tonly destroyed the home of his boyhood, and he
became an active soldier in the Indian war. He
enlisted under Washington, and served through
the entire contest, being present at the surrender
of Burgoyne and, later, at that of Cornwallis at
Yorktownin 1781.
After the close of the war David Boyd returned
to Cumberland county, Penn. , and was there mar
ried to Elizabeth Henderson, who bore him chil-
ren as follows : James, John, Thomas, David, Will-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

903

iam, Nancy, Sarah, Elizabeth and Nellie. David.
Boyd and his family came to Washington county
in 1787, and settled on the farm now occupied by
W. W. Dinsmore. In politics Mr. Boyd was first
a Jacksonian Democrat, afterward an ardent
Whig. He was an active politician, and served as
justice of the peace twenty-five years. He was for
many years a member of the Buffalo Presbyterian
Church of Hopewell township. He died in 1830.
John Boyd, father of subject, was born in 1784,
in Cumberland county. Penn. , but was reared and
educated in Hopewell township, this county. In
early life he was married to Asenath, daughter of
Eleven Williams, of Buffalo township, and the
following children were born to them: Hester
(married to Ellis Jones, and moved to Missouri),
David M. , Christiana (married to Amos Clemens),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. McCabe), Sarah (Mrs. Cox, of
Kansas City), Caroline (widow of John Dougherty),
Parmelia (died in 1853, wife of Hugh Wilson),
James (died in 1842), Nancy J. (wife of Hugh
Clark, of Wheeling, W. Va.), John Q. A. (mar
ried to Eliza Black) and Asenath (Mrs. John
Canon). Mr. Boyd served in the war of 1812. In
early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which
he followed many years, and also kept an hotel
eight years. He took an active part in public
affairs, and was an ardent Republican, serving as
justice of the peace twenty-five years. He died in
1866, his wife in 1868, and both lie buried in the
Union Grove cemetery.
David M. Boyd, son of John and Asenath (Will
iams) Boyd, was born March 23, 1810, at West
Middletown, Hopewell township, and there re
ceived his early education. On May 10, 1844, he
was married to Eliza Boyd, who bore him three
children: Cassius, Ruth and Thomas. The mother
died in 1865, and on May 3, 1866, Mr. Boyd was
united in marriage with Anna McNulty, of Colum
bus, Ohio, who died in 1887. In early life he
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
twenty-five years, and was then (1853) appointed
postmaster at West Middletown. He held that
position eight years, and has since followed mer
cantile business. Politically he was a Democrat
from 1845 to 1861, but upon the organization of
the Republican party became a member of it. He
has held all the political offices of the borough, has
been a member of the school board for twenty
years, and justice of the peace twenty-five years.
In religion he was formerly a member of the M.
E. Church, but is now connected with the Presby
terian Church of Buffalo.

AMUEL S. ROTHWELL, one of the oldest
residents of California, this county, was
born February 21, 1815, in East Bethlehem
township, Washington Co., Penn., and is de
scended from an English family who came to

America at an early day. Peter Rothwell, his
grandfather, was born, reared and educated in
Delaware, and was there married to Hannah Gregg,
who bore him the following children: Isaac G. ,
born near Wilmington, Del., November 27, 1780;
Jared, who married Sarah Jackman, of East Pike
Run, Washington Co., Penn. ; and Samuel. Peter
Rothwell, who was a farmer in Delaware, came to
Washington county about the year 1800, locating
in AVebster, where he remained some years, later
removing to Columbiana, Ohio; after some years
spent there he finally went to Adams county, Ohio,
and. settled on Brush creek, where he and his wife
died of cholera.
Isaac G. Rothwell was reared in the State of
Delaware and Washington county Penn., receiv
ing a fair common-school education. While yet a
boy he commenced an apprenticeship at the build
ing trade with Daniel Johnson, at old Beason-
town, now Uniontown, remaining with him un
til he had completed his apprenticeship. He
then took up his residence in Centreville, build
ing the first house there in 1820; he also erected
the first tavern in the place. Here he followed his
trade some ten years, and then removed to East
Pike Run, where he purchased a farm, built a resi
dence thereon and remained three years. His home
was in Greenfield, Washington Co. , Penn. ; his wife
died October 27, 1844, in Greenfield, Washington
Co., Penn., and he then removed to Adams county,
Ohio, whence, after a sojourn of about three years,
he returned to his old home in Delaware, and there
died, August 22, 1846, and was buried in the
cemetery connected with the Presbyterian Church,
in which the grandfather of Judge McKennan
preached for over forty years. In 1813 he had
married Mary, daughter of Benjamin Kenney, a
native of Maryland, where he was married Septem
ber 17, 1789, to Elizabeth Blair, who bore him the
following named children: Margaret, Mary, John,
James, Wesley, Rebecca and William. Mr. Ken
ney was in politics a Whig and Abolitionist, in re
ligion a member of the M. E. Church, having been
among the first to attend the Taylor church. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac G. Rothwell
were Samuel S. ; Elizabeth, wife of Lemuel Beazell;
Hannah, Mrs. George Hornbake; Sidney, Mrs.
James Chapman; John, who served in the war of
the Rebellion; Jared; and Margaret, wife of John
R. Powell; all dead but Samuel S. The mother of
this family died October 27, 1844. Isaac G.
Rothwell was first a AVhig, and afterward an out
spoken Abolitionist; in his church preference he
was a Methodist.
Samuel S. Rothwell attended the common
schools, and so apt a scholar was he that he soon
found himself capable of teaching school, a voca
tion he followed for many years. He learned the
trades of cabinet maker and builder, and followed

904

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

both in California for a period of about forty years,
many of the first houses in the place having been
erected by him. On December 22, 1835, he was
married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Ashcroft,
a native of England, who when about twenty-two
years of age came to the United States, locating
near Webster, in this county. By trade he was a
machinist, and he made the cotton-carding-ma-
chine used in Brownsville; after moving from
place to place, in and around Washington county,
Mr. Ashcroft proceeded to Ohio, and resided near
the town of Crestline, until the death of his wife,
when he returned to Washington, and for about
ten years made his home with Mr. Rothwell (his
son-in-law), after which he revisited Ohio, and
there died at the age of ninety-six years, and was
buried. Mr. Ashcroft was a well-educated and
enterprising man; politically he was a Whig origi
nally, and then on the formation of the party be
came a Republican; in religion he was a prominent
member of the M. E. Church, in which he was a
local preacher. After his marriage, Samuel S.
Rothwell made his home at what is now known as
Coal Centre, in this county, until 1849, in which
year he moved to the borough of California, where
he now lives. His children are J. W. (a photog
rapher, in Washington, Penn.), MaryE., Sidney,
Sarah C. , Andrew L. (who was a teacher in Coal
Centre, but is now in West Brownsville), Isaac N.
(an artist, in San Antonio, Tex.), Charles Sumner
and F. J. Le Moyne, the last two named being de
ceased. Mr. Rothwell was originally a Whig, and
afterward an Abolitionist; in 1854 he was a dele
gate to the first Republican convention .held in
Pittsburgh. He is a member of the M. E. Church,
and in 1840 was licensed as a local preacher, in
which capacity he still serves with encouraging

ENJAMIN F. GREENLEE, one of the
prosperous agriculturists of West Bethle
hem township, is a native of the same, born
July 12, 1825, on the old homestead set
tled by his father. He is a son of Samuel Green
lee, who was born, about the year 1787, in Dela
ware, of German parentage.
Samuel Greenlee, father of Benjamin F., was
born and reared in Maryland, his boyhood being
passed in attending the schools of the neighbor
hood of his home, and helping on his father's farm.
When yet a young man he moved with his parents
to Fayette county, Penn., where he was further in
structed in agricultural pursuits under the precep
torship of his father. He was married to Nancy
Gantz, after which he removed to Washington
county, buying here 130 acres of land, now owned
and cultivated by his son, Benjamin F. This land,
which was then a forest and thicket, has all been

cleared, and is to-day one of the best farms in
West Bethlehem township. To the union of Sam
uel and Nancy (Gantz) Greenlee were born chil
dren as follows: Elizabeth, George, Jacob, Lewis,
John, James, Susanna, Mary, Margaret, Benjamin
F., Daniel, Albert and Anna, six of whom are still
enjoying the blessings of life, viz. : Lewis, a farm
er, of East Bethlehem; Anna, now Mrs. Cooper, a
widow, living in Ohio; John and James, residing
in Morgan township, Greene county; Daniel and
Benjamin F., both in West Bethlehem township.
Benjamin F. Greenlee received in his boyhood
such education as was obtainable at the schools of
those early days. He learned farming, which he
has since followed on the homestead, where he still
resides. In March, 1854, he married Rebecca
Bigler, daughter of Michael Bigler, of German
lineage, and their children are: Nancy, wife of
James A. Gass, of Morgan township, Greene Co.,
Penn. ; James, living at home with his father, mar
ried to Sadie Imes, daughter of Thomas and Sarah
(Johnson) Imes, old settlers of West Bethlehem;
Henderson, a prominent business man of McKees
port, Penn. , and Minnie, wife of William Woods,
residing in Homestead, Penn. Mr. Greenlee built
the residence in which he lives, making many im
provements, and there prevails about the homelike
place an air of thrift and enterprise. There are
140 acres of his farm, all fine land, upon which he
raises various kinds of stock, besides cereals and
root crops. Politically Mr. Greenlee is a solid
Democrat, and one of the influential advisers of
the party in his vicinity. He is respected and
esteemed by all who enjoy his acquaintance.

RNOLD LAWTON is the oldest living resi
dent of Cross Creek township, and has the
enviable and deserved reputation of being
one of the most successful agriculturists of
Washington county.
His father, John Lawton, was born in 1760, near
Newport, R. I., of English parents. He remained
on the home farm during his boyhood, and in
early life was married to Hannah Manchester, also
a native of Rhode Island. The young couple first
settled on a farm in their native State, but in 1812
Mr. Lawton concluded to seek his fortune in the
backwoods of Washington county, Penn. Being
prudent, he did not endanger his family by bringing
them with him on the first prospecting trip, but
walked all the way from Portsmouth, R. L, to
Washington county, viewing the land as he passed
along. He finally decided to settle on a tract near
West Middletown, in the fertile Cross Creek valley,
and returned to Rhode Island for his family. In
the spring of 1813 the journey to the new home in
the wilderness was made with wagons drawn by
oxen and one team of horses, and the party

i^muryi^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

907

arrived safely at their destination after traveling
some three months. To this pioneer couple the
following children were born: Job T., Phcebe,
Owen, Lucinda, Jessie Joanna, Arnold and
Harvey. Arnold Lawton was born April 9, 1804, near
Portsmouth, R. I., and was ten years of age when
brought by his parents to Washington county.
On the last morning that Arnold spent in Ports
mouth, his father bought a rosewood military fife,
which had attracted the fancy of the eager lad, and
the little instrument — purchased over seventy-
eight years ago — is yet in his possession, seemingly
uninjured by age. Another relic worthy of record
is an old-fashioned skillet, made of very highly-
polished bell-metal, and bearing the name of the
manufacturer, also the date "1730." This article
was in constant use by the family until 1887, when
it was laid away as a relic, and the only evident
signs of the many years of service is in the legs,
which are worn short. Mr. Lawton has also in his
possession a very handsome violin made by himself
when a young man eighteen years of age. Since
his father's family first settled in Washington
county, Mr. Lawton has lived on his present farm
in Cross Creek township, upon which he has made
many improvements of a most substantial nature.
In 1857 he erected a large, handsome and substan
tial barn, 60x80 feet, which was erected upon an
original plan of Mr. Lawton's own, every part dis
playing the very best style of workmanship, and
being executed under the direct supervision of the
owner. When at last finished, this barn was
universally conceded to be the finest structure of
the kind within the limits of Washington county.
It was pointed to with pride by the entire com
munity, as an evidence of the mechanical skill and
taste possessed by a leading citizen, but in the fall
of 1887 it was burned with all its contents. This
was a heavy blow to Mr. Lawton, who had taken
so much pride and comfort in its erection.
In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Andrews, who was born in 1842, in Belfast,
Ireland, coming with her grandparents to America
when but seven years of age. They first located
in Steubenville, Ohio, but afterward settled in
Patterson's Mills, this county, where they died.
She then made her home with Mr. Lawton and his
sister, who was then keeping house for him. After
the death of this sister, Arnold Lawton felt the
need of a companion, and Miss Andrews being in
need of a home, the two (who had become very
much attached to each other) decided to unite
their lives. They have had four children, namely:
Ida, Minnie, John, and one unnamed, all of whom
died in infancy, and were buried in the family
burying ground, excepting Ida, who was interred
at West Middletown. At one time Arnold Lawton
owned over 700 acres of fine land, but has disposed
13

of all but 412 acres, which he keeps in an excellent
state of cultivation; and he has given much atten
tion to raising sheep, having had as many as 600
at one time. Politically he is a stanch member of
the Democratic party. Now four- score and eight
years of age, he is yet remarkably bright and en
ergetic, although he has retired from active farm
labor. Cameron W. Lawton was born in 1874. He is
an adopted son of Arnold Lawton, and evinces a
strong inclination for the higher and more instruct
ive class of literature.

IjOHN A. FINLEY. The Finley family are
ij numbered with the earliest pioneers of
^11 Washington county, and are of Scotch origin.
^^ John Finley was born in Scotland, whence
he emigrated in an early day. Coming to
America he first settled in Maryland, then moved
to Pennsylvania, and took out a patent for 1,000
acres of land in Allegheny county. He was mar
ried in the State of Maryland to Margaret Row
land, who bore him the following children: Will
iam, John, Robert (a general in the militia), Jane
(Mrs. Curry), Margaret (Mrs. Baldwin), Isabelle
(Mrs. Cochran), Mary (Mrs. St. Clair), Susan
(Mrs. Wilson), Levi, James and Sarah (Mrs.
Neal), all of whom have passed away. The father
of this family was a Democrat in politics, and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian Church, of
which Dr. Marshall was then pastor; both parents
died on the farm in Allegheny county.
Levi Finley, son of John and Margaret Finley,
was born in 1798, on the home place in Allegheny
county, Penn. , and his youth was passed amid the
scenes of pioneer life. He attended the subscrip
tion schools, and after graduating at Jefferson Col
lege, returned to the old place, remaining there
until 1830. On January 31, 1822, he was married
to Rachel Neal, youngest daughter of James aud
Rachel Neal, born October 19, 1795, seven miles
above Pittsburgh, in the Monongahela Valley.
When her parents settled on the Monongahela
river, the surrounding country was inhabited by
roving Indians, and even at the time of her birth
it was necessary for the white settlers to protect
their homes and families from the torch and scalp
ing knife of the Redmen. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Levi Finley moved to Washington
county, and commenced housekeeping in the same
house in Finleyville in which she died, November
12, 1883, in the eighty-ninth year of her age.
Hence, with the exception of a few years, her
whole married and widowed life, extending over
a period of sixty years, were passed in that same
house. She was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, where she listened to the preachings of
Dr. Woods, Dr. Rolston and other good old divines

908

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

that have all gone to their long homes many years
since. The following children were born to
Levi and Rachel (Neal) Finley: Margaret, Melissa
(wife of H. Baldwin Wallace), Susan M. (wife of
Rev. W. W. Laverty), John A., F. M., and Rachel
N. (deceased wife of John S. Collins). In 1832
Mr. and Mrs. Finley moved to Greene county,
Penn., where they resided two years on a farm at
Rice's Landing, and he conducted a still-house.
They then came to Union township, Washington
county, and bought the Huston and Fawcett farms,
where they remained eight years, selling a large
quantity of coal. They finally bought the farm
of 500 acres in Union township, adjoining Finley
ville, and settled in Finleyville, then called " Row
Galley," but nicknamed " Rogues' Alley." The
name was then changed to Finleyville, and for
thirteen years Mr. Finley managed a hotel in the
old stone house which is yet standing. He was a
Whig and Republican in politics, and was a mem
ber of the Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died
June 21, 1861.
John A. Finley was born March 26, 1830, on the
Huston farm in Union township, Washington Co.,
Penn. When a boy he came with his parents to
Finleyville, where his youth was passed. In 1854
he was married to Miss Alice Campbell, who was
born July 7, 1830, in Union township, this county, a
granddaughter of John Campbell, a native of Ire
land, who emigrated from Ireland to America and
located near Finleyville, Washington Co., Penn.;
he was married to Alice Huey, who bore him chil
dren as follows: Ed., Robert, George, John, Eliza
beth, Mary, Eleanor, Sarah, Alice and Elizabeth,
of whom none are now living. Robert Campbell,
father of Mrs. Finley, was born, in 1790, on the
Svvagler farm in AVashington county. He married
Mary, daughter of John Hindman, and their chil
dren were Alice (1), John, Ed., William, Sarah,
Mary J., Robert, and Alice (2) (Mrs. Finley). Of
this family Alice (1) and John are deceased; Ed.
was married to Miss E. Moore, and in 1860 was
elected prothonotary of Allegheny county. He
afterward moved to Fairfield, Iowa, where he owns
1,000 acres of land, and has been appointed United
States marshal.
John A. and Alice (Campbell) Finley began
wedded life on the farm in Union township, which
they yet occupy. Four children have blessed their
union, viz.: Mary (wife of William McChain; has
four children: Ed., William, James and Mary),
Levi Alvin (deceased June 15, 1890, in his twenty-
ninth year); Alice (wife of R. C. McChain, of Union
township; has three children: Louis, Bessie and
Bernice), and Susan M. Mr. Finley is a member
of the Republican party. The home farm contains
163 acres, from which he has sold a large amount
of coal.

ILLIAM BERRY, the subject of this
sketch, was born February 23, 1837, in
Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn.
He is a son of John and Jane (Eagleton)
Berry, formerly residents of Mt. Pleasant
township, Washington Co., Penn. His mother
died in January, 1844, and was interred in the
Presbyterian cemetery near Venice. His father
died in June, 1881, and was interred in the United
Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek. William
Berry had two sisters and four brothers: Jane,
married to Ebenezer Carson, residing in Paxton,
Ford Co., 111. ; Rachel, married to Robert Herron,
residing in North Strabane township, this county;
John M., residing in North Strabane township, this
county ; David W., who fell mortally wounded in the
battle of Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, and was in
terred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at
Pigeon Creek; Carson M., residing in South
Strabane township, this county; Joseph B., died in
November, 1881, and was interred in the United
Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek.
William Berry spent his youthful days on his
father's farm in Cecil township, receiving a com
mon-school education at the Plum Run school in
Chartiers township. When fifteen yearB of age he
removed with his father to North Strabane town
ship, where he resided until May 29, 1862, when
he married Jane, daughter of William and Mary
(Boyd) Barr, of Somerset township, this county;
she died August 26, 1865, and was interred in the
United Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek.
On May 22, 1867, Mr. Berry married Martha Stew
art, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Barr) Pat
tison, of White township, Indiana Co. , Penn. , and
to them were born five children: Margaret J.,
David AV., Robert P., Mary E. and Martha P.,
whose lives have all been spared by a kind Provi
dence. William Berry has always been a liberal
friend of education, giving his children the advan
tage of a college course. He connected, when
young, with the United Presbyterian branch of the
Church, of which he still remains a member. His
political sentiments have always been Republican.
After marriage he settled on a farm near Clokey-
ville, where he has since resided, making a specialty
of breeding and caring for Black-Top Merino sheep,
in which he has been very successful, having a
large flock which he has a right to be proud of.
JOHN POLLOCK. This gentleman has been
a prominent figure in the political, business
and religious circles of Washington county.
His grandfather, John Pollock, was born near
Gettysburg, Penn., and when a young man came
to AVashington county, locating on 133 acres of
land in Union township, where his three children —
James, Samuel and Mary — were reared.

Washington county.

909

James Pollock, son of John, was born about
1795, near Gettysburg, and came with his parents
to Washington county. At an early day he evinced
the unusual mechanical ability which is so char
acteristic of the entire family. He made all sorts
of articles from wood or iron, and finally learned
the cabinet maker's trade, which he carried on,
and in later life he followed farming. When yet
a young man he was married to Mary, daughter
of William Patten, and the following children
were born to them: Samuel, John, Martha (wife of
Dr. J. B. Williams, of East End, Pittsburgh),
Esther, William, Mary, James, Sarah, and David
(who was a soldier in the Union army). Of these
William, Mary and James are deceased. The
father was a AVbig, and a member of the Mingo
Presbyterian Church. He died in 1844.
John Pollock, son of James and Mary (Patten)
Pollock, was born December 18, 1818, on the old
place in Union township, Washington county. On
January 1, 1851, he was united in marriage with
Nancy, daughter of Isaac Van Voorhis, of Carroll
township, Washington county. The young people
then moved to Monongahela, where he was en
gaged in the lumber business for six years, after
which they returned to their present farm of ninety-
six acres in Union township, Washington county.
To them were born children as follows: Mary,
Coralinn, Sarah B. , James K. , Isaac V., William
J., and one that died in infancy. Of these the
only two living are Isaac V. and William J. The
mother died July 9, 1884, since which time Mr.
Pollock has resigned the management of the place
to his two sons. He has always voted the Republican
ticket, and has served in various township offices.
In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyte
rian Church at Mingo, and has filled the office of
trustee of same.
Isaac V. Pollock was born on the home place in
Union township in 1860. He graduated at Duff's
Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1888
he was married to Mary E., daughter of William
B. Henry (deceased), an insurance agent of Green
ville. Penn., and they have had one daughter,
Mary. W. J. Pollock was born October 13, 1868,
and is living on the old homestead in Union town
ship with his father and brother.

If AMES P. CHAMBERS is one of the most
. | prominent of the many successful farmers of
vl\ Donegal township. The great-grandfather
*^ Chambers came from County Derry, Ireland,
in 1790, and settled in Lancaster county,
Penn. His wife died during the voyage, and was
buried at sea. One of his sons, James Hamilton
Chambers, who had settled in Virginia some time
before, was the first representative of the family to
land on American soil. Among the children of

James Hamilton Chambers we find recorded Joseph
H, a successful shoe merchant, who, in later years,
turned his attention to farming, having purchased
the home farm from the other heirs in Marshall
county, AV. Va. He, was united in marriage with
Rebecca Bell, a lady of American birth, and of the
children born to this union our subject is the sec
ond in order of birth.
James P. Chambers was born September 30,
1825, in Marshall county, W. Va. He worked on
his father's farm until the age of nineteen, and
then began the carpentry business. On Decem
ber 25, 1849, Mr. Chambers married Mary Porter,
then purchased a valuable farm of 190 acres, one
mile east of West Alexander, on which he has
erected a fine dwelling and a commodious barn.
To his marriage with Miss Porter seven children
were born: Samantha J., the oldest daughter, be
came, at .the age of fifteen years, a successful
school teacher in the district school, and continued
teaching for four years, or to the date of her mar
riage with AVilliam G. Lewis, October 27, 1870,
he being a farmer of Ohio county, W. Va. Mar
garet N. , second in order of birth, was also a noted
instructor, in music, and as a successful school
teacher; she began her six years of successful
teaching at the age of eighteen, and married John
AV. Murray, real estate agent of Washington,
Penn., October 14, 1875. AVilliam P. died in in
fancy. Mary R. died at the age of sixteen years.
Laura Bell, noted for her correct instructions and
powerful voice in music, married Samuel Bushfield
October 2, 1879 (Mr. Bushfield is a skilled and
competent workmah at the carpentry business in
West Alexander). James A., sixth in order of
birth, residing here, has become a successful
grower of fine stock. Ada M. resides with her
parents. The great-grandfather Porter was Scotch-Irish,
and came from Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1791, and
settled in the East. One of the sons, William,
came from the East and took up 225 acres of land
in West Finley township, upon which he resided
until his death June 4, 1818. He and his devoted
wife were successful in their many efforts, although
their crops were often destroyed by the Redmen,
and they had often to flee to the blockhouse for
safety, leaving all their possessions at the mercy
of the Indians. They had seven children. Thomas,
the eldest son, was our subject' s father. Mr. Por
ter married Margaret Neal, of pure Scotch descent,
who devoted her noble life to her husband and fam
ily. They resided at Pittsburgh, Penn., for a
number of years, where he was foreman in a boiler
foundry. As that occupation was not suited to his
constitution, he left the city, came to the farm, pur
chased his brothers' and sisters' interests in the
old homestead, and followed blacksmithing' and
farming. Of the seven children that blessed their

910

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

union, our subject was fourth in order of birth,
having been born April 14, 1825. Thomas Porter
resided upon the farm until his death, March 22,
1849. Mary P. , our subject, was noted as a school
teacher, and was a devout -and Christian woman,
always the idol of her many Christian admirers.

d/OSEPH BELL traces his ancestry to one
George Bell, a native of eastern Pennsyl-
) vania, who was there married and reared a
large family. In the latter part of the last
century, George Bell, and a neighbor, Mr.
McDonald, came with their families to Allegheny
county, Penn. They had previously intended to
locate on the present site of Pittsburgh, but being
dissatisfied with the country in that vicinity came
down the Monongahela river until they arrived at
the first large branch, Chartiers creek, which they
followed to Mansfield. The two families then sep
arated, the McDonalds moving west and the Bells
ascending the Chartiers. The latter pioneers finally
located on a large tract in the vicinity of Canons
burg, this county, where George Bell passed his
life in forming the foundation of a home for his
descendants. He was one of the first members of
the Seceder Church in Washington county.
Joseph Bell, a son of this hardy pioneer, was
born in 1767, in eastern Pennsylvania, and passed
his youth on the home place. In early life he was
united in matrimony with Elizabeth Sharp, and
the young couple soon afterward moved to Beaver
county, where they purchased a farm, and reared
the following children: John, Mary, Robert, James,
Keziah and Joseph. The father was a Whig in
politics, and in religion was formerly an active
member of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting
with the Associate Reformed. He passed the last
years of his life at the home of his son in Colum
biana county, Ohio.
Robert Bell, father of subject, was born May 5,
1801, in Beaver county, Penn., and remained on
the home place during his boyhood. In early life
he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of
James Tornes, and she bore him five children:
James, Robert, Eliza, Jane and Joseph. Mr. Bell
when a young man learned the cooper's trade,
which he carried on in connection with farming.
He was very well educated for those days, having
had the advantage of an academic training, and
was an energetic and progressive citizen. In poli
tics he was originally a Whig, afterward uniting
with the Republican party. He was a member and
trustee of the U. P. Church. On September 26,
1870, Mr. Bell was accidentally killed.
Joseph Bell, the subject proper of this memoir,
was born January 2, 1835, in Beaver county, Penn.,
and received his elementary instruction in the com
mon schools, afterward attending the academy at

Murdocksville and Paris, Penn. He commenced
teaching at the age of seventeen years, a profession
he followed with eminent success until he was
thirty-five years of age. In 1870 he began the
practice of dentistry in Florence, this county, con
tinuing in that profession there fifteen years; then
opened an office in Pittsburgh, where he practices.
After a time he moved to Burgettstown, this county,
and here has his residence. On January 8, 1859,
he was united in marriage with Agnes, daughter
of Adam Reed, of Beaver county, Penn., who bore
him two children: Annie and William. Mrs. Bell
died January 10, 1870, and on March 14, 1871,
Mr. Bell married Mary, daughter of Martin Tucker,
They have had two children : Martin F. (deceased)
and Mary A. Our subject has attained eminence
in his chosen calling, and enjoys a large and lucra
tive clientage, his success being due entirely to his
ability as a dentist and courtesy as a gentleman.
He is a member of the U. P. Church, and has been
trustee of his church several years. Politically he
is an active Republican.

1 1 AMES ACKELSON enjoys the distinction of
. I being one of the oldest living representatives
UJ) of the early settlers in Hanover township,
^^ having resided upon the farm where he is
now living for more than four-score years.
Samuel Ackelson, his father, was born about the
year 1760, in County Down, Ireland, where he re
ceived a common-school education, and there
learned the trade of weaver. In 1792 he married
Margaret Donaldson, also a native of Ireland, born
December 15, 1772, in County Down. The young
couple sailed for America soon after their marriage,
landing in New York at the close of a seventeen-
weeks voyage. Their first permanent location was
made near Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he purchased a small farm and followed the
weaver's trade. He resided in Robinson township
several years, and coming to Hanover township in
1814, located on the home farm where he died in
1832, followed by his wife in 1849. The following
children were born to them: Mary (wife of Joseph
Bailey, Robinson township), born November 12,
1793; Thomas (a farmer, living near Washington
borough), born August 10, 1796; Margaret (Mrs.
Samuel Lindsey, of Pittsburgh), born August 26,
1799; James, sketch of whom follows, and Samuel,
born June 12, 1814. Of this family James is the
only living member.
James Ackelson was born October 3, 1807, in
Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., and.,
during his boyhood attended the old log school-
house,' furnished with slab seats, puncheon floors,
and lighted by means of greased paper windows.
In 1832 he was married to Mary Donaldson, who
was born in 1813, a daughter of Jacob Donaldson,

COrp^e-3

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

913

a resident of Hopewell township. Three children
were born to this marriage, namely: Samuel (de
ceased), Thomas (living on the home farm) and
Margaret (wife of AVilliam Frazier, of Frankfort,
Beaver Co., Penn.). The mother died in 1863,
and was laid to rest in the Robinson Church cem
etery. On March 18, 1869, Mr. Ackelson made a
second choice in the person of Rachel, daughter of
Hugh and Rachel (Reed) Wilson, of Allegheny
county, Penn. Mr. Ackelson has always been a
prosperous farmer, and of late years has retired
from active business, his son managing the place.
Before the war he was a Democrat, but since then
he has been an earnest advocate of the principles
embodied in the Republican party. He is a vigor
ous man for one of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Ackel
son are members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Frankfort.

JiOHN A. GAULT, fruit grower and agricultur
ist, is a grandson of David Gault, who was born
| of Scotch-Irish parents, and resided in Can
onsburg, Washington Co., Penn. He learned
and followed the tanner's trade, and when a
young man was married to Jane Russell, by whom
he had the following children: Alexander, John,
Mary, Ibbie, Margaret, William, David, Betsey,
Sarah and Andrew Russell.
Andrew Russell Gault, father of John A., was
born about the year 1800, in Canonsburg, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he learned the tanner's
trade. After attaining his majority he removed to
Jefferson township, Allegheny county, where for
twenty-five years he followed the distilling busi
ness, also in Mifflin township, same county. He
then moved to the adjoining township of Elizabeth,
where he resided fifteen years, finally returning to
Washington county. About the age of forty he
was married to Miss Mary Ann Mowry, daughter
of John Mowry, a prominent citizen of Allegheny
county. Their children were: Christina J., John
A, William (1) and William (2) (both of whom died
in infancy), Sarah E. and Andrew R. M. Mr.
Gault was possessed of decided opinions, but was
unassuming in manner. Politically he voted with
the Republican party, and in religion was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Mingo. He died
in 1879, his wife in 1889.
John A. Gault was born August 23, 1846, in
Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., and
passed his boyhood days in Elizabeth township,
Allegheny county. He attended the common
schools, and, afterward, Duff's Business College,
Pittsburgh, Penn. On November 10, 1875, he was
united in marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of
William Pease, a prominent farmer of North Stra
bane township, Washington county. Mr. and Mrs.
Gault began their married life on the farm which

they now occupy in Union township, this county,
and seven children complete their family circle, as
follows: Mary E., Donald L., Emma C, Olive E.,
Nora V., Jennie M. and John A. The home place
contains 108 acres of very fine land, a portion of
which is used exclusively for the raising of fruit.
Mr. Gault is a Democrat in politics, and has been
elected to various offices of trust in his township.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

THE BENTLEY BROTHERS. These well-
known citizens and prosperous agriculturists
of Union township are of English descent.
During the Colonial period one George
Bentley was drafted into the British service,
and came to America as a member of the royal
troops. After the war he located permanently in
Chester county, Penn., where he was married to
Jane Carson, a native of Ireland. Their son
Joseph was born in Chester county, Penn., and for
some time resided in Shireoaks, Washington Co.,
Penn. He was married to Mercy, daughter of
Samuel Dailey, and then settled on a part of the
Nathan Dailey tract. He afterward bought the
Logan tract, and there built the stone house and
distillery which is yet standing, the latter having
been in operation until 1862. Children were born
to these pioneers as follows: Benjamin, Levi, Eli,
Jesse, Absalom, George, Mary (wife of Thomas
Wilson) and Wilson, all of whom are now deceased.
Jesse Bentley, son of Joseph and Mercy Bent
ley, was born in 1797, in the old stone house at
Shireoaks, Washington Co., Penn. In 1820 he
was married to a cousin, Mercy Dailey, and moved
to Wooster, AVayne Co., Ohio, where he followed
the business of millwright. He remained in that
place eight years, where four children were born to
him, namely: Angeline, Caroline, Carrodan and
David. The family then returned to the old home
at Shireoaks, AA' ashington Co., Penn., locating on
the Taylor farm, where Benjamin, the fifth child,
was born. The father followed the coal business
here between the years 1828 and 1840. He died
in 1842, and the family continued to reside on the
farm until 1855, when they moved to Parkersburg,
W.Va., and years later went to Sadorus, Champaign
Co., 111. The mother died in 1869, and in 1879
David and Benjamin returned to Pennsylvania,
and took charge of the estate left by their uncle,
George Bentley. They remained until June, 1892,
when they sold the place for $350 per acre to a
manufacturing company, since which time they
have retired from active life. Samuel and Joseph
are yet living in Illinois. David Bentley was born
November 3, 1826. and Benjamin was born August
25, 1829. Both are members of the Republican
party.

914

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

MRS. MARY D. BLAYNEY. The earliest
representatives of the Blayney family in
the United States, of whom there is any
I record, were Charles Blayney and his par-
ents, who came from Ireland to America
when Charles was seven years of age. Soon after
landing they settled in what is now Ohio county,
W. Va., and here the parents carried on farming
during the remainder of their lives, and here
Charles also passed the rest of his days. He ac
quired his education at the subscription schools of
the period. He married Ann Potter, who bore
him children as follows: William, Vincent M. and
Josiah. The mother of these dying, Mr. Blayney
for his second wife married Nancy Faris, and the
children born to this union were John, Elizabeth
(wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife of John Val
entine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rev. George
McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev. Henry
and Rev. J. McCluskey. The father of this fam
ily died June 11, I860, the mother November 10,
1880. Vincent M. Blayney, the second son of Charles
and Ann (Potter) Blayney, was born in Ohio coun
ty, W. Va., January 12, 1815, and received a lib
eral education at the schools of his locality. On
August 27, 1844, he was married to Mary D. ,
daughter of Samuel Donahey, of Buffalo township.
Joseph Donahey, father of Samuel, was a native
of Ireland, whence he emigrated to this country
with his wife Mary Alexander, and two children,
becoming one of the earliest settlers of Washington
county, Penn. His children were William and
Jane, born in Ireland; and Samuel, Joseph, Mary
and Margaret born here. The father of this fam
ily was a member and for years an elder of the
Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo; in politicshe
was an Old-line Whig, and he was a successful and
enterprising citizen. Samuel Donahey was born
in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., about
1786, where he was reared to farm life, receiving
his education at the schools of the neighborhood.
In his early manhood he was married to Anna,
daughter of William Reed, and to this union were
born the following children: Joseph, William,
Margaret (wife of Rev. J. M. Smith), Mary D.
(Mrs. Vincent M. Blayney), Jane (wife of Rev. J.
Marshall) and Anna (wife of Rev. J. M. Shields).
Samuel Donahey was a consistent member of the
Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, and at the
time of his death, December 25, 1840, was an elder
in the same. Politically he was originally a AVhig,
and afterward, on the formation of the party, a
stanch Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent M. Blayney, after a resi
dence of six years in Ohio county, W. Va. , settled
on the farm in Buffalo township (where the family
continue to reside). Mr. Blayney had by his first
marriage one child, John S., and by his second,

five children: Anna J. (wife of Dr. D. S. Eagleson),
Rev. Charles P., Samuel D. (ruling elder in the
Upper Buffalo Presbyterian "Church), William V.
and Joseph C. Mr. Blayney was called from
earth March 18, 1887. He was a warm supporter
of the Presbyterian Church, and a devout member;
politically he was a stanch Republican, and at
various times held offices of trust in his township.
His life vocation was general farming and stock
raising, at which he made a well-merited success
through assiduous industry and perseverance. A
progressive and loyal citizen, he gave liberally of
his means to all public enterprises.

JOHN BAILEY, one of the oldest living resi
dents of Washington county, was born
August 11, 1817, in Robinson township. He
is a grandson of Alexander Bailey, who was
born in Scotland, removed to Ireland when a
small boy, and was there married to Jane Brown,
a native of that country. Eight children were
born to this union, viz. : Matthew and William,
both born in Ireland, the former June 6, 1749, the
latter May 2, 1752; Anna, born November 30,
1753; Mary, born July 14, 1755; Jane, born
March 22, 1858; Alexander, born December 29,
1761; James, born September 27, 1763; and John,
born September 24, 1765, all of whom were born
in America. In an early day the parents, with
their two eldest children, left their native shore,
and coming to America first located in Maryland.
In 1785 they moved to Pennsylvania and, pur
chasing 190 acres of land in Washington county,
there made a permanent home. The wife of Alex
ander Bailey survived him many years, and died
on the old homestead at the age of one hundred
and seven years, when the home farm was be
queathed to John, her youngest son.
John Bailey was born in Maryland, and in 1799
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Gailey,
who bore him the following children: Jane (resid
ing in Robinson township), born April 27, 1800;
Matthew, born May 7, 1802 (deceased); Nancy
(living in Indiana county, Penn.), born July 6,
1804; Alexander, born October 31, 1806 (deceased);
Margaret, born April 7, 1809 (deceased); James,
born October 7. 1811 (deceased); Mary (widow of
S. Ewing, of this county), born February 6, 1814;
John (subject of this sketch); Anna, born November
7, 1819; and William, born May .13, 1823. Mr.
Bailey cast his first vote for George Washington;
he afterward became an active worker in the Dem
ocratic party, and gave liberally to all public
improvements, being especially interested in re
ligious and educational enterprises. He died in
1851, having been preceded by his wife in 1845.
Both were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian
Church.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

915

John Bailey (whose name opens this sketch) re
ceived his early education in the schools of Robin
son township. In June, 1869, he was united in
marriage with Margaret Stewart, who was born
June 27, 1833, daughter of John and Harriet
(White) Stewart, both of whom were natives of
Washington county; they were the parents of
three children: Margaret, ^Charles and David, of
whom Margaret, the eldest, is the only one now
living. Mr. Stewart died when Margaret was very
young, and his wife (who was a member of the
Presbyterian Church) died in 1887. Two children
have come to the union of John and Margaret
(Stewart) Bailey, viz.: Cora L., bom March 8,
1870; and Harriet B., born October 25, 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are active members of the
Raccoon Presbyterian Church, and he not only
favors, but emphasizes his approval by giving
financial assistance to all worthy enterprises of the
neighborhood; he is an active worker in the Dem
ocratic party. His farm contains ninety-five acres
of the old homestead, which is in an excellent
state of cultivation. A brother, William, and
sister, Anna, both of whom are unmarried, are also
living on ninety-five acres of the old farm.
William Bailey (an uncle of subject), two
Shearer boys, two McCandlasses and one McNely
were captured by the Indians while working in
the harvest field, William being the only one of
the party who escaped alive.

l\ILLIAM DONLEY. The first of the
Donley family to come to Washington
county was the grandfather of the subject
of this sketch. He was a teamster on the
National pike, and his occupation taking
him frequently through the county he had ample
opportunity to become acquainted with its many
attractions. The promising appearance presented
to him decided him in making it his future home,
and accordingly he made a settlement. His wife,
Mary, was of German parentage.
William Donley, a son of this, honored pioneer
couple, spent all his life in Washington county, of
which he was a native. In his early manhood he
had learned the trade of briek maker, which* was
his life vocation. His first brickyards were situ
ated on what is now East Wheeling street, in
Washington borough, and the entire hillside from
where is now the home of Samuel B. Donley to
the residence of Judge Mcllvaine, and from
Wheeling street to Beau street, was cut down a
foot deep or more in order to furnish clay for the
manufacture, in Donley's yard, of bricks, of which
many of the prominent buildings of Washington
are constructed. William Donley married Miss
Mary Claffey, and children as follows were born to
them: William, now a resident of Virginia; Thomas

and Robert (both deceased); Samuel B., George
and Charles, all residing in Washington, Penn. ;
Mary, wife of Luther Miller, of Washington;
Margaret (deceased) and Ellen, wife of S. B.
Sumney. The father died at the age of fifty-five
years, the mother in 1880, aged sixty-five.
Samuel B. Donley was born in Washington,
Washington Co., Penn., December 1, 1845, and
his education was received at the common schools
of the borough. Early in life he went to work in
his father's brickyard, and for twenty years he has
been in the business. His present yard is situated
in the southern extremity of the borough limits, and
gives employment to from fifteen to twenty hands,
the production averaging 12,500,000 brick per
annum. On February 28, 1869, Mr. Donley was united
in marriage with Miss Eliza McQuay, of Canton
township, a descendant of one of the early settlers
of that part of the county, and to this union have
been born five children, to wit: William, married,
and living in Washington, Penn.; and Frank,
David, Mary and Loretta, all yet under the
parental roof. The Donley residence is situated
on East Wheeling street, which has recently been
built up and improved till it is now one of the
most pleasant and attractive thoroughfares in the
borough, and on which for several years Mr.
Donley's family were the only residents. In
politics our subject is a Democrat, and in church
connections a Presbyterian.

LOUIS KINDER (deceased) was a son of
, Valentine Kinder, and a brother of George
I Kinder. His great-grandfather, George
— ' Kinder, resided on Plum Brush, and fol
lowed the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as a trader
and boatman. For a time he was successful in
business, but, being overtaken by financial trouble,
a few years later went to New Orleans and never
returned. His son George was born in East Beth
lehem township, this county, and lived in that
vicinity until after his marriage, when he was ac
cidentally killed in a carding-mill which he owned
and operated. The maternal grandfather of our
subject, Christian Boone, was born in Greene
county, Penn. He had no educational opportuni
ties, and followed farming and carpentry, but
eventually became a successful business man.
Valentine Kinder, father of subject, was born in
1805, in East Bethlehem township. He received
a limited education in the common schools, and
was a good penman. AVhen a young man he went
to Galena, 111. , upon a mining expedition, thence
proceeding to St. Louis he raised a crop of coin,
and returning home, taught school for a time. He
then married Miss Julia Boone, at which time his
entire worldly property amounted to $35. He

916

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

located just below the present home of his son,
George, and remained there two years. He
then removed to AVest Mill. Six years later he
bought the home of his son Louis, where he lived
a number of years, and thence removed to the old
Nicholls farm near Hillsborough. At the time of
bis death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left
$10,000 for distribution, having previously divided
150,000 among his children.
Louis Kinder was born October 21, 1834, on
Pigeon creek, West Bethlehem township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. AVhen a young child his par
ents moved to the old home farm, where he was
rear§d, and resided with his family. Although his
school advantages were comparatively limited,
Louis Kinder became a good scholar and an
earnest reader, and one of the best informed men
in his community. On December 10, 1856, he was
married to Nancy Roberts, a daughter of J. D.
and Elizabeth Roberts, and soon after his mar
riage he began business for himself upon the home
farm. J. D. Roberts, the father of Mrs. Louis Kinder,
was born in 1802 upon the old farm in West Beth
lehem township, and in early life followed the
carpenter' s trade, from which he saved enough to
purchase his farm, where he spent the remainder
of his life, accumulating a good property. In
1827 he married Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of
Alexander and Catherine Hamilton, and they had
the following named family of children: Sarah,
Leonard, Henrietta, Catherine, John, Wesley,
Elizabeth, James, Antoinette and Nancy. Mr.
Roberts and family were members of the Methodist
Church. He died on the farm on January 10, 1877,
and his wife at Hillsborough on January 10, 1889.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kinder had the following
children bom to them: Elizabeth Jane (deceased),
Wilber Leonard, Curtin, Iona, Anna, Valentine
and Frank. Mr. Kinder was a Republican, and
took much interest in the workings of his party.
He was a highly-esteemed citizen and neighbor,
and a successful business man. He was in the
United States service about nine months, enlisting
in the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry in
March, 1864. In religion he was a Lutheran,
while most of his family were members of the
Methodist Church. Mr. Kinder died October 6,
1889, deeply mourned by his friends and neigh
bors, He left to his family an excellent farm of
130 acres.
TfOHN W. PRY, one of the leading merchants
. ! of Burgettstown, was born May 9, 1846, in
Cflj Cross Creek township. His father, Abraham
^^ Pry, was born November 10, 1813, in Hamp
shire county, W. Va. , and died when the son
was but four years of age. The child was left to
struggle through the perplexities of boyhood un

aided, but by dint of perseverance and energy he
secured an education, and when about twenty-two
years of age came to Washington county, Penn.,
settling in Cross Creek township. In 1840 he was
there married to Rachel, daughter of David Mc
Clurg, of same township, and the young people
settled on the farm where they are yet living. The
following children have "been born to their union:
David M. , Catherine J. (deceased), John W., Will
iam H. and Joseph M. (twins, the latter of whom
is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna
M. (deceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and
Francis H. (deceased). The father of this family
was originally a Democrat, then a Whig, and
finally united with the Republican party, whose
principles he now supports. He attends the Cross
Creek Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally
to its maintenance.
John W. Pry, second son of Abraham and Rachel
(McClurg) Pry, passed, his youth on the home
farm, receiving a common-school education. In
1864 he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-first
Pennsylvania Cavalry, being sent to the army of
the Potomac in the vicinity of Richmond, Va.,
where he took part in the closing scenes of the
war. Iu August, 1865, he was mustered out of
the service and returned home, afterward remain
ing with his parents until twenty-three years of
age. He then moved on a farm in Cross Creek
township, where he lived four years, and finally
opened a general merchandise store in Burgetts
town, where he has since been employed. On
September 26, 1867, he was married to Mary E.,
daughter of John C. Rea, of Cross Creek town
ship, this county. Mrs. Pry died January 5, 1887,
and is buried in the family cemetery at Cross
Creek. She left two children: Charles Lyle and
Rachel C. Mr. Pry is a successful and energetic
business man, and in politics is an active member
of the Republican party.

T OSEPH E. JACKSON is probably the oldest
. I native born citizen of Hanover township
\\\ whose life has been wholly spent in the
township, and is the oldest living represent
ative, of the oldest family in the township. The
family were numbered among the first of those
heroic men and women, who, leaving childhood's
home and early friends, braved the innumerable
perils to establish civilization in the unbroken
wilderness. When we read the record of these
early martyrs we may well exclaim with the poet:
Whom do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing?
The pampered child of fortune, the titled lord or king?
They live by others' labor; take all and nothing give.
The noblest types of manhood are those who work to live.
In 1772, two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jack
son, came from tVieir eastern home in search of Gov

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

919

ernment land, and crossing the mountains, pushed
on till they stood on the western shore of the Mo
nongahela river, within the limits of what is now
Washington county. They were finally attracted
by the heavy timber and thick shrubbery indica
tive of fertile soil, and pausing on the boundaries
of Hanover township, proceeded to mark- out an
extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their only
weapons were two trusty flint-locks, with which to
defend themselves against the prowling beasts of
the forest or a more wily human foe. Traces of
Indians were plentiful, and with the utmost cau
tion did the young men move from tree to tree,
marking off their claim, and ever listening for the
stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They suc
ceeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land,
but, desiring to form a colony, returned to their
homes before making any improvements. By
offering every possible inducement they persuaded
a number to return with them and seek a fortune
in the "far West." Any article of clothing was
accepted in lieu of payment for land, some giving
a hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared.
When the colony was at length fully organized,
they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors,
and with necessary supplies began the toilsome
journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely
at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and
leaves was immediately erected, which was soon
supplanted by log cabins, and religious services
were then held regularly. In the absence of any
minister, prayer-meetings were held, and a church
being organized the two Jackson brothers were
appointed as the first elders, both of whom con
tributed liberally to its support. It is impossible
to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring en
ergy of these men, who gave their lives that future
generations might enjoy the blessings of a pros
perous home. The following children were bom
to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to Bel
mont county, Ohio, locating on a farm which is now
the site of Centreville); Edward, Fanny (wife of
Robert Scott), Rosanna (Mrs. Jonathan Potts), and
Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford).
Edward Jackson was reared among the priva
tions of frontier life, receiving a very limited edu
cation, and from early youth assisting in clearing
the land. He was married to Rebecca Jackson, a
native of Maryland. She was a daughter of Will
iam Jackson, who was no relation of Edward, but
came to Hanover township in an early day. To
the union of Edward and Rebecca Jackson sixteen
children were born, of whom the following attained
an adult age: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Mayhew, Pugh,
W. Va.), Mary (wife of David Fulton, Hanover
township), Lydia (MrB. John McCullough, of
Florence), William (of Hanover township), Ed
ward, George, Thomas, Andrew, David, Simeon and

Rebecca. Of these, Joseph E. and Andrew are
yet living. The father was originally a Whig, but
during Jackson's administration joined the Dem
ocratic party. In church relation he was a zealous
member of the M. E. Church, although reared in
the Presbyterian faith. He died in 1848, having
been preceded to the grave by his wife about five
months. They are buried in the cemetery at
Florence. Joseph E. Jackson (the subject proper of this
sketch) was born July 31, 1807, on the old Jackson
homestead in Hanover township. He grew to
manhood on his father's farm, and for a short time
in the winter season attended the rate schools of
the vicinity. The children were usually set to
work on the farm at an early age, and Joseph was
no exception to that rule. In 1832 he was mar
ried to Mary Cunningham, who was born in 1802,
a daughter of Francis Cunningham, who was a na
tive of Maryland and an early settler of Hanover
township. After his marriage Joseph Jackson lo
cated in Hanover township, along the headwaters
of King's creek, where he erected a very substan
tial and commodious dwelling, also making numer
ous other improvements. Being overtaken by a
disastrous fire, this residence was entirely con
sumed with all the contents. After the accident
he removed to an adjoining farm, which he owned
and has ever since resided there. Mr. Jackson
began life with no capital, and has always been a
leading farmer, now owning over six hundred acres
of good land. He is yet able to do chores about
the house and light farm work, in which he de
lights to be employed. Politically he has always
supported the Democratic party, and in religion
for over fifty years has been a member of the M.
E. Church. Mrs. Jackson passed away in 1868,
leaving the following children: James (a farmer of
Jefferson township), Edward (a farmer of Hanover
township), Margaret (Mrs. John Anderson, of Jef
ferson township) and Rebecca (wife of Johnson
Hitchcock, of Harrison county, Ohio).

AMUEL B. BARNARD is a prosperous ag
riculturist of unusual culture and brilliant
business faculties, and is one of the most
highly respected citizens of AVest Bethlehem
township. The Barnard family is of Scotch origin,
the early ancestors having emigrated from Scot
land to America, where they settled in Washington
county, Penn.
Ignatius Barnard, a son of these pioneers, and
grandfather of subject, was born October 25,
1762, on the home farm in West Bethlehem town
ship, this county. In early life he married Eliza
beth Lewis, of Virginia, who bore him children as

920

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

follows: Mary (Mrs. William Buckingham), James
(who married Julia Bricker), Samuel (mentioned
below), Ignatius (who died in infancy), Permelia
(Mrs. Joseph Wise), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Ross),
Nathan (who married Hannah Zollars), and Cath
erine (unmarried).
Samuel Barnard, father of subject, was born
December 1, 1796, in West Bethlehem township,
and after receiving a limited education began life
on the old homestead, which he afterward
inherited. He was a prominent farmer and stock
raiser, and very successful in his chosen vocation.
On April 6, 1826, he married Eleanor Barnes, who
bore him five . children : John (who died in in
fancy), Demas (mentioned presently), Samuel B.
and Elizabeth (Mrs. George Gayman) (twins), and
Eleanor (Mrs. Isaac Kinder) (deceased). Of these
children, Demas volunteered at Grafton, Va., and
entered the Washington Cavalry, under Capt. A.
J. Greenfield. He was wounded in Virginia, and
when told that his hours were numbered he said
to his captain: "They say I must die. I would
like to live a while longer to kill more traitors."
He died mourned by every comrade, February 12,
1863, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery,
near his home. Mrs. Barnard died February 23,
1839, and on March 12, 1843, Samuel Barnard was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Drake, who
passed away August 10, 1860, and January 26,
1881, Mr. Barnard followed her to the grave.
Samuel B. Barnard was born August 31, 1835,
on the home farm, where he assisted his father in
the management of his estate until the Civil war
began. The farmer was then quickly transformed
into a Union soldier, enlisting October 14, 1862. in
Company E, of the "Ringgold Battalion." He
was a gallant and efficient defender of the flag,
taking part in many important engagements, and
was eventually transferred to Company F, Twenty-
second Pennsylvania Cavalry. On July 19, 1865,
he received an honorable discharge. At the close
of the war he returned to the home farm, which
he has since conducted very successfully. On
June 12, 1884, Mr. Barnard married Mary L.
White, whose parents were early residents of
Washington county, Penn. Of this union were
born five children, viz. : Twin daughters, born
June 15, 1885 (deceased); Samuel W., born June
20, 1886; Mary Eleanor, born February 3, 1888,
and Charles L. , born October 3, 1890 (deceased).
The home farm contains 145 acres of valuable
land, situated in the southern part of West Bethle
hem township. In politics Mr. Barnard is a Re
publican, and has filled various offices of trust sat
isfactorily to all concerned. He is honored as a
man and as a citizen, and, having achieved pros
perity by honest effort, fully merits'the reward he
has won.

JOHN McCLAY, one of the oldest living rep
resentatives of his family in America, was
born in 1809, in Hopewell township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., a son of Samuel McClay,
who was born in Ireland, and who, at the tender
age of ten years, resolved to seek his fortune in
the New World.
Embarking on a sailing vessel, Samuel com
menced his voyage to America, and after a stormy
passage of many weeks landed at New York;
thence proceeded to Pennsylvania, where he worked
out his passage, as was the custom of the time.
(The transportation companies would bind out
their passengers until their wages had paid the'
expenses of the passage across the ocean. ) When
the youth had paid the debt in the manner we have
described, he commenced life for himself, and
settling in Chester county, in the Keystone State,
began business upon the economical principles
which have become the peculiar characteristics of
his descendants. In early manhood he was united
in marriage with Sarah McClellan, a resident of
Chester county, whose family had at an early day
come from Ireland to the shores of America. Mr.
and Mrs. McClay remained in Chester county until
they had accumulated a little wealth, and then re
moved to Washington county, where they pur
chased a small tract of land (110 acres), which
they at once engaged in clearing and improving.
Their children managed this part of the work, as
the health of the father began to fail, and he had
to occupy himself in the less arduous business of
teaming and stock trading. The children of this
pioneer family were Margaret (Mrs. Robert Dins
more), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Morrow), John,
David, Robert, William and Sarah Jane. They
were all members of the Covenanter Church, and
so thoroughly were they imbued with the principles
of their faith, that the impress of their zeal is still
plainly seen in their descendants, who are nearly
all ardent and conscientious workers in the church
of their forefathers. Politically Mr. McClay was
an enthusiastic Whig, and was very active in the
interests of his party. After a useful life he
passed from earth in the year 1838, followed by
his wife in 1842. He left his family a comfort
able inheritance. The influence of such men never
dies, although they may spend but few years
among us.
John McClay, the subject of this memoir, spent
his earlier years in active work upon the home farm,
receiving but a limited education, at the rate
schools of the vicinity, the only text-books used
being the " United States Speller," the " Western
Calculator " and the Bible. The school-house was
a log building, and the huge fireplace which
extended across one end of the room was filled with
logs which the older pupils cut from the forest

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

921

trees. The clothing of the family was entirely
home-made — the flax being first spun into linen,
and then the fabric was dyed and made into gar
ments. On April 26, 1838, Mr. McClay was mar
ried to Jane, daughter of James Smith. She died,
and September 15, 1841, our subject married Jane,
daughter of Robert Welch. By this union there
were born the following children: Sarah (Mrs. D.
W. Morrison), who died August 6, 1892; William
W., John H. and Robert H. In 1857 Mr. McClay
married Sarah Taggart, who lived but fifteen
months, and December 1 5, 1869, he married
Margaret, daughter of James Brownlee, who was
one of the earliest settlers of Washington county.
She had no children.
Mr. McClay has been one of the most successful
husbandmen in his township, securing by hard
work and economy a comfortable competence, and
is now, toward the close of a long and useful life,
enjoying the fruits of his early toil. Mr. McClay
had long been a member of the Covenanter Church,
and remained with them until 1858, when he united
with the U. P. Church, in which he has ever since
been an active and zealous worker. Politically he
was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and is
now in the ranks of the Prohibition party. He has
always favored progressiveness, and has done all in *
his power to advance the interests of his township

JAMES TAGGART MARQUIS was born
October 9, 1825, on the farm in Jefferson
township, this county, which is now his
home. His grandfather, John Marquis, was
a native of Wales, and, coming to America, settled
near Baltimore, Md., where he remained but a
short time. He then came to Cross Creek town
ship, and located on the farm where he died. His
wife was formerly Sarah Griffith, a native of
Virginia, and they were the parents of nine chil
dren — six sons and three daughters — namely:
Thomas, John, Mary, Sarah, Edward, Robert,
James, Anne and William.
John Marquis (father of subject) was born
January 10, 1784, and was trained from early
youth to the duties of a pioneer farm. He en
listed in the war of 1812, remaining in the service
till the close of the conflict. On November 16,
1816, he married Elizabeth Taggart, and they
had a family of seven children, namely: Samuel
F., M. D., Julia A., Margaret, James T., John R. ,
Sarah J. and William E., of whom are yet living.
AVilliam E., in New Cumberland, W. Va., and
James T. . subject of the present sketch.
James Taggart Marquis was early in life inducted
into the mysteries of agricultural pursuits , which
have always been his vocation. On January 31,
1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Bucher, a school teacher, daughter of Abner

Bucher (who was also a school teacher in early
life), and nine children have been born to them,
namely: John A., Lizzie R. (wife of Rev. J. B.
Lyle), Lawrence Verne, Julia Belle, Mary Lee,
Lulu Pauline, Maggie Leuora (called by the tender
Shepherd to His Bosom in infancy), James Tag
gart (triumphantly entered into rest March 28,
1890), and Nannie Archer. Mr. Marquis has
always resided on the home farm, and is the owner
of 100 acres of land. His children are all well
educated, several of them having graduated: John
A. is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson
College, Washington, Penn., also of the AVestern
Theological Seminary, Allegheny, Penn., now
pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church,
Greensburg, Penn. ; Lizzie R. and Mary both
graduated from Blairsville Ladies' Seminary
(subsequently Mary taught three years in this same
institution); Lulu and Belle attended the Blairs
ville Seminary (Belle is now engaged in teaching
in the High School Department of Brainerd In
stitute, Chester, S. C). In religious connection
the family are all members of the Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Marquis has
been a ruling elder since his ordination, March 14,
1880. [For historical sketch of the ancestry of Mr. Marquis
see history of Marquises elsewhere in this work.

FINLEY B. WINNETT, M. D. Washington
county enjoys the reputation of having in
her midst some of the most skillful physi
cians of the State, and not by any means the
least of them is the gentleman whose name here
appears. Dr. Winnett was born in Fallowfield
township, Washington Co., Penn. , August 10, 1848,
a son of J. W. Winnett, whose wife was Mary
Biddile, and they had four children: Finley B.,
Hiram (deceased), Margery (deceased wife of S.
B. Weir), and Elizabeth (deceased wife of Dr. H.
H. McDonough).
Finley B. Winnett received his rudimentary edu
cation at the academy at Hoges Summit, Penn.
In 1867 he commenced to read medicine with Dr.
David Shanor, of Beallsville, Penn. After two
years he commenced a course of study in Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, which was followed
by a course at Long Island College, Brooklyn,
N. Y. , where he graduated in the class of 1 870.
The Doctor then commenced the practice of his
profession at Scenery Hill, a town situated on the
National pike, some twelve miles from the borough
of Washington, this county. Here he remained
eight years, when, his health having become im
paired, he moved to Nebraska, where he received
the appointment of assistant surgeon for the U. P.
P. R. R. Company, a position he held during his
sojourn in that State; was also for some time pen-

922

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

sion examining agent for the U. S. Government.
In 1884 he was nominated for the Legislature to
represent the counties of Cheyenne, Sioux and
Keith, coming within seventeen votes of being
elected. In 1875 Dr. Winnett received the "ad-
eandem medicine degree" from Cleveland Med
ical College. In 1885 he returned to Washington
county, to the vicinity of his former home, con
tinuing his practice until 1889, when he moved
into the borough of Washington. He enjoys an
enviable popularity as a successful physician and
general practioner, his ride being a very extensive
one, and his practice one of the largest in the
county, all his old patients remaining with him.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and of
the I. O. O. F., and vice-president of the U. S.
Excelsior Building & Loan Association of Wash
ington. In 1869 Dr. Winnett was married to Miss Isabel
Scott, daughter of John D. Scott, of Somerset
township, and two children were born to them: John
Elmer (who attended college one year at Thiel and
one at Washington), and Ray (attending Wash
ington and Jefferson College). John Elmer was
for a short time at the head of his father's
drug store, which he conducted with an abil
ity seldom attained by men of his age. But
the grim monster, death, loves a shining mark,
and after a slight exposure and cold, at first
trivial or slight, it developed' into tuberculosis.
He was prescribed for by some of the best
physicians of the East, and tried for a while the
seashore. Finding no relief, he was taken to Colo
rado, and Manitou Springs, and from there to
Mexico. Finding no panacea there, he was
brought home to his father, where he lived only a
few weeks. His classmates in both colleges de
plore his taking away. He was an honored mem
ber of the I. O. Heptasophs, who feel that a brother
is gone. His parents feel the loss of a noble son
more than mere words can express.

,\ILLIAM GALBRAITH, an influential citi
zen of Carroll township, is a native of the
f air " Green Island " which has given so lib
erally to America of its noblest product
— the warm-hearted energetic sons and daughters
of Erin. Robert Galbraith was born in 1774, in
Ireland, where he was married to Elizabeth Alexan
der, and where the following children were born to
them: Robert, William and Frances. In 1825 he
and his family came to America, locating in Carroll
township, Washington Co., Penn.
William Galbraith, the only living representa
tive of his family, was born July 14, 1810, in Ire
land, where he attended school and resided until
fifteen years of age, when he came with his parents
to America. His education was practically fin

ished in the old country, as one day's experience
in an American public school was all he afterward
received. He learned the boat-building business,
and was set to work at an early age to assist in
paying off the debt on the home farm, consisting of
200 acres. He followed the boat business between
the years 1827 and 1840, when the hard times of
1837 brought disaster upon that branch of indus
try. On April 29, 1835, he was united in marriage
with Lucinda, daughter of Noah Fry. William
and Lucinda Galbraith reared the following chil
dren: Robert, living in Allegheny county, served
three years in the war of the Rebellion; William,
who was also a soldier in the war of the Rebellion,
and served three years under Col. Hambright in the
Seventy-ninth Regiment P. V. I., and was killed
in an accident in Nevada in the silver mines; Noah,
a farmer in Delaware county, Ohio; Emeline, de
ceased wife of Frank Williams, and Cornelius, a
resident of Kentucky. The mother died in 1845,
and for his second choice William Galbraith was
married November 30, 1848, to Mary, daughter of
AVilliam Hill. The children of this union were
Samuel, an enterprising farmer; Elizabeth, de
ceased wife of Albert Wickerham ; John, assisting
on the home place; Alexander, a farmer of East
Pike Run township; Mary Frances, wife of John
P. Mosier, of North Strabane township, • this
county; Thomas, living on the old place; Stephen
A. B. (deceased), who was a graduate in the class of
1886 at Washington and Jefferson College (died
while attending the Medical College, Philadelphia,
December 3, 1889) and Ethel, living at home. In
1829 Mr. Galbraith erected the large barn, which
is a model of workmanship and convenience, and
in 1866 he built the handsome brick residence
which is his home. He is the inventor of the " steel
bit," a carpenter's tool, and is a most enterprising
citizen. THE SAMPSON FAMILY, who are among
the most influential and wealthy citizens of
Carroll township, were formerly natives of
Westmoreland county, Penn.. where Will
iam Sampson was born in 1765. He was
married in that county to Mary Neal, who bore
him four children. Some time after his marriage
the family moved to Washington county, Penn.,
where the father died in 1815.
James Sampson, son of William and Mary, was
born February 5, 1806, just above Webster, on
the Monongahela river, in Westmoreland county,
Penn., and in 1840 was married to Mary Grant, a
native of Washington county. She bore him
seven children, of whom are named William T.,
Harvey J. , and John G. The mother died in 1888.
James Sampson carried on a distillery in his early
years in connection with farming, and he now
owns 1,250 acres of land. He was president of the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

923

Bank of Monongahela City for ten years, and is
one of the leading citizens of Washington county.
John Grant Sampson, a very prominent young
farmer and wealthy stockman of Carroll township,
was born February 6, 1852, on the old Sampson
homestead in this county. He passed his youth
on the old place, assisting with the usual duties of
the farm, and on Christmas Day, 1879, linked his
future with Mary V., daughter of John S. Will
iams, of Carroll township. To this union have
been born five children, viz.: Mary Gertrude, Will
iam Howard, James Grant, Helen Marguerite,
and Alice May Virginia. Mr. Sampson owns and
occupies the old homestead containing 260 acres
of fertile land, and is extensively engaged in agri
cultural pursuits. At one time he sold a herd of
cattle worth $1,000 to a stranger, who never paid
for them. He is a Republican in his political
views, and in religious faith he is an earnest mem
ber of the Methodist Church.

JfOSEPH B. DONALDSON is one of the rep
resentative business men of Canonsburg.
J He was born December 15, 1846, in Can
onsburg, forty six years ago, and has been
behind the counter for over thirty years,
twenty-four of which he has been in the drug
business. In 1876 he opened a drug store in
Canonsburg, and has the largest and most varied
stock of drugs and fancy goods in the city.
He has been the architect of bis own fortunes.
Beginning with a small stock, his business has
rapidly increased, his fine store now being crowded
with novelties and the usual paraphernalia of a
drug store doing a good business. On October 30,
1872, Mr. Donaldson was married to Miss Maria
M. Adams, of Canonsburg, and they are the par
ents of the following children: Louis, Mary, Susie
and Lawrence. In his political preferences Mr.
Donaldson is a Democrat, and in religion he is a
Presbyterian. OON FAMILY. This is one of the oldest in
Washington county. Of the early family
of Boons, John was born in Ireland, where
he grew to manhood and married. The
family came to America many years ago, and first
settled in Dauphin county, Penn., where John
Boon engaged in farming and distilling, most of the
wheat being distilled, as produce brought no profit.
He finally moved to Canonsburg, Penn., then to
Chartiers township, where he died. Their chil
dren were as follows: Mary, Nancy, William,
James, Jane, Elizabeth, John, Margaret and
Joseph; of whom AA'illiam, James and John were
soldiers in the war of 1812. In politics Mr. Boon
was a Whig, and in religion a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run.

William Boon was born and reared near Wil
mington, Del., and was there married to Margaret
McHargue. They resided in Delaware some time
after their marriage, then moved to Dauphin
county, Penn., soon after crossing the mountains
to Washington county, the journey occupying sev
eral days. They finally arrived in Chartiers town
ship, and Mr. Boon purchased the tract of land
now owned by William Russell, which was cleared
and cultivated by the Boon family. In 1824 they
removed to Smith township, this county, and a few
years later settled permanently on the farm in Ce
cil township, which is now the property of James
Boon. William Boon won success by his own un
tiring efforts, and was prominently identified with
the interests of the community, especially those re
lating to educational matters. In politics he was
a Whig and Republican, and held nearly every
local office; in religious faith he was a member of
the Presbyterian Church. His children were Levi,
Alexander, Sarah, John, Margaret, William and
James.

JS. BLAYNEY. Among the prominent families
of AVashington county, the name of Blayney
is identified as representing men of sterling
worth, who lived lives of practical benefit to
the community in which they resided.
The earliest representatives of this family in the
United States, of whom there is any record, were
Charles Blayney and his parents who emigrated
from Ireland to this country, when Charles was
seven years old. They settled in Ohio county, AV.
Va., where Charles passed the rest of his life. He
wasM'eared to agricultural pursuits, and received
his education at the subscription schools of the
period. In early manhood he married Ann Potter,
by which union were born children as follows:
William, Vincent M. and Josiah. This wife dying
in the spring of 1816, soon after the birth of her
youngest son, Mr. Blayney, for his second help
meet, married Nancy Faris, of Ohio county, AV.
Va., and the children of this union were John,
Elizabeth (wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife
of John Valentine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rey.
George McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev.
Henry and Rev. J. McCluskey, all now living far
apart; some near the Atlantic ocean, others on the
golden shores of the Pacific. The father died
June 11, 1860, the mother November 10, 1880.
Vincent M. Blayney, second son of Charles and
Ann (Potter) Blayney, was born January 12, 1815,
in Ohio county, W. Va. and was reared to man
hood on the home farm, receiving at the same
time a liberal education at the schools of his lo
cality. In 1840 he was married to Mrs. Dora
(Smith) Blaney, to which union one child was
born — J. S., the subject of this sketch. The

924

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

mother died when J. S. was but a week old. The
father afterward, August 27, 1844, married Mary
D., daughter of Samuel Donahey, of Buffalo town
ship, and by this marriage there were five chil
dren, viz. : Anna J. (wife of Dr. D. S. Eagleson),
Rev. Charles P., Samuel D. (ruling elder in the
Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church), AA^illiam V.
and Joseph C. Vincent M. Blayney was called
from earth March 18, 1887. Politically he was a
stanch Republican, and at various times held offices
of trust in his township. He was a warm sup
porter of the Presbyterian Church, and a devout
member. In his life vocation — general farming
and stock raising — he made a well-merited success.
J. S. Blayney was born October 10, 1842, in
Ohio county, W. Va. On the same day that his
mother died, his grandmother lost an infant, and
immediately took the motherless little one to her
home. Our subject remained in the home of his
grandmother three years, then went to live with
his father. In February 1865, he entered Com
pany K, Sixty-first Regiment P. V. I., attached to
the Sixth Army Corps, and took part in the battle
of Petersburg and other engagements. When the
war was ended he came home, and engaged in ag
ricultural duties. On December 31, 1868, Mr.
Blayney was married to Nancy M. Caldwell, who
was born March 13, 1841, in Washington county,
a daughter of Robert Caldwell. No children have
blessed their union, but two adopted little ones —
James W. and Mary Oliver — have found parental
love and tender care beneath their roof. Mr.
Blayney owns one of the finest farms in Washing
ton county, which his father aided him to pur
chase. His luxurious home is elaborately fur
nished, and lighted and heated with gas, having
every comfort and convenience. Politically he is
an active Republican, and a valued member of the
party; he has held nearly all the township offices.
He is connected with the Buffalo Presbyterian
Church, to which he gives a liberal support, both
socially and financially. Mr. Blayney is one of
the leading citizens and most prosperous farmers
of Hopewell township.

AMUEL ADAMS, an energetic citizen of
Union township, is a native of Allegheny
county, Penn., born at Port Perry -February
21, 1851. His family have long been resi
dents of that county, the grandfather, John Adams,
having settled on the Allegheny river. The chil
dren of John Adams were born as follows: Alex
ander, Joseph, John, Samuel, Lewis, Mary, and an
unnamed infant. Of this family Samuel is the
only living member, and is residing on a farm
near Wellsville, Ohio; John, Samuel and Lewis
served in the war between the North and the
South.

John Adams, son of John, was born in 1820, on
the banks of the Allegheny river where his boy
hood was pased. On arriving at an age of matu
rity he was united in marriage with Ellen, daugh
ter of Aaron Tharp, a native of eastern Pennsyl
vania. Mr. and Mrs. Adams located near Port
Perry, Allegheny Co., Penn., and he followed
teaming in that locality; also worked on the railroad,
and in digging coal. They were the parentB of
seven children, namely: Eva, Samuel, Mary, John,
Ellen, James D., and Jennie.
Samuel Adams, whose name introduces this
biography, was born at Port Perry, in Allegheny
county. He was trained to hard manual labor from
early youth, having worked in the mines during
boyhood. He was the only support of the family
while his father was in the army. In 1872 he bought
a property in Port Perry, which he still owns. In
1874 he married Minerva, daughter of Benjamin
Gilmore, a farmer of Allegheny county, and after
marriage Mr. Adams continued working for five
years; then attended the Southwestern State Nor
mal School, at California, Penn., afterward return
ing to Port Perry. He conducted a butcher busi
ness at the last mentioned place for about one
year, and in 1884 moved to the farm in Washing
ton county, Penn., which contains 100 acres. In
1888 he purchased this place, and since that time
has continued to reside upon it. He is a member
and trustee of the Methodist Church; in politics he
is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and
has held various local offices in Allegheny county.
Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams as fol
lows: Elizabeth, born November 17, 1874, died
March 3, 1875; Mary Ellen, deceased in infancy;
James G. Blaine, born at Port Perry September
15, 1881, " and is a jewel in the home on the farm,
being twelve years of age, and bright as a silver
dollar."

EILIJAH T. TOWNSEND. The Townsend
family, of which this gentleman is a
member, are of English descent. Many
 years ago, three brothers, Elijah, John and
Isaiah Townsend (cousins of Glen Townsend, of
Quebec), left the shores of the mother country and
sailed to America. They settled in Egg Harbor
City, N. J., and Elijah there reared a family of
children, among whom was one named Daniel.
Daniel Townsend was born August 14, 1747, in
Egg Harbor City, N. J., where he grew to man
hood and engaged in the lumber business. In 1776
he entered the Revolutionary war, serving about
two years, participating in the battles of Trenton,
Princeton, Brandywine, and Monmouth. In 1779
he came to Washington county, Penn., bought 400
acres of land of Joshua Wright, and settled perma
nently on that tract. He was married to Lydia

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

925

Sawens, of Massachusetts, who bore him children
as follows: Catherine (Mrs. John Baird, Beaver
county), Naomi (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of
Peters Sharp), Margaret (wife of William Chisler,
Ohio), Rebecca (Mrs. John Hozer, Mercer county,
Penn.), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Higby, Ohio), Lydia
(wife of Arthur Devore, Ohio), Elijah (a lieutenant
in the war of 1812, died in 1871), and Joseph, all
of whom were married, aud are now deceased.
The father was a Democrat in politics; he died
September 1, 1833.
Joseph Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia
(Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1796, on
the old place in Washington county, Penn. He
lived at home until fifteen years of age, then en
tered the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought
home by his father. A few years later the juvenile
warrior had so far modified his views as to prefer
rural life. He became an excellent farmer, and de
voted much attention to sheep raising. In early life
he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of
Col. William Blackmore, aud granddaughter of
Samuel Blackmore, the latter of whom owned 400
acres on the site of the present city of Washington.
The property was leased for ninety-nine years, the
heirs having never claimed it. William Blackmore,
son of Samuel, came with his father from Wash
ington, D. C, to Washington county, Penn., and
there reared six children, viz.: Thomas, Charles,
Nancy (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, Ellen, and Ara
bella, all now deceased but Nancy. To Joseph and
Nancy (Blackmore) Townsend were born three chil
dren, namely: Charles W. , Daniel B. and William
(deceased in youth). The mother died September
5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend was mar
ried to Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack. Her
father was born in Ireland, and about 1800 emi
grated to this country, settling on Chartiers creek,
in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. To
Joseph and Nancy (Flack) Townsend were born
three children, viz. : Robert (deceased), Elijah T.,
and Margaret J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of Finleyville).
The father voted with the Democratic party, and in
religion was a member of the Baptist Church. He
died on his seventy-fifth birthday, March 1, 1871,
being followed by his wife in August, 1874, in her
seventy- fifth year.
Elijah T. Townsend, son of Joseph and Nancy
(Flack) Townsend, was born December 23, 1836,
on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co.,
Penn., which is now his home. He attended
Beaver Academy and Allegheny College, in Mead
ville, Penn, and in 1858 was married to Nancy,
daughter of Samuel Boyer, whose father was James.
After his marriage Elijah T. Townsend remained
on the home farm until the death of his father,
when he took possession of the old place, which
contains 135 acres of good land. He has been a
very active member of the Democratic party, and,

though they were then in the minority, was elected
in 1878 as county commissioner. He served until
1882, and in 1884 was nominated by acclamation
for treasurer of the county, but was defeated. He
was a delegate to the State convention in 1882 and
in 1892. He is a member and trustee of the Peters
Creek Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend
are the parents of three children, viz. : Anna M.
(a graduate of Washington Seminary), married to
David F. Templeton; Robert F. (at home), and
Joseph B. (member of the sophomore class, Le
high University).

THOMAS GRIMES. Prominently identified
with the representative and successful farm
ers of Independence township stands the
gentleman whose name introduces this brief
sketch. He is a son of John Grimes, whose
father, William Grimes, came from Ireland and
settled in Buffalo township, Washington Co.,
Penn. AArilliam Grimes was among the earliest of
pioneer settlers, coming to this county before the
Indians had abandoned their former hunting
ground. He cleared a small piece of land, and
built a rude cabin, to which he soon afterward
brought a youthful bride, who bore him the follow
ing children: John, Jane (wife of Adam Miller),
Mary (wife of Daniel Lane) and Robert, all of
whom are deceased, the latter having passed away
in Donegal township, this county. The parents
both died on the farm in Buffalo township.
John Grimes was born, in 1793, on the home
farm in Buffalo township, where his parents passed
their wedded lives. He received a meager educa
tion at the primitive schools of the place, and
being obliged to attend irregularly, could not avail
himself even of the poor opportunities then offered
the seeker after literary knowledge. In 1813 he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Reed, who
was born in 1792, in the beautiful Shenandoah
Valley of West Virginia, and afterward came with
her parents to Washington county, Penn. Of
their union were born the following children:
Jane (deceased wife of Thomas Patterson, of Bel
mont county, Ohio), Sarah (unmarried, residing in
Claysville, Donegal township), Robert (farming in
Des Moines county, Iowa), William (a retired U.
P. minister), Edward (deceased in Donegal town
ship, at an adult age), Samuel (killed while serv
ing in the Civil war), John (an agriculturist of
Buffalo township, this county), and Thomas. John
Grimes lived on a rented farm during the twelve
years following his marriage, and then purchased
the remaining interest in the old home place, where
the remainder of his life was passed. He was a
successful agriculturist and a valued citizen. In
politics he was formerly an Old-line Whig, and
upon the organization of -the Republican party

926

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

became an active worker in its ranks. His wife
died in 1871, and in 1884 he was laid by her side
at the good old age of ninety-one years.
Thomas Grimes, the subject of this sketch, was
born December 28, 1828, in Buffalo township, this
county, was reared to farm work from earliest boy
hood, and received a common-school education.
On November 1, 1855, he married Susanna Saw
hill, who was born October 10, 1833, daughter of
William and Jane (Lorimer) Sawhill. Of this
union the following children have been born:
Chester, Lorimer (married January 1, 1890, to Miss
Nettie Farrer, of Independence township), Sarah
J., Nancy Irene (wife of A. L. Farrar, of Donegal
township, this county), John Lemon, Mary Udella
and Ida May. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Grimes located on his father's farm in the eastern
part of Donegal township, and in 1868 moved to a
place on Buffalo creek. In 1870 he purchased the
old Lawrence farm adjoining Mt. Hope church in
Independence township, where he has since re
sided. He devotes considerable attention to stock
raising, and is a very progressive farmer, his home
being supplied with modern appliances for con
venience and comfort. He has recently erected a
handsome residence, which enhances both the
beauty and value of his property. In politics he
is a stanch Republican, and has been selected to
fill various offices of honor and trust, the duties of
which he has performed with much credit to him
self and the party. He is much esteemed by all
who know him. He and his wife are members of
the Mt. Hope United Presbyterian Church.

J(OHN SCOTT is a worthy representative of
an old and enterprising family of Washing-
| ton county, noted alike for intelligence and
integrity. His grandfather, Abraham Scott,
was born and reared in Maryland, and when
a young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn, afterward
settling in Washington county with his brother
Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land
near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, this
county, where his life was passed in agricultural
pursuits. He was married to Jane, a sister of
John Finley (the founder of Finleyville), and
reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James
Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), Ann
(married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David
White), Elizabeth (Mrs. AVilliam Scott), Susan
(married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley,
Holland and Samuel. The father was a Democrat
in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby
terian Church at Raccoon.
Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson
township, this county, and here educated. In
1822 he was married to Margaret' daughter of
James Stephenson, ' of Smith township. The

young people first settled on a farm in Robinson
township, this county, remaining there a few years,
when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward
purchasing a place in Smith township where they
resided twenty years, and finally removed to the
home where they passed the remainder of their
lives. The children of this couple were Ann,
Robert K, James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi,
Jane F. (Mrs. William Cole) and Margaret (wife
of Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the archi
tect of his own fortune, and owned 450 acres of
land at the time of his death, which occurred in
1879. He was a Democrat, and held various
township offiees. In church connection he was
first a member of the United Presbyterian Church
at Burgettstown, afterward uniting with the Asso
ciate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder.
He and his wife are buried in the U. P. cemetery.
John Scott was born March 13, 1834, in Smith
township, and passed his boyhood on the home
farm. On March 3, 1868, he was united in mar
riage with Mary Agnes Carlisle, a native of Mt. "
Pleasant township, daughter of John Carlisle, and
the children born to this union are Holland A. (of
Burgettstown), John A., Finley I., Samuel M ,
Susie B., Lillie M. and Gracie D. After his mar
riage John Scott settled on the farm where he is
now living, carrying on a general farming and
stock raising business, and also managing an ex
tensive dairy. Mr. Scott is a very, successful and
popular business man, and in politics has always
been a Democrat; he has filled various offices, and
given satisfaction to all parties. He and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church.

TEPHEN SANDERS. Washington county
has received a number of her most valued
citizens from New Jersey, and among the
most worthy of these is the Sanders family.
Stephen Sanders, a native of New Jersey, was
among the first to enter land in Morris township,
where he died in 1825. His son, Daniel, but a boy
when his father removed to Pennsylvania, was
born in 1783. In 1804 he married Catherine Ru
tan, a daughter of Samuel Rutan, of Morris "town^
ship, and of this union were born the following
children: Eleanor, Stephen, Phoebe, Sarah, Ann,
Daniel and Eunice, of whom Eleanor, Sarah and
Daniel are deceased.
Stephen Sanders was born in 1809, and reared
to farm life, which he has always followed. In
1834 he was married to Catherine  , and to
their union were born eight children: Simeon,
Samuel, Jacob, Isaac Newton, Henry, Absalom,
Azariah and Sample. Of these, Samuel, Isaac
Newton, Henry and Absalom are still living, Isaac
Newton and Henry being prosperous young farmers
of Morris township. Mrs. Sanders died in 1887,

.'¦:

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

929

and since that time Mr. Sanders has made his
home with his son Isaac Newton.
Isaac Newton Sanders married, October 17, 1872,
Hannah, daughter of Obadiah and Elizabeth Clut
ter, and by her had-four children: William Emnior,
Stephen Byard, Estella Belva and Bertha May.
He is a member of Upper Ten-Mile Church. Henry
Sanders married Elizabeth Dille, June 19, 1871,
and of this union have been born five children:
Hugh (who died at the age of nineteen), and Lil
lian, Cora, Grace Edna and Florence, all living.
Samuel Sanders, of Waynesburgh, Penn., married
Hattie Balset, and has one child, Katherine Eliza
beth Lee. Absalom Sanders, of Clarkeatown, Penn.,
was married, in 1880, to Rebecca Huffman, and
has no children. Jacob Sanders was married March
30, 1865, to Mary Axtell, and died March 19, 1869,
leaving two children: Clarissa and Sarah Ellen.
Simeon Sanders, during the Civil war, enlisted in
the Federal army from Iowa, and died of fever at
Little Rock, Arkansas.
Obadiah Clutter, father of Mrs. Isaac Newton
Sanders, was a shoemaker by trade, lived in Amity
and died there. On January 17, 1836, he married
Elizabeth Yoder, daughter of George and Sarah
(Coulter) Yoder. They died in Greene county,
where Elizabeth was born, near Rice's Lauding.
To Mr. and Mrs. Clutter were born the following
children: Sarah, wife of John Kelly, of Cumber
land, Md. ; Phoebe, Mrs. John Gaines, of Amwell
township; Mary J., in AVashington; Eli Webb;
George Brown; Margaret Ann; Catherine, wife of
Warren Sanders, Bellaire, Ohio; Hannah (Mrs.
Isaac Newton Sanders); Samuel Clawson; William
M. (deceased). Mr. Clutter died in Amity in 1872,
and Mrs. Clutter has since that time made her
home with her children.

</

MICHAEL HACKARESS, who is perhaps
the oldest man in Washington county, is
a son of James Hackaress, who was born
1 in Old Virginia, during the eighteenth
century. The father was born a slave,
but bought his freedom with money received from
the sale of coon skins, and a little additional help
from neighboring planters. After gaining free
dom, he was married to Miss Catherine McDow,
who had been freed because her owner had failed
to register her until the time alloted for that pur
pose had expired. After his marriage, Mr. Hack
aress moved to Washington county, Penn., where
he farmed on shares, and worked at various odd
jobs until his death, which occurred in the year
1831. Michael Hackaress was born on Peters creek,
Washington county, Penn., , February 25, 1792,
and when his father died moved to the farm on
which he now lives. At that time the only im

provements were a little hut, and a garden patch
which had been made by some settler who aban
doned it to return to a civilized country. Michael
was first married to Peggy Jenkins, and they had
ten children, namely: James, Edward, Lydia,
Maria, Margaret, Eliza, Mary, Michael, an infant
son (unnamed) and W. Casley. Of these chil
dren all are now deceased with the exception of
Eliza. For his second wife Mr. Hackaress was
united in marriage May 9, 1853, with Miss Sarah
A. Brown, of Washington, Penn., and their chil
dren were Sarah Catherine, Virginia B., Eva A.
and an infant. Two of these children are living
with their father, who, although over a century has
passed since he entered the world, bears lightly
the weight of his hundred years, and is still a com
paratively strong man. Although he can not
labor as in his younger years, he eats as heartily
as though he were yet in the prime of life. Mr.
Hackaress has been a very successful business
man, and now owns 211 acres of as good land as
can be found in the township. He is upright and
honest, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors,
being one of the few colored men who have taken
advantage of the opportunities given them by the
Government. In politics he is a stiff Republican,
and can boast of having voted for every President
from Madison to Harrison, and will probably cast
a ballot at the next Presidential election.

AMUEL STEWART. Among the prosper
ous and well-known citizens of Nottingham
township, this name is prominently identi
fied. AVilliam Stewart was born, in 1803,
in Washington county, Penn., and in early life was
united in marriage with Jeanetta Gardener, who
was born in 1803, in Ireland, coming to America in
early youth. Mr. Stewart devoted his time to
agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of stock
raising. He was too old to enter the Civil war,
but was represented on the field by his son Will
iam, and took an active part in local affairs. He
was township supervisor fourteen years, township
clerk several years, also served on the board of elec
tion. He died in 1874; his widow is yet living.
Samuel Stewart was born, in 1842, in Washing
ton county, Penn. , and during his boyhood at
tended the schools of this county. In 1876 he
married MissEleanor A., daughter of William Bark
ley. Her grandfather, Andrew Barkley, was born
in 1775, in Ireland, and was married to Elizabeth
Jolly, who was born in 1757, in Pennsylvania, and
died in 1846. They were the parents of eight
children, all of whom are now deceased.
William Barkley, son of Andrew and Elizabeth
(Jolly) Barkley, was born in 1800, in Washington
county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home
farm now owned by Butler Huggins. In 1822 he

930

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

married Elizabeth Ogden, who was born in 1802,
in this county, daughter of Samuel Ogden. Mr.
Ogden was born in 1759, and wh.m a young man
was married to Elizabeth Crouch, who was born in
1761, in this county. They had ten children. Mr.
Ogden was a tailor by trade, and a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. He died in 1848, having been
preceded by his wife in 1830. To the union of
William and Elizabeth (Ogden) Barkley ten chil
dren were born, of whom five are yet living,
namely: Elizabeth, Sarah J., Eleanor A. (Mrs.
Stewart), William and Margaret. Mr. Barkley
owned 148 acres of land, all under cultivation, and
conducted an extensive sheep and other stock farm.
He was a very prominent man in the politics of
Washington county, having served in nearly all
the township offices, and was collector several
years. To the union of Samuel and Eleanor A. (Bark
ley) Stewart a son and daughter have been born:
Boyd T. and Jennie L. The farm of 127 acres of
fertile, well-cultivated land is owned by Samuel
and his brother William's children jointly. Sam
uel Stewart is an enterprising citizen, and has filled
almost every office in Nottingham township. He
gave among the first $100 subscribed to the build
ing of a railroad in Nottingham township.

J JONATHAN CAESBER, JR.,was born Septem
ber 17, 1821, in North Strabane township, this
| county, a grandson of Jonathan Caesber who
was born in 1750, in the State of Delaware.
In 1774 the grandfather came to Washington
connty, Penn., and here purchased a farm where
he died in 1839. In the war of 1812 he furnished
the United States Government with the last pack
horses used at that time. In religion he was a
Methodist. John Caesber (son of Jonathan the pioneer) was
born, in 1794, in Nottingham township, this county.
He was a physician, devoting his entire life to
that profession. In October, 1820, he was united
in marriage with Hannah Holland, who was born
in Allegheny county, Penn., in 1800, and five chil
dren were born to them, of whom two are yet liv
ing: John and Jonathan. The father died Feb
ruary 3, 1833. and in 1867 Mrs. Caesber entered
the "valley of the shadow."
Jonathan Caesber, Jr., attended school in the
home district, and was but twelve years of age when
h is father died. The fatherless boy, being thus early
thrown on his own resources, worked on a farm
four or five years, and completed his education.
At the age of seventeen he began teaching a sub
scription school, following that vocation eighteen
years; at the same time he owned a store and shoe
shop. He finally learned the shoemaking business,
to which he has devoted his later years. On May

30, 1844, he married Elizabeth Yant (who was
born in 1822 in this county), and they have had
six children, three of whom are deceased. Those
yet living are Carrie H, Elizabeth B. and Fred
erick Y. Caesber. In 1838 Mr. Caesber was ap
pointed postmaster at Munntown, and served in that
office until 1876, when he opened a shoe store and
boarding house in Washington borough. In 1883
he returned to his present home, consisting of four
acres of excellent land, situated near the depot of
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and affording him
a comfortable income. In politics he has always
been a Democrat, and has served several times as
school director and four terms as justice of the
peace, which office he is yet holding. He was too
old to enter the Civil war, but has ever been iden
tified with the best interests of the county. He is
a member of the Presbyterian Church.

\ILLIAM B. SUMNY. The family of
... J which the subject of this memoir is a
¦T iff prominent member have long been resi-
— ' — ' dents of Pennsylvania. Isaac Sumny,
father of William B. , first saw the light
July 5, 1776, the day after the old Liberty Bell had
proclaimed the birth of our infant nation. He
was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and in
1798 was united in marriage with Mary Turney
(who was also born in 1776), and nine children
were born to their union, of whom three sons are
yet living. The father followed the trade of pot
ter all his life.
William B. Sumny was born August 14, 1805,
on the home place in Washington county, Penn.,
and passed his boyhood in attending the schools of
the county. On November 14, 1829, he was mar
ried to Ruth Gamble, a native of this county, born
in 1810. To this union one son and nine daugh
ters were born, namely: Mary (Mrs. Mahood), re
siding at Melvin, Ford Co., 111. ; Elizabeth (wife of
William Harbison), at Glade Mills, Butler Co.,
Penn. ; Esther, still living with her father; Sarah
(Mrs. Coneby), at Brownsdale, Butler Co., Penn.;
Mrs. Hannah Sumny, at Beaver City, Furnas
Co., Neb. ;Emma (Mrs. Morrison), at McKeesport,
Allegheny Co., Penn.; William (deceased); Nancy
(deceased); Harriet (wife of Dr. Murray), at Am
ity, Washington Co., Penn., and Angelina (Mrs.
Hamilton), at Thomas, Washington Co., Penn.
The mother died December 21, 1891.
Prior to his marriage Mr. Sumny worked with his
father at the potter's trade, and then after that
event he bought fifty acres of land, to which he
now devotes his attention. Politically he is an ad
herent of Democratic principles, and in religious
faith he and his family are members of the Pres
byterian Church.

Washington county.

931

DAVID W. GAULT. The prominent and
\ influential family, of which the subject of
' this sketch is a worthy member, are repre
sentative citizens of Nottingham township.
Alexander Gault was born in 1797, on a farm in
Washington county, Penn., where his youth was
passed in the usual duties of agricultural life. On
December 8, 1825, he was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Wilson, who bore him five children,
namely: James, Edith, Sarah, John W. (who en
listed in Company K, P. V. Cavalry, and died in
the service December 7, 1862) and Alexander (de
ceased). The mother died soon after the birth of
her youngest son, and Mr. Gault was afterward
married to Jane Flack, who was born in 1807.
The children of this marriage were as follows:
Robert, Mary J. and Addie, the last named being
the only one yet living. The father owned about
150 acres of land. He died in 1872; the mother
on February 15, 1887.
James Gault, son of Alexander and Mary (Wil
son) Gault, was bom in 1826, in Washington county,
Penn., where his youth was passed. In 1853 he
married Maria Sumney, a native of Nottingham
township, this county, who was born in 1832, and
has always resided in the vicinity of her birthplace.
Four sons and two daughters have been born to
this marriage as follows: Mary, David W. , Alex
ander, John (deceased), Ettie and William. Mr.
Gault has, with the exception of short intervals,
always resided in Nottingham township, and has
held almost every local office. He owns twenty-
five acres of fertile land, and makes a specialty of
fruit raising.
David W. Gault was born April 11, 1856, in
Washington county, Penn. He completed his educa
tion at Pittsburgh, Penn., and received a diploma
from Duff's Commercial College. After leaving
school he embarked in a sawmill and lumber
business, and also managed a farm of 130 acres.
On September 4, 1884, he was united in marriage
with Mary, daughter of Martin Kammerer, a son
of John Kammerer, who was born, in 1793, in
Germany, and was educated in the schools of his
native land. In 1820 her grandfather was mar
ried to Margaret Rigar, who was born in 1800 in
Germany, and, bidding farewell to his young wife
for a time, sailed for America in 1821. After
finding a suitable location for a home, he sent, for
Mrs. Kammerer the next year, and settled in Wash
ington county, Penn. , where he followed the busi
ness of a millwright and miller. He then worked
two years as a carpenter, and afterward engaged
in a general mercantile business. He also leased,
of one Thomas Officer, eighty acres of land on the
present site of Kammerer village, which land he
purchased in 1881, and erected thereon a dwelling
and store room. He then built a tavern, and in
1845 erected a saw and grist mill, which was

burned September 22, 1850, but was rebuilt the
following year. Five children were born to his
first marriage, namely: Mary Ann, born Decem
ber 16, 1821; Barbara, born August 11, 1822;
Catherine, born May 20, 1825; John, born April
1, 1827; and Martin, born April 14, 1829, all now
deceased. The mother of this family died in Feb
ruary, 1830, and on July 21, 1830, Mr. Kammerer
married Elizabeth Bender, a native of Germany,
and the following children came to this union:
Jonathan, born July 31, 1831; Joseph, born May
20, 1835; Elizabeth, born February 28, 1837;
Jacob, born November 22, 1838; William S., born
February 23, 1843 (on the Board of Trade in Chi
cago), married to a daughter of Dr. Emery, of
Dunningsville, Va. ; and Franklin G., born Feb
ruary 24, 1845 (with William S., Room No. 35,
Board of Trade, Chicago, known as the Kammerer
Co., brokers), married to a daughter of Dr. Hild
reth, of Wheeling, W. Va. Of this family Jacob
died July 27, 1839, and Jonathan died October
20, 1887. The mother died May 18, 1859, having
been preceded by the father July 24, 1856. He
served in many township offices.
Martin Kammerer was born on the home place,
and in early life was married to Catherine Sumney,
who was born in 1829. They had three children:
Mary (Mrs. David Gault), Flora (wife of Robert
McNary) and Ella (married to William McGregor).
Mr. Kammerer was a miller and distiller, and un
til shortly before his death was a partner in busi
ness with his brother Joseph. The latter years of
his life were spent on the farm, where he died June
25, 1890, having been preceded by his wife June 4,
of the same year.
Three children have brightened the wedded life
of David and Mary (Kammerer) Gault, namely:
Donald, Charles and Frank. Mr. Gault has filled
many local offices in Nottingham township, and is
a representative farmer.

IiOSEPH S. STOCKDALE, employed by the
. I Stockdale and Allen Coal Companies, includ-
Iflj ing the Acme and Allen mine.-i, has been con
— ^ nected with this firm at Stockdale since 1888.
The town of Stockdale was begun in 1883, and in
1885 mines were opened on the Stockdale farm.
He is a grandson of Thomas Stockdale, who was
born in Montgomery county, Penn., of English
Quaker parents, and was there married to a lady
who died leaving three sons, William, Thomas and
John. In 1781, after the death of the wife and
mother, the remainder of the family came to Wash
ington county, Penn. He bought 100 acres of
land, to which he afterward added another hundred
acres, and was married in this county to his second
wife, Amy Allen, who bore him children as follows:
Joseph, Robert, Deborah, Allen and Hannah.

932

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Both the parents of this family died on the farm in
Washington county.
Robert Stockdale, father of subject, was born
April 19, 1801, on the home place in Allen town
ship, Washington county, and there received a
subscription-school education. On November 6,
1825, he was united in marriage with Deborah Al
len, a native of this county, and daughter of Jo
seph Allen. The young couple settled on the old
farm, where the following children were born and
reared: William, married to Rebecca Ailes, now
living in Oregon; Amy, deceased at the age of six
years; Elizabeth, widow of AVilliam Sprowls, West
Finley township; Allen; Robert M.; Deborah E. ;
Sarah Mary, and Hannah Amy, wife of I. K. Jack-
man, Los Angeles, Cal. The mother of this fam
ily died March 13, 1850, and the father was then
married to Dorcas Price, a native of Westmoreland
county, Penn., who is yet living on the homestead.
They were the parents of three children, namely:
Joseph Snyder, Cyrus Field (living in Stockdale),
and Martin J. (deceased). The father was a Dem
ocrat in politics, and in religious faith was a mem
ber of the Church of Christ at Fayette City, Penn.
He died December 15, 1878.

J | AMES B.VANDYKE. The Van Dyke fam
ily are of Holland origin, their name signify -
| ing "beyond the dyke." Many years ago
three brothers of the family, John, James
and William, sailed from Holland to Amer
ica, first locating in New Jersey, where John was
married to a native of that State, his brothers hav
ing previously settled in Philadelphia county,
Penn. In 1800 John Van Dyke moved with his
family to an unimproved farm near Lindley's Mills,
Morris township, Washington Co , Penn., remain
ing there but one year. He then returned to New
Jersey, where he died, having left his family on
the pioneer farm in Pennsylvania. He was twice
married, and to the first union were bom two chil
dren, John and Hannah. The children of his sec
ond marriage were Wright, Catherine, Nancy and
Rena. The father was a Whig in political opinion,
in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Wright Van Dyke was born December 15, 1799,
on the home farm in New Jersey, and was reared
and educated in the subscription schools of Wash
ington county, Penn. In early manhood he mar
ried Rebecca, daughter of James Bane, a native of
Amwell township, this county, and she bore him
three children, viz. : Sarah, wife of Nathan Veatch;
Elizabeth, deceased, and James B. Mr. and Mrs.
Van Dyke passed their wedded life in Amwell
township, where he died in 1847, followed by his
wife in 1856. They were members of the Baptist
Church, and in politics he affiliated with the Whig
party.

James B. Van Dyke was born January 20, 1834,
on the home place in Amwell township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. On September 18, 1855, he
was married to Mary J., daughter of Rev. John
Thomas, of Morris township. In 1862 he enlisted
in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth Regi
ment P. V. I., serving until 1864. At the battle
of Chancellorsville he was shot under the right
arm (the ball lodging back of his left lung, where
it stiil remains), and, being paralyzed, was re
ported dead. He was taken from the field to the
general hospital, then sent to Washington, return
ing home as soon as he was able. Before his fur
lough had expired he returned to follow the fort
unes of his regiment, with which he remained un
til his health failed; in 1863 he was commissioned
first lieutenant of his company.
After returning from the war Lieut. Van Dyke
followed carpentering and building about three
years, then opened a grain and feed store at Wash
ington. He afterward conducted a grocery at
Brownsville, Fayette county, and in 1875 came to
California, to fill the position of steward of the
Southwestern State Normal School. In 1880 he
opened a general store, which was supplanted in
1882 by the dry-goods establishment he is now con
ducting. In political opinion Mr. Van Dyke was
originally a Know-Nothing, but has been a Repub
lican since the organization of that party. He is
president of the California Glass Company, also
deals in real estate. He and his wife are members
of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon.
They are the parents of four children, viz. : John
W., George M., William S., and Mary Catherine
(deceased). The three sons are all graduates of the
State Normal College. George M. is also a grad
uate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
and is now practicing his profession at West New
ton, Penn.; William S. is cashier of M. M. Dick's
bank, West Newton, Penn., burgess of the town,
also one of the principal stockholders and treas
urer of the West Newton Wall Paper Company;
John W. remains at home with his parents, and as
sists his father in the management of his business;
William S. married Miss Carrie Taylor, of West
Newton, who has borne him one child, Mildred.

side

AMUEL HINDMAN. The ancestors of this
well-known gentleman were born in a land
of song and story, where wild legends were
told the little ones as they sat by the fire-
or wandered .amid the romantic scenery of
Wales. But sometimes even the legends were for
gotten, and tales of a far-off land, whose wealth
and grandeur surpassed their wildest dreams, were
told the children. Eagerly the people listened
for tidings of those daring men who had crossed
the ocean, and proved " truth stranger than fie-

p

^/Um^OJL^ {>V> ¦ C4A^e£*SVL6tsl^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

935

tion." Many a bold Welshman then sought a home
in the New AVorld, and among their number sailed
Samuel Hindman with his family. They landed
safely in America, and located in the State of
Maryland. Mr. Hindman was twice married, and
three children were born to him, among whom a
son, John, is named. "
John Hindman was born in 1769, near Port De
posit, in Maryland. He was there married to Sarah
Patten and in 1796 came to Pennsylvania, the
journey being made in a six-horse wagon, which
carried all their personal possessions. They were
accompanied by AVilliam Patten and his wife, the
former of whom was a brother of Mrs. Hindman.
They first made a halt in Findley township, Alle
gheny county, and thence moved to Union town
ship, this county, where Mr. Hindman, in 1798,
bought seventy-two acres of one Thomas Cannon,
and afterward eighty-four acres of Nathan Dailey,
which became the home of his descendants. It
was then in an uncultivated state, only twenty
acres having been cleared, and many improvements
were made by Mr. Hindman. In politics he was
actively identified with the Whig party, and in
religion he was a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Mingo. He died on the farm in 1851,
being followed in 1852 by his wife, who had borne
him the following children: Mary (wife of Robert
Campbell), AATilliam (married to Sarah Campbell,
of Union township), Sarah (wife of John Storer, of
Allegheny county), Robert (married to Hannah
Pollock, also of Allegheny county), Martha (Mrs.
William Morrow), John (deceased at the age of
seventeen years), Eliza (wife of James Morgan),
Jane (Mrs. Joseph S. Gaston) and Samuel.
Samuel Hindman was born August 25, 1812, in
Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and re
ceived his education at the subscription school on
the Pollock farm. On May 9, 1839, he married
Martha J., daughter of Joseph Hull, of Allegheny
county, and they resided on the home place in
Union township until 1864, when they came to
their present home in Gastonville. Politically
Mr. Hindman was a Whig and Republican, but is
now voting with the Prohibition party, having al
ways supported the temperance cause. In religion
he has been an elder of the Mingo Presbyterian
Church for thirty years. Mrs. Hindman died in
September, 1889, leaving no children; but they
had adopted and reared two little ones, one of
whom, Virginia B., is married to Harry W. Mil-
linger, of Finleyville.

ISAAC C. MOUNTS. This highly esteemed
and prominent young citizen of Buffalo town
ship, of which he is a native, was born May 31,
1855, a son of William H. and Mary (Malone)
Mounts, the latter of whom was a daughter of

David Malone. William H. Mounts was born in
Rankintown (now a part of Washington), this
county, June 19, 1800, and was brought up to
practical farm life from his earliest boyhood. The
school he attended during a few winter weeks in
each year was held in a deserted log cabin, through
which the winter wind gleefully whistled. In Oc
tober, 1828, Mr. Mounts was married to Mary Ma
lone, whose family were ako old settlers, and after
marriage the young couple made their home in
Franklin township until 1852, iu which year they
removed to Buffalo township, where Mrs. Mounts
died September 7, 1882, and Mr. Mounts June 22,
1885. He was emphatically a self-made man, and
at the time of his death owned a large farm. Po
litically he was first a Whig, afterward a Repub
lican, and although always taking a deep interest
in the affairs of his party, would never accept
office. Among the earliest members of East Buf
falo Presbyterian Church, he was also one of its
leading and most substantial supporters. The
children born to this honored pioneer were: Sarah
Jane (deceased), William (in Buffalo township),
Adam (in Franklin township), Richard (in Buffalo
township), Mary A. (deceased wife of AVishart
Houston), Margaret (Mrs. Abraham Huston),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Kelly), Martha (wife of
Samuel Parker, of Washington borough), Thomas
J. (in Buffalo township), Theodore (deceased) and
Isaac C.
Isaac C. Mounts was reared to farm life at the
parental home, and educated at the common
schools of the district. He was married Decem
ber 25, 1879, to Laura V. , daughter of George
Coogle, the result of which union are four chil
dren. The parents are members of the United
Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo, and in poli
tics Mr. Mounts is a Republican, though not a
strong partisan. He is a progressive farmer, and
in connection with general agriculture is actively
interested in stock raising,

THE ARMOR FAMILY. William Armor,
the pioneer of the Armor family, was a na
tive of Scotland, where his youth and early
manhood were passed. Many years ago he
came with his family to America, locating
in York county, Penn. , where he followed agricult-
ural pursuits. In religious faith he was a Pres
byterian. Thomas Armor, a son of this pioneer, came at
an early age to what is now Washington county,
Penn., and settled on a 400-acre tract on Rac
coon creek, Hanover township. The patent^ for
this land was applied for September 15, 1784.
He also, at the same time, applied for the adjoin
ing tract, of the same amount, in the name of his
brother, who died after the confirmation of the

936

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

application. Therefore, Thomas held and occupied
both tracts, or 800 acres in all. He was a mem
ber of the Cross-roads Presbyterian Church (now
Florence), and assisted in the organization of
Hopewell Church, of which he became one of the
first three elders. In politics he was a Democrat.
He married Jennie Moore, and to them were born
four sons and two daughters, who all married and
settled on his land, which he divided among them
before his death in 1826.
Nancy married Benjamin Bubbitt — to them were
born six children. William married Nancy Mc
Clelland — to them were born seven children. John
married Matilda Glasgow — to them were born five
children. John, with his family, moved to Holmes
county, Ohio, about the year 1830. Mary married
James Thompson, to whom were born eight chil
dren. They moved to Armstrong county, Penn. ,
about the year 1837. Thomas married Hannah
Crooks, and to them were born four children.
James, the youngest, was born April 17, 1797.
He occupied the homestead. His first wife was
Margaret AVilson; to them were born four children.
These children were as follows: John, who mar
ried Maria Culley, in March, 1850; Thomas and
Wilson, deceased; Margaret Ann, married to James
Donaldson, in March, 1852. Some time after the
death of his first wife, or in December, 1832, Mr.
Armor married Nancy, daughter of Alexander
McCandless (who was of Scotch-Irish descent),
of Allegheny county, Penn., and to them were
bom four sons and one daughter. James Armor
was an elder in the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
for a number of years. In politics he was a Dem
ocrat until his death, February 7, 1871. He was
followed to the grave by his widow, December 10,
1880. A. M. Armor was born October 30, 1833; mar
ried Anna M., daughter of John Moreland, of
Fayette county, Penn., October 26, 1865, who
died March 17, 1880. For his second wife he
married Mrs. Rebecca Wilson McCluskey (who
had one daughter), June 15, 1882. In religion he
was a Presbyterian, an elder in Hopewell Church,
and afterward in the Hebron Church — a branch
of the Hopewell Church. Politically he was a
Democrat. He moved to Burgettstown, Penn., in
November, 1892, where he now resides.
J. Ray Armor was born October 8,1835; married
Ella C, daughter of Robert Walker, of Washington
county, Penn., April 3, 1878, who died June 12,
1885. He moved to Burgettstown in June, 1886,
and engaged in the lumber business with J. P.
and W. B. Linn — the firm name being Armor,
Linn & Co. He is a Presbyterian in religion,
and a Democrat in politics.
W. Sample was born April 24, 1838; married
Sarah Moreland in June, 1864- To this union

were born six children. He is a Presbyterian in
religion, and a Democrat in politics.
Jane E. was born January 26, 1841; married
Samuel Witherspoon, December 9, 1863. To this
union were born eight children. She was for
merly a Presbyterian, but now is a member of the
United Presbyterian Church.
George P., born September 4, 1843, died Au
gust 2, 1872. James Armor's sons were a family
of farmers. They still retain a large portion of
the original 800 acres. W. Sample occupies the
homestead, and likely to be followed by his sons,
which will make the fourth generation of the
family iu occupancy.

THOMAS McGOWAN, superintendent of re
pairs of the Monongahela river slackwater
improvement, a position he has held forty-
nine years, is a son of John and Margaret
(McGill) McGowan, natives of County Down,
Ireland. About the year 1831 they immigrated to Amer
ica, settling on a farm in Fallowfield township,
Washington Co., Penn., where the father followed
milling and general farming. He took an active
interest in the workings of the Whig party. They
died several years ago, leaving children as follows:
Martha, wife of Howard Kerr, of Foxburgh, Penn. ;
Thomas, whose name opens this sketch; Sarah
Jane, living at Lock No. 4; John, who died at Lock
No. 4, some years ago, and Nancy E. , widow of
Alfred Van Horn, of Lock No. 4.
Thomas McGowan was born in 1826, in County
Down, Ireland, coming to America with his par
ents when but a child. He was educated in the
district schools of Fallowfield township, and in
April, 1844, he began life as a laborer on the Mo
nongahela river, since when he has mastered all the
details of navigation. He was superintendent of
Lock No. 4 and adjoining places for some time,
being rapidly promoted from one position to an
other. For over thirty years he has been superin
tendent of repairs, which business calls him to all
points between Pittsburgh and Geneva, Penn.
On November 18, 1852, he was married to Sarah
A., daughter of Abram Fry and granddaughter of
Samuel Fry. The Fry family are numbered
with the earliest and most prominent citizens of
Washington county. The first of the name to set
tle in Pennsylvania was one Samuel Fry, who
was born in .1 749. in Virginia, and was there mar
ried to Christina Speers, also a native of Virginia,
born in 1752. They came overland to Washing
ton county, Penn., in a very early day, and July
19, 1792, took a "tomahawk right" for a large
tract of land in Fallowfield township. He was a
famous hunter, and also worked on his farm,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

937

remaining in the fort at night for protection from
the Indians. He died in 1814, being followed by
his wife November 9, 1841.
Abraham Fry, son of Samuel and Christina
(Speers) Fry, was born in 1792, on the home
farm iu Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He received a subscription -school educa
tion, and in early life was married to Isabella
Ringland, a native of Washington county. She
bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living
in Allen township, Washington county; John, also
living in Allen township; Christina (Mrs. Abraham
Colvin), of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who
ontered the U. S. service in Washington county,
and is now living near Nashville, Tenn. ; Henry, a
resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cum
berland river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield
township; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan; Jack
son, living in Cowley county, Kans. (he enlisted
in the Civil war, was taken prisoner, and was
confined in Andersonville prison eleven months);
Clarissa, who married Alexander Alman, and died
in East Pike Run township; Smith, who owns the
Fry homestead, and Isabella, wife of Elgy T. Van-
Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. After their mar
riage Abraham and Isabella Fry settled on the
upper part of the old homestead in Fallowfield
township. He was actively interested in public mat
ters, and first affiliated with the Democratic party,
then became a Whig and later a Republican. He
died December 11, 1866, followed by his widow
April 2, 1881, she having lived to see her youngest
daughter the mother of twelve children. Both
parents were members of the Disciple Church.
Thomas and Sarah A. McGowan settled on a
home in the village of Lock No. 4. He has erect
ed an elegant residence, surrounded by beautiful
grounds, and among other improvements a hand
some greenhouse adorns the place. Iu political
opinion he is a member of the Republican party.
In religion Mrs. McGowan is a member of the
Disciple Church. They are the parents of three
children, namely: J. K. M., married, and now has
charge of Lock No. 4; Isabelle, wife of T. J. Allen,
civil engineer, of Lock No. 4; and Abram F., mar
ried and residing at the same place. Mr. McGowan
is one of the oldest navigators in Washington
county, and is an expert in his vocation.

THEODORE J. ALLEN is a son of David B.
H. Allen, a native of Allen township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., who when a young man
was married to Martina Springer, of Fayette
county, Penn. They became the parents of
twelve children, of whom Theodore J. is the fourth
in order of birth. The father followed farming
and land surveying all his life, and died in^ 18§,2;
the mother is yet living on the old place.

Theodore J. Allen was born July 28, 1854, in
Westmoreland county, Penn., where his early edu
cation was obtained. He then entered the South
western State Normal School, at California, Penn.,
and, afterward, Bethany College, in AVest Virginia,
graduating from the civil engineering department
in 1875. He has since followed the profession of
civil engineer, at the same time being engaged in
business with a coal company, as well as in farming.
On March^22, 1877, he married Isabelle, daugh
ter of Maj. Thomas McGowan, a son of John and
Margaret (McGill) McGowan, natives of County
Down, Ireland, who, about 1831, immigrated to
America, settling permanently on a farm, in Fal
lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., where
Mr. McGowan followed milling and general farm
ing; he took an active interest in the politics of the
Whig party. John and Margaret. McGowan died
several years ago, leaving children as follows:
Martha, wife of Howard Kerr, of Foxburgh, Penn.;
Thomas; Sarah Jane, living at Lock No. 4; John,
who died at Lock No. 4, some years ago; and
Nancy E. , living at Lock No. 4, widow of Alfred
Vanhorn. Thomas McGowan was born in 1826, in County
Down, Ireland, and, coming to AVashington county
with his parents when but a child, was educated
in the district schools in Fallowfield township. In
April, 1844, he began life as a laborer on the Mon-
gahela river, and since that time has mastered all
the details of navigation. He was superintendent
of Lock No. 4 and adjoining places for some time,
being rapidly promoted from one position to
another. For over thirty years he has been
superintendent of repairs, which business calls him
to all points between Pittsburgh and Geneva, Penn.
On November 18, 1852, Major McGowan was mar
ried to Sarah A., daughter of Abram and Isabella
Fry. Mr. and Mrs. McGowan settled on a home
in the village of Lock No. 4, where he has erected
an elegant residence, surrounded by beautiful
grounds, and among other improvements, a hand
some greenhouse adorns the place. In political
opinion he is a member of the Republican party,
and in religion Mrs. McGowan is a member of the
Disciple Church. They are the parents of three
children, namely: J. K. M., married, and now in
charge of Lock No. 4; Isabelle, wife of T. J. Allen;
and Abram F. , married and residing at Lock No.
4. Major McGowan is one of the oldest navigators
in Washington county,! and is an expert in his
vocation. To the union of Theodore J. and Isabelle (Mc
Gowan) Allen four children have been born,
namely: Edwin R., Eva W., Mable N., and Donald
M. Mr. Allen has been an extensive traveler, hav
ing visited about twenty of the States in the Union
and Mexico, passing one year in Los Angeles, Cal.,
as an engineer, He lifts beep a resident of Lock

938

WASHINGTON COUNTY

No. 4, AVashington Co., Penn., for twelve years. He
has served as justice of the peace, school director
and postmaster, at Lock No. 4.

If BRAHAM HAIR. The life of this gentle-
l\ man bears testimony, in language not to be
4\ misunderstood, to what it is possible for man,
— with willing heart and hands, t6 accomplish.
Few people, if any, in Washington county,
deserve as much credit for advancement in life,
commencing with dark days of poverty and adver
sity, and .rising solely by their own unaided efforts
to prominence and opulence, as does the subject
of this memoir.
Abraham Hair was born April 23, 1823, in Buf
falo tovVnship, Washington Co. , Penn. When but
a young boy he was indentured to one William
Wilson, to learn the trade of spinning-wheel maker,
and with him he remained until sixteen years of
age, when he commenced working at various occu
pations, including carpentering, civil engineering,
etc., and was for a time interested in the oil busi
ness. On May 19, 1858, he was united in mar
riage with Caroline Forsythe, who was born De
cember 29, 1840, a daughter of Job Forsythe, of
Parkersburgh, AV. Va., and died April 15, 1860.
For his second wife Mr. Hair wedded Margaret
Wright, a native of Fayette county, Penn., born
March 22, 1838, a daughter of Abraham Wright,
of Point Marion, Penn. , near the mouth of Cheat
river, and to this union the following children were
born: Caroline V., now Mrs. Isaac Hodgens, of
Buffalo township; Laura L. ,now Mrs. R. W. Dodd,
of Donegal township; Kate, wife of William Burig,
of West Finley township; Adocia, living at home,
and Maggie, who died in infancy. The mother of
this family was called from earth January 27, 1873.
After his first marriage Mr. Hair took up his
residence in Taylorstown, Penn., where he was en
gaged in the milling business for some consider
able time, then moved to California, same State,
where he worked in a boat yard, after which he
was in the oil business on Dunkards creek, Penn.,
whence he proceeded to Clay township,Mononga-
lia Co., W. Va. , and there followed farming for
some time. In 1872 he purchased the Shepherd
L. Guy farm, in Donegal township, situated at
the confluence of the Little and Big Buffalo creeks.
Here he has since been engaged in general farm
ing, including stock dealing to a considerable ex
tent. He has lately erected an improved roller
mill at a great outlay, thereby filling a long-felt
want in his neighborhood, and which in itself is a
practical illustration of his enterprise and pro-
gre-tsiveuess, and which is of invaluable service to
the farming community; and in addition to all
these industries he owns 346 acres of choice farm

land, all the results of hard work, steadfast pur
pose, sound judgment and sterling integrity. Mr.
Hair has no time to devote from his busy life to
politics, but be invariably votes the straight Dem
ocratic ticket.

THEOPHILUS HAWKINS, a prosperous
farmer of West Pike Run township, a native
of the same, was born February 1, 1852,
on the home farm. He is a son of Elijah
and Elizabeth Hawkins, the latter of whom
died February 21, 1889, aged seventy years. He re
ceived a liberal education at the common schools of
his district, and was reared from boyhood to agri
cultural pursuits. On September 9, 1880, he was
united in marriage with Arminda Deems, who was
bom May 30, 1861, a daughter of Harrison and
Catherine (Horn) Deems, pioneer settlers of this
county. Mr. and Mrs. Deems were the parents of
the following children: Ella, wife of Thomas
Dague, a farmer of West Bethlehem towhship;
Belle, married to John Frederick, an agriculturist
of West Pike Run township; Lizzie, wife of Stanton
Lutes, a blacksmith of West Pike Run township;
Arminda, Mrs. Hawkins; and Jennie, who is living
at home.
Mr. aud Mrs. Hawkins live with his aged father
on the old homestead in West Pike Run township.
The farm comprises ninety-five well-cultivated acres,
upon which a comfortable stone residence, a com
modious barn, and out-buildings have been erected.
Our subject and wife have two children, viz. :.
Ernest R. , born September 19, 1881, and Edna I.,
born September 28, 1891. Mrs. Hawkins is a
member of the M. E. Church.

IfOHN GRAHAM, one of the best-known and
. J most highly-respected native-born farmer
rJJ citizens of Donegal township, is a grandson
^^ of Robert Graham, one of the earliest settlers
of that township, having lived here at a time
when the Indian was yet a denizen of the forest
wild. Little is known of him, save that he was of Irish
descent, and that he and his wife lived in Wash
ington county, about two and one-half miles north
east of Claysville. Their family consisted of nine
children, five sons and four daughters — of whom
Robert was born on the farm just spoken of, in
Donegal township, and was here married to Sarah
Jamison, who bore him the following children:
John, Robert, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Sarah (Mrs.
James Buchanan, of Brooke county, W. Va.),
William (living in Nebraska, was twice elected to the
United States Congress from Pennsylvania), and
Margaret (Mrs. James Chambers, of Buffalo town
ship). Of these, Robert, Mary, Samuel and Jane

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

941

are deceased, the last two named having died be
fore reaching maturity. The parents lived to a
patriarchal age, the father dying in 1860, aged
ninety-five, and the mother June 27, 1880, aged
ninety-one years.
John Graham, the subject proper of these lines,
was born January 14, 18 L4, and his boyhood days
were passed in hard work on the farm, and in at
tending, during, a few winter months in each year,
the old log school-house with its primitive furnish
ings and not less primitive antiquated "dominie."
Mr. Graham remained with his parents during
their lifetime, and after their decease he continued
the farm work till a few years ago, when he leased
the farm to tenants, and has since lived compara
tively retired, simply overseeing the work. He
has b ?en very successful in all his undertakings, and
is in the enjoyment of a well earned competence.
Mr. Graham is blessed with excellent health, and
has seen but little sickness in all his long life. He
has never married. A member of the U. P. Cuurch
of Claysville, he is one of its liberal contributors.
In politics, first a Whig, afterward a Republican
and an enthusiastic Abolitionist, he has ever been
a zealous party- man and a loyal citizen. His suc
cess in life is due entirely to his own efforts and
assiduous perseverance, coupled with sound judg
ment and characteristic prudence. He is public-
spirited and progressive, and enjoys the esteem
and respect of all.

\( RA L. LACOCK, an enterprising citizen of
Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., is
a native of the same, having been born January
19, I860, on the farm of his father. He is a
son of John V., and grandson of Ira Lacock, who
was born December 13, 1794, in Amwell township,
Washington county, where his boyhood was passed
in attending school and afterward in farming. He
was married to Anna Bane, daughter of Isaac
Bane, and the following children were born to
them: William, Samuel (deceased), Isaac, John V.,
Elizabeth (Mrs. William Mounts) and Ira J. After
his marriage Mr. Lacock lived in Amwell town
ship two years, then moved to Franklin township,
and in 1856 settled in Washington, where he died
December 13, 1876. He was a Democrat in politics.
John V. Lacock was born September 5, 1822, in
Amwell township, Washington county, and was
educated at the subscription schools. On Decem
ber 2, 1856, he was married to Sarah, daughter of
William McClenathan, a native of Ireland. He
then settled in Franklin township, afterward mov
ing to Washington borough, then to the home
place, and finally locating at Point Lookout, on the
farm where he now resides, which consists of fifty-
three acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. Lacock
have had the following children: George S. (mar

ried to Mary Slusher, who has borne him two chil
dren, Biddell and Birdie), Dr. S. A., William R.,
Ira L.,and Marion (deceased). Politically, he is
an active worker in the Democratic party, and in
religion is a member of the Disciple Church at
Washington borough.
Ira L. Lacock received his early education during
the winter season at the school-house at Point
Lookout, and worked on the farm during the sum
mers. February 23, 1882, he was united in mar
riage with Jennie, daughter of Lewis McKahan,
of Washington, this county, and they have had two
children: Lester, bom April 15, 1883, and Earl (de
ceased), born January 11, 1891. One year after
his marriage Mr. Lacock moved to the farm in
Amwell township, purchased in December, 1881,
of Dr. F. J. LeMoyne, and then bought and moved
to the Braddock farm, where he remained three
years, when, in 1887, he sold it to J. F. Wilson.
He then purchased the home farm of his father,
where he^ erected his present residence. He has a
large and valuable farm, containing 175 acres,
which he has managed very successfully. In pol
itics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an
active interest in the success of his party.

MITH F. SCOTT, son of Joseph A. and
Eliza (Sheplar) Scott, was born April 2,
1846, in Fallowfield township. Washington
Co., Penn. He is the fourth in a family of
eight children, and received his early education in
the schools of Fallowfield and Somerset townships.
On November 22, 1866, he led to the altar Sarah
F. Rogers, who was born April 30, 1844, in Bealls
ville, Washington Co., Penn. She is a daughter
of Samuel W.'and Sarah F. (Crawford) Rogers,
both of whom were natives of Maryland. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were as follows:
Priscilla W., wife of Adah W. Crouch, a farmer of
West Pike Run township; Joseph H. , of Bealls
ville, Penn.; Sarah F., wife of Smith F. Scott;
Emma E., married to George R. Deems, an agri
culturist of West Pike Run township; Mary A.,
deceased; and two who died in infancy. The
father was a prosperous farmer, and in party pref
erences was a Republican, serving in various town
ship offices. He died in 1890, the mother having
passed away in 1882. Both were members of the
M. E. Church at Beallsville, Pennsylvania.
Smith F. and Sarah F. (Rogers) Scott have four
children, viz. : Alpheus C. , born September 5,
1867; John E., born June 10, 1870; Samuel Clyde,
born June 2, 1877, and Tryphena May, born Octo
ber 18, 1881. Mr. Scott owns a good farm, which
contains seventy-five acres, furnished with good
buildings, and all modern improvements. He is a
progressive, public- spirited citizen, actively inter
ested in all progressive movements, having filled

942

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

various local offices. He votes with the Repub
lican party. He and his wife are members of the
Beallsville M. E. Church, to which he gives a lib
eral support.
There are still living of Joseph A. Scott's chil
dren four, namely — Henry S. Scott, of Beutleyville,
who has a wife and three children, all boys; S. F.
Scott, whose family is described in this sketch; J.
Y. Scott, M. D., and wife, of Washington, Penn.,
and Margaret M.Miller, of Washington, Penn., who
is married and has two children. Below are found
the names and dates of births and deaths: Joseph
Alexander Scott, born October 5, 1806, died Feb
ruary 15, 1881; Eliza Sheplar Scott, born June 11,
1815, died April 15, 1892; Joseph A. Scott and
Eliza Sheplar were married November 23, 1835, at
Peoria, 111. ; Henry Sheplar Scott, born July 27,
1840; Sarah Catherine Scott, born April 30, 1842,
died January 26, 1847; James Anderson Scott,
born May 10, 1844, died October 28, 1853; Smith
Fry Scott, born April 2, 1846; Jesse Yager Scott,
born November 13, 1848; Margaret Malissa Scott,
born September 2, 1850; Nancy Peoria Scott, born
July 27, 1853, died November 6, 1856, and Joseph
Clark Scott, who was bom September 12, 1855,
and died October 30, 1881.

^ILLIAM L. PORTER, now retired from
active business, is one of the representa
tive men of West Alexander. His grand
father, William Porter, was born and
reared in eastern Pennsylvania, and was
there married to Mary Lawson, who bore him chil
dren as follows: John, William, Mary, Thomas,
James, Margaret and Elizabeth. Some time after
his marriage Mr. Porter and his family started on
the tedious journey to AVashington county, Penn.,
ami after several weeks arrived in West Finley
township. He purchased and settled on a tract of
225 acres of uncultivated land. Neighbors were
few in those days, and the Indians were ofttimes
troublesome, but the brave pioneers struggled on
until success crowned their efforts. Politically,
Mr. Porter was a Whig, and in religion a member
of the Seceder Church. He was an energetic man,
and took an active interest in the improvement of
the vicinity. He and his wife died on the old
farm. Thomas Porter was born in 1789, in AVest Fin
ley township, AVashington county, on the home
farm, where he received his education. In early
manhood he was united in marriage with Margaret,
daughter of John Neal, of Carlisle, Penn., and
they made a permanent home in West Finley town
ship, where the following children were born to
them and reared: William L. (subject of our
sketch), Mary, John, Thomas, Angeline and Eliza
beth. Mr. Porter was a farmer, also conducted a

blacksmith shop, employing four men, and he made a
success in both vocations. He was an active poli
tician in the Democratic party, and in religion was
a member and liberal supporter of the Associate
Reformed Church.
William L. Porter was born January 9, 1818,
near Pittsburgh, Penn. , and worked on the farm
during his boyhood days, receiving a subscription-
school education. He was married January 8, 1839,
to Elizabeth, daughter of John Kimmons, who bore
him four children: Joseph B., M. J. (Mrs. A. J.
Post), Harriet A. (Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer) and
Lewis. The mother of these children died May 4,
1861, and Mr. Porter was afterward married on
February 26, 1863, to Mrs. Elizabeth White. He
passed the first twelve years of married life on his
father's farm, and then purchased a place east of
West Alexander, where he resided twenty-six
years. He then sold out, and clerked eight years
in a general store at West Alexander. He after
ward commenced business for himself, and having
won the esteem and confidence of the community,
was very successful in this venture. In 1883 ill
health compelled him to retire from business, but
he is still an active man. Mr. Porter is a very
popular citizen, and has many friends, who rejoice
with him in the success which he has so well
earned. Politically he has always been an active
member of the Democratic party, but has never
accepted office. In religious connection he is the
oldest member of the U. P. Church, with which he
is connected, and to which he is a liberal contrib
utor. He is a member of the Session, and has ever
been a zealous worker in the cause, encouraging
all progressive movements. Since the present edi
fice has been erected, Mr. Porter has twice served
as treasurer, and has taken an active part in the
upbuilding of the Society.

QEORGE HUNTER WRIGHT. This high
ly-esteemed octogenarian is a living example
of what patient purpose, resolute-work-
i ing, steadfast integrity and life of rectitude
can accomplish in the ranks of the indus
trious, plodding agriculturists. He was born Jan
uary 22, 1813, in Chester county, Penn., where he
received a limited education at the schools of the
period. His grandfather, Robert Wright, was a
native of County Monaghan, Ireland, where he
passed his entire life, married, and had a numer
ous family, of which one son, named JameB, became
the father of the subject of this sketch.
James Wright was born in County Monaghan,
Ireland, in 1778, and when a lad of ten years
emigrated from his native land to America, land
ing in Philadelphia, Penn., whence he shortly af
terward proceeded to Chester county, same State.
Here he was "bound out" to one Daniel Cornick,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

943

a farmer, with whom he made his home, being
trained in agricultural pursuits, until eighteen
years of age, when he commenced the stone mason's
trade, which he followed until 1818, in which year
he came to Washington county, locating in Amwell
township. Here he purchased a tract of land lying
about three miles northeast of Amity, where he
passed the remainder of his busy life. While a
resident of Chester county he was married to Jane
Burns, a native of the same, born of English
parents, and to this union came the following chil
dren: Sarah, who lived to the age of fourscore;
Samuel, who also lived to a ripe old age; James,
who lived to adult age; George H. , subject; An
drew Jackson and Henry Burns, both lived to
manhood, and Margaret, now living in Amwell
township, the widow of Nicholas Horn. The father
of this family died September 6, 1855, the mother
following him to the grave June 3, 1870, at the
patriarchal age of ninety-one. In politics Mr.
Wright was a Democrat.
George H. Wright, of whom this memoir chiefly
treats,under the careful preceptorship of his father,
was early taught lasting lessons in industry and
economy — lessons that formed in him habits of life
which brought to him the success which secured
him an ample competence for his declining years.
At the age of nineteen (in 1832) our subject com
menced life for himself, leaving home and working
at different places by the month, on farms, in
which he continued until the spring of 1838, when
he took up his residence in Richhill township,
Greene Co. , same State, where he remained
until 1849, at which time he came to East Finley
township, this county, locating near where he now
lives, about one mile southeast of East Finley
postoffice. At that time the place was a " howling
wilderness," but Mr. Wright manfully set to work,
soon made a clearing on which he erected a sub
stantial log cabin, a primitive but comfortable home
for his wife and little ones; and by hard work, in
domitable perseverance and good management,
what was when he first saw it, a vista of wild rocks,
he transformed into smiling fields of grain, and
gardens that were made to "blossom as the rose."
On April 14. 1832, Mr. Wright was united in
marriage with Lydia Holburt, a native of Virginia,
born June 4, 1809, daughter of John Holburt, of
what was then Morris (now Franklin) township,
this county, and this union was blessed with chil
dren as follows: Frances Jane, born December 27,
1832, deceased in infancy; Catherine, born Novem
ber 25, 1833, now living in East Finley township,
the widow of George Ealy; John Holburt. born
January 8, 1839, died July 27, 1859; James
Riley, born December 27, 1840, now in West Fin
ley township, married to Jane Sprowls; Henry,
horn September 25, 1842, now in East Finley
township, married to Rachel Rockefeller; Sarah

Margaret, born May 16, 1846, at home with her
father; George W. and Isaac B. (twins), born Sep
tember 13, 1848 (George AV. is living in East Fin
ley, married to Juliette Day; Isaac lives iu the
same township, married to Frances Mills); Ben
jamin Franklin, born March 16, 1851, now lives in
East Finley township, married to Phcebe Jane
Tucker, of Amwell township. The mother of this
large family died August 7, 1889, deeply regretted
by all who knew her. She was a consistent mem
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at
Old Concord, as is Mr. Wright, and in his political
preferences he has been a lifelong Democrat.

fjOHN WOODS, a pioneer settler of Chartiers
. I township, was born November 23, 1817, a
ffll grandson of John Woods, a native of Ireland,
~^ who was there married to Mary Allen. They
soon afterward immigrated to America, first
locating in Westmoreland county, Penn., thence
proceeding to Mt. Pleasant township, Washington
Co., Penn., and then moved to North Strabane
township, whence they finally came to the farm in
Chartiers township, now owned by their grandson
John, where they kept a tavern. The grandfather
was a member of the Seceder Church, and both he
and his wife died in this county, leaving a family
of children, among whom was the father of our
subject, Nathaniel.
Nathaniel Woods was born in Westmoreland
county, Penn., and coming to Washington county
in early manhood, was there united in marriage
with Elizabeth Updegraff, born in the Shenan
doah Valley, Loudoun county, Va. Her paternal
grandfather had also been a native of Virginia,
and coming to Chartiers township had made his
permanent home in this county, where his children
afterward settled. After his marriage Nathaniel
Woods settled in Chartiers township, where the
following children were born and reared: John,
Margaret (who died in Cincinnati, Ohio), Mary
(deceased). Nathaniel (living in Chartiers township,
was a soldier in the Mexican war), Kate (living in
Washington borough), Henry (deceased in 1852, a
soldier of the Mexican war) and Elizabeth (resid
ing in AVashington). Mr. Woods was a farmer
and distiller, and in politics voted the Democratic
ticket. He was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in
the war of 1812. On March 2, 1836, he was laid
to rest, and was followed by his widow in 1885.
John Woods was reared on his father's farm,
and received a limited education in the schools of
Chartiers township. He then learned the trade of
a painter, continuing in that work over forty years.
In 1857 John Woods was married to Amanda
Dickson, a native of Washington county, Ohio,
and a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth
(Snyder) Dickson, who were natives of Virginia,

944

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

but settled in Ludlow township, AVashington Co.,
Ohio, in an early day, where the remainder of their
lives was passed. After his marriage Mr. Woods
settled on the farm in Chartiers township, where
he yet resides. His wife died January 26, 1890,
leaving five children, namely: Maggie (living in
Pittsburgh, Penn.) ; Mary(wife of Edward Timmons,
of Chartiers township); Henry (living in Canons
burg); Anna (Mrs. Rankin Zerba, of Clermont,
Penn.), and John. Mr. Woods has followed his
trade the greater part of his life, together with
managing a farm. He has been a member of the
Republican party since its first organization, and
cast a vote for William Henry Harrison; he has
served three or four years as township assessor,
and has also filled several other offices of trust.
Mrs. Woods was an earnest worker and member in
the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

HIRAM VAN KIRK. The ancestry of this
gentleman were natives of New Jersey, in
which State his grandfather, Jacob Van-
-1 Kirk, was born September 27, 1766. In
early manhood he came with his father's
family to West Bethlehem township, this county.
He was married to Elizabeth Lee, who was born
December 9, 1777, and they reared four children,
viz. : Enoch, born April 14, 1796; Joseph, born
January 17, 1798; Anna, born February 15, 1806;
and Leah, born May 18, 1817.
Hiram Van Kirk, son of Joseph and Eliza (Cor
win) Van Kirk, was born September 18, 1830, in
Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., where
his entire life has been passed. He received his
education in the common schools, and profited by
his early opportunities. On May 15, 1862, he
was united in marriage with Anna F. Hughes,
who was born December 1, 1837, a daughter of
Samuel L. and Susan Hughes, of Amwell town
ship, who were the parents of nine children — five
sons and four daughters. They are old residents
of Washington county, and further record of the
family will be found in the sketches of John and
James W. Hughes. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk have
two sons: James H, born July 17, 1863; and
Francis J., born August 2, 1869, both of whom
yet remain with their parents on the old home
farm, which has been the property of Mr. Van-
Kirk for twenty-nine years, and consists of 150
acres of prime land. He is also the owner of an
other farm of 144 acres, known as the John P.
Van Kirk place. Politically, Mr. Van Kirk is an
ardent supporter of the Democratic party, having
been one of the " wheel horses " in Amwell town
ship for many years. Mrs. Van Kirk is a mem
ber of the Christian Church, and though her hus
band is not connected with that body, he gives
liberally to the cause, and does all in his power to
promote the interests of morality and religion.

ILLIAM JAMES KELSO. The Kelso
family are of Irish descent, and Mark
Kelso, after his marriage to Elizabeth
Ewing, came to a farm in Allegheny
county, Penn. , remaining there some time.
In 1818 he bought an improved farm, which be
came his permanent home. His wife died many
years before him, leaving the following chil
dren: Mary (Mrs. John Cowden, living in Mt,
Pleasant township), Esther (who died in 1888),
Elizabeth (who died in 1884), George, John (who
married in Ohio, and had one child, Americus, now
deceased), James, Martha and Letta Ann. Of these
children James Kelso was first married to a Miss
Elder, who bore him children as follows: William
E. , Mark, John, Elizabeth aud Lucinda. The
mother died, and for his second wife James was
married to Jane Miller, and they had three chil
dren: Margaret, Alice and Miller. This wife also
died, and the father then made a third choice in
the person of Mrs. Catherine M. Millan, who bore
him two children, viz. : James and Samuel George.
The father of this family died in Allegheny coun
ty, Penn., two years after the death of his last
wife. ' Martha Kelso became the wife of Phineas
Kelso, of Lawrence county, Ohio, and four chil
dren were born to them as follows: Mark (who en
tered the service in Lawrence county, Ohio, and
was killed in battle), Elizabeth, Andrew and John.
Letta Ann Kelso was married to John Gregg, of
North Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
the following children being born to their union:
Elizabeth, Mark, Edward, Mary, Levi and Esther
(twins), Clara, Emma and Ellsworth.
George M. Kelso, son of Mark and Elizabeth
(Ewing) Kelso, was born April 6, 1806, in Alle
gheny county, Penn., coming in 1818 to Washing
ton county with his parents. The family settled
on the farm now owned by J. R. Kelso, where
George M. grew to manhood On March 28, 1838,
the latter was married to Maria Rankin, who was
born December 22, 1813, in Mt. Pleasant town
ship. The young people settled on the home
farm where their lives were passed. George Kelso
and his wife were formerly members of the Union
Church, afterward uniting with the United Presby
terian Church at Venice. He died March 27, 1879,
his wife being laid to rest July 30, 1878. They
were the parents of nine children : one who died
unnamed; Mary Jane; Lizzie E. (wife of David R.
P. Springer); Mark; Abigail Lavina, born in Feb
ruary, 1846 (deceased in March, 1847); Abigail
Lavina, born December 21, 1847 (living on the
home farm); J. R. (living on the home farm); Will
iam James, born May 5, 1852, and Maggie A.,
born July 2, 1854. Of these children Lizzie E.
was married February 19, 1878, to David Springer,
a native and resident of Robinson township, and
to this union were born two children, one of whom

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

945

is living, Charley Ross (Mr. Springer died August
29, 1887); Mark Kelso was married on October 19,
1871, to Elizabeth Cornelius Allison, a native of
Allegheny county (they have had seven children,
three of whom are living: George and Alexander
(twins) and Mark; the father was a farmer of Fay
ette township, Allegheny Co , Penn.).
William James Kelso was born on the old place
in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, there re
ceiving his early education. On May 10, 1882, he
was married to Ella Finley, a native of Allegheny
City, daughter of William Finley, who was born
in County Derry, Ireland. In about 1855 they
came to America and located in Allegheny City,
Penn., where they are now living.
After his marriage Mr. Kelso botight and moved
upon the William McConnell farm in Cecil town
ship, containing 103^ acres. He has made many
improvements, and has erected a good barn. He
votes with the Republican party, and in religion
Mr. and Mrs. Kelso are members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Venice, this county. They
have one daughter, Mary Elsie.

1 AMES JOHNSTON HOWE is a well-known
I citizen of Peters township. His ancestors
FJ came from Scotland many years ago and set-
^^ tied in eastern Pennsylvania, where James
Howe was born and reared. James Howe
learned the blacksmith's trade, and then settled on
a farm near Washington, in Washington Co. ,
Penn. He was married to Miss Margaret Clark.
of this county, who bore him the following chil
dren: William, Mary, Ann, Jane, Thomas, James,
Elizabeth, David, Nancy and Margaret, of whom
James, Elizabeth, Nancy and Margaret are yet
living. Mr. Howe followed his trade until 1822,
then came to the home farm in Peters township,
this county, where he was also engaged in farm
ing. Prior to 1840 he was a Democrat, but after
the Harrison campaign joined the Whig party,
which was eventually merged into the Republican
faction. He died in 1863.
William Howe, eldest son of James and Marga
ret Howe, was born October 29, 1816, in Buffalo
township, Washington Co., Penn. He passed his
youth in performing the usual duties of farm life,
and also learned the blacksmith' s trade. In 1847
he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter
of James Johnston, of Peters township, this
county, and the young people located on a farm
near the old place, where he worked at his trade,
but afterward removed to Allegheny county, Penn.,
where they remained two years. In 1865 they re
turned to Washington county, and locating on the
home place, he abandoned his trade and devoted
the remnant of his life to farming. He died Feb
ruary 7, 1872, leaving one son, James Johnston.

James Johnston Howe, son of WilliaTn and
Nancy Howe, was born on the home place, in
Peters township, August 23, 1848. He attended
the Canonsburg Academy for two terms, and when
his father died left school to take charge of the
home farm. On October 18, 1882, he married
Elizabeth M., daughter of William H. Carpenter,
a prominent farmer of Lawrence county, Penn.
The home farm contains eighty-five acres of ex
cellent land, and when wool was selling at a high
price Mr. Howe made a specialty of sheep-raising.
Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and in re
ligion is a member and liberal supporter of the
Greenside Avenue United Presbyterian Church, of
Canonsburg.

'/

HrUGH HANNA, M. D., a retired physician
of Washington county, now living on a
farm in Chartiers township, is the son of
Hugh and Dorothy Hanna, the former of
whom was bom in Ireland, and came to
Washington county in an early day, settling in Ce
cil township. He was there married to Dorothy
Whitely, a native of Peters township, this county,
and the following children were born to their
union: William (a wagon-maker in Monongahela
City), Thomas (who went to California in an early
day and was killed in 1866, while in Nevada),
Frederick (a saddler and harness maker, deceased
in Peters township when in the prime of man
hood), Eleanor (deceased wife of Samuel Smith, of
Canonsburg), Nancy (married to James McLoney,
of Odessa, West Bethlehem township, this county),
James (farming in North Strab ane township),
Hugh, and Samuel (who died when about two years
of age). The father of this family conducted a
woolen mill on the ".Craighead" farm in Cecil
township for many years, and afterward devoted
his time to agricultural work in Peters and Not
tingham townships, this county. He was an active
worker in the Democratic party, and held various
offices of trust in said townships. At the time of
his death, which occurred in 1842, he was a mem
ber of the U. P. Church at Peters Creek. His wife
died in 1858, while residing in Nottingham town
ship. Hugh Hanna, M. D., was born in Cecil town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., and received his ed
ucation in the district schools of Nottingham town
ship, and at an academy in Sqmerset township,
taught by J. C. Messenger, the family having
moved upon a farm in that vicinity. He began
life as a school teacher in. his native township,
where he remained several terms, then taught one
winter in Fallowfield township, and three winters
in Peters township. He next taught three terms
in Union township, at the end of which time he
went to Allegheny county, remaining there one

946

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

term. During this period of his life, the young
man passed every leisure hour reading medicine,
afterward attending one term of lectures at Ann
Arbor (Mich.) University. In 1869 he entered
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, graduat
ing March 12, 1870, and then commenced the
practice of medicine in Allegheny county, Penn.
In the fall of 1871 he went to Canonsburg, this
county, and November 1, 1876, was married to
Lizzie A. Wallace, a native of that town, a daugh
ter of Thomas and Nancy (Arnold) Wallace.
Thomas Wallace was a native of AVashington
county, Penn., and moved to Knox county, Ohio,
where he died in 1865; his wife died in October,
1883, at Cambridge, Ohio.
Dr. Hanna remained in Canonsburg until 1878,
when, after having been identified with the med
ical profession about eight years, he retired to a
farm in Chartiers township. This farm is a part
of the Henderson homestead, and was in the pos
session of that family over one hundred years. Dr.
Hanna first purchased lOlf acres, but has since
added to it, and now owns 131| acres of good pro
ductive land. He and his wife have three chil
dren: Howard Thomas, Leota May and Birdie
Bell, the latter of whom has become a good reader
and mathematician under the instruction of her
father, never having attended school. Dr. Hanna
raises a fine breed of stock on his farm. The place
is within the coal belt near McConnell's Mill. In
politics the Doctor is a Democrat, and at this writ
ing is a member of the school board. He started
in life with but little, the success he has achieved
being due to enterprise and industry. Mrs. Hanna
is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at
Houstonville, this county.

QEORGE KELSO. Among the early resi
dents of Cecil township were Benjamin and
Mary (McCormick) Kelso, who settled in
Allegheny county, Penn., about the year
1800. Benjamin Kelso served seven years
and nine months in the Revolutionary war, and
died from disease contracted while in the service.
Benjamin Kelso, a son of the pioneer couple above
mentioned, was born in 1801, and reared in Alle
gheny county, Penn., where he received his edu
cation. In 1823 he was united in marriage with
Martha, daughter of John Murdock, an early pio
neer of Allegheny county, who afterward moved
to Ohio, dying there many years ago. Mr. and
Mrs. Kelso settled on the old homestead in Alle
gheny county, Penn., where he died in 1880, be
ing followed to the grave by his wife in 1888.
They reared the following family of children: Re
becca (married in 1836 to Cornelius Borland, now
living in Cecil township, this county), John (a res
ident of Allegheny county, Penn., married to Mary
Hall), Mary (wife of Richard Gladden), George

(whose sketch follows), James (living in Pasadena,
Cal.), Nancy (married to William Herron, of
Noblestown), Margaret, Martha (wife of John P.
McConnell), Benjamin (residing on the homestead
in Allegheny county), Mark (living in North Stra
bane township), Samuel (residing in Xenia, Ohio)
and Elizabeth. Of these are yet living Rebecca,
George, James, Benjamin, Mark and Samuel. The
father was a Whig and Republican in politics,
and in religious faith he and his wife were formerly
members of the Associate Reformed Church at
Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with the U. P.
Church at the same place.
George Kelso, son of Benjamin and Martha
(Murdock) Kelso, was born April 28, 1822, in South
Fayette township, Allegheny Co. , Penn. , attending
the subscription schools of the day during his
boyhood. He began farming on the old homestead,
and June 1, 1852, was married to Sarah Jane
Wallace, also a native of Allegheny county, daugh
ter of William and Elizabeth (Gilfilland) AVal-
lace. The parents were natives of eastern Penn
sylvania, coming when children with their parents
to Allegheny county, where they were married.
They were both members of the United Presbyte
rian Church at Robinson's Run, and Mr. Wallace
was for some years a member of the Session. He
died in 1884, being followed by his wife a few
years later. His son William lives at the old home.
George and Sarah Jane Kelso passed the first
years of married life in Allegheny county, and in
1857 bought 178 acres in Cecil township, Wash
ington county. He haB made many improvements
on the place, and in 1881 erected a comfortable
house; in addition to general farming he raises a
good grade of sheep. He is a Republican in poli
tics, and has served his township as inspector of
elections and auditor. In religious faith Mr. and
Mrs. Kelso are members of the U. P. Church at
Venice. They have had children, five of whom are
yet living, as follows: James, a teacher in North
Strabane township, married to Lizzie McNary;
William Wallace, married to Anna A., daughter
of Rev. Anderson, and living on the home farm;
Benjamin McCormick, married to Mary Miller, a
resident of Pasadena, Cal.; George A., a farmer;
and John, a bookkeeper, in Pittsburgh. Those
deceased are Lizzie, who died in 1854, aged fifteen
months; Maggie, who died in 1872, aged seven
years; Sarah Bella, who died in 1876, aged fifteen
years; and Mattie, deceased in 1880, aged twenty-
one years.
JOSIAH MELOY was born October 20, 1826,
in Franklin (then Morris) township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., a son of Reese Meloy,
whose father, AA7illiam Meloy, was born in
1753, near Salem, Salem Co., N. J. William
Meloy was there married to Lydia McCray, who

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

947

was also a native of New Jersey, born in 1763, and
in the year 1809 they started, in company with
another family, to move to Ohio. While passing
through Washington county, Penn., some of the
family were taken ill, and they were obliged to
stop at Coon Island, and the Meloy family became
permanent residents of Pennsylvania. Mr. Meloy
rented the " Hupp " farm in Washington county,
and there passed the remainder of his life. His
widow died in 1857.
Reese Meloy, a son of William Meloy, was born
in 1796, near Salem, Salem Co., N. J., and coming
to Pennsylvania with his parents grew to man
hood in Washington county. He worked for a
time on different farms, and in 1824 was united in
marriage with Jane Caldwell, who was born in
1805, near AVest Middletown, Penn., daughter of
Samuel Caldwell. They had the following chil
dren: Cyrus A. (farming in Amwell township, this
county) ; Josiah (subject of sketch) ; Angeline (de
ceased in infancy); Hester, Mary and Reese; of this
family the three last named died after attaining
adult age. After his marriage Mr. Meloy located
in Franklin (then Morris) township, this county,
and some time afterward came to Donegal town
ship, where he located on a farm about two miles
west of Claysville. He continued to farm on this
place until his death, which occurred May 23,
1860, his widow surviving him till February 2,
1889. Mr. Meloy began life with but little, but
by hard work and good management succeeded in
accumulating a considerable property. Politically
he was formerly a Whig, and after the organiza
tion of the party, became a Republican.
Josiah Meloy, the second child in his father's
family, came with his parents to Donegal town
ship, where he received his education, and was
trained to farm work. On July 9, 1863, he was
married to Jane, daughter of Isaac Sutherland,
of AVest Finley township, Washington county, and
their children are Reese G. and Anna M., both
living with their parents. After his marriage Mr.
Meloy settled on the farm which is his present
home, and has successfully followed agricultural
pursuits, devoting considerable attention to stock
raising. Politically, he is a Republican.
DAVID WEAVER, one of the oldest repre
sentative citizens in Peters township,
comes of Irish descent, and is a grandson
of John W. Weaver, who is supposed to
have been bom in the Emerald Isle. He came
from Chester county, Penn., in 1787, and first
located in Lancaster county, then bought 160
acres of land near Canonsburg, in Chartiers town
ship, Washington county. He was a mason by
trade, and followed that business until his death.
His children were John, Sarah, Mary Jane, Nancy,
Isaac, Thomas H, Dell, George and Joshua .

Thomas H. Weaver was born in 1796, in Lan
caster county, Penn. , and in early life came with
his father to Washington county. He worked on
the home farm during his youth, and was married
to Mary, daughter of James White, an early
settler of AVashington county. They began wedded
life on a farm about two miles from Canonsburg,
in North Strabane township, where children were
born as follows: James, Isaac, Thomas, David,
Jane, an infant son, an infant daughter, John,
George, Mary, Moses and Elizabeth. Of this
family James, Isaac, Thomas. David and Mary are
yet living.
David Weaver, son of Thomas H .and Mary (White)
Weaver, was born July 27, 1818, in North Strabane
township, and received his education in the sub
scription schools. On February 28, 1850, he was
united in marriage with Clarissa M., daughter of
the late Amos Enlow, a prominent farmer of this
county, who spent about ten years in Illinois, which
was then known as the " far west." In 1856 Mr.
and Mrs. Weaver moved to their present home in
Peters township, where the following children
were born and reared: Isaac P., Mary C. , Ben
jamin F. , George J., Thomas P. and Amos Enlow,
of whom but two are yet living, Mary C. (Mrs.
Robert Donaldson, of Canonsburg) and George J.
(married to Viola Cook, of Minnesota, who is
living with his father and managing the farm).
The old place contains ninety -three acres of good
land, and Mr. AVeaver has conducted an extensive
dairy business. He also keeps about fifty hives
of bees, which bring a good profit. In politics he
is a "true-blue" Democrat, and has served in
many township offices. In religious faith he is a
member and liberal supporter of the United Pres
byterian Church at Canonsburg.

FRANK M. GABBY, one of the most pro
gressive citizens of Franklin township, was
born March 6, 1842, in Canton township,
Washington Co., Penn., and passed his
early life on the home farm. He attended the
common schools of his vicinity, until about eighteen
years of age, when his father needed his assist
ance in the duties of the farm. On December 21,
1870, Mr. Gabby was united in marriage with
Sarah, daughter of Adam Weir, and their union
has been blessed with one daughter, Jennie W.
Mr. Gabby commenced married life on the farm of
his father, and in 1881 moved to his present home
in Franklin township, where he has since been
engaged in farming and stock raising. He has
always taken an active interest in any progressive
enterprise of his township, giving his most hearty
co-operation to every worthy cause. Politically he
is an ardent worker in the ranks of the Republican
party, and in religion he and his wife are members
of the United Presbyterian Church at Washington.

948

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

OBERT D. HENRY. For more than a
century the Henry family have been resi
dents of Washington county, more espe
cially that portion of it in and about South
Strabane township. They are of Irish
descent, Robert, the great-grandfather of our sub
ject, having been born in the " Green Isle of Erin,"
where he married a countrywoman and reared a
family of four sons— David, John, Nicholas and
Joseph — and three daughters — Jennie, Margaret
and Isabella. In 1783 they came to this country,
finally settling near where is now the village of
Claysville, this county, where the head of the fam
ily remained a short time, and then moved to South
Strabane township, where he died.
Robert Henry, son of this pioneer, was married
in early life to Ann, daughter of Nicholas Little,
and by her had seven children: Joseph, Jane,
Nicholas, Margaret, David, Isabella and John (all
deceased). For many years Mr. Henry was en
gaged in trading, and among other ventures brought
salt across the mountains with a train of saddle
horses. He also followed agricultural pursuits
with considerable success, having settled on the
farm now occupied by our subject. He was a mem
ber of the Seceder Church of Pigeon Creek, and
one of its early founders. He was a very prominent
man in all social organizations, and in politics he
was an Old- line Whig.
Nicholas Henry, father of our subject, passed
his boyhood and youth on the home farm, and early
in life married Margaret, daughter of John Zed
iker, of the same township. The following chil
dren were bom to this union: Robert D. ; Mary,
Mrs. Nathaniel White; Louis; Joseph, who died
in 1854; and John. Of these, Louis enlisted in
Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. ,
and was wounded at the battle of the AVilderness
in May, 1864; he died May 24 following, his body
being brought home and interred in Pigeon Creek
U. P. Cemetery. The father of this family died
April 24, 1838, and the mother on April 8, 1862.
Mr. Henry early united with the Seceder Church,
and, like his parents, gave it his earnest and
heartiest support; politically he was an Old -line
Whig; socially he was an upright citizen, highly
respected in the community.
Robert D. Henry was born July 31, 1820, on his
present farm in South Strabane township, and at
tended the subscription schools of the neighbor
hood. He was one of the closest students of his
time, and has since taken an active interest in edu
cational matters, continually advocating better
school privileges and a more thorough system. On
November, 16, 1876, he was married to Catherine,
daughter of Andrew Borland, and one child, Rob
ert Howard (now deceased) was born to them ; the
mother died April 27, 1889. Mr. Henry has
always lived on the old home place, which was

patented to Thomas Kerr. From earliest youth he
has been a member of the U. P. Church at Pigeon
Creek, of which he has served as trustee several
years. In his political preferences he is a stanch
Republican, and was, prior to the organization of
his party, an Old-line Whig. He has held many
offices of trust in his township, and for years served
as justice of the peace; he also served one term as
jury commissioner of the county, from 1876 to
1879, and is an enterprising and substantial citizen.

It It ENRY T. BAILEY, a well-known citizen of
|—— J Amwell township, is a son of Isaac Bailey,
j | whose father came from Chester county,
\\ -* Penn., and located in Washington county.
v Isaac Bailey was united in marriage,
November 20, 1841, with Agnes Garrett, and to
them were born three children: Maria (now Mrs.
H. H. Kinder), Henry T. and William G., the
latter of whom died June 24, 1884; he lived on the
old homestead.
Henry T. Bailey was born in East Pike Run
township, Washington Co., Penn., where he re
mained until he was about thirty years of age.
He obtained his earlier education in the common
schools, afterward, in 1866, attending Iron City
College. He then attended the Southwestern State
Normal School, at California, Penn., for several
terms. During the years 1875 and 1876 he attended
the National School of Elocution, Philadelphia,
from which he graduated December 10, 1876. He
was a successful teacher in the common schools,
and also in East Liverpool, Ohio, as well as at
California, Penn., covering a period, in all, of
eight years. On November 15, 1877, Mr. Bailey
was married to Miss M. Emma Swart, of Amwell
township, Washington county, and three children
have come to brighten their home: Inez A., born
April 3, 1880; Lena S., born January 18,1883,
and Harry Hiram, born November 23, 1891.
Since his marriage he has been engaged in farm
ing and stock raising. Mr. Bailey is Republican
in politics, and in 1880 was appointed census
enumerator for Amwell township; in 1884 he was
elected county auditor, which office he held for
three years. In religion he and his family are
members of the Methodist Protestant Church at
Amity. JLLIAM C. RAMSEY, a representative
agriculturist of Franklin township, and
one of the enterprising citizens of the
county, is a native of the same, having
been born in Amwell township March 5, 1843.
George Ramsey, grandfather of subject, mar
ried Mrs. Lydia Lloyd, daughter of Mordecai
Chandler, of Chester county, Penn., a member of
one of the leading families of that part of the

IF

*'
V
.' '¦'<¦> '¦-::::.-;:-.:i.-:':S

¦¦my

Washington county.

951

Keystone State. Her grandfather came from
England at an early day. Mrs. George Ramsey's
first husband was a Mr. Lloyd, by whom she had
five children — three sons and two daughters — of
whom one son, Samuel, is yet living in Amwell town-
hip, aged eighty-eight years. After Mr. Lloyd's
death his widow was united in marriage with
George Ramsey, and one child was born to them,
Reuben, father of the subject of this sketch. Mrs.
George Ramsey died, in 1872, at the home of her
son in Amwell township, aged ninety-five years,
and to the end was able to read ordinary print
without the aid of glasses. In religious faith she
was a member of the Society of Friends, and al
ways wore the habiliments peculiar to the sect.
She was a close student of the Bible, aud had the
faculty of quoting off-hand from any portion of
the Scriptures.
Reuben Ramsey was born in Washington, this
county, near the corner of College and Maiden
streets, and received his education in the schools
of the county. He learn ed the trade of cooper, at
which he worked for a time in the southeastern part
of the county and near the river. When yet a young
man he married Margaret, daughter of Michael and
Elizabeth (Closser) Horn, and a native of Amwell
township. After marriage the young couple made
a settlement in Amwell township, where he con
tinued to follow his trade in connection with farm
ing. Five children were born to them, of whom
the following is a brief record: William Calvin,
the subject proper of this sketch, has special men
tion further on; Robert Hamilton was a member
of Company A, P. V. C, and served to the close
of the Civil war (he died of disease contracted
while in the army, leaving a family now living in
Indiana); George Washington died, in 1874, of
lockjaw, leaving no family; Nicholas Murray is
yet living on the home farm in Amwell town
ship; John Nelson, when a young man (in
1873) died in Amwell township, of scrofula. The
parents both died in Amwell township, the father
in 1882, the mother October 8, 1890. In politics
he was an ardent Democrat, and in religion he was
a member of the Presbyterian Church at Amity.
William C. Ramsey passed his boyhood on the
home farm, and attended the common schools of the
neighborhood, his primary education there being
supplemented with instruction at an academy and
a normal school. On August 8, 1862, he enlisted
in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V.
I, served to the close of the war, and was dis
charged June 25, 1865, at Albany, N. Y. He
participated in two battles —Chancellorsville and
Gettysburg — at which latter he was struck by a
minie-ball which fractured the bone between knee
and instep. By reason of this he was confined to
hospital ten months, and when he recovered was
transferred to the Eleventh Veteran Corps, in

which he was made quartermaster-sergeant, prior
to which he had been a color corporal. Returning
to Washington county, he followed farming during
the summer months, and taught school in the win
ter time, teaching, in all, seven terms, part of the
time prior to his enlistment. In 1870 he was
elected, on the Democratic ticket, sheriff of the
county, serving the term of three years with satis
faction to all. He resided in town during his
shrievaltyship, and at the expiration of term pur
chased his present farm, situated about five miles
from Washington, where his home has since been,
and where he built a comfortable residence.
In 1863 Mr. Ramsey was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Levi and
Cynthia Sower, of West Bethlehem township, this
county, and five children have come to bless their
home: Ulysses Bernard, Levi Harlan, Kate Flor
ence, Wilmetta Maud Estella and Lillie Blanche.
Mr. Ramsey has held various township offices with
honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
He and his wife are members of the East Buffalo
Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an
elder since 18S5. AA'hen the Farmers and Me
chanics Bank was organized, he assisted in placing
the stock, along with Dr. Roberts, and was chosen
one of the directors. Mr. Ramsey is a self-made
man in all respects, having, unaided, worked his
way up from the bottom rung of the ladder of suc
cess; and beginning life a poor boy, with no capi
tal save brains and a willing pair of hands, assist
ed by an indomitable perseverance, he is now the
owner of 225 acres of fair farm land. He is a
man of firm convictions, having the courage in all
contests of standing and fighting for what he
deems to be right and for the good of his fellow-
men.

LUKE P. BEAZELL is a son of AVilliam
Beazell, the oldest voter in Fallowfield
township, who was born February 22, 1807,
 in Allegheny county, Penn., a son of Luke
Beazell, whose mother was of Irish birth, and father
a native of Germany. Luke Beazell was born in
1773, in Westmoreland county, Penn. , and when a
young man was married to Elizabeth English, also
a native of Westmoreland county. Ten children
were born to this union, of whom one son aud
three daughters are yet living, namely: William,
Catherine (Mrs. Ails), Mary (Mrs. Smith), and
Eliza (unmarried). Luke Beazell, who always
followed farming, died in 1857.
William Beazell learned the shoemaker's trade,
which he has followed in connection with farming.
On May 6, 1830, he married Susan West, a native
of Fallowfield township, this county, and they
have had seven sons and three daughters, viz. :
Leander N. (deceased, served three years in the

952

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

army), Elmira, R. West, Luke P., Margaret E.,
Mary L., William H, John S., R. W. B. (de
ceased) and Samuel. Mr. Beazell owns ten acres
of land located four and one half miles from Mo
nongahela City. He has filled almost every public
office in Fallowfield township.
Luke P. Beazell was born January 19, 1839, on
the home farm in Fallowfield township, and first
attended the common schools, completing his edu
cation at Monongahela City, Penn. In 1861 he
enlisted in Company D, Seventy-ninth Regiment, P.
V. I., under Captain McBride; they were first sent to
Louisville, Ky. , and took part in the battle of
Perryville, then marched into Tennessee, and
fought at Stone River; from the latter place
they followed Bragg to Chickamauga, and after
that engagement returned to Tennessee, taking
part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis
sionary Ridge. At this time Mr. Beazell re-enlisted,
and being assigned to the same division, joined in
the contest at Buzzards Roost, Ga. ; then remained
with Sherman until the capture of Atlanta, after
ward accompanying him in his famous march to
the sea. Luke P. Beazell also fought in the battle
of Bentonville, where his division had to confront
Johnston's entire army, and, finally, participated
in the grand review at Washington, D. C. He
was promoted during Sherman's raid to the rank
of lieutenant, and July 12, 1865, received an hon
orable discharge. After the war Mr. Beazell re
turned home to Washington county, and opened a
planing mill at Monongahela City. On August
30, 1866, he was married to Josephine, daughter
of John McCrory, and she has borne him the fol
lowing children: Effie, Harry, Albert, Lillie,
Josie May, Bessie and Bertha; of this family
Harry. Lillie and Bertha are yet living. After
his marriage Mr. Beazell opened a saw and
planing mill at Coal Centre, and then conducted a
tannery business for three years. He afterward
opened a meat market, which he kept for twenty
years, and \a now a partner in and superintendent
of the California Glass Company, dealing also in
agricultural implements. In political matters he
votes with the Republican party, and has held
many borough offices; he has served for fourteen
years as trustee of the Southwestern State Normal
School at California. He is a member and trustee
of the Disciple Church. Socially he is a member
of Harry Billingsley Post, No. 168, G. A. R., hav
ing joined the post as a charter member in 1867.

l\ILLIAM C. ANDERSON, a prominent
business man of Claysville. is a native of
this county, born April 5, 1831, on the
Stevenson farm in Donegal township.
He is a son of Benjamin Anderson, who was
born in 1789 in Ireland, and came with his parents

to America and to Washington county, Penn.,
where his boyhood was passed on the pioneer farm.
In the war of 1812 he was captain of a company of
drafted infantry, First Regiment of Pennsylvania
Militia, and was afterward promoted to the rank of
colonel. In 1816 he was married to Margaret
Cook, daughter of Gen. James Stevenson, a civil
engineer of Pennsylvania, who was born July 25,
1755; he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
and was taken prisoner by the British and con
fined in a prison ship. To Benjamin and Marga
ret C. Anderson were born eight children: Ann
Eliza, Mrs. John Moore, of Buffalo township, who
died at the age of thirty-five years; James Steven
son, a farmer of Donegal township; Thomas Love,
who died March 7, 1892; Nancy Jane, deceased at
the age of nineteen; Catharine, Mrs. Jonathan
Brownlee, of Buffalo township; William Cook;
Mary Melila, deceased at the age of nineteen, and
John, who died when seven years old. Col. An
derson passed the first five years of his married
life on the old home farm, situated about three
miles west of West Middletown, in Hopewell town
ship. He then moved to Donegal township, set
tling about one mile west of Claysville, along the
National pike, where he owned 250 acres of land,
which became his permanent residence. He was
a stanch Democrat, and, besides holding different
township offices, he was elected county commis
sioner in 1836. He was brigade inspector of
Washington county for seven years. Col. Ander
son and his wife were members of the South
Buffalo United Presbyterian Church. He died in
1861, Mrs. Anderson in 1875.
William C. Anderson was reared and educated
on the home place in Donegal township, and at
the age of fifteen years commenced clerking for
Joel Truesdell, with whom he remained two years.
He then entered into partnership with James G.
Noble, of Claysville, and two years later went to
Cameron, W. Va., remaining with William McCon
aughy for three years. In 1856 he dissolved
partnership with Mr. Noble, and passed one year
with Samuel Prother, in Wheeling, W. Va. In
1856 William C. Anderson was married to Eliza,
daughter of John Simpson, of Wheeling, W. Va. ,
and they had the following children: Dr. John
B., Sara (Mrs. William H. Lester), Mary, Dr.
Thomas (a physician in Mansfield, Penn.), Robert
and William. Of these children, Mrs. Lester
was a missionary in Santiago, Chili, S. A., but
died after a few years' work in the service of her
Master, beloved by all both for her beauty of
character and person. Her only son, Harold, ar
rived in this county in January, 1893, making his
third trip to and from his Southern home, at the
age of eight and one-half years. His language is
Spanish, which he speaks and writes fluently with
the language of his father and mother. He will

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

953

remain to continue his education in the United
States. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Anderson
engaged in general merchandise in West Alex
ander, Donegal township, and ten years later
came to Claysville, where he bought out Schrontz,
Martin & Brokman, and is still conducting the
business. His success is due to his own efforts,
and he is one of the leading men of Claysville.
Politically he is an active member of the Demo
cratic party. He and his family are among the
leading members of the Presbyterian Church.

'SAAC LYTLE. Robert Lytle was born in
Scotland, his family removing to Ireland when
he was fifteen years old. Being dissatisfied
he ran away from home at that age, and came
to America, locating in Westmoreland county,
Penn., which was on the extreme border of civiliza
tion. He there grew up to manhood, and married
Anne Mason, adopted daughter of Joseph Markle,
formerly governor of this State. Her own parents
had been massacred by the Indians, and their
house burned to ashes, she and a little brother
witnessing the sa'd scene from a distance and un
observed by the Indians. They ran to the nearest
settlement, which was that of Mr. Markle, and be
ing alone and friendless in the world, he immedi
ately adopted them as members of his own family.
After the marriage of Robert Lytle to Anne Mason
they came to Allegheny county, Penh. , and patented
415 acres of land on the waters of Peters creek.
The tract was called Littleton, for which the patent
was granted December 11, 1784. To them were
born fourteen sons and one daughter, of whom are
named, Samuel, Robert, David, John, Joseph,
George, Isaac and Abraham (twins), Benjamin,
William and Elizabeth (afterward Mrs. Holcroft),
none of whom are now living.
Joseph Lytle was born in 1790, at the old home
stead in Allegheny county, Penn. He married
Margaret Murphy, of Washington county, and re
moved to Mercer county, same State, but after
some years returned to the old homestead in Alle
gheny county. Joseph died leaving five children,
viz.: Benjamin, Anne, Sarah, Isaac and Mary,
Isaac being the only surviving member of the
family at this time.
Isaac Lytle, the subject of this sketch, born May
25, 1824, removed with his widowed mother to
Washington county when he was about seventeen
years of age. Shortly afterward he took charge of
ft store for Graham, Gilfillan & Co., on the Mo
nongahela pike, viz., Myers'. Remaining there a
year, he removed the stock of goods to Brownsville,
and enlarging the business remained there one
year, which was in 1845. On December 31, 1846,
Isaac Lytle was married to Eliza Jane Gaston,
daughter of William Gaston, of Gastonville, Wash

ington county. After their marriage he gave his
attention to farming, in 1858 purchasing and lo
cating the farm on which they now reside, at
Gastonville, Washington county. Squire Lytle
(as he is generally called) is a stanch member of
the Democratic party, and served as justice of the
peace from 1860 to 1865. He is steward and
trustee of the M. E. Church, with which he is
identified. The children of this family are nine
in number, viz., Frances D., Marian V., James
Warren, Susan E., Robert C, AVilliam Gaston,
Harry M., Ethel W. and George Herbert, all of
whom are living.

N. HATHAAVAY, a prominent citizen and
prosperous agriculturist of Franklin town
ship, was born June 14, 1856, on the farm
of his father. Jacob Hathaway, the first
of the family name of whom there is any
authentic record, was born in Pennsylvania, and in
early life came to Washington county, where he
made the first improvements in the vicinity, sur
rounded by fierce animals and roaming Indians.
Here the following children were born to him:
Jacob, Richard, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, John,
and one daughter, who was captured by the In
dians when a child and adopted by them. On ar
riving at womanhood she was married to one of the
tribe, and she passed the remainder of her life
with the children of the forest. Mr. Hathaway
was connected with the church from the date of its
earliest organization, and in politics he was a Fed
eralist. John Hathaway, son of the pioneer Jacob, was
born in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and attended the rate schools of that period. In
early manhood he was united in marriage with
Electa, daughter oj^ThrjothyJLindley, and she bore
hTnT^^o~~childreii : Jackson and Benjamin Frank
lin. After their marriage the young people re
mained for a time on the home farm, and in 1838
moved to Greene county, Penn., where they re
sided until 1844, when they came to Washington
county, and about one year afterward moved to the
village of Ten Mile. For his second wife John
Hathaway married Selena Bratton, and the chil
dren born to this union were Jane Ann (Mrs. Ja
cob Yoders) and James. Politically Mr. Hatha
way was a Whig, taking an active interest in the
affairs of his party. The family were members of
the Baptist Church. Mr. Hathaway died at the
home of his daughter at an advanced age.
Jackson Hathaway was born in Morris township,
this county, and was educated in the common
schools of the neighborhood. On May 11, 1848,
he was married to Martha, daughter of James Gor
don, of Washington county, and they have had
seven children: William, John, Lenard, Daniel,

954

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Nelson, Sarah and Mary. In politics Mr. Hatha
way was formerly a Whig, and is now an active
Republican. A. N. Hathaway, the subject proper of this mem
oir, received a liberal common- school education,
aud in early life he commenced business for him
self. On December 26, 1882, he was married to
Belle, daughter of Jacob and Jenny Yoders, of
Greene county, Penn., who were the parents of
seven children, viz. : Anna, Maggie, William,
John, David, Newton and Minnie. To the mar
riage of A. N. and Belle (Yoders) Hathaway the
following children have been born: Clarence, Mat-
tie, Frank and Eddie. Mr. Hathaway has always
been a Republican, prominently identified with the
party. He purchased his present residence in 1889,
and now owns one of the best farms in his vicinity.

JfOHN F. SCHRONTZ, a typical self-made
business man, and a prominent agriculturist
] of Washington county, whose highly im
proved farm of 200 acres, in South Strabane
township, is situated one mile from Washing
ton borough, is a native of the county, having been
born in Amwell township March 2, 1828. His
grandfather, John Schrontz, a native of Wurtem-
berg, Germany, was a merchant tailor of consider
able repute in the Fatherland. In 1804 he came
to the United States with his family, and for a
short time they had their residence in Harmony, a
small town in Beaver county, Penn. From there
they moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, where they
remained one year, and then came to Washington
county, where the grandparents passed the remain
der of their days.
They had two children. John F., father of our
sketch, being the elder. He was born in Wurtem-
berg, Germany, in the year 1781, and there learned
the tailor's trade, which he followed in his native
land until he was about twenty-one years of age,
when he set sail for America, the voyage occupying
about three months. Landing in Baltimore, Md.,
he sojourned but a few days, and then came to
Washington county, Penn., where he remained a
few days, and then proceeded to Harmony, Beaver
county, soon after which he entered 160 acres of
land in Hamilton county, Ohio. This property he
soon afterward exchanged for a farm in West Beth
lehem township, this county, which in a few years
he sold, and in 1817 purchased a homestead in Am
well township, where he ended his days; he bought
another farm in the same township, which he also
retained. In 1811 Mr. Schrontz married Eliza
beth, daughter of Jacob Schidler, and the children
born to this union were Catherine (wife of Zebulon
Ferrell), Regina (wi.fe of Thomas Baldwin), George,
Jacob (living in Ohio), Eliza (wife of John Feath
erland), Ann (wife of David Friend), and John F.

The mother of this family dying in 1839, Mr.
Schrontz married, in 1842, for his second wife, Sarah
Titus, of Buffalo township, this county, who bore
him one child, Frank T. The father was called
from earth in 1863, aged eighty-two years, a mem
ber of the Disciple Church, of which society at
Pleasant Valley he was one of the organizers, from
which time, he was an elder and one of its most
zealous supporters. In politics he was a Whig,
and was a leader and counselor in the party.
John F. Schrontz passed his boyhood at the
home of his birth, receiving at the subscription
schools of the locality a liberal education, which
was greatly improved by after reading on his part.
For several years he was engaged in farming.
After leaving the place of his birth in 1864, Mr.
Schrontz resided in Amwell township some years,
and then moved to Union township, remaining
there one and one-half years, and thence proceeded
to Allegheny county, same State, where he was in
business twelve years; then came to Somerset
township, this county, thence to Middletown, re
maining two years; thence to West Bethlehem
township, and from there after a year's stay to
Amwell township; here he remaiUed one year, and
then proceeded to Claysville, in which village he
was in business four years, at the end of which
time he came to his present place in South Stra
bane township. On February 12, 1861, Mr.
Schrontz married Nancy, daughter of Samuel
Blackmore, of Peters township, and the children
born to this union are Frederick (living in Tully,
N. Y.), Annie, Charles, Lizzie and Emma. The
mother of this family dying in 1874, Mr. Schrontz
married on May 11, 1875, Nancy Griffith, daugh
ter of John Griffith, of East Finley township, this
county, and their children are John F. and Clark.
The family are all members of the Disciple Churrfh,
in which Mr. Schrontz has been an active worker;
politically he has alwayB been a zealous adherent
of the Republican party.

If AMES, JOHN and JOSIAH BLYTHE are
. I sons of William and Mary S. (Marshall)
tflj Blythe, the former of whom, a farmer by
m occupation, was born on the old family farm
in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn., in 1800.
William Blythe was a son of James Blythe, a
native of the North of Ireland, whence, in company
with his brothers, John and Harry, he emigrated
to America. James settled on the farm that yet
remains in the family, in Fallowfield township,
this county; John near what is now Fayette City,
Fayette Co., Penn., while Henry went to Ohio,
thence to the South. They were all Scotch-Irish
Presbyterians. William married Mary S. Mar
shall, a native of Cross Creek township, Washing-

(lA^z^ A^fo^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

957

ton county, born in 1809, a daughter of James K.
and Rebecca (Hanover) Marshall, the father a na
tive of Ireland, whence, when but a child, his
parents brought him to this country, and to Cross
Creek township, this county. He was a soldier in
the war of 1812, and for his services to the Govern
ment was given a warrant for 160 acres of land.
He and his wife were Presbyterians of Scotch-Irish
ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. William Blythe were the parents
of eight children— five sons and three daughters —
viz. : James, Alexander F. (who died in June,
1840, aged seven years), John, Emeline (who died
in 1848, aged twelve years), Elmira (married to
Smith Carson, and residing on their farm in Fal
lowfield township), Josiah, William F. (who was a
soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted, when
eighteen years of age, in the Sixth Heavy Artil
lery, Two Hundred and Twelfth Regiment P. V..
and died in November, 1864, of fever incurred
through exposure in the field; he was unmarried),
Harriet A. (married to Morgan Redd; they reside
on their farm in Ohio). The mother died in Sep
tember, 1863, the father on January 31, 1883.
He was the owner of 300 acres of land in Wash
ington county, and 320 in the West.
James Blythe, eldest son of William and Mary
S. Blythe, is a prominent contractor, builder and
lumber dealer in Monongahela. He was born No
vember 9, 1831, in Fallowfield township, Washing.
ton Co., Penn., on the old homestead farm, which
he now owns, and which was the property of his
father and grandfather before him. He remained
on the farm until he was twenty years old. when
he came to Monongahela and followed the trade of
a carpenter. On March 20. 1856, he was married
in Monongahela to Miss Elizabeth Butler, who
was born on her father's farm in Carroll township,
three miles southeast of Monongahela, a daughter
of Ira R. and Mary (Boyd) Butler, the former born
in Chester county, the latter near Havre-de-Grace,
Md. Mr. Butler was a Quaker, and was descended
from the followers of William Penn. The latter
gave 1,000 acres to the family ancestor in Chester
county, and a lot in Philadelphia, whioh latter is
still in the possession of the family. The late
Gen. Benjamin'F. Butler was of the same family.
In 1859 James Blythe moved to the old homestead
farm in Fallowfield township, which he purchased
in 1869. In 1876 he engaged in the lumber busi
ness under the firm name of Foster, Blythe &
Neel. In 1884 he moved into Monongahela, where
he has since resided. He and his wife have had
children as follows: William H., burgess of Char-
leroi, and engaged in real estate and farming (he
married Miss Joanna Carson, who died in 1871,
and they had one daughter, Millie); Ira R., a
farmer owning a farm near Scenery Hill, Bethle
hem township (he married Miss Josephine Carson,

and they have five children: Cora, Luella, Alpha,
James and Russell); and Mary A., residing with
her parents. Mr. Blythe is a member of Henry
M. Phillips Lodge, A. F. & A.M. He is a Repub
lican, and has held various offices of trust, includ
ing president of the select and common councils.
In October, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One
Hundred and Fifty-fourth P. V. I., serving until
July, 1863, and was first sergeant of his company.
Mr. and Mrs. Blythe are members of the M. E.
Church, and rank among the leading citizens of
their town.
John Blythe, third son of William and Mary S.
Blythe, was born on the old farm in Fallowfield
township. He is a prominent architect and lum
ber merchant of Monongahela. He has been twice
married, first to Miss Martha Pierce, by whom he
had four children, only one of them surviving,
Lorena, a thoroughly accomplished and well-edu
cated young lady. She spent one year in an art
school in Paris, France, and now resides in Mo
nongahela. Her mother died in 1867, and Mr.
Blythe then married Miss Lavina Campbell, by
whom he has two children, Harry and May.
Josiah Blythe, fourth son of William and Mary
S. Blythe, was born on the old home farm in Fal
lowfield township. When he was a youth his
father purchased a farm in Carroll township, this
county, to which Josiah removed, and has here
since resided. At the death of his father he
bought the interest in this farm of the remaining
heirs. In 1872 he marriedMissNannieS. Teeters,
of Monongahela, a daughter of Abraham and
Fanny S. Teeters, and to this union have been
born six children, as follows: William J., Minnie
C. , Lulu V., Sallie E., Laura V. and Norman B.,
all yet living under the parental roof. Mr. Blythe
is a thorough French scholar, speaking the lan
guage fluently, as well as reading and writing it.
He is a Republican, and takes an active interest iu
all political matters. He and his wife are members
of the Methodist Church, He is engaged in gen
eral agriculture, including stock raising, and
makes a specialty of Poland-China swine. He is
also interested in other fine stock, including fancy
poultry, turkeys and geese, of which he breeds
many fine specimens of different varieties.

AMUEL McFARLAND (deceased) was the
son of Samuel McFarland, who was born
in Northern Ireland, and was married to
Jane Fulton. He (the father) emigrated
to America about the year 1793, first living in or
about Philadelphia, Penn. , then coming to Wash
ington, Penn., and settling in Smith township.
On April 6, 1804, he bought 159 acres of land of
Thomas Glass, and on September 3, of the same
year, purchased 102 acres of Ephraim Chidester.

958

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

He settled upon the former piece of land, and his
family were all born and reared there. The farm
remained in the family name until about the year
1890, when the heirs of his son Thomas sold it to
Maxiel AVork. The children of Samuel McFarland
are now all dead except Andrew. The son Will
iam settled upon one of his father's farms, near
the home place. John settled on another farm,
sold it and removed to Ohio. David, a Presbyte
rian minister, was married to Amanda Reed,
first located in Peoria, 111., then at Santa Fe, N.
M. ; then at San Diego, Cal, and finally be
came a missionary to the Indians, and died at
Lapwai, Idaho; his widow afterward went into
the Alaska mission field, being the first woman
there. Joseph went to California during the gold
fever of 1849, and died there. Thomas lived on
the old home farm until 'a few years before his
death, then removed to the borough of McDonald
in the same county, where he died in December,
1886. Andrew spent most of his life in Cross
Creek village, Washington county, then removed
to Burgettstown, and thence to Missouri, where
he is living with his son. Mary never married,
but died in the household of her brother Samuel
in 1859. Catherine married Thomas Farrar, and
died in 1880 at the residence of her daughter in
Peoria, HI. Jane married James Farrar, and
afterward died in Ohio.
Samuel McFarland, the subject of this sketch,
was born June 11, 1812, in Smith township,
Washington Co., Penn., and all his life was spent
in that township and the adjoining one of Robin
son, except the year 1872, when he lived in the
city of Allegheny. On May 25, 1837, he was
united in marriage with Jane Van Eman, who bore
him children as follows: Margaret, born January
28, 1838; William Van Eman, born March 11,
1840; Sarah Caroline, born August 12, 1842; Mary
Catherine, born December 29, 1844; John Wiley,
born August 23, 1848, and Joseph Fulton, born
August 11, 1850. Of this family, Margaret mar
ried Thomas Donaldson, of Candor, December 18,
1862, and had nine children, of whom three are
now living: Joseph, John and Frank. William
Van E. married Jane Dunbar, of Steubenville,
Ohio, and to them were born three children: Olner,
Charles and Ira (Olner died when three years old,
in Washington county, Penn.; William then moved
with his family to Sumner. AVash.. where he still
resides; his wife died in 1893). Sarah Caroline
married October 21. 1868, W. C. Aiken, an elder
in the Centre U. P. Church, of Midway, Penn.
(their children were Joseph and Samuel; the
mother died April 3, 1 873, and two years later
little Samuel died). Mary Catherine married Au
gust 22, 1867, James P. McCalmont, of Paris,
Washington county, an elder in the U. P. Church,
aud they had born to them six children: Luella,

Jennie, Samuel, Joseph, John and Robert. Rev.
John Wiley was married in 1883, at Ft. Wrangle,
Alaska, to Margaret Dunbar, of Steubenville,
Ohio (they gave a few years of mission work at the
McFarland Home, Ft. Wrangle, Alaska; at their
own request they were transferred to the Hoonyah
Mission, Alaska, where they still labor, the ffl'st
and only missionaries in that far-off region; their
children were Edna and Harry Seward, the last
named dying of diphtheria in his third year, and
buried in the Hoonyah Mission cemetery). Joseph
F., now an attorney at law in Washington, Penn.,
was married in 1882 to Mary A. , daughter of Rev.
James and Katherine Ranken, and their children
are Samuel Audley and Joseph. Mrs. Jane Van
Eman McFarland died August 24, 1853, and, for
his second wife, Samuel McFarland was married
May 22, 1861, to Matilda Duncan, who was killed
by a run- away team April 23, 1865. On Decem
ber 25, 1866, Mr. McFarland was married to his
third wife, in the person of Margaret Bingham,
and by this union, one son, Albert Agnew, was
born January 6, 1872. Mr. McFarland was a
farmer, but during the last sixteen years of his
life, was retired from active business, and during
all the years of his activity he was a constant suf
ferer; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church
from early manhood, contributing liberally to its
support, and was interested in all its work. In
politics he was an unswerving member of the
Democratic party, but was not an active politician,
and never asked for any office. He died June 29,
1889. Samuel McFarland, a nephew of our subject,
and son of William, was a missionary in Siam, and
is now filling a position in the Educational De
partment of the Court of Siam.
Capt. Charles W. Bingham was an officer in the
army in the war of 1812. He was born in Adams
county, remaining there during his boyhood and
early manhood, and was married to Margaret Ag
new, of Emmitsburg, Frederick Co.,Md.,who bore
him children as follows: Sophia, William, Agnew,
Albert, Martha, Margaret, James, Emma, Mary,
and Charles Carrol. Of this family, all are dead
but Margaret, Dr. James (of Clinton, Allegheny
Co.. Penn.), Emma (wife of Dr. W. V. Riddile),
and Mary. The father was a Democrat, and a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Margaret
Bingham, above mentioned, is the widow of Samuel
McFarland, the subject of this sketch.

\ILLIAM PARCEL was born March 30,
1819, in Morris township, Washington
Co., Penn., and is a representative of an
early pioneer family of the county, who
were originally natives of New Jersey.
His grandfather, John Parcel, was three times
married, and by his first wife had six children —

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

959

three sons and three daughters — all of whom went
West with the exception of one daughter; by the
second wife there were two children, Stephen and
Phebe; by the third marriage there were no chil
dren. John Parcel died at the age of eighty-nine
years, his last wife having preceded him to the
grjtve some time.
Stephen Parcel, son of this old pioneer, was
born in 1789 in Washington county. He learned
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in his
earlier days at Point Industry, Morris township.
Later he conducted a mercantile business at the
same place, and during the latter years of his life
gave his attention to farming. He was very success
ful in each of his vocations, and accumulated a con
siderable fortune. Early in life he married Miss
Dorcas Ambler, of Belmont county, Ohio, daughter
of William Ambler, and they became the parents
of ten children, as follows: John and Sally, both
deceased; Phoebe, widow of John Gardner, of
Bellefontaine, Ohio; William, the subject of this
sketch ; Stephen, Isaac and Dorcas, all three de
ceased; Elizabeth Jane, widow of Lewis Hoge, and
now living at the old home (she has one son, James
Lewis); and Samuel Ambler and Solomon Lee,
both deceased. The father died July 4, 1844, the
mother a year later, both at the age of fifty-four
years. The Parcel family were at one time mem
bers of the Mount Herman Baptist Church, later
of the Beulah Baptist Church. In his political
preferences he was an Old-line Whig.
William Parcel received his education in the
subscription school of the neighborhood, which
was held in an old log dwelling. He was reared
to agricultural pursuits, and now owns and resides
on the farm which was owned by both his father
and grandfather, and which is a valuable property,
located one mile southwest of Sparta. AVith the ex
ception of twelve years devoted to general mer
chandising at Point Industry (now Sparta) Mr.
Parcel has given his exclusive attention to farm
ing. Success has crowned his honest efforts, and
he is now the possessor of a comfortable compe
tence. He has never married. His sister Eliza
beth Jane lost her husband some thirty-five years
ago, and she has since lived with our subject. In
1871 Mr. Parcel was elected a justice of the peace
on the Republican ticket, in a Democratic town
ship, which speaks volumes for his popularity,
especially when it is considered that he was again
nominated, though he declined re-election. In
churoh connection he is a Baptist.

I( NDERSON HOOTMAN, a well-read and in-
\\ telligent citizen of Amwell township, is a
^\ grandson of David Hootman. who was of
German birth, and as a soldier in the pay
of the British came to America during the
Revolutionary war. No sooner did an opportunity

offer, however, than the brave young German de-
' sorted from the British ranks and enlisted as a
drummer boy with the patriots in their struggle
for liberty. After the close of the war he re
mained in America, locating on a farm in Donegal
township, Washington Co., Penn., where as a
true patriot he resided from 1780 until his death,
which occurred in 1859. The young soldier ap
preciated liberty so highly that he never drew any
pay for his service in the cause of liberty. After
settling on his farm he married, and had children
as follows: sons — Henry, Jacob. John, David and
Christopher; daughters — Mrs Miller, Mrs. Shaler
and Mrs. Deeds. Mr. Hootman was a Democrat,
and held several offices in the district iu which he
resided. David Hootman, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in 1793 in Donegal township,
where he passed his youthful days. He attended
the rate school in the neighborhood of his home,
and became a well-informed and successful man.
When about the age of seventeen years he learned
the blacksmith's trade, and after serving an ap
prenticeship of four years he opened a shop on the
Monongahela pike at the then well-known "Par
kinson House. " In 1815 David Hootman was united
in marriage with Nancy, daughter of Benjamin
Parkinson, of Nottingham township, and she bore
him nine children, viz.: sons — Benjamin, David,
John, Christopher, William and Anderson; and
daughters — Clarinda, Polly and Nancy. David
Hootman began life with 6j cents, and at his death
his estate was valued at $40, 000. For years he was
captain in the State militia, and at one time he was
a candidate for the State Legislature, but, having
been prominent in advocating the Jefferson doc
trine, he was defeated. He and his wife were for
many years members of the Pigeon Creek Presby
terian Church.
Benjamin Parkinson, father of this Mrs. David
Hootman. took a very active part in the Whiskey
Rebellion, which rising was the cause of the re
peal of the excise law, a statute at that time too
grievous and burdensome for the then AVest to bear.
The document containing Parkinson's pardon,
granted by George Washington, is still in the pos
session of the Hootman family-
Anderson Hootman, the subject proper of this
brief memoir, was born on February 27, 1832, in
Nottingham township, this county, and spent his
.early youth on the home farm, receiving his educa
tion in the common schools of his district, and re
maining under the parental roof until he was
twenty-five years of age. In 1859 he was married
to Emily Leysa, of Somerset township, and the
names of the children born to this union are David
A., Mary F., John E.. Lizzie B., Maximilian,
Nancy K., William A., Franklin AV., Osceola (de
ceased), 0- Vern and Harry H, Some time after

960

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

his marriage Anderson Hootman moved to Monon
gahela City, and eng iged in mercantile business,
but sickness in the family compelled him to close
his store and return to the farm. Twenty-four
years ago he came to his present home, where he
has since remained industriously engaged in agri
cultural pursuits. He has accumulated a comfort
able property on the Cumberland pike in Amwell
township, and also owns one hundred acres in
South Strabane township. Mr. Hootman has al
ways been a patriotic Democrat, and as a close ob
server of the financial issues of the country, is now
in favor of a Third, or People's, party, in order to
protect the mass of American industry, as he is
of the opinion that the two great national parties
have diverged too far from the cause his grand
father fought for. Mrs. Hootman and a portion
of the family are members of Mt. Pleasant Pres
byterian Church.

DAVID McCLURE is a grandson of James
and Nancy (Crouch) McClure, who were
/ born in Scotland, whence they emigrated
to Pennsylvania in an early day. They
settled on a farm in North Strabane township,
Washington county, where thirteen children were
born to them, and where the father died in 1854.
David McClure (father of our subject), a son of
this pioneer couple, was born in the year 1802, in
North Strabane township. He grew to manhood
on the home farm, and in 1823 was married to
Mary Cameron, who was born in 1802, a resident
of the same neighborhood. Eleven children were
bom to them, of whom the following are living:
James, David, Samuel, Mary, Joseph, Belle (wife
of William Hickson), Martha (Mrs. Robert Kerr),
William and Robert. Mr. McClure was a prosper
ous and influential farmer. In politics he affiliated
with the Democratic party, and in religious con
nection both he and his wife were very active mem
bers of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church,
with which they were connected many years. Mr.
McClure died in 1876, having been preceded by
his wife in 1834.
David McClure was bom October 20, 1830, in
North Strabane township, and was educated in
the schools of the vicinity. On November 16,
1848, he was united in marriage with Nannie A.
Thomas, who was born February 20, 1831, in North
Strabane township, a daughter of Jonathan
Thomas. Jonathan Thomas was born February
16, 1803, in Washington county, Penn., and in
1825 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Cow-
yer, also a native of this county, born November
9, 1806. Their family consisted of the following
children: Elizabeth, wife of G. G. Good (of Wash
ington county, Ark.), Phcebe Martha, Maggie,
Lydia, Liverton and Nannie A., all now deceased

except Elizabeth, Liverton and Nannie A. Mr.
Thomas was a prominent farmer and early settler
of Washington county. In church connection he
and his wife were devout members of the Centre
Presbyterian Church. He died August 9, 1840,
and was followed by his wife December 27, 1869.
Mr. and Mrs. McClure are the parents of nine
children, namely: Mary (wife of William Willett);
Maggie (Mrs. J. Smith); John Boyd (married to
Miss Jennie Dunn); AVilliam W. (married to Miss
Elizabeth Dunn); Allie B. (wife of George Nelson) ;
and Wheeler T., Sadie M., David R. and Jennie
(all four residing with their parents). Mr. Mc
Clure has been prominently identified with the
political history of North Strabane township. In
his political preferences he is a Democrat. He has
been auditor of the township three years, road-
commissioner thirteen years, and is a liberal con
tributor to all worthy enterprises. In religious
connection he and his estimable wife are members
of the United Presbyterian Church.

RTHUR CAMPBELL. This gentleman,
who stands among the first of the success
ful and representative business men of
Smith township, is a descendant of an old
and well-known family of pioneer settlers.
Arthur Campbell (his grandfather) was born and
reared in County Donegal, Ireland, where he was
married, after which he emigrated to America.
The young people came to Pennsylvania and lo
cated permanently on a farm in Smith township,
Washington county, situated about two miles west
of Burgettstown, then a wild and uncultivated
tract of land. The following children were born
to them: William (who moved to Jefferson county,
Ohio, where he died), John (always lived on the
home place), Robert (mentioned below), Arthur
(married, and resided in Jefferson, then called
Cross Creek, township), Joseph A. (a physician,
who practiced in western Pennsylvania), Nancy
(never married), Elizabeth (wife of James Gibson,
of Hanover township), and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas
Elder), all now deceased. Mr. Campbell accumu
lated a considerable property, and was a highly
esteemed citizen. He died on the old homestead.
Robert Campbell was born on the home place in
Smith township, this county, and in boyhood he
assisted in the farm duties, and attended the sub
scription schools. In 1811 he was married to
Jean, daughter of Ebenezer Smith, of Smith town
ship, this county, and she bore him children as
follows: Eleanor, born November 27, 1812 (be
came the first, wife of Squire John Proudfit, of
Burgettstown); Arthur, bom January 20, 1815;
Elizabeth, born June 20, 1818; Ebenezer, born
May 4, 1820; AVilliam, born December 2, 1822
(went to California, and has not been heard from

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

963

for years); Martha, born December 25, 1824, mar
ried to John McGough; Margaret, born September
25 1827, married to Samuel Wilson, of near
Gordonsville, Va. ; and James, born in 1829, died
at the age of fourteen years. Of these children
the only one yet living is Arthur. Mr. and Mrs.
Campbell settled on a part of the old home farm
where he became a very successful business man.
Politically he was a member of the Democratic
party. He died on the farm, and his widow, who
survived him many years, passed her last days
among her children.
Arthur Campbell received a limited education
in the subscription schools of the neighborhood
of his place of birth. On June 15, 1843, he was
married to Eliza J. Proudfit, who was born Janu
ary 2, 1817, daughter of John P. Proudfit, an
early settler of Smith township. Five children
were born to their union, viz. : Jane E., at home;
John L., a carpenter, living at home; Amanda M.,
at home, and who for the past two years has suf
fered from rheumatism so as to be unable to walk;
Elizabeth C. , deceased in infancy, and Robert J.,
married to Lulu Mayo (a daughter of Frank and
Margaret Mayo, residents of Ohio), and living in
the old house on his father's farm. To them were
born three little girls: Mary A., Ida M. and Nellie
P. On December 8, 1892, Mrs. Eliza J. Campbell
died suddenly of paralysis, and she is buried in
the cemetery at Burgettstown. Mr. Campbell re
mained on the old farm until he was twenty-seven
years of age (at which time he married), and then
moved to his present place, adjoining the old home
where he was born. He is a very successful agri-
cull urist, and devotes some time to the raising of
fine-bred stock. In politics he is a lifelong Dem
ocrat. His wife was a member of the U. P.
Church at Burgettstown.

OBERT M. CARRONS. Leslie Carrons,
grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was a son of Daniel Carrons, who lived in
County Down, Ireland, where he followed
the vocation of farmer. He died there in
the latter part of the eighteenth century, leaving
Leslie, his only child, with little inheritance save
a good education, which, however, proved a suffi
cient capital for this brave son of " Old Erin." In
1<97 Leslie Carrons was married to Mary Cham
bers, daughter of James and Mary Chambers, and
of this union were born : Daniel, James and Mary,
before the parents decided to emigrate from Ire
land and seek a home in the New World. The
journey was made in about 1803, and the little
family came to Pennsylvania, locating first at
Chambers' Mills, Washington county, afterward
removing to Amity, Amwell township, where they
remained some years. In 1801 Mr. Carrons pur

chased the "Acheson" place of 164 acres, to which
(a short time afterward) he added the " Stokley "
tract of ninety acres, took possession, and there
spent the remainder of his life in farming and con
ducting a distillery. After the family came to
Pennsylvania three other children were born:
Eliza (Mrs. Elkins), late of Iowa; Sarah, wife of
Dr. James Stevens, of Washington county; and
Robert, late of Henry county, Iowa. Mr. Car
rons was a self-made and public- spirited man, and
was always consulted by his neighbors for advice
upon any troublesome question; he was very suc
cessful in business. Politically he was an Orange
man in Ireland, and a Democrat in America. He
was a charter member of the Episcopal Church at
Washington, and assisted in building it up. He
died in 1851, his wife in 1876, in her ninety-eighth
year. Robert Carrons, the father of our subject, was
born in Amity, Amwell township, this county,
October 12, 1812, and received in the common
schools a fair education, which he afterward made
the foundation of a broad and varied store of
knowledge. In 1847 he moved to Henry county,
Iowa, and began farming upon a half section of
land, to which he added as opportunity offered,
until at the time of his death he owned nearly one
thousand three hundred acres. On October 4,
1849, he was united in marriage with Jane Munce,'
daughter of Robert and Mary Munce, of South
Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., and
of this union three children were born: Leslie,
born January 4, 1851; Mary, born May 30, 1853;
Robert M. , born November 2, 1854. Mr. Carrons
was a conservative business man, who, unaided,
gained enviable success. He was an enthusiastic
Republican, yielding to no man in his loyalty to
his party. He died in Iowa, December 7, 1883.
Robert M. Carrons was born in Henry county,
Iowa, and after attending the common schools
until seventeen years of age, passed one year at an
academy. When twenty- two years of age he came
to Washington county, Penn., spending one win
ter there. In 1877 he again returned to Wash
ington county, and began business for himself. He
had been deeded his Uncle Daniel's interest in the
farm, and some years afterward he bought out the
heirs of his Uncle James. On October 4, 1877,
Mr. Carrons married Emma Chambers, daughter
of George and Catherine Chambers, and they are
the parents of two children: Frank Leslie, born
October 1, 1878, and Kate Jane, born May 20,
1890. Our subject is radically independent in
politics. He is now engaged in farming and stock
raising; beginning with Black-top Merino sheep,
he now breeds Ayrshire cattle, and has bought
some high-priced stock, sparing no expense to se
cure the best. His first lot was purchased, in 1880,
of Dr. Sturdevant, of Massachusetts, and he has

964

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

now a herd of 100 head of this famous breed, said
to be the largest herd of Ayrshires in the West,
and the second largest in America.

dl OHN B. HAINER, one of the successful farm
ers of AVest Bethlehem township, is a son
J of G. H. Hainer, who was born in Germany,
where he married Christina Loewer. They
emigrated to this country and to AVashington
county, Penn., in 1832, bringing with them the fol
lowing children: John B., Mary, Henry, Chris
tina, Adam, Catherine and George; two other
children — Elizabeth and Nicholas — were born in
America. They are all living except Catherine.
Nicholas and Adam are in the grocery business
and live in New Castle, Penn. ; Elizabeth is in
Wheeling, W. Va. ; Mary, George and Henry live
in Ohio, and Christina is in Indiana.
John B. Hainer, son of the pioneer G. H. , was
born January 26, 1816, in Germany, and attended
the schools of his native land, being under one in
structor seven years. At the expiration of that
time he was released from further attendance
through the aid of influential friends, although the
German law requires eight years' schooling for ev
ery boy. He then came to America with his father,
and when nineteen years of age assisted in the
cultivation of a farm in South Strabane township.
He married Elizabeth Lauterbauch, who had also
come to America, her father settling in Washing
ton county. The following children have been
born to them: Henry, John, George, Catherine,
Adam, Jacob, Mary and Edward. Henry died at
the age of twenty-eight years; the remainder are
residents of Washington county.
Jacob Hainer was born in Canton township, this
county, April 28, 1851. He now lives with his
father. On October 17, 1874, he married Esther,
daughter of Frederick Rasel, and they have the
following family: George, Annie. Sadie, Norman,
Flora and Nellie, all yet under the paternal roof.
Mr. Hainer and his father, who resides with him,
are both stanch Republicans, and in religion all
the family are members of the Lutheran Church.

<?

TT^HE ARCHER FAMILY. Samuel Archer
was born in Scotland in 1745. He, with a
number of others, left that country on ac
count of religious persecutions, and went to
Ireland, where he married Miss Nancy
Thompson, about 1768.
In 1770 he, together with many others, emigrated
to America, arriving in the fall of that year in Bal
timore, at which place they separated, locating at
different places. Mr. Archer seems to have had
two brothers in the company who settled in sepa
rate localities. From different branches of the

Archer family have sprung some of the eminent
men of this country, who have occupied prominent
positions in the national councils, they having oc
cupied seats in Congress with credit to themselves
and honor to their country. Mr. Archer, soon
after landing in America, removed to Carlisle,
Penn., and took a claim to a tract of land. While
he was building a house on his land, which was
some distance from the settlement, a heavy snow
storm filled the paths, and on his return in the even
ing he lost his way and remained in the woods all
night; his feet were so badly frozen that amputa
tion above the ankles became necessary. His faith
ful dog laid down on his knees, which prevented
his limbs from further freezing, and perhaps saved
his life. He was confined to his house some two
years before his limbs were healed. About eight
years after this occurrence he removed from Car
lisle to Canonsburg, and about 1799 he removed to
Brooke county, W. Va. , to a farm lately owned by
Samuel Hindman, now by Ross Wright, where he
cultivated a nursery, being obliged to walk on his
knees. His wife and two daughters died and were
buried on that farm. Mr. Archer died about 1819,
near Independence, Penn., and is buried in Mt.
Hope Church cemetery.
Ebenezer Archer, son of Samuel Archer, was
born about 1770, and came with his parents to
Washington county, Penn., when young. In 1794
he married Miss Elizabeth Jordon, and removed to
Brooke county, W. Va., in 1799, when he settled
on the farm now owned by Mr. Roy Glass, his
great-grandnephew, near the Eldersville road,
about two miles east of Steubenville, Ohio. He
died on that farm in 1814, and was buried in the
Cross Creek United Presbyterian cemetery. Eben
ezer Archer was a very exemplary man, of great
piety, and a ruling elder in the Associate (or Se
ceder) Church; a strong friend of peace and a good
neighbor. Samuel Archer, son of Ebenezer Archer, was
born near Canonsburg, Penn., July 11, 1795, and
came with his parents to Brooke county, W. Va.,
when about four years old. In March, 1821, he
married Miss Mary Lee, by which marriage he
reared a family of six children — five sons and one
daughter— their names being: Elizabeth, William
Lee, Ebenezer, David Thompson, James and Sam
uel. In 1831 he bought the George Atkison farm,
situated one-half mile from the river, directly east
of Steubenville, Ohio, where he long resided and
filled positions of honor and trust in his neighbor
hood. After residing for a time at Washington
and Burgettstown, Penn., and at the home of his
son, William L.. he returned to the old homestead
in Brooke county. W. Va. , where he died at the
home of his son James, August 14, 1887. at the
advanced age of over ninety-two years, honored
and respected by all who knew him. His first wife

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

965

died May 1, 1851; his second wife, who was Mrs.
Jane (Parkhill) McNary, of Jefferson county, Ohio,
died in December, 1861.
William Lee Archer, the principal subject of
this sketch, was born in Brooke county, W. Va.,
April 15, 1824. When he grew to manhood he
attended the academy in Holiday's Cove, W. Va.,
thus obtaining a liberal education. After assisting
in conducting his father's business some years, his
father settled him on one of the choicest farms in
the neighborhood, where he now resides. After
manfully, by his own exertion, freeing himself from
debt, he rose to be one of the honored and success
ful business men of Jefferson township, and none
more richly deserve the enviable ruputation that
they have won, than this representative citizen.
On October 16, 1859, he was united in marriage
with Miss Harriet Louisa, daughter of James
Whiting, of Torrington, Litchfield Co., Conn., a
representative of that famous family of Whitings
whose history is inseparable with the early history
of that State. Miss Whiting, with her early re
ligious training and education, and New England
culture and refinement, was eminently qualified to
make their home what it is— a "model home."
. As a result of their union children have been
born as follows: Mary A., born September 2, 1861,
died March 7, 1865; Lizzie J., born August 26,
1863, died January 27, 1865; Nannie Lee, born
November 25, 1865, died June 6, 1877; Harriet
B. , born May 2, 1871, and Susau C, born April
26, 1874; the latter two have been educated at the
best institutions of learning in the country. Mr.
Archer and his family, true to the faith of their
Scotch-Irish ancestry, are members and support
ers of the Presbyterian Church.

<

MARY ANN GRABLE, an estimable lady of
Bentleyville, is a representative of one of
the old families of Washington county.
She is a daughter of John Grable, a na
tive of the county, where his whole life
was passed in farming. In early manhood Mr.
Grable was united in marriage with Mary Carson,
who was born September 8, 1796, and she bore
him children, as follows: Julia A. (wife of John
McCormick, of Washington county), Mary Ann
(whose name opens this sketch), Julia A. (deceased),
Jerome (also deceased) and Joel. After their mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Grable settled in Fallowfield
township, this county, where he died in 1822.
Mrs. Grable was afterward married to Charles
Farquhar, who was born August 6, 1800, and was
by occupation a farmer and tanner. They passed
their wedded life in Washington county, and here
Mr. Farquhar died in 1871, being followed by his
wife in 1881, in her eighty -fifth year. She left
four children by this marriage: Elizabeth (born

March 13, 1834), John G., Salome and Isabella,
all of whom are deceased save Elizabeth.
The Misses Mary Ann Grable and Elizabeth
Farquhar have continued, since the death of their
parents, to reside together on the old homestead.
They have an abundance of this world's goods left
to them by the industry and prudence of their
parents, and are now only waiting the summons
which will unite them on the other shore, in an un
broken family circle, never to part.

[( LEXANDER TOTTEN is a native and prom-
l\ inent citizen of AVashington county, Penn.,
1\ but in his veins flows the warm blood of
Spanish ancestors. William Totten passed
the early portion of his life near Red river,
Penn., and afterward came to Hillsborough, Wash
ington county. He was a tanner, and also worked
at various other employments. When a young
man he was united in marriage with Nellie Hamil
ton, who bore him five children, all of whom are
deceased. The father passed away in his ninety-
fifth year, and his widow lived to celebrate her
one hundred and fourteenth birthday.
James Totten, the eldest son of William and
Nellie Totten, was born about the year 1761 on the
place in Washington county, Penn. He learned
the blacksmith's trade, continuing in that business
for twenty years, then settled on a farm. In per
sonal appearance he was large, portly, and good-
looking. He must have been a worthy represent
ative of the gallant Spanish seflors who never
brook an insult, for at the age of eighty years he
conquered the bully of Washington county, who
had dared to call him a liar. In earl} manhood
he was united in marriage with Margaret Fister,
a resident of Upper Ten Mile creek. They were
the parents of nine children, viz. : Sarah, Ellen,
Hannah (deceased), George, Alexander, Henry,
Marian (deceased), Almira (deceased) and Lavina.
Alexander Totten was born September 18, 1826,
near Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn. His
youth was passed on the home place, and he then
learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for
three years. He afterward worked for almost forty
years at carpentry, and since 1848 has given his
time to contracting. On August 12, 1846, he was
married to Elizabeth Richey, of Washington
county, Penn., and they had three children: Sarah,
Mary, and an infant. The mother died in 1853,
and on March 16, 1858. Alexander Totten married,
for his second wife, Mary Dick, a native of Alle
gheny, Penn. The children born to this marriage
were: Alexander and Annie. This wife died in
1863. and on April 14, 1864, he married Margaret
Murphy, whose children were Maggie, James, Etta
and an infant son, who was buried beside his
mother in 1876. After the death of this wife Mr.

966

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Totten married, September 21, 1883, Samantha
Figley, of Washington county, who has borne him
five children, namely: Lillie, Robert, Katie, and
Amelia and Adelia (twins). Mr. Totten has leased
one hundred and twenty-eight acres of the home
place; he owns a farm in Allegheny county, Penn.
He votes with the Democratic party, and in Church
relations was connected with the Baptist Society
during his residence in Somerset township.

THOMAS HUDSON WILLIAMS (deceased)
was born August 8, 1834, in Carroll town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., a son of James
and Nancy (Manown) Williams. James
Williams, whose father came from Ireland
in an early day, was also a native of Washington
county, born July 4, 1801, was educated at the
subscription schools and reared to the occupation
of a farmer. He married Nancy, daughter of
William Manown, of Allegheny county, Penn.,
and the children born to them were as follows:
William, Margaret (Mrs. A. C. Sampson), John,
Thomas H, Sarah (Mrs. Aaron Browdy), Robert,
Leomon, David and Frank. In 1828 Mr. Will
iams settled on the home place in Carroll township,
and here died October 4, 1869, his widow follow
ing him to the grave June 12, 1892. In addition
to plain farming he was a prominent stock raiser
and dealer. He was a director of the Mononga
hela cemetery. Politically he was originally a
Whig, and on the formation of the party became
a Republican; in matters pertaining to religion he
was a member and zealous supporter of the M. E.
Church. Thomas H. Williams, the subject of these lines,
was educated at a private school in Monongahela,
and at the age of sixteen entered Duff's Business
College in Pittsburgh. On leaving this, in 1852,
he set sail from New York for California, via Cape
Horn, the voyage consuming six weeks. On his
arrival at the "New Eldorado" he at once com
menced to work in the mines, at which he contin
ued two years; then was engaged in banking at
Maripoza, with Sullivan & Cashman, with whom
he remained until 1858, when he returned home
by the same route he went. We next find Mr.
Williams at Pittsburgh, where he was engaged in
the wholesale grocery business for two years; from
there he went to Oil City, where for fifteen years
he was engaged in general merchandising and oil
producing. In 1875 he returned to Monongahela,
and purchased the home farm, where he passed the
remainder of his days, dying June 11, 1891. On
September 21, 1859, he was united in marriage
with M. Frances, daughter of Aaron Browdy, of
Allegheny, and four children were born to them,
viz.: Harry, Mattie, Bertha (deceased), and Frances
(living). Mr. Williams was a Republican, and at

one time served as mayor of Monongahela; in
church connection he was a prominent and influ
ential Presbyterian. In all educational matters he
took special interest, and was instrumental in hav
ing the present public-school building erected;
being at the time secretary of the school board
and president of the building committee. He was
kind-hearted and generous to a fault, and was
recognized by all as a public-spirited, upright
citizen. His widow is a resident of Monongahela.

JOSEPH HARRISON. Washington county
is unusually favored with citizens who have
ever been as deeply interested in her progress
as in their own, and who have taken an active
part in the promotion of all public enter
prises. Among this class of early settlers Har
rison is a familiar and honored name, the early
representatives of the family, at present under con
sideration, having emigrated from England to
Maryland many years ago.
James Harrison remained there, and in early
manhood he was united in marriage with Eliza
beth Hudgel, a native of Berkeley county, W. Va. ,
who bore him the following children: William,
James, George W. , Joseph (all born in Virginia),
and Eliza, Mrs. Harriet Van Gilder (living in
Centreville, Washington county) and Maria (de
ceased), all three born in East Bethlehem town
ship, AVashington Co., Penn. Of this family Jo
seph and Harriet are the only ones yet living. In
1817 the family came to Washington county, Penn.,
where the father settled on a farm near West
Brownsville. He died in 1825, followed by his
widow in 1861. In politics he was an active mem
ber of the Whig party. Of their family, William pur
chased a farm in Iowa, near Oskaloosa,in 1868, and
died in July, 1868, leaving his family in good cir
cumstances. James settled on a farm in Har
rison county, W. Va. , and died in 1892. George
W. settled on a farm in East Bethlehem township,
Washington county, and died in 1890.
Joseph Harrison passed his youth in Washing
ton county, and at the age of eighteen years began
to work for himself. After ten years' hard labor
he and a brother invested in a farm near Logans-
port, Cass Co., Ind., but his health failing, Joseph
induced his brother to sell the property. After
disposing of the place they returned to Washing
ton county and bought a farm located on the Na
tional pike, near Brownsville. In 1867 he was
united in marriage with Orella Tower, daughter
of G. H. Tower, a native of Massachusetts, who
graduated from Brown University in 1776, studied
law, went to Warren, Ohio, and won a wide repu
tation in his chosen work. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison
are the parents of two children: Joseph Tower,
and Mary Orella, who is now attending the Pitts-

ms>

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

969

burgh Female College. In a few years after their
return to Washington county, Mr. Harrison bought
his brother's interest in the farm, which contains
155 acres of valuable land, on which stands an
imposing brick mansion erected in 1878, the most
elegant structure to be seen for many miles. Mr.
Harrison has been a very successful man, and his
present prosperity has been due to his own indi
vidual effort, for he never received financial aid
from any source. In politics he has always been a
Whig and Republican, and of late years has been
also a Prohibitionist. It has been seventy years
since he has tasted whisky, and in looking over his
past life he attributes his success in a great meas
ure to his temperate habits.

ELIZABETH M. BOON is a lady whose an
cestors were among the earliest and most
prominent pioneers of the county. Gal-
— ' braith Stewart, the maternal grandfather of
Miss Boon, was practically the founder of the pros
perous town of West Middletown. The warm
blood of Irish patriots coursed through the veins
of this pioneer, a worthy representative of his race.
Galbraith Stewart was born in America, and early
evinced the economical and industrious traits of
his people. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and
in early manhood was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Scott (a native of Scotland), who with
two other children was left an orphan at an early
age. She was afterward brought to Pennsylvania
by an uncle, and there grew to womanhood. Mr.
Stewart secured a large tract of land, lying north
of the present site of West Middletown, and after
his marriage erected a shop and the first cabin of
what afterward became West Middletown. It was
situated on the north side of the road, which was
much traveled by emigrants for Ohio county, Va.,
this being for some time the only building in the
neighborhood. Plenty of custom came to the
pioneer smithy, and when her household duties
were done Mrs. Stewart would work the bellows,
while her husband mended a chain or forged a
bolt for the broken wagon of some traveler.
As time passed on the place became a stopping
point for westward bound emigrants, and Mr. Stew
art erected a more commodious building for the
accommodation of travelers. The fire in the
blacksmith shop died out as the labors of the tav
ern-keeper and his wife increased. Prosperity
came to them, Mr. Stewart erected several other
buildings, and the nucleus of West Middletown
was formed. In after years "Grandma Stewart"
often declared to the children about her that
the happiest days of her life were passed in
the little one-room cabin by the roadside. For
in following the path of duty which lay before.
them, they found that priceless pearl for which

many a wealthy pleasure- seeker has sought in
vain — contentment. One by one little children
came to bless their home, until eleven were gath
ered at their fireside, and only once did the angel
of death hover over this happy pioneer family.
Ten of the children lived to an adult age; seven of
them were daughters: Eleanor (married to Thomas
Boon), Mary (wife of Thomas McCall), Eliza (wife
of Dr. David Adams), Margaret (married to James
McFadden), Rebecca (Mrs. David McKeunen),
Harriet (wife of George Pentecost) and Clarissa
(unmarried). The sons were William (married to
Mary Cummins), Benjamin (married to Elizabeth
Acheson) and Galbraith (married to Phcebe Mc-
Keever). Of these, Clarissa is the only one still
living; she is residing in the State of Ohio.
Eleanor Stewart (mother of the subject of this
sketch) was married to Thomas Boon, who came
from the eastern part of Pennsylvania and was a
grandnephew of the famous pioneer, Daniel Boone,
to whose descendants our subject is said to bear a
strong resemblance. Shortly after his marriage
Mr. Boon removed to Wellsburg, W. Va. , and en
gaged in the New Orleans trade, making frequent
trips and prospering. While on one of his trips
in the year 1822, he was stricken with yellow fever
and died in a short time. His widow, with her
four children: Elizabeth M., Thomas, Stewart and
William, returned to West Middletown, where she
resided until her death, which occurred April 10,
1874. She never married again, but mourned for
the companion of her youth until called to meet
him. Her constant companion was her only daugh
ter, who remained with her. Her solace and com
fort was her deep-seated faith in the teachings
of Christ. She was a member of the United Pres
byterian Church.
Thomas Boon (the eldest brother of Elizabeth
M. ) learned the tanner's trade, and removed to
Ohio, where he married a Miss Criss. He now re
sides in Wayne county, Ohio. Stewart married
Mary McKennen, of Reading, Penn. William
married Miss Johnson, of Wayne county, Ohio.

DR. W. B. DONALDSON. Among the prom
ising young physicians of Washington
/ county none are better or more favorably
known than Dr. Donaldson. He was born
March 15, 1865, in Mount Pleasant township, this
county, where his family are yet residing. He at
tended the common schools, then entered the East
man Business College, graduating in 1885. After
his graduation he worked as a book-keeper for a
time, finally entering the office of Drs. McElroy
& McCarrell, of Hickory, where he studied medicine
for some time. He afterward entered the Western
Pennsylvania Medical College, graduating in 1889,
then began to practice his profession in Pittsburgh.

970

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

One year later he came to Midway, this county,
associating himself with Dr. Patterson, whose in
terests be purchased in 1891. In 1892 Dr. Don
aldson was appointed physician of the Pennsyl
vania Railroad, west of Pittsburgh. On Septem
ber 11, 1888, he was united in marriage with Jen
nie F. Jackson, a resident of Mount Pleasant town
ship, to whom two children have been born,
Braden Maxwell (deceased) and Mary Lucile.
Politically, Dr. Donaldson is a Democrat, and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.

,\ILLIAM LEONARD was born December
9, 1824, in Greene county, Penn., and his
father, Lot Leonard, was also a native of
the same county. His grandfather, Lot
Leonard, was born in New Jersey, and in
early life came to Greene county, Penn., where he
was married to a Miss Hoge, who bore him chil
dren as follows: William, John, Lot, Isaac, George,
Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and Leah. Mr. Leonard
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a
Federalist in politics. He preached Presbyterian-
ism, Methodism and Quakerism, but finally became
a Freethinker, and preached his own new doctrine
until he died, at the age of ninety-two years.
Lot Leonard (2) was born in Greene county,
Penn. , in the year 1796, and remained on the
home farm during his lifetime. He was united in
marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Mosher,
a resident of Washington county, and they had
seven children, namely: Merritt, Jonathan, Me
linda (Mrs. John S. Bayard), William, Levi, Lot
and Aaron. Mr. Leonard was a successful farmer,
and in political life was formerly a Whig, but,
after the organization of the party, became a Re
publican. He was a warm friend of progressive
education, and was school director of his district
many years. He died in Greene county, Penn., in
the year 1865, having been preceded to the grave
by his wife in 1850.
William Leonard was born and educated in
Greene county, Penn., the schools of the neigh
borhood then affording but meager advantages.
In early youth he was cast on his own resources,
and began life for himself. On September 28,
1848, he married Miss Cynthia Dickerson, daugh
ter of William Dickerson, a prominent resident of
Washington county. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Leonard settled on a farm in Greene
county, where they remained five years, removing
thence to their present home, upon which they
have made many improvements, having erected a
large brick residence, and a comfortable and com
modious stock and grain barn. The following
children have been born to this estimable couple :
Elizabeth M. (deceased), William C, Wilson (de-.
ceased), Martha M. and Cynthia C. Mr. Leonard

was originally a Whig, and, since the organization
of the party, has been a Republican. He has
always been interested in all matters of impor
tance to the township, and has been school director
for many years.

HRISTOPHER SHELLER, a leading rep
resentative of the Sheller family, was born
July 16, 1819, in Donegal township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he has since re
sided. He is a son of Samuel Sheller, and grand
son of William, who was born, reared and married
in Germany. The children of William were Will
iam, Henry, John, Samuel, Mary (Mrs. Jacob
Ruple), Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Stephenson),
Mrs. Beckly and Mrs. McKee. The family emi
grated to America in an early day, aud became the
first pioneer settlers of Donegal township. In
dians were numerous in those days, and the men
attended church with guns upon their shoulders,
ready for instant use. Mr. Sheller was a Federal
ist, and he was one of the founders of the United
Brethren Church, of which he was a member.
Samuel Sheller was born in Donegal township,
Washington county, and received an education in
the German language. He was married to Eliza
beth, daughter of Christopher Winter, and the
following children were born to them: Daniel,
Elizabeth, Christopher (our subject), Catherine
(Mrs. John J. Clemens), Mary, Susanna (wife of
Alexander Noble), and Lucinda (Mrs. Alexander
Blair). Mr. Sheller always lived on the home
farm. He was connected with the United Brethren
Church. In politics he was a member of the Old-
line Whig party. He died Januarv 1, 1838, his
wife in 1860.
Christopher Sheller passed his youth on the
home farm, and received a common-school educa
tion. He then learned the carpenter's trade of Isaac
Winter, in West Alexander, .serving three years as
an apprentice, and three years as foreman. He
then began life for himself, following his trade till
1872, when he retired from business. On October
7, 1852, he was united in marriage with Frances
Jane, daughter of Philip Crow, of Donegal town
ship, and the children born to their union were as
follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Barnet Chaney, de
ceased), Emma (Mrs. T. G. Peacock), Zillah
and Adda (twins, deceased), and Fannie (deceased).
On August 13, 1862, the mother of this family died,
and October 27, 1863, Mr. Sheller married Nancy,
daughter of Kenneth McCoy, whose father, Daniel
McCoy, was of Scotch birth, and came with his
parents to America, where he was married to Nancy
McCoy, who bore him the following children:
John, Alexander, William, Christina, Kenneth,
Angus, Elizabeth, Joseph, James and Jane. In
politics Mr. McCoy was a Republican.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

971

[Kenneth McCoy passed his entire life in AA7est
Finley township, Washington, Co., Penn., and was
united in marriage with Jane, daughter of James
Brownlee, a pioneer settler of the county. Their
children were Jane, Joseph, Nancy, Elizabeth
(Mrs. Joseph Whitham), Mary (Mrs. Robert Me
haffey) and John. Mr. McCoy was a Whig, and
a strong advocate of the anti-slavery doctrine. He
was a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
and died in 1872, having been preceded by his
wife in 1868.]
Mr. Sheller has become a successful man by his
own exertions, and in politics was originally a
Whig. Upon the formation of the party he be
came a Republican, and is now one of the leading
Prohibitionists of his locality. He is a member
of the Presbyterian Church.

AMUEL C. SWABE. Among the prosper
ous agriculturists and well-known citizens
of Fallowfield township, this gentleman oc
cupies a prominent position. His father,
Samuel Swabe, was a native of Westmoreland
county, Penn., having been born in that locality in
1821. He passed his youth near the home place,
and in 1841 was united in marriage with Eliza
beth Colflesher, also a native of Westmoreland
county, Penn., whose parents were of Holland
birth. To this marriage were born three children,
namely: Catherine, born in 1842; Lavina (de
ceased in 1889), born in 1845, and Samuel C. In
1847 the mother died. In 1850 Mr. Swabe was
married to his second wife, Miss Maria Bort-
ner, who bore him one daughter, Margaret S.,
born in 1855. This wife died in 1859, and in 1861
he made a third choice in the person of Mrs.
Margaret Coyle, a member of a well-known fam
ily of Washington county. They had two daugh
ters, namely: Dora B., born in 1862, and Ella, born
in 1864. The wife and mother was called from
earth in 1884. Mr. Swabe was a shoemaker and
followed his trade until 1850, when he bought a
farm in Fallowfield township, Washington county,
to which the family removed in 1851. In 1855
he was elected justice of the peace, serving in that
capacity for five years, and filling many other local
offices. At his death, in 1888, he owned 265 acres
of land, now occupied by his son.
Samuel C. Swabe was born April 6, 1847, on the
home farm in Westmoreland county, Penn. He
was but four years of age when his parents brought
him to the farm in Washington county, where his
school days were passed. Since the death of his
father he has managed the home place. On Septem -
ber 18, 1890, he selected a bride in the person of Ella
S., daughter of the late George Allen, a prominent
farmer of Washington county, Penn. They have
one daughter, Garnet A, , born August 23, 1891.
Mr. and Mrs. Swabe reside on a farm lying two and

a half miles from Charleroi, and five miles from
Monongahela City. He raises a large quantity of
excellent stock. In politics he is a Republican, and
has served his township in various offices of trust.

'Jr-\ ONEY. The Roney family are among the
lUjy most prominent of the pioneers of Wash-
'•'\t\ ington county. The first ancestor of the
Jj — family name, who came to America, was
v Hercules Roney, who was born in Ireland,
and emigrated to America. His brother James
soon followed him, and they settled in Washington
county, Penn., where they took up a "tomahawk
claim " of about sixteen hundred acres in North
Strabane township, and passed the remainder of
their lives in clearing and improving their farms.
James Roney, a son of Hercules, was the grand
father of the present generation here. He was
born on the home farm, where his entire life was
passed. In early life he was married to Jane Mc-
Whorter, of Washington county, Penn., and the
following children were born to their union :
Moses, William, John, James, Jane (Mrs. Mc
Kenry) and Margaret. Mr. Roney was a member
and stanch supporter of the Presbyterian Church.
John Roney was born January 25, 1811, on the
home farm in North Strabane township, Washing
ton county, and when a young man was united in
marriage with Margaret, daughter of David
George, of Smith township, this county. Soon af
ter his marriage Mr. Roney settled on a farm in
West Finley township, where he is still living, a
successful farmer and leading citizen. He is a
prominent member of the R. P. Church. His
children are James, born June 2, 1838, enlisted in
Company K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and
was sent to the army of the Potomac, where he
was taken prisoner, dying on March 22, 1863, from
the effects of exposure; David G. , born August
13, 1840, in West Finley township, this county,
married, May 1, 1872, Martha J., daughter of Rob
ert Sutherland, and they have three children: E.
E., R. R., and J. J. (David G. was a soldier in
the Civil war; he is an energetic business man, and
a member of the R. P. Church); Nancy, was mar
ried to John Patterson, of Ohio county, AV. Va. ,
October 19, 1870, died April 4, 1873; Jane, who
lives with her parents; Robert M. , who died Janu
ary 8,. 1872; Samuel S., who died March 14, 1852;
William S., who married Alice, daughter of John
Woodburn, of Washington county, is a carpenter,
residing at Claysville, Washington county; J. W.,
who married Mary, daughter of Samuel McNinch,
of Washington connty, is a farmer of Donegal
township, Washington county; Albert, who went
to Ness City, Kans. , in April, 1886, died there in
July, 1886, of fever; A. J., who married' Amelia,
daughter of Charles Burig, of AVashington county,
is a farmer residing on the home' farm.

972

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

. J. C. Roney passed his younger days on the
home farm in AVest Finley township, and on Sep
tember 11, 1872, was married to Mary, daughter
of Joshua Blake, of Marshall county, W. Va., and
she bore him children as follows: Myrtie, Earl,
Beulah, Florence and Robert. The mother died
April 19, 1881, and for his second wife Mr. Roney
was united in marriage September 29, 1885, with
Marie, daughter of Mrs. M. J. McBurney, of New
Castle, Penn. Mr. Roney first engaged in the
mercantile business with Adam Hall, at West
Middletown, Penn., where he remained but a short
time, and then went to Wellsburg with the same
man. He afterward moved to Bethany, where he
remained a few years, and, in 1885, Mr. Roney
came to West Alexander, where he has since been
engaged with his brother, David G., in the grain
business. They also conduct a general store, and
are known as reliable business men. Politically
Mr. Roney is a prominent member of the Repub
lican party. He is a member of the U. P. Church
of which he has been an elder several years.

JfOHN JAMES C. and K. NOBLE McDON-
ALD, of Robinson township, are among the
| largest landholders in the northern part of
the county. They are grandsons of John
McDonald, who was born in Lishavanich, County
Fermanagh, Ireland, April 30, 1730. John Mc
Donald emigrated to this country in 1773, and
purchased a tract of land called Mt. Pleasant, on
Robinson's run, now included in Robinson and Mt.
Pleasant townships. In 1775 he settled on the
Mt. Pleasant property, and afterward bought other
lands adjoining Mt. Pleasant, called Blackberry
Plain, Gooseberry Thicket, Highlands and Prim
rose Hill. He also bought large tracts in Alle
gheny and Beaver counties, and in AA'est Virginia.
All these lands were well located and are now very
valuable. On April 28, 1778, he married Martha
T. Noble, daughter of Col. Noble, who lived in
Allegheny county, near Noblestown. They had
six sons — Andrew and William (twins), John,
James, Alexander and Edward — and four daugh
ters — Margaret, Martha, Elizabeth and Mary — all
now deceased. The eldest son, Andrew, was a
graduate of Jefferson College, studied for the min
istry, and was pastor of White Oak Flats Presby
terian Church for a number of years. The sur
viving children of Rev. Andrew McDonald are An
drew (a farmer), Abram (a boatman) and Mrs.
Bryne. John, the third son of John McDonald,
was a distinguished member of the Pittsburgh bar,
and contributed by his wealth and public spirit to
the early improvement of the city of Pittsburgh.
He was aprominent real estate owner in that city,
and built the old "St. Charles Hotel," at first
called the "Exchange Hotel," where the "Ander
son House" now stands, and he was at one time
president of the Bank of Pittsburgh. He married

and reared a family, still represented in Pitts
burgh. The remaining sons, William (twin of
Andrew), James, Alexander and Edward, gave
their attention to farming.
The four daughters, Margaret (wife of Dr.
Glenn), Martha (wife of George Allison), Eliza
beth (Mrs. John Mitchell) and Mary (wife of
Rev. William Nesbit), were more than ordinary
women in mental endowment, usefulness and
piety. Grandfather John McDonald died, in 1817,
on his own farm, "Mt. Pleasant," Washington
county, and was buried in Raccoon cemetery. He
was a man of wealth as well as moral worth. He
gave his aid in first organizing the Raccoon Church
at Candor. James Cooke, maternal grandfather
of the subjects of this sketch, was an officer in the
Revolutionary war, and soon after the close of that
struggle came to Cross Creek township, this
county, where he purchased a large tract of land
and passed the rest of his days. He married
Martha McCombs, and descendants are still to be
found in Cross Creek township.
James McDonald, better known as "Colonel
McDonald," father of the subjects of this sketch,
was the fourth son of John McDonald, and was
born August 29, 1783. He received his education
at a subscription school of the vicinity. His father
gave him part of his Washington county lands —
which were then a wilderness, and which he im
proved. On September 25, 1825, he was united in
marriage with Juliana Cooke, daughter of James
Cooke, who resided near Cross Creek village, this
county. They had four children: Martha Malvina,
Margaretta Jane (deceased July 24, 1874, aged
forty- two years), John James C. , and K. Noble.
The mother, at the age of eighty- five years, April
29, 1881, passed from earth at the old home, where
her surviving children now live. The father
passed his entire life on this estate, dying on April
3, 1863, and was buried in the Raccoon cemetery.
He was the owner at the time of his death of a
large farm of 1,000 acres. In his political affilia
tions he was originally a Whig, then, on the organi
zation of the party, became a Republican, and was
active in the interests of the cause, but no office
seeker. At the beginning of the Rebellion of 1861,
he was heard to utter these words: "This war
will never be ended until every slave is free." He
was noted through life for the possession of a
strong, independent will, but was always found a
ready and kind sympathizer for the afflicted and
distressed. He was a regular attendant and lib
eral supporter of Raccoon Presbyterian Church, in
which he was raised, and which his father aided in
first organizing.
The two sons, John James C. and K. Noble,
live on the home farm with their sister, and carry
on farming, giving their attention to raising fine
stock, more particularly horses, making roadsters
a specialty. They are Presbyterians, and in
politics have always been Republican.

yW/-^- -

WASHINGTON COUNTY

973

*, ALPH VAN KIRK. Of the first families
f) in. Washington county, none are more prem
ie inent than the Van Kirks. John, Henry
^ and — —Van Kirk, natives of New Jersey,
came to this county, and settled in Amwell
township. John first left his native State, and on
December 10, 1785, purchased of Abner Howell a
tract of 359 acres in this county, which was pat
ented February 26, 1792. Here he lived until his
death, which occurred in 1797, when the farm was
divided between his three sons, Jacob, Henry and
Joseph. He left four sons and three daughters,
who .were born in New Jersey: Sarah, Jacob and
Henry being the children of his first wife ; and Jo
seph, Elizabeth, John and Catherine were children
of a second marriage. Henry Van Kirk, the second
of the three brothers, purchased a tract of 260 acres
of land which was known as " Red Thorn Bottom."
On this farm he lived and died, leaving six chil
dren, namely: William, Gideon, Arthur, Plenry,
John and Mary, all of whom were born in New
Jersey, and William remained there. Arthur, the
second son of Henry Van Kirk, learned the trade
of a cabinet-maker, and after his marriage to Eliza
beth Parkinson, settled in Amwell township, where
the following children were born: Asher, Edward,
Ralph, William, Lucretia, Emma and Sarah.
Ralph Van Kirk was born December 27, 1815,
and married Sarah Cooper, November 11, 1841, a
daughter of Sylvanus Cooper, of Franklin town
ship.. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk were born the
following named children: Charles, Addison (who
died in infancy), Jennie and Ella (who lives at
home with her mother). Charles married Elizabeth
Gamble, daughter of Levi Gamble, of West Beth
lehem township, and to them was born one daugh
ter, Dora (who died of typhoid fever March 20,
1883, at the age of fourteen); Jennie married
George McElree, of Franklin township. They have
two sons: Hiram Winnett, Ralph Alexander, and
one daughter, Nellie Brown. Mr. Van Kirk was
for six years director of " Washington County
Home," which office he filled with much credit. He
was one of the leaders of the Republican party in
his neighborhood, and commanded the esteem of
all who knew him. An honest citizen, an earnest
Christian and member of the Methodist Church, he
was a leader in the community. Mr. Van Kirk
was called to his " long home" in January, 1890,
deeply mourned by all. a
Sylvanus Cooper, named above, is descended
from John Cooper, who emigrated from Buck
inghamshire, England, in 1635, and settled at
Lynn, Mass. Four years later he located at
Southampton, L. I., whence the family spread
out to other settlements. Zebulon, the father
of Sylvanus, born in New Jersey, emigrated
to AVashington county, Pennsylvania, where he
married Mary White." To them were born four

boys and four girls. Sylvanus was born December
27, 1789. In 1812 he married Mary Bryant, a
lady of noble character and a cousin of William
Cullen Bryant He had twelve children. Zebu
lon, the oldest, married Sarah Nicely, and resides
in Iowa. He has nine children. David married
Hanna Dille. They have ten children. He died
in Memphis, Mo., of paralysis. Charles married
Sarah F. Daychurck, of New Brunswick, N. J.
He was a minister of the Presbyterian Church.
His last charge was at South Centerville, N. Y.
He had three children. John married a lady in
Texas, and resides in Carrollton, Mo. Five chil- ¦
ren were born to them. Catharine married Har
vey Gamble. Their late home was in Winfield,
Iowa, where they both died. They had four
children. Jane married Thomas Hanna. They
have five children. She has been dead for sev
eral years. Mary married John Atkinson. They
had four children. She died at the residence of her
son Charles in Missouri. Sarah married Ralph Van
Kirk, of Washington county. She has three chil
dren living: Charles, Jennie and Ella. Addison
died in infancy. Elizabeth married Nelson Day.
Three children were born to them. She now re
sides in Iowa. Caroline married Gallatin Vaile
and they reside in Rochelle, 111. They have
five children. Henrietta, the youngest, lives in
Carrollton, Mo. Sylvanus Cooper died at the
residence of his son, Zebulon, in Winfield, Iowa,
on April 10, 1873, at the aga of eight-four years.
His wife died August 9, 1846, at the age of fifty-
three years.

YRUS G. ARNOLD, a leading citizen of
Hanover township, traces his ancestry to one
Samuel Arnold, who was born in County
Down, Ireland, about ten miles from Newry,
and the same distance from Banbridge.
When a young man he was there married to
Margaret Glass, who bore him the following chil
dren in Ireland: Nancy (married to William An
derson), and Mary (died of " kipg's evil"). Some
time during the latter part of the eighteenth cen
tury this family came to America, and made their
first permanent location in Allegheny county, Penn.,
where other children were born, namely: John (of
whom a sketch follows); Margaret (wife of John
Stewart, Noblestown, Allegheny county, Penn.);
Jane (Mrs. John Moore), and Elizabeth (married
to Hugh Glenn, died in Richland county, Ohio).
Samuel Arnold and his wife died in Allegheny
county. John Arnold (the father of our subject) was born
August 19, 1800, in Allegheny county, Penn.
He received a meager education in the schools of
that period, and worked on his father's farm until
he was a boy of sixteen or seventeen. He then

974

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

began to learn the trade of a saddler (which at
that time was a very lucrative vocation), working
under his brother-in-law, John Stewart, at Nobles
town, Penn. In 1821 he was married to Mary
Cavitt, who was born in 1805, in Allegheny county,
Penn., daughter of George Cavitt, a native of
Franklin county, Penn., whose father, Patrick Cav
itt, was born in Ireland. After his marriage John
Arnold located ten miles west of Pittsburgh, along
the Pittsburgh & Steubenville Pike, in Allegheny
county. He finally secured a small tract of land,
to which he added by patient industry and toil.
• They remained in Allegheny county twenty-five
years, and in 1846 removed to Hanover township,
Washington county, Penn., along King's creek,
where he continued to follow farming. In politics
John Arnold was a Whig and Republican. At an
early age he made the good confession in the Union
Church, and in 1854 was elected elder in the King's
Creek Associate Reformed Church, which position
he held until his death, November 20, 1863. His
widow survived him until January 29, 1880, when
she was laid by his side in Frankfort cemetery.
She also was connected with the same church as
her husband, and when the United Presbyterian
Church was organized, united with that Society.
They were the parents of the following children:
George C. (a U., P. minister), born February 19,
1825, deceased December 1, 1863; Margaret (wife
of Robert Ramsey, Beaver county, Penn.), born
November 1, 1826; Samuel, born October 11, 1829,
deceased December 2, 1849; John (living in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa), born February 23, 1832; William
T., born December 2, 1833; Agnes (Mrs. B. F.
Mevey, of Allegheny, Penn.\ born June 24, 1836;
J. G., born November 9, 1839, deceased June 5,
1857; Cyrus G., whose name opens this sketch,
born September 5, 1842; and J. Lee (living in Chi
cago), born January 23, 1850.
Cyrus G. Arnold was born on the home place in
Allegheny county, Penn., and moved with the
family to Washington county, Penn., where he at
tended the public schools and passed his youth at
home. In 1867 he was married to Mary G. Black,
a native of Hanover township, this county, daugh
ter of James Black. Their children were JohnH.,
born November 4, 1867; Mary C, born February
23, 1870, and Grizzie B. (deceased in infancy).
The mother died in 1872, and was buried in Paris
cemetery. For his second wife Cyrus G. Arnold
selected Nannie L. McWhirter, of Mercer county,
Penn., daughter of John McWhirter. This wife
died in 1883, the mother of four children, Will-
liam K., Vesta, Margaret E. (born July 10, 1882,)
and Nannie L. (born August 25, 1883), of whom
Vesta died in infancy, and Nannie L. is living with
her grandparents in Mercer county, Penn.
In April, 1886, our subject was married to his
present wife, Nettie M. Savage, daughter of Will

iam and Jane (Duncan) Savage, who was born in
Allegheny county, Penn. The children of this
marriage are Cyrus D., born May 7, 1885; James
S., born July 25, 1887; and Edna Jane Cavitt,
born May 31, 1890, all of whom are living. Mr.
Arnold took charge of the home place on King's
Creek after his first marriage, and has ever since
resided there. He has given his attention to farm
ing and stock- raising, and is a prosperous agricult
urist. He is well versed in questions of local and
general interest, and is a leader in church matters,
being an elder in King's Creek United Presby
terian Church, with which his wife is also connected.
Politically, he is a supporter of Republican doc
trine, and is much interested in the success of his
party.

JOSEPH COATSWORTH. This enterprising
gentleman is a native of the County of Dur
ham, England, where he was born July 12,
1842. His father, Joseph Coatsworth, was
also born and reared in that English county, and
was there married to Sarah Allison, who bore
him seven children, Ann, Thomas, Margaret,
Joseph, William, Sarah and John. Mr. Coatsworth
was an expert lead-ore miner, and investigated its
different branches in his native country. He con
cluded that America offered opportunities for his
family, and emigrated in 1853, and followed coal
mining at Pittsburgh, Penn. A few years later he
purchased a farm in Carroll township, but finally
removed to Monongahela City, where he died in
1861. He was a strong supporter of Whig and
Abolition principles, and upheld his views with
tenacity. He was connected with the primitive
Methodist Episcopal Church, but on coming to
America united with the Methodist Episcopal So
ciety of Monongahela City, of which he was a most
conscientious member.
Joseph Coatsworth came with his parents to
America when but a lad, and passed his minority in
Washington county, Penn. In 1872 he opened a
grocery store, and engaged in the coal business at
California, afterward conducting a grocery at Mo
nongahela City. He finally abandoned the grocery
and opened a butcher shop, where he is now doing
a very good business. On May 4, 1864, he mar
ried Trovillo, daughter of Washington Eckles, for
merly of Westmoreland county, Penn. Mr. Eckles
was born in that county, where he learned the car
penter trade, and coming to Washington county,
finally settled at Monongahela City many years ago.
He was married to Eleanor Mumbower, a native of
this county, who bore him the following children:
Alfred, Jefferson, Artilissia, Amanda, Amzi, Tro
villo, Floral, Ida and Ira. Mr. Eckles was a Demo
crat, and in religion a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Coatsworth

WASHINGTON COUNTY

975

are the parents of seven children, namely: Anna
V. (wife of L. T. Claybaugh), Charles W., J. W.,
May, Kate G., Bessie and Eva. Mr. Coatsworth is
an active member of the Democratic party, and has
served the borough as councilman.
Jonas Crowthers, who came to this country from
Yorkshire, England, in 1850, married a daughter of
the late Joseph and Sarah Coatsworth, Sr., in 1854.
To them were born: Joseph B., W. H., J. J., Sarah,
Thomas A. andR. C, Jonas and Lee, all nearly
grown to manhood and womanhood in this county.
On coming to the United States, Mr. Crowthers
engaged in coal-mining, and being an expert mi
ner, soon became an operator in and shipper of
coal, in which business he has been very successful.

I/AMES M. McMURRAY, one of the prosper- _
i ous rising young agriculturists of Donegal
t(\\ township, comes of that rugged Scotch-Irish
^^ race, of whom it is said that wherever mem
bers of it are gathered together there are sure to
be found men of large character, imbued with the
fundamental principles that abide in the race — love
of civil and religious liberty. Samuel McMurray,
his paternal grandfather, was born about the year
1762 in County Down, Ireland, and was there
married to Margaret Brown, who was born in
1765, also a native of Ireland, by whom there were
seven children, " all born in Donegal township,
Washington Co., Penn., as follows: James, Ann,
Eliza, John, Margaret (married to John Rees),
Mary (married to John Erskine), and Jane (married
to Samuel Barr), all now deceased, John being the
last of them to " cross the river." After his mar
riage Samuel McMurray and his wife came to the
United States, landing in Philadelphia, whence
they proceeded to Washington county, same State,
settling on the farm in Donegal township, which
our subject now owns. Here he passed the re
mainder of his busy life, dying February 18, 1849.
John McMurray, the fourth child born to Samuel
and Margaret (Brown) McMurray, first saw the
light in 1804 in Donegal township, this county,
and here his boyhood days were passed on his
father's farm, his education being received at the
somewhat primitive subscription schools of the
period. In 1852 he was married to Margaret
Boyd, who was born May 12, 1813, in Hopewell
township, this county, a daughter of James Boyd,
and to this union were born two children, viz.:
William (deceased), who was a farmer in Inde
pendence township, and was married to Kate Arm
strong, arid James M. After his marriage John
McMurray settled on a farm in Donegal township,
near where his son now lives, situated about one
mile east of West Alexander, and here followed
general farming up to the time of his death, which
occurred February 7, 1867, after which event his

widow removed to the borough of West Alexander,
where she is still living at a ripe old age. He was
a prominent Republican, and held numerous town
ship offices. As a farmer he was eminently suc
cessful, being possessed of superior business
capacity and sound judgment, and by the time of
his decease he had accumulated considerable prop
erty. James M. McMurray was born December 13,
1854, on the farm he now owns and lives on, in
Donegal township, and where he received all his
instruction in agriculture, his education in the
meantime being received, during the winter
months, at the common schools of the district. On
the death of his father he moved to West Alex
ander with his widowed mother, and after a resi
dence there of about three years returned to the
farm, where he has since remained, successfully
following his life work. On September 27, 1877,
Mr. McMurray was married to Augusta Slater,
who was born November 3, 1857, a daughter of
David Slater, of Ohio county, W. Va., and by this
union there are two children: Lizzie A., born
July 1, 1878, and James W., born July 14, 1881,
both living at home with their parents. l,n his
political predilections Mr. McMurray is a Repub
lican, and has held several township offices, such
as school director, but does not waste time on poli
tics. He is progressive and popular, and has a
bright future before him.

r^j TEPHEN APPLEGATE, than whom there
is no more enterprising citizen in the county,
was born in Allegheny county, Penn., May
5, 1825. He is a grandson of Benjamin
Applegate, the place of whose birth was eastern
Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educa
ted, and whence, in 1767, he migrated to this
county, settling near the Monongahela river, in
what is now Forward township, Allegheny county,
where he patented a tract of 400 acres of land,
subsequently entirely improved by the family He
came in the spring of 1767, and, having made a
clearing, seeded it to corn, then returned home, but
when he again came, in the fall, he found bears
had destroyed the entire crop. He was one of the
earliest members of the U. P. Church in this sec
tion, their place of worship being known as the
"Henderson Meeting House," and he was one of
the most active and progressive of the earlier
pioneers. Vincent Applegate, son of Benjamin, was born
in Allegheny county, Penn., where he was edu
cated, trained to farming pursuits, and where, on
the old home farm, he passed his entire life. He
married Riodosha Harker, of Virginia, and their
children were Richard, Delilah (Mrs. Abraham
Applegate), Harvey, Elizabeth, Josiah, Harrison,

976

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Rebecca (Mrs. Gideon Wal.l), Keziah (Mrs. Jacob
Conklin), Eli and Stephen. The father died Au
gust 3, i839, the mother September 3, 1859. They
sleep in the family burying-ground. They were
members of the Henderson U. P. Church; in poli
tics he was an active Whig.
Stephen Applegate was reared on the farm where
he was born; his education was, necessarily, very
limited. For some years after his marriage he re
mained on the home place, and in 1873 came to
Monongahela City, where he has since resided, re
tired from active life. On October 29, 1846, he
was married to Minerva, daughter of James Ap
plegate, also a native of Allegheny county, whose
wife was Rachel (Holdcraft), and children as fol
lows: Elsie (Mrs. Samuel Dennison), John, Eliza
beth, Rachel, Harriet J. and Minerva (Mrs. Stephen
Applegate). James Applegate was a prominent
farmer and stock-raiser, in politics a Whig, in re
ligion a Baptist. Our subject and wife have had
one child, Josephine, married to Moses Colvin, and
their children are Minnie, Mary and May. Mr. Ap
plegate was originally a Whig, but a Republican
since the formation of the party. He is a repre
sentative, self-made man, one who has attained
success by his own efforts, industry, perseverance
and thrift.

If MOS PATTERSON. The Patterson family,
l\ of which the subject of this sketch is an
4\ honored member, comes of direct English
^ descent, now several generations removed.
Robert Patterson, a native of New Jer
sey, the great ancestor of the family in Washing
ton county, in 1794 came from York (now Adams)
county, Penn., to this county, with his family,
locating in Morris township. The trip was made
in wagons, at that time an undertaking of no small
magnitude. The names of Robert Patterson's chil
dren are Joanna, James, Timothy, William, John,
Robert, Polly, Abigail and Peter.
John Patterson, son of the pioneer Robert, was
born in 1782, in York (now Adams) county, Penn.;
he married Mary Enlow, a daughter of Elliott En
low, who removed from Maryland to East Finley
township, this county, prior to 1800. To this union
twelve children were born, eight of whom lived to
maturity, as follows: Elliott, Rachel, James, Phoebe,
Amos, John, Jesse and Aaron. Of these children
are now living: Amos (our subject), John (in Greene
county, Penn.), and Aaron (in Mercer county, 111.).
Amos Patterson was born in 1816, and received
the limited educational advantages which the neigh
boring schools afforded. In 1843 he was married
to Harriet Cooper, who was born in 1821, a daugh
ter of John Cooper, of Morris township, this county,
and to their union have been born three children:
John A., born in 1846, died in 1853; Clara, born in

1855, married to S. L. Day; Mary Elizabeth, born
in 1864, at home with her father. Mrs. Patterson
died August 20, 1889. Mr. Patterson has been re
markably successful as a farmer, and has accumu
lated valuable property. He is a life-long Democrat,
and a member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant
Grove.

?'

OSHUA WRIGHT was born May 4, 1822, in
Peters township, where he lived continuously
t( I until 1859, when he moved into Washington
^^ borough, in order to give his children a thor
ough education.
Joshua Wright, great-grandfather of the subject
of this memoir, came with his brother James from
the Cumberland Valley, and settled about 1765, in
Nottingham township, this county, on Peters creek.
They obtained a tract of land containing over 800
acres (near what is now Finleyville) from Indians,
part of which land still remains in the family,
Joshua, the great-grandson, having 210 acres of it.
In 1779 the great-grandfather bought of his brother
James all bis share of their joint purchase, and our
subject has in his possession the quit-claim deed
for same, in which the following words occur: " I
quit- claim to my brother against all save God Al
mighty, who being maker of the Universe, I cannot
quit-claim against Him." After he had part of this
land cleared and a crop put in, he returned to Har-
risburgh and married Charity Sauns, daughter of
John Harris, for whom Harrisburgh was named.
In October, 1776, Joshua Wright was one of the
justices of the peace in Youghiogheny county, and
ex-officio judge of the court. He presided over
the court in April, 1777, and was also through the
Crawford expedition in 1782. After this sale,
James Wright went to Kentucky, where he was
killed by the Indians. In 1783 Joshua Wright,
while on his way with two other men to New Or
leans with a boat-load of provisions, was attacked
by the Indians, who shot the two companions, and
AVright, bravely defending himself to the last, shot
several of the Redskins with his own musket and
those of his slain companions. Overpowered by
numbers, however, he was finally captured, and
taken to a point near Sandusky, Ohio, where he was
made to " run the gauntlet," and was burned at the
stake. It was supposed he was decoyed to this
tragical fate by Simon Gerty, the white renegade
from Fort Pitt. He left three children: Lydia,
Enoch and Agnes.
Enoch Wright was born March 10, 1776, on the
home farm in Peters township, this county, and was
reared to agricultural pursuits. He was but a boy
when his father was killed. He married Rachel
James, and of their children but one grew to ma
turity, Joseph, who became the father of our sub
ject. Enoch Wright and his wife both died on the

z*„

o-J

WASHINGTON COUNTY

979

old farm, he in 1846 at the age of seventy years.
He was an active man, enjoying most robust health.
For over thirty years he was a justice of the peace.
He participated in the " Whiskey Insurrection" in
1794, opposing the rising, as he was in favor of
paying the tax imposed, and firmly held to his po
sition, even in the face of threatening letters re
ceived by him, some of them conveying notice that
his buildings would be burned did he not join the
insurrectionists. He was by no means easily per
suaded, but finally he reluctantly united himself on
the side of the Rebellion, and after the shooting of
one man, he entered with zeal into it. He served
as county commissioner, was director of the poor,
and during his incumbency he superintended the
building of the first poor house in the county. He
was a member of the Baptist Society, and gave the
lands and means for the building of a church.
Being a strong antislavery man he had it inserted
in the deed for this property that no slavery doc
trine or sentiments should be preached or discussed
in this church. When the church divided he trans
ferred his membership, and deeded land and build
ing to the Methodist Society. His wife survived
him nearly twenty years, and died at the age of
ninety years.
Joseph Wright, father of subject, was born on
the home farm in Peters township, August 4,
1794. He received a common-school education,
which was supplemented by study at Canonsburg
College, where he was at the point of graduating
when failing health compelled him to leave. After
this he became a local preacher in the M. E. Church,
and every Sabbath he conducted Divine service up
to the day of his death, which occurred in 1854.
He was a close student, making it a. rule to read
six hours every day. In politics he was a Whig.
On November 6, 1814, he married Catherine, daugh
ter of Colonel Thomas and Catherine (Hurd) Hop
kins. The Hopkinses came to the county at a very
early day, and have since been prominently con
nected with it. Eleven children were born to this
union, as follows: Darthula (married Dr. James
Miller, and died in Pittsburgh); Catherine (mar
ried Thomas Rankin, now of Nebraska; they first
settled on a farm in this county) ; Lucinda (married
John Storer, and died leaving one child); Joshua;
Enoch (died in Iowa in 1891); Thomas Andrew
(died at the age of five years); Joseph Thornton
(died in Pittsburgh in 1871); Margaret Ann (mar
ried Dr. C. W. Townsend, lives in Peters town
ship, near Bower Hill); Mary Ellen (married Rev.
John C. Brown, of the M. E. Church, lives in Iowa);
Hopkins (who has been an invalid ever since be
was five years of age); and Charity S. (wife of Dr.
D. M. Anderson, living on part of the old home
stead). The mother of this family died in 1863.
They were all members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

Joshua Wright, the subject of this memoir, was
reared on the old farm, where he was born, then
for a short time attended the subscription schools
of the neighborhood, and afterward studied at an
academy. The principal part of his education was
received from his father, who commenced to teach
him Hebrew before he was ten years of age, making
him rise in the morning at four or five o'clock for
the purpose of study. For a private tutor he had
one Aaron Gammel, under whom he studied every
day, without a vacation, for a year. On March 17,
1844, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Sarah C,
daughter of Rev. John White, and sister to Judge
J. W. F. White, of Pittsburgh. Her mother was a
member of the James family. The following chil
dren were born to this union: John A., a Methodist
Episcopal minister; Speranza Kate (widow of
George Brown, now living at Findlay, Ohio); Jo
seph Enoch (a Methodist Episcopal minister);
Elizabeth Ann (married to L. G. Linn, an attorney
of Butler, Penn.); AVilliam Fletcher (an insurance
agent of Buffalo, N. Y.); James Sauns (who died
at the age of fifteen years); Hallie Lucinda (wife of
Everett Smith, an attorney of Ravenswood, W.
Va.); Ada Blanche (wife of Joseph B. Spriggs, of
Washington, Penn.); Frank Laurance (a dentist
of Duluth, Minn.); and Robert J. (an attorney of
Pittsburgh, Penn.). The mother of this family
died in 1868, in Washington, at the age of about
forty-two years, and in July, 1870, Mr. Wright
married Mrs. Jane Dill (nee McFerran), a full
cousin of the late Mrs. President Harrison, by whom
there are no children. In 1870 he opened a bank,
in partnership with Col. William Hopkins and Hon.
James H. Hopkins, and continued in same until his
retirement in 1885. For many years he has been
a member of the M. E. Church. At this writing,
March, 1893, there are nine children living, with
five daughters-in law, three sons-in-law, twenty
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

OBERT WARD is a son of Thomas, and
grandson of Stephen Ward, a native of
! ^\\ Maryland, of English descent, who passed
his youth in that State. When a young
man Stephen Ward came to Washington
county, and settled on a farm near Bentleyville,
where he worked 'Squire Bentley's farm on shares.
While living in Maryland Stephen Ward was mar
ried to Hannah Thurston, who bore him five chil
dren, none of whom are living. In political opinion
the father was a Democrat. He was thrown from
a load of hay, the accident resulting in his death.
Thomas -Ward, son of Stephen, was born on the
farm near Bentleyville, and attended the log cabin
subscription schools of the neighborhood. At the
age of eighteen years he came to a farm in East
Pike Run township, this county, remaining there

980

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

fifteen years. After locating on this place he mar
ried Elizabeth, daughter of John Williams — the
old wagoner on the Washington Pike. Seven chil
dren were born to their union, as follows: Mary,
wife of Thomas Worley, living near Shireoaks,
this county; Melinda, married to Daniel Linn, of
Fayette county, Penn.; John, living at California,
Penn.; Stephen; Robert; James, living at Califor
nia, Penn., and Thomas, a resident of Uniontown,
Penn. Stephen is deceased. The father voted with
the Republican party, and in religious faith was a
member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Ward died
in 1846, and he was laid by her side May 18, 1891.
Robert Ward was born November 2, 1842, on a
farm in East Bethlehem township. He married
Anna Robinson, a native of East Pike Run town
ship, February 16, 1867. She was born March 23,
1842. They have had six children, namely: Aus
tin, Lizzie, Averel, John, Annie (deceased in in
fancy) and Pearl. Mr. Ward owns and resides
upon eighty acres of good land, which is the fruit
of his own industry. He casts his ballot with the
Republican party. In church relations he is iden
tified with the Methodist Society. Austin, his oldest
son, was married to Miss Laurie B. Pepper, No
vember 3, 1891. They have one child, Alonzo.
Austin resides on a farm of forty acres in the same
township.

It LEXANDER McKINLEY, retired jeweler,
l\ Washington, is a native of the borough,
i\ born January 4, 1817, a son of Alexander,
-A who was born in this county. Samuel Mc-
Kinley, grandfather of our subject, was a
pioneer in North Strabane township, where he
bought land and passed the remainder of a very
busy life. He married a daughter of Thomas Scott,
who was the first prothonotary and the first repre
sentative in Congress from Washington county.
Samuel McKinley had several children, of whom
Samuel went to Ohio, and Alexander, the father of
our subject, remained in his native county, where
he learned the trade of mechanic, working chiefly
at furniture making. He married Hettie, daughter
of Abednego Jones, a tailor, whose trade was
mostly among the Quakers, and who came from
Philadelphia to Washington. He was in the for
mer city when the British captured it, and was
arrested by them as a spy, but was released; he
died in Washington. Alexander McKinley died
suddenly in middle life while at dinner; his widow
survived him several years, passing away in Wash
ington. They were the parents of ten children, of
whom three sons and four daughters were living at
the time of their mother's death; now (1892) there
are surviving one son, our subject, and one daugh
ter, Clara, widow of William Bryson, of Washing
ton.

Alexander McKinley, whose name commences
this sketch, received his education at the public
schools in his native city, and afterward attended
Washington and Jefferson College. He learned
the jewelers' trade, and in 1840 opened a store for
himself, continuing until 1886. On April 27, 1852,
Mr. McKinley was married to Margaret D. Hayes,
of West Granby, Conn., who was visiting her
brother when she met her future husband. She
died in 1871, the mother of eight children: Frances
E.; Thomas, in eastern Pennsylvania; Lucian, a
physician in Ohio; Frank B.; Samuel, in Washing
ton; and Alexander, Ella and Alice, who died
young, the latter preceding her mother to the
grave. Mr. McKinley's next marriage was on
January 30, 1872, with Mrs. C. J. Dalbey, whose
maiden name was Bailey, an English lady, a resi
dent of Wheeling, W. Va. Politically, our subject
was first a Whig, and since the organization of the
party has been a stanch Republican, standing firm
in the ranks, and is now an uncompromising Pro
tectionist. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. F. B. McKinley, the third son of Alexander Mc
Kinley, was born April 26, 1860, in Washington,
Penn., and attended the Union High School, after
ward studying Latin under the preceptorship of
Rev. George P. Wilson. He commenced to learn
the jewelry and watchmaking trade with his father,
and continued with him until February, 1886, when
Alexander McKinley retired. In March, 1886, he
opened business on his own account. On Septem
ber 22, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss
Queen M., daughter of David F. Ross, of Wash
ington, and a member of one of the oldest families
of the county. She is a graduate of the Union
High School, and of the Washington Female
seminary. One child, Ethelynn May, has come
to bless this happy union. Mr. McKinley is a Re
publican, a member, of the Improved Order of
Heptasophs, and a deacon of the Second Presby
terian Church of Washington. He is one of the
most popular rising young business men in the
borough, and has surrounded himself with hosts of
friends.

JAMES S. FORSYTHE, one of the well-to-
do, progressive agriculturists of Washington
county, is a native of the Keystone State,
born in Fayette county December 2, 1845.
William Forsythe, his grandfather, moved, in
1775, to that county from Maryland, and " toma
hawked " a claim to a tract of wild land that is
now a fertile farm, in the possession of some of his
descendants. He died at the age of eighty-two
years, the father of ten children. One of his sons,
Eli Forsythe, married a Miss Jane McKee, a native
of Ireland, and by her had ten children, of whom

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

m

William, born in Fayette county August 27, 1799,
became the father of the subject of this sketch.
William Forsythe, son of Eli and Jane (McKee)
Forsythe, was reared in the old home, and for the
most part followed agricultural pursuits throughout
hie long and busy life. At one time he shipped
coal to the southern markets. In 1829 he married
Jane, daughter of John Steele, and settled on
" Snow Hill," where he died at the age of eighty
years. His widow died three years after, when
aged seventy-five. They were the parents of eight
children, of whom the following is a brief record:
John died in California in 1852; Eli died in 1890;
Nancy married James S.Elliott and lives in Fayette
county; Johnson died in 1891; Elizabeth is the
wife of Isaac T. Crouch; Mary is the wife of L. S.
Miller; James S. is the subject proper of this
memoir; Ruth is married to Frank Hough, and
lives in Fayette county.
James S. Forsythe was reared to farm life in his
native county, his boyhood winter months being
passed in the common schools of the district, and
for a time in an academy, after which he took a
commercial course at the Iron City Business Col
lege, Pittsburgh. He then returned home, and
remained on the farm until the death of his parents.
In 1879 he embarked in mercantile business at
Redstone, Fayette county, which he carried on
three years; then, in 1882, purchased a farm in
Amwell township, this county, which he still con
ducts, and in connection with general farming
deals considerably in live stock, making a specialty
of Short-horn cattle. In 1890 he moved into the
borough of Washington, where he now has his
home, situated about one mile from the court
house. Mr. Forsythe married Miss Mary E. Mor
ton, daughter of George Morton, of Philadelphia,
Penn., a native of Ireland, of Irish lineage, Octo
ber 4, 1876. By this union five children were
born, viz.: Lilian S.; John Morton, who died Sep
tember 24, 1886; Jesse H., Raymond D. and
Robert N. Politically, our subject is a Repub
lican, and has held various township offices. He
is a Presbyterian in church connection.

- EORGE A. DOUGHERTY, M. D., one of the
best known and most successful physicians of
Washington county, was bofri in County
Derry, Ireland, December 15, 1839, a son of
Edward and Lillie (Allender) Dougherty,
both natives of the " land of the shamrock."
The family came to America in 1840 and made
their new home in Washington, this county. Our
subject attended the common schools of the bor
ough, later attended Washington College, and then
commenced reading medicine. In 1859 the family
returned to the mother country, and our subject
entered the University of Glasgow (Scotland),

where he passed through a full curriculum — four
years, graduating with the class of 1864-'65. The
buysar fee which he paid on entering the university
was ten pounds sterling.
At the hospital he took a special course in medi
cine, and received from the university the degrees
of M. D. and C. M. (Master in Surgery). The
University of Glasgow is far famed as a seat of
learning, and is one of the oldest institutions of
the kind, having been founded in the year 1450.
After finishing his course at the university the
Doctor spent one year in a dispensary. In 1866
he returned to this country, and in the following
year commenced the practice of his profession,
in which he has since remained. On January 14,
1880, Dr. Dougherty was united in marriage with
Rebecca M. Clokey, to whom two children were
born: Anna Elizabeth, and a son who died in
infancy. Dr. and Mrs. Dougherty are members
of the United Presbyterian Church of Washington.
He has a very extensive general practice, his ride
being not only far and wide over the county, but
even considerably beyond. The Doctor possesses
a very complete and select library, and keeps
abreast of the times.

\ILLIAM N. McCLAIN was born October
30, 1847, in Franklin township, Washing-
Jl ton Co., Penn. He is a grandson of John
— ' McClain, a native of Ireland who emi
grated to America about 1779 and located in this
county. He was soon afterward married to Rachel
Tucker, who bore him the following family : Sarah,
Elizabeth, James, Simeon, John and William. In
political life John McClain was one of the first
adherents of the Whig party in Washington county.
In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. His remains, with those of his wife, are
interred near their pioneer home. Simeon McClain
passed his youth in working on the home farm, and
attending the common schools. In early manhood
he was married to Jane, daughter of Isaac Carter,
who bore him children as follows: John, Elizabeth
(Mrs. H. K. Bell), William N. and Ellen (twins,
the latter of whom is married to S. S. Bell), W.
Ross, and Mary (Mrs. Holmes Andrews). Mr.
McClain was the architect of his own fortune, and
an industrious, enterprising man. He was formerly
a Whig, afterward becoming an active member of
the Republican party, although he would never
accept any political office.
William N. McClain passed the days of his boy
hood onhis father's farm, and received, in connection
with a good grammar-school education, that prac
tical home training, which was no doubt the foun
dation of his subsequent successful business career.
He is now one of the most progressive farmers of
his section, and though residing in Washington

982

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Penn., supervises the work of his tenants,
doing a large share of the same himself. He has
several times held township office, faithfully dis
charging the duties thereof, and by his upright
moral character winning the highest esteem of all
his friends and acquaintances. His farm of nearly
200 acres is rich and productive and yields him a
large annual income. In March, 1873, he was
united in marriage with Flora E., daughter of
Josiah Cooper, also a resident of Franklin town
ship. Mr. Cooper was a member of the old Cooper
family which settled in that section in the pioneer
days, and was married to Clarissa Penn, who bore
him on son and one daughter, Flora E. and
Herschel (the latter deceased). Mr. Cooper was
an active member and liberal supporter of his
church, and a man prominent in his community.
He was first a Whig then a Republican, at one
time serving as county commissioner in the latter
party. Later he became an ardent Prohibitionist,
leading the forces of the cold water advocates in
AVashington county, and by his activity in the
lecture field and genuine enthusiasm for the cause
enabling them to make large inroads into the ranks
of the old parties. He died an honored and re
spected citizen. Mr. and Mrs. McClain now live
queitly in their Washington home, enjoying the
well-earned fruits of a successful life of economy.
They have no children.

frp^EMAS LINDLEY is a son of Benjamin
I 1| Lindley, who was a son of Levi Lindley,
III) who came from near Mendham, N. J., with
 his two brothers, Caleb and Demas, being
among the first settlers in Morris township, coming
about the year 1780.
Our subject is a worthy representative of the
family of Lindleys in Washington county, and is
one of the most prominent and enterprising farmers
of Franklin township. He was born August 9,
1818, in Morris township, this county, a son of
Benjamin and Jerusha (Cooper) Lindley, and his
boyhood and youth were passed under the paternal
roof, his education being acquired at the neighbor
ing subscription schools, which in those days were
at the best but limited. Demas Lindley was mar
ried first in 1842, to Lovina, daughter of Luther
Day, of Morris township, who came from New Jer
sey, and whose wife was a Vankirk. The young
couple commenced their married life on a farm in
Buffalo township, where they remained four years,
and then moved to the present home in Franklin
township, where Mr. Lindley yet resides. His wife
departed this life April 8, 1889, and now sleeps in
the cemetery at Prosperity, a handsome monument
marking her resting-place. Side by side for nearly
half a century this worthy couple had toiled indus
triously and prospered, and who shall say that her

work and aid were not essential elements of his
success in life? She was a woman of true Christian
virtue, ever seeking to make her friends better and
happier. Mr. and Mrs. Lindley had no children, but
adopted a niece, Sarah A. Lindley, daughter of
Cephas Lindley, and who, on October 16, 1879,
married Hamilton Post, a son of Stephen Post.
The children born of this union are: Demas L.,
Homer S., Grace L. and Levina A. In politics
Mr. Lindley is a stanch Republican, having been
originally an old-time Whig, and was assessor and
school director of his township for many years.
He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church at Bethel, and is held in high esteem by
all who know him.

diOSEPH M. SPRIGGS, a leading merchant
in the borough of Washington, is a native of
the same, having been born on Chestnut
street April 26, 1831.
His grandfather, Joseph Spriggs, came in an
early day from New Jersey to Washington county
and settled in Canton township, where he followed
agricultural pursuits. He died in West Virginia
at the age of seventy-five years, the father of seven
children, all of whom are deceased. James Spriggs,
one of these children, was born in Washington
county February 14, 1801, and reared on his
father's farm, attending in his boyhood the sub
scription schools of his district, which in those early
days were of a somewhat primitive character. He
held the office of constable eleven years; was
sheriff one term (1837-'40), register of wills one
term (1842-'45), and was assistant burgess at the
time of his death, August 6, 1854, which was
caused by falling on his head when jumping out of
a wagon, death ensuing a few days afterward.
His widow, who was a daughter of David and
Elizabeth Boyce, and was born in Washington
county January 6, 1805, died June 14, 1876, at the
age of seventy- one years. They had a family of
ten children, all of whom died young except one
daughter, Mary Ann (married to Dr. R. W. Davis,
of Washington), and our subject, the latter being
now the only survivor. Mrs. Davis died in 1869,
the mother of three children, two of whom are living.
Joseph M. Spriggs, whose name appears at the
opening of this biographical sketch, attended the
common schools of Washington and Washington
College, and when yet a boy commenced clerking
in William Duvall's grocery store, a line of trade
in which he has ever since continued, with some
slight interruption, in the city of his birth. In
1854 he embarked in business for himself in the
building nearly opposite where he now is, and
there remained seventeen years. He was a year
out of business, and in 1886 he erected his present

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

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three-story building, equipped with all modern
improvements, including an elevator, and here,
under the firm of Joseph M. Spriggs & Sons, he
has since been engaged in a large and increasing
business, comprising general grocery, hardware,
feed, etc., the largest of the kind in Washington.
In May, 1891, he commenced a grain elevator busi
ness in the city, which is in charge of his son,
Charles H. In 1854 Mr. Spriggs was married to
Margaret, daughter of James Donahoe, of the vil
lage of Cross Creek, in this county, whose family
were among the early pioneers of the county.
James Donahoe was born in 1801, and died in
Cross Creek in 1872. For thirty years he was a
justice of the peace; was commissioner two terms,
and at one time was in the State Legislature, rep
resenting Washington county. His widow is now
a resident of New Cumberland, W. Va.
To Mr. and Mrs. Spriggs were born eight chil
dren, of whom the following is a brief record:
James D. is a Presbyterian minister at South
Lyon, Mich, (he married Annie Wilson, of Fay
ette county); Mary Eliza died in infancy; Charles
H. lives in Washington, Penn. (married Alice
Hallam, and has three children); William died in
infancy; Joseph B. is married to a daughter of
Joshua Wright and resides in Washington; Mar
garet died in 1891 at the age of twenty-two years;
George D. died in infancy; John M. is still at
home. On February 2, 1888, the mother passed
through the " golden gates " at the age of fifty
years, and on October 16, 1889, Mr. Spriggs mar
ried Margaret A. Seaman, daughter of Alexander
Seaman (deceased), who for many years was one
of the leading grocerymen of Washington. Mr.
Spriggs is a Republican in politics, and in church
connection has for forty years been a member of
the M. E. Church, of which he is at present steward.

¦f APT. SAMUEL CAMPBELL (deceased) was
a native-born citizen of Hanover township.
His grandfather, Archibald Campbell, was
born in Ireland, where he was married to a
countrywoman, who bore him several children, and
died in Ireland about the year 1800.
Archibald came to America after the so-called
Act of Union, locating near Candor, in Washing
ton county. He was here married to Mrs. Eliza
beth (Fletcher) Scott, a widow lady, who bore
Archibald Campbell two sons: Josiah S. (of whom
a sketch follows) and Samuel (deceased, who was a
law student). Archibald Campbell died about
1811, near Candor, this county, followed by his
widow about 1830, and both were buried, in the
Raccoon cemetery.
Josiah S. Campbell was born here April 16,
1806. He attended the common schools, remain
ing with his widowed mother after the death of the

father. He then learned the carpenter and wheel
wright trades, also working at wagon-making. On
August 15, 1825, he was married to Rosanna Teel,
who was born January 20, 1804, daughter of John
Teel, a Revolutionary soldier. The following chil
dren were born to Josiah S. and Rosanna Camp
bell: Catherine (Mrs. J. W. Butz, of Frankfort,
Beaver Co., Penn.), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Anderson,
of Mansfield Penn.), Samuel (the subject of this
sketch), James T. (an undertaker of Galion, Craw
ford Co., Ohio), John J. (a mechanic of Memphis,
Tenn.), Stephen M. 8. (a mechanic of Paducah,
Ky.), Thomas F. (a member of the Fourth P. V. C,
taken prisoner during the operations along the
Welden Railroad, and after surrendering his arms,
was shot down by the enemy), Nancy A., Mary A.
and Margaret (the latter three died in early youth).
For many years Mr. Campbell followed his trade
at Frankfort, Penn., where most of his life was
passed. He died December 9, 1858, and in 1879
his wife was laid beside him in the Presbyterian
cemetery at Frankfort. Both were members of
the Presbyterian Church at Frankfort, in which
Mr. Campbell had been an active worker, serving
as superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and was
for many years a trustee of that church. In poli
tics he was formerly a Whig, then became a lead
ing member of the Republican party.
Samuel Campbell was born February 24, 1831,
in Florence, Washington Co., Penn. Pie received
a common-school education, and when a young man
learned the trade of a cabinet-maker under Robert
Stevens, of Frankfort, Penn., where his parents
then resided. On March 14, 1855, he was married
to Jane Vance, who was born March 14, 1834, near
Burgettstown, Penn., a daughter of William P.
and Mary (Stephenson) Vance. Mr. Campbell re
mained at Frankfort one year after his marriage,
then moved to a farm in Hanover township, Beaver
county, which, in the fall of 1861, he traded for a
place near the northwestern boundary of Wash
ington county, where he made a permanent home.
On August 25, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, One
Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., at Beaver, Penn.
His first engagement was at Chancellorsville, and
he followed the fortunes of his regiment until the
second day's battle at Gettysburg. On that mem
orable afternoon, while fighting in the wheat field
near the stone wall, he received a wound in the
neck, which disabled him from service for sixty
days. He returned to the field in September of
that year, and was stationed for some time at An
napolis, Md., afterward joining his regiment. On
September 10, 1862, he was appointed second
lieutenant of his company, and on November 1
was made captain, serving in that capacity until the
close of his service'. In September, 1864, he was
honorably discharged, and returned to his home in
Washington county, bearing with him the reputa-

988

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

tion of a fearless soldier and just commander. He
then resumed farming, which he followed during
his active life, engaging extensively in stock-raising
and fine wool-growing. With the assistance of an
economical wife, combined with his own industry,
Capt. Campbell was as successful in private busi
ness as on the field of battle. In politics he was
formerly a Whig, then a Republican, having been
an advisor and counselor of the latter party. He
died March 8, 1887, and was laid to rest in Frank
fort cemetery. Since his death Mr3. Campbell has
been living on the old home farm, to which Mr.
Campbell had made several additions. The chil
dren of Samuel and Jane Campbell are William
J., S. F., Anna Mary (Mrs. J. A. Hanlin), Thomas
F. and Joseph V., all of whom are living on the
home place, which is managed by the sons, Samuel
F. and Thomas F.

+/

li IffATTHEW H. CROUSE (deceased) was
\//\ descended from German ancestry. His
Mi | grandfather was a member of the United
^ States Navy, and was killed on a man-of-
war in the war of 1812. His wife, also a
German, died of yellow fever about the same time.
Philip J. Crouse was born April 2, 1802, in Phila
delphia, Penn., and became an orphan when not
more than ten years of age. He was the only
child, and after the death of his parents came to
Washington county with his guardian, Robert Rus
sell. His education was obtained in the subscrip
tion schools of the day, and he lived near Florence,
Penn., untii he became of age. In April, 1826,
Philip J. Crouse was married by Rev. McCurdy to
Ruth Ann Mayhew, a native of Maryland, who
came to Washington county with her parents when
but two years of age. The children of Philip and
Ruth Ann Crouse were as follows: Rebecca (de
ceased wife of James Blakely, Henry county, 111.),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Barnett McCracken, of East End,
Pittsburgh), Nancy (married to William. Burns),
Matthew H. (mentioned below), Thamar A. (Mrs.
J. A. Bubbett, of Hanover township), Richard M.
(corporal of Company H,One Hundred and Fortieth
P. V. I., received wounds at Hatcher's Run, Va.,
which resulted in his death), Margaret G. (widow
of Samuel McKibben, living in McKeesport, Penn.)
and Mary J. (wife of Mr. D. M. Wylie, Hancock
county, W. Va.). After attaining his majority Philip
Crouse came into possession of a farm, which his
guardian had purchased, but the title proving
faulty, lost both farm and the money invested. He
then went to Georgetown, Beaver Co., Penn., and
was a steamboat pilot on the Ohio river for several
years, finally returning to Hanover township, this
county, where his remaining days were passed.
He died December 12, 1855, and his wife passed
away February 8, 1888. They are buried in Flor

ence cemetery. Mrs. Crouse was a member of the
U. P. Church, and in politics Mr. Crouse was a Re
publican. Matthew H. Crouse, son of Philip and Ruth Ann
Crouse, was born January 16, 1833, near George
town, .in Beaver county, where he attended the
common schools and worked on the farm. After
his father's death he and his brother, Richard, pur
chased a place in Hanover township, Washington
county, near the northwest corner. The two broth
ers removed with their widowed mother to this
place, and being energetic, industrious farmers,
prospered. After the death of Richard, Matthew
took his share, and by incessant toil succeeded in
clearing it of debt. On November 26, 1879, he
selected as a life companion Agnes L. Tarr, who
was born January 27, 1849, in Hancock county,
W. Va. She was a daughter of Jackson and Mary
Ann (Crawford) Tarr, and grandchild of Peter
Tarr, a native of Germany. To the union of Mat
thew Henderson and Agnes L. (Tarr) Crouse the
following children were born: Anna Mary, born
December 6, 1880; Edith, born December 25,
1882; and Liia M., born August 25, 1885, all of
whom are living. Mr. Crouse continued to reside
on the farm which had been in his possession since
the death of his brother. He died February 10,
1888, having been preceded by his widowed mother
February 8, 1888. Both were buried on the same
day. Mr. Crouse was a very successful business
man, and left his family an excellent farm of 210
acres, upon which a fine house and other improve
ments were erected. In politics he was a Demo
crat up to the war, when he joined the Republican
forces. He was a member of the U. P. Church at
King's Creek, with which his widow is identified.
Since his death his widow and children have
resided on the home farm, which Mrs. Crouse
manages.

THOMAS D. McCARTY, a leading business
man of Midway, this county, was born May 3,
1858, in Mount Pleasant township. The
earliest pioneer of the family name in this
county was one John McCarty, who settled
in Robinson township and reared a family of chil
dren, of whom Timothy was married to a daughter
of Thomas McConnell.
John McCarty (a son of Timothy McCarty) was
born, reared and educated iu Mount Pleasant
township, this county. He attended school in a
rude log cabin equipped with all the usual primi
tive furnishings of the period, the greased paper
which served as window-panes being but a poor
medium for the transmission of light. In early
manhood he was united in marriage with Jane
Roseberry, who was born September 5, 1810,
daughter of Benjamin Roseberry, of Robinson

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

989

township. The following children were born to
their union: Martha (wife of Russell Thompson,
and mother of three sons and five daughters);
Timothy (deceased, a young physician who grad
uated at the Philadelphia Medical College; he was
married to Tillie George, who bore him one daugh
ter, Cora M.); Benjamin R. (living in Mount
Pleasant township); James H. (deceased, physician
of Jefferson, Harrison Co., Ohio, and graduate of
Philadelphia Medical College); John S. (living in
Midway, this county) ; Richard C. (drowned July
4,1851); Elizabeth M., and Thomas D. (whose
name opens this biography). Mr. McCarty was an
active member of the Democratic party, and in
religious connection was a member of the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church from early youth, contributing
liberally to its support and serving many years as
elder. He always followed farming and stock-
raising. He died January 19, 1886, and was laid
to rest in the Raccoon cemetery by the side of his
wife, who had preceded him to the grave April 11,
1874. Thomas D. McCarty lived on the home farm
during his boyhood, and attended the common
schools. He then entered the academy at Mc
Donald, Penn., remaining there some time, after
ward spending some years at the Western Penn
sylvania University. In February, 1883, he opened
a general hardware store at Midway, Penn., which
he now manages, and in 1888 purchased a half
interest in his brother's (John S.) lumber yard.
In 1891 he • bought an undertaking business of
James Meloney, and conducts these various enter
prises with energetic vim and eminent success.
On January 3, 1890, he was united in marriage
with Anna, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
Stark, natives of Scotland. One daughter and a
son, Elvie L. and John T., have blessed their
union. Politically, Mr. McCarty is an energetic
Democrat, and takes an active interest in all pro
gressive movements.

DANIEL DUNCAN. Among the prosperous
and influential citizens of Smith township,
none is more prominently identified with
the best interests of the community than
this gentleman, who is a grandson of Alexander
Duncan. Jchn Duncan, father of subject, was born about
the year 1768, in Lancaster county, Penn., where
he was married, and in 1780 he came to Washing
ton county, locating in Smith township, about one
mile and a half north of Burgettstown. At that
time it was a wild tract of land, covered with heavy
woods, inhabited only by Indians and wild beasts.
Here the young oouple made their home, and began
to clear away the surrounding forest. A brother,
Daniel Duncan, who came West with him, was

killed by lightning. To this marriage of John
Duncan, five children were born: Alexander, Da
vid, John, Elisha and Susan, all of whom lived to
adult age, and Susan, who was born June 30, 1800,
died at Florence in 1890, having lived to see her
great-great-grandchild. Mrs. John Duncan died
soon after the birtb of her youngest child, and Mr.
Duncan then .married Nancy Morrison, of Wash
ington county, who bore him children as follows:
James, Elizabeth, Jane, and a son deceased in in
fancy (twins), Joseph, Daniel (whose name opens
this sketch), and Norris. Of this family Daniel is
the only one yet living. The mother passed away,
and John Duncan for his third spouse married Mrs.
Emery, who died in 1852. He was extensively
engaged in the stock business during his later years,
being one of the first to bring fine-bred cattle into
that part of Washington county. He was very
successful in business, accumulating a considera
ble property; in political opinions he was an en
thusiastic Whig.
Daniel Duncan was born May 12, 1815, on the
home farm where he is yet living, and where his
father first located after coming to Washington
county. Our subject received a limited education
in the primitive old log schoolhouse of the day, and
on September 20, 1851, he was married to Rachel
Van Eman, who was born in 1825, a daughter of
Garrett Van Eman, a native of Smith township. To
this union children were born as follows: Ella (at
home), Logan V. and O. C. (twins), the former a
farmer living on a part of the home place, the latter
living at home, and Norris, who died in infancy.
This wife died in 1855, and was buried at Florence,
this county. On June 18, 1860, Daniel Duncan was
married to Margaret, daughter of John Horner, of
Hanover township, this county. The home farm of
215 acres, upon which Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are
residing, has been in the possession of the family
over one hundred years, and is now in an excellent
state of cultivation, all the improvements having
been made by him. He has been extensively en
gaged in the breeding of fine stock. In politics
Mr. Duncan was originally a Whig, and since the
organization of the party has been a Republican.
He has held several township offices. Both he and
his wife are consistent members of the U. P. Church
at Burgettstown.

C. BALDWIN, long and favorably
known as a thorough-going wide-awake
business man, was born January 12, 1858,
in the village of Amity, Amwell town
ship, Washington county. In 1860 his father, Rev.
John Sealey Baldwin, removed to Brookville,
Penn., where he was pastor of the M. P. Church.
In 1862 he returned to his native county, and was
stationed at Washington at the time of his death

990

WASHINGTON COUNTY

which occurred March 16, 1863. His wife, Jane
E., who was a daughter of William lams, of Am
ity, died February 22, 1878. The family consisted
of two sons and one daughter: Samuel F., born
July 8, 1860, died December 8, 1862; Florella E.,
born July 8, 1854, married to W. L. Milne, of
Washington, Penn., and William C, who was
about four years old when he lost his father.
Our subject attended public school until ten
years of age, and then entered the dry-goods store
of William Smith, where he remained several
years. In 1873 he went to Bellaire, Ohio, where
he clerked in the dry-goods store of George R.
Taylor, remaining there until 1875, in which year
he returned to Washington and opened a confec
tionery store in the room now occupied by R. W.
Hallam. In 1876 Mr. Baldwin sold out to John
Brown, and entered the employ of W. S. Kam
merer, who was then in the dry-goods business in
the Montgomery building. In 1879 Mr. Kam
merer, being in poor health, closed out his store.
Mr. Baldwin, then twenty years of age, had spent
ten years in stores, and had made up his mind to
continue in it. He formed a partnership with
Frank H. Judson in the furnishing goods business.
In 1882 our subject bought out Mr. Judson, he
wishing to engage in the printing business, this
being his trade. Mr. Baldwin continued in busi
ness until 1890, when he sold out to E. G. Cundall
& Sons; at the time he sold he was doing the larg
est business in his line in the city. Our subject
was also one of the founders of the Ethanmont
stock farm.
In 1889 he, with others, organized the Willow
Grove Oil Co., operating in Washington and Greene
counties, Penn. On January 1, 1893, the New
York Life Insurance Company appointed Mr.
Baldwin general agent of southwestern Pennsyl
vania. In 1879 Mr. Baldwin married Miss Josie E.
McCormick, daughter of William and Sarah McCor
mick, of Clarksburg, W. Va. Mr. Baldwin's office
is in the Donnan Law building; his residence is on
College street.

Ii SAAC P. COWDEN was born in Mt. Pleasant
township, this county, in 1798, a son of John
and Ann (Sloan) Cowden. He was reared on
A the farm, and received such education as was
obtainable in the schools of the period. In 1823
he married Esther Nelson, who was born in
1799 on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where
their son John is yet residing. She was a daugh
ter of James and Ann (Duncan) Nelson, and
granddaughter of John and Margaret (Gilliland)
Nelson. John and Margaret Nelson were both natives of
Ireland, where they were married shortly before

emigrating to America. After reaching this coun
try they took up their abode in York county, Penn.,
where they resided for a number of years, then
moved to Washington county, at that time a wil
derness. To reach their destination, they had to
move their household belongings on packhorses,
the children being carried in creels {great wicker
baskets), slung one on each side of a horse. In
this way they accomplished the wearisome journey
over the mountains, sometimes receiving the hospi
tality of a pioneer, whose lonely cabin they dis
covered, sometimes camping by the wayside when
night overtook them, but always with stout hearts
pushing on, until their destination was reached in
safety, and they found their new home in the
wilderness. Only one clearing marked the west
ern march of civilization, but undaunted by the
dreary outlook they went to work. Fortune smiled
upon them, and soon they were able to provide
themselves with not only the bare necessaries of
life, but also with a comfortable, well-furnished
house. They were industrious, and therefore pros
perous, contented and happy. Nine children grew
up around the family hearthstone, viz.: Esther,
AVilliam, John, Margaret, Archibald, Nancy, Ann,
James and Samuel. Of the privations endured by
these pioneers, we need mention only a few. Salt
was an article much needed and very difficult to
obtain. To procure, a supply it was necessary to
make a trip over the mountains and transport it on
packhorses. At first neighbors were few, living
long distances apart. To attend church they had
to go to Canonsburg. Schools were decidedly
primitive affairs. Amid such surroundings James
Nelson grew to manhood, and was then married to
Ann Duncan, a member of an Irish family of pio
neers who had eight children : John, Samuel,
Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Isabelle and
Ann. After his marriage to Ann Duncan, James
Nelson removed to Beaver county, Penn., and re
mained on a farm in that county until his death.
His children by the first marriage were John, Mar
garet, Isabelle and Esther. This wife died and
Mr. Nelson then married Delilah Ralston, who bore
him two children — James and Ann. After her
mother's death, Esther, then a small child, lived
with her grandparents, by whom she was reared
and educated, remaining with them until her mar
riage with Isaac Cowden.
Isaac P. and P. Esther (Nelson) Cowden had
the following children : Lillie Ann (widow of
Robert Thompson, now living in California), John
(who married Louisa Scott, now residing on the
old Nelson homestead in Mt. Pleasant township),
James (married to Violet Glass, residing in south
ern Kansas), Martha and Margaret (to whom we are
indebted for this sketch), who are unmarried, and
reside together in West Middletown, Penn. Isaac
P. Cowden was a successful farmer and stock raiser,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

991

and resided in Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
all his life. He was never actively engaged in
political affairs, finding in domestic life and agri
cultural pursuits a more congenial atmosphere. In
religion he was a member of the United Presby
terian Church, like his wife and daughters. His
death occurred in May, 1865, his widow mourning
his loss until 1877, when she, too, answered the last
call.

w

^ ^ILLIAM DEVORE is descended from a
gallant Holland pioneer, by name An
drew Devore, who was born in 1736, and
51 -was one of the Hessian soldiers captured
at Trenton by Gen. Washington, and though but a
boy in years, the lad was roused with indignation
against the tyranny of the Hessian prince, who had
sold his countrymen to serve the English. When
an opportunity was offered for him to return to the
British army, he flatly refused, and enlisted with
the colonial cause. In the summer of 1782 he lo
cated on a farm in Nottingham township, Washing
ton county, Penn., part of which is yet owned by
his descendants. Here, amidst the scenes of pioneer
life, his children were born as follows: Adam,
Henry, William, Samuel, James, Andrew (de
ceased in infancy), Polly and Betsey, none of whom
are now living. Mr. Devore became a wealthy
farmer, and his industry was evinced by the crooked
finger on the hand thus maimed through hard work.
He gave 133 acres of land to each of his children,
and died on the old place. Politically, he was a
member of the Democratic party.
William Devore, the third son of Andrew, was
born and reared on the homestead in Nottingham
township, this county, and attended the log school-
house of the period. He learned the shoemaker's
trade, and followed that vocation in connection
with farming all his life. In 1821 he was united
in marriage with Mary Martin, a native of New
Jersey, and she bore him children as follows:
Lydia, Andrew (living in North Strabane town
ship), David (a resident of Monongahela City),
Phoebe ( wife of James Kelsey, Washington, Penn.),
Jackson (a resident of Iowa), Mary (a resident of
Missouri), Sarah (Mrs. Fox, of Butler county,
Penn.), William and Margaret. The mother was
a member of the Methodist, the father of the Bap
tist Church. He voted with the Democratic party.
William Devore, son of William and Mary (Mar
tin) Devore, was born January 19, 1836, in Fal
lowfield township, Washington county, Penn., on
Maple creek. When about five years of age he
came to the home place in Nottingham township,
this county, where his youth was passed. On
March 6, 1862, he married Sarah Ann, daughter of
James Fox, and they continued to reside on the
home farm until 1867, in the spring of which year

he bought a small farm in Fallowfield township, to
which they removed in the autumn. They resided
there several years and then bought 135|- acres in
Carroll township, where they are yet living. He
worked six months at $8.00 per month, and from
that pittance saved $42.00. He was afterward
employed at $9.00 per month, then cropped on
shares, afterward worked at 50 cents per day for
eleven months, saving from these wages $270.
He and his brother then worked four months to
perfect a sawmill, and on the first investment
.cleared $106, on the next $200, and then $1,850.
In 1873 he owed $5,000, which has been paid with
10 per cent, interest. He is now engaged in farm
ing and stock-raising, and owns some property in
Monongahela City. Politically he is a Democrat.
The children of this family are Mary Elizabeth,
wife of S. Worman; James, interested in the saw
mills at Monongahela City; Arabella and Henry C,
living with their parents.

»x OBERT S. McCULLOUGH. In propor-
Y tion to its population, Hanover township
^ can justly claim as large a number of pio-
-A neer families whose names have been
indissolubly woven with the history of
Pennsylvania, as any township in the noble Key
stone State. Among the many who have assisted
in the development of Hanover township is the
gentleman whose name introduces this biography.
John McCullough (familiarly known as " 'Squire
Mc") was born in 1807, near Hookstown, Beaver
Co., Penn. He passed his boyhood in attending
the ordinary subscription schools, then learned the
carpenter's trade, and in early manhood he began
to follow that business in Florence, Washington
county. He was there married to Lydia Jackson,
who was born in 1807, in Hanover township, this
county. She bore him four children, viz.: Rebecca
(wife of Alexander McConnell), Agnes (Mrs. Levi
Culley, of Florence), Elizabeth (married to Silas
Dorman, of Burgettstown, Penn.) and John E. (of
Florence, Penn.). The mother of this family was
laid to rest July 6, 1842, in Florence, Penn., and
Mr. McCullough afterward married Mrs. Deborah
(Jackson) Smith, a widow lady, and two children
blessed their union, viz.: Robert S., of whom a
sketch follows, and Margaret E., deceased wife of
Robert Scott, a merchant of Florence, Penn. Mr.
and Mrs. McCullough resided in Florence, where
he followed his trade for many years. He finally
bought a farm, which his son managed, the father
continuing to reside in town. John McCullough
was possessed of a very sympathetic nature, and
was a warm friend of the colored race, having been
a sturdy Abolitionist; in politics he was an enthu
siastic advocate of the principles embodied in the
Democratic platform. He served as justice of the

992

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

peace in Hanover township for thirty-two years,
giving perfect satisfaction. He and his wife were
members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he
was trustee. He died June 4, 1875, mourned by
many warm friends. His widow is yet living with
her son Robert S., and her step is as firm, her
movements as swift as those of many a woman of
sixty years, though she has passed her four score
years and six.
Robert S. McCullough, son of John and Deborah
McCullough, was born February 14, 1844, in Flor
ence, Penn., and received a common-school educa-.
tion. He was an active, energetic youth, and
passed his early manhood in various pursuits. On
February 27, 1868, he was united in marriage with
Miss Carrie Shields, who was born in 1842 in Han
over township. The young couple first located in
Florence, Penn., and in 1874 moved to the farm in
Hanover township, which he now occupies. He
purchased it on time, and by excellent manage
ment combined with industry soon freed his home
from debt. He believes in looking at the bright
side of life; therefore, while many others were
wasting time grumbling about " hard times," he
was persevering in the duties of each day, until he
is now recognized as one of the most systematic
and successful farmers of Hanover township. Mr.
McCullough deals extensively in stock and wool,
and is specially interested in the wool-grow
ing industry. Politically he has always supported
the Democratic party; his wife is a member of the
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCul
lough has never sought political preference, choosing
rather to devote his time and attention to his varied
business interests, in which he has been eminently
successful. His career in life furnishes a striking
example of what may be accomplished by energy
and enterprise. Starting at the foot of the ladder,
with a capital consisting of naught but pluck and
energy, he has pushed himself forward through his
own efforts, unaided save by the wise counsels of a
faithful wife.

P>HILIP CURRY is a son of Jesse Curry,
' whose father, Andrew, was a native of Vir
ginia, a soldier in the war of 1812, and
died in 1868.
Jesse Curry was born in 1817, in the
Shenandoah Valley, Va., coming in 1827 with his
parents to Pennsylvania. In 1843 he was married
to Rebecca Axtell, who was born in 1807, in Frank
lin township, Washington Co., Penn., a daughter
of Philip Axtell. Mr. Axtell was born in 1778
in New Jersey, and at the age of eighteen years
came to Pennsylvania, following farming all his
life. He served several terms as justice of the
peace, and died in 1875. To the union of Jesse
and Rebecca (Axtell) Curry three- sons have been

born, as follows: William B. (deceased), born in
1846; Philip, whose name opens this sketch; and
Richmond L., a carpenter, living in this county,
born in 1852. Mr. Curry was too old to enter the
war, but was represented by his two eldest sons.
Philip Curry was born May 4, 1848, in Morris
township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the
home school during his boyhood. In 1864 he en
listed in Co. C, Ringgold Cavalry Battalion, taking
part in the battle of Droop Mountain and in
numerous skirmishes. At the close of the war he
returned to his father's farm in Washington county,
and January 17, 1867, he was married to Eliza
Jane Yoders, by which union four children — three
daughters and one son — were born, viz.: Minnie
Viola, Emma R., Clara M. and Oscar. Mr. Curry's
second marriage was on June 27, 1877, with Sarah
E., daughter of Andrew J. Curry, and by her seven
children were born, viz.: Daisy D., Sidna W.,
William B., Joseph P., James V., Alice L. and
Francis M.

TJTVEMAS M. FRAZEE, senior member of the
i V firm of Frazee & McClain, dealers in boots
I J) and shoes, Washington, is a native of Wash-
^^ ington county, Penn., born January 6, 1854.
His grandfather, David Frazee, came to the county
when a small boy, and in after years became an ex
tensive landowner, having several hundred acres.
He was here married to Catherine Sutton, and they
both died in this county, the latter in 1850, the
former in 1855. Three of their children lived to
maturity: David, Andrew S., and a daughter who
was married to Peter Miller, but died soon there
after. Andrew S. Frazee was born in 1816, near the
present village of Lone Pine, in Washington
county. He received his education at the schools
of the place of his nativity, and was reared to farm
life. In the summer of 1861 be enlisted in Co.
A, Twenty-second Cavalry (Ringgold Battalion),
in which he served over one and one-half years,
when he was seized with typhoid fever, in conse
quence of which he was discharged, and on his re
turn home he resumed the peaceful occupations of
the farm. In 1836 he was married to Miss Leah
Moninger, who bore him fourteen children, ten of
whom grew to maturity, viz.: Catherine A., who
married Richard McMillan, and died in Missouri;
Martin V., now in the commission business in Chi
cago; Mary J., widow of Robert C. Vandegrift, of
Washington; Sarah E., wife of H. H. Riggle, of
Amwell township; David L., also in Amwell town
ship; Demas M.; Permelia S., wife of James E.
Reynolds, in Washington; Priscilla W., married to
T. J. Harshman, of Washington; Clarinda C, wife
of William Moore, in Chicago; and Maggie L., in
Amwell township. One of the family, Barbara A.,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

993

died at the age of fifteen years. The father died
in November, 1889, his death being caused by the
bursting of a bloodvessel while coughing; one year
previously he was stricken with paralysis, from
which he had partly recovered. The mother is
still living, at the age of seventy-two years.
Demas M. Frazee remained on the old home
farm until he attained manhood, aud while his father
and eldest brother, Martin V., were gone to the
war, all the general care of the farm devolved on
David L. and himself, then mere lads. Many a day
before he was nine years of age did he have to fol
low the plow and attend to the general work of the
farm; but he yet found time to improve his mind,
for he attended both the common schools of his
township and the Lone Pine Academy. In course
of time he taught school two winters in Amwell
township, but during the greater part of the follow
ing winter he was laid up with typhoid fever. In
the following summer (1881) he opened out a gen
eral store at the locality where is now Topsail post-
office, whence after a time he moved to the village
of California, on the Monongahela river, where he
remained about five and one-half years, engaged
in general merchandise business. Selling this
establishment out, he came to the borough of
Washington, and in February, 1885, formed a
partnership with R. C. Vandegrift in the bcot and
shoe business, the firm later becoming Frazee &
Montgomery, by the retirement of Mr. Vandegrift
in favor of B. F. Montgomery, which continued
until February, 1891, when the present firm of
Frazee & McClain was formed by the retirement
of Mr. Montgomery in favor of Hiram McClain.
In 1883 Mr. Frazee was married to Miss Joanna L.,
daughter of Isaac Powell, of California, this county -
Her father died in 1879; her mother, Caroline
Shutterly, is still living in Washington. Mr. Fra
zee is a member of the Christian Church, of which
he is treasurer and a deacon, and of its Sunday-
school he was superintendent one year. Socially
he is a member of the Equitable Aid Union, and is
a popular, progressive, wide-awake citizen.

17 TfENRY BROSCHART, the genial and pop-
k_J ular landlord of the "Auld House," Wash-
I j ington, was born December 17, 1849, in the
J) -* town of Permesence, Germany, of which
V country his father was also a native, born
in 1820. The elder Broschart, who is a stonemason
by trade, came with his family to America in 1852,
and made a settlement in Sullivan county, Penn.,
where he now resides. He is a Democrat, and a
member of the Catholic Church. In the Father
land he had married Mary Press, who bore him chil
dren as follows: Frederick, Christian, Henry, Jacob,
Michael, Frances, Gottlieb and Mary, the last two
named being deceased.

Henry Broschart came with the family to the United
States, and here he was reared to manhood and edu
cated. » His first business was lumbering in Forest,
Clarion and Jefferson counties, Penn., and then he
went into the oil country where he kept hotel until
1885, in which year he moved to Washington, this
county. Here he conducted the " Rush House" for
one and one half years, and then leased the " Auld
House " which he manages with well-merited suc
cess. On June 19, 1878, Mr. Broschart was united
in marriage with Lena, daughter of Valentine Smith
of Sullivan county, Penn., and the children born to
them were Helen, Ernest, Leo, Paul and Clara, the
last named being deceased. Mr. Broschart has
lately been interested in an extensive glass indus
try at Redkey, Ind. He is a sound Democrat, and
in religion is a member of the Catholic Church.

MfRS. JANE BOYD is one of the popular
and intelligent ladies of Canonsburg. Her
father, Zacheus Patterson, was born and
ii -* reared in Cumberland county, Penn.,
v where he was married to Margaret, a native
of Adams county, same State, daughter of David
and Jane (Carrick) Waugh. The young couple
made their home in Cumberland county till 1808,
when he purchased a farm in North Strabane town
ship, this county, to which they removed. The par
ents were members of the Chartiers Seceder Church,
and the father was an active worker in the Whig
party. They were the parents of the following
children: John, Robert, David, Stewart, Sarah,
Ezra, James, Josiah, Eliza, Tabitha, Jane and Mary.
Of this family Jane grew to womanhood and on
March 15, 1835, gave her hand in marriage to Wil
son Boyd, son of Hugh Boyd.
Hugh Boyd, a native of Ireland, was there married
to Elizabeth Scott, who bore him children as fol
lows: Mary, Robert, Wilson, Bankhead, Margaret
and Joseph. In 1823 the family came to America,
first locating on Mingo creek, Nottingham town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., where they remained
some time, thence removing to the farm now occu
pied by C. M. Berry. Hugh Boyd was a Whig in
politics, and in religion a member of the Seceder
Church in Ireland, having transferred his member
ship to the church in Washington county, Penn.,
after his immigration. He and his wife died in
South Strabane township, this county, and both are
buried in the cemetery at Pigeon Creek.
Wilson Boyd was born August 9, 1800, near the
town of Newtown, Limavady, County Derry, Ire
land, there receiving his early education. At the
age of eighteen years he immigrated to Canada,
then went to Philadelphia, thence to Pittsburgh,
and worked on a farm in Washington county, Penn.,
until the arrival of his family, when he lived with
his parents. After his marriage with Miss Patter-

994

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

son he settled in North Strabane township, this
county, residing there fourteen years. They then
moved to Somerset township, where Mr. Boyd died
in 1876. He was a Whig and Republican, and in
religion was formerly a member of the Seceder
Church at Pigeon Creek, afterward uniting with
the U. P. Church, to which he gave a liberal sup
port. Mrs. Boyd continued to reside in Somerset
township till 1890, when she moved to Canonsburg
where she has her home. She reared the following
named children: Robert, David, Elizabeth, Hugh S.,
Bankhead, Sarah M., Mary J., Robert and Anna T.
Of these David enlisted in Company G, One Hun
dred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., and was killed
at the battle of Gettysburgh. Elizabeth was married
to Murdoch Smith, and has one son, Boyd D., born
March 27, 1878. Hugh S., married to Bell J. Wat
son, was licensed to preach the Gospel August 8,
1876, by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of
Cleveland, and ordained and installed pastor of the
United Presbyterian congregation at New Bedford,
Lawrence Co., Penn., where he remained until the
early part of 1888, when he accepted the pastorate
of the U. P. congregation at Greensburgh, Penn.;
he graduated at Westminster College, at New
Wilmington, Lawrence Co., Penn., in June, 1875,
standing second in a good class. Bankhead was
graduated from Washington and Jefferson College
in June, 1867; he was licensed to preach the Gospel
by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Chartiers
in January, 1870, and died March 7, same year.
Sarah M. died March 2, 1869. Mary J., died May
27, 1871. Robert died January 17, 1873.

ft AMES MILLER. In the array of progressive
I agriculturists who have risen to prominence,
t( \\ and who have contributed substantially to
^^ the material prosperity of Washington county,
stands the worthy man whose name opens this
biographical sketch.
James Miller, grandfather of subject, was born
in the Emerald Isle, immigrating to America in
early manhood. He first located in Lancaster
county, Penn., where in 1782 he married Miss
Margaret Shearer, who was also born in Ireland.
In 1786 the young couple moved to Washington
county, Penn., and made a home on the farm in
Mt. Pleasant township now occupied by their
descendants. Mr. Miller made three visits to
Ireland after settling in America. He took an
active part in politics, and served his township as
justice of the peace. He died in 1819 in Mt.
Pleasant township, his widow surviving him many
years. Both were members of the Seceder Church.
John Miller, father of subject, was born on the
home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and in 1815
was united in marriage with Margaret Miller, a
native of Ireland, who came with her parents to

America in 1811. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Miller settled on the home farm, where seven
children were born to them, namely: Margaret,
who was married to John Givan, of Beaver county,
Penn., and died in 1872; James; Sarah, married to
William Marshall, of near Lawrence, Kans.; Mary,
who was married to Robert Givan, of Beaver
county, Penn., and died in 1872; Nancy, first
married to Samuel H. White (who was murdered
for money in 1857, in Chartiers township), now
living in New Concord, Ohio, the widow of Rev.
McManus; Elizabeth, who married John Miller,
and died in July, 1890; and Ann, deceased wife of
J. G. Paxton, of Chartiers township, this county.
Mr. Miller, who always followed farming, died in
1859, when over seventy years of age, his widow
surviving him till 1871. Both were formerly
members of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting
with the Chartiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian
Congregation. James Miller, the subject proper of this memoir,
was born September 23, 1819, on the old home
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he grew to manhood, receiving his
education in the primitive subscription schools of
the period. On February 11, 1852, he was united
in marriage with Margaret Givan, a native of
Beaver county, Penn., daughter of William and
Letitia Givan, natives of Ireland, who made their
permanent home in Beaver county, Penn. The
father died in 1873, the mother having passed away
some years before. After their marriage Mrs.
Miller lived on the home farm, eight miles from
Washington, which contains 257 acres of well-
improved land, and has been in the possession of
the family for 106 years. Mr. Miller has erected
a good residence, a tenant house, three comfortable
barns and two sheep houses, all commodious and
well-built. Politically he is a Democrat, has served
as supervisor, and nine years on the school board.
He and his wife have been members of the Chartiers
Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church for forty
vears. They have no children.

i NDREW J. PROUDFIT is descended from
l\ a well-known family of Washington county.
l\ His grandfather, David Proudfit, was a na-
-^ tive of Scotland, and coming to America
located in York county, Penn., where his
son John was born January 28, 1775. In 1802
John Proudfit came to Washington county, Penn.,
locating in Hanover township. On April 9, 1809,
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a
native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township,
born March 24, 1793. She was a daughter of John
and Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle. Some time after their
marriage John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit re
turned to York county, Penn., as the father of John

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

997

was growing old and feeble, and needed the care
of his children. The young couple remained on
the home farm until the father's death, which oc
curred in 1826, and John and his family then again
moved to Washington county, settling one mile
west of Burgettstown, where he passed the re
mainder of his life. The trips across the mountains
were full of danger and accompanied with many
inconveniences. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs.
Proudfit rode three hundred miles on horseback to
visit relatives in York county, Penn., the wife car
rying an infant in her arms, and many hardships
were endured on the journey. The following chil
dren were born to these pioneers: David, born Au
gust 13, 1810 (deceased September 19, 1813);
John L., born September 3, 1812 (deceased Sep
tember 22, 1882); James K., born April 21, 1815
(deceased February 25, 1816) ; Eliza J., born Janu
ary 2, 1817, was married to Arthur Campbell, of
Smith township (and died December 7, 1892);
Agnes, born June 17, 1819 (deceased August 15,
1824); Robert F., born December 23, 1821 (de
ceased); Cinderella, born September 16,1824 (wife
of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland county,
Ohio); William, born May 10,1828; Andrew J.,
born March 20, 1831; and Eleanor, born August
29, 1833 (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover town
ship, this county).
Andrew J. Proudfit was born on the old home
farm, situated one mile and a half west of Bur
gettstown, this county, where he was trained to
agricultural pursuits from early boyhood, receiving
an education in the common schools. On January
21, 1865, he was married to Elizabeth Porter, who
was born September 19, 1839, daughter of Andrew
Porter, of Jefferson township, this county. One
daughter has been born to Andrew J. and Eliza
beth (Porter) Proudfit, namely: Ida A., who gradu
ated from Washington Female Seminary in the
class of 1890, and still remains with her parents.
Since his marriage Mr. Proudfit has resided on a
farm one and a half miles north of Burgettitown,
and has followed farming and stock-raising, giving
special attention to fine-wool sheep. He is well
and favorably known as a good citizen and success
ful farmer, and is surrounded by many friends. In
politics he has been a lifelong Democrat. He and
his wife are both members of the Presbyterian
Church.

HENRY CHAPMAN. Among the success
ful agriculturists and business men of Wash
ington county none stands higher in the
estimation of the intelligent members of the
community than the gentleman whose name
here appears.
He comes of rugged, loyal Scotch-Irish ancestry,
his grandfather, Richard Chapman, Sr., having
17

*/

been born in County Monaghan, Ireland, where he
married Sarah Patterson, also a native of that
county, and where six children came to brighten
their home, an humble one indeed, for they were
poor but honest small farm tenants. Having now
so many mouths to fill, and little ones to clothe
besides themselves, the parents decided on seek
ing a new home in America, " where children are
blessings, and he who hath most, hath aid for his
fortune, and riches to boast." Accordingly they
took passage for themselves and six children on a
vessel sailing from Belfast, and as they gazed from
the deck, with tear-bedimmed eyes, on the now
fast receding isle of their birth and childhood,
their hearts were buoyed with hope for a bright
and happy future, the hope that ever "springs
eternal in the human breast." But, alas! they had
not proceeded far on the briny deep ere misfortune
befel the little family circle. The vessel was
overcrowded, water was scarce, the weather tem
pestuous, and as a consequence sickness came
among them — a sickness so fatal that all the chil
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman succumbed, sank to
the " dreamless rest that lulls the dead," and were
buried at sea.
With resolute purpose and stout hearts the be
reaved parents, after landing in Philadelphia,
strangers in a strange land, and possessing but
little of this world's goods, started out, for the then
"Far West," with no small difficulty ultimately
succeeding in reaching Washington county, Penn.,
where they made a settlement in Mount Pleasant
township. Here they built them a log cabin, and
here they experienced all the hardships and en
countered the many dangers incident to pioneer
life. Six children, four sons and two daughters,
were born to them in this, their new home, the
following being a brief record of them: Robert
moved to Ohio, becoming an early settler in
Holmes county, where he died; Mary married
James McNinch, and lived and died in West Fin
ley township; Andrew was a farmer in Donegal
township, where he died; Alexander died in Clays
ville, this county, where he kept store; Jane mar
ried Joel Lamborn, and died in Washington county,
where she had passed her entire life; Richard, Jr.,
will have special mention presently. The father
of this family died in Mount Pleasant township,
near Hickory, May 26, 1803, the mother passing
away December 17, 1826, in Pittsburgh, Penn.,
whiie visiting friends.
Richard Chapman, Jr., was born May 15, 1794,
on the old homestead in Mount Pleasant township,
and received but a meager education at the primi
tive subscription schools of the day. When he
was yet a boy his father died, and his mother then
conducted a roadside inn near the town of Hickory,
which tavern enjoyed considerable patronage from
the traveling public, particularly emigrants moving

998

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

westward. At this time Richard's spare hours
from school were spent in assisting his mother, and
so continued until his marriage, when he settled
on a farm in the same township, where he followed
agriculture up to the time of his death. On Feb
ruary 3, 1815, he was married to Catherine Upde-
graff, a member of an old Washington county
family, who was born December 22, 1795. The
children born to this union were as follows: Pat
terson, born November 15, 1815, a physician, who
died in Belmont county, Ohio, at the age of
seventy-two years; John, born April 20, 1817,
died when ten years of age; Andrew, born Decem
ber 10, 1818, died at the age of thirty-one years;
Richard, born October 22, 1820, died aged fifty- five
years in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was
practicing medicine; Margaret, born July 31,1822,
died unmarried; Henry, the subject of our bio
graphical narrative; Julia, born July 15, 1826,
deceased wife of A. C. Chapman; Eliza Jane, born
September 29, 1828, wife of Benjamin Bungard,
of Greene county, Penn.; Alexander, born Sep
tember 5, 1831, died aged fifty; Hiram J., born
June 4, 1833, resides in Guernsey county, Ohio,
where he is a physician; Barzillai, born October 2,
1835, is a physician in Bakersville, Coshocton Co.,
Ohio, where he now resides; Robert U., born July
24, 1837, is practicing medicine in Des Moines,
Iowa; and Minerva, born June 2, 1839, died in
infancy. The father of this large family was called
from earth June 6, 1861, in Greene county, Penn,,
whither he had moved. He was a member of the
Disciple Church at Hickory, as was also his widow.
In politics he was a strong Democrat, a prominent
figure in the party. For seventeen years he was
constable of the township, and was a widely known
and very popular man in the community. His
widow survived him a few years, dying suddenly
December 25, 1866, of heart disease, while on a
visit to her sons in Ohio.
Henry Chapman was born September 1, 1824, in
Hickory, Mount Pleasant township, Washington
Co., Penn., his education (which was most limited,
as he had to commence working for himself very
early in life) being secured at the common schools
of the district. At the age of twelve years he left
home, and for some time worked for James Ross,
a farmer in the same township, after which he
worked at various other places until 1847, when he
went to Belmont county, Ohio, whence in 1850 he
returned to Washington county, settling on a farm
on Buck run, in Donegal township, where he has
since resided, and which property he purchased in
1875. This highly improved piece of land is sit
uated about two miles southwest of Atchison, and
is equipped with some of the finest farm buildings
in the township. On February 24, 1848, Mr.
Chapman was united in marriage with Susan Bot-
kins, a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born in

1832, a daughter of Col. R. C. Botkins, of that
locality. Col. Botkins was born in Fayette county,
Penn. He was married April 16, 1818, to Rachel
Vernon, of same county, and three children were
there born to them. After moving to Ohio the
Colonel was engaged in farming, and he and his
wife passed the rest of their days there, the former
dying in 1864 at the age of sixty-seven years, the
latter in 1846 at about the age of fifty years. Col.
Botkins was a school teacher for a time, in both
Pennsylvania and Ohio, and Mrs. Chapman has in
her possession some of the books he used. The
arithmetic is written in a neat, legible hand, show
ing much care and proficiency. He was active in
the cause of education, and in military matters he
took much interest, rising to the rank of colonel.
Ten children were born to him and his wife, nine
of whom attained adult age, four of them being yet
alive, viz.: Benjamin V. (in Adams county, Iowa) ;
Elma Ann (widow of David Bell, and residing in
Iowa); Susan (Mrs. Henry Chapman), and Isaac
Harry (in Bates county, Mo.).
Eleven children have come to bless our subject
and wife: Frank, a farmer in Baylor county,
Tex.; Maria, deceased in infancy; Eber, died at the
age of twenty-four years; Margaret, living with
her parents; Henry, a resident of Lincoln, Kas.;
Ella, wife of Edward Kinyon,in Nebraska; Rachel,
at home with her parents; Clara, who died at the
age of fourteen years; Eva, wife of Frank LinviUe,
of Donegal township; Cora, a school teacher, living
with her parents; and A. Campbell, also at the
paternal home. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are con
sistent members of the Dutch Fork Disciple
Church, and in politics he is a lifelong Democrat.
His fine farm comprises 200 acres of prime land,
and he raises pure-bred Spanish Merino sheep, of
which he has a flock of 350; also Devonshire and
Jersey cattle. He has in his possession a church
" letter " over 100 years old from the Seceder
Church in Monaghan, Ireland, to the church here,
which letter was brought by his grandfather from
across the ocean. Mr. Chapman is a highly re
spected citizen, justly honored and admired for his
many noble traits of character. He is a typical
self-made man, one who has fought his way un
aided through life, his weapons — a stout heart and
willing band; his watchword and battle-cry — "Ex
celsior."

TOLBERT T. SHIPLEY, one of the oldest
and best-known native-born residents of
Smith township, was born April 10, 1812, a
son of John Shipley, whose father was a na
tive of Maryland.
John Shipley was born about twelve miles from
Baltimore, Md., and passed his boyhood in his na
tive State, there receiving his ea'ly education. At

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

999

the age of twenty-one years he came to Washing
ton county, Penn., and purchased a wild tract of
land in Smith township, to which he added from
time to time until he had 135 acres, where a log
cabin was erected. He was united in marriage
with Miss Lydia Day, and to this marriage were
born the following children: Benjamin, George,
John, William, Nancy, Tolbert T., Richard,
Samuel, Catherine, Rachel and Henry. John
Shipley was an active worker in the Whig party,
and in religious faith a member of the M. E.
Church. Tolbert T. Shipley received his early education
at the primitive log schoolhouses of the day, with
no floor, puncheon seats and greased paper win
dows. Their first instruction was given from a
paddle upon which some of the more simple char
acters were inscribed. On January 8, 1834, he
was united in marriage with Ellen, daughter of
Samuel Clokey, of Smith township, this county.
Samuel Clokey was born and reared to farm life;
he married Sarah Thompson, a native of Lancaster
county, Penn., and coming to Washington in an
early day, settled in Smith township. In politics
he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of
the Presbyterian Church. He died April 12, 1848,
leaving children as follows: Mary (Mrs. David
Woods), Andrew, William, Robert, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Margaret, Jane, Ellen (Mrs. Shipley) and
Julia. Tolbert T. and Ellen Shipley resided on the old
farm three years after their marriage, then lived in
Carroll county, Ohio, four years, finally returning
to the home place, and in 1876 settled in Burgetts
town, where they are yet living. As no children
have blessed their union, they took as their own a
niece, Martha Pyles, who was married to Capt.
J. R. Day. After her marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Shipley took a boy named Pressby, who is now
living in Mansfield, Penn. They then took a young
girl named Agnes Bell, who remained with them
until her marriage to William D. Andrews, and is
now living in Dennison, Ohio. Politically, Mr.
Shipley was first a Whig and then a Democrat. In
religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church
at Burgettstown.

f/ REER McMANNIS, a representative citizen
of Buffalo township, is a son of James, and
nephew of John McMannis, whose father,
William, was born in the year 1787, in East
ern Pensylvania.
William McMannis passed his youth at home
and then came to Washington county, Penn., set
tling in Canton township. He was married to
Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick Burns, a native of
Ireland, and the children born to them were as fol
lows; John, William, James, Ann, Elizabeth and

Hannah. Mr. McMannis sold his farm in Canton
township, then located on a farm in South Strabane
township, and in 1830 came to Buffalo township,
settling on a farm in Pleasant valley, where he died
in 1849, being followed by his wife in 1873. In
politics he was a Whig.
James McMannis was born, in 1825, in Canton
township, Washington Co., Penn., and was edu
cated in the district schools. He was married Feb
ruary 23, 1854, to Caroline, daughter of Greer
Hair, of Buffalo township, and after marriage he
settled near Claysville, this county, where he re
mained eleven years; then purchased a farm of 170
acres, which he continued to improve up to the time
of his death. His children were: William, Lizzie,
Mary (Mrs. James W. Hodgens), Greer, Flora,
Sylvia (Mrs. Joseph Lacroix) and Kate. The
mother of this family died in Ssptember, 1877, the
father on November 26, 1891. He owed his suc
cess to a life of industry. In politics he was a
Democrat. Greer McMannis was born March 28, 1861, and
passed his youth on the home place, where he has
since resided, receiving a common-school education.
On January 15, 1885, he was married to Jennie,
daughter of Alexander Buchanan, of Taylorstown,
this county, and they have one child — Ella V.
Mr. McMannis is an enterprising, progressive citi
zen, and a worthy representative of the name he
bears. Politically, he is an ardent member of the
Democratic party.

\\ II \iILLIAM S- KAMMERER, commission
\\A\// mercDant> No. 35 Board of Trade Build-
XI Xff mS' Chicago, 111., 'was born on the old
5i 51 homestead farm of his father in Notting
ham township, Washington county, Penn., Febru
ary 23, 1843, a son of John and Elizabeth (Bender)
Kammerer. He was educated in the common
school of his native township, and immediately after
his father's death (then but thirteen years of age)
he entered the store at the old homestead as clerk,
where he remained until about the age of twenty,
when he engaged with J. S. Dilworth & Co., of
Pittsburgh, in the wholesale grocery business as
clerk. His health, however, apparently giving
way, he, at the solicitation of his brother Joseph,
opened a general store at Hillsboro, Penn. But
finding this a very limited field for success, after
about one year he removed to Baltimore, Md.,
where he engaged in furnishing grain to Govern
ment contractors, which business, though profitable,
came to a close with the war, after which he removed
to Springfield, 111., and engaged as clerk in the
dry-goods store of Kimber, Ragsdale & Co., where
he remained almost four years. Returning to the
old homestead in the fall of 1868, he connected
himself in business with bis brothers, Joseph, and

1000

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Frank G., under the firm name of Kammerer
Brothers, remaining in the above firm until the
spring of 1873.
On October 31, 1872, Mr. Kammerer was mar
ried to Miss Mattie G. Emery, daughter of Dr.
Boyd Emery, of Dunningsville, same county. In
the following spring he located in Monongahela
City, where he engaged in the dry-goods, notion
and millinery business. In 1876 he sold out, and
removed to Washington, where he engaged in the
same business, remaining there until 1879, when,
owing to severe illness, he closed out his business,
and again returned to the old homestead. Improv
ing in health, he went into his brother's store as
clerk, where he remained until the summer of 1881,
when he removed to Chicago, and engaged in the
grain commisssion business with his brother Frank
G., where he still remains. Mr. Kammerer resides
at Riverside, a suburb of Chicago. He and his
wife are the parents of one child, Boyd L., born
December 21, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer are
members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he
has been a trustee and treasurer during the past
five years in the church at Riverside.

THOMAS SLATER, a well-know farmer of
Cecil township, is a son of James Slater,
who was born, in 1767, in County Armagh,
Ireland, and learned the shoemaker's trade.
In 1792 he embarked on an American-bound
vessel, landing first in New York City, where he
followed his trade, and was married to Martha
Thompson. She was a native of Ireland, and a
fellow- voyager with Mr. Slater. In 1800 they
came to Allegheny county, Penn., soon afterward
locating on the farm where he died in 1842, having
been preceded by his wife in 1832. They were
members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in
which he was ruling elder for many years. Their
children were: Mary, who married Matthew Craw
ford, of Mt. Pleasant township, and died in 1832;
Elizabeth, married to William Crawford, and died
in 1838; John, who died in infancy; John (who
died in March, 1883), married to Margaret George
Thompson of Pittsburgh, Penn., and first locating
in Allegheny county, afterward moved to Cecil
township, this county; James (a shoemaker and
farmer, deceased in 1863, married to Margaret
Watters, of Allegheny county, Penn., thence
moving to Indiana); William (married in 1854 to
Margaret McCoy of West Virginia), was pastor of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run
between the years 1843 and 1847, then resigned
on account of ill health and died March 24, 1889;
Margaret (deceased in March, 1891 at Beaver
Falls, Penn.), became the wife of John McAnlis, of
Beaver county, Penn. ; Jane, widow of John George,
of Mt. Pleasant township, now residing at Beaver

Falls, Penn.; Thomas, of whom a sketch follows;
and Martha, unmarried, who died in 1839, in Beaver
county, Penn.
Thomas Slater was born in 1819, in North
Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and
received his early education in the subscription
schools of that locality. In 1843 he came to Mt.
Pleasant township, this county, locating near
Hickory, and was married same year to Christina
J., a native of Pittsburgh, and daughter of William
and Margaret (George) Thompson. The father was
born in Allegheny county, Penn., and the mother
was a native of Mt. Pleasant township. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Slater resided on a
farm near Hickory until September, 1855, when he
came to his present farm in Cecil township, this.
county. It contains 173 acres of good land, upon
which he has erected a comfortable house and
commodious barn, also made various other improve
ments. The following children have been born to
this union: William T., a teacher of Wilkinsburg,
Penn.; John R., living in Cecil township; George
W., a physician in Baltimore, Md.; Elizabeth G.,
wife of Sherman G. Sackett, Colorado; Jane Allison,
married to F. L. McClelland of Topeka, Kans.;
Anna, who died in 1872; Emma and Ella (twins);
Margaret wife of Dr. S. A. S. Metheney, and
Thomas Melville.
Mr. Slater has much of the force and foresight
that characterizes all self-made men, who, from
small beginnings, have carved out for themselves a
competence or a fortune. Himself a diligent reader,
and a consistent friend of higher education, he has
spared no pains to give his family advantages in
this respect, often at much personal self sacrifice.
He is a man of strong character and of well-defined
opinions, especially op moral questions; and stands
high in the estimation of all who know him, or have
dealings with him, for his personal integrity and
worth. In his early life he traveled somewhat in
the West and South, visiting at one time in South
Carolina where friends of nis mother lived, near
Abbeville; since the Civil war, however, he has
heard nothing of them. Cousin " Jimmy Wilson "
had a large plantation and many slaves.

FjRANK G. KAMMERER, commission mer
chant, and prominent and influential as a
member of the Board of Trade, Chicago,
111., is a native of Washington county, Penn.,
born February 24, 1845, on the old homestead
farm of his father in Nottingham township.
John Kammerer, father of the subject of this
memoir, was born jn 1790, in Germany, where he
was educated and became prominent in business
circles as a lumber merchant in the city of Frank-
fort-on-the-Main. He was twice married in his
native land; first in 1820, to Margaret Dunker, by

m*mpm_

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1003

whom he had five children, and she dying in 1830,
he married for his second wife Elizabeth Bender.
In 1831 he and his family came to America, settling
in Washington county, Penn., and embarking in
mercantile and other businesses on a tract of land he
afterward (in 1839) purchased, in Nottingham town
ship. Here were born to him children as follows:
Jonathan, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jacob, William S. and
Frank G. Of these Jacob died in 1839, and Jona
than in 1890. Frank G. and William S. are in
business in Chicago. The father died July 24,
1856, the mother May 18, 1859.
Frank G. Kammerer was educated in the common
schools of his native county, and received a
thorough business training at the Iron City Com
mercial College, Pittsburgh. He then engaged in
business with his brother in the village of Kam
merer, Washington county, remaining there until'
1875, when he traveled for a year, after which he
embarked in the insurance business at Washington,
Penn., with Major A. G. Happer, under the firm
name of Happer and Kammerer. This continued
until the latter part of September, 1879, when he
retired from the firm and moved to Chicago. In
the meantime (in 1877) Mr. Kammerer assumed
control, as vice-president and general manager,
under Dr. Geo. P. Hayes, of what became the
Pittsburgh Southern Railroad (now the B. & O.
Short Line), running from Washington to Pitts
burgh, and built the road from Finleyville to Wash
ington. With this road he was connected two
years, or until its completion, at which time he
retired from the management.
In 1880 Mr. Kammerer became a member of the
Board of Trade of Chicago, and established the
present flourishing firm of F. G. Kammerer & Co.,
office No. 35 Board of Trade Building, he being
sole member of the firm. From the account of
the Chicago Board of Trade given in Andreas' his
tory ["1885-p. 315"] we quote the following:
" Frank G. Kammerer is one of the very few busi
ness men of Chicago, who, in a comparatively short
period of time, have been able to firmly establish
themselves among the ablest and most untiring
competitors of the most enterprising city in the
world. Coming here only six years ago from
Washington county, Penn., where he passed his
earlier years in the successful prosecution of var
ious mercantile and manufacturing enterprises, Mr.
Kammerer at once engaged in the grain and pro
vision trade, and by his energy and business fore
sight he has made the house of F. G. Kammerer &
Co. a synonym for fair dealing and stability. He
has been a prominent member of the Board of
Trade since coming to Chicago in 1878, and in
January, 1884, was honored by being elected a
member of the committee of arbitration." On page
320, same history, we notice that Mr. Kammerer
was a member of the committee on arbitration

1884-85-86, with William Gardner, J. C. Merrill,
G. W. Phillips and F. G. Logan. In 1886 Mr.
Kammerer was elected a director of the Board of
Trade, serving the full term, retiring in 1889.
In addition to his Board of Trade business
interests Mr. Kammerer has made several success
ful real estate investments, and is the owner of a
considerable amount of property. He was one of
the leading promotors of the artificial ice industry
in Chicago, and was one of the first stockholders of
the present company — the Consumers Pure Ice
Company — of which he was elected president, and
at present is a director and member of the execu
tive committee. This is the largest original enter
prise of the kind in Chicago, and one of the largest
in the world. He is also largely interested in the
manufacture and introduction of the " Hinson Car
Coupler," one of the leading couplers of the
Master Car Builders' type which has recently been
legalized and endorsed by Congress, and he is
president of the company that has control of the
patent. On December 9, 1886, Frank G. Kammerer was
united in marriage with Miss Dorrie List Hildreth,
daughter of E. A. Hildreth, M. D., and Susan L.
McMehen, of Wheeling, W. Va., and two children
have come to brighten their home: Eugene, born
January 23, 1888, and Frances, born October 21,
1889. Mr. Kammerer owns an elegant residence
on Woodlawn avenue, one of the most beautiful
and fashionable streets in the " Garden City," South
Side.

rti ARON BANE, one of the intelligent busi-
|/l\ ness men of Amwell township, is a grandson
tr^\ of Nathan Bane, who with his father and
JJ ^ five brothers came from Virginia to Wash-
v ington county, Penn., thus becoming iden
tified with its earliest history.
One brother, Joseph, pushed on to the Ohio
river and died in Kentucky; the others settled in
Washington county. Indians were numerous in
those early days, and they had a very disagreeable
manner of informing the pale-faced intruder of
their presence, and also of their intentions, which
were by no means of a friendly nature at that pe
riod. It was soon found necessary to organize a
company in order to provide a defense against
sudden attacks of the savages, and of this company
Nathan Bane was made captain. Here follows a
very interesting item of philological information, as
given by Mr. Aaron Bane: " While instructing the
men of the company, Capt. Bane was accustomed
to give the order 'Aim well,' and from this order
the township received its present name." Mr.
Bane was married to a Miss Nelson, who bore him
six children: Abraham, Jake, Hannah, Becky,
James and Joseph.

1004

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Joseph Bane was born in 1776, on the middle
fork of Ten-Mile creek, and passed his youth at
tending the rate schools and assisting on the farm,
until he was twenty-four years of age, when he took
the farm now owned and occupied by his son
Aaron. Mr. Bane died in 1836, in his sixty- second
year, his wife following him to her long home in
1839. Aaron Bane was born on the old homestead Sep
tember 14, 1824, and has there passed the sixty-
eight years of his life. His earlier years were
employed in farm work and a few months' attend
ance at the winter schools. In I860" he was mar
ried to Mary W. Curry, daughter of John and
Deborah Curry. They have three children: John
C, Albert G. and Edith. Of these, John C. is a
rising young lawyer of Washington; Albert G. is
now twenty- five years of age, and has charge of
his father's farm of 220 fertile acres, which he will
eventually own. Mr. Bane has always been a Re
publican, while his two sons vote the Democratic
ticket. The family belong to the earliest settlers
of the county, and have always been highly es
teemed for their moral and intellectual worth. Mr.
Bane is of Quaker descent, and does honor to his
ancestors.

DRYDEN VAN KIRK, the oldest living
\ representative of his family, was born in
/ Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn.,
August 27, 1815. He is a grandson of
Henry Van Kirk, who was born January 9, 1742,
and in early manhood was married to Sarah Van-
Kirk, who was born July 22, 1749. She bore him
the following children: William, born February 1,
1763; Johnson, born January 11, 1765; Mary, born
April 7, 1771; Gideon, born April 19, 1775; Ira,
born January 29, 1779; Arthur, born June 6, 1781;
Sarah, born July 18, 1784; Henry and John (twins),
born May 12, 1788; Ann, born January 16, 1791;
Elizabeth, born September 7, 1794, and Jennie,
born December 14, 1796. Mr. Van Kirk was one
of the pioneers of Washington county, Penn., and
settled in Amwell township, where he continued to
reside until his death, which occurred April 3,
1797. He was a Federalist in politics, and in re
ligion a member of the Baptist Church.
Henry Van Kirk was born in Amwell township,
Washington Co., Penn., and passed his early boy
hood in work on the home place; then served an
apprenticeship as a mason, which trade he followed
several years. He was united in marriage with
Ruth Jolly, who was born January 1, 1792, and
she bore him the following children: Mary E.,
born February 7, 1810; Dryden, born August 27,
1815; Jane, born December 12, 1817; Charles,
born July 19, 1820; Ruth, born January 15, 1824;
Susanna, born August 19, 182Q, and Milton, born

May 14, 1829. Mr. Van Kirk first settled in Am
well township, Washington county, but afterward
moved to Franklin township, where he remained
until his death. He was a member of the Baptist
Church, and in political views was a Whig.
Dryden Van Kirk was born on the home farm in
Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and
passed his youth at home, where he learned of his
father the trade of a mason. He followed that
business throughout his early life, being for many
years employed in different parts of the county,
and the testimonials of his skill are yet standing.
He is now enjoying the fruits of those early years
of toil, and is the owner of one of the best farms in
the township. He was united in marriage with
Miss Matilda Sowers, a resident of Winchester,
Va., and then settled in Franklin township, where
he has since resided, and reared the following chil
dren: John O., born September 18, 1833; Henry
(deceased), born January 11, 1835; William-, born
September 24, 1836; Charles, born April 20, 1838;
Simeon (deceased), born September 21, 1840;
George M. (deceased), born August 12, 1849;
Nancy J. (Mrs. John McClelland), born July 28,
1845; Sarah (Mra^Henry Lindley), born Novem
ber 8, 1847 ;" and Hiram, bom Ma;y~T57T858T~MF7
Van Kirk is an energetic member of the Republi
can party.
John O. Van Kirk was born on the home farm in
Franklin township, Washington county, and passed
his early life at home. On November 12, 1868, he
was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of
William Long, and they have two children: Frank
and Howard. Mr. Van Kirk is an active member
of the Republican party, and for years has been
the assessor of Franklin township, and has also
served as constable many times. The family are
members of the Disciple Church at Washington.

I

f^j MANUEL W. KELLER. This well-known
^ ' citizen is a member of one of the oldest fami
lies of Monongahela. His father, George
' A. Keller, was a native of Bedford county,
Penn., and there grew to manhood and was married
to Margaret Waltman, daughter of a neighboring
farmer. In 1836 George A. Keller and his family
came to Monongahela, where the following children
grew to maturity: William I., George A., Andrew
J., Emanuel W., Samuel P., Leman Mc, A. Jane
(wife of Isaac Yohe) and Margaret (married to
John W. Teiters). The mother was a member of
the Lutheran Church, and later of the M. E.
Church. Emanuel W. Keller was born November 14,
1832, in Bedford county, Penn., and received his
early education in the schools of Monongahela.
He began life for himself at an early age, working
for some time as cabin boy and steward on the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1005

river boats running to New Orleans. In 1852 he
opened a grocery store at Monongahela, and con
ducted that business for eleven years; then sold
out and worked in a foundry several years, finally
purchasing his present dry-goods store in company
with his brothers, George A. and Samuel P.;
George A. retired from the business several years
ago. On June 7, 1855, Emanuel W. Keller was
united in marriage with Eunice J., daughter of
Noble Woodard, and she bore him one son, W.
Clyde E., now deceased. Mr. Keller is a public-
spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in the
success of the Republican party. He has been for
many years a zealous member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

I AMES McCORMICK NEILL, who now
I occupies the old homestead of the American
If I branch of the family, was the first of the fam-
^^ ily born therein, although it has been the
property of his ancestors for about a century.
Reynolds Christy Neill was born in County
Antrim, Ireland, in 1774, where the Reynolds and
Neill families were as old as the Pillar Towers.
He emigrated to America when a young man, and
located at Canonsburg, Penn. Soon afterward he
married Sarah Bowlen, and engaged in the mer-
'cantile business, riding to Philadelphia on horse
back to order his goods, after which they were
hauled over the mountains to Canonsburg. He
was engaged in the mercantile business for many
years. Reynolds -C. Neill was the father of four
children, namely: Samuel, Reynolds Christy, James
and Nancy. He purchased a farm in North Stra
bane township in 1810, one mile south of Canons
burg, which still remains in the name. He died
April 14, 1842, his wife June 3, 1859, in the eighty-
sixth year of her age, and both are interred in Oak
Spring cemetery. Samuel received an education
at Jefferson College, after which he went West,
locating at Shelbyville, 111. James married and
raised a family. He died on his farm in Ohio.
Nancy died in the thirty-eighth year of her age.
Reynolds Christy Neill learned the shoemaker's
trade in his boyhood days at Canonsburg. He was
married August 7, 1827, to Miss Flora McCormick,
who was born in Mifflin county, Penn., removing
with her parents to Ohio in early childhood. In
1831 they returned to Washington county, and in
1838 located on the old farm, one mile south of
Canonsburg, where they resided the rest of their
lives. He died May 21, 1877, being in the eighty-
third year of his age. His wife died April 24,
1887, in the ninetieth year of her age, and both are
interred in Oak Spring cemetery. Their family
consisted of six children, namely: Thomas, Samuel,
Sarah Ann, Nancy Jane, James McCormick and
Reynolds C.

Thomas Neill was born September 30, 1829, and
was married twice, his first wife being Jane Wea
ver, to whom two children were born, namely:
Flora Jane and Thomas Reynolds. Thev reside on
part of the old farm. His second wife was Miss
Kate Kerr.
Samuel Neill, second son of Reynolds Christy,
was born May 4, 1833, and was married to Miss
Lizzie Berry, of Dunningsville, Penn., January 20,
1859. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and during
his stay in this county raised fine Merino sheep.
On February 22, 1882, he left Washington county
and located in Humeston, Wayne county, Iowa,
where he purchased a farm and now resides. His
family consists of five children, namely: Anna M.,
born May 21, 1861; Flora E., born June 5, 1863;
John Christy, born April 29, 1870; Lizzie E., born
July 14, 1874, and William M., born February 15,
1877. Anna and Flora are married, and live in
Humeston. John attended College, and Lizzie
attended the High School at Humeston. Samuel
is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of
Humeston. James McCormick, born in 1838, is
noticed at the close of this sketch. Reynolds
C, the youngest son, was born October 15, 1840.
He married Miss Mattie Wilson, May 14, 1885, and
is the father of two children, Clark and Eva. He
now resides on Greenside avenue, Canonsburg.
Sarah Ann and Nancy Jane reside on Central
avenue, Canonsburg, on the lot where their
grandfather used to keep his store, 100 years ago.
James McCormick Neill was born October 15,
1838, he being the first member of his family born
on the farm which has been so long in the name.
He Was married March 5, 1873, to Miss Mary Eliza
beth, daughter of Thos. D. and Eliza Caldwell
Weaver. Settled near Clinton, Allegheny county,
and then near Candor, Washington county; re
turned to the old homestead in 1890. To them
were born six children, namely: James Weaver,
Flora Annetta, Mary, Dora Bell, Elizabeth and
Edna, all of whom are at home. It has been the
custom of the family while living on the homestead
to attend the Chartiers Presbyterian Church, the
oldest church in the community.

4

MT. GREER is a member of one of the pio
neer families of Cecil township, and a son
of Robert Greer, who was born in 1804, in
-^ County Down, Ireland, and in 1820 came
with his parents to Chartiers township,
Washington Co., Penn., locating on the Allison
farm. He was soon afterward married to Nancy
Rice, and in 1828 began wedded life on the old
homestead in Cecil township, this county, where
five children were born to their union, namely:
Adam R., living in Hancock county, Ohio; Mary
Isabelle, wife of H. Rial, of Hancock county, Ohio;

1006

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

M. T., whose name opens this sketch; Robert, who
enlisted in 1861, in the Eighty-fifth Regiment, P.
V. I., for three years or during the war, and died
in 1862 at the White House Hospital, Richmond,
Va. ; and Sarah Ann, living with her brother, M. T.
The father died in February, 1887, having been
preceded by the mother in 1867. Both parents
were members of the Presbyterian Church at
Centre. M. T. Greer was born January 12, 1835, on the
farm in Cecil township which is yet his home, and
received his education in the district schools of the
neighborhood. The homestead contains 132 acres
of good land, which is kept in the highest state of
cultivation by the present owner, who also gives
considerable attention to raising a fine grade of
cattle. He has watched the development of the
county, having seen all of the railroads enter it,
and Greer's Station is located on his farm. He has
taken an active interest in politics, voting with the
Democratic party, and has filled various offices of
trust in the township. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Centre.

TiAMES J. HUNTER, a representative farmer
| of East Finley township, is a son of James
^J Hunter, who was born about the year 1776,
^^ of Irish parents in eastern Pennsylvania, and
spent his early life in that State.
On June 21, 1810, he was there married to Elea
nor Garrett, and immediately thereafter they moved
to Buffalo township, this county. To this union
were born the following named children: Margaret
(deceased), born April 12, 1811; Susan (deceased),
born October 24, 1814; Elizabeth, born April 13,
1818, now living in East Finley township, this
county, the widow of Robert Marshall; James J.;
and William, residing in West Finley township.
Mrs. Hunter died in 1824, and March 29, 1827, Mr.
Hunter was united in marriage with Sarah Clark,
of Buffalo township, this county, and they had two
children: John Clark (deceased), born December
24, 1827, and Sarah Ann (deceased), born October
6, 1830. The mother of these children died in
1846, and November 2, 1848, Mr. Hunter was united
in marriage with Jane Welsh, who died in 1888.
Mr. Hunter followed farming and distilling until
1839, when he came to East Finley township, set
tling on the farm now owned by his son, James J.
Hunter, and which is situated about a mile east of
Good Intent, near the western line of East Finley
township. He passed the remainder of his life on
this farm, and died in the year 1858. He was a
member of the U. P. Church at Wheeling, and in
politics he was a Whig.
James J. Hunter was born October 26, 1820, in
Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn.; and was
in early life inducted into the mysteries of agricult

ure by his parents. He came with the family to
East Finley township, and in 1843 began life for
himself by doing farm work for other people, and
cropping on his father's place. On October 19,
1845, he was united in marriage with Jane Hutch-
isson, who was born in 1825, daughter of Thomas
Hutchisson, of East Finley township, and by this
union there are three children : Joseph S., born
June 24, 1846, now a farmer living in Franklin
township, this county; Thomas H., born June 14,
1848, a farmer living in East Finley township, this
county; and James C, born June 30, 1852, residing
in Brilliant, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Mrs. Hunter died
in 1853, and on November 13, I860, Mr. Hunter
was married to Elizabeth Marshall, who was born
in 1822, a daughter of Gilbert Marshall, of East
Finley township, a hardy pioneer, who lived to be
nearly one hundred years of age. James J. and
Elizabeth (Marshall) Hunter have had the following
children: Mary E., born March 27, 1862, married
November 5, 1891, to Alfred Sprowls; Jane A.,
born September 12, 1863, still living with her par
ents; and Florence M., born July 27, 1865, also at
home. After his first marriage (in 1845) Mr.
Hunter resided for some time in West Finley town
ship, this county, then came to East Finley town
ship, and in a short time returned to his former
home, but finally, in 1861, moved back to East
Finley township where he has since remained. Mr'.
Hunter, as did his father before him, has made a
financial and social succf ss of his life by practicing
the valuable virtues of industry, perseverance and
thrift. In politics he is a worker in the ranks of
the Republican party. In religious connection he
and his wife are members of the United Presby
terian Church at Dog Wood Grove, East Finley
township.

diOSEPH WILSON. To the energetic, patri
otic, warm-hearted and enthusiastic sons of
the Emerald Isle America owes a lasting debt
of gratitude. The blood of Erin's sons has
ever freely flowed in behalf of American liberties
and for the American people. From the days of
the Revolution, when Patrick Henry voiced the
anguished cry of a maddened nation in burning
words of eloquence, to the present time, as gold-
crowned Monopoly would crush the toiling millions
beneath her feet, laugh to scorn their cries for
mercy — through all these years has rung that cry
which is echoed in the heart of every true Irishmay
— "Give me liberty or give me death;" and many
have accepted death, that their adopted and be
loved country might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
Of this noble race the family of which we write are
worthy representatives. Thomas Wilson was born
and reared, in County Antrim, Ireland, and in early
life made choice of a helpmeet in the person of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1009

Mary Ellis, whose children were as follows: Joseph,
Margaret (wife of William Chapman), Nancy (Mrs.
Archie Wilney), Matthew, Thomas, Eliza (wife of
Patrick Rush) and Robert. The father was a
member of the Seceder Church. He followed
farming, and both parents died in their native
land. Joseph Wilson was born February 28, 1827, in
County Antrim, Ireland, and was there married to
Nancy Kerr. In 1853 the children of the Wilson
family came to America; Joseph came a year ahead
of wife and two sons: John and Joseph E., aged two
and four years respectively. They had a stormy
voyage of nine weeks' duration, but finally landing
in Baltimore, Md., proceeded to Washington county,
locating in Canonsburg, where Joseph Wilson- fol
lowed the boating and coal business until 1862.
He then enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I., with the army of .the Potomac.
He was wounded in the foot by a minie ball, at
Cold Harbor, and after returning home he engaged
in business. In 1871 he opened the grocery which
he is now conducting. In politics he is a Republi
can, and served as burgess of Canonsburg one year
and assistant burgess several years. He is a mem
ber and liberal supporter of the U. P. Church. Of
the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson the fol
lowing is a brief record: John, born in County
Antrim, Ireland, was reared and educated in Canons
burg, this county; was married to Mary, daughter
of AVilliam Skyls, and she has borne him eight
children. John Wilson is the manager of the Oak
Spring cemetery. Joseph E., born in Ireland and
reared in Canonsburg, Penn., in early life was mar
ried to Viann a Ferguson; is engaged in the coal
business. Thomas is living at home. David fol
lows teaming for a livelihood; in early life he was
united in marriage with Mary Jones. Matthew is
an enterprising and prosperous grocer of Canons
burg; selected a life companion in the person of
Miss Jennie Giffin. George was married to Amanda
Gutherie, and they are now residing in the State of
Ohio, where he carries on a profitable business.
Robert, who married Martha Thompson, is a huck
ster. Mary E. was educated at the common schools
of Canonsburg, at the academy, and also attending
the normal school at California, this county; she is
now teaching in the schools of Canonsburg. The
family are members of the U. P. Church, and the
sons are all stanch Republicans.

AMUEL A. LACOCK, M. D., of Canons
burg, is a physician recognized by the pro
fession and the public as a man of eminent
ability, skill and enterprise, haying hewed
own way to the prominent position he now
occupies. He is a representative of one of the
oldest families of Washington county, one Samuel

Lacock — whose children were Ira, John R. and
Samuel — being the first to settle here. Ira Lacock
was born in this county, and in early manhood was
married to Annie Bane, who bore him children as
follows: William (living in Washington county),
Isaac (a resident of Missouri), Samuel (deceased),
John V. (of whom a sketch follows), Elizabeth
(wife of William Mounts) and Ira J. (an attorney
of Hiawatha, Kans.). The father died in January,
1877, at the age of seventy- three years, the mother
having preceded him to the grave in 1871, in her
seventy-first year.
John V. Lacock was also born in Washington
county, where he was educated and grew to man
hood. He selected a life companion in the person
of Sarah J., daughter of William and Mary (Coul
son) McClenathan, of Amwell township, this county,
who were connected with the Death family, of
England. James Death, Sr., emigrated from En
gland about 1680, with his wife Sophia. Their
children were Edward, James, William, Charity
and George Death. Charity Death married Samuel
Coulson. Their children were Mary, William, John,
Sarah, James, Rachael, Thomas and Anna. Mary
Coulson married William McClenathan. Their
children were Isabella, Samuel, William, John,
James, Blair, Allen, Thomas, George S., Mary and
Sarah Jane. The last named became the wife of
John V. Lacock. To the union of John V. and
Sarah J. Lacock five sons were born, viz.: George
S. (living in Kansas), Samuel A. (whose name
opens this sketch), William R. (living in Amwell
township), Ira L. (a resident of Franklin town
ship), and John Marion (deceased in infancy). The
father is yet living on a farm in Franklin township,
owned by his son, Samuel A. The mother died
December 14, 1889, aged sixty-four years.
Dr. Samuel A. Lacock was born December 23,
1849, in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and passed his youth on the home farm, attending
during the winter months the public schools of the
neighborhood. His later education was received
at Washington and Jefferson College, and in 1870
he entered Bethany College, W. Va., graduating
therefrom in June, 1873. After his studies were
finished, he taught school for two years, then read
medicine at Washington. In 1875 he took a medi
cal course at Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1876 entered
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he
graduated in March, 1877. In July of the same
year Dr. Lacock commenced the practice of his
profession at McConnell's Mill, in Chartiers town
ship, remaining there three years. In April, 1883,
he came to Canonsburg, where he has since resided.
In early life the Doctor was married to Flora
Slusher, who died leaving one child, Hallie M. In
1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Olive
Kate, daughter of Hugh C. De France, of Chartiers
township, who has borne him two daughters — Elva

1010

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

E. and Ida M. — and one son — Joseph C. Dr. La
cock has a large practice. In politics he is an active
worker in the Democratic party, having served his
party in many ways. During the nine years he
has been a resident of Canonsburg he has taken an
active part in extending the borough limits and
generally improving the town, and is at present
greatly interested in the prosecution of the estab
lishment of water-works, electric light, and sewer
age of the town. He has served one term as city
burgess, nearly eight years as school director, and
is now a director in the Citizens' Bank.

If 17 ENRY CONRAD, proprietor of the only tin
Y~-\ shop in Burgettstown, was born November
I [J 5, 1838, in Prussia, and is a son of Charles
II — ^ Conrad, whose father was born and reared
v in that country, being there married to a
Miss Schules. Grandfather Conrad was a merchant
and farmer, and both he and his wife died in
Prussia. Charles Conrad was born in 1798, in Prussia.
In early manhood he married Catherine Conrad, a
member of another family of the same name, and
their children were Catharina, Julia, Elizabeth,
Caroline, Charles, Henry, Jacob and Daniel. In
1846 he and his family embarked in a sailing ves
sel for America, landing at New York after a
heavy storm, which lasted a day and a night, the
crew and passengers thinking every moment would
be their last. After arriving in New York, the
family proceeded westward to Lock No. 17, Tus
carawas Co., Ohio, where Mr. Conrad purchased a
farm, on which he remained twenty years. He
then moved to Wabash county, Ind., and there
passed the remainder of his life. Pie was an ardent
member of the Evangelical Church, and contrib
uted liberally to its support; in politics he was a
Democrat. He followed agricultural pursuits.
Henry Conrad, a son of Charles and Catherine
Conrad, lived with his parents until sixteen years
of age, when he began learning the trade of tin
ner with one John Luchenbough, of Canal Dover,
Ohio, serving an apprenticeship of three and a half
years. He then followed his trade at Zoar, same
State, afterward moving to Pittsburgh, Penn., and
few years later to New York, where he remained
one year. He then returned to Pittsburgh, and in
1872 opened a tin shop in Burgettstown, this
county, where he has since continued. On July
12, 1866, he was united in marriage with Margaret,
daughter of Andrew Ulrich, a native of Germany,
and two children have been born to their union:
George H. and Margaret. In 1876 Mr. Conrad
started a small greenhouse, which has increased to
his present magnificent collection of beautiful and
varied vegetation, including both flowers and vege
tables, which are kept in a large and elegant con

servatory. Mr. Conrad has made his own way to
the upper round of the ladder of success. In poli
tics he is a Republican, and in religion has been a
member of the Evangelical Church for years.
George H. Conrad was born June 30, 1867, re
ceived his early education in the schools of Bur
gettstown, and at the age of fourteen years
attended the Evangelical School at Pittsburgh,
Penn. When sixteen years of age he entered his
father's shop, where he has since remained. On
January 21, 1892, he married Sadie E., daughter of
William Jones, of Midway, Penn. Politically
George H. Conrad is a Republican, and in religious
faith he is a member of the Evangelical Church.

V. RIDDILE, M. D., is one of the promi
nent physicians of Burgettstown. His
early ancestors were natives of Rox
burghshire, Scotland, one of whom emi
grated to America at an early day, and reared a
family of children in this country. John Riddile
(the grandfather of W. V.) was born and grew to
manhood in America, and married here. He came
to Washington county, Penn., in an early day,
purchasing a tract of land in Smith township, where
he remained until his death. He was a member of
the Presbyterian Church of Candor. In politics
he affiliated with the Democratic party, serving
several years as justice, in which position he gave
satisfaction to all. He was the father of six chil
dren, namely: Abraham, Joseph, John, Catherine,
James and Ann.
Samuel Riddile, father of Dr. Riddile, was born
on the farm in Smith township, receiving his early
education in the log schoolhouse of the period, and
remaining at home during his boyhood. In early
life he was united in marriage with Margaret,
daughter of Joseph Scott, and the young people
settled on a farm in Smith township, this county,
where the following children were born: John,
Mary (wife of Robert McFarland), J. S. (de
ceased), S. P., James (living in California), David
(deceased), Robert (deceased), Sarah (Mrs. James
Hayes), Catherine (wife of William Proudfit),
Abraham (deceased) and W. V. (our subject).
Mr. Riddile followed building and farming. In
politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of
the Presbyterian Church at Candor, afterward
uniting with the one at Burgettstown.
W. V. Riddile, M. D., was born October 6, 1839,
in Smith township, being educated at the common
schools and Burgettstown Academy. In 1861 he
entered the office of Dr. T. W. Bradley, remaining
with him three years, during which time he entered
the University of Michigan in 1863, graduating in
1864. He then began to practice at Noblestown,
Allegheny county, afterward moving to Candor,
living there five years, when he passed one year in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1011

Pittsburgh, and finally settled in Burgettstown,
where he has since resided. He was united in mar
riage with Rosa, daughter of Hon. Finley Patterson,
of Cross Creek township, twenty-three years ago.
She died in 1875 leaving three children: Thomas
(deceased), Fred C. and Harry B. For his second
wife Dr. Riddile was married to Emma, daughter
of Charles W. Bingham, by which union there is
one daughter, Mamie J. Dr. Riddile has taken an
active interest in educational matters, and in poli
tics is a Democrat. He is an elder in the Presby
terian Church.

,\ILLIAM C. CONDIT. The pioneer an
cestors of this family date back to 1678,
when the name of John Condit was first
heard. He located in the town of New
ark, Essex Co., N. J., in 1689, and in 1691 was
married to a widow, Mrs. Catherine Barton, a niece
of Sir Isaac Newton, whose estate she inherited.
Mr. Condit succeeded Sir Isaac as Master and
Warden of the English Mint. His wife died May
27, 1737, and on January 20, 1739, Mr. Condit
passed away, leaving the estate to his son Peter,
whose eldest son, Samuel, inherited it in turn. In
1885 there were 1623 descendants of Samuel Con
dit, first grandson of John, living in the United
States. Peter, the fifth grandson of John (the
ancestor, who resided in Morristown, N. J.), was
the individual to whom the Condit family in An-
well township trace their genealogy. Philip Con
dit was born in Newark, N. J., in April, 1709, and
passed his life near Morristown, same State, where
he died December 3, 1801, aged ninety-two years.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Jabez Condit, son of Philip, was born February
8, 1739, and was married to Phoebe Smith, of
Morristown, N. J. He passed his life on his
father's farm, and the old home is filled with
sacred mementoes of these ancestors of the past
century. He died November 22, 1804, followed
by his wife March 6, 1813. Jonas Condit, son of
Jabez and Phoebe (Smith) Condit, was born
January 14, 1769, and came to Washington county
when about twenty-five years of age. His second
wife was Hannah, daughter of Rev. Thaddeus
Dodd, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Condit was a man of
fine physique and strong moral character. He
was a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Upper and Lower Ten-Mile, and in 1805 was
elected an elder. He and his family assisted very
materially with the sacred music, and members
of their family have led the choir exclusively
since 1843. Mr. Condit was a justice of the peace
many years by appointment of the Governor of
Pennsylvania. Daniel Condit, son of Jonas and Hannah Condit,
was born December 10, 1813, in Amwell township,

and was educated in the commom schools. On
February 2, 1837, he was married to Priscilla
Carter, who died October 20, 1874. On Novem
ber 24, 1875, he wedded Amanda Chitter, and she
died January 1, 1878. On April 14, 1880, he
selected his third wife in the person of Mary John
son. Mr. Condit's children were AArilliam C, born
October 6, 1839; Mrs. Henry Horan, born October
14, 1842, and Mrs. Ruth A. Brownlee, born April
12, 1850. Mr. Condit was for many years a useful
and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church,
and was ordained an elder September 12, 1858.
He was superintendent of the Sunday-school, and
leader of the choir for twenty years, the latter
position being now occupied by his son. He was
very fond of Scripture and historical reading.
Politically he was first a Whig and then a Repub
lican, serving as school director and treasurer of
the township for many years.
William 0. Condit, son of Daniel and Priscilla,
was born in Amity, Washington county, and when
six months old was brought by his parents to
Lindley's Mills, where he remained for two years,
when his parents again moved to the place adjoin
ing the one which he now owns and occupies.
In 1859 he was married to Mary J. Strouse, grand
daughter of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, and they have
had four children: Silas, born November 8, 1860;
Jennie McAfee, born December 31, 1865; Anna
McAfee, born July 28, 1871, and Lottie M., born
May 31, 1878, died January 28, 1881. Mr. Condit
has always been a great reader, and like his father
is an earnest student of Scripture and history. He
has a fertile farm of 100 acres. In politics he has'
always been an active worker in the ranks of the
Republican party, having held several township
offices. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Ring
gold Cavalry Battalion for three years. On June
6, 1864, he was shot through the right lung, receiv-
ivg injuries from which he yet suffers. He and
wife have been members of the Presbyterian
Church for thirty-four years, while their children
have been members for seventeen years.

*

i RCHIBALD B. DARRAGH. Robert Burns
l\ expressed the universal desire of every
l\ earnest man and woman, when, in his inimi-
^ table style, he penned the lines now quoted
the world around:
Oh, wad some Power the giftie gie us,
To see oursels as ithers see us.
It wad frae mony a blunder free us,
An foolish notion.
Had the Scottish bard written no other word,
that verse would have immortalized his name.
Ample proof of this is given in the insatiable crav-
ino- of the world for biographical literature. The
be^t and most satisfactory way to "see oursels

1012

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

as ithers see us," is in the study of the character
istics of humanity as exemplified in our fellow
mortals. This favorite study is less wounding to
our personal vanity than a rigid self-examination
would probably be, and answers the same purpose.
Therefore are we interested in the lives of those
around us, especially in those who have made a
signal success, and, overcoming every obstacle,
stand to-day in honored places. John Darragh
was born in Ireland, but emigrating to America at
an early day became a prosperous farmer. Of
his large family, Daniel was the second child in
order of birth.
Daniel Darragh was born in 1767, in Ireland,
and in 1774 came with his parents and -brother,
John, to America. They located in Nottingham
township, Washington Co., Penn., on the old home
farm yet occupied by their descendants, where
Neal and Archibald, the younger brothers, were
born. His sisters were Isabella, Margaret, Eliza
beth, Jane and Mary. Daniel passed his youth on
the home place, and in 1815 was married to Sarah
Sheldon, a native of Brownsville, Fayette Co.,
Penn. Three children were born to their union:
John C, moved to California in 1849, thence to
Nevada, where he died; Mary, wife of Harris
Thusbar, died in 1861, at Pontiac, Mich.; and
Archibald B., born September 1, 1826. The father
always followed farming, serving his township in
almost every office. He took the census of Wash
ington county twice, riding on horseback to per
form that duty. He died in 1859, followed by Mrs.
Darragh in 1865.
Archibald B. Darragh was born on the old
place in Nottingham ' township, Washington Co.,
Penn., there securing his early education. In
January, 1851, he selected as a life companion
Miss Amy Gamble, who died in 1853. For his
second wife he married Sarah A., daughter of
Alexander Gault, a representative citizen of
Nottingham township. They have had nine chil
dren, four of whom are yet living, viz.: Amy Jane,
Daniel C, Alexander W. and Annie E. When the
war opened in 1861, the father left his widowed
mother, and his wife and children, to fight for the
honor of the Stars and Stripes. He enlisted in the
First Pennsylvania Cavalry as a private, taking
part in the battle of the Wilderness, and the other
engagements of the army of the Potomac. He
retured home in 1864, having been promoted to
the rank of orderly sergeant, and laying aside the
sword once more resumed the peaceful life of a
farmer, in which he has since been engaged. He
owns 192 acres of well-cultivated land, including
a large coal mine, which he sold to the Nottingham
Coal Co. at $55 per acre. He has been county
auditor for three years and served in different
capacities. Mr. Darragh now has a deed in his
possession which is over 106 years old.

Of the pioneers of this family in America, John
moved to Pittsburgh, and was elected the second
mayor of the young city; Archibald entered the
United States army, and was commissioned can-
tain; Isabella married Daniel Liggett, and lived "to
be eighty-six years old; Margaret married Dr.
Baird, and lived to be eighty-seven years old, and
Jane, who married Joseph Scott, and died in her
eighty-sixth year. Of the Sheldon family of five
sisters and four brothers, Mrs. Charlotte Graff is
now living in the eighty-fourth year of her age.

JOHN G. MARTIN was , born March 17, 1824,
in Wales, and passed his early childhood amid
the wild scenes of that picturesque land. His
father, William Martin, was born in Scotland,
and was married to Margaret Creighton, a highland
lassie. The young couple resided in Wales for
some time after their marriage, and in 1832 sailed
to America, first locating near Allegheny City, Al
legheny Co., Penn., where he followed gardening.
About 1860 they moved to Alliance, Ohio, where
he died in 1870, followed by his wife in 1874.
They were the parents of the following named
children: John G.; William, living in Alliance,
Ohio; Isabelle, wife of Joseph Kirkpatrick, a miner,
of Upper Michigan; Mrs. Marion Porter, living
near Alliance, Ohio, and Maggie, widow of John
Atwell, of Mount Union, Ohio.
John G. Martin came with his parents to Alle
gheny county, Penn., in 1832, and remained there
until 1850, when he was married December 20 of
that year to Charlotte D. Allen, a native of Wash
ington county, Penn., and daughter of Abiah
Allen. The grandparents of Abiah Allen were
Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen. Joseph Allen
was a native of England, and member of the
Quaker Society. He came to America about the
year 1770, and in 1774 took out a patent for a
large tract of land on the Monongahela river, in
Washington county, Penn. Ten years later he
secured 354 additional acres, called "Allen's De
light." This farm adjoined his first purchase, and
the two tracts contained over 880 acres of land,
which he divided among his children in 1799, keep
ing one portion for himself and wife. In this pio
neer home, surrounded by the beasts of the forest
and wild Indians, were born the following children:
Eli, John, Samuel, William, Joshua, Emma (Mrs.
Thomas Stockdale), Deborah (Mrs. Wenders), and
Benjamin. The latter son received no land, but
was dependent upon the others for his support.
The father died at an advanced age in 1839.
Joshua, son of Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen,
was born on the home farm in Allen township,
Washington county, and when a young man was
married to Elizabeth McCrory. They passed their
lives on the old place.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1013

Abiah Allen, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Mc-
Crory) Allen, was born in 1799, in Allen township,
Washington county, where he grew to manhood.
In 1822 he was married to Mary Hough, who was
born in 1799, in Fayette county, Penn., where the
wedding ceremony took place. They settled in
Allen township, Washington county, and five
children were born to them, namely: Maria Ellen,
wife of John White; David B. H., who died in
Westmoreland county, Penn., in 1880; Charlotte
D. (Mrs. Martin), Barbara Ann (widow of Wilson
Jackman), in Galva, 111., and Alexander Bonaparte,
of Cleveland, Ohio. The parents always resided on
the home place. In 1847 the father was killed by
falling from a tree; his widow died in 1887.
John G. and Charlotte D. ( Allen ) Martin moved
to their present home in Allen township, in the
spring of 1850. The place contains 120 acres of
fertile land where he is engaged in gardening and
general agriculture. He is actively interested in
politics, voting with the Republican party, and has
served for years as a member of the school board.
He and his wife are members of the Disciple
Church at Fayette City. Their children have been
born as follows: Maggie, wife of George Maxwell,
of Allen township; William D.; Mary Belle, wife
of Herman McFall, living on the home place, and
Eliza Jane, deceased wife of George Maxwell.

P. VANCE. Among the leading business
men of Burgettstown, this enterprising
merchant takes a prominent position. His
family are numbered with the earliest
pioneers of Washington county. Maj. William
Vance, born in Scotland in 1718, died in Pennsyl
vania in 1788, and was buried in Cross Creek ceme
tery. Joseph Vance, the son of Maj. Vance, was
born about the middle of the eighteenth century in
Scotland, but emigrated in early manhood. He
first settled in Winchester, Va., and in 1774 came
to Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek town
ship, Washington county, while the Indians were
still numerous, and soon achieved a wide-spread
reputation as an Indian fighter, many of the dusky
warriors having fallen by his unerring rifle. Few,
if any, were more prominently identified with the
early settlement of the western portion of Wash
ington county, than was Joseph Vance. He mar
ried and passed the remainder of his life in the
wilderness, where his first log cabin was erected.
The uncultivated land has now become a fertile
farm. He and his wife were called to their rest at
an advanced age, leaving their children to finish
the work so nobly begun.
Among these children was a son, William, born
in the year 1776, and reared in Washington county
amid the usual trials and dangers of pioneer life.
His education was necessarily limited, as schools

were few, and at best afforded but meager oppor
tunities. He was first married to Rachel Patter
son, a resident of Cross Creek township, who bore
him six children. She died, and a few years after
ward he selected a second wife, Hannah Patterson,
a member of an old family of Cross Creek town
ship. To this union, also, there were born six chil
dren. Mr. Vance always lived in Cross Creek
township, and 'was one of the representative men of
the day. He died in the year 1856. He was a
Whig in politics, and in religion a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Vance's Fort was located
on the home tract, having been used as a church,
the first sermon preached in the vicinity being
given in that building.
Allison Vance, son of William Vance, was born
in 1808, on the home farm, and was educated in
the neighboring schools. He was married to Mar
garet, daughter of John Campbell, of Smith town
ship, this county, and settled on a farm adjoining
the old place, where the following named children
were born and reared: John (deceased), W. P.
(subject of this sketch), Rachel (deceased), David
(deceased), Robert C, James L. and Leander. In
politics, Allison Vance was an active worker in the
Whig party, and in religion a member in and liberal
supporter of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church.
After a successful life he died in 1890, his wife
having crossed the dark river three months pre
viously. The remains of both now rest in Cross
Creek cemetery.
W. P. Vance was born September 1, 1842, in
Cross Creek township, this county, remaining at
home until twenty years of age. He then went
to Washington, Penn., and learned photography.
After following that vocation a few years, his
health failing, he sold out, and coming to Burgetts
town, this county, opened a hardware store, which
he has since conducted. On July 4, 1865, W. P.
Vance was united in marriage with Alice M., daugh
ter of Andrew McFarland, of Cross Creek town
ship, this county, and their children are Annie M.,
Charles M. and Alice M. Mr. Vance is a public-
spirited man and very successful in business,' own
ing a fine stock of hardware, and supplying a large
amount of custom. Iu politics he is a Republican.
He and his family are attendants of the Presby
terian Church.

ILAS BALDWIN. Among the pioneer
families of Franklin township, the name of
Baldwin has ever been a synonym for enter
prise and industry. Tbe early home of
that family was in the State of New Jersey, where
they were engaged for many years in agriculture.
Jonathan Baldwin first came to Washington
county, Penn., with his family, and settling in
Morris township, made a new home in the un-

1014

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

broken wilderness. His three sons, William,
Francis and Jonathan, assisted their father, toiling
early and late to secure a comfortable home. In a
few years the father and mother were laid to rest
near the scene of their labors, and the sons began
life for themselves. After the death of the par
ents, Francis Baldwin, in 1803, married Rebecca,
daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of East Finley
township, and the following children were born to
them: Stephen, Sarah, Thomas, Jonathan, John,
Phoebe, Francis, Sealy, James, Amos, Silas and
Cephas. Mr. Baldwin was one of the organizers
and a liberal supporter of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church at Van Buren. In politics he was a
member of the Whig party. Thomas Hill was in
the war of the Revolution, and when it was over he
settled in East Finley township and married Je
mima Enloe. He had several thrilling adventures
with the Indians and many narrow escapes. Three
children were born to them: James, Isem, and Re
becca, who married Francis Baldwin.
Silas, son of Francis and Rebecca Baldwin, was
born December 4, 1827, in Morris township, and
passed bis boyhood on the farm. In early man
hood he was married to Sarah (daughter of Thomas
and Margaret Sargeant), who bore him children as
follows: John T., Mary J., Sarah M., Anna V.,
William E., Elizabeth E., Ida F. and Ira F.
Mr. Baldwin still manages the farm with
the aid of his children, and his property is
the result of his own economy and industry.
Politically he was a Whig, but since the Re
publican party was organized, has been an active
worker for the principles embodied in that plat
form. William E. Baldwin was married to Mary
J., daughter of John B. Weir, and they have four
children: Morris P., Leo D., Julia Audrey, and an
unnamed infant. This family is second to none in
industry and enterprise, and enjoy the esteem of
the community in which they reside. John T.
Baldwin married Alice Mires, to whom one daugh
ter, Eva Jane Baldwin, was born.

THOMAS MOORE BIGGER. The sons of
Erin are and ever have been among the
leaders of all enterprises in which bravery,
energy and enthusiasm are the requisite in
gredients No dangers appall, no obstacles
conquer, no failures overcome the dauntless spirit
of a true Irishman. About the middle of the last
century Thomas Bigger, a native of County Antrim,
Ireland, was there married to Elizabeth Moore, who
was born in the same county. The young couple
decided that their wedding trip should be an ocean
voyage, accordingly they embarked for the New
World not many days after their marriage rites
were over. After landing in America, they came
to Pennsylvania and first located on a piece of

land near Hickory, this county, which belonged to
George Washington, but was then in court. His
rights, however, were soon established, after which
Mr. and Mrs. Bigger settled on a farm in Robin
son township, which is yet in the family name,
being now the property of Matthew Bigger. The
Indians had not then entirely abandoned the old
hunting grounds, and often compelled the advent-
uious pioneers to flee for life to Fort McDonald,
but as new settlers entered, and the forests were
cleared away, the red men roved further west,
finally leaving the pale faces, in undisturbed pos
session of their homes. Eleven children were born
to Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Bigger, as fol
lows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas, Ann,
James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Elizabeth.
Andrew Bigger, the youngest son of Thomas,
was born April 1, 1793, and from boyhood was
reared to farm duties, continuing to follow farming
all his life. In early life he was married to Miss
Sarah Campbell, who was born January 8, 1796, in
eastern Pennsylvania, and after their marriage set
tled on the farm of 500 acres, now owned by their
son, Thomas M. Game was yet abundant in those
days, deer, wild turkeys and panther being plenti
ful. Mr. Bigger was a stanch adherent of the
Whigs until the Free-Soil party was organized,
when he became a Democrat, and in religious faith
was an organizer of the Robinson U. P. Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Bigger were the parents of the fol
lowing children: Mary A., Eliza, Jane, Martha,
Rachel and Thomas Moore.
Thomas Moore Bigger was born June 1, 1836,
in the old home which is. yet standing across the
road from his present residence. He assisted with
the general duties of the home farm during his
boyhood, and on March 10, 1859, entered matri
monial life in company with Margaret, daughter
of the late Andrew Donaldson, of Robinson town
ship, this county. The children of this couple are
Andrew R., born August 31, 1860; James D., born
November 13, 1864; Sarah E., born January 5,
1868; Mary J., born April 30, 1870; and Martha
M., born March 12, 1873, all of whom have enjoyed
the advantages of a college education. Thomas
Moore Bigger yet owns the old homestead, which
is kept in a fine state of cultivation and yields him
a good income. Politically he has always been a
stanch Democrat, having served his township and
party by filling various offices of honor and trust.
He is an earnest member and hearty supporter of
the Robinson U. P. Church.

rrV AVID B. WINTER, an old and highly re-
| 1| spected citizen of Donegal township, is a
|| J) son of David, whose father, Christopher
— ^ Winter, was born in Rhine Pfalz, Ger
many. Christopher Winter emigrated from his

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1015

native land at an early day, and coming to Amer
ica settled in Donegal township, Washington
county, Penn., there erecting a log cabin, and be
gan to clear the forest from his land. He soon
thereafter married Miss Catherine Schaeffer, a lady
of German ancestry, whose parents lived near
Washington borough, Penn. At this period the
Indians were yet very troublesome, and made fre
quent raids — murdering, plundering and burning
as they swept on. At such times the pioneers fled
to the blockhouses, leaving their property to the
tender mercies of the savages. Mr. and Mrs.
Winter lived to a good old age, dying on the farm
where they had spent so many hours of toil and
danger. They left a family of children, among
whom was a son David.
David Winter (father of subject) was born on
the pioneer farm in Donegal township, this county,
and passed his boyhood days in the usual manner
of frontier children; assisting in the farm work,
and attending the subscription schools (which were
then held in rude log cabins), during a few months
of each year. He was united in marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of Perry McCoy, of Donegal
township, Washington Co., Penn., and she bore
him two children: David B. and Elizabeth Marga
ret (deceased wife of Alexander Wiath). After
his marriage, David Winter erected a house on
the home farm, near the residence of his father,
and became a successful farmer. He was a popu
lar and enterprising citizen, and in politics a Dem
ocrat. After long and useful lives, he and his
wife were laid to rest beside the home where their
lives had been passed.
David B. Winter, the only son of the above
couple, was born November 1, 1823, in the old
house of his father, which is yet standing but a
short distance from the large and commodious res
idence of the son. Mr. Winter worked for his
father on the farm in his youth, and attended the
common schools. In 1846 he was married to Mary
Jane, daughter of William Bryson, of Donegal
township, Washington county, and their children
were as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Franklin Chap
man, of Donegal township), Hannah (deceased),
David A. (a carpenter, living in Abiline, Tex. ),
William (a farmer of Donegal township), Joseph
(farming in Clark county, Kans.), Nancy C. (Mrs.
Joel Snodgrass, of Omaha, Neb.), Alice (Mrs.
John Lein ville, of Donegal township, this county),
Mary (deceased), and John F. (deceased in in
fancy). The mother of these children died, and in
1870 Mr.Winter was married to Sarah, daughter
of William Milligan, of East Finley township, this
county, and they have one son and one daughter:
George K. and Udora, both living at home. Mr.
AVinter remained on his father's farm until some
time after his marriage, when he erected a beauti
ful borne on an adjoining piece of land, where he

is now residing. He has always been a farmer
and has been very successful. Politically, he was
a Democrat until 1860, when he cast his ballot for
Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has been an
ardent supporter of the principles embodied in the
Republican platform. He and his wife are both
members of the Dutch Fork Baptist Church, to
which Society he is a liberal contributor.

JOHN REED (deceased) was a son of David
Reed, one of the earliest pioneers of Wash
ington county, Penn. David Reed, who was
of Scotch-Irish descent, and a native of Lan
caster county, Penn., about the year 1777 came
with a brother, John, to Washington county. They
were offered settlement rights by the State of Vir
ginia on certain conditions which they accepted,
and immediately erected their cabins on the land.
In the fall they returned to Lancaster county,
where John's wife was awaiting him, and David's
betrothed then becoming his bride, the two couples
moved to their new homes in the following sprincr.
They lived there several years in undisturbed pos
session, but the land being really a portion of the
George Washington survey, was afterward claimed
by that famous personage, while the title was being
investigated. After the ejectment suit was decided, the two
brothers removed to Cecil township, where they
purchased land. John died in 1816, leaving the
following children: David (who settled on the
home farm), John (sold his land, which is now
owned by John Cabbage), Catherine (Mrs. Daniel
McClean, Chenango, Penn.), Ann' (married to
Robert Story), Jane (wife of Rev. David Emery,
Darlington, Beaver Co., Penn.) and Mary (wife of
Rev. Alexander Murray, Slippery Rock, Penn.)
David Reed took a tomahawk claim of 400 acres,
and passed his life in Cecil township, this county.
He was a ruling elder in the Seceder Church at
Canonsburg, of which his wife was also a member;
she- died many years ago, and he is now buried by
her side. Their children were Alexander (married
in Cecil township), David (farmer of Cecil town
ship), Mary (wife of George Murray, Chartiers
township), John, James (formerly a jeweler of
Washington, afterward living in Pittsburgh, Penn.)
and Joseph (deceased in 1888, formerly lived on
the old homestead in Cecil township). All of
these children lived to an advanced age, but are
now deceased.
John Reed (the subject of this sketch) was born
in 1787, in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington
county, and was reared in Cecil township, there re
ceiving his early education. He afterward at
tended Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, under
the preceptorship of Dr. McMillan, during the
early history of that institution, graduating in 1806.

1016

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

In 1826 John Reed was married to Jane May, a
native of Cecil township, this county, and daughter
of John and Phcebe (Ross) May, who were born in
Lancaster county, Penn., and after their marriage
settled in Cecil township, where they lived and
died. After their marriage John and Jane (May) Reed
made a permanent home in Mouut Pleasant town
ship, and the homestead is still in the possession of
the family. John Reed was actively interested in
politics, being a member of the Federalist
party. He represented Washington county in the
State Legislature from 1816 to 1822, also served
many years as justice of the peace, and was county
commissioner. He and his wife were formerly
members of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting
with the U. P. Church at Mount Pleasant in which
he was a ruling elder. His wife died many years
ago, and he was laid to rest beside her in 1877,
weary with the weight of ninety-two years of life.
The following children were born to the union of
John and Jane (May) Reed: Phoebe, Mrs. A. J.
Miller, of Hickory, this county (deceased in 1883);
Margaret, living on the home farm; David, a
farmer of Smith township, married to Martha Bor
land; John (deceased in 1866); George, of whom
further mention is made below; Jane, Mrs. John
Wilson (living in this county); Samuel (men
tioned farther on), Mary and Elizabeth (living in
this county).
Of the children of the above family, George
Reed is living on the old homestead, following
farming. He is not an active politician, but votes
with the Republican party, and in religion is a
member of the U. P. Church at Venice, this county.
Samuel Reed was married in September, 1885, to
Lizzie Harper, a native of Cecil township, this
county, and daughter of John Harper, who was
born in Cecil township. John Harper was
married to Ellen Jane Wallace, a native of Ireland
who was brought to America when but three years
of age. She is still living on the home farm in
Cecil township, but her husband died in March,
1885. Samuel Reed and his wife are members of
the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. Their
home is in McDonald, Robinson township.

\ILLIAM LIGGETT, the oldest living rep
resentative of what has ever been one of
the most progressive and time-honored
families of Washington county, was born
April 28, 1821, in Independence township. The
Liggett family are of Scotch descent, and trace
their origin to two brothers who left their Scottish
home and crossed the ocean to America. Landing
at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but a short
time, and then pushed westward, finally locating in
Washington county, Penn. One of these brothers,

Thomas Liggett was married to Parmelia Dempster,
a resident of Washington county, and passed his
life in Independence township. He was a man of
stalwart frame, six feet tall, well-proportioned in
every way, and possessing great courage and pow
ers of endurance. He was noted for his positive
character and sturdy adherence to his word, which
principles were implanted on the minds, and were
evident in the lives of all his children, who were
as follows: Joshua, (a farmer of Tuscarawas county,
Ohio), Elizabeth (deceased in Iowa), James (de
ceased in Coshocton county, Ohio), Harriet (widow
of Laban Headington), Robert (of whom mention
is made in sketch of John S. Liggett), Mary Ann
(deceased in Illinois), Sarah (widow of John Hemp
hill), William (of whom mention is made below),
Thomas (farming in Hopewell township), David A.
(a merchant of Independence, Penn.), and Ander
son (living in Hot Springs, Arkansas). Mr. Liggett
died January 29, 1861, Mrs. Liggett on September
17, 1882.
William Liggett was born on a part of the farm
which he now owns. He lived at home during his
boyhood, and received a limited education in the
rate schools, much of his time being employed in
farm work. On September 16, 1845, he was mar
ried to Nancy Jane (who was born September 24,
1827), daughter of John Mulholland. This union
was blessed with the following family of children:
Addison (a gardener in Emporia, Kansas), born
October 5, 1846; Sarah J., born May 1, 1850, died
June 9, 1875; Adeline, born March 8, 1853, died May
4, 1884; William W. (farming in Cass county, Mo.),
born October 12, 1855; John T., born December 22,
1857, died January 19, 1889, and Marion A. (a
sketch of whom appears further on). The mother
of these children died April 9, 1862, and on De
cember 22, 1863, Mr. Liggett was united in mar
riage with Elizabeth C, who was born June 10,
1834, a daughter of Samuel Cowen, of Mt. Pleas
ant to wnship,and their children are as follows: Anna
M. (Mrs. Geo. Worley, living in Silver Lake,
Kosciusko Co., Ind.), born December 6, 1864;
Lewis S. (of whom a sketch follows), born Sep
tember 16, 1866; Charley, born March 8, 1869;
Lucy J., born June 27, 1871; and Irene G., born
November 22, 1874. Soon after his marriage Mr.
Liggett settled on the home place, where he yet
resides. He carries on general farming and stock-
raising, making a specialty of the wool- growing
business in which he has been very successful. He
now owns a large amount of land, and is one of the
substantial business men of the township. Politi
cally, he has always been a Democrat, and both he
and his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo
Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.
Samuel Cowen, father of Mrs. William Liggett,
was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington
Co., Penn., July 9, 1807, a son of John and Martha

1

i&>7fV

Jo

<£

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1019

(Caldwell) Cowen, the former a native of York
county, Penn., the latter of this county. Their
children were William, James, John, Robert, Mar
tha Anna, Jane (Mrs. James Lee) and Samuel.
The father of this family came to Washington
county at an early day, and purchased from the
Government the place now owned and occupied by
John McCalmont. It was all wild land when Mr.
Cowen came to it, but was cleared and improved
by the family. He was an Old-line Whig in his
day, and a stanch Presbyterian, a member at one
time of the Upper Buffalo Church, later of the one
at Prospect, and was an elder in both. He died
in August, 1833, his wife having passed away in
1815. Samuel Cowen was educated in the sub
scription schools of the locality of his birthplace.
He was a farmer and stock dealer all his life. In
1837 he was married to Mary Dinsmore, and their
children were John, Elizabeth (Mrs. William Lig
gett), William H., Martha J., Mary B., Samuel
Calvin, Nancy Ann (deceased) and Chalmers. The
father departed this life January 7, 1870, and was
buried at Fort Scott, Kansas; the mother was called
to her long home October 13, 1888. Mr. Cowen
was originally a Whig, and on the organization of
the party became a Republican. In religious faith
he was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian
Church at Mt. Prospect.
Marion A. Liggett was born March 31, 1860,
on the home farm about two miles northwest of
West Middletown. His early years were spent on
the farm of his father, aud he obtained a common-
school education. On September 27, 1882, he was
married to Alice B. Denny, who was born January
24, ,1862, daughter of Walter and Mary (Welch)
Denny, of Hopewell township. They have had four
children, two of whom died in infancy. The two
living daughters are twins: Margaret and Mary,
born October 4, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Lig
gett located two and a half miles north of Claysville,
this county, where he is still farming. He recently
erected a fine dwelling and barn, which afford an
evidence of his prosperity, having also purchased
additional land. In politics Mr. Liggett has always
supported the Democratic party. In religious con
nection he and his wife are members of the Presby
terian Church at Claysville.
, Lewis. S. Liggett received his early education
in the common schools of Independence township,
and afterward took a four years' course at Wash
ington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penn.
After leaving school he returned home and began
farming on a part of the old place. On June 18,
1890, he was married to Hannah M. (who was born
September 24, 1864), daughter of William Patter
son, of Cross Creek township, and they have two
sons, William Leonard, and John Patterson. Since
his marriage Mr. Liggett has resided in a handsome
residence which he erected and furnished with all
13

modern conveniences, making a beautiful home.
He is an active and industrious young man, evi
dently inheriting the characteristic traits of energy
and integrity, which have distinguished his family
for generations. Both he and his wife are members
of the U. P. Church, of West Middletown, Penn
sylvania.

*/

Mi ORGAN MARTIN, a native of West
Bethlehem, and now a citizen of Amwell
township, is a descendant of Zephaniah
^ Martin, a blacksmith and a member of the
Presbyterian Church, who came with his
wife and family from Morris county, New Jersey,
about the year 1786. His son, James Martin
(grandfather of our subject), married Anna Mc-
Myrtre, in New Jersey. Securing a patent for 200
acres of land, they located in West Bethlehem
township, this county. They had children born to
them as follows: Thomas Martin (married Mary
Bradbury in 1821, died September, 1851, aged
sixty-five years, leaving three children: John M.,
residing in Greene county, Penn.; Thomas, who died
in Missouri in February, 1892, and David, resid
ing in Kansas); Joseph (of whom a sketch is
given below); Zephaniah (a blacksmith, mar
ried Belle Hood, to whom were born John and
Anna, all of whom are dead); Jane (married Joseph
Dunn died, June 13, 1863, aged seventy-two) ; Jos
eph Dunn (died December 15, 1865, aged seventy-
seven, leaving seven children: Washing
ton (dead), James, Morgan L., Joseph, William
(dead), Anna and John); Sarah (married David
Bowman, who removed to Ashland county, Ohio,
in 1829, where eight children were born, of whom
no recent account is at hand); Elizabeth (married
Stephen Jewell in 1822, and removed to Ohio in
1828; they had nine children: James (deceased),
Jonathan and Joseph (reside in Ohio), John Mar
tin (deceased), Mary A. (deceased), A. J. Jewell
(residing in Iowa), Jacob (residing in Kansas),
Patience (deceased), and Sarah J., deceased).
Mrs. Elizabeth Jewell died in 1844. The mother
of this large family died in 1800. Mr. Martin aft
erward married Katherine Moore, with whom he
resided on- the farm until the time of his death in
1827. Joseph Martin (father of our subject) was born
on the farm in West Bethlehem township, March
15, 1790, and spent his early years attending school
in the winter and working on the farm in the sum
mer. He married Elizabeth Hayden, who died
Shortly after without issue. He next married
Nancy lams, of Amwell township, December 27,
1821, living at lams' Mills. John lams, the mater
nal grandfather of Morgan Martin, came to Wash
ington county, from Maryland, about 1776, and
purchased of a Mr. Keys the property, formerly

1020

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

known as lams' Mills (now Bissell P. O.), which
had been previously patented by a Mr. Kelsey.
Air. lams and his wife, whose maiden name was
Hampson, walked and carried all their worldly
possessions from Maryland to Pennsylvania; but
being a miller and millwright, he prospered, pur
chased an old mill on the site of the one now owned
by Morgan Martin, and tearing it down erected a
new building, where he continued to follow his vo
cation the remainder of his life. In addition to the
mill property Mr. lams owned about 300 acres of
land, and was very successful in business. He died
July 4, 1823, leaving the following named chil
dren: William lams (married Delilah Meek, died
April 4, 1869, aged seventy-seven years; she died
September 6, 1876, aged ninety-three years, leav
ing ten children: Miller, John H., Elisha, Thomas,
Isaac, William, Delilah, Mary, Abraham and
Rachel); John lams (died April 30, 1846, aged
thirty-four years and six months); Nancy (who
married Joseph Martin); Charity (wife of John
D. Smith, died January 19, 1876, aged seventy-
seven years). Her husband died March 12, 1876,
aged eighty-one years, leaving the following chil
dren: Martin, Thomas (deceased), Amos, John,
Joseph, Nathan, William, Freeman, Elizabeth,
Nancy and Ira (deceased). Sarah, wife of Will
iam H. Hathaway, died April 15, 1838, aged thir
ty-four years and six months. Mary married
Moses Smith, died September 5, 1859, aged fifty-
nine years four months and five days. Moses Smith
died September 14, 1848, aged forty-one years ten
months and twenty-eight days. They had children
born to them as follows: John (who died in the
army, at the battle of Fair Oaks), Moses, Joseph
and Sarah (Mrs. Huffman).
Joseph Martin owned 280 acres of land. In pol
itics he was a Democrat, and though not a politi
cian, took an active interest in securing good local
government. He died December 25, 1850, aged
sixty years, nine months and ten days. Mrs. Mar
tin was a member of the Baptist Church, and died
in that faith on January 21, 1879, aged eighty-four
years and eleven days. The record of Joseph and
Nancy (lams) Martin's children is as follows:
Morgan, born October 19, 1823; Elizabeth I., No
vember 24, 1825, died December 13, 1825; John
I., February 8, 1828, died November 8, 1892;
Joseph, April 2, 1831, died May 13, 1853; Anna,
July 23, 1833; and Sarah, February 1, 1836, all
of whom were born in West Bethlehem township.
John I. married Elizabeth Barr November 30,
1851, and to them children were born as follows:
Joseph (deceased), Sarah (Mrs. Keys), A. Jack
son, Martha, Samuel and C. W. Martin, who re
side on the farm located by their grandfather in
West Bethlehem. Anna married A. P. Van-
Dyke January 25, 1855. To them were born:
Leroy M., Nancy (Mrs, Swart), Elizabeth (Mrs.

Bebout), Kate M., Hannah C. (Mrs. Allen, de
ceased), Thomas and Florence A. Van Dyke.
Sarah married Neal Zollars November 7, 1860.
They had eight children: George, Joseph, Nancy
(deceased), Ezekiel (deceased), Grant, Kate, El
mira, and Martha Zollars.
Morgan Martin, son of Joseph and Nancy (lams)
Martin, was born October 19, 1823, and remained
on the farm until twenty-seven years of age. About
1850 he began the milling business at Martin's
Mills (now Bissell postoffice), of which he is post
master, which business he has ever since followed
with success. On September 18, 1856, he was
united in marriage with Anna Reese, daughter of
Thomas and Anna (Sunderland) Reese, of West
Bethlehem township. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan
Martin have been born eight children, namely:
Sanford, born June 18, 1857, married Alice Bigler
March 9, 1882, and died September 5, 1889, at
Tacoma, State of Washington; Eliza Jane, born
December 19, 1859, married October 13, 1883,
William S. Bigler (she died August 22, 1887,
leaving two children, Israel G., born August 11,
1884, and Estella, born February 11, 1887); William
R., born December 28, 1862; Anna, born December
17, 1864; Sarah, born June 8, 1867; Nancy, born
August 12, 1869; Mary Ellen, born September 6,
1872, died December 30, 1885, and Lucinda, born
October 10, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Martin,
with their family, belong to the M. E. Church.
Politically he is a Democrat, though not a politi
cian. He commenced keeping a general store in
1876, and continues to operate both mill and store
with marked success. He built the residence in
which he now resides in 1854, and erected the store
in 1880, in which is carried on his mercantile busi
ness and the business of the Bissell postoffice.
The brothers and sisters of Thomas Reese are:
Jesse, Solomon, William, James, Rachel (Mrs.
Fisher), Nancy (Mrs. Egy), Sally (Mrs. McCor
mick), and Sena (Mrs. Scott). The record of the
the children of Thomas Reese and Anna Sunder
land Reese is as follows: William Reese (married
Matilda Mikesel, and had born to them: James,
Henry, Nancy (Mrs. Miller), Frank, Elsworth,
Effie and Ida, the most of whom reside in Illinois.
By his second wife he has two children). Henry
Reese (married Catherine Argo, had born to them
Semantha (Mrs. Cole), William, Addie (Mrs.
Routh), Jennie, Lyman, and Oran. By his second
wife he had three children, all residing in Illinois).
Sarah (married Samuel Braden; their children
are named as follows: John Newton (deceased),
Leroy, Flora (Mrs. Sharp), Mary Ellen (deceased),
Martha, Anna (Mrs. Shrontz), Rebecca (Mrs,
Gray), William, Henry, Sarah and Samuel B.
Braden, all residents of this county). Rebecca
(married John Ferrell; their children are: Eli-
zab, Henry, John S., Jerry, Joseph, A. J., Harvey,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1021

Lizzie (Mrs. Keller), Mary (Mrs. Smith), part of
whom reside in Iowa, the rest are residents of Ne
braska). Isabell (married A. J. Grable, and had
born to them: Emerson, Laura, Alvin, Mary, Will,
Oscar Anna, Edward and Lizzie, the most of whom
reside in Kansas). Anna (married Morgan Mar
tin, as already related). Nancy (married Albert
Clarke, and to them were born Alice and William,
who reside in Kansas). Mary (married A. J. Gar
rett, and had born to them Zadie (Mrs. Wood-
head), Nora (Mrs. Glogan), Jackson, Martin R.,
and Daisy. They are residents of Kansas). Lu
cinda (married Cyrus Critchfield, and to their
union was born one son, Sanford Critchfield, who
resides at Denver, Colo.). Thomas Reese married
Martha Thomas, and had born to their union Anna,
John, William, Archibald, Charles and Georgia
May, all residents of Coal Centre, this county.

JOSEPH G. CHARLTON. In tracing the
history of our civilization we find no influ-
f^l ence has been more potent for good than
^^ that of the daily press; especially is this true
of the present century, when every important fact
around the globe is brought to our very doors, and
he who runs may read the record. Few of us often
pause to think of the vast amount of brain power
and energy required to keep this wonderful ma
chinery of the press in motion. We twine fair
laurel wreaths to crown our heroes who battle in
deadly strife for liberty, and why should the heroes
¦ of literature go down to the grave in utter obli
vion? Their victories are no less important to the
world than were those won on bloody fields, and
many a martyred hero has fallen after a warfare of
not four, but four-score years in the army of the
Scribes. All honor to our soldiers whether in the
fields of carnage or of literature; both are fighting
for liberty and right if they are true soldiers, and
through the efforts of both "the truth is marching
on." Joseph G. Charlton was born May 17, 1844, in
AVashington, Washington Co., Penn., and passed
his boyhood at the home of his uncle, in North
Strabane township, receiving a common-school
education. At the age of eighteen years he
entered the printing office of The Reporter, Wash
ington, Penn., remaining there about four years.
He then went to Pittsburgh, also working in other
places. In 1870 he opened a confectionery store
in Washington, Penn., and some years later pro
ceeded to Indianapolis, Ind. On Oct. 16, 1874, he
was married to Tabitha 8., daughter of James Hall,
of Washington, Penn., and she has borne him two
children, Maud and Harry. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Charlton resided five years at McCon
nell's Mill, Washington Co., Penn., where he con
ducted a general store. At the end of that time

he entered the publishing office of the Canons
burg Notes, and in 1886 opened an office, pub
lishing a paper called The Local. In 1888 he
purchased the Canonsburg Herald, and is now the
sole proprietor of both publications issued under
the latter name, consisting of a seven-columm
folio. Mr. Charlton attends the Methodist Epis
copal Church, and in political opinion is a
Republican.

d/OHN M< COY, a descendant of one of the
prominent early pioneers of this county, and
J himself one of the most highly respected
citizens of West Finley township, is a native
of the same, born in 1836 on the farm whereon he
now lives.
Daniel McCoy, his grandfather, a native of
Scotland, came to America in 1772, with his broth
ers, Angus and James, landing in Baltimore, Md.,
where, as was the custom at that period with
impecunious immigrants, they were hired to a
tobacco planter to work out the price of passage.
On the same trip there came over a Miss Nancy
McCoy, who for a similar reason was hired to the
same planter who employed Daniel, and the
friendship which sprung up between Nancy and
Daniel ripened, in course of time, into a love which
resulted in their union for life as soon as their
passage had been fully worked out. They then
came to Washington county, Penn., and here
bought the farm, in what is now West Finley
township, that has been in the possession of the
McCoy family ever since, the original land patent
for which was obtained from the Craig heirs. The
old deed, dated 1788, is still in the possession of
the subject of this sketch. To Daniel and Nancy
(McCoy) McCoy were born nine children: Alex
ander, John, William, Angus, Kenneth, James,
Betsey, Christy and Joseph, all now deceased.
Angus McCoy's children were Joseph D., Janet,
Margaret, William and Alexander; while the
children of James McCoy were Alexander, John,
William, Daniel and David.
Kenneth McCoy, who was the fifth child in the
family, was born May 25, 1791, on the farm his
father had settled on, and here lived all his. life
cultivating the soil, and every year adding to the
improvements thereon. This farm he bought at
the time of his marriage with Jane Brownlee,
which happy event occurred April 18, 1817. Their
home was brightened by the birth of children
as follows: Jane, born June 4, 1818; Joseph, born
November 1, 1819; Elizabeth, born October 4,
1824; Mary, born August 29, 1827, and John, our
subject, ali yet living except Jane and Joseph, the
former of whom died August 15 1844, and the
latter December 27, 1887. The father departed to
that Better Land, " where all have gone and all must

1022

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

go," January 19, 1873, the mother, July 27, 1869.
John McCoy was reared to the occupation of his
forefathers, and has never left the old home farm,
excepting the time he spent in traveling in the
western States, shortly alter his father's decease.
His education was received at the common 'schools
of his district, which he supplemented with much
reading and close observation of men and things.
With the savings from his hard earnings, he was
enabled, on his return home from the West, to buy
off the other heirs to his father's estate, and he is
now sole proprietor, the property being one of the
finest in the township. Mr. McCoy was married
November 19, 1877, to Mary E., daughter of George
Eckles, of West Finley township, and their union
has been blessed with four children: Margaret,
born August 26, 1878; John, born December 7,
1879; George, born February 18, 1882, and Edwin
B., born September 10, 1886. In politics Mr.
McCoy has been a lifelong Republican, but has
never aspired to office. The McCoys have always
been liberty-loving people, and some members of
the family, in days gone by, were prominent
Abolitionists. Kenneth McCoy, father of our subject, aided
at various times many slaves in their escape by -the
" Underground Railroad " into Canada, and at one
time he had eleven colored fugitives secreted in
his barn, whom he fed and sheltered until an
opportunity offered for them to continue on their
flight to liberty. It is said of his cousin Kenneth
McCoy, of Ripley, Ohio, that some years ago he
pried open the doors of a jail, cut the hand-cuffs
and shackles off the prisoners, and liberated a
number of unfortunate runaway slaves, who had
been recaptured and temporarily incarcerated. He
was a blacksmith and tool-dresser. Knowing where
quarrymen had left a crowbar, he seized it and
carried out his project of freeing the slaves. The
authorities arrested another man, and summoned
McCoy as a witness to identify the crowbar. The
prosecutor asked him when he saw the crowbar
last? "Why," he responded, "at the jail, the
night I let the darkies out." The prisoner was
discharged; but there is no record of the prosecu
tion of McCoy for this early effort to emancipate
the colored brothers.

AMUEL M. McCONNELL. Among the
representative and well-known old citizens
of Hanover township, none stand higher
than this gentleman.
The genealogy of the family can be traced to
two brothers, Alexander and Matthew, who left
Scotland, their native land, for America, prior to
the Revolutionary war. Matthew McConnell was
born about the year 1742. After landing in Amer
ica he was attracted by the fertile valleys in Lan

caster county, Penn., and, there making his first
permanent settlement, commenced agricultural pur
suits. Here he was married to Mary Alexander, a
native of Lancaster county, and about 1779 this
couple started to seek their fortunes in the "far
west," as Washington county was then considered,
making the tedious journey over the mountains.
They were frequently obliged to cut roads through
the forests as they proceeded. All the streams were
forded, and the nights passed under some spread
ing oak, or perhaps they slept in their wagon.
Their location in Washington (then a part of West
moreland) county was made within the present
limits of Cecil township, where some of their de
scendants are yet living. A log cabin was soon
erected, and the giant oaks fell beneath the axe of
the pioneer until a space was cleared, on which
they planted the essential crop of corn. Matthew
McConnell passed the remainder of his days in
this wilderness home, and the rude cabin which
had first been erected was soon displaced by a
more substantial and commodious dwelling which
stood for many years after. As new settlements
were made, the wilderness was gradually trans
formed into waving fields of grain, and comfort
able homes were made. Politically Mr. McConnell
was a prominent member of the Federalist party,
and filled several offices in the county at various
times; he was one of the twelve justices of the
peace who constituted the court of Washington
county. In religion he was a prominent member
of the Union or Associate Reformed Church. His
children were Alexander, who died of small-pox
when young, vaccination being then unknown;
Elizabeth, who also died of small-pox; John, who
moved to Trumbull county, Objp, where he was an
early settler; Frances, who resided in Harrison
county, Ohio; Jane, who was married to William
Berry, and died in Canonsburg, Penn.; Prudence,
who married John Dunlap, and lived near Poland,
Mahoning Co., Ohio; AVilliam, who' resided in
Richland county, Ohio; Mary, who lived in Cecil
township; James and Lettice (twins), the latter of
whom never married, and Martha, never married.
Matthew McConnell, son of Matthew and Mary
(Alexander) McConnell, was born in Cecil town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 8, 1778, and
passed his boyhood on the farm of his father, at
tending the subscription schools. He then taught
school in Richland county, Ohio, living at home
most of the time. In 1812 he was married to Ann
Merchant, daughter of Samuel Merchant, a native
of County Londonderry, Ireland, who immigrated
to America and to Washington county, Penn., set
tling in Hanover township in early times; he was
driven out by Indians only to return in later years,
and passed his remaining days on the farm. The
following children were born to the union of Mat
thew and Ann McConnell: Matthew A. (deceased

\r.

Mm

^OH/S^^mm^_

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

102

in youth), Margaret (now the widow of Thomas
Merchant, and living in Florence), Elizabeth A.
(deceased in youth), Samuel M. (whose name opens
this sketch), Prudence (who resides in Florence),
Matthew F. (farmer of Hanover township, who was
born September 4, 1827, and died March 8, 1891),
and Mary Jane (unmarried, living in Florence,
Penn.). Mr. and Mrs. McConnell passed their
wedded lives on the "Old Merchant Homestead"
in Hanover township, where he followed farming
until bis death, December 29, 1829. He was a
very progressive man; and though dying in the
very prime of life, had become prominently iden
tified with many public movements. In politics he
was a Whig, and in religion believed in the creed
of the Associate Reformed Church, but owing to
the long distance which must be traveled in those
days to attend a church of that denomination, he
united with the Presbyterian Church at Cross
Roads, of which his wife had previously been a
member. She died in 1876, in her seventy-sixth
year, on the same farm where she was born and
where she had passed her life.
Samuel M. McConnell was born October 14,
1821, in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and received a subscription-school education. His
first " book " was the letters of the alphabet pasted
on a wooden paddle, and the length of a school
term was very uncertain, as no stated time was
designated. He worked for his father on the home
place, and afterward labored as a farm hand at
several places in the neighborhood. On October
2, 1866, he was married to Sarah J. Wallace, daugh
ter of James Wallace, who was descended from an
old family, prominently identified with the pioneer
history of Hanover township.
Robert Wallace, a native of Scotland, immi
grated to America and settled in Westmoreland
county, Penn., where he remained about three
years. He there married Jane McCoy, and the
young couple came to what is now Hanover town
ship, this county, where in 1771 he took out a
patent foe 300 acres of land on Brush creek. In
dians were numerous and settlers scarce, and several
times they were driven from their home to return
again after the Indians had gone. So they con
tinued to reside in their cabin home until about
1775, when one day in May of that year, Mr. Wal
lace, returning from a search in the forest for some
calves that had strayed away, found his cabin in
ashes and his family (then consisting of his wife
and three children) gone. He at once ktfew it to
be the work of the savages, who as he afterward
discovered had lain hidden in a convenient flax
patch until they had seen him leave home. Hastily
arousing the few neighbors, the little band of de
termined men started in pursuit. They soon struck
the trail, and had not proceeded far when they
found the body of the youngest child, who had thus

early fallen a victim to the bloodthirsty instincts of
the savages. They followed the trail to the Ohio
river, but arrived too late to prevent the Redskins
crossing; and further pursuit being futile, returned
to their homes. Mrs. Wallace was also massacred
on the way, and her mutilated body was afterward
found near that of her babe. The two remaining
children were taken by the Indians as far west as
Indiana; where the younger died in captivity. The
eldest child, Robert, was restored to his father
three years later through an exchange of prisoners.
This son, Robert, lived until his death in Robinson
township, where he was known as " Indian Bob;" a
term indicative of his early captivity; and one of
his sons still resides upon his farm there. Robert
Wallace, Sr., afterward married Mary Walker, and
they had the; following children: John, Jane, James;
Ann, Sarah and Elsie. The youngest daughter of
James Wallace, of this family, became Mrs. S. M.
McConnell. Robert Wallace, Sr., resided on his
farm, on Brush creek, until his death, which occurred
about the year 1807, when he was aged eighty-
seven years, and was buried at Florence. Among
the earliest settlers of Hanover township, he was
indeed one of those sturdy men who braved untold
dangers and opened a pathway through the wilder
ness, which has made possible the march of civiliza
tion and the wonderful progress of the nineteenth
century. One daughter has been born to the union of
Samuel McConnell and Sarah Wallace, viz.: Annie
J. (Mrs. George Saxton), who with her husband is
yet living on her father's farm. After his marriage
Samuel M. McConnell located on the old Wallace
farm, situated about two miles east of Florence, in
Hanover township, and has given his entire atten
tion to general farming and stock raising, in which
he has been very successful. Politically he was
originally a Whig, now a Republican, and is one of
the influential men of his party, which he has served
in various local offices. He is one of the best-
known men in the community, and has hosts of
friends. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, in which he is very active, having been a
member of Session, of which he officiated as clerk
for more than twenty-five years. He was also clerk
of the board of trustees for more than twenty years.
In 1883 the faithful wife and loving mother was
called by the Master to her higher abode. On De
cember 13 her spirit passed beyond the river of death
to that heavenly home " where no storms ever beat
on that glittering strand, while the years of eternity
roll." Early in youth she became a member of the
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, and her whole
life had been one of exemplary Christian woman
hood. She passed away in her forty-seventh year,
honored and revered by all.
Mr. McConnell still resides at his old home where
he has passed so many years of his life, enjoying a

1026

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

handsome competence, the direct result of industry
and economy. He is a man of strong personalities,
and adheres to what he considers right with a
tenacity characteristic of the race from which he is
descended. He, however, is not intolerant, but has
for the opinions of those who differ from him the
utmost deference and respect. Though in his
seventy- second year, he is the mental and physical
superior of many younger men, while his hair and
beard, now whitened by time, become the wearer
as the silver crown of a life well spent, rather than
as a mark of the passing years.

rt( J. THOMAS, one of the best-known and
I \\ most enterprising native-born farmer oiti-
tr^\ zens of North Strabane township, first
J — > opened bis eyes to the wonders of the world
V April 21, 1851.
Edward Thomas, crrandfather of A. J., is the
first of the family in this county of whom there is
any data. He was a native of eastern Pennsylvania,
whence, when a young man, he came hither and
made a settlement in North Strabane township,
where he carried on farming to the end of his busy
life, becoming one of the leading citizens, ever in
the van of all progressive movements. He was
here married to Rhoda, daughter of David Leonard,
of Washington county, who resided near the
village of Bentleyville, and the children born to
them were Sarah, Mary, Ann, (still living at ninety-
two years), Rebecca, Phcebe, Liverton, Lydia,
Rhoda and Nancy. Rebecca was blind from the age
of seventeen years to her death in her seventieth
year. Mr. Thomas early united with the Pres
byterian Church, in after life becoming a trustee,
serving for many years, and an elder. Politically
he was a zealous Democrat.
Liverton Thomas, father of our subject, was
born in North Strabane township, Washington
Co., Penn., May 12, 1808, and his education was
received at the schools of his district, which he
enhanced by much after study. In 1834, he was
married, in Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Glandon, who
was born in Maryland October 2, 1813 (a daughter
of William and Mary M. Glandon), who moved with
her parents to Harrison county, Ohio; the results of
this union were nine children, eight of whom are
yet living, viz.: Edmond, in Saline county, Neb.;
William, a firmer in Chase county, Neb.; James
M., a merchant in Nottingham township; Rhoda L.,
wife of John Hodgens, of Des Moines county, Iowa;
G. L., a physician in Philadelphia, Penn.; Belle M.,
wife of James C. Matthews, a farmer and under
taker in North Strabane township; A. J., on the old
home farm, and Ida M., wife of William Kettle, of
Rush county, Kans.; (Caleb F. died in infancy).
The mother died December 10, 1873 and the
father then went to live with his daughter, Mrs.

John Hodgens, in Des Moines county, Iowa, where
he now is. A member of the Presbyterian Church,
he has always been a liberal supporter, was the
donator of the land on which the Fairview church
now stands, and materially contributed toward its
erection. Politically he is a lifelong Democrat,
and has been in his day a hard worker for the
party's interests.
The boyhood and youth of A. J. Thomas were
spent on the homestead where he was born, attend
ing during the winter months the common schools
of his district, the remainder of the year being
reserved for hard out-of-door work on the farm. In
1873 he was married to Jennie M., daughter of
Andrew Couch, of Nottingham township, and four
children have come to brighten their domestic
hearth: Alma (died at eleven months), Errol M. (died
at eleven years and two months), Wallace C, and
Josie A. (died at two years and three months). Their
mother dying (January 5, 1880), Mr. Thomas wedded,
November lO, 1890, Rilla C, daughter of Andrew
Crawford, of Peters township. The family are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at
Mount Prospect, of which Mr. Thomas is trustee.
Politically he was born a Democrat, has lived a
Democrat, and expects to die one; he has repeat
edly been urged to accept office, but has, on account
of his many home duties and responsibilities,
invariably declined the proffered honor. Soon after
his marriage Mr. Thomas purchased a portion of
the home place, on which he has continued to
reside. He is a successful farmer and stock raiser,
and is respected in the community as an upright,
progressive and loyal citizen.

AMUEL W. CRAFT. The well-known
family, of which this gentleman is a conspic
uous member, are of German descent, and
the earliest record of them now extant is of
one Daniel Craft, who came to Fayette county,
Penn., about the year 1750, and settling near Mer-
rittstown, there entered a wild, uncultivated tract
of land, which continued to remain in the family
name until 1891. This Daniel Craft had three
sons, Samuel, Daniel and Benjamin.
Samuel Craft, son of the pioneer, Daniel, was
born in Germany, and there received his early
education. He learned and followed the trade of
a silversmith in the Fatherland, and when a young
man came to America. He here bought several
teams, and carried goods across the mountains to
Philadelphia and Baltimore, but finally abandoned
that business, and took up the trade of clock mak
ing. He had two children, Samuel and Elizabeth.
In religious faith he was a member of the Baptist
Church. Samuel Craft, son of Samuel, was born
and reared in Fayette county, Penn., where he
attended the subscription schools. In early life he

Washington county.

10271

was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Chess-
round, of Washington county, Penn., and the
following children were born to this union: Adam,
Peter, Washington, Jonathan, Abel, Leroy, Joshua
and Eli. The father passed his life in agricultural
pursuits. In 1821 he Went to Vincennes, Ind.,
and resided there about ten years, and then re
turned to Washington county, and lived for sdme
time in Fallowfield township. Some years later he
removed to Fayette county, Penn., whence in 1850
he went to Iowa, where he died. In religious faith
he was a member of the Baptist Church; in poli
tics he was an active Whig. Adam Craft, son of
Samuel and Elizabeth Craft, was born in 1810, in
Fayette county, Penn., where he was reared and
educated. In early manhood he selected a life
companion in the person of Margaret, daughter of
Jacob Bird; and their children were Jacob, Samuel
W., Elizabeth (wife of John L. Trent), Sarah (de
ceased wife of Jacob Huggins) and three whose
names are not givep. After his marriage Mr.
Craft settled on a farm in Fallowfield township,
Washington Co., Penn., and followed farming in
connection with the carpentry and building busi
ness. He remained on that place about four years,
then moved to a farm owned by his father-in-law,
and in 1844 came to East Pike Run township. In
1850 he moved to California, this county, and died
in that village September 6, 1853, his widow sur
viving till February 22, 1887. They were members
of the Baptist Church, and in political opinion he
was a Democrat.
Samuel W. Craft, whose name opens this sketch,
son of Adam and Margaret Craft, was born at
Jonestown, Washington Co., Penn., July 1, 1835,
and was reared in the same county, attending
school in the log schoolhouse of that age. He
worked on a farm till he was seventeen years old,
when he learned the trade of ship-carpenter, work
ing as a common hand until 1859, when he became
foreman of the yard, continuing as foreman till
1865, then becoming a partner in the shipbuilding
business, and remained in the business till 1879,
when the railroad completely destroyed their yard.
He then open up in the furniture and undertaking
business, which he is still successfully engaged in.
He became a member of the M. E. Church at the
age of sixteen years, was leader of choir about
thirty years, retiring on account of failure of voice;
serving also as class leader, trustee, steward and
treasurer for many years. On May 24, 1862, Mr.
Craft was united in marriage with Martha, daughter
of Joseph Powell, a native of Washington county,
Penn., and she has borne him nine children, of
whom Josephine and Katharine are still living.
Mr. Craft became deeply interested in the success
and welfare of the Southwestern State Normal
School, located at California in 1866, giving liber
ally of his time and money. In 1867 he was

elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and
has served continually ever since; serving as chair
man of important committees, and as vice-president
for years. Soon after Mr. Craft entered the Board
he was recognized as its financial leader, and in
1873, when the school had reached the end of its
resources, and the trustees had done all they were
able to do, and the sheriff was pushing claims ori
them, it became imperative on the Board to raise
money to save the institution from financial wreck.
The duty of formulating a policy to raise the
needed money speedily, fell oh Mr. Craft, who
successfully planned a financial policy by issuing
five fifteen -year and five twenty-year first arid
second mdrtgage coupon bonds which were suc
cessfully placed on the market at par, from which
they realized in a short time sufficient funds to save
the school financially, and since that time he is
known as the father of the successful financial pol
icy which saved the institution, and the guardiait
of the treasury. In politics, like his father, he has
always been a Democrat and takes special interest
in local affairs.

JOHN J. GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser,
Mt. Pleasant township, was born February 5,
1847, in Columbiana county, Ohio, a son
of David H. and Christiana J. (George)
George. His paternal grandfather was Judge
Thomas George, who married Jane Hunter, and
she died many years ago. He was married the
second time, and passed away in August, 1873.
David H. George, a son of Judge Thomas
George, was born in 1813, in Jefferson county,
Ohio. In 1839_he was married to Christiana J.
George, who was born in 1819, in Mt. Pleasant
township, Washington county, Penn., a daughter
of Jacob and Isabella (Berry) George, both of
Washington county, Penn. Jacob George was a
Covenanter originally, iind then joined the United
Presbyterian Church, in which he was a ruling
elder. He died November 29, 1880. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. David H. George settled
in Columbiana county, Ohio, and children were
born to them as follows: J. Newton (deceased in
March, 1880), Thos. P. (living in McDonald, Penn.),
William K. (yet living in Columbiana county,
Ohio), John J. (whose name opens this sketch),
Robert E. (living on the old homestead), Bella J. ¦
(wife of Rev. S. J. Kyle, a minister of Cambridge,
Washington Co., N. Y.), and Margaret T. (who
died unmarried December 6, 1861, in Ohio). The
parents were formerly members of the Associate
Reformed Church, then united with the U. P. So
ciety. The father was an active member of the
Whig and Republican parties, and an ardent Abol
itionist. He died Decemberl6, 1861, in Ohio,
where his widow is yet residing. David H. George

1028

Washington county.

had eleven brothers and sisters, all now deceased
except two brothers and one sister; his wife had
one brother and two sisters, of whom the brother
and one sister are dead.
John J. George was educated in the district
schools of his birthplace. In 1874 he came to a
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, Washino-ton Co.,
Penn., and March 3, 1881, was married to Miss A.
Emma, who was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., only
daughter of John and Nancy Lindsay, natives of
Ireland, who came to America many years ago,
locating in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father is
yet living; the mother died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs.
John J. George have resided all their married life
on the farm of 137 acres which belongs to Mrs. C.
T. George, and they own (adjoining the property)
sixty-two acres of land which contains a producing
oil-well. Mr. George is an active member of the
Republican party. He and his wife are members
of the Centre U. P. Church at Midway, in which
he is a ruling elder. They have an adopted daugh
ter, Bertha B.

,\ILLIAM PEES is one of the most enter
prising and prosperous agriculturists of
North Strabane township, and is a mem
ber of an old and highly-respected family.
Nicholas Pees, great-grandfather of subject, in
company with an uncle emigrated from Germany
and settled in Canigaugig, " east of the mountains."
Here he married and had three children: Mary,
Andrew and George. About the year 1769 he
journeyed on foot to what was then known as the
" backwoods," and took up 400 acres of land on
Little Chartiers creek, in what is now North Stra
bane township, Washington Co., Penn. He re
turned East, and brought back to his new home his
wife and three children, above named, the boy
George, together with all their worldly effects, be
ing conveyed on the back of a horse, the rest jour
neying on foot. During the first winter the family
lived in a small log cabin, which the father had
erected near the present residence of John M.
Berry, on the original tract of 400 acres. Here
were born four more children: Nicholas, Catherine,
Betsy and Susan. All of the children except
Nicholas married and had children. Andrew
served in the war of 1812. This honored pioneer,
.Nicholas Pees, died at the patriarchal age of 105
years. In stature six feet one inch, and well pro
portioned, he was a modern Goliath in physique and
strength. His faithful wife lived to be upward of
ninety years of age.
George Pees, grandfather of subject, was four
years old when the family came to Washington
county, he being the one that came along with the
chattels on horseback. He was married to Lydia
Vaughn, a native of New Jersey, daughter of John

Vaughn, and the children born to this union were:
Polly (1), Andrew, Rebecca, Zachariah, John,
Nicholas, George, Joseph, James, Eliza, Polly (2),
Lydia, and two daughters who died in infancy. Of
these children Polly (1) was burned to death when
quite young; Joseph died at the age of thirty, and
James at the age of twenty-five. The others mar
ried, had families, and remained in Washington
county. George Pees passed from earth March 1,
1849, and his wife followed him to the grave Octo
ber 16, 1865. Both are buried in the cemetery of
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, of which they
were active and prominent members.
Zachariah Pees, father of subject, was born July
15, 1799, in the house now owned and occupied by
John M. Berry. When twenty-one years of age
his father exchanged farms with his uncle, Andrew
Pees, securing in the exchange a saw and grist
mill, known far and wide as " Pees Mills," which
was operated by Zachariah Pees fourteen years.
On December 27, 1820, he married Hannah Pees,
and the following is a brief record of the children
born to them: William is the subject proper of this
memoir; Joseph, born August 21, 1823, was mar-
riei to Sarah Newsom; Andrew, born July 4, 1825,
married Julia Ann, daughter of John and Sarah
Ann (Haines) Dickson, by whom he had the fol-
lowino- children: Zachariah Mason, Ida, Elizabeth
and John; Mary, born May 1, 1827, married Jacob
Anthony, a farmer in Illinois, and had ten children:
Hannah, Pearson, Belle, Jane, Ann, Abbie, Ettie,
Grant, John and Zachariah; Lydia, born July 24,
1830, married Zachariah Pees, a farmer in Illinois,
and had four children: Sloan, Francis, Clark and
Leslie; Elizabeth, born June 5, 1833, died March 11,
1841; George, born April 27, 1835, died May 3,
1835; Hannah Jane, born May 20, 1839, died May
16, 1841; and Phoebe, born April 7, 1841, died
October 30, same year. Mrs. Pees died October 4,
1846, and Mr. Pees was married, January 13, 1848,
to Jane, daughter of Robert and Margaret Jackson,
and born in Lancaster county, Penn., Ootober 18,
1806. Her family were connections of President
Andrew Jackson. By this second marriage Zacha
riah Pees had one child, Margaret, who was born
May 12, 1849, and died May 18, 1877. About the
year 1825 Mr. Pees bought a farm in Ohio, which
he afterward sold, and then purchased the farm in
North Strabane township, this county, now occupied
by his son AVilliam. He died October 19, 1885, an
elder in the Pigeon Creek Church, in the cemetery
of which he now sleeps.
William Pees was born October 13, 1821. He
was reared from boyhood to farm life, and received
his education at the schools of his district. On May
30, 1844, he married Mary Jane Cheesman, and
this union was blessed with one child: Mary J.,
who was born December 31, 1845 (on November
10, 1875, she married John Alexander Gault, by

.. . >  li . .

ac &

-££&

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1031

whom she had the following children: Mary Emma,
born September 1, 1876; D. Leroy, born September
26, 1878; Emma C, born September 12, 1880;
Olive E., born October 25, 1882; Nora Virginia,
born October 19, 1884; Jennie Mowry, born
October 12, 1886; and John Alexander, Jr., bqrn
December 19, 1889. They live in Union township,
near Courtney). Mrs. Pees died February 12, 1846,
and William Pees was married in 1848 to Eliza J.
Davis, who was born August 25, 1822. Two
children came to them: Plannah, born December
14, 1849, and William A., born January 6, 1852,
both deceased. Their mother passed away on May
26, 1853, and Mr. Pees was married, on January
12, 1854, to Cordelia Sutman, who was born April
14, 1833, a daughter of Joseph and Susannah
(Myers) Sutman, and this third marriage was
blessed with seven children: Catherine, born May
2, 1855, married, September 28, 1880, to Samuel
H. Brehm, of Uniontown, Penn., by whom she has
had three children: Roy E., Clyde G. and Cora
Lena; Anna M., born January 10, 1856, and
married, August 26, 1879, to J. B. Thomas, of West
Alexander, by whom she has had three children:
Ada D., Oliver W. and James William (deceased);
William T., born November 5, 1858, and married
September 11, 1879, to Josephine Kelsey, who
bore him four children: Violet Myrtle, Anna Bell,
Jessie Meivin and Orlo, who died when two months
old (William T. is a farmer of North Strabane
township, Washington Co., Penn.); Albert E., born
August 17, 1861, married to Lillie Arend, who bore
him one son, Albert Floyd (he lives on the old
homestead); Clara B., born November ,L3, 1863,
was married, June 7, 1883, to John Thomas, of
Chartiers township, by whom she had the following
children: Charles H., and Olive Pearl and William
J. (twins, the last married being deceased); John
M., born May 20, 1865 (living on the old home
stead); and Sudie E., born September 22, 1866,
married, June 30, 1885, to John R. Gamble (she
has no children). Mrs. Pees is the eldest in a family
of nine children born to Joseph and Susannah
(Myers) Sutman, viz.: Cordelia, Leman (deceased),
Brittie C. (widow of William Stark), John M.,
Aaron (deceased), Hiram, .William, Henry and
Mary (Mrs. E'red Schively). Joseph Sutman died
November 1, 1880, and his wife October 30, 1883.
He had been a soldier in the Civil war, as were also
his sons, John M. and Aaron. Hiram ran away and
enlisted in Pittsburgh, but he was too young, and
his mother went after him.
William Pees is a strong Democrat, and takes
considerable interest in politics. He has served as
school director four terms, or twelve years; justice
of the peace ten years; and also as township
inspector and auditor. In 1880 he was appointed
postmaster at Kerr's Station, and held that office
until 1890. He and his wife have been consistent

members of the Fairview Presbyterian Church for
the last thirty years, and enjoy the respect and
esteem of a wide circle of friends. He was a leading
elder, and superintendent of Sabbath-school of
Fairview a number of years.

fiAMES CRAWFORD (deceased). Among
I the widely-known and universally esteemed
jrlj citizens of Canonsburg and Peters township,
^^ none have proven more worthy of love and
respect than has this gentleman, a trusted and
honorable business man, a true-hearted Christian
gentleman. His father, James Crawford, was born
in County Down, Ireland, where he was married to
Miss Mary Carson, a native of the same place, who
bore him six children, namely: Hamilton, Marga
ret, Mary Ann, James, Ellen and Francis. Of
these, James and Mary Ann settled in Pittsburgh,
Penn., the other four in Canada.
James Crawford, whose name opens this sketch,
was born about 1812, in County Down, Ireland,
and came to America with the family. In early
life he settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked at
the mason's trade, afterward becoming a contrac
tor. He was united in marriage with Esther,
daughter of John Watson, of Peters township,
Washington county, and granddaughter of Will
iam Watson. The latter emigrated from County
Down, Ireland, to America, settled in Lancaster
county, Penn., and later came to Peters township,
where he purchased a timbered farm, and erected
a cabin, then returned to Lancaster county for his
family, cutting a door in the cabin after their arrival.
It had no floor, and weeds had grown up inside.
His wife sat on a log nursing John Watson, grand
father of Miss Mary Crawford and Mrs. Jennie
Wasson. He served in the Revolutionary war, tak
ing part in the engagements at Brandywine, Ger
mantown and many others. He married Mary
Edgar, who came from County Down, Ireland, to
America when yet a little girl, and who bore him
one son, John. William Watson and his wife
were truly pioneers.
John Watson was born in Lancaster county,
Penn., and came to Peters township, this county,
with his father when quite young. He followed
farming, and in early life married Miss Mray Gib
son, of Pigeon Creek, this county, and by her had
four children: Esther, Mary (Mrs. John Kerr),
Jane (Mrs. James Kerr, of Pittsburgh), and Wil
liam. Esther was born February 24, 1806, and
her father dying when she was but a child, she
lived with her grandfather until his death, then re
sided with an uncle, James Gibson, of North Stra
bane township, Washington county, until her mar
riage to James Crawford.
James Crawford followed the business of con
tractor in Pittsburgh, Penn., for seven or eight

1032

Washington county.

years after his marriage, then moved to Canonsburg,
in order to send their children to the Olome Insti
tute. They lived in town eight or ten years,
finally returning to the farm. In politics Mr. Craw
ford was a Republican, and had been offered many
offices of trust, but for many years declined to
serve; was finally induced, however, to accept the
office of burgess of Canonsburg, holding that
position several terms. He was a member of the
U. P. Church, in which he was also trustee. On
June 12, 1877, he died, leaving a wife and two
daughters to mourn his departure. Mary, the eldest
daughter, graduated from the seminary at Canons
burg, where she is now living. Mrs. Crawford died
June 30, 1892. Mary owns the homestead, com
prising 100 acres of land in Peters township, this
county, which has been in possession of the family
over one hundred years.
Jennie Crawford (sister of Mary and younger
daughter of James and Esther (Watson) Crawford,
in early womanhood was united in marriage with
Rev. Luke J. Wasson, an earnest and eloquent
young minister of Fairview, and son of Hugh and
Elizibeth (McQueety) Wasson, who emigrated to
America. Mrs. Wasson and sister reside in
Canonsburg. Luke J. Wasson was born in October, 1846, in
County Antrim, Ireland, and was but two years of
age when his parents settled in Robinson township,
AVashington Co., Penn., where the remainder of
their lives was passed. He attended the academy
at Candor, this county, and in 1863 entered
the junior class of Jefferson College, graduating
in 1865. He then took a theological course of
study at the Western Theological Seminary, Alle
gheny City, receiving his license to preach in
1868. He was soon after called to the Presby
terian Church at Calcutta, Columbiana Co., Ohio,
and after preaching there one year, declined to
accept the call. On April 23, 1869, he was or
dained by the Presbytery of New Lisbon, and in
June, 1870, united with the Pittsburgh Presbytery.
On October 12, of the same year, he became the
pastor of the Fairview Church. On November 5,
1868, he married Miss Jane Crawford, whose
family history is above recorded. Two daughters
blessed their union: Alice G. and Frances C. In
April, 1873, Rev. Wasson was released from minis
terial duties, and, his health having failed, went
west to recuperate, but while in Minneapolis he
died, June 3, 1873. A brief life, as we mortals
count time, and taken from earth in the very prime
of early manhood, yei who can say how many years
of fruitful service were compressed into those few
months of devoted work. Only Eternity can
determine if his crown may not have more jewels
than that of many whose hairs have grown white
with the burden of many years. One item is
culled from the many tributes of affection and re

spect given by those who knew Rev. Wasson most
intimately: " As a man he was much respected; as
a laborer for Christ he was diligent and conse
crated; and as a preacher earnest and successful
among his late parishioners, his character and min
istry are held in fond and grateful remembrance."

MC ATTHEW RYBURN, a well-known citi
zen of Chartiers township, comes of Scot
tish ancestry. His grandfather was James
i -1 Ryburn, who was born in York county,
v Penn., of Scotch parents. He became a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving from
April 1, 1777, to April, 1780, when he received an
honorable discharge; then coming to Washington
county, Penn., bought a tract of land of one James
Smith. He was married to Elizabeth Gordon, and
their union was blessed with four children, namely:
Matthew, Elizabeth, James and David. The father
of this family died in 1826, and the mother lived
with her children for many years afterward.
Matthew Ryburn (father of subject) was born
in York county, Penn., and when ten years old
came with his parents to Washington county. He
was educated in the subscription schools of Char
tiers township, and in early manhood was married
to Catherine Gordon, daughter of Thomas Gordon,
of Buffalo township, this county. The young
couple settled on the farm in Chartiers township
where the widow of John Ryburn is now living,
and the following children were born to their union:
John (deceased December 17,1888, was married to
Rebecca Thompson, who is living on the old home
stead), Elizabeth (living with her brother Mat
thew), Matthew, Thomas (deceased September 4,
1851), Mary Jane (wife of J. R. Smith, of Canton
township), Nancy and Catherine, twins (the former
deceased at the age of eighteen years, the latter
when nineteen years old), and James (deceased De
cember 9, 1863). The father of this family died
in 1865, being followed by the mother, in June,
1884. He was a member of the Whig party.
James Ryburn, son of James Ryburn, married
Mary Ann Bigley June 23, 1825. They moved to
Heyworth, 111., a few .years after their marriage.
John married Rebecca Thompson December 20,
1866, and the following children were born to them:
Joseph, John, Katharine, Emma and Matthew.
Matthew Ryburn, whose name opens this sketch,
was born September 6, 1822, in Chartiers township,
this county. He was reared on the farm and edu
cated in the district schools of Chartiers township,
afterward learning the cooper and carpenter trades.
He is an expert cooper, having made twenty bar
rels in one day, and has followed various other
occupations. He owns a good farm of 120 acres,
and has erected about $5,000 worth of buildings
upon the place, together with other improvements,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1033

Mr. Ryburn has achieved success by hard work,
being now a prosperous business man. He belongs
to the Republican party, and in religion is a mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Cross
Roads.

SAAC NEWTON CONNETT. Members of
the Connett family have been important factors
in the social and material history of Washing
ton county for nearly a century. The immedi
ate subject of this sketch, whose name appears at
the opening thereof, was born in Morris township
in 1826. Both his father, James Connett, and his
grandfather, whose name was also James, immi
grated to Morris township from New Jersey in
1801. Upon locating in Morris township the
senior James Connett, grandfather of subject, pur
chased what is known as the " Connett farm," six
months after its entry, located one and one-half
miles northeast of Prosperity. It is one of the best
in that section. James Connett, Sr., was a weaver
by trade, to which he gave his sole attention, and
at one time he did all the weaving of linen aud
woolen goods in the southern part of the county.
His death occurred in 1845.
James Connett, Jr., father of Isaac N., was born
in 1797, in the town of the nativity of T. De Witt
Talmage — Bainbrook, N. J. He remained with
his father until about seventeen years of age, re
ceiving such an education as the times and sur
roundings afforded, which were by no means such
as are enjoyed at present. After leaving the pater
nal roof, young Connett worked about in various
places at sundry things until 1821, when he married
Miss Rebecca Cary, a daughter of Henry Cary, who
had removed to Washington county, from Morris
town, N. J., in 1802. Isaac Newton Connett was
the second in a family of three children born to this
union. His brothers, Henry and Oliver, died at the
ages of four and nineteen, respectively. The father
died in 1882, and the mother in 1872.
Educated to practical farm life, Isaac N. Connett
has made farming his lifetime vocation. His suc
cess attests to his energy and practical judgment.
He has seen Washington county evolve from almost
a wilderness to its present prosperous state. He
speaks of hearing his mother tell of how, in the
days of their early location there, travelers were
actually compelled to construct their own roads in
many instances. Mr. Connett was in 1847 united
in marriage with Lucinda Lindley, of Morris town
ship. She is descended from a family of early pio
neers, who settled in Washington county as early
as 1783, the first members having immigrated from
New Jersey. Her grandfather was one of three
brothers who were all Revolutionary soldiers, and
who in later years came to Washington county and
constructed a fort called Lindley's Fort, near where

Isaac Connett now resides. This fort was at that
time the strongest fortification between Wheeling
(W. Va.) and Brownsville (Penn.). It withstood
all the attacks of the Indians, the barricades never
having in any part been broken down. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Connett have been born
four children, all of whom are living, viz.: Flora
Samantha, who married, in 1868, S. B. McVay, of
Morris township; Hannah Rebecca, married, in 1872,
to Joseph Shafer, of Knox county, Ohio, where
they now reside; Sarah Cordelia, married, in 1879,
to Wiley Parkinson, of Greene county, Penn. (Mr.
Parkinson died in 1885, and Mrs. Parkinson now
resides with her parents); Clara Bethany, the
youngest, was married, in 1884, to Joshua Heironi-
mous, of Madison county, Ohio (Mr. and Mrs.
Heironimous now reside at Plymouth, Iowa, where
he is telegraph operator in the office of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which position he
has held a number of years). Prior to 1884 Mr.
Connett was allied with the Republican party,
since which time he has given his influence and
support to the Prohibition cause. In the sense of
an office-seeker he is not a politician, though he
takes an active interest in matters pertaining to
the welfare of his county and community. A con
tinuous residence of fifty-eight years at the same
place has proven him worthy of the esteem in which
he is held.

diOHN E. SPHAR. The Sphar family have
I been identified with the history of Wash-
I ington county for many years. Mat
tern Sphar was born in Switzerland, and, in
company with two brothers and one sister, immi
grated to America at the age of seventeen years,
about the year 1760. He first settled in Williams
burg, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the oath of
allegiance under Queen Anne. He was there
married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780 came to
Washington county, Penn., and purchased of one
Colonel Cooke 200 acres of land on the Mononga
hela river, in what is now Washington county. He
took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection,
and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died
about the year 1822, leaving three children, namely:
John, Mattern (who moved to Adams county, Ohio,
thence to Indiana), and Henry (who lived in this
county). John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun
county, Va., and when but three years of age came
with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He
received a subscription-school education in Allen
township, and when a young man was married to
Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county,
and reared the following children: Mary, wife of
John Shively, Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob was
first married to Susan Wood, who died, and he was

1034

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

then married to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife
of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel, married to Mary Speer,
and lived in Kentucky; Ann, wife of William
Spah, of Indiana; Barbara, wife of William Hol-
lingshead; Mattern, married to Margaret Coyle, of
Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph Beazell, Allen town
ship; Rachel, married to Robert Gailey, Clarion
county, Penn.; John, married to Lucy Ann Scott,
and Henry. Of this family, three are yet living:
Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted with
the Whig and Republican parties, and served as
supervisor of the township. He and his wife were
members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1856,
having been preceded by his wife and mother in
John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the
old place in Allen township, Washington county,
Pennsylvania. In 1839 he was united in marriage
with Lucy Ann Scott, daughter of Parker and
Sarah (Carson) Scott, all of whom were natives of
Fallowfield township. Her parents bad twelve
daughters, of whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet
living. Mr. Sphar owns seventy-five acres of the
old homestead, where he has followed general farm
ing. He cast a vote for William Henry Harrison,
and since the organization of the Republican party
has been an earnest supporter of that faction, hav
ing served as a member of the school board and
also as supervisor. He is no less interested in
religious than in political movements, having been
licensed as an exhorter and class leader in the
Ebenezer M. E. Church, with which his wife is also
identified. The children of this influential family
are as follows: Sarah, wife of William Rogers, of
Fallowfield township; Parker S.; Henry, married
to a Miss McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penn.;
James, deceased in his twenty-sixth year; John E.;
Susanna, widow of Ephraim McKee; Gertrude,
married to J. H. Redd, and Wesley, deceased at
the age of nineteen years.
John E. Sphar, the fourth son of John and Lucy
Ann (Scott) Sphar, was born December 27, 1849,
in Allen township, this county. He received a
district-school education, then attended one term
at the college at California, this county. After
leaving school he began to follow farming, and on
October 29, 1872, was married to Sarah Jane,
daughter of Cornelius and Harriet (Phillips)
McKenna. They were early settlers of Allen
township, this county, where their daughter, Sarah
Jane, was born. They moved to Ohio, but in the
spring of 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Sphar settled on the
homestead farm in Allen township, where they now
are living. He is an ardent Republican. He
assisted his father on the farm till 1887, when he
became owner of part of the farm. While he was
thus engaged, foreseeing in the near future the
development of the coal lands for which the Mon
ongahela Valley is noted, he turned his spare time

to reading surveying. After some practice in land
surveying and town plats, he was called to con
struct maps of coal fields. He drew the first map
of the coal field that is now known as the Red
Bird mine. Then followed the mapping of the
extensive field now owned by the Laughlins, known
by the name of Vesta Coal Mines. He also located
the main gas line from the famous Parson Well in
the Maple Creek gas field; then carved out and
optioned some coal land for which he found ready
sale, besides doing much other work, being the only
surveyor in Allen township. He is a member of
the Mt. Tabor M. E. Church and secretary of the
Sabbath- school. The following children have com
pleted the family circle: Clark Herbert, at the age
of nineteen is wire chief in the main office of the
Western Union Telegraph Company, in Chicago;
Nellie Ethel, Rena Maud, Eldora Belle, Gertrude,
Lawrence Garfield, Jennie May, Evangeline, John
McKenna, Russell Harrison, and Bessie Inez.
Parker S. married a Miss Dunlevy, daughter of
Andrew Dunlevy, of Washington county.

[( NDREW BORLAND, a representative of
l\ one of the oldest families of Peters town-
4\ ship, was born November 12, 1793, in that
-* locality. He grew to manhood on the
home farm in Peters township, and when a
young man, March 3, 1825, was married to Eliza
beth, daughter of Alexander McClure, a native of
Ireland. They were the parents of the following
named children: Alexander Mc. Borland, Mary
(Mrs. Thomas McClelland), Rebecca (Mrs. Arthur
Hopper), Margaret A. (Mrs. John Bell), Elizabeth
(Mrs. J. R. McClure), Sarah J. (Mrs. John Wat
son), Andrew J., Catherine (Mrs. R. D. Henry),
Rachel, Martha W. and James L. Borland. Cf
these children, Rebecca, Catherine, Martha and
Rachel are deceased. Mr. Borland passed the
first years of his married life in Peters township,
Washington county, and afterward made a perma
nent home in South Strabane township. He was a
successful business man, and took an active inter
est in all public enterprises or charities which were
worthy of his aid. In politics he was a stanch
Democrat, and was frequently elected to county
offices by his party. In religious faith he was a
leading member of the United Presbyterian
Church. He died July 18, 1860, on the farm now
owned by A. J. and J. L. Borland, and was
mourned by a large circle of friends.
Andrew and James Borland were born on the
home farm in Peters township, Washington county,
and received a common-school education. In early
youth they assumed the management of the home
place in South Strabane, which they still own,
transacting all business together. They are among
the leading men of the township, and enjoy the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1035

esteem of all who know them. They have never
married, and a sister, Margaret A., and her daugh
ter Mary M. Bell, attend to the household duties.
They have an excellent farm, and deal largely in
stock. Both of the brothers are active workers in
the Democratic party, of which they are members.
The Borland family were among the organizers of
the United Presbyterian Church at Peters Creek,
and the brothers contributed liberally to the sup
port of the Pigeon Creek U. P. Church, of which
they are members.

LBERT ZELT. Jacob Zelt was a native
of Bremen, Germany, where the family
were engaged in agricultural pursuits.
But after many years of faithful toil in the
land of his birth, the father at last came to
the conclusion that success could be more easily
won in newer fields, where there was less compe
tition and more freedom. No sooner was this de
cision made than his eyes turned to that Mecca of
all oppressed children of the world — America —
and in 1838 he emigrated to this the " Land of
Promise." The long and perilous journey was made in a
sailing vessel, and, did space permit, we might tell
of weeks of danger and suspense, ere the travelers
arrived in safety at their destination. Jacob Zelt
was then a boy of eighteen, and soon after the ar
rival of the family in America he went to Vir
ginia, where he was employed upon the public
works for some time, and then came to Pittsburgh,
Penn. After a year's residence there, he removed
with his family to Washington county, Penn.,
where he passed the remainder of his life. In
1842, in Pittsburgh, Penn., he was married to
Mary Bartz, and this union was blessed with the
following children: William, John, Jacob, Lewis,
Adam, Frank, Henry, Albert, Mary (Mrs. William
Hartman) and Ella (Mrs. Douglas McMurray).
Politically, Mr. Zelt was a Democrat, and an active
worker in his party. He was a member of the
Lutheran Church, giving it a liberal financial sup
port. Beginning life for himself when a mere
boy, with neither friends nor'money and"a stranger
in a foreign land, Mr. Zelt was iu every sense of
the term a self-made man, and his success in busi
ness, achieved as it was in the face of so many ob
stacles, should serve as a strong incentive to all
struggling young men. Mr. Zelt passed from the
scene of his labors May 10, 1882, to join the wife
who had preceded him to the dark valley on Feb
ruary 15, 1879.
Albert Zelt, the subject proper of this memoir,
was born December 7, 1860, in Washington, this
county, where he has passed his entire life, and
received his education at the schools of the
borough. On June 25, 1884, he was married to

Elizabeth, daughter of Lewis Fleming, of Alle
gheny county, Penn., and the children born to
them are John, born in March, 1886; Mary, born
in December, 1889, and Harry, born in May, 1891.
Mr. Zelt has always been an enthusiastic advocate
of Democratic principles. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. He and his brother are the
proprietors of a mill which they purchased in 1887,
and since they have assumed the management of
the property it has been much improved in many
ways. The present owners employ all the latest
improved machinery, and have doubled the capacity
of the mill, which was found to be essential in
order to supply their customers, as their work is
famous for its excellent quality. They are an en
terprising and progressive firm, and enjoy the con
fidence and respect of the entire community.

ITti H. ALLISON, a prominent farmer and
II l\ stock raiser of Chartiers township, is a
#p^\ native of the same, having been born here
JJ *i November 24, 1828, a son of Hugh and
v Jane (Gabby) Allison, also natives of Wash
ington county.
John and Jane (Brownlee) Allison, grandparents
of subject, were natives of the Highlands of Scot
land, emigrating to Washington county, Penn., in
1768. On April 5, 1 786, they obtained a patent
for 415 acres of land, and settled on the same,
cultivating and adding to it until they had 640
acres. They were the parents of nine children,
eight sons (all of whom died in Washington county,
except Gavin, who died in Butler county, Penn.)
and one daughter. They were as follows: John,
deceased in 1804; Gavin, deceased; Archibald, de
ceased in 1835; William, deceased in 1764; James,
deceased in 1810; Thomas, deceased in 1840;
Ebeuezer, deceased in 1812; Hugh, deceased in
1853, and Jane. The father of this family died
in March, 1790, in Washington county; his widow
survived him several years.
Hugh Allison, the father of subject, was born in
1773, in Washington county, Penn., on the farm in
Chartiers township, and was reared to farm life.
In 1791 he was married to Miss Jane Irwin, a
native of this county, who bore him one child,
Jane, who became the wife of George Morrison,
and died in 1871, in Mattoon, Coles Co., 111., leav
ing seven children. Mrs. Allison died in Wash
ington county in 1795, and in 1798 Mr. Allison was
married to Miss Jane Brownlee, a native of Wash
ington county, who died in 1802' the mother of
two children: Eliza, who married William Scott,
and afterward moved to Guernsey county, Ohio,
where she died, leaving seven children; and Ammi,
who died in AArashington county at the age of four
teen. In 1804 Mr. Allison was again married, this
time to Miss Rebecca McBride, of this county. To

1036

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

this union were born the following children:
Maria, who became the wife of Hugh Lee, and
moved to Henderson county, 111., where she died;
Rebecca, wife of John C. Hanna, died in Washing
ton county, the mother of four children; Hugh
and James, both deceased in infancy; John, mar
ried three times (he moved to Henderson county,
111., and died there, leaving a large family);
Thomas, moved to Henderson county, 111., and mar
ried a Miss Graham (his death occurred in 1869, in
Illinois); and one that died in infancy. The
mother of this family died in 1818. In 1820 Mr.
Allison married Miss Jane Gabby, a native of
Washington county, daughter of James and Janet
(Brownlee) Gabby, natives of Maryland, who
came in an early day from Chambersburgh to
Washington county, where they died. To Hugh
and Jane (Gabby) Allison were born eight children,
as follows: Jane G., born June 11, 1822, married
to Joseph McNary, and residing in Chartiers town
ship, this county (they have nine children); James
G., born SeptemOer 18, 1824, married to Mary
Gabby, and now residing in Nuckolls county, Neb.
(he had a family of ten children, eight of whom
are now living); Margaret, born March 11, 1826,
widow of E. K. Rogers, residing in Washington
county (she has six children); Archibald H; Hugh
Brownlee, born April 20, 1830, first married to Mary
Jane Gabby, and they had five children, but one of
whom is living (his second wife was Mrs. Oakison;
he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he is now
residing); one that died in infancy; Anna Hender
son, born June 27, 1833; and Ebenezer, born Au
gust 12, 1835, married in 1873 to Orpha Jane
Hayes, and residing on a part of the old homestead.
Mr. Allison was a man of robust health. He was
an active worker in the United Presbyterian
Church, and was chosen elder at the age of about
twenty years. He attended all the synods and
meetings of the Presbytery, and was present at
the meeting that made slavery a question of com
munion; he was also an ardent advocate of the
temperance cause. He was commissioned major
in the State Militia. He was a Whig, active in
politics, and held several offices of public trust in
the township. He died in Washington county
September 3, 1853, his wife surviving him until
December 14, 1870.
Archibald H. Allison was reared on the home
farm, and received his education in the district
schools of the county. For a while he taught
school in Washington county, and studied under
private teachers', but his life work has been agri
culture. Mr. Allison has made many improve
ments on the farm upon which he now resides. It
consists of 125 acres of good land, in a fine state
of cultivation, upon which he has built a substan
tial dwelling house and barn. Politically, Mr. Al
lison is an active Republican, and has held various

offices of trust in Chartiers township. He was in
the convention that opposed " Know-Nothingism"
in the county; is active in all that pertains to the
public welfare, and is a prominent, enterprising

man.

JAMES HANNA was born October 3, 1836, in
Washington county, Penn., a son of Hugh
Hanna, who was born June 14, 1798. On
March 31, 1825, Hugh Hanna was united in
marriage with Dorothy Whitely, who was born
May 22, 1801, and to their union were born eight
children. The father died June 8, 1842, and the
mother passed away June 11, 1858, and was buried
in Brush Run cemetery.
James Hanna passed his early life at home, and
at the acre of seventeen years began to learn
cabinet making, but abandoning this for the car
penter's trade, continued to follow the latter voca
tion until 1877. On September 1, 1870, he made
choice of a bride in the person of Catherine, daugh
ter of George and Jane (McMahon) Johnston.
To the union of James and Catherine Hanna the
following children have been born: Hugh Willard
(a school teacher), Mary Jane, George Johnston,
and two that died in infancy. In 1868 Mr. Hanna
bought sixty- four acres of land in JSforth Strabane
township, and to the original tract he has added
thirty acres, which makes a very pleasant home.
The family attend the Chartiers Presbyterian
Church.

^ALTER DENNY, a son of Robert, and
and grandson of Walter Denny, is one of
the well-known and most highly esteemed
citizens of his township. His grandfather
was born in the year 1750, east of the mountains,
and followed the occupations of a farmer and mil
ler. He was there married to Esther Maxwell, and
in the year 1788 came to Washington county, lo
cating near Canonsburg. After several years he
moved to a farm near Washington borough, where
he passed the remainder of his life, and reared the
following children: Catherine, Martha, Margaret,
Esther, Eleanor, James, Robert and Walter, all of
whom lived to an adult age. Mr. Denny died in
the year 1802, and was followed by his wife in the
year 1843.
Robert Denny was born in the year 1875, east of
the mountains, and when but a child came with his
parents to Washington county. He received his
education at the rate schools, and in the year 1814,
was united in marriage to Lydia ( who was born in
1795), daughter of James McMannis, and their
children were Walter, Anne (Mrs. J. C. Sloan, of
Hopewell township), Esther, James, Robert, Eliza
beth (these four are deceased), William and Cftthe-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1037

rine (twins, the former living in Kansas, and the
latter Mrs. Work, of Buffalo township), and Lydia
(widow of Alexander Work, of Harrison county,
Ohio). After his marriage Mr. Denny located one
mile and a half north of Washington borough, in
South Strabane township. He then moved to
Chartiers township, and there continued farming
until his death, which occurred in the year 1832.
His widow followed him in 1853. Politically he
was a Democrat, and in religious connection a
member of the Associate Reformed Church.
Walter Denny was born April 30, 1816, in South
Strabane township, this county. He assisted his
father on the farm, and received his education in
the usual log schoolhouse. In the year 1842- he
was married to Mary (who was born February 28,
1822), daughter of John Welch, of Chartiers town
ship. The children born to them were as follows:
Mary Jane (Mrs. Samuel Leper, of Beaver county,
Penn . ) ; Elizabeth Ann (wife of John Wilson , super
intendent of the County Home); Margaret L. (Mrs.
J. G. Hanna) ; Sarah L. (deceased in infancy) ; Sarah
E. (deceased); Robert N. (deceased in infancy);
John W. and Laura (Mrs. William Patterson, of
Hopewell township) (twins); Samuel T. (a farmer
of Hopewell township); Alice (Mrs. Marion Lig
gett, of Donegal township); Agnes; Cora (Mrs.
Robert Buchanan); and Martha (living at home).
After his marriage Mr. Denny first located in South
Strabane township, and in the year 1849 went to
Hopewell township, moving in 1875 to his present
home, which is situated about one mile and a half
west of West Middletown, near the boundary line of
Hopewell and Independence townships. Mr. Denny
has always been a farmer, but of late years has been
enjoying a comparatively retired life in his elegant
home. Politically he was originally a Whig, and
a strong Abolitionist, then a Democrat, afterward
a Republican, and now a Prohibitionist. He has
never been bound closely to party lines, but has
voted according to the dictates of his own judg
ment, and held various township" offices. He and
his wife are members of the U. P. Church at West
Middletown.

dt AMES PRIGG, now retired from active work,
is a worthy representative of a family long
| and favorably known in Canton township, of
which he is a native, having been born in
1822, a son of Samuel Prigg, a sketch of whom
appears in that of William Prigg, elsewhere. Our
subject was reared to farm life almost from the
cradle, and in his boyhood, during a few weeks in
the winter time, attended the subscription schools,
which were situated at a great distance from his
home; and although his educational advantages
were extremely limited, yet his opportunites for
learning in the school of practical life were abun

dant. At an early day Mr. Prigg commenced life
for himself as an agriculturist, and with the aid of
his faithful wife he has met with well-merited suc
cess, being now the owner of 250 acres of well-
improved land, besides a fine dwelling house in the
borough of Washington, whither he and his wife
moved in 1885, and where they are now living re
tired, enjoying the fruits of their industry.
On September 9, 1852, James Prigg was united
in marriage with Nancy C, daughter of Joseph and
Nancy Mountz, of this county, and the children
born to them were: Ellen A. (deceased), Oliver J.
and Laura (Mrs. John H. Wilson). The family
are all Presbyterians and prominent in church mat
ters. Politically, Mr. Prigg has been a lifelong
Democrat, and has ever manifested a deep interest
in the welfare of his township and county, where he
is recognized as a leader in the community.

ENOCH D. PRIGG, one of the best-known
native-born farmers of the county, is a son
of Samuel and Hetty (Day) Prigg. He
— I was born November 11, 1817, in Canton
township, and from very early life experienced little
else than hard work on his father's farm, varied occa
sionally during the winter season by a few weeks'
attendance at the nearest subscription school, to
reach which entailed a long journey through the
deep snow, often in the teeth of a piercing wind.
The schoolhouse was an old log cabin, the floor
made of puncheons, seats of undressed slabs sup
ported by wooden pegs, while the writing desk was
simply a slab extending across the room, and placed
so high that the younger scholars could scarcely
reach it. The fireplace was a huge affair, at one
end of the room, the generous fire being replen
ished by the older students usually during the noon
hour. The other medium for keeping the boys
" warm," the indispensable " birch," was under the
immediate care of the dreaded dominie himself,
who considerately kept it in a condition of chronic
" pickle." Leaving school at an early age, our
subject commenced his life-work in earnest, but
true to his filial instincts remained at home with his
parents, until his assistance was no longer necessary.
He then, in company with his brother William,
purchased a farm, which they worked on shares
and greatly improved, until they bought another
tract, when they divided their property, the old
home place falling to Enoch's share.
In June, 1858, Mr. Prigg married Matilda M.,
daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth M. Daniels, and
the children born to them are: Andrew, who mar
ried Miss Thomasene Elwood; Sarah (Mrs. Charles
Taylor); Belle (Mrs. Elmer Longdon) ; Lottie (Mrs.
James Lacock), and Morgan. Mr. Prigg owns 385
acres of land in Canton township, and is a member
of a company owning large areas in the " Sunny

1038

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

South." In politics he has always been an enthu
siastic Democrat, but in county and township elec
tions votes for those whom he thinks will best serve
the people, irrespective of party considerations.
He is a liberal and useful citizen, one who unaided
has made his own success.
When a small boy Enoch frequently accompanied
his father across the mountains, assisting him to the
Baltimore market, whither he went to sell horses,
he being a large dealer for those early times, and
at the same mart Enoch witnessed the sale of negro
slaves.

ENJAMIN FARABEE. Foremost among
the successful farmers of Morris township,
Washington county, stands our subject. He
is a self-made man in every particular, hav
ing acquired the wealth he now possesses by indus
try and strict integrity.
Benjamin Farabee is a son of Thomas Farabee,
whose parents emigrated to this country from En
gland in the early part of 1700, settling in Bucks
county, Penn. Thomas Farabee had five brothers
and one sister. Their names were as follows:
Joseph, John, Samuel, George, Benjamin and Jane.
The last named brother and sister settled in South
Carolina, where they died. Thomas Farabee mar
ried, in Bucks county, Jane Coffey, a native of that
county. He, being attracted with the fertile hills
and valleys of Washington county, emigrated
thither with his four brothers, at about the same
time (being about the year 1800), each purchasing
land, Thomas owning what now forms a part of the
immense tract of our subject. The wife of Thomas
Farabee died in 1836 at the age of fifty-six, and
Thomas *Farabee died in 1849, aged seventy-six
years. To their union were born the following
children: Jane (Mrs. Stephen Craft), Mary (Mrs.
Charles Bogue), Sarah (Mrs. Daniel Robison),
William (who died in Athens county, Ohio), Stacy
D. (in Washington county, Penn.), Samuel D. (in
Missouri), Thomas D. (in Washington county,
Penn.), Nancy (Mrs. Dr. Doddridge), and Benja
min, the only member of the family now living.
Mrs. Bogue had three children; Mrs. Robison nine;
William eight; and two of the latter's sons — Spen
cer and Thomas — are practicing physicians in Ohio;
Stacy D. had three children, as had also Mrs. Dod
dridge; Samuel D. had three children, one son —
Harvey — who was a valiant soldier and officer in
the Civil war, serving as captain and major, re
turning home at the close of the struggle. Benja
min Farabee was born in 1822, and was first mar
ried to Phoebe Day in 1842, who died in 1849
without issue. In 1856 he married Margaret Mc-
Kerrihan (Bane), a good Christian woman and an
earnest church worker, who died March 10, 1889,
aged fifty-eight years, Mr. Farabee afterward mar

ried, on March 18, 1891, his present wife, an esti
mable and refined Christian lady, Miss Mary E,
Imlay, daughter of John F. Imlay, of East Pike
Run township, Washington county.
Mr. Farabee has been variously connected in
church relations, having been a class-leader, and
teacher in the Sunday-school for more than twenty-
eight years, and superintendent a part of that time,
and is at the present time teacher of a Bible class,
also holding the office of steward and trustee. The
Mount Zion M. E. Church has the liberal support
of Mr. Farabee in the way of contribution to all its
various demands. He is a true and loyal friend to
the Church of his choice, and is appreciated as a
useful, intelligent and pious citizen in the com
munity in which he lives. His health has been
somewhat impaired by an attack of la grippe a few
years ago, which necessitates his comparative re
tirement from active farm work. Politically he has
been a lifelong Republican.

JiOHN H. VANKIRK is a representative of
the family of that name in Franklin township.
) His grandfather, Joseph Van Kirk (1), was a
native of the State of New Jersey, which had
long been the home of his ancestors, but in early
youth he came to Pennsylvania, and located in
what is now South Franklin township, Washington
county. Joseph Van Kirk (1) was united in mar
riage with a Miss Beabout, and there were born to
them the following children: Eben, Reuben, Osee,
Sarah, Christina and Joseph (2). Mr. Van Kirk
passed the greater part of his married life on the
farm, but some years before his death he sold his
farm, and with all his family except his son,
Joseph (2), removed to Wayne county, Ohio,
which in those days (1824) was considered the
'•Far West."
Joseph Van Kirk (2) was born April 14, 1807.
His early life was spent on the farm, consequently
he had but limited means and opportunities for an
education. In 1825 he was married to Nancy
Hagerty, and there were born to them four children,
all of whom died in childhood except Christina.
She lived to womanhood, and was married to Colin
Dickerson, but about one year after she died,
leaving one son, Joseph Dickerson, who now resides
in Champaign county, 111. Mr. Van Kirk was mar
ried (the second time) May 11, 1837, to Martha
Adams, who was born May 11, 1805, and to this
union there came four children, viz.: Joseph A.
(sketch of whom appears further on); Sarah Mar
garet, born March 24, 1842; John H. (of whom a
brief sketch follows); Mary Ellen, born February
14, 1848, died in 1S54. Of these, Sarah Margaret
was married to Silas Tharp, of Amwell township,
Washington Co., Penn., December 4, 1873. Joseph
Van Kirk had, as already intimated, but a limited

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1041

education, but by diligent use of such means as
were at his command, he succeeded in fitting himself
for all the numerous duties which devolved upon
him from time to time. Possessed of a good
memory, and a taste for reading, he was well-
informed and well up with the times in which he
lived, always ready to give aid in money or influ
ence for the promotion of improvements for the
public good. He was a shareholder in the first
railroad built in the county, know as the "Hemp
field Railroad," and also in the Chartiers Valley
Railroad, and was a stanch supporter and share
holder of the Upper Ten-Mile Plank Road Co.,
which he served for many years as manager, and
for several years occupied the position of president
of the company. He was frequently called to
serve his fellow-citizens in different offices in his
township, all of which duties he performed with
conscientious fidelity. In religion he was a Pres
byterian, uniting with the Church of East Buffalo
in 1853, soon after which he was chosen to the
office of ruling elder, a position he filled acceptably
until the close of the pastorate of Rev. William P.
Aldrich; he afterward united with the Second
Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn., and
was a member of this church at the time of his
death, which occurred May 8, 1870; his funeral
service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. Henry
Woods, D. D. Having no capital to begin business
save willing hands and a strong will, he nevertheless
succeeded in securing a competence, which enabled
him to spend his last years in comfort and content
ment. His first land purchase adjoined the farm
formerly belonging to his father, and here he built his
home, and lived until he was called to his final rest.
John H. Van Kirk was born on the home farm in
South Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn.,
July 12, 1844. On November 21, 1872, he was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. Noble, a
resident of Buffalo township, Washington county,
and they have had five children, as follows: One, a
daughter, born February 2, 1876, died in infancy;
Mary V., born February 10, 1877; Robert N., born
December 17, 1878; Mattie Bell, born March 24,
1881, and Sarah Margaret, born March 17, 1884.
Joseph A. Van Kirk was born August 29, 1840,
on the home farm in South Franklin township.
His youth was here passed, and in attending the
common schools, until he attained his majority.
On October 22, 1863, he was married to Sarah E.
Van Kirk, who was born October 14, 1842, a
daughter of Captain Joseph Van Kirk, of Amwell
township, Washington county.
After marriage they settled on a portion of the
farm, where they continued to reside and where
the following children were born to them: Clarence
B., December 20, 1865; Charles, October 29, 1869,
and Joseph B., August 29, 1871. Mr. Van Kirk
was well-informed in the current topics of the day;

he was an ardent worker in the ranks of the Demo
cratic party, and was chosen at different times to
fill positions to which he was elected; in religious
belief he was a Presbyterian, having united with
the church of East Buffalo in his youth, but after
ward transferred his membership to the Second
Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn., of
which he was a member at the time of his death,
which occurred April 14, 1883.

JOSEPH ADAMS was born in Ireland, May
27, 1770, and died June 2, 1832. He was
married in 1793 to Martha Moore, who was
born November 12, 1768, and died Septem
ber 29, 1828. There were born to them five sons
and three daughters: the sons were James, Will
iam, Robert, John and Joseph, all of whom removed
to Perry county, Ohio, after the death of their
parents, and none of them are now living except
Joseph, who removed to Sigourney, Keokuk Co.,
Iowa; the daughters were Margaret, Mary and
Martha, of whom, Margaret was married to Samuel
Mustard, and to them were born nine children,
four sons and five daughters. The sons are now
all dead; the youngest was a prominent minister of
the United Presbyterian Church, and died in Wal
ton, Kans., in August, 1890; two daughters, Mar
garet G. and Esther Jane, still in Claysville, Wash
ington county, and are esteemed for their social-
qualities and upright Christian characters. Mary
Adams was married to John Dickerson, and to
them were born two children: Margaret and Johsua;
Margaret died in early womanhood, while Joshua
is livino- in South Franklin township, Washington
county, one of its respected citizens. Martha Adams
was married to Joseph Van Kirk, May 11, 1837.
Joseph Adams and his wife, Martha Moore, came
from Ireland in the same ship, but "did not know
each other until after they arrived in America, al
though the vessel was thirteen weeks making the
voyage. They were Presbyterians, and members
of the Church of Upper Buffalo at the time of the
pastorate of Dr. Anderson. Their children were
early in life instructed in the doctrines of their re
ligion, and some of them were able to ask and an
swer every question in the Shorter Catechism
without the aid of a book. These early impressions
were so stamped on their memories that it bore
much fruit during their lives, as they all possessed
a high regard for truth and morality, and with
them carried an influence for all that was good and
pure; in fact, their religion was to them their com
fort through life and triumph in death. Joseph
and Martha Adams settled in Buffalo township,
Washington county, where they spent their re
maining years, and after death their bodies were
laid to rest in the cemetery of Upper Buffalo,
Washington county, Pennsylvania,

1042

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

JiOHN V. HANNA, a worthy and. honored rep
resentative of one of the oldest families of
| Washington county, is a native of the same,
having been born January 6, 1829, in Morris
township. His grandfather had come to the county at a
very early day, married, reared a family, and died
after a long life of usefulness as a pioneei farmer.
His children were John V., Hugh, James, Eleanor,
Martha and Nancy. Of these, James was brought
up from boyhood to agricultural pursuits, his edu
cation being received at the common schools.
When a young man he served a full apprenticeship
to the trade of wheelwright, which he afterward
followed in his own and neighboring counties.
Soon after finishing his apprenticeship he was
married to Phcebe, daugher of Benjamin Day, and
the results of this union were the following named
children: Benjamin A. (who died in Washington
county), Hugh (died June, 1892, in Carroll county,
Ohio), Rebecca, John V. (the only one of the
family now living), Samuel and James M. (the
latter deceased in Washington county in 1872).
James Hanna removed to Carrollton, Ohio, where
he followed his trade many years and died. His
widow afterward returned to Washington county,
having in the meantime been married to Joseph
Weir. She died in the fall of 1881. Mr. Hanna
was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The youth of our subject was passed on the
home place of his stepfather, with whom he re
mained until old enough to start out in life for
himself (which he did at an early age), his edu
cation being secured at the common schools, which
he attended a few months each year. He com
menced life as a hired man on the farm, and by
hard work and economical habits finally succeeded
in purchasing a portion of the home place, thus
step by step* plodding on until now he is one of
the solid men of his township; he has resided on
his present place eighteen years. Mr. Hanna en
listed August 16, 1862, in Company K, Sixteenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served three years, being
discharged in June, 1865. Politically Mr. Hanna
has always been a strong Democrat, and has held
various townshiD offices; in religious faith he is a
liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church.

HENRY CAIN, an old and successful farmer
of Donegal township, is a son of Thomas
Cain and grandson of John Cain, the latter
j -* of whom, a native of Ireland, in early man-
V hood immigrated to America, locating in
Maryland, where he was united in marriage with
Mary Means. About the year 1785 he came to
Greene county, Penn., where brothers of his wife
had located a year or two before. Here the fol
lowing children were born to him; Thomas, Dennis,

John, Nancy, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine, all
now deceased. John Cain, the father of this fam
ily, was among the early pioneers of Greene
county, and shared the hardships and dangers of
frontier life. He died about 1830, and his widow
then returned to her native Maryland, passing the
remainder of her life among her relatives.
Thomas Cain, the eldest in the above-mentioned
family, was born in 1784, in Maryland, and, when
a young child, was brought by his parents to
Greene county, Penn. Almost every farmer oper
ated a distillery in those days, and the youth of
Thomas was passed in assisting in that work, and
in the farm duties. He was naturally an apt and
intelligent boy, and his meager educational oppor
tunities were thus supplemented; he was also a
mechanical genius, and made good use of almost any
tool. In 1812 he was married to Mary Montague,
who was born in 1784, a daughter of Henry and
Rosanna Montague, who left County Tyrone, Ire
land, in 1792, and after a stormy voyage of eleven
weeks and three days, landed at New Castle, Del.
They first located in eastern Pennsylvania, and
soon afterward began the long journey to Ken
tucky, of which State they had heard so many
glowing descriptions. But the severe winter of
1793 set in when the travelers had reached Wash
ington county, so they concluded to remain there
till spring, and made a temporary stop in Canton
township. During this interval they met an old
frontiersman who had been in Kentucky, and
knowing the hostile disposition of the Indians at
that time, he advised this family to remain in Penn
sylvania. Mr. Montague took the advice, and pro
ceeding a few miles farther west, made a permanent
home in Donegal township, near the present post-
office of Coon Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Cain were born the following children: Henry
(deceased at the age of ten years), Nancy (de
ceased wife of James Reynolds), Rosanna (married
Patrick Reynolds, and died at a good old age),
John (farming in Donegal township), Thomas
(also farming in Donegal township), and Henry
(our subject). Mr. Cain lived in Greene county
for some time after his marriage, and in 1824
came to and made a permanent home on the old
Montague farm, near Coon Island, Donegal town
ship, AVashington county. He was an industrious
and successful man, respected by all who knew
him. He died in 1837, his widow on March
17, 1860.
Henry Cain, the youngest son of Thomas and
Mary (Montague) Cain, was born February 25,
1825, on the farm where he is now living, and
which is located about one mile northwest of
Coon Island, in Donegal township. When he was
twelve years of age his father died, and the farm
was then managed by the elder sons, with what
little assistance young Henry could give. In 1882

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1043

our subject was married to Bridget Ryan, who was
born December 1, 1848, a daughter of Martin and
Mary (Fitzpatrick) Ryan, residents of Washington,
Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have no children. He
is engaged in general farming and stock raising
on the old home place, and has met with well-
merited success. Politically he was formerly a
Whig, and is now a Democrat. He and his wife
are both devout members of the Catholic Church.

JAMES STEVENSON and THOMAS LOVE
! ANDERSON are descended from that sturdy
t(\ people known as the Scotch-Irish race. Their
^^ ancestry lived originally in Scotland, and were
of the Covenanter faith. To escape religious per
secution, they fled their native land and settled in
County Donegal, Ireland. Here the great-grand
parents of James S. and Thomas L. lived and reared
a large family: George, Matthew, Benjamin and a
daughter — Mrs. Scott, her son John, a merchant,
settled in Baltimore, Md.— being among the
number. Benjamin, their grandfather, was married in
1780, to Nancy Love, of County Tyrone, Ireland,
where they became the parents of six children:
William, Thomas, Benjamin, George, Jane and
Nancy, none* of whom are now living. Grand
father Anderson followed the blacksmith trade in
Ireland, and in 1792 he sailed with his family to
America, accompanied by his brother Matthew and
family. After a long and tedious voyage of over
thirteen weeks, during which time little George
was seized with a fatal disease and his body buried
in an ocean grave, the family landed in New York.
They proceeded to Washington county, Penn., and
settled on Brush run, in what is now Hopewell
township, the neighborhood being then very thinly
settled. Mr. Anderson continued to work at his
trade while the sons attended to the duties of the
home farm. Here he died in 1827, his wife having
been called home a short time before. Of their
children, William settled in Harrison county, Ohio,
where he married Melila Thompson; Thomas was a
river trader, and died in New Orleans; Jane be
came the wife of Holstin Bartleson, of Hopewell
township; Nancy married John Daugherty.
Benjamin Anderson, their father, was born in
Ireland in 1789. He came with his parents to
Washington county, where his boyhood was passed
on the pioneer farm. At the outbreak of the war
ot 1812, he was made captain of a company of
drafted infantry, which entered the service under
the command of Gen. Richard Crooks, whose bat
talion was a part of the First Regiment of Penn
sylvania Militia, which was assigned to duty in the
West under Gen. William Henry Harrison. About
the close of the war Capt. Anderson (afterward
TOsed to the rank of a colonel) returned home, and

in 1816 was married to Margaret Cook, daughter
of Gen. James Stevenson. To them were born
eight children: Ann Eliza (Mrs. John Moore, of
Buffalo township, deceased at the age of thirty-
five), James Stevenson (farmer of Donegal town
ship), Thomas Love (died March 7, 1892), Nancy
Jane (deceased at the age of nineteen), Catharine
(Mrs. Jonathan Brownlee, of Buffalo township),
William Cook (merchant, Claysville, Penn.), Mary
Melila (deceased at the age of nineteen) and John
(died when seven years old). Col. Anderson
passed the first five years of his married life on the
old home farm, located about three miles west of
West Middletown, in Hopewell township. He then
moved to Donegal township, settling about one
mile west of Claysville, along the National pike,
where he owned 250 acres of land, and which be
came his permanent residence. He was brigade
inspector of Washington county for seven years.
In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and besides
holding different township offices, he was elected
county commissioner in 1836. Col. Benjamin An
derson and his wife were both members of the
South Buffalo U. P. Church. He died in 1861,
Mrs. Anderson in 1875.
Mrs. Margaret Cook Anderson's father, Gen.
James Stevenson, a civil engineer, was a native of
Pennsylvania, born July 25, 1755. The place of
his birth is not definitely known, but his boyhood
home was in Letterkenny township, Cumberland
county. Though scarcely more than a boy at the
outbreak of the Revolution, be enlisted in the
struggle for independence, endured the hardships
of the Colonial soldier on the field, suffered the
misery and want with fellow-prisoners in the hole
of an English prison-ship, where the greater num
ber of his companions starved to death; and bore
as the evidence of close encounter, the scar of a
saber-stroke on his head. About the year 1787 he
came west and settled on the Dutch fork of Buffalo
creek, in what is now Donegal township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., where he owned some 600 acres of
land. In 1791 he was married to Catharine Bonar,
the daughter of a pioneer neighbor, born Novem
ber 7, 1766. Their children were Margaret Cook,
John, Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Catharine and Nancy.
Gen. Stevenson for several years held the office of
justice of the peace. He was twice elected State
senator from Washington county, and also served
five sessions in the House of Representatives. He
died during the last session, and is buried in the
cemetery at Harrisburg. His obituary, on record
at the State capitol, is in part: "Died December
20, 1815, Major General James Stevenson, member
of the House of Representatives from Washington
county. In him were united the venerable and
worthy citizen: the firm and enlightened patriot:
the. soldier and officer of the Revolution: the gen
erous, friend and the indulgent father: the affec-

1044

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

tionate husband and the honest man." The House,
on hearing of his death, Thursday, the 16th, sus
pended business, and the Governor and heads of
departments were invited to attend the funeral.
As a mark of respect his fellow-members wore
crepe on the left arm for thirty days. They had
inscribed on his tomb: "In memory of Gen.
James Stevenson, of the House of Representatives.
* * ->:- * ]qe was a native of the State and one
of the heroes of '76. He served his country: his
country honored him." Gen. Stevenson also served
as major-general in the war of 1812.
James Stevenson Anderson was born in the
year 1820, in Hopewell township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He received his early education in the sub
scription schools of the neighborhood. He came
with his parents to Donegal township, where he
assisted with the farm work. In 1847 he made a
trip through the western States. He was married
in 1856, to Mary E., daughter of John and Mary
(Milligan) Miller, of Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio.
John Miller was the son of John and Mary (Reed)
Miller, the former of whom came to this country
from the North of Ireland, the latter being a native
of Pennsylvania. The children of James S. and
Mary E. Anderson were John Benjamin, a teacher
bv profession, who received his education in the
public schools, and in the Jefferson Academy, Can
onsburg, Penn., under Dr. William Ewing (he
commenced to teach at the age of seventeen years;
in the summer of 1884 he was elected principal of
the Canonsburg public schools, which position he
held until the spring of 1891, when on account of
failing health he resigned; he died October 4,
1891); Anna Eliza, deceased at the age of seven
years; Mary Elizabeth, residing at home; William
Frank, a contractor and rig- builder, living at Craf-
ton, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Albert Reed, now in
the State of Iowa; Jennie, deceased in infancy;
Margaret Cook, living with her parents; and Charles,
also at home and managing the work on the farm.
In 1860 J. S. Anderson was chosen to succeed
Capt. Cracraft as captain of the Claysville Blues,
a company of Pennsylvania volunteers. Capt. An
derson was a commissioned officer in the Pennsyl
vania Militia for twenty-two years. After his
marriage he located on his farm, west of Claysville
and near the National pike, which is his present
home. His farm, by care and cultivation, has be
come one of the most valuable in Donegal town
ship. He is now living a retired life. In politics
he has always been an active Democrat. Capt. An
derson and his family belong to the U. P. Church
at West Alexander, Penn., where he is also a mem
ber of the church's Session.
Thomas Love Anderson was born July 6, 1822,
on his father's farm, situated about one mile west
of Claysville, along the National pike. Here his
early life was passed, and here be received his

agricultural training and an education in the pub
lic schools. He was married November 30, 1864,
to Celia Rachel, daughter of Alfred and Margaret
Crump, of Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio. Three
children were born to them: William Howard,
Benjamin and Catharine Brownlee, all of whom
are living and at home. After his marriage Mr.
Anderson settled on a part of the old Stevenson
tract, always his home. The farm is well improved,
and its location makes it a valuable property. He
was a successful farmer, a Democrat in politics,
active in the interests of his party, and held differ
ent local offices. His family are members of the
U. P. Church at Claysville, Perm., to which he be
longed at the time of his death.
Alfred Crump, the father of Mrs. T. L. Ander
son, was a native of Virginia, a wagon-maker by
trade, and a soldier in the war of 1812. Her
mother was Margaret Walter, daughter of Peter
Walter, of Baltimore, Md. After their marriage
Mr. Crump and his wife moved to Ohio and settled
on a farm near Georgetown, Columbiana county,
afterward moving to Millersburg. Mrs. Anderson
was the eighth of a family of ten children.

HARLES M. CRAIG. This highly respected
gentleman, a native-born and lifelong resi
dent of Donegal township, is descended
from vigorous and robust North-of-Ireland
people, a race known the wide world over for their
resolute and honest lives.
The first of the Craig family, in Washington
county, to come to American shores, was James
Craig, a native of Antrim, Ireland, where he mar
ried a Miss Martin, and the young couple then set
sail for the distant shores of Columbia. This was
toward the close of the last century, and about
the year 1800 they settled in Washington county,
Penn., in West Finley township, where they reared
an interesting family of sturdy children named, re
spectively, Hugh, Samuel A., James, Margaret,
William, Ann and John. Here this honored pio
neer couple closed their eyes forever, after a life of
honest toil and characteristic rectitude.
Hugh Craig, the eldest son of James Craig, was
bom in West Finley township, this county, and
there was married to Martha Martin, by whom were
born to him the following named children: Jane,
who died after reaching adult age; James, de
ceased when nineteen years old; Martin, who died
in October, 1828, at the age of fourteen years;
Enos, who died in April, 1840, aged eighteen
years; Charles M., the subject of this sketoh; Mar
garet, who died at the age of twenty-one years,
and one son and one daughter, both of whom died
in infancy. Hugh Craig followed farming, and
also his trade, that of shoemaking, in the township
of bis birth until 1829, when he moved to Donegal

m -,

:%.

(\9 1 %lt ^Gju^^<?

Washington county.

1047

township, having purchased a farm about three and
one-half miles northwest of Claysville. Here he
passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1833.
Charles M. Craig, the subject proper of this
biographical memoir, was born Marcn 4, 1822, near
Claysville, and at the common schools of the dis
trict received a fair education, which he afterward
greatly improved by home reading and study.
Early in life he began the arduous duties incident
to the farm, and followed agricultural pursuits
under the tuition of his father until the latter's
death, when he took entire charge of the home
stead, living with his mother and sister, Jane, up to
the time of their respective deaths, the mother
dying in 1873, the sister in 1890. Mr. Craig has
since made his home with a neighbor, whose farm
adjoins his. For several years he has done no real
work, but spends the greater part of his time in
reading, of which he is passionately fond, and he
keeps himself thoroughly posted on the issues of
the day, political and otherwise. He has always
been a great reader, an ardent lover of books, a
keen observer of men and things; indeed, there is
scarce a topic, either of the past or present, with
which he is not familiar, and his conversation on
all subjects is bright and of a most entertaining
nature. At one time an Old-line Whig, he is now,
and has been since the formation of the party, an
enthusiastic Republican, and, whilst loyal to the
cause, has always shunned political preferment.

JOSHUA COFFIELD, another energetic de
scendant of pioneers who left the Emerald
Isle to make a home in America, is a prosper
ous farmer of East Finley township, and a
grandson of John Coffield, who was born in County
Leitrim, Ireland, about 1757. He was one of five
brothers who were famous for their physical powers,
and had no equals in their native county for mus
cular strength. He was a man of massive frame, a
splendid specimen of well-developed manhood. Mr.
Coffield was married in Ireland, and had nine chil
dren. In 1798 he took passage on the ship " Happy
Return," which was very filthy and carried all kinds
of freight, but as he was a poor man the cheapest
had to suffice. After the vessel was a few weeks
out, drinking water became scarce, and before the
voyage (which lasted three months) was ended,
nearly one-third of the crew and some of the pas
sengers died, three of Mr. Coffield's children being
among the number. At last the terrible journey
was ended, and the family landed at New Castle,
Del., near which place they lived for a time, doing
farm work, but the father soon after died, and the
five children (Arthur, Lawrence, James, Ann and
Elizabeth) were obliged to earn a living for them
selves and their widowed mother. By working
their way, the family finally reached Washington

county, Penn., and first located near AArashingtoi,
borough, where they remained a short time, then
came to East Finley township, and locating on the
present farm of J. Wiley Patterson, the boys began
to clear the land and make a home. The mother
died in 1811, and the children (all except Arthur)
grew to an adult age and married.
Lawrence Coffield was married in 1810, to Eliza
beth Rawden (who was born in 1773), whose par
ents came from Ireland in the same ship as the
family of John Coffield. To their union were born
children as follows: John (moved to Illinois and
died in Adams county, in 1891); Joshua (subject
of this sketch); Thomas (a farmer in Belmont
county, Ohio, deceased in 1887); James, Jane and
Elizabeth (all three deceased in infancy). After
his marriage Mr. Coffield located on the home farm
in East Finley township, where be resided until
1846, when his wife died, and he removed to Adams
county, 111., and there died in 1848.
Joshua Coffield was born in East Finley town
ship, this county, January 17, 1813, and passed his
boyhood on his father's farm, receiving but a limited
education, which he improved by cultivating his
natural inclination for reading. After the death of
his father he purchased the old " Rawden farm,"
on the head waters of Wheeling creek, which had
been previously entered by his maternal grand
father. Mr. Coffield enjoys the esteem of all who
know him, and though well advanced in years can
do a day's work which would do credit to many
younger men. Politically he was formerly a AATbig,
and is now a stanch supporter of the Republican
party.

¥ AMES WILSON, one of the leading citizens
j of Taylorstown, Penn., was born October 4,
ff \ 1826, in Buffalo township, Washington Co.,
^^ Penn., and is a grandson of William Wilson.
The grandfather was born and married in Ireland,
where his eldest child was reared, and the family
afterward came to America. They remained in
Philadelphia some time, then went to Dauphin
county, Penn., where they remained until the
death of Mr. Wilson. His children were James (a
tailor and clothier in Philadelphia, Penn.), Eliza
beth (Mrs. William Rogers) and AArilliam. After
the death of her father Mrs. Rogers lived some time
with her brother James, and finally accompanied
her husband to Ohio, where she died.
AArilliam Wilson (father of our subject) was
born March 18, 1789, in Dauphin county, Penn.,
and in early life learned the wheelwright trade,
which he followed both in Dauphin and Washington
counties. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and took
part in the battle of Baltimore, serving until the
close of the war, then came to Washington county,
Penn., and purchased a small tract of land in

1048

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Buffalo township, on which he made a permanent
home. On October 10, 1822, he was married to
Rachel, daughter of James Keer, of Buffalo town
ship, and the following children were born to them :
Elizabeth, Jane, James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas
Hodgens), John M., Mary (Mrs. George M.
Warick), Emily, Rachel and William. Mr. Wilson
was an enterprising citizen; in politics he was a
Democrat, and served faithfully in various township
offices. In religious connection he was an active
member of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville,
this county, of which he was a trustee. He died
April 27, 1869, having been preceded bv his wife
August 2, 1848.
James Wilson passed his youth on the home place
in Buffalo township, and received a good common-
school education. At the age of twenty years he
went to Philadelphia, and studied ornamental work,
remaining there several years, then came to
Taylorstown, this county, where he has since
resided. On June 4, 1855, he was united in
marriage with Rebecca J., daughter of Jesse
Wilson, of Bridgeport, Ohio, and children have
been born to them as follows: William (who died
in youth), De Forest, Kate (Mrs. A. T. Anderson),
Ellen (Mrs. Robert Knox), Ida (Mrs. N. A. Sutton),
Rachel and Susan Gertrude. The family are mem
bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylors
town, of which Mr. Wilson is an elder and liberal
supporter. He is engaged in painting; in politics
he is a stanch Democrat and an able worker, and
has held nearly all the township offices, being
for fifteen years connected in various ways with
the school board.

THE MARTIN FAMILY. This well-known
and time-honored family will become extinct
in Washington county with the death of
Rebecca Martin. Their genealogy can be
traced to one John Martin, a native of
County Armagh, Ireland, who was married to
Mary McClave. They were faithful disciples of
the Protestant faith, and their old Bible, which
was printed in 1695, is yet in the possession of the
family. Robert Martin, a son of John and Mary (Mc
Clave) Martin, was born about 1768, in County
Armagh, Ireland, and there married Nancy Burris,
who was born about 1773, in County Down, Ire
land. The young couple came to America in
1794, landing at Philadelphia after a long, rough
voyage. They made a temporary location in Lan
caster county, then west to Venango county, Penn.,
where their hard-earned savings were invested in
400 acres of land, which he purchased in all good
faith, only to discover, when too late, that he had
bought of some unscrupulous rascal who had no
title to the property. This tract has since devel

oped into one of the finest oil-producing territories
in the United States. After spending a large sum
of money in attempting to prove his title, Mr. Mar
tin was obliged to resign himself to the loss of the
whole, and leaving Venango county, descended
the Allegheny river. The family then resided at
Pittsburgh a short time, but finally located on a
small- farm in Hanover township, this county, where
their remaining days were passed. Robert Martin
died in 1823, followed by his wife several years
later. Their children were: John (referred to be
low), Mary (never married, deceased at the age of
eighty-three years), Ellen (unmarried, died in her
eighty-second year), Robert, James (unmarried,
lived in Hanover township), Thomas (a resident of
Ritchie county, W. Va.), Agnes (deceased in
youth), Samuel and Rebecca (twins). Of this
family Rebecca is the only one living.
Robert Martin (son of Robert and Nancy (Bur
ris) Martin) grew to manhood on the home place,
and in 1828 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Grant) Hanlin. To this
union seven children were born, viz.: Nancy, Eliza
beth (of Paris, Penn.), William (deceased at the
age of twenty-eight years), James (a farmer of
Jefferson county, Ohio), Thomas H. (living in the
West),' Samuel (deceased, a farmer of Jefferson
county, Ohio), and John L. (who died in Jefferson
county, Ohio). Of these children the eldest daugh
ter, Nancy, was born in 1830, and in early woman
hood was married to David Parkhill. He was born
in 1833, in County Antrim, Ireland, and coming to
America when but sixteen years of age, followed
the vocation of papering and plastering. Seven
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parkhill, three
of whom rare living, viz.: Lizzie M. (of Paris,
Penn.), John C. (an electrician of Wellsville, Ohio),
and W. J. (an employee of the Pittsburgh Car
Service Association). The father died in 1872, fol
lowed by his wife in 1878, and both are buried in
the Mooretown cemetery, Jefferson county, Ohio.
Robert Martin (father of Mrs. Parkhill) died in
1864, followed by his wife in 1872. Their remains
are interred in the Mooretown cemetery, Jefferson
county, Ohio.
Samuel Martin, son of Robert and Nancy (Bur
ris) Martin, and twin brother of Rebecca, was born
October 24, 1811. He was naturally inclined to
mechanical life and learned several trades, but
evinced his good judgment by purchasing from the
other heirs a small farm of his father's, to which he
added other land and on which he made various im
provements. He carried on a mercantile business
for a short time at Knoxville, Jefferson Co., Ohio,
but soon returned to his farm in Washington coun
ty, Penn. He accumulated a good property by
his own efforts and loaned some money. Politi
cally, he was a prominent member of the Demo
cratic party, having served as 'squire until he

Washington county.

1049

resigned the office. In religion he was a member
of the United Presbyterian Church until his death,
August 13, 1879.
Rebecca Martin, daughter of Robert and Nancy
(Burris) Martin, has never married, and is living on
her brother's farm (which was bequeathed to her),
with two representatives of the two generations
following her own — Miss Lizzie Martin (a niece of
Rebecca Martin) and Miss Lizzie Parkhill (a niece of
Lizzie Martin), who have charge of the farm, which
they conduct with signal success. Although Miss
Rebecca Martin has passed through the joys and
sorrows of four score years, she is yet an active
woman, easily calling to mind events which oc
curred when she was a child.
John Martin, son of Robert and Nancy (Burris)
Martin, married Mary Williamson in 1819, and
moved to Jefferson county, Ohio. To this union
eight children were born, of whom five are living:
Mrs. Jane Warren, Mrs. Margaret Warren, both of
Iowa; Mrs. Mary White, of California; Rev. J. W.
Martin, of Mt. Perry, Ohio, and Dr. Samuel Mar
tin, of Sealkote, India. Thomas Martin, son of Rob
ert and Nancy (Burris) Martin, married Miss
Catharine J. Moates, of Ritchie county, in 1854, to
whom one son was born, Robert H., a clerk in the
War Department, Washington, D. C.

fiOHN McCORKLE (deceased). The subject
I of this biographical sketch was a son of
F" II Thomas McCorkle, who was born and raised
^^ in Adams county, Penn., and there married
Esther Terrell, a resident of the same county.
They moved to Washington county, Penn., in the
year 1810, purchasing a large farm in Cross Creek
township. Their family consisted of six children,
namely: Robert (died unmarried), Margaret (Mrs.
Thomas Ritchey), John (the subject of this sketch),
Frances (died unmarried), Jane (wife of Charles
Phillis) and Thomas (who married Margaret Welch),
all dead. The father followed farming, and in
politics voted the Democratic ticket. He was a
ruling elder of'the Associate, now United Presby
terian Church, at West Middletown.
John McCorkle was born June 4, 1803, in Adams
county, Penn., and removed when quite young with
his parents to Washington county, where he was
reared and educated. He was first married Janu
ary 14, 1834, to Mary McCorkle, of Somerset town
ship, Washington Co., Penn. They had one son,
Thomas B. Her death occurred May 25, 1836,
and on May 12, 1842, he chose for his second wife
Mary, daughter of David B. Hay. David was a
son of John Hay, who was born in Scotland, and.
there married, in 1777, Anna Burns, a near relative
of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The
following children were born to John and Anna
(Burns) Hay: John, Alexander, James, Ephraim

and David B., Jane (Mrs. John McKimmau), Anna
(Mrs. Thomas Struthers), Catherine (wife of Rob
ert Braden), Elizabeth (Airs. James Harper), Mary
(wife of Archibald Harper).
The family emigrated to America, but during
the voyage two sons died and the ocean was their
winding sheet. After arriving in Ameriea they
first settled in Lancaster county, Penn. Then the
family settled permanently on Miller's run, in Cecil
township, where they lost two more sons in youth,
immediately after their settlement. Mr. Hay was a
Democrat, and in religion a ruling elder of the
Seceder Church for many years. David B. Hay
was born in 1785 in Lancaster county, Penn., and
received his education at his home in Washington
county. He was united in marriage, in early life,
with Mary, daughter of Patrick McCullough. Their
children were Anna (Mrs. Henry Donnell), Mary
(wife of John McCorkle), Elizabeth, Jane (Mrs.
Robert Scott) and Hannah (died in infancy). The
father followed farming. Politically he was a
Democrat, and served as justice of the peace for
several terms. He was a member of the Associate
Reformed Church until his death in 1873, in his
eighty-seventh year. He was preceded to the grave
by his wife, who died in 1865, being then eighty-
one years of age.
John and Mary (Hay) McCorkle had no children.
He was an active and progressive citizen. Politi
cally he was a Democrat, and religiously a ruling
elder in the U. P. Church until his death on July
18, 1863. Mrs. Mary McCorkle, his widow, re
sides at West Middletown.

L

EROY WOODS DAY, one of the successful
farmers and stock raisers and influential citi
zens of Morris township, is a native of Wash
ington county, born in this township, April
24, 1833. He is the youngest of a family of five
children born to Lemuel Fordham Day and Nancy
Jordan Day.
The family is an old and well-known one of
English descent, and can be traced to the nobility
of that country. Of the five children born to Lem
uel F. and Nancy Day, two died in infancy. The
others are as follows: Stephen F., born July 22,
1827, left Washington county in 1852, and died
March 6, 1892, in Nebraska. He was never mar
ried. He left a large landed estate to his brother,
L. W. Day, and his niece, Cora B. Minton. Eliza,
born April 7, 1831, was married in 1852 to Dr.
Artemas Day, of this township, and became the
mother of one child, Cora Bell, who married S. D
Minton. Mrs. Day died in 1864. Leroy WOods
Day received such an education as was afforded
the country youth of that day, and was reared to a
practical knowledge of fawn life, which he has
turned to good account. He resides on the valua-

1050

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ble tract of land lying about one-half mile north
of Sparta, which has been in the possession of the
Day family for more than fifty years. He gives
much attention to sheep-raising, to which his place
is especially adapted, and he is one of the most
successful wool-growers of this county. Through
some means, which he attributes to the lay of the
land and the breed of sheep, his stock has never
been infected with those diseases which so ma
terially lessen the profits of most sheep raisers.
Mr. Day was married April 27, 1855, to Miss
Miranda Vankirk Day, a daughter of Daniel Day,
of Morris township, to which union there have
been born eight children, all of whom are living
except the eldest, Horace Mann, who was born De
cember 27, 1856, and died November 12, 1857.
Charles Sumner, born February 2, 1858, married
October 21, 1880, Miss Sarah M. Auld, of Greene
county, Penn., a daughter of John Auld; Stephen
Ellsworth, a graduate of the Normal School at Cali-'
fornia, and also of Washington and Jefferson
College, class of 1892, was born August 8, 1861,
married Annie M., daughter of Theodore Day,
July 21, 1892, and now resides at Washington,
Penn.; E.iward Sullivan, a vocal and instrumental
musician, and dealer in musical instiuments, was
born February 7, 1865, and married Josie, daugh
ter of Shepherd Kerns, December 24, 1891; Lemuel
Clarence, born July 15, 1867, graduated with the
class of 1892 from the State Normal School at
Edinboro; Howard Woods, born December 5, 1869;
Hilliard Daniel, born November 15, 1872, and
Minor Harold, born February 28, 1876. The family
is an accomplished one, and especially gifted in
music. They have among their own members a
sextet brass band, and their musical performances
are of the most creditable character. In August,
1862, Mr. Day enlisted in Company D, One Hun
dred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., in which he
served until honorably discharged, on account of
disability, in January, 1864, at which time he was
third corporal. In politics he is a Republican, and
in religion both he and Mrs. Day are members of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Con
cord. Mr. Day is also a member of Luther Day
Post, No. 395, G. A. R., and is at present Post
Commander. N/ELSON VAN KIRK, a prominent con
tractor and builder, and a well-known citi
zen of Washington, is a native of the county,
j -* born in Amwell township, January 30, 1823,
V a son of William and Margaret (Bollen)
Van Kirk, the former of whom was also a native
of that township. The grandfather, William Van
Kirk, came from New Jersey to this county, along
with other early settlers, bought land which he
improved, and died here. He was the father of
ten children, none of whom are now living.

William Van Kirk, father of our subject, received
his education at the subscription schools of his
native township, and learned the trades of cabinet
maker and carpenter, which he successfully carried
on in Washington borough (whither he had come
in 1828) until 1838, in which year he moved to a
farm in South Strabane township. He was married
to Margaret Bollen, a native of the county, who
bore him ten children, of whom five grew to
maturity, viz.: Ann Eliza, who died at the age of
twenty-five years; Matilda, widow of John Charters;
Nelson; Harvey J., an attorney at law, and Mar
garet, wife of Stephen Reppert, residing iu Ken
tucky. In 1862 the father died, aged sixty-five
years, and in March, 1875, the mother passed away
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charters, in
South Strabane township, at the age of eighty-four
years. Mr. Van Kirk had served as associate judge
for several terms.
Nelson Van Kirk secured a liberal education at
the common schools of South Strabane township,
and learned the trade of carpenter of his father.
In 1846 he returned to Washington borough,
where he yet resides. Since the year 1858 he has
been a contractor and builder, and has put up a
great many buildings- in and about Washington.
In 1860 he erected, on South Main street, the
"Strain Building," which has an iron front; in
1861 he built for William Smith the "Iron Hall,"
on the corner of Main and Beau streets, one of the
finest structures in the city; he also erected the
National Bank building, the dwellings of Judge
Mcllvaine and W. P. Hastings, the First and Third
Presbyterian churches, in addition to which he put
up, at various times, many dwelling houses outside
the borough limits, and erected churches at Pigeon
Creek and North Buffalo, also the County Home.
In 1854 Mr. Van Kirk was united in marriage
with Miss Ann M. Chidester, of West Virginia, a
daughter of Ephraim and Mary (Gilchrist) Chides
ter, natives of Washington county, Penn., the
father born in November, 1798, died in 1876, the
mother born in 1800, died in 1830. Nelson and
Ann M. Van Kirk had a family of seven children,
all sons: John, James and Harvey (deceased), and
William E., Edward M., George W. and Nelson
C. (living). Of these, William E. and Edward M.
are both contractors in company with their father;
George W. is a druggist in Monongahela City,
Penn.; Nelson C. is a clerk in W. P. Hastings'
hardware store in Washington; William E. is a
member of Washington borough council, now
serving his second term.
Of Mr. Van Kirk it may truly be said that he is
a thoroughly representative, self-made man, having
attained success by his own individual energy and
perseverance, and accumulated a comfortable com
petence, part of which consists of eight dwelling
houses in the borough of Washington. Socially,

<£^Z>"

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1053

he is genial, whole-souled, warm-hearted and gen
erous — attributes he bears with a becoming mod
esty, in part natural, in part the reflex of the amia
bility and refinement characteristic of his faithful
spouse. A call at the elegant and comfortable
home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk will assure the
visitor that within its hospitable walls love is king.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk are members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn. Po
litically he was first a Whig, and since the forma
tion of the party has been a stanch Republican.
For six consecutive years he has served with ac
knowledged ability as a member of the Washing
ton borough council.

JOHN S. GALLEY. Peter Galley, great
grandfather of John S. Galley, emigrated to
America from Germany about the year 1770,
and served as a drummer during the Revolu
tionary war. He settled in Lancaster county, Penn.,
where he married Sophia Stern, of the same county.
To them was born Philip, grandfather of John S.
Galley, in 1774.
Philip Galley married Magdalena Newcomer, of
Lancaster county. Afterward they emigrated to
Fayette county, Penn., and settled on the Youghi-
ogheny river, in the midst of the now famous coke
region. To them were born eleven children, as
follows: Peter, Catharene, John, Jacob, David,
Elizabeth, Samuel, Jonathan, Barbara, Abraham
and Henry.
Peter Galley was born in 1799, in Fayette county,
passing his youth on the home farm. He was mar
ried to Mary Strickler, of Fayette county, and
children were born to them as follows: Frances,
Martha, William, Mary, Elizabeth and Henry.
The mother died, and for his second wife Peter
Galley was united in marriage with Frances, daugh
ter of John Sherrick, who bore him the following
named children: Ann, Sarah, Philip, Cyrus, Susan,
Catherine, John S., Joanna, Melinda and Maria.
This wife also died, and for his third choice Mr.
Galley selected Susan Newmyer Stauffer, of Fay
ette county.
John S. Galley, son of Peter and Frances (Sher
rick) Galley, was born July 12, 1842, in Fayette
county. He attended the academy at Pleasant
Valley, then took one term at Hiram College, and
boarded with the father of Mrs. James A. Garfield.
In 1864 John S. Galley enlisted in the Sixth Penn
sylvania Heavy Artillery, and served with the
army of the Potomac until the close of the war.
When the contest was ended he returned to Fay
ette county, and on October 24, 1865, was united
in marriage with Mary, daughter of Samuel, and
granddaughter of Richard Blackmore, of Wash
ington county. The latter was a brother of Col.
William Blackmore. Richard followed agricult

ural pursuits, and voted with the Democratic party.
In early life he was married to Mary Boyer, who
bore him one son, Samuel.
Samuel Blackmore was born October 31, 1805,
and on May 3, 1827, was united in marriage with
Sarah Torrence, of Allegheny county. Three chil
dren blessed this union, viz.: Albert, Nancy and
John. The mother died, and on October 22, 1840,
Samuel Blackmore was married to Anna, daughter
of Obadiah Higbee, who bore him two children:
Mary and Obadiah. Of these, Mary attended the
Pleasant Valley Academy, and there met for the
first time her future husband, John S. Galley.
To the union of John S. and Mary (Blackmore)
Galley nine children were born: Anna F., Will
iam B., C. Norman, Loretta E., Beatrice S., Eva
M., Nellie M., Edna R. and J. Carl. Of this fam
ily, Loretta is now attending the Normal School at
California, and William has been a student at Hiram
College. The parents of these children began their
wedded life in Library, Allegheny county, where
Mr. Galley conducted a store for two years, then
lived on a farm in Iowa for three years. At the
end of that time he came to Washington county
and bought 115 acres of land in Peters township,
underlaid with a fine coal vein. Mr. Galley con
ducts a small dairy. In politics he was a Republi
can until the origin of the Prohibition party in
1890; since then he has cast his vote for the over
throw of the whisky traffic, the nation's curse. In
religion he is a member and elder of the Church of
Christ, of Peters Creek.

ElNOCH FRENCH. The French family in
Pennsylvania is an old Revolutionary one.
Alexander French, the great grandfather of
 ' Enoch French (the subject of this sketch),
having been a member of Gen. Washington's
bodyguard. He resided near Philadelphia, Penn.,
at the time of his death. A son, Enoch, married a
Miss McElroy, of Chambersburgh, Penn., and
moved to Fayette county, this State, where he
reared a family of children, of whom George
French was one. He died in Fayette county.
George French was born March 14, 1799, and in
1823 married Mary Porter, a daughter of Judge
Charles Porter, of Fayette county. In 1832 he
removed to Morris township, Washington county,
and purchased the farm located one-half mile north
east of Dunn's Station, on which his son, Enoch,
now resides, where he remained until his death, Oc
tober 8, 1890, his life embracing a period of fifty-
eight years. Mrs. French died in 1839, having
become the mother of eight children — five boys
and three girls. A. D., the eldest, enlisted in the
Eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserves, and was
killed at the battle of Fredericksburg; Charles P.,
a Presbyterian minister of La Salle county, 111.,

1054

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

died February 8,1870; Washington, born in 1830,
died at the age of fourteen years, October 10, 1844;
one child died in infancy; Anne A. Miles died in
May, 1869; J. C, born October 10, 1836, served
in the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry during the
Civil war, and is now a prominent citizen of Pros
perity, Washington county; Jane resides at Amity,
and Enoch in Morris township.
Enoch French, the immediate subject of this
sketch, was born where he now resides, June 28,
1834. He received a common-school education
and remained with his father, assisting in conduct
ing the farm until the beginning of the late war.
On August 22, 1862, he enlisted at Amity in Com
pany D, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P.
V. I., and served fourteen months, when he received
an honorable discharge and returned home. The
failing health of his father rendered it necessary for
him to assume the management of the farm. On
August 28, 1876, he married Lizzie J. Gardner, a
daughter of John Gardner, of Amwell township.
Under his managment the splendid farm, on which he
has worked since boyhood, has been much improved,
and is made to yield a good income. Mr. French
is a man of much more than ordinary intelligence,
is an omnivorous reader, and is possessed of a re
markable memory, whereby he is enabled to give
dates and recite events of historical importance
with great preciseness. He is an authority on mat
ters of this kind. He is a Republican in politics,
though not bitterly partisan.

y/

Hi ENRY B. McMURRAY is a leader among
the representative citizens of Washington
county. He is descended from Scotch
ancestors, a race noted for the integrity and
honor of its people. John McMurray was
the pioneer of the family to land on American soil.
He was married in Scotland to Mary Brown, and
with his wife and infant daughter, Susanna,
embarked on the most substantial vessel then
procurable, sailing from Liverpool to America.
When some weeks at sea the captain and mate had
a quarrel, and during the trouble the captain shot
the mate. He was supposed to be mortally wounded,
but the captain sailed north, thinking the cold
climate would benefit the victim. The experiment
proved successful, and the mate was soon out of
danger. They then resumed their journey, but
owing to the long voyage the water supply gave
out, and all on board seemed in imminent danger
of meeting a horrible death. A rain fell, and, by
spreading articles on the deck, enough water was
caught to avert the danger.
After a voyage of three months, crew and passen
gers were finally landed safely at New York. John
McMurray soon after proceeded to Winchester, AV.
Va., where the family lived a few years, then

moved to Washington county, Penn., resided in
Buffalo' township a short time, and finally, in
company with bis brother Peter, settled in Guern
sey county, Ohio, while Samuel settled in Donegal
township, this county. John took a large tract of
land upon which he erected a log cabin, and there
passed the remainder of his life. In those days the
clothing of the family was made of flax, spun and
woven by their own hands; the wheat which the
settlers raised was carried on horseback to AArells-
burg, W. Va., and then ground by a treadmill into
flour. Special trips were also made to Winchester,
W. Va., for salt. The settlers usually made these
journeys in large parties, taking with them suffi
cient provisions to last until their return. On the
outward trip they left provision for one meal at
each stopping-place, so that by the time they
arrived at Winchester the horses were unloaded
and a supply of food ready for the homeward
journey obtained. Grain was harvested by a
sickle, and the ground cultivated with a wooden
plow, while wagons and sleds were articles of
luxury unknown to the pioneers. Amid all these
privations and discouragements they bravely strug
gled on, the only effect of their trials being to
unite them more closely into a bond of brotherhood.
Politically John McMurray was a Federalist, and in
religion a member of the Three Ridge Presbyterian
Church at West Alexander. He died at the age of
eighty-nine, and was buried at West Alexander,
this county. The children born to this couple were
as follows: Susanna, John, Jane, Samuel, William,
James, Eliza and Mary.
William McMurray, son of John and Mary
(Brown) McMurray, was born March 29, 1805, in
Donegal township, and remained on the home farm
during his boyhood, receiving a subscription-school
education. In early manhood he was united in
marriage with Jane, daughter of William Martin.
Mr. Martin was born in County Tvrone, Ireland,
and in early life came to America, settling near
Elm Grove, W. Va. He was married to Margaret
Blayney, who bore him children as follows: Martha,
Eliza, Andrew, Margaret, Jane and Mary. In
politics Mr. Martin was a Democrat. His wife was
a member of the Presbyterian Church. AVilliam
and Jane (Martin) McMurray began their wedded
life April 12, 1838, on a farm near West Alexander,
this county, and afterward purchased the home
place. In 1875 he moved to Burgettstown, Penn.,
where he died March 14, 1884, and was buried by
the side of his wife, who had crossed the river
September 4, 1864. Mr. McMurray was an ener
getic, enterprising citizen and in politics was
formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the
Republican party. In religious faith he was an
active Presbyterian.
Henry B. McMurray was born September 24,
1840, in Donegal township, this county. His

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1055

earlier education was received at the common
schools; afterward attended the academy conducted
by Rev. W. H. Lester of West Alexander, of which
AVilliam McMurray, his father, was a trustee. In
August, 1862, Henry B. McMurray enlisted in
Company H, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was
sent to the Shenandoah Valley, and served till the
close of the war, under Sheridan and Custer. He
was taken prisoner at Ashby's Gap, and confined
in Libby prison three and a half months, being
released, together with several other prisoners,
about ten days prior to the surrender at Appo
mattox. Mr. McMurray then returned home, and
in 1865 opened a drug store at Burgettstown,
where he has since remained. On August 3, 1876,
he was united in marriage with Annie C. Watter-
son, daughter of Robert and Mary Watterson, of
Wheeling, W. Va., who bore him three children:
Jennie C, Lee W. and Henry H. Mr. McMurray
is a Republican in politics, and in religion is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as
trustee. Henry B. McMurray's brothers and sisters
were born on the following dates: John, December
5, 1843; William M., April 21, 1846; Martha J.,
November 12, 1848; Eliza Ann, March 5, 1851, and
Mary Miller McMurray, May 2, 1856. John married
Julia Kelly, of Pittsburgh, in July, 1865 (To them
were born: Henry (deceased), Elie, Fred, Frank,
Lizzie (deceased), and Lylie). William M., mar
ried Julia S. Moore at Burgettstown, September 4,
1878 (They are the parents of Fanny May,
Nellie Moore, William M. and Florence Espin).
Eliza married James Rooth, of West Alexander, in
July, 1875. Martha Jane married Alvin Curtis, at
Claysville, in September, 1868, and to them were
born Jessie and Alvin Curtis.

f

Hi ENRY WESLEY HILDEBRAND, one of
the most successful farmers of West Beth
lehem township, is a grandson of Michael
-^ Hildebrand, who was born in 1796, in West
Bethlehem township, this county.
His father left Germany in early life, and set
tling in Washington county, Penn., erected a cabin
in the wilderness where Michael was born. Mi
chael was a soldier in the war of 1812, unsurpassed
for bravery and daring. He was one of the build
ers of that once famous thoroughfare, the " National
pike." He married Christina Harsh, a daughter of
Philip Harsh, who was also one of the first to settle
in Washington county. To this couple were born:
Demas, Andrew, Sarah Ann, Levi, Mary Jane and
Elizabeth, who (with the exception of Mary Jane,
who died in 1876) are all still living. Andrew is
a farmer of prominence and resides on the old home
stead; Sarah Ann is the wife of Samuel Walton, of
Rice's Landing, Greene county; Levi is a black
smith, and lives at Ten-Mile village, Amwell town

ship; Elizabeth lives in West Bethlehem township,
and is the wife of John Hannah, a well-known
farmer. Demas Hildebrand, the father of our subject, was
born August 24, 1824, and in early life made many
dangerous trips, with heavy wagons to Zanes ville,
Ohio; and, did space permit, many incidents of
peril then encountered by this brave pioneer might
be recounted. He afterward operated the first
threshing machine brought to Washington county.
In March, 1845, he married Margaret Keys, who
was born September 27, 1823, a daughter of Henry
Keys, who was born and reared on the farm now
owned by his son, Henry. The following named
children were born to this couple: Henry Wesley;
Sarah Isabel, born November 1, 1848, died August
16, 1872; William A. S., born May 24, 1855, died
September 22, 1877; Iria Anson, born June 26,
1859, now a prominent farmer of Greene county,
Ind.; James B. McClelland, born February 26,
1863, also a resident of Greene county, Ind.; Lu
ella, born June 1, 1865; and Carrie Etta, born June
8, 1870, both living with their father, who is an
extensive landowner in Greene county, Ind.
Henry Wesley Hildebrand, the subject of this
sketch, was born December 29, 1845, in West
Bethlehem township, this county. Here his early
years were passed at work upon the farm, and he
received but little education, for being the eldest
of the family he shared with his father much of the
responsibility and management of the place. On
January 2, 1868, he married Catherine Wonsettler,
a daughter of David Wonsettler, and they have
two sons: William, born August 28, 1870, and
Finley W., born October 15, 1877, now attending
school. Mrs. Hildebrand died March 2, 1890, at
the age of forty-two years, three months and twenty-
one days. To her memory a handsome monument
was erected. Mr. Hildebrand was married March
19, 1891, to Emma Grable, a daughter of David
Grable, a prominent farmer of West Bethlehem
township. Mr. Hildebrand is an elder in the Lu
theran Church, of which he and his wife are mem
bers, and in politics he is a Democrat.

DAM MOUNTS, one of the most intelligent
and progressive citizens of Franklin town
ship, was born in Canton township, February
23, 1832.
His father, William Mounts, was born in
this county January 14, 1800, and was brought up
to practical farm life from his earliest boyhood.
The school he attended during a few winter weeks
in each year was held in a .deserted log cabin,
through which the wintry winds whistled with
gleeful defiance at the huge fire that burned
brightly in the spacious fireplace, which monopo
lized one end of the schoolroom. In October, 1823,

1056

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Mr. Mounts was married to Mary Malone, whose
family were also old settlers, and after their marri
age the young couple made their home in Franklin
township until 1852, when he moved to Valley
Inn, Buffalo township. Later he settled on Wolf
Farm, where he died in June, 1884. He was
emphatically a self-made man, and at the time of
his death owned a large farm. Politically he was
first a Whig, and afterward a Republican, but
though always taking a deep interest in the affairs
of his party, he would never accept office. Among
the earliest members of East Buffalo Presbyterian
Church, he was one of its leading and most
esteemed supporters. The children of this honored
pioneer were: William, Adam, Richard, Mary A.
(Mrs. Robert Huston), Marguerite (Mrs. Abraham
Huston), Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Kelley), Martha
(Mrs. Samuel Parker), Thomas Theodore and
Isaac C. Richard, Thomas and Calvin reside on
Wolf Farm. Sarah Jane, the oldest of the family,
married J. C. Johnson.
The early life of Adam Mounts was passed at
the paternal home, where he was employed for the
most part in assisting in the work on the farm
until he was about nineteen years old, when for a
time he attended the school of his section known
as Jolley's schoolhouse. On February 23, 1860,
Mr. Mounts was married to Susan, a daughter of
Jacob Miller, of Donegal township, and since his
marriage has resided in Franklin township. His
fine farm in Franklin township comprises 200 acres
of fertile land, on which he has made many improve
ments, and his present residence, a large two-story
frame building, was built in 1884. He also owns
a farm of 200 acres in West Finley township, and
the fine residence on that farm is constructed of
brick made in about the year 1832. Mr. Mounts
also owns the first land deeded to his father in
October, 1831. The names of the children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Mounts are as follows: Mary
A. (Mrs. Bernard Ramsey), William C, J. Melvin,
Harry B., James A., Flora B., Alvin and Cora.
Mr. Mounts is a member of East Buffalo Presby
terian Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

It It UGH WILSON. In many vocations of life
tl-J are found those who possess a reputation
I | for business sagacity which they do not
II A really deserve. They are prosperous, not
v as a reward of their own struggles for suc
cess, but having inherited the fruit of others' toil,
are in no way blameworthy for this fact. Yet it is
evident to any thoughtful mind, that a man whose
business has been organized and placed in a pros
perous condition before he assumed control, does
not require the experience and judgment which
are essential to those who make their own road to
fortune. In this respect the agriculturist possesses

an advantage over his city brethren, inasmuch as
his reputation is of necessity based almost entirely
upon his own personal ability. He may inherit
lands and gold, but if he lacks the prerequisites of
his vocation, he cannot be a successful farmer even
in name, for in no other path of life is incompe
tency so apparent. Therefore, the successful and
prosperous agriculturist is always the man who
must possess sterling qualities of his own, regard
less of the property he may inherit. Among the
latter class the name of Wilson is prominently
identified. Henry Wilson was born east of the
mountains, and in early manhood became a pioneer
settler of Allegheny county, Penn., locating near
McDonald. He was a prosperous farmer, and died
on the old place, leaving a family of nine children.
AVilliam W. Wilson, a son of that pioneer, was
born May 14, 1815, in Allegheny county, Penn.,
and received a subscription-school education. He
then learned the wagon-making trade, and first
located at Eldersville, Washington Co., Penn. On
April 8, 1836, he selected a life companion in the
person of Jane Smith, who was born December
25, 1811. She was a daughter of Robert Smith,
of Jefferson township, this county. The young
couple continued to reside in Eldersville until
1839, when they moved to Paris, Hanover town
ship. The children of this family bore the follow
ing names: Alexander, living in Steubenville,
Ohio, was born January 10, 1837; Hugh, born Au
gust 15, 1839; John S., a farmer of Hanover
township, born November 6, 1841; William H., a
liveryman of Burgettstown, Penn., born March 15,
1844; Rowena, wife of Russell Parks, Burgetts
town, Penn., born March 23, 1847; Robert G., de
ceased at the age of two years, born January 8,
1850; Rachel J., wife of W. V. Dunbar, of Smith
township, born December 29, 1851; and James B.,
living in Washington State, born August 26, 1856.
Mr. Wilson was a leading member of the Democratic
party, having held several local offices. In 1874
he fell from his haymow, and, dislocating his neck,
died instantly. In 1887 his widow was laid beside
him in Paris cemetery. Both were consistent mem
bers of the U. P. Church.
Hugh Wilson, whose name opens this sketch,
was born at Eldersville, this county, having been
but an infant when his parents located in Paris.
He attended the common schools, then hired out to
R. S. Cook, living near Bulger, Washington county,
with whom he remained some time. On March 25,
1868, he led to the altar Ophelia Russell, who was
born in 1840. She was a daughter of John and
Jane (Simpson) Russell, of Smith township. One
son, John, was born to this marriage, February 4,
1882. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
remained for some time as tenants on his father-in-
law's farm. In 1880 he located on his present
home in Hanover township, upon which he has

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1057

made many improvements, successfully devoting
his attention to general farming, stock raising and
dairying. Politically he has always voted the
Democrat ticket, and in religion he and his wife
are members of the Florence Presbyterian Church.

THOMAS McDONOUGH, one of the well-
known retired farmers of Washington county,
is a native of the same, born in Somerset
township, October 27, 1830.
He is a grandson of Henry McDonough,
who came from Baltimore, Md., to this county at a
very early day, when the Indians were so hostile
that he had to sleep in his rude cabin with his gun,
pitchfork and axe near his bed, ready for any sud
den nocturnal attack. He revisited Baltimore after
a time, and returning to Washington county after
a four years' absence, bought a farm and settled
down to agricultural pursuits. On the occasion of
his second coming to the county he brought with
him a slave woman who kept house for him until
his marriage, after which she remained as a mem
ber of the family until she died of sheer old age,
and was buried in the family lot in Pigeon Creek
cemetery. Henry McDonough married Jane, daugh
ter of 'Squire Hamilton, of "Ginger Hill," west of
Monongahela City, and they became the parents of
a large family.
David McDonough, son of this pioneer, was born
in Washington county, November 14, 1799, his
education being received at the subscription schools
of the neighborhood of his birthplace. He was reared
to the occupation of his forefathers on the old home
farm, whereon he lived all his days. On May 16,
1827, he was married to Levinah, daughter of Adam
Weir, of West Bethlehem township, and a descend
ant of one of the early settlers of the county. Four
children were born to this union, viz.: Joseph, in
Somerset township; Thomas, our subject; Adam,
who died at the age of eight years, and Henry H.,
a practicing physician at Claysville, Penn. In
1859 the father passed from earth at the age of
sixty years. He was originally a Whig in politics,
later a stanch Republican, and held various town
ship offices in the gift of his party. His widow
survived him until March 2, 1876, when she too
passed from earth.
Thomas McDonough received his education at
the old log school- house of the period. His "A-B-
C" was learned off what was called a "paddle,"
having the large letters of the alphabet pasted on
one side of it, and the small letters on the other
side, and the readers and other books used were
the Greenleaf and Adams Arithmetic, and Town's
and Cobb's spellers. His first teacher was Thomas
Hall, a prominent dominie in his time, the father of
Gen. John Hall, of Washington. Later Mr. Mc
Donough was under the preceptorship of a teacher

under the public-school law — a Mr. Leet, a Wash
ington attorney about that time — and his last win
ter attendance at any school was for but eleven
days in a four-months' term. On December 31,
1858, Thomas McDonough was united in marriage
with Jane McGregor, of Nottingham township,
daughter of William McGregor, a pioneer of the
county. To this union were born two children,
who died young, and their mother followed them
to the grave December 30, 1872. On August 25,
1874, our subject married Miss C. V. Burgan, of
Terre Haute, Ind., to which State her parents had
moved from Washington county, Penn. By this
marriage there is one child, Alice Gertrude, born
January 16, 1879. In April, 1891, the family
moved from the farm into Washington, partly on
account of Mr. McDonough's health, which had
become somewhat impaired, and partly in order to
give his daughter the benefit of the best city edu
cation to be had in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Mc
Donough are members of the Christian Church of
Washington, and in his political preferences he is
a stanch Republican.

Hi ENRY SCHOENTHAL, who, by a life of
plodding industry and judicious economy,
coupled with keen foresight and character-
-~ istic prudence, has risen to no small degree
v of prominence as one of the well-to-do and
progressive citizens of Washington borough, is a
native of Germany. He was born May 20, 1843,
in the village of Sielen, then in the Electorate
Hessen- Cassel, now in the Prussian Province of
Hessen-Nassau. Levi and Henriette (Hamberg) Schoentbal, his
parents, were also natives of Germany, the former,
a shoemaker by trade, born in 1813. They had a
family of twelve children, nine sons and three
daughters, two sons dying in infancy. The rest
are living, two still in Germany, viz.: Jacob,
living in Cologne, and Rosalie, married to Willie
Heymann, residing in Geldern- on- the-Rhine. Those
who came to America are Mrs. Hannah Stern
(widow), and Amalie, married to Elias Wolf, both
living in Allegheny, Penn.; Felix is in Pittsburgh;
Julius, in Washington, D. C; Nathan, in Philadel
phia; Simondn Atlantic City; and Isidore and Henry,
in Washington, Penn. The father died in Germany
in 1875, aged sixty-two years, the mother in Wash
ington, Penn., in 1882, aged sixty-five years.
Henry Schoenthal attended the school of his na
tive village up to his fourteenth year, at the same
time learning bis father's trade, beginning when
only ten and one- half years old, and working at the
same until he was fifteen years old. For two years
after this he took private literary instruction, and
in the year 1859 was admitted into the Jewish
Seminary in Cassel, Germany, an institution where

1058

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

young men were educated to become, teachers in
Jewish schools, and leaders of the service in the
synagogue. At the end of the third year he passed
an examination, and then 'I taught school for three
years in one place. In 1866 he came to the United
States; the rest came later,'at intervals of several
years. The two youngest, ' Isidore and Rosalie,
together with the mother, came with Henry in
1881, when he returned from a visit to Germany,
accompanied by wife and|twotchildren. Rosalie,
after a sojourn of a few years, returned to Germany
and was married there. Henry returned to Wash
ington after his marriage, as he was in busi
ness at that time. He is an Independent in
politics, with a very warm feeling for the party that
was good enough for Lincoln, Grant, Garfield,
Blaine and Harrison. Selecting as his abiding
place in the land of his adoption the thriving town
of Washington, this county, he clerked for three
years in the clothing store of Jacob Goldsmith, at
the sign of the " Golden Eagle," in the room now
occupied by C. A. House as a music store. Then
in 1869, Mr. Schoenthal bought out the stationery
business of Rev. James McFarland, at the " Green
Tree Corner," and has ever since conducted a pros
perous and lucrative trade in books, stationery,
notions, etc., at the same stand. In 1872 our sub
ject revisited his native land, and on May 8 of that
year was there married to Helen, daughter of Meyer
Lilienfeld, of Gudensberg, in Hessen-Nassau.
Four children blessed this union, viz.: Madaline,
born March 16, 1873, died in infancy; Hilda, born
June 25, 1874; Lionel, born April 14, 1877; and
Meyer, born August 12, 1883. He is a member of
the following secret societies: A. F. & A. M.,
Heptasophs, Royal Arcanum, and Protected Home
Circle.

f/OHN METCALF is one of the oldest and
| most highly respected farmers of his neigh-
tc J borhood. He is of Irish descent, his grand-
^^ father, Edward Metcalf, being a native of
Ireland, who emigrated to America in early days,
and settled on a farm of 1,000 acres in Jefferson
township, Washington Co., Penn. Edward Metcalf
reared a family of seven children, of whom his son
Edward was the fourth in order of birth.
Edward Metcalf was born about the year 1800,
and trained to agricultural pursuits, which he fol
lowed throughout life. He was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret Meneely, of Washington county,
and to their union were born the following chil
dren: Jane, John, William, Nancy, Mary, James,
Margaret, Edward, Sarah, Alexander, Judy and an
unnamed infant.
John Metcalf (subject of sketch) was born Octo
ber 17, 1821, in a log cabin, and reared in Wash
ington county, remaining on the home farm duripg

his boyhood. On February 8, 1840, he was married
to Judy Cole. The young people first settled on
the farm where they now reside. He then moved
to his father-in-law's farm, lying between Jewett
and Scio, in Harrison county, Ohio, where they re
mained until the death of Mr. Cole. They finally
returned to the present home in Jefferson town
ship, this county, where they have since remained.
Five children have been born to this couple, namely:
Moses, Nancy Jane, Edward, John and Margaret
Ann. Mrs. Metcalf 's father was a son of Moses
Cole, who came from the State of New Jersey and
settled in Washington county, Penn. Indians were
numerous in those days. Mrs. Moses Cole (the
grandmother of Mrs. Metcalf) says that she has
seen twenty-four Indians pass the house at one
time, and that she often gave them food and shel
ter. Mrs. John Cole is now ninety-three years of
age, and makes her home with her daughter and
son-in-law.

TOWNSEND VAN VOORHIS. This gen
tleman traces his lineage back through the
mist of many years to the days of 1670, when
three Van Voorhis brothers sailed from
Amsterdam, Holland, and first landed in the
strange " New World." They settled on Long
Island, where one brother was killed by a poisoned
arrow, the other remaining on the island.
On December 17, 1701, Daniel Van Voorhis was
born, and to him the present generation in Wash
ington county trace their origin. On November
27, 1724, he contracted a matrimonial alliance with
Femmyte Bennett, who was born April 4, 1706
and they became the parents of the following chil
dren: Abraham, Jerome, Ange, John, Cornelius
Elizabeth, Femmyte and Daniel. Daniel Van
Voorhis was born July 7, 1728, at Oyster Bay,
Long Island. He received a thorough education
soon evincing an unususl taste for any study per
taining to navigation, and many of his books
treating on that science are yet in possession of the
family. He was captain of a merchant vessel for
many years, twice lost his vessel and cargo, and
was taken prisoner by the British many times. On
one occasion he was pursued by a British man-of-
war, and had just raised the flag of surrender, but
before the enemy saw the signal, a cannon-ball
tore away the post close by where he was standing.
The captain was three times married: first to a
widow lady, Mrs. Britt, who bore him two children:
Samuel, a successful merchant of New York City,
who came to this county about 1800, residing for
some time in a cabin near the present site of the
Black Diamond Coal Works (he afterward moved
to Bucyrus, Ohio, and died there a few years ago);
and Sarah, who married John Van Voorhis, and
died November 17, 1857, near Goshen, N. Y-, aged

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1059

eifhty-two years. After the mother of these chil
dren died Capt. Van Voorhis was united in marriage
with Mary Newton. In 1785 he came to Wash
ington county, Penn., and bought sixty acres of
land of one Decker, in what is now Carroll town
ship. Some time afterward he moved his family to
the new home, where his second wife died, December
31, 1789, leaving three children: John (deceased
June 28, 1874, in Muskingum county, Ohio, at the
acre of ninety-three years), Daniel (who died in
1852, at the age of sixty- nine) and Abraham (of whom
further mention will be presently made). The
mother of this family was the first person interred
in the Van Voorhis cemetery at Pigeon Creek,
where four generations of the name are now lying.
For his third wife Capt. Van Voorhis selected
Nancy Myers, a native of Hagerstown, Md., who
bore him one son and one daughter: Elizabeth
(Mrs. Frye), and Isaac, who was born March 15,
1794. Capt. Daniel Van Voorhis was called from
earth February 21, 1819.
Abraham Van Voorhis, son of Capt. Daniel and
Mary (Newton) Van Voorhis, was born December
28, 1785, near Rancocas creek, on the Delaware
river, in New Jersey. In early manhood he was
united in marriage with Ann Watkins, a native of
Washington county, Penn., and their children
were born as follows. Garret T., born February
18, 1819, married Hester Frye, died March 20,
1864; had two children (Abraham and Melinda);
for his second wife, he married Mary J. Baxter,
had one son (Luther T.). Joseph was born.August
27, 1820, died November 17, 1822. Robert, born
July 21, 1822, married Caroline Frye, had one
child (Narcissa). Mary born May 5, 1826, died
January 31, 1863, married Vincent Colvin, had two
children (Jay and Abraham). Abraham Van-
Voorhis married, for his second wife, Jane Phillips,
and had seven children: Eliza, Lucinda, John,
Emeline, Caroline, Serena and Cynthia. Eliza was
born September 1, 1830, died February 28, 1850;
married Thorton Watkins, had one child (James).
Lucinda, born August 7, 1832, died June 24, 1840.
John, born September 6, 1835, married Isa H.
Teeple, had six children (Charles, Lulu, Carrie,
Serena, Will and Eva). Emeline, born February
28, 1838, married Joseph Brown, had five children
(Van, Samuel, Curtis, Cora and Joseph). Caroline,
born November 1, 1840, married James Jones, had
seven children (Endsley, Jennie, Allie, Etta, Rena,
Emma and Ira). Serena, born July 2, 1843, died
March 23, 1861, and Cynthia, born January 16,
1848, who married Cooper Bentley, October 15,
1868. Of these children Robert is one of the best
authorities in the United States on all questions
pertaining to sheep culture, and has contributed
to the Congressional stock paper an article entitled
"Diseases of Domestic Animals." John is a system
atic farmer and sheep-raiser, having been president

of the Monongahela Valley Agricultural and
Horticultural Society. Mrs. Jane Van Voorhis is
still active and enjoying good health. She has
for many years been a devoted member of the M.
E. Church, and resides on the 600 acres of land
which her husband owned near Monongahela City.
Townsend Van Voorhis, son of Abraham and Ann
(Watkins) Van Voorhis, was born February 18,
1819, as stated hitherto, in Carroll township. He
received his early education at the old Calhoun
school, and in 1840 selected a life companion in
the person of Hester, daughter of Noah and Lucy
(Colvin) Frye. To this union were born two
sons: Abraham, living in Kansas, and Butler T.,
residing with his parents. Mr. Van Voorhis owns
193 acres of land situated four miles from Monon
gahela City, and devotes his principal attention to
stock raising. He has been school director for
several years.

4/

MfATTHEW WILSON is a prosperous
stockman and substantial citizen of Can
onsburg. He was born November 28,
-* 1833, in County Antrim, Ireland, where
he grew to manhood. His early education
was very limited, as he was obliged to leave school
at the age of eight years. From early youth he
was interested in stock, and finally decided to ac
company his uncle, George Wilson, on a, voyage
to America. They had a tempestous passage, ar
riving in New York harbor after a voyage of six
weeks and three days. They then came by steamer
to Philadelphia, thence by canal to Pittsburgh,
from which place they walked to Canonsburg,
where they arrived at day-break on November 14,
1851, the journey having been made in fourteen
days. Matthew hired out to a farmer for one year
at $8,00 per month, and at the expiration of that
time engaged for the next nine months. He then
began working for a butcher, and purchasing a
copy-book, slate, pencil and candle, devoted his
evenings to energetic study. He remained with
his employer four years, taking charge of the busi
ness after the first twelve months. Having saved
about $600, he then invested in stock, and driving
them to Allegheny, sold them in three months at a
profit of $600.
On April 3, 1856, he was married to Jane, daugh
ter of George Wilson, and they have had three
daughters, namely: Jennie, Mary (wife of S. C.
Smith), and Martha B. (Mrs. Wilson, died Novem
ber 11, 1862). After his marriage he took a con
tract for furnishing meat to the hands of a new
railroad then in progress of construction along
Chartiers Valley, and lost in that transaction $3,000.
He had good credit and perseverance, so he rallied,
and in 1863 went into the oil business in Oil City,
buying and shipping oil from that city to Pitts-

1060

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

burgh. Losing all the money he had accumulated,
he came back from Oil City and again started in the
butchering and stock business, driving sheep and
cattle over the mountains, and making about five
trips during the summer, selling the stock in Lan
caster and the States of Delaware and New Jersey.
In 1892 a book was sent to him that had been
edited and published by a friend of his in regard
to his life and travels while in the stock business.
This friend sold the copyright of it for $1,000 to a
firm at St. Louis, Mo. Of this publication Mr.
Wilson was entirely ignorant until he received a
copy of the book. In the year 1886 he took a trip
to Europe, taking a nephew aged ten years with
him. They sailed from Philadelphia on the Ameri
can Line May 14, making the voyage going in four
teen days, and in returning they were on the water
twelve days. Of late years Mr. Wilson has de
voted his principal attention to the butchery, con
ducting a very extensive and profitable business.
He has shipped a large amount of stock to Phila
delphia and New York, alway realizing a good
profit from the sales. In politics, he is an active
and zealous worker in the Democratic party, of
which he is a valued member.

OBERT C. McNARY. This prominent
and highly-esteemed agriculturist of Cecil
township, a worthy scion of one of the old
est families in the county, deserves more
than a passing notice in this Biographical
Record. He is descended from Thomas McNary, who in
an early day came to North Strabane township and
bought land. He was a son of James McNary, by
trade a shoemaker, who was born in Scotland about
the year 1711, and, according to tradition, moved
with his family to the North of Ireland. After so
journing there for a time, he and his wife emigrated
to America, bringing with them their four sons and
one daughter, some of whom had married in Ire
land. In 1760 (so records show) James McNary
bought a tract of land in York county, Penn., where
he remained a number of years. He was an elder
in the Seceder congregation of Guinston, one of
the oldest congregations of that denomination in
America. His sons were John, James, Thomas
and David, all of whom came to Washington
county; his daughter, Jane, married William Rob
ison, and passed the rest of her life in York county.
The father of this family also came to this county,
and lived, up to the time of his death, with his son
David in Hanover township, dying in 1796 at the
age of eighty-five years; he was buried in the
Seceder churchyard near Paris, this county.
James McNary, father of subject, was born in
North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and received bis education at the subscription

schools of the period. On March 7, 1811, he was
married to Ann Caldwell, of Washington county,
and after a few years married life in North Stra
bane they moved to Nottingham township, where
they passed the remainder of their days. They
were the parents of nine children, as follows:
Mary E., Jane (Mrs. David Templeton), James,
Eliza (Mrs. James Thome), Rpbert C, Thomas,
Samuel, Ann (Mrs. John Fife) and David. The
father died May 19, 1841, the mother September
24, 1868. They were for a time members of the
Seceder Church at Pigeon creek, later uniting with
the U. P. Church, in which Mr. McNary was an
elder for years. In his political preferences he
was a Whig, but voted for the most part independ
ent of party. Well-known in his day, he com
manded the highest respect in the community both
in his private life and in his occupation as a pro
gressive farmer and stock raiser.
Robert C. McNary was born in Nottingham
township, this county, June 17, 1823, his education
being received at the common schools of his dis
trict, where he proved a diligent and apt scholar.
In early boyhood he commenced working on his
father's farm, and the lessons then inculcated in
him proved invaluable to him in after life, and
have been an important factor in making him what
he is — a successful practical agriculturist, second
to none in the county. On May 8, 1845, Mr. Mc
Nary was married to Sarah, daughter of Robert and
Mary McCorkle, of Somerset township, this county.
The children of this marriage were the following
named: Mary E. (deceased), Ann (wife of W. B.
L. Crawford), James, Robert C, Samuel W., Sarah
J. (wife of Richard Weaver), John, Houston F.
and Thomas. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mc
Nary made their home in Peters township until
1876, when he purchased his present residence in
Cecil township. Mrs. McNary departed this life
October 31, 1878, and was laid to rest in the Char
tiers U. P. cemetery. Mr. McNary (as was his
wife) is a member of the Chartiers U. P. Church,
but was formerly a member of the Seceder Church.

DAVID GAULT, a representative citizen, and
\ a member of one of the most prosperous
j pioneer families of Cross Creek township, is
a grandson of James Gault, who was of
Irish ancestry, and followed farming for many years
near Canonsburg, this county. Grandfather Gault
reared a family of eight children, three sons and
five daughters. The sons were: David, who lived
and died in Washington county, and had a family
who survived him (he was one of the first purchasers
of lots in Canonsburg); James, who served in the
war of 1812, and died a bachelor; and William, the
father of the subject of this sketch,

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sdmm~^ <mm^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1063

William Gault was born on the home farm near
Canonsburg, Washington county, and was reared to
agricultural life. He was married to Miss Mar
garet Brown, a native of Lancaster county, Penn.,
and seven children were born to their union, viz.:
James (who died before reaching maturity), Mary,
Jane John, William, Samuel and David, all save
the latter being now deceased. The father died
in 1816, the mother passing away about 1854.
David Gault was born February 8, 1815, near
Florence, Washington county, Penn., and his father
dying the following year, the family moved to
Cross Creek township, settling on a farm. David
passed his boyhood days in gaining an insight into
agricultural pursuits, and attending for a few
months in winter time the primitive subscription
school of the vicinity. But he was chiefly self-
taught, being a close reader and apt student. At
the age of twelve years he found himself of some
assistance to his mother, and about this time he
"worked out" as a hired hand until he was sixteen
years old, when he and his mother, and his brother
William, moved to a rented farm near Cross Creek
village. The folio wing yearWilliam went to Ashland
county, Ohio, and David was thus left in sole charge
of the farm, which he conducted fifteen years, his
mother making her home with him until her remo
val to Ashland county, Ohio, where she died. She
was a remarkable woman, a typical pioneer wife and
mother, who spun, wove and made all the clothing
for the family; and to her early teachings her son
David attributes much of his success.
On May 22, 1845, David Gault was united in
marriage with Matilda, daughter of James Cook, a
native of Washington county, Penn., and they had
four children, as follows: Georgette, born March
23, 1846, married to A. H. Kerr, and living in
Cross Creek village; Henry M., born March 16,
1848, residing in Piattsmoutb, Neb.; James C,
born December 7, 1850, living in Cross Creek
township; and Silas, born April 13, 1853, a business
man of Chicago, 111. The mother of this family
died April 18, 1853, in her thirty- fifth year, and on
August 15, 1859, Mr. Gault was wedded to Mrs.
Mary (Patterson) Marquis, who has borne him two
daughters, Alice and Laura (both deceased in in
fancy). She was born August 24, 1821, in Cross
Creek, this county, a daughter of William and Mar
garet Patterson, and was married to Newton Mar
quis, by whom she had one child, Alvin, who died
at the age of two years. Mr. Marquis was called
from earth in 1855. Mrs. Gault is a granddaughter
of Gen. Thomas Patterson, and her maternal grand
father was Aaron Lyle, who represented his Dis
trict in Congress. The Pattersons and Lyles are
very old families in this part of the Keystone State.
Mr. Gault's farm comprises 300 acres of highly
improved land, where he carries on general agri
culture, including stock raising, making a specialty

of sheep. In politics he was formally a Republican,
but since the formation of the party has been an
active worker in the ranks of the Prohibitionists,
and he takes an active interest in all public enter
prises. In religious connection he and his wife have
long been members of the Cross Creek Presbyterian
Church, in which he has been an elder for fifteen
years, while Mrs. Gault takes an active and sub
stantial interest in foreign missions.

JiAMES H. McMURRAY. Among the most
prominent residents of Peters township, this
| name is an honored one. James McMurray
was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and
when a young man sailed to America. He first
located near Irisbtown, Allegheny Co., Penn., and
there followed agricultural pursuits. Soon after
arriving in this country he married Isabelle Balen-
tine, a native of the Emerald Isle, who had crossed
the ocean in early youth. The young people
settled on a farm in Allegheny county, Penn.,
where the following children were born to them:
James, Jane, John, William, Nancy (wife of Paul
Black, of Aledo, HI.), Margaret (living on the
home farm with her brother Hervey), Esther,
Mary A., Archie (a farmer in Allegheny county),
Andrew, Hervey, Edward, an infant son, and an
infant daughter. Of this family James, Jane,
William, Esther, Mary A., Andrew, and the two
youngest are deceased.
William McMurray, son of James and Isabelle
McMurray, was born in 1817, on the old home
stead in Alleo-heny county, Penn. In early man
hood he was married to Jane, daughter of John
Mouck, of Washington county, Penn. They lived
on a f«irm near Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
fourteen years after their marriage, then came to
the home place in Washington county, Penn.,
where the family are now living. William McMur
ray was an active member of the Democratic
party, and held various township offices. He was
connected with the United Presbyterian Church,
and gave to that Society a most liberal support.
He died February 23, 1889, leaving three children,
viz.: Mary I. (wife of J. C. Crouch), James H.,and
Eliza Jane (deceased at the age of fourteen years).
James H. McMurray, whose name opens this
sketch, was born September 3, 1847, on the farm
near Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn. He came
to the farm in Washington county when but a lad,
and there grew to manhood. He was married
December 24, 1874, to Sarah M. Matthews, who
was born March 8, 1855, daughter of James Mat
thews, a resident of Peters township, this county.
The young people began wedded life on the farm
in Peters township where they are yet living. Six
children have blessed their union as follows: James
M- G,, William W. (who died in infancy), Levi A,,

1064

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Jennie M. (who died at the age of two years),
George W. and Tamar M. Mr. McMurray has
been a very successful business man, and now owns
about 174 acres of land in several tracts. He has
always taken a lively interest in the welfare of the
Democratic party, has held many local offices, and
in religion is a member and elder of the Mt. Pros
pect United Presbyterian Church.

AMUEL LINN. No township in Wash
ington county has been more favored in the
matter of fine farm land, and prosperous,
intelligent husbandmen, than North Stra
bane, and a record of the agricultural pre-eminence
would be imcomplete were the life sketch of
Samuel Linn omitted. He is a native of the town
ship, born January 30, 1831, a son of Matthew
and Sarah (Pollock) Linn.
Matthew Linn was a son of James Linn, a native
of Scotland, whence, when a young man, he came
to America with his parents, who made a settle
ment in Lancaster county, Penn. Here James
married Ellen, daughter of Robert Young, of that
county, and in 1792 came with his family to North
Strabane township, Washington county, where he
purchased 300 acres of wild land (the same at his
death being divided between his sons), on which
he erected a log cabin wherein were born nearly
all his children — five sons and two daughters — of
whom the following is a brief record: William
settled in West Newton, Penn., and died there;
Mary married George Ferry, and they settled in
East Liberty, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Sarah married
William Hunter; Robert settled on the home farm
(his descendants moved West); Moses died on his
portion of the paternal estate; James late in life
sold out his share in the homestead, and settled
near Washington borough, on a farm where now
stands the village of Linntown; Matthew is more
particularly spoken of further on. The father of
this family died at the age of eighty-four years.
He was a member of the Seceder Church (of which
Dr. Ramsey was the minister), and in politics he
was an Old-school Democrat.
Matthew Linn was born in North Strabane
township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1796, and
when yet a young man was married to Sarah,
daughter of Samuel Pollock, their children being
James, Ellen (deceased), Mary (Mrs. James Bruce),
Samuel, Martha (Mrs! Lee Crouch), Matthew (who
died in the army), William, Jane (who married
James Patterson, and they reside in Nottingham
township, this county), Harriet (Mrs. Charles
Pitman, living on the old homestead), and John P.
(deceased). The parents died in Washington county,
the father in 1870, the mother in 1876, and they
are buried at Canonsburg; they were members of
the U. P. Church. In politics Mr. Linn was a

Democrat, and held various offices of trust in his
township; in 1840 he was elected county commis
sioner, during the building of the courthouse; from
the age of twenty-two years until his death he
served as a justice of the peace; in 1854 he was
elected a member of the State Legislature, serving
one term, and for thirty-three years he was in the
State militia, in which he held every rank, in rotation,
up to general.
Samuel Linn received his education at the
common schools of his district in North Strabane
township, and on the home farm had a thorough,
practical training to agricultural pursuits, which
have been his life vocation, and in which he has
met with gratifying success. On October 20, 1858,
he was wedded to Ellen, daughter of James Harbi
son, of Allegheny county, Penn., and the names of
the children born to this union are Sarah J. (at
home), Nettie and Mattie (twins, the former of whom
is yet living at home, the latter married to James
Wylie Vasbinder), Nannie (deceased), J. Bruce,
Clark, Mary (married to A. D. Weller, of Canons
burg) and Thomas B. Mr. Linn was formerly an
adherent of the Seceder Church, and is now a
member of the Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church.
In his political associations he is a Democrat.

V It ERVE Y McMURRAY. Among the most
L»J prominent residents of Peters township, this
name is an honored one. James McMurray
j — ' was a native of County Donegal, Ireland,
v and when a young man sailed to America.
He first located near Irishtown, Allegheny county,
Penn., and there followed agricultural pursuits.
Soon after arriving in this country he married
Isabelle Balentine, a native of the Emerald Isle
who had come across the ocean in early youth.
The young people settled on a farm in Allegheny
county, Penn., where the following children were
born to them: James, Jane, John, William,
Nancy (wife of Paul Black, of Aledo, 111.), Mar
garet (living on the home farm with her brother
Hervey), Esther, Mary A., Archie (a farmer in
Allegheny county), Andrew, Hervey, Edward, an
infant son, and an "infant daughter. Of this family
James, Jane, William, Esther, Mary A., Andrew,
and the youngest two are deceased.
Hervey McMurray, whose name introduces this
biography, was born May 3, 1829, on the old farm
in Allegheny county, Penn. His father died when
Hervey was a lad of fifteen years, and the care of
the family fell upon his youthful shoulders. But
with the indomitable spirit so characteristic of his
race, young McMurray cheerfully accepted the
burden, and passed his youth and early manhood
in supporting the family. On December 13, 1855,
he was united in marriage with Emily, daughter of
John Mouck, a prominent farmer of Washington

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1065

county, Penn. Mr. McMurray had received $(
from his father's estate, and after his marriage
located on his present farm in Peters township.
He then invested his capital in a flock of sheep,
having usually four or five hundred on the place.
His property consists of 280 acres of land, an ex
cellent roller-process mill (known as McMurray's
mills), a fine dwelling and store-room in Beltz-
hoover borough (a suburban town of Pittsburgh),
and an interest in the store-room at Hill's Station.
In politics he has ever been a stanch member of
the Democratic party, but has invariably declined
nominations for official positions. However, he
was instrumental in having a postoffice established
at McMurray's Mills, and was the first postmaster,
which office is yet filled by members of the family.
Mr. and Mrs. McMurray are the parents of nine
children, viz.: J. Henry, John A., Mary B., Marga
ret J., William J., Emma L., Caroline, Hervey B.
and Charles R.

<

MiRS. NANCY POWELL was born in 1829,
in West Pike Run township, Washington
Co., Penn., a daughter of John Deems,
¦ whose father, also named John, was a native
of this county. John Deems, Jr., was
born and reared on the home farm in West Pike
Run township, where he grew to manhood. He
was married to Jane, daughter of Abraham
Greene, a native of York county, Penn., and who
moved to Washington county many years ago,
where he died. John and Jane (Greene) Deems
reared the following children: John (living in
Iowa), George, Mark, Uriah, Reason, Susan, Polly,
Betsey, Martha J., and Nancy, whose name opens
this sketch. Of this family but two are yet living,
John and Nancy. The father died in 1833 (when
Nancy was four years of age), and the mother
several years later, at the age of seventy years.
She was a member of the Baptist Church; in poli
tics he was a Republican.
Nancy Deems was reared on the home place,
and in 1848 was married to Edward Yorty, a native
of this county, who followed farming. To this
union were born three children, namely: Martha J.,
wife of James Harrison, a farmer of Harrison
county, W. Va.; Nancy, married to John Robison,
a grocer of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn.; and
Clay, deceased. The father was a Republican in
politics. He died in 1858, and in 1862 Mrs. Yorty
was married to Joseph Powell, also a native-born
agriculturist of Washington county. He died in
1881, since which time his widow has continued to
reside on the home place, consisting of 114 acres
of well-cultivated land, equipped with a good resi
dence, barn and outbuildings. After the death of
her husband the farm was for several years con
ducted by Clay Yorty, a son of Mrs. Powell.

Clay Yorty always resided on the home place.
When a young man he was married to Catherine
Hill, who bore him six children, namely: Robert
G., born in 1875; Solomon, born in 1877; Nancy,
born in 1880; Grace, born in 1882; Blanche, born
in 1884; and one deceased in infancy. The mother
died July 2, 1884, at the age of thirty-three years,
followed by the father in 1891 , who passed away
in his forty-ninth year. In politics he was a Re
publican, and was a member of the Masonic Frater
nity at Beallsville. Since the death of this son
Mrs. Powell has cared for his children, who are
living with her on the home farm.

JOHN WILEY DAY. In every vocation of
life there are those who by dint of " brain
and brawn " have pushed through the ranks
of the many and taken positions with the few.
To the man who without the aid of noble birth or
bequeathed fortune succeeds in rising to this place^
among his fellows much credit is due, and the
story of such lives cannot be other than beneficial
to the struggling youth of the rising generation.
Among this class our subject finds a graceful
position. J. Wiley Day^is a descendant of an Englishman
by the name of George Day, who emigrated from •
England to the United States in the seventeenth
century. He resided for a time in Connecticut,
but later made a permanent settlement at Newark,
N. J., where the descendants became quite numer
ous. The subject of this sketch is more immedi
ately descended from one Samuel Day, who emi
grated from Morristown, N. J., near the middle of
the eighteenth century, and settled in Morris town
ship, AVashington Co., Penn., on North Ten-Mile
creek, northwest of the village of Prosperity, on a
farm now owned by J. Miller Day. His will bears
the date of November 27, 1793, probated in 1796;
he had four sons and one daughter, viz.: Daniel,
Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin and Joanna. Of these,
Daniel remained on the land bequeathed to him by
his father, now owned by J. M. Day; Samuel emi
grated to Belmont county, Ohio, where the name
of Day is quite common; Joseph also settled on
land bequeathed to him by his father in Morris
township; Benjamin emigrated in 1812 to the
northern part of Ohio, near the city of Cleveland,
where he purchased a large body of land, upon a
part of which the city has since grown, conse
quently becoming quite wealthy. Daniel Day
died in 1811. He had six sons: Colvin, William,
John, Stephen, Samuel and Cephas — and three
daughters: Abigail, Nelly and Electy.
Samuel Day married Hannah Cooper, who was
born November 17, 1798, a daughter of Zebulon
Cooper, of Morris township. The Cooper family,
which is an old one in this county, came to Penn-

1066

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

sylvania from Sag Harbor, Long Island. To the
union of Samuel and Hannah (Cooper) Day came
eight children: Maria, born February 27, 1820,
died in Morris township, September 11, 1861; El-
mus, born November 23, 1821, now a farmer in
Muscatine county, Iowa; Emeline, born March 5,
1824, died September 4, 1883; Josiah, born July
13, 1827, is now living in Muscatine county, Iowa;
Cephas, born April 6, 1830, died May 20, 1845;
Samuel A., born February 25, 1835, is now a resi
dent of Philadelphia; J. Wiley and Ann Eliza
(twins), born December 15, 1837 (Ann Eliza died
August 11, 1845). The father of this family died
December 18, 1870, and the mother passed away
September 6, 1878.
The Day family are represented in various occu
pations, and valued for their integrity and public-
spiritedness. John Wiley Day, though not afforded
an opportunity for a finished education, is a man
who has kept well up with Jhe times, and is con
versant with all matters pertaining to the public.
He was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for
State Representative in the fall of 1890, and,
though defeated, his popularity is evinced by the
fact that he reduced the Republican majority from
1,000 to 123. In 1863 Mr. Day married Caroline
C, daughter of Joseph Dunn, of Morris township,
Greene Co., Penn., and of this union were born
four children: Samuel Cassius, Anna B., Joseph
E. and Lizzie H. Their mother died in 1874, and
in 1876 Mr. Day married Maria E., daughter of
Thomas Horton, of East Bethlehem township, to
which union two children have been born: Bessie
Ora and John W. This wife died July 5, 1890.
Mr. Day is giving his children the educational ad
vantages afforded in the schools of that section, as
thev arrive at the age at which they appreciate it.
He is an active member of and an elder in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

E(x UTLER HUGGINS, prominent in the agri
cultural community, is a son of Jacob Hug-
I) gins, a farmer, who was born in 1790, in
— ^ Greene county, Penn., and in early life was
married to Margaret Campbell. She was born in
1792, in Adams county, Ohio, and became the
mother of eight children, of whom but three are
now living, viz.: Butler, William P. and Agnes
(Mrs. George). Four sons of this family took
part in the Civil war, Butler remaining at home
to care for the rest. James enlisted in the One
Hundred and Thirty-ninth P. V. I. The mother
passed away in 1863, having met with an accident,
breaking a limb, which resulted in her death; the
father died in 1868.
Butler Huggins was born April 17, 1820, in Ross
township, Allegheny county, Penn. He attended
the schools of Butler county, that State, for ten

months, and then served an apprenticeship at black
smithing, a trade he followed twenty years. On
August 21, 1846, he was married to Sarah Harger,
of Allegheny county, Penn., and four children were
born to them, viz.: Holmes (married); Emily (wife
of E. C. Fulton); Myra (married to William Mc
Clure); and John (deceased). The mother of
these died September 21, 1853, and May 30, 1855,
Mr. Huggins married Miss Mary Ann Leslie, a
distant relative of Frank Leslie, also a cousin of
W. O. Leslie, the noted lawyer of Pittsburgh, Penn,
Mr. Huggins began life a penniless boy, but by
dint of tireless industry and perseverance has risen
to his present enviable position. He was a dealer
in all kinds of live stock, and of late years he has
dealt extensively in horses, which business be is
now following in connection with farming. Mr.
Butler Huggins, it may here be said, is considered
to be as good a judge of horses as can be found in
the Keystone State,-and it has often been remarked
of him that " he could see more about a horse by
walking around him once, than most men could by
looking at the animal all day." He owns 140 acres
of fine land in Greene county, and the home farm
in this county, also containing 140 acres, including
an undeveloped oil well. A Republican in politics,
he has served his township as justice of the peace,
judge of election and road commissioner, filling
each office with credit to himself, and the entire
satisfaction of his constituents.

4/

MfISS MARTHA D. TWEED is a repre
sentative of another well-known family
who are prominently identified with the
^ organization, growth and development of
Washington county. Samuel Tweed and
his wife, Jane (Anderson) Tweed, were natives of
Ireland, coming to America at a very early date,
probably prior to the Revolution. They first set
tled east of the mountains, afterward moving to
Washington county, and locating near Buffalo
village. Their children were John, Robert, Will
iam, Samuel, Griselda and Annie.
Robert Tweed (father of subject) was first mar
ried in 1801 to Elizabeth Wylie, a sister of Adam
Wylie, M. D., and Rev. William Wylie, D. D. Of
the children born to this union, six grew to ma
turity, viz.: John, Eliza, Griselda, Nancy, Marga
ret and Mary. After the death of his first wife
September 3, 1820, Robert, was married October
11, 1821, to Mary Work, daughter of George and
Martha (Dunlap) Work. By this marriage there
were four children, namely: Martha D., Jane, Ann
and Samuel. Robert Tweed succeeded in rearing
his large family, and gave each a fair practical edu
cation. He was a man of domestic tastes, devot
ing little attention to political affairs. In religion
he and his wife were members of the Upper

¦ ¦ * -
<_ " ¦

fr&r^t

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1069

Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and endeavored to
bring up their children in accordance with its
teachings. He died April 26, 1828, aged fifty- five
years. His widow passed away at the advanced
age of over eighty years, July 22, 1869.
She was a woman of much more than ordinary
intelligence and business sagacity, and managed
the farm successfully many years after the death
of her husband. At the same time she found time
to inform herself upon all subjects of general in
terest, and especially the history and doctrines of
the Church. She was recognized as one of the
best informed Bible scholars in the Church of which
she was a member.
George Work came to Hopewell township in
1802, and bought of Mr. Tweed 100 acres of land
adjoining Buffalo village. In early life he was
married to Margaret Dunlap, and five children
were born to them: James, Alexander, John, Jane
and Mary.
Of the children born to Robert and Mary
(Work) Tweed, Jane Tweed was married to
Thomas Ralston, and only one of her children,
William (residing in West Middletown), is now
living; Ann Tweed was married to John McCully,
and removed to Smithfield, Ohio, where her six chil
dren are now residing; Martha D. and Samuel
were never married, and after the death of their
parents they took charge of the estate, living on
the old homestead. Samuel died October 10, 1891,
aged sixty-six years, and Miss Martha Tweed is
now the last representative of the family name
in this county.

4/

Mt RS. NANCY C. ROLLSTIN, one of the
most popular and intelligent ladies of
Buffalo township, was born in Guernsey
' county, Ohio, January 8, 1829. She is
the daughter of John and Jane (McGuffin)
Adams. John Adams was a native of Ireland, who came
to America when eighteen years old. He first lo
cated in Washington county, Penn., where he spent
several years as a farm hand. Removing to Guern
sey county, Ohio, he invested his savings in land,
and prepared a rude home in the wilderness. The
humble "cage" being prepared, he returned
to Washington county to secure the bird, and
three months later brought his bride, Miss Jane
McGuffin, to the pioneer cabin. Together the
young couple began to build their home, and
here were born to them the following eight
children: Thomas, Elizabeth, Nancy C, Mary
J., Margaret, Ann, William P. and Rebecca E. Of
these children, Thomas, Elizabeth and Margaret
are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Adams passed the re
mainder of their days on the old farm, where the
first years of their married life were spent, and

where their youngest son, William P., still resides.
In religion, they were Covenanters of the Old
School, and the religious training of the family was
that strict type, characteristic of the denomination.
Nancy C. Adams, the subject proper of this
sketch, was first married October 23, 1849, to James
McKeown, whose parents emigrated from the Prov
ince of Munster, Ireland, when he was one year
old, or in 1824. In the spring of 1850, the young
couple located in Harrison county, Ohio, with
buoyant spirits and bright prospects for the future;
but, alas! how little we know of what the future
has in store for us. Only three short months had
passed since beginning housekeeping, when on
June 29, 1850, Mr. McKeown, in assisting in tear
ing down a frame barn, received injuries from a
fall which caused his death, July 7, 1850. Mrs.
McKeown now returned to the home of her parents,
where her son James A. was born January 9, 1851,
and where she continued to make her home until
April, 1858, when she was again married; this time
to John Rollstin, a son of James Rollstin, of Buf
falo township.
James Rollstin was born in Ireland in 1785, and
emigrated to this country when quite young. He
was united in marriage with Miss Nancy McGuffin
March 29, 1810, and to them were born five sons
and eight daughters: William, John, Joseph, Eliza
beth, Esther, Rebecca, Jane, Nancy, Martha,
Margaret, James, Porter and Rachel. Of these,
only three are now living: Either (Mrs. Knox, of
Claysville), Martha (Airs. McDowell, of Iowa), and
Rachel (Mrs. Woods, of Iowa).
John Rollstin was born December 18, 1812, in
Buffalo township, and was reared on the farm, re
ceiving a common-school education. His first wife
was Eliza Finley, of East Finley township, and to
them were born two daughters: Nancy J., born in
1844, and Mattie E., in 1847. Nancy J. married
John Allender, and is now deceased; Mattie E.
married E. H. Stringham, of Ringgold county,
Iowa, where she now resides. The mother died in
1856, and Mr. Rollstin afterward married Nancy
(Adams) McKeown. The children born of this
union were: Lizzie J., June 4, 1859, and Anna R.,
May 31, 1861. Lizzie J. was married to R. J.
McCleery, of West Finley township, in the fall of
1883. She died January 16, 1888. Anna R. was
married to W. H. Craig in the spring of 1887. Mr.
Craig died August 9, 1891, since which time Anna
has made her home with her mother.
Politically, John Rollstin was a Republican, an
active supporter of his party, and in religion a de
vout and consistent member of the U. P. Church.
Mrs. Rollstin is also a member of the U. P. Church
of Claysville, and enjoys the respect of all who
know her. By the death of John Rollstin, which
occurred April 6, 1864, Mrs. R. was again left a
widow. Assuming the management of the farm,

1070

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

her business capacity and thrift enabled her not
only to support herself and family, besides hiring
the labor done, but to lay something by for a
" rainy day."
Her son, J. A. McKeown, was a teacher in the
public schools for eighteen winters. In the fall of
1877 he was united in marriage with Lizzie J.,
daughter of A. K. Craig. Three children were
born to them, all of whom are deceased. Mrs.
McKeown died December 2, 1884. Mr. McKeown
selected, as his second wife, Ethilind Brimner, of
Burgettstown, with whom he was united in mar
riage August 29, 1888. They have one son, Clark
B., now living. A daughter, Mary L., died June
,22, 1891, aged thirteen months. Mr. McKeown is
a justly popular young man, winning many friends
by his recognized ability and genial courtesy of
manner. He successfully manages his mother's
farm, which consists of 100 acres of good land lying
south of the National pike, in Buffalo township, as
well as eighty acres of his own in East Finley
township, two miles south of the home farm, and
also devotes much attention to stock raising. Po
litically, he is a straight Republican, and is now
serving his second term as county auditor, a po
sition for which he is well qualified, both by natural
inclination and intellectual training.

*?p\\ OBERT McKEAN, a successful business
lUtv man of Charleroi, is a son 'of William Mc-
i\r\. Kean, who was born and reared in Kirkcud-
\\ ^ brightshire, Scotland.
V William McKean received his early edu
cation in the country schools of his native land, and
was there married to Mary, daughter of William
Brown, whose family had been natives of Kircud-
brightshire for over two hundred years. Mr. and
Mrs. McKean passed their lives on the home farm
in Scotland, where the following children were
born to them, and reared: John, a sea captain, who
was lost in a wreck in 1837; Mary, wife of Alex
ander Magill; William, a farmer of Mansfield,
Penn.; James, a merchant tailor in Canada Corners,
Mich.; Joseph, living on the old home place in
Scotland; Elizabeth, deceased in youth; Andrew,
living in Scotland; Robert, and Samuel, the last
named residing in Fayette county, Penn. The
father was a member of the Established Church of
Scotland. Robert McKean was born March 7, 1827, on the
home place in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, and
in boyhood attended the schools of his native
parish, assisting also in the duties of the farm. On
January 1, 1849, he married Janet Caird, who was
born at New Abbey, Scotland, a daughter of
James Caird, a native and merchant of the same
place, and a member of the Established Church.
The children of Mr and Mrs. Caird were bom as

follows: Janet, wife of Robert McKean; John;
Barbara, wife of Andrew Irving; Agnes, married
to a Mr. Thompson; James; William; Mary, and
two whose names are unknown. Mr. and Mrs.
McKean resided on a farm near New Abbey for
about one year after their marriage, then set sail
for America. After a voyage of thirty days they
landed in New York, in July, 1850; thence pro
ceeded to Newburgh, where they spent a few
months, going from there by rail to Johnstown,
finally arriving in Allegheny City. In 1850 he
worked for four months for seventy-five cents a
day, and then moved to a place about six miles
out, on the Steubenville pike, on Chartiers creek,
where he followed gardening about six years. He
then passed seven years at Mansfield, farming and
gardening on a place near that town. In 1865 he
purchased and moved on 220 acres at Lock No. 4
(now Charleroi), Washington Co., Penn., having
paid for this land with the proceeds of years of
hard labor. Politically he is actively identified
with the interests of the Republican party, and in
religion he and his family are members of the U.
P. Church. He gives liberally of his means to all
worthy enterprises. His children have been as
follows: James, postmaster at Pittsburgh; William,
who died in youth; John C. (postmaster), William,
Andrew, Agnes, Robert and Mary (wife of C. F.
Thompson). Miss Agnes McKean was the first
postmistress at Charleroi and also the first telegraph
operator, receiving and sending the first message
received or sent from Charleroi. The mother of
these children died in April, 1890.

f/UDGE ABRAHAM WOTRING (deceased)
!! was a prominent gentleman of AVashington
ff | county, and a representative of an old pioneer
^^ family. His father, Abraham Wotring, was
a descendant of French Huguenots, who sailed
from France in the days of religious persecution,
to find a home where they might worship God
according to the dictates of conscience only, and
in free America they found the object of their
quest. He was born in York county, Penn., from
whence he removed to Hagerstown, Md., and there
purchased a large tract of land upon which he
lived for some years. He then located in
Washington county, Penn., on a part of the
present site of Washington borough, some time
later moving to the home farm now occupied by
his descendants. He erected a mill and store
room, built an addition to the house, and opened
a milling business in connection with conducting
the store and farm. Mr. Wotring entered the
Revolutionary war at the beginning of the conflict,
serving until the close. In politics he was a very
influential Democrat. One son was born to Mr.
and Mrs. Wotring, Abraham.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1 071

Abraham Wotring was born in 1804 in Mary
land cominc to Washington county, Penn., when
but ten years of age. He assisted his father in the
extensive business which he conducted, and in 1824
was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter
of Rev. Jonathan Rahauser, one of the first ministers
of the German Rsformed Church, of Hagerstown,
Md. Some years after the marriage of her daugh
ter, Mrs. Rahauser, being a widow, removed with her
family to Washington county, Penn., bringing with
them one of the first pianos ever brought over the
mountains. People came from many miles around
to hear the wonderful music, and see the unusual
curiosity which is yet in the possession of the fam
ily. Mr. Wotring inherited the laud and exten
sive business owned by his father, who died soon
after the marriage of the former. Mr. Wotring
sold the greater portion of the land, reserving
about 250 acres of the best to his own use, and
continuing to conduct the mill and store. To
Abraham and Elizabeth (Rahauser) Wotring were
born the following children: Mary (Mrs. Pointlex-
ter, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Abraham (living at
home), Jonathan (a physician of Newark, Ohio),
Katherine (Mrs. Howard, of Allegheny), Elizabeth
(living on the borne farm), Amelia (also residing
at home), Frederick (a minister of Rawlins, Wyo
ming), Rosanna (Mrs. Clark, of Washington, D. C.),
Francis L. (living on the home place), Dr. Louisa
Lyle (of Cincinnati, Ohio) and Cornelia (Mrs. Con
ger, of Clinton, Iowa).
After conducting the mill for a number of years
Mr. Wotring closed it, and dividing it into rooms,
opened an academy which flourished for some time.
In politics he was originally a Democrat, but after
ward joined the Republican party. He served as
postmaster for some time, was justice of the peace
for several years, and was twice elected associate
judge of Washington county. He was a leading
citizen, being called upon for advice and counsel
in many important matters. In religious faith he
was a member and trustee of the Presbyterian
Church at Buffalo, this county. He died in 1874.

FvARKER S. SPHAR. The Sphar family
have been identified with the history of
Washington county for many years. Mat
tern Sphar was born in Switzerland, and,
in company with two brothers and- one sis
ter, immigrated to America about 1760, at the age
of seventeen years. He first settled in Williams-
burgh, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the oath
of allegiance under Queen Anne. He was there
married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780 came to
Washington county, Penn., and purchased of one
Col. Cooke 200 acres on the Monongahela river, in
what is now Washington county. He took an active
part in the Whisky Insurrection, and was a soldier

in the war of 1812. He died about 1822, leaving
three children, namely: John, Mattern (who moved
to Adams county, Ohio, thence to Indiana), and
Henry (who lived in this county).
John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun
county, Va., and when but three years of age came
with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He
received a subscription-school education in Allen
township, and when a young man was married to
Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county.
They settled on a farm in Allen township, and
reared the following children: Mary, wife of John
Shively, Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob, who was
first married to Susanna Wood, and after her death
to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph
Dunlevy; Daniel, who married Mary Speer, and
lived in Kentucky; Ann, wife of William Spah, of
Indiana; Barbara, wife of William Hollingshead;
Mattern, married to Margaret Coyle, of Ohio; Sarah,
widow of Joseph Beazell, of Allen township; Ra
chel, married to Robert Gailey, of Clarion county,
Penn.; John, who married Lucy Ann Scott, and
Henry. Of this family three are yet living, viz.:
Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted first
with the Whig, afterward with the Republican
party, and served as supervisor of the township.
He and his wife were members of the Baptist
Church. He died in 1856, haying been preceded
by his wife in 1852.
John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the
old place in Allen township, Washington county.
In 1839 he was united in marriage with Lucy Ann
Scott, daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson)
Scott, all of whom were natives of Fallowfield
township. Her parents had twelve daughters, of
whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet living. Mr.
Sphar owns seventy-five acres of the old home
stead, where he has followed general farming. He
cast a vote for William Henry Harrison, and since
the organization of the Republican party has been
one of its most earnest supporters, and has served
as a member of the school board and also as super
visor. He is no less interested in religious than in
political., movements, having been licensed as an
exhorter and class-leader in the Ebenezer M. E.
Church, with which his wife is also identified.
Mr. and Mrs. John Sphar have had children as fol
lows: Sarah, wife of William Rodgers, of Fallow
field township; Parker S.; Henry, married to a
Miss McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penn.;
James, who died in his twenty-sixth year; John
E., living in Allen township; Ann, widow of
Ephraim McKee; Gertrude, married to J. H. Redd,
and Wesley, deceased at the age of nineteen
years. Parker S. Sphar was born April 9, 1842, in Allen
township, Washington county, and was reared to
manhood on the home place. On September 18,
1862, he was united in marriage with Sarah R.

1072

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Dunlevy, a native of Allen township, and daughter
of Andrew Dunlevy. After his marriage Parker
S. Sphar located on ninety-six acres of land in
Allen township, containing a good stone quarry
adjoining Charleroi. He does an extensive busi
ness in building stone, besides general farming.
In political opinion he is a Republican, and in re
ligion he and his wife are members of the Ebenezer
M. E. Church. Their children are Cora D., wife of
Ellsworth Redd, of Fallowfield township; William
A., married to Maggie Williams, of Fallowfield
township; Andrew and James.

THOMAS RAMSEY, a prosperous and promi
nent agriculturist of Hanover township, is a
grandson of Robert Ramsey, who was born
in Maryland and there married to Mary
Mitchell. Several years before the close of
the eighteentji century, with his wife, family and
few earthly possessions, he made the long and
tedious journey over the mountains, locating on
Peters creek, in Washington county, Penn. In
1799 they settled in Hanover township, on the
farm which is the present home of their grandson,
Thomas. Here they resided during the rest of
their lives, and became prosperous. In politics
Mr. Ramsey was a stanch Democrat; he was one
of the founders of the Seceder Congregation at
Kings Creek, of which he was an earnest member
and an elder. Six sons and nine daughters were
born to these pioneers, of whom the youngest died
at the age of thirty-seven years, the first of the
children to pass away. All were married except
ing Nancy, who died in 1827. The eldest son,
James, became a Doctor of Divinity in the Canons
burg Theological Seminary, and for forty years
was pastor of the Seceder Church in Canonsburg.
Mitchell Ramsey, who was the thirteenth child
and youngest son of Robert and Mary (Mitchell)
Ramsey, was born in 1797 on Peters creek, Wash
ington county, being but two years of age when
his parents came to Hanover township, where he
grew to manhood. In 1818 he was married to
Anna George, who was born about 1799, near
Venice, on Miller's run, in Washington county,
Penn. Her father, Robert George, came from Ire
land, and her mother was of German descent.
The children of Mitchell and Anna Ramsey were
as follows: Robert G. (living in Carroll county,
Ohio), James (who died in Carroll county, Ohio),
Thomas (whose name opens this sketch), Mary
(widow of James McGinnis, of Monroe county,
Iowa), Christina (Mrs. Alexander George, living
in Jefferson county, Ohio), William M. (a black
smith of Hanover township) and Ann Eliza (wife
of W. T. Arnold, of Hanover township). The
parents always lived on the old place, where the
father followed farming. He was a prominent

member of the Democratic party, and held all the
offices of the township. He died April 17, 1857,
and was buried in Kings Creek cemetery; his
widow passed away September 5, 1882, and was
laid to rest in Frankfort cemetery. He was a mem
ber and elder of the Kings Creek U. P. Church,
was a leading farmer, and took an active interest
in all measures tending to the public good, being
recognized as a most useful, able and progressive
citizen. Thomas Ramsey was born January 22, 1823, on
the farm which he yet owns, and the house where
he was born is standing as a relic of olden times.
He attended the old-fashioned schools of the com
munity, and worked on his father's farm during
boyhood. On November 6, 1861, he was married
to Jane Slater, a native of Allegheny county, Penn.,
and daughter of John and Margaret (George)
Slater. This wife died August 3, 1864, and was
buried in Frankfort cemetery. She left one child,
Georgetta, who was but twenty-three days old
when her mother died, and is yet living at home.
For his second wife Thomas Ramsey married Nan
nie (Hood) Ackleson, widow of Samuel Ackleson.
To this union were born three children, viz.: a son
deceased in infancy; Margaret (who died when
three months old); and James P. (deceased when
two years of age). The mother died December
19, 1874, and was buried in Frankfort cemetery.
After the death of his father, Thomas Ramsey paid
off the claims of the other heirs, and took entire
charge of the home farm where he is now living.
Farming has been his principal vocation. In poli
tics he has been independent, and has held several
offices in Hanover township at the wish of his
friends. For thirty-five years he has been a lead
ing member and elder in Kings Creek U. P. Con
gregation. At the age of sixteen he was a mem
ber of the Frankfort Congregation.

M| ARSHAL MATHEWS is descended from
a pioneer family of Washington county,
Penn. His grandfather, Paul Mathews,
j -* married Jane McCorkle, a native of
v Washington county, and purchased an
unimproved farm in Peters township. Their
children were James, Robert, Margaret (wife
of James Hultz), Paul, Jane (Mrs. Isaac Weaver)
and Sarah (wife of James Rigland). The father
was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a mem
ber of the Seceder Church.
James Mathews was born and reared on the
home farm in Peters township, this county, where
he followed farming and stock raising. When a
young man he was married to Margaret, daughter
of John Bowers, of Peters township, and she bore
him five children, viz.: Mary J. (wife of Francis
Kerr, deceased), Marshal, John B., Margaret A.

if ft

K

OawJj^J

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1075

(Mrs. A. J. Kelly), and David (deceased). Mr.
Mathews was a leading politician in the Demo
cratic party.
Marshal Mathews was born November 26,
1831, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and received a very limited education, as he was
obliged to assist on the farm a great deal. At the
age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to John
E. Bell, a harness and saddle maker of Canons
burg, with whom he remained four years, and then
conducted a shop at Dunningsville, Penn., for two
years, when he removed to his present place of
business in Canonsburg. On January 16, 1856, he
was united in marriage with Helen P., daughter of
John Haggerty, of Canonsburg, and they have had
two daughters: Mary A. (wife of Samuel C. Mc
Nary) and Isabelle B. Mrs. Mathews died Sep
tember 1, 1883. Mr. Mathews has won success
by earnest, untiring effort, and well deserves his
reputation as a successful and representative busi
ness man. He affiliates with the Democratic party,
and has held various local offices. From the time
of its organization he has been a member and dea
con of the Central Presbyterian Church at Canons
burg, this county.

DEMAS LINDLEY McVAY, an energetic
and prosperous farmer of Morris township,
is a grandson of Samuel McVay, who
moved from New Jersey to Morris town
ship, Washington county, Penn., in an early day,
becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the State.
Franklin McVay, son of Samuel, was born on
his father's farm in Morris township, and like his
father became a successful farmer. He married
Priscilla, a daughter of Luther Day, of Morris
township, who was also descended from a pioneer
family that had moved from New Jersey, and who
were among the first to secure excellent land in
Washington county. Franklin and Priscilla Mc
Vay had four children: Demas Lindley; El mas
D., who was a farmer in Morris township, and died
in 1868; Samuel B., a farmer of Morris township,
and Franklin Wallace, a cabinet-maker and under
taker, of Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., who died in
1882. Demas Lindley McVay was born January 13,
1844, in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn.
When he was but ten years' of age his father died,
and he and his mother struggled bravely on, en
during many hardships, but, nevertheless, they
succeeded in keeping the fatherless family together
until they were able to care for themselves. On
September 24, 1869, Mr. McVay was united in
marriage with Mary E., daughter of Thomas Hanna,
of Morris township, whose family were also pioneer
settlers of that township, and natives of New Jer
sey. To this union have been born five children :

two that died in infancy; Lee Anna J. and Priscilla
D., living with their parents; and T. Franklin, who
assists his father in the farm work. Mr. McVay re
sides on the place known as the " Old Hanna farm,"
the property of his father-in-law, but he owns a
well-improved farm, situated one mile below Pros
perity, this county, on Ten-Mile creek. He is a
prominent stock-raiser, and gives considarable at
tention to the breeding and raising of Shorthorn
cattle and Blacktop sheep. An uncle of his,
Samuel McVay, was appointed administrator of the
estate of another uncle, named Nelson, and upon
the death of the former, D. L. McVay, together
with J. M. Dunn, was appointed administrator, and
upon them devolved the duty of settling up the
estate, consisting of $20,000 to $25,000 worth of
property. The lands, located near Prosperity, this
county, had been in the possession of the McVay
family over sixty years. Mr. McVay enlisted in
the war of the Rebellion, August 18, 1862, in
Company I, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, served
until the end of the war, and now draws a small
pension. He resided in Franklin township eleven
years after his marriage. Contrary to the political
opinions of his ancestors, he has always been a
straight Republican, and he and his wife are mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a
deacon. J. Nelson McVay, an uncle of Demas L., was a
native of Morris township, where' he passed his
entire life, and was an extensive landowner. He
was a lifelong Democrat, and was never married.
A man of perfect physical strength, he knew noth
ing of sickness, until called to cross the dark river
at an advanced age.
Samuel McVay, another bachelor uncle of our
subject, was also a native of Morris township, this
county, and always remained near the place of his
birth. He was a strict business man, and took an
active interest in educational matters, serving as
secretary of the school board of Morris township
for several years.

L

EWIS PERSHING, who in his lifetime was
a progressive and prosperous agriculturist,
received a good education in the common
schools of the" neighborhood of his place of
birth, and afterward became well-read in history,
Scripture and standard literature.
In October, 1851, he was united in marriage with
Julia Ann Harris, daughter of Joseph and Martha
Harris, and three children were born to them, of
whom but one is now living — Frances, who was
born January 5, 1857. Mr. Pershing was a very
successful business man. In politics he was a
Democrat, but voted for men whose principles he
considered were above reproach, rather than for
party candidates, and he held several township

1076

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

offices; in religious faith he belonged to the Meth
odist Episcopal Church. He died April 22, 1888,
and the following obituary appeared at the time in
a Washington paper: " Lewis F. Pershing, an aged
and highly- respected citizen of Amwell township,
died in his seventy-third year. He had been en
gaged in farming for a great many years. He
leaves a widow and one daughter. He was a
cousin of Judge Cyrus L. Pershing, of Schuylkill
county, Penn. The deceased was a kind husband
and indulgent father."
Mrs. Pershing is a representative of a family
eminent in Church and State. Her brother, John
Harris, graduated from Washington and Jefferson
College, and then removed to Georgia, where he
has for many years represented that State in Con
gress. She is a cousin of Bishop Harris.

Hi ARRISON LEYDA, butcher, was born No
vember 15, 1843, in Somerset township,
Washington county, Penn. He is a son of
-1 Henry Leyda, whose parents were natives of
V eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Wash
ington county with the earliest pioneer settlers,
part of the journey having been made on horseback.
The country was then wild and full of danger to the
inexperienced traveler, but with undaunted courage
Mr. and Mrs. Leyda began their humble home in
Washington county, and success finally rewarded
their patient toil. In their pioneer cabin the fol
lowing children were born and reared: James,
George, Henry and Jacob. The father affiliated
with the Whig party, and in religious faith was one
of the earliest members of the Presbyterian Church.
He died on the farm where he first settled.
Henry Leyda was born in Somerset township,
Washington county, Penn., and was early taught
the fundamental principles of business success,
" constant toil and close economy." By following
this rule he eventually became a most successful
agriculturist, dealing very extensively in stock.
He gave especial attention to raising sheep and
cattle, shipping large numbers to eastern markets.
In political matters he voted first with the Whig
party and afterward with the Republican. When
a young man he was married t'o Catherine Myers,
of Somerset township, who bore him children as
follows: one deceased in infancy, Harriet (wife of
Harvey Wilson), Hannah (married to Albert Har
ris), Amanda, Emma (wife of Anderson Whitman),
Lizzie (wife of Thomas Collins), Harrison, William
and James.
Harrison Leyda passed his youth in assisting
with the duties of the farm, and October 10, 1867,
he married Easther A., daughter of Daniel Swick
ard. Her father, who is a prosperous shoe mer
chant of Monongahela City, was born November

26, 1816, in Somerset township, Washington county
Penn., a son of John Swickard and grandson of
Martin Swickard, who was born and reared in east
ern Pennsylvania. The last named came to Wash
ing county among the early settlers, and, locating
in a log cabin in Somerset township, assisted in
clearing up and improving the land. He was twice
married, and to the first union were born the fol
lowing children: Matthias, Daniel, Samuel, John,
Lucy and Sarah. Mr. Swickard, in 1805, moved
to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained until
his death. In political opinion he was a Democrat,
and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church.
John Swickard was born in 1783, in Somerset
township, Washington county, Penn., and passed his
youth on the home place. When a young man he
married Mary, daughter of John Smith, and the
young couple continued to reside on the home place,
where children were born to them as follows:
Catherine, John, Samuel, Daniel, Mary, Barbara,
Susan and Margaret. The father was a lifelong
agriculturist, and a noted hunter and sportsman;
in politics he voted with the Democratic party.
The clothing for the family was made from wool
carded by hand and woven by his wife; she died
several years ago, and was buried in the Lutheran
cemetery, where her husband has been laid to rest.
They were both members of the Lutheran Church.
Daniel Swickard was educated at the subscription
schools of Somerset township, his text books being
limited to the Testament and United States Spel
ler, while the log schoolhouse was furnished in the
usual primitive fashion of the day. In 1840 he was
married to Harriet, daughter of Abram Leyda (a
native of Nottingham township), who has borne him
the following children: John, Hving in Colorado;
Mary E., wife of Daniel Berry; Easther A., Mrs.
Harrison Leyda; Daniel, deceased; James L., liv
ing in Meadville, Penn.; A. Y. and David M. Mr.
and Mrs. Swickard resided on the home place for
twenty years after their marriage, when he pur
chased the Leyda mill in Nottingham township,
conducting that enterprise for thirteen years, but
continuing to own the home place. In 1865 he
opened a grocery store in Monongahela City, but
five years afterward sold out, purchasing a furniture
and undertaking establishment, which he kept for
thirteen years. At the expiration of that time he
opened the shoe store, where he is now carrying on
a profitable business. He is a representative citi
zen, and a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party; he has served in numerous capacities, and in
1855 was elected a county commissioner, which
office he held three years. In religious faith he is
a member of the Presbyterian Church.
After their marriage Harrison and Easther A.
(Swickard) Leyda resided in Somerset township
for a few years, then came to Monongahela City,
where he opened his present butchering establish-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1077

ment. He conducts an extensive business, yield
ing a large annual profit. In politics he is a leading
member of the Republican party. His children
are Addie, Frank, Fannie, Bert, Edgar J., Annie
and Harry.

G. THOMPSON, a prosperous farmer and
stock raiser of Cecil township, is of Irish
descent, and the youngest son of William
Thompson, who was born in Ireland. The
latter immigrated to America in early manhood,
first locating in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
and married Miss Warden of that city, who bore
him one child, Martha (deceased wife of Moses T.
Glasgow, of Northwood, Ohio). This wife dying,
Mr. Thompson married Margaret George, a native
of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. They set
tled in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father died in
1833, leaving the following children: Christina
G. (wife of Thomas Slater, of Cecil township),
H. A. (a banker, of Salineville, Ohio), R. G. (also
in Salineville) and W. G. R. G. enlisted in the
Sixty-third Regiment, O. V. I., remaining in the
service about two years, when he received an
honorable discbarge. The parents were members
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. After the
death of her husband the mother married John
Slater, settled in Allegheny county, Penn., and
afterward in Cecil township, this county, where she
died. W. G. Thompson, youngest son of William and
Margaret (George) Thompson, was born February
11, 1831, in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he lived until
six years of age. When sixteen years old he began
teaching, and continued the profession for many
years in different schools in Allegheny county.
He was principal of the Sharpsburg school for four
years, and in 1858 moved to the farm in Cecil
township, Washington county, which is now his
home. On October 15, 1853", Mr. Thompson was
united in marriage with Christina G., daughter of
George and Jane (George) Robb, natives of Mt.
Pleasant township, this county, both of whom are
now deceased.
Mrs. Thompson died in 1870, in Cecil township,
leaving five children: J. S. (a minister of the Re
formed Presbyterian Church at Utica, Ohio, mar
ried to Jennie Slater), Etta H. (a teacher in the
Indian Mission at Fort Sill, Ind. T.), Lizzie E.
(living at home), George R. (also at home) and
W. T. Knox (attending college at Beaver Falls,
Penn.). Emma Jennie, the eldest in the family,
died in 1870 at the age of fourteen years, just one
week prior to the death of her mother. After the
death of the mother Mr. Thompson was married,
August 15, 1871, to Lizzie C. Shane, a native of
Allegheny county, and daughter of Henry and
Margaret (Musser) Shane, who were born near

Noblestown, sanib county. Both are now deceased,
and the mother was blind many years before her
death. W. G. Thompson bought a partially im
proved farm in Cecil township, containing 111
acres, which he has cultivated to the highest ex
tent, and on which he has erected a commodious
house and barn, put out shade trees, and planted a
good orchard. After coming to Washington county
Mr. Thompson taught three winters in Cecil town
ship, two winters at Venice, and one in the home
district, but he has devoted his principal attention
to agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are mem
bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
Chartiers township, this county.

IM

4/

RS. CATHERINE McKEE. Hugh Mc
Kee (deceased) was a son of John and
Mary (Seaborn) McKee, who were natives
of eastern Pennsylvania and who moved
manyjyears ago to Westmoreland county,
Penn., where they died. The father was a soldier
of the Revolution, and also participated in the war
of 1812. They were the parents often children.
Hugh McKee was born in 1800, in Chambers-
burgh, Franklin Co., Penn., and coming with his
parents to Westmoreland county, Penn., was
there reared and educated. On January 29, 1829,
he was united in marriage with Catherine Lutz, a
native of eastern Pennsylvania, and daughter of
Martin and Catherine (Cline) Lutz. Her parents
were born in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to
Westmoreland county in an early day. Mr.
and Mrs. McKee resided on the home place until
1837, when they moved to Washington county,
Penn., and in 1842 bought 150 acres of the
"Dixon place," and sold fifty acres.
In politics Mr. Hugh McKee was actively identi
fied with the Democratic party, and in religion he and
his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Their children were as folio ws: Margaret (wife of
of Richard Ward, was born in 1832), John, Anna,
Thomas, Mary (wife of Jehu Dunlevy), Anna,
(married to James Bailey), Sarah Jane (wife of
Bartemus Dunlevy), Catherine, and Ephraim (who
was married to Annie, daughter of John Sphar).
The children of this family are all now deceased,
and the father passed away January 3, 1886.
Mrs. McKee, who is now the only living repre
sentative of the family, is living on the home farm
in Allen township.

J/ AMES B. HAMILTON was born September
I 24, 1854, in Nottingham township, AVashing
ton county. He is a son of Henry Hamilton,
who was born in 1816, in Nottingham town
ship, and received his education in the schools
of the home neighborhhod. After leaving school

1078

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Heury learned the blacksmith's trade, and follow
ed that vocation until 1869, when he began to carry
mail from Bentleyville to Pittsburgh. He continued
in this business four years, then followed huckstering
along the river. In 1847 he was united in marriage
with Margaret A. Morrow, who was born in 1828, in
Allegheny county, Penn., and seven children were
born to them, namely: Margaret (deceased), David,
Carrie (Mrs. Nelson, deceased), James B., Alex
ander, Jane (Mrs. Smith), and William. The
father of this family died June 21, 1886, and was
followed by the mother on October 24, 1890.
James B. Hamilton attended the schools of the
county, and learned afterward the blacksmith's
trade of Henry Watson, in Houstonville. On Novem
ber 6, 1881, he was married to Miss Minnie B.,
dauo-hter of Simon C. Wolf, a prosperous black
smith and ex-soldier of Washington county. Mr.
and Mrs. Hamilton have had born to them children
as follows: Simon W., William Glen, Lulu M. and
Paul. Mr. Hamilton has continued to follow his
trade, and is a very successful business man.

4/

It I(RS. ELIZABETH B. CALDWELL.
\//\ This highly esteemed lady is the widow
Ml | of George J. Caldwell, and daughter of
^ Alexander Borland, whose father, Andrew
Borland, a native of Ireland, immigrated
to the United States at an early day. In 1824 he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter
of Alexander McClure, and children as follows
were born to their union: Alexander, Mary E.,
Rebecca, Margaret A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine,
Andrew, Martha, Rachel and James, of whom
Rebecca, Catherine, Martha and Rachel are now
deceased. The father of this family followed farm
ing during his manhood on the old Borland place,
with the exception of about six years, and died in
1860, the mother passing away April 10, 1889.
Alexander Borland, eldest son of Andrew and
Elizabeth Borland, was born December 10, 1825,
on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he grew to manhood. In early life
he married Margaret Jane, daughter of James and
Agnes Crawford, who were the parents of nine
children, namely: William (deceased), Sarah,
Andrew (living on the old homestead in Peters
township), Tamar, Mary Ann, Agnes, Elizabeth,
Margaret Jane (Mrs. Borland) and Priscilla: of
whom Andrew and Margaret Jane are the only
ones yet living. To the union of Alexander and
Margaret Jane (Crawford) Borland the following
children have been born: James Crawford, Eliza
beth McClure (Mrs. Caldwell), Andrew Alexander,
Mary Agnes and Elmer Ellsworth (the last
named being deceased). In 1876 Alexander
Borland purchased his present home of 113 acres
in North Strabane township, all being under culti

vation. In political opinion he votes with the
Democratic party, and he has held various positions
of trust in North Strabane township. In religious
faith he is a member of the U. P. Church, and a
ruling elder in the same.
On October 17, 1878, Elizabeth B. Borland was
married to George J. Caldwell, a son of Joseph,
and a grandson of William Caldwell. The latter
was born in Ireland, where he was reared, and in
an early day he emigrated to America, coming at
once to Peters township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he made a settlement and followed his trade,
blacksmithing, in connection with farming. He
married Jane Hazelett, and their children were
Margaret, Ann, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy, John,
Robert, William and Joseph, all now deceased.
He was an active man up to the time of his death,
and a prosperous agriculturist, a member of the
Centre Presbyterian Church, and in political faith
a stanch Democrat.
Joseph Caldwell, son of William and Jane
(Hazelett) Caldwell, was born and reared in Peters
township, this county, and received a liberal educa
tion at the subscription schools. In March, 1840,
he was united in marriage with Agnes, daughter
of George Johnston, of Allegheny county, Penn.,
whose wife was Jane McMachen, their children
being Robert, Agnes, Sarah J., Mary, Margaret,
Catherine, Tamar and George. Mr. Johnston was
a carpenter and builder, a major in the State
militia, a Democrat of the old school, and a member
of the Centre Presbyterian Church. After mar
riage Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Caldwell settled on the
home farm where he passed the remainder of his
days, and where his widow is yet living. Their
children were George J., Jennie (Mrs S. N. Hop
per), Lizzie (Mrs. Finley D. Brown), Annie M.
(Mrs. William P. Hopper) and Ada. The father
of this family passed from earth April 14, 1875.
He was a self-made man, enterprising and highly-
respected. As an agriculturist he had no superior,
and he was a leading wool farmer in his township.
In church connection he was a Presbyterian, a
member of the Society at Centre, and his political
leanings were of the solid Democratic type.
George Johnston Caldwell, son of Joseph and
Agnes (Johnston) Caldwell, was born January
26, 1851, on the old farm in Peters township, where
his widow is yet living. He assisted his father in
farming until the death of the latter in 1875,
when he, by his father's bequest, took entire charge
of the farm. He was a stanch supporter of the princi
ples embodied in the Democratic party, and for
twenty-one years filled the office of school director.
In religion he was a member of Centre Presby
terian Church, and taught the same class in Sunday-
school fifteen years. As a farmer he had no superior;
as a neighbor he was universally esteemed. His
hand was ever open to the needy, and his heart to

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1079

sympathize with the afflicted. His devotion to his
family was untiring. By tireless energy he suc
ceeded in paying off the rest of the heirs, and
clearing the farm of that encumbrance, but the
task proved too much for his bodily strength;
consumption made inroads on his system, and
despite the efforts of skilled physicians, his spirit
winged its way to God on Sabbath morn, October
20 1889, leaving the entire community to mourn
his departure from among them. His widow and
two sons — Joseph H., born August 9, 1879, and
Alex. Borland, born September 23, 1881 — still live
on the farm containing about 200 acres of fertile
land. No family is more worthy of honorable mention,
or has been more closely identified with the
interests of Washington county, than that bearing
the name of Caldwell.

El J. AGNEW is descended from a represen
tative family of Washington county, and is
a grandson of Samuel Agnew, who was born
— I in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married
to a Miss Elizabeth Johnston. • In 1780 they left
York county, Penn., locating in Washington county,
where in 1785 he secured a patent for two tracts
of land, each containing 400 acres, located on
George's run, a branch of Chartiers creek. The
warrant was issued in 1785, one part being the
property of Matthew Henderson, who sold it to
Mr. Agnew the following year. Samuel Agnew
passed his life on this place, and died in 1819. He
was a Whig in politics and served his party as a
member of the State Legislature, having previously
been justice of the peace in his district, which in
cluded several townships. In religious connection
he was a member and elder of the Seceder (now
the United Presbyterian) Church.
Samuel Agnew was born in 1767, in eastern
Pennsylvania, and in early manhood was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Mitchell, who was born in
1773, in eastern Pennsylvania. He settled in
Washington county about the year 1786, on the
farm in Chartiers township, where children were
born as follows: John (deceased in 1863); Samuel
(who died in 1826); James (married to Nancy
Jane Buchanan, who died leaving two children:
James, living in Mt. Pleasant township, and Nancy
Jane, wife of William Stewart; after the death of
the mother James Agnew was married to Margaret
Brown, now deceased, then to Margaret Aiken,
who is living in Mt. Plesant township. He died in
1880); Joseph (deceased in 1885, married to Miss
Mary Peterson); Eliza Jane (deceased in 1883, wife
of Matthew White); E. J. (a sketch of whom fol
lows), and Thomas (deceased in 1870, married to
Sarah Dougherty). Samuel Agnew was a Jack
sonian Democrat, holding several township offices

and taking an active part in the political questions
of the county. In religion he first united with the
Seceder (now the U. P.) Church, officiating as an
elder for several years. He died in 1839, being
followed by the mother in 1850.
E. J. Agnew was born March 30, 1814, on the
home farm in Chartiers township, receiving a lib
eral education in West Middletown Academy, and
afterward attending Washington College for a
short time. In 1837 he began teaching in the
county schools, having previously held the position
of assistant teacher in the West Middletown Acad
emy for a year or two, and also teaching one year in
Muskingum county, Ohio. On September 1, 1841,
he was married to Miss Ann White, a native of
Canton township, this county, daughter of Ebene
zer and Jane (Nesbit) White. The parents were
born in Maryland, and coming to Canton township,
Washington county, remained there until their
death, which occurred many years ago. Mr. and
Mrs. Agnew settled on the farm which is their
present home, and four children have completed
the family circle, namely: Jennie (wife of Thomas
Shaw), Lizzie (living at home), Samuel E. (mar
ried to Anna Allison, has one son, Samuel), and
Annie (Mrs. William Russell, of Mt. Pleasant town
ship). E. J. Agnew has erected a good two-story
frame house, two barns, sheep sheds and other
buildings upon his farm, to the value of $4,000.
His farm contains 118 acres of most productive
land, and is one of the best improved farms in
Chartiers township, upon which there is a good gas-
well in operation. It has now been in the posses
sion of the family 106 years. Mr. Agnew has set
tled seventeen estates in the vicinity of his home,
and has been a very active man in all matters of
public and educational interest, having served
thirteen years as school director and secretary of
the board. In politics he is a Republican. In re
ligion he is a member and elder of the Cross Roads
United Presbyterian Church. Although seventy-
seven, years of age, Mr. Agnew reads and writes
without the use of glasses, having never required
their aid, and is in moderate health, being even yet
an active and enterprising citizen. His wife died
in the summer of 1883, at the age of sixty-three,
after a married life of forty- two years.

dfOHN J. HOFFMAN, a representative, wide
awake successful agriculturist of Amwell
township, was born January 24, 1856, in
Washington township, Greene county, Penn.
His grandfather, George Hoffman, came to Greene
county at an early day, and took up 250 acres of
land. He married a Miss Frye, and they bad three
sons and four daughters, as follows: Peter (de
ceased), George, Abraham, Mahala (Mrs. McCarl),
Sarah (Mrs. Cameron), Mrs, Smith and Mrs. Eliza

1080

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Hedley. Mr. Hoffman was a successful business
man, and in his political predilections always up
held the principles of the Democratic party.
George Hoffman, son of George, was born April
2, 1817, in Washington township, Greene county,
Penn., and received his education in the common
schools. Although his educational opportunities
were limited, he was an earnest Bible student,
making himself familiar with all its truths. He
was united in marriage with Susan Stegner, of
Greene county, Penn., who formerly lived near
Philadelphia, and the following children were born
to them: Jane (Mrs. Ross Johns), George, Thomas
and John J. Immediately after his marriage Mr.
Hoffman began farming for himself, which vocation
he followed very successfully, and in connection
engaged to a considerable extent in sheep raising.
At one time he had about 1,450 acres of land in
his own name, after giving his sons a generous
portion to start them in life. He is not a politician,
but has held several offices of trust in the township.
In religious faith he is a member of the Baptist
Church, and has been one of the most faithful
workers in that body.
John J. Hoffman passed his earlier years at home,
working on the farm in summer, and attending the
common school during the winter. He attended the
academy at Jefferson, Greene county, one term. On
November 16, 1876, he was married to Miss Alice
Swart, who was born April 20, 1857, in Amwell
township, this county, a daughter of Georg6 and
Elizabeth Swart, and to this union has come one
son, George Clarence, born May 8, 1886. Imme
diately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman
settled on the farm adjoining his father's in Greene
county, Penn. (formerly owned by Samuel Bra
den), and remained there until the fall of 1890.
They then removed to the farm of 182 acres in
Amwell township, this county, where they now re
side. Mr. Hoffman is also the owner of 287 acres
in Greene county. He and his family are honored
and useful members of the Baptist Church, and in
politics he is a straight Democrat, liberal in his
views, and voting more for principle that for politi
cal influence.

i-ipHE McPEAKE BROTHERS, partners in one
In of the leading groceries of Canonsburg, are
I representatives of a prominent pioneer
J family. Thomas McPeake, the grandfather,
V was a native of Ireland, but came to America,
with his parents, at age of seven years. His parents
located in Washington county, Penn., where he
was brought up and learned shoemaking. In 1810
he married a Miss Updegraff; he served in the
war of 1812. He was a Whig in politics, and in
religion was a member of the Union Church, but
afterward became a Methodist. His children

were, in order of birth, Harman, Harriet, Margaret,
Nancy, William, John, Mary, Henry C, Eliza and
James. Henry C. McPeake was born in 1827, in Canons
burg, where he was reared to manhood. He was
one of the best known teamsters on the celebrated
Pittsburgh Turnpike. He then conducted a grocery
store for ten years, and selling out engaged in
speculation for two years, finally resuming the
grocery business, which he followed for six years,
and then he retired from active life. In early
manhood he was married to a Miss Bacon, who
bore him the following children: Stewart, Mary E.,
Harry, George C. and Oliver. Mr. McPeake was
very successful in business and in politics was a
prominent member of the Republican party, hold
ing various local offices. He possessed a kindly
disposition, and was a liberal man.
Stewart McPeake is the senior member of the
well-known firm of McPeake Brothers in Canons
burg, and is yet unmarried. His brother, George
C, is the junior partner, and is married to Agnes,
daughter of S. B. Thompson. The two brothers
commenced business in a modest way three years
ago on Pike street; but by industry and good
management soon increased their custom, and
being compelled to seek larger quarters moved to
their present location in 1889. Both are stanch
members of the Republican party.

L

E AMON J. BROWNLEE, a highly esteemed
and prominent young citizen of Hopewell
township, is a representative of an old pio
neer family, who have been potent factors
in the affairs of Washington county for more than
a hundred years. His grandfather, Archibald Brown
lee, was the second son of James Brownlee. James
Brownlee was of Scotch ancestry, his father having
been born and reared in Scotland, where he (the
father of James) was married to a Miss Hamilton,
and reared children as follows: James, William,
John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John Allison),
and Hugh (who died on the ocean). This family
immigrated to America about the year 1765, first
settling in Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1775
made a permanent home in Canton township, Wash
ington county. The father was formerly a member
of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, afterward be
coming a Seceder.
James Brownlee was born January .4, 1745, in
Lanarkshire, Scotland, and after coming to America
learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed
several years in eastern Pennsylvania, then settled
on a farm in Canton township, Washington county,
where the remainder of his life was passed. In
early manhood he was united in marriage with Jane
Leman, a member of a pioneer family of Washing
ton county, who had emigrated from Ireland, The

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1081

following children were born to their union : John,
born October 15, 1777; Archibald, born February
28, 1779; James, born September 27, 1780; Hugh,
born July 23, 1782; Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel Brown
lee), born May 17, 1784; William, born January
13 1786; Thomas, born December 1, 1787; Sam
uel, born August 9, 1789; Joseph, born August 8,
1791; Jane (wife of Kenneth McCoy), born April
20, 1793; and David, born April 8, 1797. The
home of Mr. Brownlee was situated two miles west
of Washington borough. He was a member of
and ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North
Buffalo, and in politics was a Whig. He died in
1822, and was buried beside his wife, who had pre
ceded him.
Archibald Brownlee (grandfather of our subject)
was born on the old National pike, three miles west
of Washington. In early manhood he was married
to Alary Clark, of Washington county, Penn., who
bore him children as follows: James, Joseph (who
removed to Morrow county, Ohio), John, Clark
(who moved to Morrow county, Ohio), Samuel,
Elizabeth (wife of Dr. Hayes, of Taylorstown,
this county) and Jane (married to a Mr. Shun'k, a
merchant of Morrow county, Ohio). Mr. Brownlee
was an energetic man, and possessed much influ
ence in his neighborhood. He served as justice of
the peace, and was employed in various capacities
as an authority in legal matters. In religion he
was a member and ruling elder of the Presbyterian
Church in Claysville, this county. He died in
1844, and his widow remained with her son Samuel
until the time of her death, which occurred about
1863. John Brownlee was born in 1807, in Chartiers
township, this county, remaining on the home place
during his boyhood. The family afterward re
moved to a farm two miles below Taylorstown, in
Buffalo township, this county, where he remained
until forty years of age. He was then united in
marriage with Sarah E. Logan, and settled on a
farm about two and a half miles south of West
Middletown, in Hopewell township. His children
were Newton (who died in early manhood), Jennie
(wife of Dr. J. N. Bemis, of West Middletown,
Penn.), Alice (deceased), Leamon J., Frank S.,
and Harry H. (a resident of Claysville, this county).
John Brownlee was a man of limited literary at
tainments, but possessed unusual intelligence and
instinctive perception, combined with excellent
judgment. He was of a retiring disposition, shrink
ing from publicity, but though reserved in common
conversations, was fond of profiting by the wisdom
of others, and among his friends became a genial,
open-hearted man. He always attended church,
and in the latter part of his life united with the
United Presbyterian Society at West Middletown.
Being always an upright, God-fearing man, his life
was governed by the dictates of his conscience

rather than Church tenets. He was a successful
business man, and accumulated considerable prop
erty. In politics he was a Republican. In 1887
he left his farm, removing to West Middletown,
where he died January 31, 1892, at an advanced
age, never having required the services of a physi
cian. His widow is residing in West Middletown
with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Bemis.
Leamon J. Brownlee, son of John and Sarah E.
(Logan) Brownlee, was born April 28, 1860, in
Hopewell township, passing his boyhood on the
farm, where he received a common-school educa
tion. He afterward attended the Commercial Col
lege at Pittsburgh, Penn., and then returning to
the old homestead, engaged in farming. On Octo
ber 18, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary
F. Scott, daughter of J. Finley and Margaret
A. Scott, of Canton township. Immediately after
their marriage the young people settled on the
farm where they are now living, which is situated
two and a half miles southeast of West Middle-
town. He has made many improvements upon the
place, and has erected a handsome two-story mod
ern dwelling, a large barn and other buildings.
Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee have two bright little
daughters: Nellie and Alice. Mr. Brownlee de
votes his principal attention to wool growing and
stock raising; in politics he is a Republican, but
confines his political work to the ballot. Mr. and
Mrs. Brownlee are members of the United Presby
terian Church in West Middletown.

JLLIAM J. JOHNSTON. The record
of successful business men needs no
introductory preface among the citizens
of their native county, and this gentleman
is undoubtedly a leading member of the class just
mentioned. His ancestors were of Irish origin,
the first of the family to emigrate being one John
Johnston. He and his family sailed to America,
locating near the present site of Pittsburgh, in
South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Of
those early days many traditions have been given
us, describing the dangers and sufferings endured
by our-forefathers. The Indians in many instances
were very hostile, and wreaked bitter vengeance
on the presumptuous palefaces who dared to cross
their path. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Johnston, viz.: William, Thomas and John.
John Johnston was born in 1802, and his youth
was passed amid the scenes and duties of pioneer
life. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of
Thomas Roy; she was born in County Down,
Ireland, and came to America with her parents
when a little girl. Seven children were born to
John and Elizabeth Johnston, namely: Rachel
(deceased), Margaret (deceased wife of Joseph
Campbell, of Allegheny|county), infant, Elizabeth

1082

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(Mrs. William Bowman), James, William J., and
Mattie J. (wife of AV. P. Morgan, of Canonsburg).
The father died in 1853.
William J. Johnston was born March 16, 1842,
in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
where he remained until 1866. He and his
widowed mother then came to a farm in Wash
ington county, Penn., where he worked until the
Civil war opened. In 1862 he enlisted in Company
D, under Col. Stone, One Hundred and Forty-ninth
Regiment, P. V. I., serving three years. He was
with the army of the Potomac at the battles of the
Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and many
others of equal importance. At the close of the
struggle he returned to the farm in Washington
county, Penn., and February 26, 1874, was mar
ried to Ella J., daughter of Hugh McDowell.
They began wedded life on the farm in Peters
township, which is now their home. Five children
have been born to them, viz.: Eva L., John E.,
William McDowell, Bessie M., and Warren Blaine.
The home place contains 202 acres of fertile, well-
cultivated land, and Mr. Johnston is extensively
engaged in the dairy business, usually keeping
twenty-five cows on the farm. Politically, he
advocates the principles embodied in the Repub
lican platform, but has invariably declined to
accept office. He is a member and trustee of the
United Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg.

AMUEL FRYE. The Frye family, of which
this gentlemen is an honored member, are
numbered with the earliest and most promi
nent citizens of Washington county. The
first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one
Samuel Frye, who was born, in 1729, in Virginia,
and was there married to Christina Speers, also a
native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came over
land to Washington county in a very early day,
and July 19, 1792, took a "tomahawk right" to a
large tract of land in Fallowfield township. He
was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm,
remaining in the fort at night for protection from
the Indians. He died in 1814, and was followed
by his wife November 9, 1841. «
Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina
(Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home
farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He received a subscription-school educa
tion, and in early life was married to Isabella
Ringland, a native of Washington county. She
bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living
in Allen township, Washington county; John, also
living in Allen township; Christina, Mrs. Abraham
Colvin, of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who
entered the U. S. service in Washington county,
and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.; Henry, a
lesident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber

land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town
ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No.
4, Fallowfield township; Jackson, living in Cowley
county, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was
taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville pris
on eleven months); Clarissa, who married Alexan
der Allman, and died in East Pike Run township;
Smith, living in Fallowfield township, and Isabelle,
wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo.
After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye
settled on the upper part of the old homestead in
Fallowfield township. He was actively interested
in public matters, and first affiliated with the Dem
ocratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub
lican. He died Decamber 11, 1866, followed by
his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see
her youngest daughter the mother of twelve chil
dren. Both parents were members of the Disciple
Church. Samuel Frye, the eldest son of Abraham and
Isabelle Frye, was born July 1, 1814, in Fallow
field township, Washington county. He attended
the subscription schools of that township, held in
the 'log cabin schoolhouse of the period, furnished
with puncheon floor, slab seats, and glazed paper
in lieu of windows. After leaving school he taught
several terms, then devoted his time to teaming.
On Christmas Day, 1835, he was married to Anna
E., daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson) Scott,
natives of Fallowfield township. After his mar
riage Samuel Frye located on a farm near his pres
ent home, and in 1839 bought and moved upon
thej seventy acres of land he now occupies. Mrs.
Frye died in 1888, leaving one daughter, Christina
(Mrs. Henry J. McCrory, of Allen township, form
erly the widow of Henry Allman). On July 6,
1891, he made a second choice in the person of
Belle (Housman) Ward, widow of Richard Ward,
who was born in Westmoreland county, Penn.
Mr. and Mrs. Frye are members of the Disciple
Church, in which he is an elder. Politically he
was originally a Whig, and since its organization
has been a member of the Republican party. Mr.
Frye is now nearing his eightieth milestone on
life's highway, and is remarkably well preserved
in mental and physical vigor.

Hi E. RIGGLE was born November 7, 1849,
in Amwell township, this county, the
youngest of two children born to Ellis and
/ J Catherine Riggle. Ellis Riggle was born
V and reared in Washington county, Penn.,
where he was married to Catherine, daughter of
Henry Moninger, a native of this county. Two
children were born to this union: Elizabeth (Mrs.
William Price, of Canonsburg), and H. E. (subject
of sketch). The father died in 1849, and was

<&%S&?ruus£ $%

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1085

buried on the day that his only son was born. The
mother lived until her youngest child was eight
years of age, when she too passed away.
H. E. Riggle made his home with an uncle, John
Moninger, after the death of his parents, and was
educated in the schools of Chartiers township.
John Moninger was a brother of Mrs. Ellis Riggle,
and a native of Washington county, born May 10,
1810 in Amwell township. He was the eldest of
a family of ten children, and passed his boyhood on
the farm, receiving a country school education.
About the year 1848 he moved to Chartiers town
ship, this county, locating on the farm now owned
by our subject. John Moninger was an active
politician of the Republican party, and was assist
ant assessor for several years, besides serving in
other ways. He was highly esteemed by all who
knew him, and was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He died in June, 1889, in Chartiers town-
town. H. E. Riggle was married August 4, 1869,
to Mary E. Weaver, a native of Canonsburg, this
county. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mary
Jane (Griffin) Weaver, who were also born in Wash
ington county. The father followed the vocation
of a saddler in Canonsburg, where he died in 1853,
the mother passing away the samd year. After his
marriage to Mary E. Weaver, H. E. Riggle settled
on the farm where he is now residing. It is a fer
tile, well- cultivated tract of 150 acres, has two gas
wells, and adjoins the town of Houstonville, this
county. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Riggle have had
children as follows: John M. (a graduate of Duff's
Commercial College, class of '87, deceased March
25, 1892, aged twenty-two years), Mary Jane,
Charles R. (also a graduate of Duff's Mercantile
College, class of '91), Ida May, Ellis Reed, Thomas
Andrew, James, Bertha Elizabeth, Mabel Cather
ine, Dora Giffin (deceased July 6, 1892, aged two
years, nine -months and eight days), and Grace
Douglas. Mr. Riggle deals extensively in stock,
making a specialty of sheep raising, fie is inter ¦
ested in all public movements, is an active worker
in the Republican party, and has served on the
board of election, also as assistant assessor. Mrs.
Riggle, together with several of her children, is a
member of the Houstonville United Presbyterian
Church.

J|OHN McADOO is one of the well-known and
successful farmers of Donegal township, and
I is a son of James McAdoo, who was born
December 16, 1780, in County Donegal, Ire
land, and being the son of a farmer, he in early
life received a practical training in that vocation. In
1807 he was married to Catherine Ralston, who was
born in September, 1786, in the same county, and
the children born to them in Ireland were as fol
lows: Jane, born August 12, 1808, living in John-
51

son county, Mo.; James, born August 30, 1810, also
living in Johnson county, Mo.; Letitia, born Nov
ember 18, 1812, died February 8, 1870; John
(subject of this sketch), born May 15, 1815;
Margaret, born July 10, 1818, died November 9,
1870; and Catherine, born August 29, 1820, died
June, 1, 1866.
In 1821 Mr. McAdoo and his family sailed from
Londonderry, Ireland, on the vessel " Marquis Hill "
commanded by Capt. Bryson, and after a voyage of
nine weeks they reached St. Johns, Newfoundland,
thence sailed to Baltimore, and then traveled from
there by wagon to West Alexander, Washington
county, Penn. Though then but a child of six
years, John McAdoo (our subject) distinctly re
members the journey. He recollects riding on the
high front seat with Tupper, the driver, who took
a fancy to him. James McAdoo purchased some
land in Donegal township, lying about three miles
north of West Alexander, and erected a log cabin,
which was afterward supplanted by a larger and
more comfortable residence. On this farm the fol
lowing children were born: Elizabeth, born Dcember
17, 1822, died July 13, 1864; Alexander, born June
15, 1825, died March 17, 1863; William, born July
23, 1827, died December 1, 1861; David, born Jan
uary 16, 1830, died August 11, 1864; and Robert
(a miller of Ashland, Ohio), born November 14,
1833. Mr. McAdoo resided on his first farm sev
eral years, and then bought a place of John Hus
ton, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying
December 6, 1843; Mrs. McAdoo died in Feb
ruary, 1852. John McAdoo was born in Coun
ty Donegal, Ireland, and, as previously stated,
came with his parents to America, where he re
ceived a common-school education, and assisted on
the farm. In 1837 he was married to Julia Ann
Porter, of Harrison county, Ohio. Their children
were as follows: Catherine (who died in infancy);
Margaret Ellen (Mrs. Thomas Muldoon, of Pettis
county, Mo.); Julia Anne (Mrs. C. F. DeFrance,
of Donegal township), John (farming in Indepen
dence township); James (a farmer of Brooke
county, W. Va.); Catherine (Mrs. Robert Mealy, of
Donegal township); Oliver (farming in Donegal
township); and John (deceased in infancy). The
mother of these children died in 1863, and in 1865
Mr. McAdoo was married to Mrs. Margaret (Mil
ler) Anderson, widow of George Anderson.
Mr. McAdoo passed the earlier years of his mar
ried life in Donegal township, afterward moving to
Brooke county, W. Va., but finally returning to
Donegal township. He has since remained on the
farm, which is located about six miles north of
West Alexander. Politically, he has always been
a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van-
Buren. He possesses a remarkable memory, easily
recalling incidents which occurred many years ago;
in personal appearance he is a fine specimen of

1086

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of perfect physical manhood. He began life with
no financial aid, but by years of hard work and per
severance has succeeded in securing a comfortable
competency. He and his wife are both members
of the Baptist Church.

[fIRAM HORNER. Among the intelligent
citizens of East Bethlehem township none
occupy a more prominent position than the
¦ gentleman whose name opens this sketch.
He is a son of William Horner, whose father,
also named William, was a native of Maryland,
born of English ancestry. In early life grand
father William Horner moved to Fayette county,
Penn., and there patented a large tract of land,
part of which was bounded by the Monongahela
river. Here he passed the remainder of his life,
dying at an extreme old age, being yet remembered
as a gentleman of unusual intelligence and keen
sense of honor; who was a thorough Christian, ever
giving liberally to the cause of the Master. His
children were born and reared as follows: James;
William ; Thomas, an extensive landowner in
Greene county, Penn.; Ephraim, who lived to be
ninety years of age, and died in Adams county,
Ohio; Benedict, who started West, and being sud
denly taken ill, died in Pittsburgh, Penn.; Ben
nett, who resided in Wisconsin; Mrs. Sarah Moore,
of Jefferson county, Ohio, and Mrs, Harriet Pres
ton, who lived near the village of Chatham, near
Newark, Licking Co., Ohio. None of this family
are now living. It is said of Ephraim, who was a
famous fisherman, that he once had an encounter
with a monster tortoise, which possessed such great
strength that it carried him on its back for nearly
half a mile.
William Horner, son. of William, the pioneer of
this family, was born on the farm in Fayette county,
Penn., and passed his boyhood in the usual pur
suits of agricultural life. His school advantages
were limited to a few winter months, which were
spent with his brothers and sisters. After leaving
school he became a wagoner on the National pike,
and for many years made trips over the mountains
to Baltimore. He was married to a Miss Swively,
of Fayette county, who bore him fourteen children,
of whom Hiram is the only one mentioned. Mr.
Homer was killed by a horse, which kicked him to
death near Uniontown, Penn.
Hiram Horner, our subject, was born June 24,
1834, beside the Monongahela river, in Fayette
county, Penn. He was left an orphan in early
boyhood, and being obliged to earn his own living,
learned the carpenter trade. For four years he re
sided with James Hill, of West Bethlehem town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., then followed the
drover business several years, making frequent
trips across the mountains with large numbers of

hogs and cattle. For these services he received
the meager pittance of 30 cents per day. In 1850
he went to Licking county, Ohio, where a brother
was living, and remained near Chatham two years
meanwhile working at his trade, and following the
drover business. He then engaged with a party
to take a drove of cattle from Licking county to
Lancaster county, Penn., receiving $10 per month
for his services. Upon arriving at Lancaster he
visited the home of his boyhood, and his brothers
and sisters; then hired out as a drover for the re
mainder of the season at $1 per day. After this
work was finished he resumed the carpenter trade,
and in the latter part of 1854 assisted in repairing
a mill at Amity, Amwell township, Washington
county. He then took a drove of cattle to Vermil
ion county, 111., afterward resuming work on the
mill, and in March, 1855, he again entered the em
ploy of the same firm for whom he had worked the
previous autumn. He started on the trip with 170
head of cattle, arriving at his destination in June,
then returning to Washington county, spent the
following winter in completing the mill, and other
carpenter work. The spring of 1856 found him
with tools packed, on his way to Ottawa, 111., where
he worked the following summer, and returning to
Pennsylvania in the fall, passed the winter of
1856-57 in Millsboro, Washington county. During
the spring of 1857 he assisted his brothers on a
freight barge on the Monongahela river, purchasing
grain and produce along the river, which he sold
in Pittsburgh. In the midst of his success as a
boatman, Mr. Horner was taken sick, and suffered
with a long and tedious illness. After regaining
his health, he accepted a position in the mercantile
establishment of his brother, at Millsboro, Wash
ington Co., Penn. He then attended a commercial
college at Pittsburgh, afterward resuming his for
mer position at Millsboro, and finally* started on a
western tour. He first located in Adams county,
Ohio, where he assisted an uncle with his farm
work, and the spring of 1859 found our traveler
teaching writing in the schools of Licking county,
Ohio, where he continued for several months, then
returning to Millsboro, Penn., took charge of a
general store. This establishment was soon after
ward moved to Merrittstown, Fayette Co., Penn.,
and Hiram Horner became a partner, remaining in
that business eighteen months, during which time
he served as postmaster. In the spring of 1862 he
sold his interest in the store, and with a brother
opened a mercantile business at Clarksville, Greene
Co., Penn., which they conducted successfully for
nine months. In the autumn of 1862 he was united
in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of William
and Charlotte (Rush) Litzenberg. After his mar
riage Mr. Horner bought the 132 acres of valuable
land in East Bethlehem township, to which he has
since added fifty acres, which are located in Greene

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1087

county, Penn. In this home children have been
born as follows: Joseph H., born November 2,
1863; Frank W., born June 15, 1865, and Julia,
born March 30, 1870, all of whom are living with
their parents. Mr. Horner conducts a general agri
cultural business, devoting special attention to the
breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Black top sheep.
In politics he is a Republican, and has served as
auditor and school commissioner, in which offices
he has given good satisfaction. His wife is an
active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.

Ii MON ENGLAND is a representative of one
l\ of the pioneer families of East Finley
township, this county, who were promi
nently identified with the early history of
that township. The first of the name to
settle in America was the great-grandfather of
Amon, by name Samuel England, who emigrated
from England and located in Philadelphia during
the earlier part of the eighteenth century. He had
a family of three sons: Samuel, John and Robert.
Samuel England was born in 1756, in Philadel
phia, Penn., and at an early age learned the car
penter trade, which be followed in Baltimore for
some time. In 1778 he removed to Washington
county, where he secured a " tomahawk claim," and
also purchased of Thomas Atkinson 200 additional
acres, located near the headwaters of the Temple
ton fork of Wheeling creek, adjoining Pleasant
Grove in East Finley township. He, was married
to Tacy Evans, who bore him the following named
children, all of whom lived to an adult age: Tacy,
Jane, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Samuel and George.
Mr. England was an intelligent and successful
man, doing all in his power to improve the county,
and advance the interests of its citizens. Politi
cally he was a Whig, and served as 'squire for
many years. In religion he was a Quaker, a fol
lower of William Penn. Mrs. England died in
1836, Mr. England in 1838.
Samuel England, father of our subject, was born
December 2, 1800, near the present home of his
son in East Finley township. He received a lim
ited education, and in early life began to farm,
learning also the trade of a cabinet maker and car
penter. On May 1, 1833, he was united in mar
riage with Emma Given, who was born October
27, 1801, a daughter of Moses Given, of East Fin
ley township, this county, and their children were
as follows: Moses G., born January 22, 1834 (a
Protestant Methodist minister in Cedar county,
Ark.); Samuel T., born April 28, 1835 (a farmer
living near Lincoln, Neb.); Tacy, born May 20,
1836 (deceased at the age of nineteen years);
Amon (subject of the present memoir); Joel, born
Novemoer 28, 1839 (residing in Washington county,

Iowa), and Mary Ann, born October 7, 1844 (now
deceased). After his marriage Mr. England set
tled near the home of his father, and as years
passed by added to his property, until at the time
of his death he owned over 1,000 acres of farm
land, located in Washington county (Penn.), Illi
nois and Iowa. Mr. England was a rigid supporter
of the temperance cause, and would not allow in
toxicating beverages to be given to the workmen
during harvest, although such was then the univer
sal custom. He gladly furnished any other refresh
ments, but would not deviate from his temperance
principles. He was a man of exemplary habits,
and by industry coupled with shrewd financiering,
became very successful in business. The present
postoffice, " England," was named in his honor.
In politics he was originally a Whig, and after the
formation of the Republican party became an active
worker in its ranks. He died January 9, 1886, his
wife having preceded him to the " Better Land "
October 25, 1870.
. Amon England was born in East Finley town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., July 7, 1836, and
passed his boyhood days on his father's farm. On
September 16, 1869, he was married to Deborah J.
Knox, born in 1841, a daughter of Joseph Knox, of
East Finley township, and they have had two daugh
ters: Margaret E., born November 20, 1870, and
Elnora Josephine, born February 10, 1874, both at
home. After his marriage Mr. England continued
to live with his parents on the home farm, which he
now owns, and which is one of the best in the
township. He has been a very successful business
man, and enjoys the esteem of all acquaintances.
In his political preferences he is a member of the
Republican party.

EORGE L. TAYLOR, a citizen of West
Finley township, was born March 7, 1846.
u His father, Thomas Taylor, was a son of
Matthew Taylor, who settled in South Stra
bane township, Washington Co., Penn., and
there his son Thomas was born.
Thomas Taylor was born in 1805, on the farm
of his father as above mentioned, and was early
inducted into the mysteries of agriculture, which
vocation he followed all his life. He was united
in marriage with Susan Darlington, who was born
about 1813, near Hagerstown, Md. The young
couple commenced married life on the farm which
is now known as the " Old Taylor Homestead,"
and children were born to them as follows: Julia
A., Sarah C, Griffith D., Henry M., Isabella, Will
iam G., George L., Thomas F., Nancy J., James
W., Mary. M. and John M. Three sons of this
family entered the Civil war, and fought for the
cause of freedom. Griffith D. was the first man to
enlist in West Finley township. He was a mem-

108S

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ber of the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, and fell
December 13, 1862, gallantly fighting at the battle
of Fredericksburg, under the command of Gen.
Burnsides. Henry M. enlisted in Company E,
Eighty-fifth P. V. I.; he was taken sick at Mars Is
land, and died before he could be taken home.
William G. enlisted at West Alexander, Washing
ton county, in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
and six days later was in the battle of Peters
burg; he lived to get home, where he died, hon
ored and mourned by all who knew him.

JOHN FRYE. The Frye family, of which
this gentlemen is an honored member, are
numbered with the earliest and most promi
nent citizens of Washington county. The
first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one
Samuel Frye, who was born, in 1729, in Virginia,
and was there married to Christina Speers, also a
native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came over
land to Washington county in a very early day,
and July 19, 1792, took a " tomahawk right " to a
large tract of land in Fallowfield township. He
was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm,
remaining in the fort at night for protection from
the Indians. He died in 1814, and was followed
by his wife November 9, 1841.
Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina
(Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home
farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.-,
Penn. He received a subscription-school educa
tion, and in early life was married to Isabella
Ringland, a native of Washington county. She
bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living
in Allen township, Washington county; John, also
living in Allen township; Christina, Mrs. Abraham
Colvin, of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who
entered the U. S. service in Washington county,
and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.; Henry, a
resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber
land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town
ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No.
4, Fallowfield township; Jackson, living in Cowley
county, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was
taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville pris
on eleven months); Clarissa, who married Alexan
der Allman, and died in East Pike Run township;
Smith, living in Fallowfield township, and Isabelle,
wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo.
After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye
settled on the upper part of the old homestead in
Fallowfield township. He was actively interested
in public matters, and first affiliated with the Dem
ocratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub
lican. He died Decamber 11, 1866, followed by
his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see

her youngest daughter the mother of twelve chil
dren. Both parents were members of the Disciple
Church. John Frye, son of Abraham and Isabella Frye,
was born December 25, 1815, on a farm near Lock
No. 4, Washington Co., Penn. He was reared to
manhood iu Fallowfield township, and educated in
the subscription schools. In October, 1839, he
married Christina, daughter of Parker and Sarah
(Carson) Scott, natives of this connty, who died
many years ago. After his marriage John Frye
bought the 137 acres in Fallowfield township which
he now owns, and upon which he has made many
improvements. One year after her marriage Mrs.
Frye died, leaving one son, Abraham, who was
accidently killed at Lock No. 4, this county. On
January 19, 1844, John Frye married, for his sec
ond wife, Elizabeth, daughter of George and Eliza
(Jackman) Carroll, who were natives of East Pike
Run township, Washington county. They moved
to Ohio, thence to Wheeling creek, West Virginia,
where the father died; the mother is now living in
Meigs county, Ohio. In 1849 John Frye erected
a handsome brick residence, also a commodious
barn 32 by 48 feet, and has been engaged in farm
ing and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep.
In politics he votes with the Republican party,
and in religion he and his wife are members of the
Disciple Church, in which he is an elder. They
have two children: Josephine, wife of M. S.
Krepps, and Ida B. Mr. Frye is now seventy-
seven years old. He has settled sixteen estates,
arid has been guardian for twenty-one children and
two lunatics.

THEODORE F. BURGAN, son of John Bur
gan, was born December 12, 1844. His
grandfather, James Burgan, was a native of
Westmoreland county, Penn., and was there
married to Elizabeth Smock, who was born
in the same county. Eleven children was the re
sult of this union, of whom the living members are
Joseph (residing in Washington, Penn.), Matthias
(an agriculturist of Somerset township) and John
(whose sketch is given below). James Burgan
followed farming all his life, and died at the age
of sixty-five years on the place now occupied by
his grandson, Theodore. His widow passed away
on the same farm in her eighty- fourth year.
John Burgan was born February 27, 1808, in
Westmoreland county, Penn., and received his
early education in the subscription schools of the
period, and afterward came with his parents to the
farm in Washington county, where he is now liv
ing. In 1834 he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Huffman, who was born December 26,
1812, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of
Latimer and Mary (Kelly) Huffman, early settlers

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1091

of Pennsylvania, who reared a family of fifteen
children, two of whom are yet living, Elizabeth
(Mrs. Burgan) and Cassandra (widow of Joseph
Taylor, living in Monongahela City, Penn.); the
father was a farmer and stock dealer; he died at
the age of forty-nine years; his widow died in her
eighty- first year. John and Elizabeth (Huffman)
Burgan were the parents of the following children
Mary A. (wife of Harrison Long, a merchant o
Vanceville, this county), born August 25, 1838
Keturah L., born October 20, 1842; Theodore F.
(the subject of this biography); Elizabeth J. (liv
ing at home), born October 19, 1846; John W.
born December 19, 1848; Clarinda (residing at
borne), born February 8, 1850; Sarah J. (wife of
William Wright, a farmer of Somerset township),
born March 21, 1855; Emily and James L. (both
deceased), and one that died in infancy. John
Burgan has always followed agricultural pursuits,
giving considerable attention to stock raising. He
and his wife are members of the Disciple Church.
Theodore F. Burgan grew to manhood on the
home farm, and on December 13, 1889, was united
in marriage with Jane McDonough, who was born
December 25, 1859, in this county, daughter of
Henry and Mary (Smith) McDonough. Mr. and
Mrs. Burgan are members of the Disoiple Church
in Vanceville, this county; in his political opinions
he votes the Republican ticket, and is actively in
terested in the success of his party. They are liv
ing on the home farm with his parents.

THOMAS PEPPER, farmer and stock dealer
of East Pike Run township, is a native of
the same, and was born July 15, 1834. His
parents were William and Harriet (Nanki-
vel) Pepper, who were natives of England,
where the father was born in 1797, the mother in
1807. William Pepper was a butcher and a farm
er and emigrated to Pennsylvania many years
ago, settling permanently on a farm in Washing
ton county. He was a supporter of the Democratic
party, held .various local offices, and was also pro
minently identified with the religious and educa
tional interests of the locality. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper
reared a family of seven children, namely:
William, an agriculturist of West Pike Run town
ship; Mary, wife of Alexander Moffitt, a resident of
Washington, D. C; Thomas, whose name opens
this sketch; Anna, wife of B. F. Jeffries, a farmer
of West Pike Run township; James, John C. and
Elizabeth, of whom the latter three are now
deceased. The father died in October, 1879,
having been preceded by the mother in March,
1877. Thomas Pepper received a subscription-school
education in the home neighborhood, then learned
the carriage maker's trade. He settled on a farm

in Washington county, and on December 2, 1856,
was united in marriage with Mary Crable, who
was born in 1836, in Fayette county, a daughter
of George W. and Hannah (McDonough) Crable,
early settlers of Washington county, Penn.
Mr. and Mrs. Pepper are the parents of eight
children, namely: Hannah J., wife of Joseph L.
Walker, a resident of West Pike Run township;
Harriet D.; James C; Thomas W.; Elizabeth A.;
Caroline I.; Mary E. (deceased), and one who
died in infancy. Mr. Pepper owns 113 acres of
good land, which is cultivated to the highest ex
tent. He is a practical farmer, using all modern
improvements to facilitate his work; in politics he
is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
Mrs. Pepper is a member of the Catholic Church.

Il -i\TLLIAM COOPER, a prosperous agri-
k\ II culturist, and a descendant of one of the
Xti oldest families in the county, is a native
— ' of Franklin township, born November 13,
1821, a son of Stephen and Hannah Cooper. He
reoeived a thorough practical training on the old
home farm, and his literary education was limited
to the' subscription schools of the vicinity. On
April 13, 1847, he was married to Eleanor, daugh
ter of Stephen and Sarah Day, and soon afterward
the young couple came to their present farm in
Franklin township, on which they made many im
provements, a comfortable residence and all other
buildings having been built by them. Here, by
industry, perseverance, econony and sound judg
ment, Mr. Cooper has made an enviable success,
and is now the owner of a large and highly im
proved farm. Two children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Cooper: Murray A. and Howard C. (the last
named being deceased). Mr. Cooper is a member
and supporter of the Presbyterian Church of Pros
perity. In politics he was first a Whig, and, since
the party was organized, has been a Republican.
He has never sought office, but has attended
strictly to his occupation as a farmer and stock
raiser, and now, at a ripe old age, finds himself
surrounded by the comforts of life and a com
petency of this world's goods.
Murray A. Cooper, son of William and Eleanor
Cooper, was born in Franklin township, September
18, 1849. He was educated at the Southwestern
State Normal College of Pennsylvania, and at Union
College Ohio. At the age of seventeen he com
menced teaching, and continued in that vocation
in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Read medicine but
never practiced. On September 18, 1871, he es
tablished the Washington Advance (name changed
to Observer), with H. B. Durant as partner, and
continued its publication until November, 1873.
This he sold and then purchased the Mt. Pleasant
(Penn.) Journal, which be edited and published

1092

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

five years. He was recording secretary of the Penn
sylvania Editorial Association in 1877. In 1879
he located in Steubenville, Ohio, and was connected
with the Herald two years. For three years he
was special correspondent with the Cincinnati
Gazette. Owing to failing health, Mr. Cooper re
tired from newspaper work in 1884, and turned
his attention to farming and stock raising, locating
upon the home farm in Franklin township. In
1890 he became interested in Dorset Horn sheep,
and was the first to introduce this important brand
of English sheep into western Pennsylvania. In
June, 1891, he made an importation from the best
flocks in England. On March 31, 1891, at Pitts
burgh, Penn., he assisted in organizing the Dorset
Horn Sheep Breeders Association of America, be
ing unanimously elected secretary and treasurer of
the organization; reelected in 1892, and Jan
uary ll, 1893, in New York City, was elected to
the same position. He is now a resident of Wash
ington, Penn., where he conducts the business of the
Association, which has become one of the most suc
cessful organizations of the kind in the country,
having members in twenty-four States, Canada and
England. In politics he is a strong Republican,
and in religion he is a Presbyterian.

JAMES CALDWELL, a well-known farmer of
Hanover township, is of Irish descent. His
grandfather, James Caldwell, was born, reared
and married in Ireland, and finally immigrat
ing to America, located in Hanover township, near
Paris, Washington county, Penn. In the midst of
a wild and lonely forest his cabin was erected, and
he passed the remainder of his life as a " tiller of the
soil." He and his wife died, and they were buried
in the Paris cemetery. James Caldwell was a promi
nent man, highly respected by all, and was elected
a justice of the peace by the Democratic party, of
which he was an enthusiastic supporter. The chil
dren of this family were as follows: Samuel, who
owned, lived and died on a little farm now owned
by John McClurg, adjoining the home farm on the
north; William, who lived in Carroll county, Ohio;
Joseph, who resided in Hanover township, this
county; Elizabeth, married to Matthew Russell, of
Hanover township; Thomas,' of whom further men
tion is made; Jane, Mrs. Parks; Andrew; Robert
and James; all are now deceased.
Thomas Caldwell was born in 1805, near Paris,
Hanover township, Washington county, Penn., on
the farm where his father first located, on his arri
val in the county. He was reared on the home
farm, and attended the subscription schools. In
early manhood he was married to Jane, daughter
of Samuel Carson, a native of Ireland, who came to
America with her parents when very young, and
they located in Carroll county, Ohio. Thomas and

Jane Caldwell located on the home farm, near
Paris, this county, where he successfully followed
agriculture during the remainder of his active life.
He was a popular citizen, took an active interest in
elections, and during almost every polititical dem
onstration his wagon and horses bore an enthusi
astic load of Democrats to the meeting. He passed
away in 1875, and in 1885 the wife of his youth
was laid to rest by his side in Paris cemetery.
James Caldwell, son of Thomas and Jane Cald
well, was born" January 26, 1841, on the same farm
which he now owns and resides upon. He attended
the common schools, and when a young man began
to learn the carpenter trade under David McClurg.
After serving his apprenticeship he followed his
business until his marriage, February 17, 1876, to
Amanda Elizabeth Freshwater, who was born
March 4, 1852, daughter of Archibald Freshwater,
of Hanover township, this county. After his mar
riage he located on the old Caldwell home
stead near Paris, where he is yet living, devoting
his attention to general farming and stock raising.
In politics he has always been a Democrat, but
gives his personal business the gi eater portion of
of his time. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Paris, which he has served in various
offices. His children are: Charles, Elizabeth, James
L., Jenny, Robert C, Grover C, Mina, Clara Bell
and Donald D., of whom Robert C. and Grover C.
died when young.

DANIEL DUNN (deceased) was a native of
\ Greene county, Penn., born December 6,
j 1807. His father, Samuel Dunn, was a na
tive of New Jersey, born in 1765. When a
young man he moved to Greene county, Penn.,
where he married Jane Mclntire, of the same
county, who bore him six children: Joseph, Will
iam, Daniel, Emund, Elizabeth and Anna.
Daniel, the third child in the order of their birth,
left home at the age of twelve years, and became
an apprentice in Buckingham's woolen factory, at
Ten Mile creek, Washington county, where he
learned the trade of carder. He married, in 1834,
Sarah Baker, who was born November 9, 1813, a
daughter of David Baker, of East Bethlehem town
ship, where the father had settled at an early day,
having come from New Jersey with his father.
For six years succeeding his marriage, Daniel Dunn
worked at his trade, near Clarksville, Greene county.
In 1840 he purchased the farm, one-half mile west
of what is now Dunn's Station, upon which his
widow still resides. Here he remained, giving his
attention to his farm, until his death, December 27,
1862. Daniel Dunn was a representative self-made
man. Starting under the most adverse circum
stances, he made a success of life, and left an un
sullied record. He reared a family of nine chil-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1093

dren (six of whom are living): Malinda Jane, born
October 4, 1835, married to Milton Day, and re
siding in Waynesburgh, Greene county; Emmeline,
born January 30, 1838, married to Oliver Day, of
Somerville, Mo., where they now reside; Edward,
born August 29, 1840, married to Rhoda Yeagly,
of Connellsville, Penn., at which place they make
their residence; David B., born March 7, 1843,
married to Mary E. Auld, of Morris township, where
he resides; Margaret Ann, born November 3, 1845,
married to J. N. Minton (now deceased), and re
siding in Morris township; Hiram B., born June 15,
1848, died October 29, 1854; Alexander H. (of
whom special mention is made further on) ; Flo
rella W., born December 2, 1854, married to
Thomas Rice, of Greene county, and died May 13,
1877; Apollos B., born in October, 1858, died June
11, 1881.
Alexander Hamilton Dunn is one of the most
prosperous young farmers of Morris township. He
was born January 25, 1851, was reared to farm
life, and received a common-school education.
Since starting out life for himself he has given his
attention wholly to farming and stock raising. He
manages the old home farm, upon which he raises
considerable graded stock. He was married Janu
ary 9, 1878, to Maria J. Loughman, a daughter of
Frederick Loughman, of Morris township, Greene
county, and they have one child, Clarence M., born
December 5, 1878. In politics Mr. Dunn is an
ardent Republican. Both he and his wife are mem
bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

4/

Mi RS. RACHEL WILSON (widow of Thomas
Wilson, of Somerset township) was born
November 9, 1833, in Washington county,
^ Penn., and is a representative of one of
the oldest families of the county. She is a
daughter of Nicholas Peese, a native of this county,
born in 1812, who when a young man was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Wallar, who was born
in 1806. After his marriage Mr. Peese settled on
a farm where children were born to their union as
follows: Rachel (the lady of whom this sketch is
written), Lydia, Lawrence -(farming in Somerset
township), George W. (farming in South Strabane
township), William (an agriculturist of Hardin
county, Ohio), Andrew (a farmer of Hardin county,
Ohio), Martha A. (wife of Homer Vaughn, also
of Hardin county, Ohio), Mary E., Nancy (mar
ried to George Wygandt, a farmer of South
Strabane township) and Nicholas. The father
died in 1877, in South Strabane township, the
mother in 1885; both were members of the
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church.
Rachel Peese grew to womanhood in the home
of her parents, and on June 24, 1856, gave her
hand in marriage to Thomas Wilson, a farmer, who

was born December 10, 1835, in Washington
county, Penn., a son of James and Mary (Van
Eman) Wilson. He died December 3, 1878. In
religious faith he was a member of the'Presbyterian
Church, of which Mrs. Wilson is also a member.

JLLIAM F. RALSTON was born August
31, 1816, in Carroll township, AArashington
Co., Penn., and passed his school days in
the vicinity. His father, Rev. Samuel
Ralston, was born in 1758, in Ireland, and received
a theological education at Glasgow, Scotland. He
was licensed to preach by the Presbytery, and soon
afterward immigrated to America. He settled in
Washington county, Penn., and preached several
years in Monongahela City, and Horse-Shoe; then
took charge of the Mingo church, of which he
was pastor during his later life. His mother after
ward came to America, and resided with him and
another son, Ralf, for some time on the latter's
farm of 150 acres in Carroll township; died there
and was buried at Mingo. Samuel Ralston was
married to Rachel, daughter of AVilliam Ferguson,
and children were born to them, as follows: Sarah
(wife of Benjamin Williams), Matilda, Mary (Mrs.
James McVey, of Mingo creek), James, Margaret
(wife of Samuel Kidoo), Lizzie (Mrs. Robert
(Patten), Samuel, and William F.
William F. Ralston grew to manhood in his
native county, and on March 8, 1837, was married
to Jane R. Hackett, a native of Chester county,
Penn., whose father, David Hackett, is a well-
know agriculturist of that place. Mr. and Mrs.
Ralston have had three sons and two daughters,
namelv: Samuel (who served three years in the
First Pennsylvania Cavalry under a cousin, Joseph
William, and was slightly wounded), James H.,
Martha (deceased), Margaret, and William.
Mr. Ralston owns thirty acres of land upon
which he is now boring a gas well. He is a Repub
lican, has taken an active interest in local politics,
and served in various township offices. He is the
only remaining one of the family of Samuel
Ralston.

THE FURNIER FAMILY in Fallowfield
township come of French ancestry, David
Furnier, the first of them to emigrate to
America, having been a native of 'France,
from which country he fled in the days of
religious persecution.
He first located near Hagerstown, Maryland,
afterward coming to AVashington county, Pennsyl
vania, and making a settlement near Speers run
some time prior to 1772. In 1798 he purchased of
Henry Speers a tract of ninety-four acres of land
near the stream just mentioned, having a river front

1094

Washington county.

of 100 rods. A log house was erected on this land
either by Speers or Furnier, probably the latter.
In addition to this tract David Furnier also owned a
large portion* of the land now in the possession of
the heirs of Levi Johnson, the title of which has
long been disputed. In 1823 this land was deeded
by the heirs of Furnier to Solomon Speers, who, in
turn, sold it to L. M. Speers, and it is now the prop
erty of S. F. and William Jones. A log flouring-
mill was erected on this land many years ago, just
below the stone house of Samuel McKean. The
original owners of this mill are not certainly known,
but it is supposed that Elliott and Williams erected
on a lease of several years' duration. At all events
David Furnier was the sole proprietor of both mill
and store in 1790, and also conducted a distillery —
the entire business being known as the " Barter
Mills," the name having been characteristic of the
enterprise. This was the first store opened in that
locality, and at the same time David Furnier owned
an establishment at Devore's Ferry, opposite
Monongahela City, and one at Pittsburgh. He
did an immense business, keeping all kinds of
goods, including groceries, etc., and of the vast
quantities of grain brought in from the surround
ing country the rye was transformed into whiskey,
while the wheat sold in adjacent cities. This was
perhaps the largest business existing at that time in
the Valley. The old distillery was situated above
the log mill, and was afterward supplanted by the
stone still-house, which was near the greenhouse of
Samuel McKean. In 1803 a large brick mill was
erected near the present stone bridge crossing
Speers run, but it was torn down in i837, part of
the brick being yet in use in the old schoolhouse in
Gould's hollow. A sawmill was afterward erected
by Solomon Speers, near the* site of the old brick
mill. David Furnier had three brothers, Henry,
John and James, of whom James lived with Henry
in Washington county, and was never married.
He died of sunstroke. John, who was also a bache
lor, owned a tannery on the present farm of John
Irons, and was also proprietor of a store at Becket's
place, now Degg's ferry. Henry, the remaining
brother of David Furnier, had two sons, David and
Simeon. The father erected the stone part of the
house now owned by Philip Johnson, where his son,
Simeon Furnier, died in 1848. The latter was
married to Jane Stout, and their children were
Henry, Jesse, John W., William, Simeon and Mary.
David 'eldest son of Henry Furnier, had four chil
dren, namely: Bela, Matilda, Lucinda (wife of
Judge James Fuller, of Perryopolis, Penn.) and
Bowman. David Furnier was born in 1825, in Adams
county, Ohio, and in 1827 was brought by his
parents to Washington county, Penn. Here he
was educated, and when a young man he worked
on a steamboat. On October 15, 1850, Mr. Furnier

was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of
Stephen Colvin, and she has borne him two sons
and four daughters, namely: Eliza S., wife of Henry
Carson ; Florentine ; Henry, of whom a sketch fol
lows; Joan; Lincoln, married to Lydia Sickman;
and Allie, living at home. Mr. Furnier is distantly
related to the Marquis de La Fayette, that famous
patriot (now so long since deceased) having been
a cousin of Mr. Furnier's grandfather. David Fur-
nier's mother was a Dunlevy, and her mother was a
Crawford, a full cousin of Col. Crawford, who
was burned at the stake by the Indians in what is
now Crawford county, Ohio.
Henry Furnier, son of David and Elizabeth
(Colvin) Furnier, was born October 8, 1855, on the
home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington
county, Penn, He attended the common schools,
was early inducted into the mysteries of agricul
ture, and has since continued to follow rural
life. In October, 1882, he married Martha, daugh
ter of Henry Frye, a well-known agriculturist of
Washington county, Penn., and they have had
two children: Charles L. and Edna A., both liv
ing with their parents. The home farm contains
eighty-four acres of land, situated five miles from
Monongahela City.

li Iff OSES SCOTT (deceased) was a native of
\/A Washington county, Penn., born in Union
Mil township, October 12, 1809. He was of
-* Irish descent, his father, Thomas Scott,
v having emigrated from Ireland to America
in 1796, being then a young man of some twenty-
two summers.
After landing, Thomas Scott proceeded to this
county, making a settlement on Mingo creek in
Union township, where he cleared the land and
followed farming and milling until 1850, in which
year he moved into Monongahela City, and there
ended his useful life, dying February 19, 1856.
In politics he was a Whig, in religion a member of
the Mingo Creek Presbyterian Church. In 1802
he had married Margaret Turner, a resident of the
county, and the children born to them were Re
becca (Mrs. Franklin Goldthrop), AA'illiam, Joseph,
Alexander, Moses, Mary, John, James, Matilda
(Mrs. James Rodgers), Elizabeth and Jane. The
mother was called to her long home December 24,
1849. Moses Scott, of whom this memoir is written,
received a rudimentary education in the schools of
the neighborhood, afterward attending Marshall's
academy and a school in Monongahela City. He
learned the milling business which he followed in
his native township until 1850, when he came to
Monongahela City. Here, in 1856, he opened a
general grocery store, which he conducted several
years, and then, selling out the business, moved to

*53fc$i

m\ *

JLJ & 0<^i? ' '

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1097

Beaver, same State, where he remained some three
years, at the end of which time he returned' to
Monongahela City, and there passed the rest of
his life, dying March 5, 1891. Moses Scott was
married in 1855 to Miss Rowanna A. McFarland,
of Franklin county, Penn. In his political affilia
tions he was for some time a Republican, but in
the later years of his life he voted the Independent
ticket. For five years he served as alderman of
his adopted city. In early life he identified him
self with the Presbyterian Church, but afterward
enlisted under the banner of the Baptist faith.
His widow is still a resident of Monongahela.
James Scott, M. D., brother of Moses, was born
in Union township, April 15, 1815. In the sub
scription schools and at Marshall's academy he re
ceived a liberal education. He studied medicine,
and at Ohio Medical College took his degree, after
which he commenced practice at Lebanon, Warren
Co., Ohio. He was a very prominent and influen
tial man, and for some time represented his State
in the Legislature on the Republican ticket. He
married Hannah Fowler, of Cincinnati, and by her
had one child that died young. In church con
nection the Doctor is a Presbyterian.

4/

Mt RS. SUSANNAH ALLEN, a well-known
and intelligent lady of Cross Creek town
ship, was born November 21, 1823, a
1 daughter of the late John Harper, of
Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn.
On November 19, 1850, she was united in marriage
with Josiah Allen, son of John Allen.
John Allen was born in Chambersburgh, Penn.,
and, coming to Washington county about the year
1800, settled on the farm now occupied by his de
scendants. The land was then covered with dense
forest, but two acres had been cleared off, and an
orchard planted. Here the young pioneer con
structed a cabin from round logs, and immediately
brought his bride (Miss Anna Tweed) to assist in
building the new home. He then began clearing
the forest from the land, and soon the wild, unculti
vated region assumed an air of civilization as
various improvements were made. Time passed
on, and the once lonely forest rang with the shouts
of happy children, who came to bless the homes of
the early pioneers. To John and Anna Allen
were born Martha, John, Josiah, Nancy, Samuel
and William, all now deceased.
Josiah Allen was born November 15, 1808, on
the home farm, in the house where his widow is
now living. His boyhood days were passed at
home, in attending to the usual farm duties. After
his marriage to Susannah Harper they settled on
the old farm, where children were born to them as
follows: William Harper, born August 24, 1851,
married to Emma Anderson, daughter of H. C.

Anderson, of doss Creek township) they have
four children, namely: John Ellsworth, Lemuel
Harper, Emma M. (deceased in infancy) and Will
iam Earl); Anna Martha, born November 30,
1852; Phcebe Jane, born March 14, 1854; John
Graham, born July 11, 1855; Ada Ethelinda, born
May 26, 1857; Ella Agnes, born March 24,
1859; Francinia Elizabeth (wife of Joseph Mar
quis), born January 23, 1861; James Craig, born
October 14, 1862; and Josiah Harvey, born Decem
ber 19, 1865. Of this family, Phoebe Jane, John
Graham and Ada Ethelinda are deceased. Mr.
Allen was a stanch Democrat, but took no active
part in politics. He was a consistent member and
liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church of
Cross Creek village. He commanded the respect
and admiration of all wbo knew him, being one of
the most useful, honorable and public-spirited men
of the community. Josiah Allen died July 14, 1883.
At the time of his death he owned 137 acres of
land, which was left to his widow and children.

OLIN L. BAKER is a son of Nathan Baker
and a grandson of Enoch Baker, whose father
(Nathan) lived in Maryland, where, on No
vember 28, 1788, Enoch was born, and
whence when an infant he was brought to Penn
sylvania. Although deprived of educational op
portunities, Enoch Baker became a successful man.
He first learned blacksmithing, and after serving
his time at that trade worked four years as a jour
neyman; then purchased a farm, and passed the
remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, at
one time being owner of 500 acres in Amwell
township. On March 3, 1814, he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Jennings, and to them
were born the following children: Nathan, Lemuel,
Elmer, Evans, Parmelia (deceased), David (de
ceased), Mrs. Lucinda Stockdale (deceased) and
Daniel. Enoch Baker was a very prominent Re
publican. In religion he was a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with which he
united in 1831, ever taking an active interest in
all questions touching its welfare. His parents
were Quakers. He died August 29, 1861, his wife
following him to the " Better Land " August 5,
1862. Nathan Baker was born October 24, 1816, on
the old home farm in Amwell township, Washing
ton county, and obtained his education in the com
mon schools, which at that early day afforded but
meager opportunities; yet such as they were he
turned to good account, and he has become a well-
informed man. He left home in 1845, and the
same year was wedded to Maria Horan, who bore
him four sons: John W., born May 16, 1846;
David E., born January 5, 1849; Robert C., born
June 24, 1854, and Colin L., born July 11, 1856,

1098

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Air. Baker resided on two or three different farms,
remaining on each about a year, and finally settled
on a place where he remained twenty-one years,
thence removed to the home he now occupies.
He is a Republican, and has always been actively
interested in public matters. He is a member of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Colin L. Baker was born on the old farm, and
moved with his father to the home where he now
lives. He received a common-school education,
and afterward attended the Pleasant Valley Acad
emy, preparing himself for the profession of a
teacher, which, however, he never followed. On
October 12, 1883, he was united in marriage with
Roberta Horn, of Amwell township, and to their
union four children have been born: Bernard, born
August 4, 1885; Ruby and Cherry (twins), born
August 5, 1886, and Nellie, born A.pril 4, 1889.
He is a successful business man, an extensive
reader and student of history, and in politics is one
of the most active young Republicans in the^ town
ship.

/HARLES PITTMAN, a much esteemed,
progressive citizen of Hopewell township,
one who has made his own way to the front
ranks of business life, is a son of Frederick
and Mary Ann (Armstrong) Pittman, the former
a native of Maryland, the latter of Germany, whence
she came to the United States when twenty years
of age. Frederick and Mary Ann Pittman were
the parents of six children, namely: William, John,
Charles, Fred, John and Anna. The father died in
1852. Charles Pittman was born in 1849 in Steuben
ville, Ohio. After the death of the father his
mother removed to Washington, afterward settling
in South Strabane township, this county, where
Charles attended school. The support of the
family depending upon the sons, Charles had little
opportunity for securing an education. After the
Civil war broke out, William, the eldest son, en
tered the service, in the Eighteenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, remaining during the conflict. The brunt
of the family support then fell upon Charles, who
was the next in age, his elder brother, John, being
previously deceased. After William returned from
the army, the sons all worked out until they secured
sufficient funds to start farming for themselves.
About three years after his return from the service,
William married, went West, and is now residing
near Mexico, Missouri. Charles and his other broth
ers worked together until 1874, when he was
married to Harriet Linn, daughter of " Squire "
Linn, of North Strabane township. Charles Pittman
resided in that township for eight years after his
marriage, then lived in Washington for two years,
in 1884 settling in Hopewell township, where he is

now residing. Seven children have been born to
Mr; and Mrs. Pittman, named as follows: Sadie,
Lorena, Mot, Mary, Claretta, Garnet, and Charles
(deceased at the age of seven months). The farm
is located north of the Washington and Middletown
road at Tarrtown schoolhouse. It consists of 127
acres, beautifully situated, on three sides sloping
gently toward the center where his buildings are
located, while the fourth side opens out into the
beautiful Cross Creek valley. Mr. Pittman gives
his attention almost entirely to farming, raising
only such stock as is required in carrying on his
business. He takes little part in political questions
other than to attend the elections. In local affairs
he is independent, but in State and National con
tests he votes with the Democratic party.

TfOHN I. CARSON, a prominent real. estate
a and insurance broker in the borough of
i?" I Washington, is a native of Virginia, born in
^ Ohio county October 21, 1853.
Richard Carson, grandfather of subject, an Amer
ican by birth, married Elizabeth Irwin, who bore
him the following children: Abner, John, Nancy,
Joseph, David, Elizabeth and Irwin. He moved to
Ohio county, Va., from Dauphin county, Penn.
(near Harrisburg), some time in the latter part of the
eighteenth century, and there purchased the farm
which was afterward occupied by his son Joseph.
He served in the war of 1812, and while on his way
home from the army died at Delaware, Ohio; his
widow subsequently married William Faris. In
politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a mem
ber of the Ridge Presbyterian Church at West
Alexander, in which he was an elder.
Joseph Carson, father of John I., was born August
21, 1801, in Ohio county, Va., on the old home
farm, and received his education at the subscription
schools of the period. For several years he taught
in his native county, one of his scholars being Prof.
Ray. In 1828 Mr. Carson married Anna, daughter
of William Brown, of 'Ohio county, Virginia, and
their children were Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Cris
well), Hannah J. (Mrs. Harvey J. Milligan), Richard,
Mary A. (Mrs. David B. Boggs), Sarah (Mrs. Van-
Tassell), William, Almira S. (deceased), Harriet
(deceased), Vincent B. and John I. The father
died July 20, 1887, on the farm on which he was
born, after a long life of usefulness, activity and
enterprise, being always deeply interested in reli
gious and educational affairs. He was a straight
Democrat, and served as a justice of the peace ; he
was a consistent member of the West Alexander
Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder for
a quarter of a century.
John I. Carson, the youngest in the family of ten
children born to Joseph and Anna (Brown) Carson,
received his rudimentary education at the common

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1099

schools of the vicinity of his place of birth, and
West Alexander Academy, and at the age of six
teen he entered Waynesburgh College. On com-
pletinc* his studies he taught school in Ohio
and Marshall counties, W. Va., and finally in
Peoria county, 111., from which latter locality he
returned to his old home in 1875. On Novem
ber 25 of that year Mr. Carson was married to
Josephine M., daughter of Perry Whitham, of
Ohio county, W. Va., and the children that have
blessed this union are named respectively Ross
Milligan, Glenn Pere, Muriel Joy and Salome.
After marriage our subject resided in Chesterfield
county, Va., four or five years, farming; thence
moved to Philadelphia as clerk in a commission
house, and from there, after one year's sojourn,
came to West Alexander, and was principal of the
Public Schools of West Alexander, this county,
1882. In July, 1891, he came to Washington and
entered into partnership with J. W. Murray as
pension agents, and in the real-estate insurance and
loan business. Mr. Carson is a Republican, and in
1887 he was elected a justice of the peace at West
Alexander, serving until 1892, and in 1892-93 he
was secretary of the Republican County Committee.
Mr. Carson is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and was leader of the choir at West Alexander ten
years, On January 1, 1893, he was appointed
deputy-collector of Internal Revenue of the Twenty-
third District, having charge of the Seventh Divi
sion, embracing Washington, Greene, and part of
Fayette counties.

MRS. MARGARET DUNBAR was born
November 10, 1838, near Bulger, Smith
township, Washington Co., Penn., adaugh-
ji -» ter of John S. Russell, who was a son of
V William Russell.
William Russell was born in the latter part of
the last century, in Smith township, this county,
and received a somewhat limited school training,
as the educational opportunities of those days were
comparatively meager and primitive. In 1798 he
was married to Nancy Strain, whose parents were
early settlers in Smith township, this county. In
about 1800 Mr. and Mrs. Russell, with an infant
son, removed to Portage county, Ohio, residing
there until the close of the war of 1812, in which
William served as a soldier. Being dissatisfied
with the country, he returned, about 1815, to
Smith township, locating near the line of Cross
Creek township, where he continued to follow farm
ing till his death. In politics he was a Democrat.
His wife died several years prior to his demise, and
left the following children: Abraham (deceased in
this county at the age of eighty-five; was never
married), Sarah (deceased wife of James Fulton,
formerly of Cross Creek township, afterward of

H-mover toynship, this cjunty), John S., Saman
tha (cared for her father in his old age, and died
unmarried) and James (deceased in Smith town
ship). John S. Russell was born February 14, 1806, on
the home farm, in Portage county, Ohio, and was
reared to agricultural pursuits. On February 12,
1833, he married Jane Simpson, who was born
September 3, 1815, daughter of James and Ellen
(Stewart) Simpson, early residents of the town
ship. The children born to this union were as fol
lows: Ellen (living in Burgettstown, Penn., un
married), Cynthia (unmarried, also residing in Bur
gettstown), Margarat (widow of James Dunbar),
Ophelia (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Hanover township,
this county), William S., Agnes (an unmarried
lady of Burgettstown, Penn.), James C. (an agri
culturist of Smith township) and David A. (de
ceased farmer of Smith township). The mother of
this family died July 23, 1851, and Mr. Russell
afterward wedded Mary A. Vincent, who was born
February 20, 1818, daughter of Joseph and Sarah
(Rea) Vincent, of Mt. Pleasant township, this
county. Two children were born to John S. and
Mary A. (Vincent) Russell: John (deceased in
youth) and Sarah (Mrs. D. W. Smith, of Smith
township, this county). After his first marriage
Mr. John S. Russell settled on a farm one mile
west of Bulger, Smith township, where his life was
passed successfully in agricultural pursuits. Year
by year his possessions increased, until by dint of
careful management, business sagacity and good
financiering he became one of the most extensive
wool growers and largest landholders of the town
ship, at the time of his death owning nearly 600
acres of valuable and productive real estate. In
politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a mem
ber of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, which he
served as an elder. He died September 15, 1879.
James Dunbar, who became the husband of Mar
garet Russell, was one of the most highly esteemed
farmers of Smith township, and was a representa
tive of an old and prominent family. His grand
father, James Dunbar, was born near Belfast,
County Antrim, Ireland, and, being of an advent
urous disposition, became a sailor in early life.
He came to America and made a permanent settle
ment on Raccoon creek, Smith township, this
county, where he was obliged to "grub out" a site
for the first cabin which he erected; but his energy
knew no discouragement, and success at length
crowned his efforts. He was united in marriage with
Mary McConnell, of Robinson township, thiscounty,
who bore him twelve children, namely: James,
Jane, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Martin, Elizabeth,
John, Samuel, Mary, William, and an infant son
(deceased). In the latter part of his life Mr. Dun
bar lived for some time in Robinson township, this
county. Although beginning life a poor sailor boy,

1100

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

he was possessed of the right spirit of persever
ance, and at the time of his death was a wealthy
man. He died in 1842, having been preceded by
his wife many years. Thomas Dunbar (a son of
James and Mary (McConnell) Dunbar) was bom
and reared on his father's farm in Robinson town
ship, this county, and received a common-school
education. He was married to Mary Scott, who
bore him three children. After her death he mar
ried Mrs. Susanna (Scott) McBride, widow of John
McBride. She bore him no children. He died at
an advanced age; his widow is yet living in Bav
ington, this county.
James Dunbar, son of Thomas Dunbar, was born
April 3, 1834, in Robinson township, this county,
was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and
obtained a common-school education. On Decem
ber 18, 1862, he was united in marriage with Mar
garet Russell, and three children were born to
them: John T. (deceased in infancy), Mary E.,
and Thomas E. (managing the home farm). After
his marriage Mr. Dunbar purchased the farm,
which he owned and cultivated at the time of his
death. It is located about one mile and a half
south of Bavington, in Smith township. He de
voted some attention to stock raising. In politics
he was a strong adherent to the principles embod
ied in the Democratic party. He was a member of
the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, giving liberally
to its maintenance. Mr. Dunbar passed away May
10, 1891, and since his death his widow has re
sided on the farm, which is managed by her son
Thomas E.

AMUEL CASTNER is one of those success
ful farmers who merit the hearty commenda
tion of every good citizen, for the manner in
which they have achieved such favorable re
sults, by years of patient toil.
He is a son of George Castner, whose father was
born in Germany, and in early manhood immigra
ted to America. He located in New Jersey and
was there married, passing the remainder of his life
in his adopted State. Among the children of this
couple was the son George, who was married to
Susan Nicholson, of Mifflin county, Penn., and
reared the following children: Mary, Sydney,
James, Frederick (living in Holmes county, Ohio),
William, Nancy (widow of Jacob Miller, of Done
gal township), Samuel, Susan (living near Midway,
Penn.), George (lived in Kentucky), Hannah,
Sarah (living in Missouri), Maggie (widow of
James Davis, of Bethany, W. Va.), Eliza and John
T. (a farmer of Hopewell township). Of this fam
ily Mary, Sydney, James, William, George, Han
nah and Eliza are deceased. Mr. Castner removed

to Washington county, Penn., some years after his
marriage, and died there in the year 1860, being
followed by his wife in 1864.
Samuel Castner (subject of sketch) was born
August 25, 1823, in Mifflin county, Penn., and
attended the country schools in that vicinity, until
he became old enough to assist on the farm. His
parents were growing old and soon became depend
ent upon him, but in a short time he accumulated
enough to support them, and continued to supply
their needs as long as they lived. In 1848 Mr.
Castner was united in marriage with Martha Dun
bar (who was born March 2, 1832), daughter of
James and Mary (Elder) Dunbar. The children
born to them were as follows: Susan (Mrs. Albert
Liggett, of Hopewell township), James D. (of
Bethany, W. Va.), George J., Mary L. and Samuel
W. (all three of whom are deceased), Elmer E. E.
(a carpenter of Bethany, W. Va.), and Charles A.
(living at home). Mr. Castner passed the first por
tion of his married life near Burgettstown, Penn.,
and then moved to Judge McKeever's farm, where
he resided as a tenant for seventeen years. Five
years previous to leaving this place he bought an
adjoining farm, and then managed both places. In
the year 1875 he sold the farm in Hopewell town
ship, and purchased the valuable property where he
no w "resides, which is situated in the eastern part
of Independence township, near the Hopewell line.
Mr. Castner is extensively engaged in raising stock,
the farm being well managed, and capable of ac
commodating a large amount of stock. Mr. Cast
ner has been the architect of his own fortune, but
like the greater portion of the successful citizens,
much of his prosperity is justly due to the sympathy,
tact and assistance of the faithful wife who has
shared the joys and sorrows of her husband's life.
Politically, he was formerly a Whig and an active
Abolitionist, feeding and sheltering many a fugi
tive, while they attempted to escape from the cruel
bonds of slavery. During the slavery troubles, he
frequently had six or eight negroes under his pro
tection at one time. He is now a Republican.
Both he and his wife are members of the M. E.
Church.

JLLIAM HENRY DAGUE. The great
grandfather of this gentleman, in com
pany with two brotheis, immigrated to
America some time during the last cen
tury, and while crossing the ocean a warm discus
sion concerning their different religious views hav
ing arisen among the passengers, the three brothers
took part in the debate, in which their opinions
differed. The dispute became so heated that the
brothers quarreled, and upon landing in New York
each went his own way, and they never met again.
One of them went to Maryland, and there had chil-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1101

dren, one of whom, John, was born in 1788. After
a stay of some years in Maryland, the family set
out for Pennsylvania, the journey across the moun
tains being made with horses and mules. John and
a twin brother were placed in pack-saddles ( with
only their heads protruding), which were thrown
across the back of a mule. The family settled in
West Bethlehem township, Washington county,
where John grew to manhood on his father's farm,
in the cultivation of which he assisted. He mar
ried Catherine Horn, a native of Germany, to whom
whom were born children as follows: Jacob, John,
Henry, Samuel, Levi, Dewalt, George, Catherine,
Elizabeth, Ann and Lavina, all of whom are now
deceased, with the exceptions of Levi and Ann, who
are residents of Washington county. Of this fam
ily, Henry was born in West Bethlehem township,
and here grew to manhood, assisting his father in
the duties of the farm. He married Eliza Amos,
and to them were born John, George, Levi, Mor
decai, Mary Ann, Eliza Jane, Rachel M. and Will
iam Henry.
William Henry Dague was born November 13,
1848, in West Bethlehem township, and attended
school till twelve years of age, when, much to his
regret, he was taken from his books to assist his
father on the farm. However, his ambition to se
cure an education was not dampened, for he occu
pied every spare moment in study. When a young
man he attended school twelve weeks, two terms
in the Southwestern State Normal School at Cali
fornia, this county, and taught in the common
schools for four, winter terms. On March 13, 1879,
he married Isabell U. Ross, a daughter of Samuel
Ross, and then settled upon the farm of 173 acres
which he now owns in West Bethlehem township.
To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dague have been born
the following children: Hubert R. (who when six
years of age lost his right arm), Samuel Blaine,
William Grant, Ethel G. and Mabel B., all yet
at home. Mr. Dague is a Republican, and has
been elected to the office of school director of his
township. He belongs to the Lutheran Church,
while his wife is a member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Dague is one of the most enterprising and es
teemed residents of West Bethlehem township.

DEMAS ELWOOD TOMBAUGH is a
worthy representative of one of the promi
nent families of West Bethlehem township.
His grandfather, Matthias Tombaugh, who
was of German parentage, when the country was
yet new settled in Somerset township, Washington
Co., Penn. It was then perilous to travel after
nightfall, as the wolves were very numerous and
fierce. He married Rachel Spohn, and reared the
following family: Solomon, John, George, Mat-
-thias, Eli, Isaac and Jacob (twins), Adam, Lavina,

and Mary. Of these, Laviua, Mary and Matthias
are deceased. Wbile filling the office of superin
tendent of schools of Livingston county, 111., Mat
thias was accidentally drowned. He was out fish
ing with several companions, when the boat sud
denly lurched, which caused one of his friends to
be thrown overboard. Matthias made an heroic at
tempt to rescue him, succeeding at the expense of
his own life. Jacob now resides in Livingston
county, 111., where he is a prosperous and well-
known farmer. Adam lives in Bond county, 111.,
where he is esteemed by all who know him. John,
Isaac and Eli are residents of Washington county,
and are influential farmers.
Solomon Tombaugh, the father of Demas El-
wood, was born in Somerset township, Washington
Co., Penn., in 1823. Hi's boyhood was spent upon
his father's farm, and he received a fair education.
When a young man he taught school one year in
Indiana, and after his return to Washington county
married Lydia Leatherman, daughter of John
Leatherman, who was one of the first and strong
est Abolitionists of Washington county. The fol
lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tom
baugh: Irvin, John, Leon, Demas El wood, James,
Byron, Lucy, Ida and Annie. Of these, Irvin,
Lucy, and Annie are dead; John is a resident of
West Bethlehem township; Leon is a practising
physician in Millburn, Lake Co., 111.; James is a
minister of the Gospel, residing in Fayette county,
Ohio; Byron is county superintendent of schools,
and lives in Washington (the county seat); Ida is
with her husband, David Hootman, in Philadelphia.
Demas Elwood Tombaugh was born Novem
ber 22, 1854, in West Bethlehem township, this
county, and received a common-school education.
He was married November 20, 1879, to Lola Wil
son, a daughter of Harvey Wilson, of Somerset
township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tombaugh are influ
ential members of the society in which they move,
and are esteemed by all who have their1 acquaint
ance. The Tombaughs are all Republicans, and no
Tombaugh has ever asked for political office, save
occasionally, and then it is for an educational office.

ZEDIKER. John Zediker, son of Louis Zed
iker, was born in 1818, on the family home
place in South Strabane township, W^ash-
— ^ ington Co., Penn. In his boyhood he at
tended the subscription schools of the vicinity, in
the winter time, while in the summer months he
assisted his father in the duties of the farm. In
early manhood he was united in marriage with
Susan, daughter of John Kuntz, also a resident of
Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Zediker
were born seven children, namely: Maria J. (Mrs.
Andrew Plymire), Lizzie, Isabella (Mrs. Boyd
Zediker), Matthew C-, Sarah A., Mary (Mrs. Leroy

no:

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Van' Kirk) and Lewis M. Mr. Zediker began life
on the home place in South Strabane township, and
afterward removed to the farm which is now the
home of his sons. He was frequently intrusted
with the business of others, and was always faith
ful to any confidence which had been thus reposed
in him. An ardent friend to educational progress,
he was ever active in any enterprise tending to the
improvement of the schools. He was equally en
thusiastic in religious matters, as a leading mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon
Creek. In political opinions he was formerly a
Whig, and after the formation of the Republican
party, became actively identified with it. He
served many years in the township as justice of the
peace, being elected by an almost unanimous vote,
although the Democratic party were in the major
ity in that locality. He passed from life May 24,
1887, and was buried at Pigeon Creek. His widow
still resides on the home farm.
Matthew C. Zediker, son of John and Susan
(Kuntz) Zediker, was born on the home farm in
South Strabane township, Washington county, and
has there passed his entire life. His education, ob
tained at the common schools, has been improved by
general observation, reading and study. On No
vember 5, 1877, he was united in marriage with
Jennie, daughter of John Moninger, and they have
three children: Edith P., Sheldon R. and Hester
C. Mr. Zediker is one of the leading young men
of his township, and in politics is a prominent Re
publican. He is a member of the United Presby
terian Church at Pigeon Creek.
Lewis M. Zediker, son of John and Susan
(Kuntz) Zediker, was born in South Strabane
township, this county, and received his education
at the common schools of the neighborhood. On
November 24, 1882, he was united in marriage
with Annie, daughter of James Adams, and they
have one son and one daughter: Harry W. and
Ellen' Jane. ,Mr. and Mrs. Zediker are living on
the home place. He is an adherent of the United
Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, and in pol
itics is a well-known Republican. Mr. Zediker
has always resided in the vicinity of the place of
his birth.

EORGE KINDER was born May 30, 1831,
near the place where be now lives, in West
Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn.
His great-grandfather, George Kinder, re
sided on Plum Brush, and followed the Ohio
and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boatman.
For a time he was successful in business, but being
overtaken by financial trouble, a few years later
moved to New Orleans and never returned. His
son George was born in East Bethlehem township,
this county, and lived in that vicinity until after

his marriage, when he was accidentally killed in a
carding mill, which he owned and operated. The
maternal grandfather of our subject, Christian
Booze, was born in Greene county, Penn. He fol
lowed farming and carpentry, and eventually be
came a successful business man.
Valentine Kinder, the father of subject, was
born in 1805, in East Bethlehem township. He
received bis education in the common schools, and
was a good penman. Wben a young man he went
to Galena, 111., upon a mining expedition; thence
proceeding to St. Louis, he there raised a crop of
corn, and on returning home taught school for a
time. He then married Miss Julia Booze, at which
time his entire wealth amounted to the modest sum
of $35. He located just below the present home
of his son, George, where he remained two years,
and then removed to West Mill. Six years later
he bought the home of his son, Louis, where he
lived a number of years; and thence removed to
the old Nicholl farm, near Hillsboro. At the
time of his death, which occurred June 12, 1890,
he left $10,000 for distribution, having previously
divided $50,000 among his children.
George Kinder, the subject of this sketch, re
ceived but a limited education in the country
schools, as, being the eldest son, he had to work
on the farm from early boyhood. Notwithstand
ing these disadvantages, being naturally a student,
he is one of the best-read men in his township.
Much of his life has been spent in farming, and he
has given some time to the carpenter trade. He
owns the farm of 163 acres where, he resides, be
sides also other land. Mr. Kinder was married, in
1853, to Miss Esther A. Wilson, and children as
follows have been born to them: James V., Calvin
(deceased), Julius (was first married to Miss
Emma Nichols, and later to Miss Ida McCarthy),
Wilson, Frank S., White L., Emma Eliza and Vo-
sier. Mr. Kinder is a Republican, and has been
auditor of the township for many years, proving a
most efficient officer. In church connection,, he
was formerly a Methodist, but about ten years ago,
he united with the Old Christian Church; the fam
ily, however, are Methodists. Mr. Kinder is a
representative self-made man, and has won the
esteem and friendship of all who know him. [Since
the above was prepared for the press, we have been
informed of the death of Mr. George Kinder — Ed.

Mi ANNING M. BROCKMAN. Of the well-
known and successful citizens of Smith
township, Manning M. Brockman is prom-
* inent among the leaders. He is a son of
John, whose father, Edward Brockman,
was an agriculturist.
John Brockman was born in 1788, near Kennett
Square, Chester Co., Penn. He learned the shoe-

4/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1103

maker's trade when a lad, and after serving an ap
prenticeship followed same for some time. In
1809 he was married to Jane Thomas, a native of
the same county, who bore him one son, N. R.
The mother died in 1811, and was buried in Ches
ter county. In 1818 Mr. Brockman came to Wash
ington county, locating in Claysville, where he
followed his trade. On June 13, 1822, he was
married to Margaret Martin, who was born Janu
ary 17, 1798, in Donegal township, this county,
daughter of Manning Martin, who was born in
1758, in County Donegal, Ireland, and coming to
America settled one mile and a half southwest of
Claysville, Donegal township, this county. To
the union of John and Margaret (Martin) Brock
man the following children were born: Margaret
(Mrs. Amos Shreves) and Jane (Mrs. Aaron Lo-
baugh) (twins, both deceased), and Manning M.
(subject of this sketch). N. R., the only son born
to John and Jane (Thomas) Brockman, came with
his father to East Finley township, Washington
county, and followed farming till his death. After
his second marriage John Brockman (the father of
this family) resided in Claysville until 1837, when
he removed to Coon Island, same county, and suc
cessfully followed farming for many years, being
a very vigorous man up to the last of his life. In
politics he was originally an Old-line Whig, then
a Democrat, and in the latter portion of his life
voted the Republican ticket, being a hearty sup
porter of each in turn. His wife died April 26,
1849, and he then resided with his children until
his death, which event occurred December 2, 1870.
Manning M. Brockman was born September 7,
1827, in Claysville, Donegal township, this county,
where he received a common-school education. On
April 3, 1843, he began to learn the wagon maker's
trade, of John M. Mahanna, at West Alexander,
Donegal township. He remained there but a short
time and then for three years worked in the shop of
J. T. Lucas. In 1846 he became an employe of
Busley & Little, extensive wagon makers on Main
St., AVheeling, W. Va., and with them remained
some time. He then returned to West Alexander,
dividing his time between the last mentioned place
and Burgettstown, and following his trade. On
April 12, 1849, he married Julia P. Canon, who
was born September 14, 1825, daughter of Joshua
Canon, whose father was the founder of Canons
burg. Manning M. and Julia P. Brockman were the
parents of the following children: Leah M., widow
of A. Wiley Montgomery, now living at the home
of her father, with her son and daughter, Harry W.
and Ella M.; Carrie A., Mrs. Robert E. Hill, of
East Liverpool, Ohio; John C, deceased at the
age of eighteen years; Calvin M., who died in
youth; William H., a telegraph operator at Mid
way, Penn.; Amanda J., deceased in youth; Ella

R., wife of Dr. Gracey, of Jonesborough, Ark.;
Cynthia W., deceased wife of A. M. Keys, of Smith
township, and Harry E., a telegraph operator, of
Burgettstown. After his marriage Mr. Brockman
followed his trade in Burgettstown till March 1,
1852, when, in company with some others, he
started to California on a gold-hunting expedition,
taking the " water route." The distance to Pitts
burgh was made partly on foot and partly by con
veyance. The Pennsylvania R. R. was at that time
completed as far as Turtle Creek, from which place
they proceeded by stage to Latrobe, thence by rail
to Johnstown. From the latter point they passed
over the old " Inclined Plane " to Hollidaysburg,
thence going by rail to New York, where they
took passage on the vessel " Crescent City " to
Aspinwall, at which place the journey across the
Isthmus of Panama was begun. The first seven
teen miles of this fever-haunted part of the route
were traversed by rail, then they went by water,
and the last twenty miles were -walked by the
whole party. After reaching Panama they em
barked on the vessel " Panama," and April 7, 1852,
landed at SanFrancisco. Mr. Brockman followed
gold- mining in Placer and El Dorado counties for
about one year after his arrival, meeting with fair
success; but having concluded that gold was more
easily and perhaps as quickly obtained by other
means than mining, he decided to resume his
trade, which he did for two years in the " gold-
diggings." On September 16, 1854, he started on
the homeward journey, embarking at San Fran
cisco on the vessel " Sierra Nevada," which he left
at San Juan, Nicaragua, thence traveling by way
of Virgin Bay to the mouth of the San Juan river,
in Costa Rica. He then took passage in the ship
"Northern Light," which landed him at New York,
whence he proceeded to Burgettstown, Penn., and
here again he began to work at his trade.
On September 3, 1864, Mr. Brockman enlisted
at New Brighton, Penn., in Campany C, Twenty-
second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was sent with
the regiment to the Shenandoah Valley. At the
close 'of the war he received an honorable dis
charge, and returning to Burgettstown, resumed
his trade. In 1884 he began farming on the place
adjoining Burgettstown, where he had located in
1861. Mr. Brockman was first a Whig, and is now
a Republican; he is a leader in the political ques
tions of his neighborhood, and has held various
township offices. In 1869-70 he served as mer
cantile appraiser, and in 1879 became the success
ful one of eleven candidates for the office of
county commissioner, which position he held from
1879 to 1881, inclusive; he has served two terms
in this position. In 1892 he was again appointed
to the office of mercantile appraiser, filling the
duties incumbent upon him with judgment and
ability. His acquaintance is very extensive through-

1104

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

out the county, few being more widely known or
more universally esteemed. On January 6, 1892, he
was called upon to mourn the death of his wife,
who was buried in Burgettstown cemetery.

NOAH COX, prominent among the enterpris
ing and intelligent agriculturists of East
Bethlehem township, is a grandson of Chris-
jj -* topher Cox, a native of Germany, whence in
V early life he emigrated to America, at once
settled in Greene county, Penn., where he pat
ented a large tract of land, which he improved.
His children were John, Jessie, Hiram, Aaron,
Christopher, Moses, Jacob, Matilda Ann, Mary and
India, all now deceased with the possible excep
tion of Mary, who, years ago, removed to Iowa.
Grandfather Cox died at a very advanced age.
Jacob Cox, father of Noah, was born in 1762, in
Greene county, Penn., and was reared on his
father's farm, attending, during the winter months,
for a year or two, the subscription school in the
neighborhood, one of the first ever opened in
Greene county. He married Elizabeth, daughter
of Henry Hartsoc, who came to America from the
Fatherland about the time of Christopher Cox's im
migration, making his new home in East Bethle
hem township. Shortly after the birth of their son
Noah, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Cox settled on the old
Hartsoc homestead in that township, where they
reared the following children: Nancy, Susan, An
nie, Elizabeth, Catherine Ann, India Ann, Mary,
Noah, Christopher, Jacob, Hiram, Andrew, Jona
than and Henry, of whom the following are yet
living: Mary, relict of Joshua Martin; Henry, in
Fayette county, Penn._; Christopher, in Summit
county, Ohio; Hiram, in Iowa; Jacob and Andrew,
both in Missouri, and Noah, in Washington county,
Penn. The father died August 2, 1839, a patri
otic Whig; the mother in March, 1875.
Mary Cox, sister of Noah, was married to Joshua
Martin, by whom she had the following children:
Brady (in Summit county, Ohio), Jacob (living
near Bentleyville, this county), William (a gradu
ate of a medical college, now residing in Lone
Pine, Washington Co., Penn.), Kate (wife of
George Matthews, of West Bethlehem township,
this county), Emma (married to Samuel Hill, of East
Bethlehem township), Sadie, Hattie (wife of Charles
Hill), and Nannie, living with the subject of this
sketch, as is also their mother. Joshua Martin
died in August, 1871.
Noah Cox, of whom this memoir more particu
larly relates, was born March 12, 1819, in Greene
county, Penn., and a short time thereafter his par
ents removed to East Bethlehem township, this
county, as already related. He attended the sub
scription schools of the neighborhood of his new
home, receiving a fairly liberal education for those

early times, and was reared to agricultural pur
suits. He owned one of the first threshing outfits
in the county, and for fourteen years it did service
throughout the vicinity. Mr. Cox never married,
but with true filial piety remained with his parents,
caring for them in their old age, and closing their
eyes iu death. As a philanthropist he is known
far and near, and his many deeds of kindness
toward those less fortunate have perpetuated his
good name. He has reared many orphans, and in
every way in his power befriended the worthy poor.
It is stated on good authority that at one time he
had in his house, and cared for, as many as four
teen orphans, two widows and two maiden ladies.
Politically he is a Republican, and although fre
quently urged to accept office, has preferred to
serve his country in other ways more beneficent
and more in accordance with the generosity of his
charitable nature and the warmth of his heart. His
farm comprises 160 acres of prime land, the culti
vation of which he superintends in person.

-•v OBERT J. STEWART. Among the citi-
f) zens of Smith township, none can claim
v, more noble ancestry than the gentleman
-A of whom we write, he being descended
from the Scottish royal house of Stewart,
his great-great-grandfather having been Lord
Stewart. Many generations ago Lord Stewart left his
highland home in Scotland, and settled in County
Tyrone, Ireland, where some of his descendants
yet remain (as Lord Robert, brother of James, re
mained as lord), while others of them emigrated to
America. James Stewart embarked with his fam
ily for America on the ship " Doras," which was
boarded while on the voyage by a British man-of-
war. All able-bodied men on the "Doras" were
impressed into the British navy, and Robert Stew
art (a son of James), beirfg eighteen years of age,
was one of them, and he served on board a man-of-
war for several months, when he was released.
The youth then joined his parents in Washington
county, Penn., settling in Mt. Pleasant township,
and soon afterward he was united in marriage with
Ann McGaugh, also a native of Ireland. Six chil
dren were born to their union, namely: John,
Eliza T. (Mrs. Kidd), Sarah, Robert, James and
Andrew. John Stewart (a son of Robert and grandson of
James) was born in 1818, in Jefferson township,
this county, where he assisted in the duties of the
farm during his earlier years. In 1843 he was mar
ried to Tamar McClurg, who was born in 1821,
daughter of Joseph McClurg, and their children
were Mary A., Sarah F., Robert J. (whose name
opens this biography), Rachel L., Eliza J., and
Cynthia M. (deceased). After bis marriage John

mm.

mcrm

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1107

Stewart located in Jefferson township, where he
followed farming till 1858. He then moved to a
farm in Smith township, where he died August 14,
1881, his widow being laid beside him in 1888.
John Stewart was successful in business, and gen
erous and kind-hearted in private life. Politically
he always voted the Democratic ticket, and he and
his wife were members of the U. P. Church at
Burgettstown. Robert J. Stewart was born April 2, 1849, in
Jefferson township, this county, and received a
common-school education. Being naturally adapted
to work of a mechanical nature, he followed the
carpenter trade without serving any apprentice
ship, while he also farmed on the home place. On
September 29, 1870, he married Elizabeth J. John
ston, who was born April 2, 1848, a daughter of
Frederick Johnston, of Cecil township, this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart passed the first portion of
their wedded life on a part of the home farm in
Smith township, and in 1872 moved to Venice,
same county, where he farmed for two years; then
in 1874 he located on part of the home farm in
Smith township, where he is now residing, all the
present buildings on the place having been erected
by his own hands. He is a prosperous farmer and
stock raiser. Like his father he votes with the
Democratic party, though taking no active part in
the contests of the different factions. He and his
wife are conscientious members of the United
Presbyterian Church.

I OHN J. RICHARDS, a representative citizen
. of East Pike Run township, is a son of
rl Thomas Richards, who was born November
^ 18, 1801, in the State of Maryland, where
he grew to manhood, and on November 28, 1824,
was united in marriage with Esther Richards, who
was born June 14, 1807. 'They moved to Wash
ington county, Penn., many years ago, and settled
on a large traet of land in East Pike Run town
ship, upon which he made many improvements.
He was a Republican in political views, and in re
ligion a member of the M. E. Church, with which
his wife was also identified. They were the parents
of three children, viz.: John J., Sarah A. (de
ceased), and one that died in infancy. The father
died October 2, 1873, and was laid beside his wife,
who passed away August 29, 1868.
John J. Richards was born September 30, 1829,
on the home farm in East Pike Run township, where
his school days were passed. On November 17,
1857, he married Elizabeth Ward, born August 10,
1830, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of
William Ward, who was born December 16, 1787,
in Harford county, Md., and coming to Washing
ton county, Penn., was there married to Pleasant
Speers (bom November 29, 1796), daughter of
52

Henry and Nancy Speers, who were of Irish de
scent, and- early settlers of Washington county.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward were the parents of the follow
ing named children: Nancy, wife of James War
ren; Solomon; Wilson; Rebecca; James; Eliza
beth, wife of John J. Richards; Mary J.; Sarah M.,
wife of Noah Speers; Melissa, Henry, Martha and
William (the latter three being now deceased).
The father of this family was a Republican. He
followed farming and blacksmithing in Allen town
ship, this county, and was also a local Methodist
minister, with which denomination he and his wife
were identified. He died November 8, 1863, and
Mrs. Ward entered the dark valley July 12, 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. Richards have passed their wedded
life on the^old homestead, consisting of 100 acres.
An elegant two-story residence, a barn, and other
buildings, have been erected upon this farm, which
is an ideal rural home, furnished with all modern
improvements. Mr. Richards is a Republican, and
has served in nearly all the township offices. He
and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

DAVID MYERS. The Myers family are nu-
\ merous in Washington county. They are
/ of German descent, and trace their ancestry
to one George Myers, who in 1785 pur
chased an extensive tract of land situated on the
north branch of Pigeon creek, on the boundary
line between Somerset and Nottingham townships.
The tract, the greater part of which is yet in the
possession of the family, contained about 700 acres.
George Myers had eight or ten children, all of
whom are now deceased. His descendants now
living are named as follows: David, Henry, An
drew, Jesse, Samuel, Levi, Jacob, Hiram, Jeremiah,
Abner, William, John and Anderson.
Jacob Myers, a son of George, was born in 1784
in Washington county, Penn., and was a lifelong
farmer. In 1811 he was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Swickard (who was born in 1792, in this
county), and to their marriage came the following
children: Samuel, David, Levi, Catherine D. (Mrs.
Oiler), Mary (Mrs. Kammerer), Jessie, Barbara,
Susan, Daniel, Andrew and Eliza. Of this family
the five last mentioned are deceased. The father
served in many township offices. He died in 1848,
the mother in 1886.
David Myers was born in 1828 in Somerset town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., and in his boyhood
attended school in the home neighborhood. He
assisted his father on the farm, and upon the death
of the latter took charge of the home place, con
sisting of 232 acres. In 1876 he married Miss
Margaret Howden, a native of this county, daugh
ter of John Howden, and granddaughter of An
drew Howden, who was born and reared in Ireland,
and there married a Miss Nixion, a cousin of Mrs.

1108

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

John Arbuckle, of Coffee county. They came to
this county in about 1789, when the Indians were
very numerous. For two years their home was in
a hollow tree fitted up as a room, where two of
their children were born. Andrew Howden was a
prominent pioneer settler of Washington county,
and followed farming all his life. He owned sev
eral thousand acres of land, which eventually be
came the property of the West family, and also
owned the island below Pittsburgh, known as the
Seven Miles Island, which is yet in the possession
of the family. His children were born as follows:
Jane, August 4, 1785; James, June 4, 1789; Mary,
April 10, i792; John (whose sketch follows); Ann,
April 30, 1798; Margaret, April 1,1801; Andrew,
January 23, 1804; Thomas, September 16, 1807;
William, January 25, 1810. Of this family An
drew was married on March 2, 1831, to Anna B.
Dito, and died January 31, 1838; Thomas died
May 30, 1848, and all are deceased save Margaret,
who is now living in the State of Ohio.
John Howden was born May 12, 1795, in this
county, and was reared to agricultural pursuits,
which he followed through life. On September
23, 1819, he was married to Elizabeth West, a
native of the same place, born April 20, 1800, and
eight children came to them, as follows: Frances
(wife of M. McJunkin, of Washington county);
Andrew (married to Louisa Newkirk, of Kansas
City), formerly a merchant, now a retired stock
raiser (be has traveled extensively in the South
and West); Margaret, Mrs. Myers; Elizabeth, Mrs.
Galaway, of Illinois; Lucinda, Mrs. Kammerer;
Myra M., wife of Joseph Jennings, professor in
the Third Ward school in Pittsburgh, Penn.; John
A. (married to Miss Riddile), a real-estate broker,
of Washington county; and Mary Ann (deceased
in early youth). The parents passed their lives
in this county, where the father died in October,
1869, the mother on July 14, 1880.
After his marriage Mr. Myers settled on the
home farm, and has given special attention to
raising cattle. The place contains a coal mine
which yields a paying quantity.

\ILLIAM M. McNARY. The pioneer an
cestor of this eminent family was one
James McNary, a native of Scotland, who
sailed to America aboutl760,first locating,
in the New World, on a farm in York county, Penn.
His son James afterward moved with his family to
Washington county, locating in Hanover township.
Thomas McNary, son of James, was born in York
county, Penn., and after coming to Washington
county he bought 219 acres of land called the
" Sugar Tree " tract. , The children of Thomas
McNary were Samuel, James, David, Joseph and
Matthew.

James McNary, son of Thomas, was born Febru
ary 25, 1803, in Washington county, Penn. In
1843 he was married to Miss Caldwell, a native of
Virginia, and soon afterward settled on a farm in
Nottingham township, this county, containing 116
acres of land. The children of this marriage were
as follows: Ann (Mrs. McClain), Samuel, John,
Belle (deceased), Adeline, James (who has charge
of the home farm), Joseph and William M. During
the Civil war Mr. McNary was too old to enlist,
but he always took a lively interest in public mat
ters; he served his township in almost every capac
ity, and was supervisor and justice of the peace for
many years.
William M. McNary, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born in 1861 in Nottingham township,
this county, where he was reared to manhood. In
1884 he was united in marriage with Jennie Lash,
who was born in 1863, in Washington county,
Penn., and they have had two sons, Walter and
Albert. Mr. McNary owns a fine farm of 133
acres, and is very successful in his chosen calling.

w

family

ILLIAM J. ELLIOTT, a prosperous mer
chant and substantial citizen of Canons
burg, was born December 15, 1857, in
Cecil township, Washington county. The
were natives of New Jersey, where the
great-grandfather, William Elliott, was married and
reared a large family of children. In 1799 he and
his family crossed the mountains to Washington
county, Penn., and located permanently on a small
homestead in Cecil township. His son William,
also a native of New Jersey, always worked on the
farm, and when a young man was married to a Miss
Smith, of Washington county, who bore him three
children, namely: Ellen (Mrs James Moore), James
S. and William. The father was a leading poli
tician in the Whig party, and in religion was an
active member of Dr. McMillan's Church, the first
church founded in Washington county.
James S. Elliott also passed his entire life on the
old place in Cecil township, where he attended
school. He was married to Mary, daughter of John
Wilson, a, native of Allegheny county, Penn., and
the children born to this marriage were as follows:
John W., Lizzie, Maxwell, William J. and Mary B.
Of these children Lizzie, Maxwell and Mary B. are
deceased. John W., the eldest son, attended Wash
ington and Jefferson College, then, entering Prince
ton at the age of seventeen years, took a post
graduate course. After completing his general
studies he took a course at the Theological Semi
nary, graduating with honor in his twentieth year,
and receiving his first call to preach before he was
twenty-one. The father was a very prominent man
in all local enterprises, and during the Civil war he
was one of the relief committee appointed by the

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1109

county to aid the destitute. He was one of the
first citizens of Washington county to introduce
the Spanish Merino sheep. In politics he was a
Whig and Republican, and served as justice of the
peace many years, county commissioner two terms,
and in various other capacities. He first joined
the Seceder Church, then united with the Chartiers
U. P. Church, of which he was a trustee. He died
March 18, 1874, and August 25, 1882, his widow
followed him to the grave.
William J. Elliott was born in Cecil township,
and received a good business education. He man
aged the home place for some time, and on Decem
ber 14, 1882, was married to Flora J., daughter of
Enoch Hixon, a native of Canonsburg, Penn. They
have three sons, namely: James Maxwell, John
Lloyd and Norwood. In 1886 Mr. Elliott entered
into partnership with D. F. Young, a hardware
merchant of Canonsburg, and in 1891 Mr. Elliott
purchased the entire business, which is now the
most extensive of any in the place; he handles all
kinds of farm machinery, in addition to the regular
lines in the hardware trade. He is an active worker
in the ranks of the Republican party, and in re
ligion is a member of the U. P. Church, to which
he gives a liberal support.

JAMES EDWARD LONG, M. D., is an ardent
devotee of the JSsculapian art, to which his
life has been devoted. He is a son of Thomas
H. Long, a native of the District of Colum
bia, who married Sarah Fullyard. Thomas H. Long
followed carpentry in early life, and afterward en
tered mercantile business at Dunningsville, Penn.,
thence moving to Independence, same State. He
finally went to Grafton, W. Va., and 'conducted a
hardware business in that place, where he died,
leaving the following children: Sadie (wife of
Dr. Hill, of Dunningsville, Penn.), Thomas C.
(residing at Grafton, W. Va.), William, James Ed
ward, and Harry L. (also in West Virginia). The
mother died when the children were small, and
since the death of the father the hardware store
has been conducted hy two of the sons, Thomas C.
and Harry L., under the firm name of Long Bros.
Dr. James Edward Long was born in i862, in
Washington county, Penn., and attended the com
mon schools during boyhood. He afterward gradu
ated at Independence, Penn., and then took a4ive
years' course of study at the academy of Prof. J.
C. Messenger. After finishing this course he en
tered the office of Dr. Parkinson, at Independence,
also reading medicine three years with Dr. Hill, of
Dunningsville, Penn. He then passed two years
at the Baltimore College of Physicians and Sur
geons, and returning to Washington county, Penn.,
practiced his profession one year, then returning
to college, graduated in 1881. On March 1, 1883,

he located in Kammerer, Somerset township, this
county, where he has since resided. In Jun6,
1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie
Kammerer, who has borne him two children: Fran
cis O., and Edith Virginia (deceased in early youth).
Dr. Long has served in many local offices in Somer
set township. The family are all members of the
Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church.

4/

Mi c CLELLAND. The genealogy of the
family of this name, in East Finley town
ship, can be traced to Thomas McClelland,
^ a native of Ireland, descended from a
sturdy and rugged race who left their
heather-clad mountain homes in Scotland for the
North of Ireland during the days of religious per
secutions. About the middle of the eighteenth century
Thomas McClelland, then but a boy, left his native
country for America, landing at Philadelphia,
where he was employed at various kinds of work
for some time; then moved to the eastern part of
the State, and commenced farming on a small piece
of land he had purchased with his hard-earned sav
ings. Here he married Nancy Ferguson, a native-
born American of Irish parentage. At the break
ing out of the Revolutionary war Thomas McClel
land enlisted in the defense of his adopted country,
was in active service and severely wounded on
several occasions, which caused his return home to
his wife and little ones before the close of the
struggle. In 1790 he came to Washington county,
and located in South Strabane township, where the
rest of his children were born, and where he and
his wife passed the remainder of their days, both
dying at a ripe old age, she several years before him.
Hugh McClelland, the fourth child in the order
of birth of Thomas and Nancy (Ferguson) Mc
Clelland, was born December 13, 1789, in eastern
Pennsylvania, and came to Washington county
with his parents, with whom he lived sometime
afterward, laboring on the farm and attending
school during a few weeks in winter. About 1810
he commenced learning reed-making with James
McKeown, of Washington borough, which trade he
followed several years. In 1815 he was married to
Elizabeth Martin, born February 26, 1795, a
daughter of Peter Martin, of South Strabane town
ship, this county, and the result of this union was
nine children, as follows: Thomas, born January
31, 1816, died June 13, 1842 ; Peter M. (special
mention of whom is made further on) ; William,
born August 9, 1820, died January 24, 1821 ;
Samuel, born August 14, 1822, died September 3,
1842 ; Hugh F. and Mary Jane (of whom special
mention is made further ion) ; John, born Novem
ber 16, 1830, died September 30, 1854 ; James,
born July 31, 1833, died October 14, 1843, and

1110

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Nancy, born July 23, 1836, died April 26, 1838.
On June 26, 1849, the mother of this family died,
aud in 1851 Mr. McClelland was married to Ann,
daughter of Alexander Craig, of Buffalo township,
this county, and she died in 1882 without issue.
After his first marriage Hugh McClelland followed
his trade of reed-making until 1827, in which year
he purchased a tract of land in South Strabane
township, near where his father located when first
coming to Washington county. Here he success
fully carried on farming till 1833, when he bought
of Frank Stone a large tract of land lying in East
Finley township, not far from the Buffalo township
line, where he continued to follow agricultural
pursuits up to 1862. In that year he retired from
active farm work and removed into the borough of
Washington, where he lived some years; then took
up his residence in Claysville, where he peacefully
passed from earth at the patriarchal age of ninety-
five years. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics was a Democrat. Of his
family only three are now living: Peter M., born
September 11, 1818; Hugh F., born April 27, 1823,
and Mary Jane, born July 31, 1828.
In 1862 the two brothers, Peter M. and Hugh F.,
rented the home farm in East Finley township,
which a few years later they purchased. The prop
erty consists of 206 acres of prime land, equipped
with commodious residence and out-houses. The
brothers have been constant companions from boy
hood days, have never married, and are quiet, un
assuming men, good citizens and respected neigh
bors. Both have been lifelong Democrats. They
now rent their land, and are living retired lives in
harmony and peace along with their sister, Mary
Jane, a spinster, who has been with her brothers
since 1862, attending to the household duties.
Such is a brief record oE the only surviving re -
presentatives of the family descended from Thomas
McClelland, the pioneer immigrant to Washington
county of over a century ago.

OBERT K. SCOTT, a leading citizen and
representative agriculturist of Smith town
ship, is a grandson of Abraham Scott, who
was born and reared in Maryland, and when
a young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn., af
terward settling in Washington county with his
brother Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of
land near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township,
where his active life was passed in agricultural
pursuits. He was married to Jane Finley, a sister
of John Finley, the founder of Finleyville, and
reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James
Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), Ann
(married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David
White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan
(married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley, Hol

land and Samuel. The father of this family was a
Democrat in politics, and in religion was a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Raccoon.
Finley Scott, son of the pioneer Abraham Scott,
was born in 1800 in Robinson township, this coun
ty, and educated in the schools of the neighbor
hood of his birthplace. In 1822 he married Mar
garet Stephenson, a daughter of James Stephenson,
of Smith township. The young people first lo
cated on a farm in Robinson township, remaining
there a few years, when they rented a neighboring
farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith town
ship, where they lived twenty years, and finally
moved to the home where the remainder of their
useful lives was passed. The children born to this
couple were Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel, Fin
ley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen)
and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott
was the architect of his own fortune, and owned
450 acres of land at the time of his death, which
occurred in 1878. He was a Democrat, and held
various township offices. In church connection he
was first a member of the Associate Reformed
Church, in which he was an elder, afterward unit
ing with the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. Both
he and his wife are buried in the United Presby
terian cemetery.
Robert K. Scott was born November 8, 1824, on
the home place in Robinson township, Washington
Co., Penn., and received his education at the prim
itive log schoolhouse of the day. He has been
reared to agricultural pursuits, which have been
his life vocation. On June 13, 1850, he was mar
ried to Miss Rachel, daughter of Matthew Welch,
of Smith township, and they have had children as
follows: Margaret A. (wife of John Moore), Eliza
beth H. (Mrs. S. D. Moore), Jennie C. (wife of
Hugh Lee), Matthew W. and William F. (twins),
Agnes (married to John Russell), Robert P. (de
ceased), Mary C. and Flora M. (wife of T. Nichols).
Mr. and Mrs. Scott passed their married life on the
old Mathon farm, where the mother died May 18,
1865, and the following year the family moved to
their present home in Smith township. Mr. Rob
ert K. Scott adheres to the political faith of his
forefathers, being a stanch Democrat, and has
served his township as school director and in vari
ous other capacities. In church relation he was
formerly a member of and an elder in the Associate
Reformed Church, which is now the United Pres
byterian Church, in which he is an elder and active
worker. \ILLIAM HANLIN. The Hanlin family
for almost a century have been identified
with the progress and development of
Hanover township. They have assisted
in the advancement and support of the schools and
churches, and all other enterprises which have

Mife

m,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1113

served to place Hanover township in its present
position with the magnificent galaxy of townships
contained in Washington county. The present
generation of this family trace their ancestry to
four brothers, William, John, James and Alexander
Hanlin, who were children of Alexander and Nancy
(Stewart) Hanlin, and natives of County Tyrone,
Ireland. The father dying in County Tyrone, the
family, consisting of the widow, the four sons and
three daughters (Elizabeth, Nancy and Jane), came
to America in 1792. Their first location was in
Lancaster county, Penn., where the sons engaged
in various kinds of employment, in fact, energy and
health was their sole capital. One daughter, Nancy,
was married in eastern Pennsylvania, and there
passed her days. Between 1795 and 1800 the
other members of the family came further west, lo
cating on the waters of Buffalo creek, in Washing
ton county, on the " Lawton Farm." The brothers
continued to work in partnership until the begin
ning of the present century, when James purchased
land near Paris, Hanover township, this county, and
followed the river, making trips to New Orleans.
He was married to Miss Miller. William, John and
Alexander jointly purchased of one Charles Camp
bell a large tract of land near Harmon's Creek, in
Hanover township, this county, to which they moved.
William was affianced to Anna, daughter of John
Fulton, of Hanover township, and his wedding day
was set, but he died before the marriage was con
summated. John Hanlin was born in 1771, in County Ty
rone, Ireland, and in 1823 married Nancy Hanlin,
a distant relative, and a native of Ireland. Her par
ents came to America, locating in Steubenville,
Ohio, leaving their infant daughter with an aunt in
Ireland, with whom she crossed the ocean when
but two years of age. To the union of John and
Nancy (Hanlin) Hanlin the following children
were born: A. M., Margery (unmarried, living
with her brothers in Hanover township), William,
John (a farmer of Hanover township), James (de
ceased), and Eliza (unmarried, living with her
brothers). After his marriage John Hanlin located
on that portion of the original tract which the three
brothers had purchased together, where he resided
the remainder of his life. He died in 1846. He
was a respected citizen, kind-hearted and generous.
In 1878 his widow passed away at the advanced age
of nearly eighty-six years. She was buried beside
her husband in St. John's Episcopal cemetery, in
Brooke county, AV. Va. They were both members
of that church.
William Hanlin was born August 5, 1829, in
Hanover township, this county, and passed his boy
hood on the farm of his father, where his first
knowledge of farming was obtained. He remained
at home until the Civil war began, then enlisted at
Paris, in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth

Regiment, P. V. I.; the first active engagement
was at Chancellorsville, after which he followed the
fortunes of his regiment until the afternoon of the
second day at Gettysburg, when he was shot in the
left leg, while fighting at a point about 200 yards
northwest of Devil's Den. He was put in an am
bulance by his captain and taken to the field hos
pital, thence removed to the general hospital at
York, Penn. His wound kept him from duty until
the close of the war, when he was honorably dis
charged May 20, 1865, and returning to his native
county, resumed work on the farm. On November
2, 1865, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
AVilson, who was born in 1839, a daughter of Henry
Wilson, of Hanover township. They have one son,
Horace W., who is living at home. The farm,
which has been the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hanlin
since their marriage, adjoins the old place which
he and his brother purchased in 1856. He carries
on general farming and stock raising. No person
needs to go hungry or in want when in the neigh
borhood of the Hanlins, whose traits of generosity
are characteristic of their name. In politics Will
iam Hanlin is a most enthusiastic Republican " from
the crown of his head to the sole of his foot." He
is a member of the Episcopal Church, his wife
being identified with the Presbyterian denomina
tion.

IJTVAVID M. FULTON, a respected citizen of
I |\ Hanover township, is descended from natives
|| J) of the Emerald Isle. His grandfather, John
^^ Fulton, was the first member of this family
to come to America, and was a distant relative of
the numerous other emigrants of the same name
who came from Ireland and settled in Hanover
township, this county, about the same date. John
Fulton was born about 1756, in County Derry, and
in 1786 was married to Jane Hunter. In 1788
this young couple came to America, making their
first location on a farm in Franklin county, Penn.,
where he labored at various employments. About
1798 they concluded to go farther west, and cross
ing the mountains made a temporary location in
Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. They
brought their household effects, farming utensils,
and family, in a wagon drawn by three horses,
their two cows being driven along behind. In
1801 they settled on the farm where David M. is
now living. Mr. Fulton became a prosperous and
successful farmer. He died in 1832, followed by
his widow in 1840, who was laid by his side in Paris
cemetery. Their children were as follows: James,
born in 1787, in Ireland; Annie, who never mar
ried, and lived to the age of ninety years; Mar
garet, who never married, and lived to be seventy-
five years of age; Jane, died unmarried, and lived
to be eighty-five years of age; a"d Mary, who

1114

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

married Joseph Bell, of Columbiana county, Ohio.
David M. Fulton, whose name opens this sketch,
was born February 12, 1827, on the same farm in
Hanover township which he now owns, where he
was reared to manhood. He was educated in the
country schools of the neighborhood, and in 1867
was married to Martha Aten, a native of Hanover
township, this county. She lived but a short time
after her marriage, and for. his second wife he mar
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Margaret
(McGonnigle) Caldwell, of Hanover township.
Mr. Fulton has always resided on the old home
stead, and has always been a successful tiller of
the soil. In politics he was formerly a Whicr, then
joined the Republican forces, with which he has
ever since been identified, and both he and his wife
are members of the Paris United Presbyterian
Church. They have two sons, James H. and An
drew C, both working on the home farm.

IfAMES H. LUSK was born in 1862 in Alle-
|| gheuy county, Penn. His father, James M.
tf II Lusk, was born in 1817 in Allegheny county,
^^ Penn., and received his education in the
home schools. In 1844 he was married to Miss
Hannah Snodgrass, a native of this county, and
their children were Eliza A. (wife of E. H. Sum
ney), William B. (who entered the army when yet
a boy, serving to the close), Martha J. (Mrs. A. J.
Adams), Hugh K., Wilson A., Nancy B. (deceased),
George (deceased), James H. (subject) and Frank,
(deceased). Mr. Lusk began life on a farm given
him by his father, containing eighty-three acres of
well cultivated land. He died in 1889.
James H. Lusk grew to manhood on the borne
place, and in 1885 was married to Clara, daughter
of Isaac Sumney, of this county. Her father has
always been a farmer, and is now living at the age
of seventy-nine years. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Lusk continued to reside on the old farm,
which he has owned since the death of his father.
They have three children, namely: Edgar C, Clyde
A. and Ethel B. Mr. Lusk is an advocate of Dem
ocratic principles; he has held numerous local
offices. The family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

THOMAS M. BARCLAY, a prominent citi
zen of Carroll township, is a son of James
Barclay, who was an old resident of Wash
ington county. The latter died when his
youngest son was but six years of age; he
had a family of eight children, three of whom are
yet living, namely: John, a resident of Forward
township, Allegheny county; William, living near
Coal Bluff, and Thomas M.

Thomas M. Barclay was born October 13, 1830,
on the home place in Union township, Washington
Co., Penn., and was trained to hard work from
earliest boyhood, as his father left no property for
the family. At the age of thirteen years he began
to work on a farm for a Mr. Gaston, with whom he
remained six years, then learned the trades of car
penter and builder, which he has since continued
to follow in Washington county. In 1855 he was
united in marriage with Margaret J., daughter of
John McVey, a native of Nottingham township,
Washington Co., Penn. The young couple resided
on the McVey farm for five years 'after their mar
riage, then moved to Shireoaks, this county, where
they lived twenty years, during which time he was
weighmaster for a coal company. In 1882 he
erected and took possession of the handsome resi
dence which they now occupy; he is employed as
master mechanic by Blythe & Co. Politically he
affiliates with the Republican party, and in religion
is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Monon
gahela. Five children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Barclay, namely: Edward, married to Lizzie
Bradshaw, living on the home place; Joseph; Min
nie, deceased; Emma, Mrs. Powell; and one de
ceased in infancy.

I

EVI R. CAMPBELL, a representative citizen
and popular shoe merchant of Monongahela,
was born January 14, 1846, in Allegheny
county, Penn. He is a grandson of Levi
Campbell, who was born February 13, 1798, in
Chester county, Penn., and was there reared to
manhood. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and
was married to Martha Carson, also a native of
Chester county, Penn. She bore him the follow
ing children: David C; Sarah, wife of Joseph
Young; Joseph; John; George; James; Amzie F.,
and Martha. Mr. Campbell followed his trade for
several years after his marriage, and then, in com
pany with the Irving and Kennedy families, moved
to Carroll township, Washington county. In 1827
Mr. Campbell came to Monongahela, and opened
a shoe store which he conducted until 1870, and
then moved to a permanent home in New Castle,
Penn. He was a member of the Episcopal Church,
and in political opinion was actively identified with
the Democratic party. *
David C. Campbell was born April 3, 1821, in
Chester county, Penn., where he remained until
six years of age, when the family settled in Mon
ongahela. He was there reared and educated,
then learned and followed the shoemaker's trade
for some time, and in 1851 moved to New Castle,
Penn. He was there married to Nancy, daughter
of Seth Rigby, a resident of New Castle, and she
bore him the following children: George W., Levi
R., John, Amzie F., Edward C, James C, Ritta J.,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1115

Martha A. and Sarah. For his second wile Mr.
Campbell was married to Mary Ann Bush, and
their children were William, Charles M., David C.
and Flora. Mr. Campbell was a stanch advocate
of the principles embodied in the Democratic party,
and in religion he aud his wife were members of
the United Presbyterian Church.
Levi R. Campbell passed his youth in Mononga
hela and New Castle, receiving a public-school
education. At the age of fifteen years he entered
the shoe shop owned by his father, with whom he
remained three or four years. He passed one year
in Monongahela, then began to work for John M.
Sutman, and afterward entered the store of Isaac
Yohe, finally opening his present shoe store in
Monongahela. In 1870 he married Sarah A.,
daughter of Messig Haywood, a resident of Mon
ongahela, and she has borne him two children:
Fannie, wife of T. M. Boggs, and Charles. Mr.
Campbell has been an active business man for
twenty-one years, and in politics has taken an
active interest in the Democratic party; has served
several terms as a member of the council. He and
his family are members of the Methodist Episco
pal Church.

T J. ANDREWS. Many of the best and most
I intellectual citizens of Washington county
t( \ trace their lineage to the warm-hearted and
^^ brilliant sons of Erin, of whom J. J. Andrews
is a worthy representative.
James Andrews was born in Ireland, where he
was married, and in 1799 concluded to seek a home
for himself and family in the United States, whither
so many of his friends had recently immigrated.
After landing in America, the Andrews family
proceeded to Pennsylvania, and made their first
permanent location near Bavington, in Smith
township, Washington county. Although a poor
man, James Andrews possessed an energetic char
acter and habits of industry as capital stock, which
proved very instrumental in the accumulation of a
competency. He first located on a piece of land
as a tenant, but was soon able to purchase land,
and in later years removed to a farm in the north
ern part of Smith township, where the remainder
of his days were passed. This place has ever since
been known as the " Old Andrews farm." James
Andrews and his wife passed away on the old farm,
after a long and useful life. In politics he was a
Democrat. He was among the prominent cattle
dealers of those days, and drove cattle over the
mountains to the markets of the eastern cities,
eventually succeeding in securing a goodly amount
of this world's goods. The children of this family
were seven in number.
John Andrews was born in 1799, in mid-ocean,
while his parents were coming to America. He

was reared on the farm in Washington county,
Penn., attending to the usual duties of the pioneer
youth of the day, and receiving his education at
the log-cabin schools with their primitive furnish
ings and puncheon floors. The pupils sat with
their backs to the teacher and the seats were
placed around the room; his attendance was lim
ited to a few months in the winter season. He
was married to Mary, daughter of James Christy, a
native of Ireland, and their children were born as
follows: Elizabeth J., living in Burgettstown,
Penn., widow of David Leech; Jeremiah C, who
followed agricultural pursuits on the home farm
(now deceased); Mary, deceased wife of Jackson
Potts, of Florence, Penn.; Nancy A., Mrs. John
Stroud, of Hanover township, this county, and J.
J. (whose sketch follows). John and Mary An
drews located on the old homestead in Smith town
ship, this county, where their lives were passed.
He was a successful and respected business man.
In politics he was an enthusiastic Democrat, and
held various offices in the township with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were zealous members of
the Burgettstown U. P. Church. He died in 1867,
and both are buried in the Burgettstown cemetery.
J. J. Andrews was born September 10, 1849, in
Smith township, Washington Co., Penn. He was
reared to manhood on the home farm, and attended
the common schools. Soon after his father's death
he made a trip through the West, but not being
satisfied with the country, returned to his native
county, and in 1870 was married to Rebecca Cle-
land, youngest daughter of John and Rebecca
(Hindman) Cleland. The children of J. J. and
Rebecca Andrews are as follows: John C. and
Susie. After his marriage Mr. Andrews was a
tenant for some time, but afterward bought a good
farm in Hanover township, this county, which he
owns, but is residing on an adjoining place, devot
ing his attention to general farming and stock
raising. " Johnny," as he is familiarly known, is
very popular among his friends, a good neighbor
and progressive citizen, ever ready to encourage
any enterprise which will benefit himself or neigh
bors. In politics he has always voted with the
Democratic party.

EORGE BOYD. Among the venerable citi
zens of Hanover township, whose heads are
crowned with the silver of many well-spent
years, is found this well-known gentleman.
The fair "Isle of Erin" was the home of
his ancestors, and in that country his grandfather,
John Boyd, first saw the light of day. The latter
was born about 1747, in County Antrim, where he
learned the tailor's trade, and was married to Mar
tha Mahan. The young people soon thereafter

1116

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

sailed to America, and with true ardor John Boyd
entered heart and soul into the American struggle
for Independence. He enlisted in North Carolina,
serving seven years under Gen. Greene and Capt.
Smith, was employed as a scout much of the time,
and received several wounds. When the war was
ended he came to Washington county, Penn.,
locating between Cross Creek village and West
Middletown, and there followed his trade. In
1793 he moved to Hanover township, Beaver Co.,
Penn., and in 1817 located near Harlem Springs,
Carroll Co., Ohio, where he remained until about
1840, then returning to Beaver county, Penn., died
soon afterward, and was buried in the King's Creek
cemetery. He left the following children: James,
bora May 28, 1781; John, born July 20, 1782;
Mary (Mrs. David Moody, of Carroll county, Ohio),
born February 26, 1784; Agnes (wife of James
Sharp, of Columbiana county, Ohio), born October
15, 1785; Sarah (Mrs. James Moore, of Beaver
county, Penn.), born July 16, 1787; Margaret
(wife of Robert Campbell, of Columbiana county,
Ohio), born July 8, 1789; Robert, born December
28, 1791; Thomas, born October 15, 1793; Martha,
born in November, 1795 (killed by lightning);
Rachel (Mrs. John Anderson, of Iowa), born in
September, 1797; and David, born in June, 1799.
In politics the father was a Democrat, and in re
ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Robert Boyd was born December 28, 1791, on
the home farm between Cross Creek village and
West Middletown. In 1816 he was married to
Catherine McCausland, who was born March 7,
1793, daughter of George and Catherine (Kidd)
McCausland. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd first
located on a farm in Hanover township, Beaver
Co., Penn., and in 1834 moved to the home place
in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. He
was a successful agriculturist, and in politics was a
Democrat. He died in 1878, having been pre
ceded by his wife in 1875, and their children were
John, born April 15, 1817 (who lived in Hanover
township, this county); Martha (widow of John
Smith, of Jefferson township), born October 21,
1818; Catherine (wife of Joseph McCready, of
Columbiana county, Ohio), born December 3, 1820;
Margaret (widow of William McCready), born Au
gust 17, 1822; George, born March 7, 1824; Rob
ert, born February 28, 1826; Francis, born March
21, 1828 (killed in West Virginia by a falling
limb of a tree); Presley (a farmer of Columbiana
county, Ohio), born March 9, 1830; and Mary,
born February 23, 1832.
George Boyd was born on the home farm in
Hanover township, Beaver Co., Penn., and passed
his youth in attending the schools of the period.
He spent several years with a sister in Jefferson
township, this county. In 1880 he was united in
marriage with Jane, daughter of Peter Lance, a

farmer, who was married to Jane Nicholson, and
had children as follows: Eleanor, Emeline, Addi
son, Peminda, Jane, Sarah, Theresa, William and
Matteson. The father died August 24, 1850, the
mother on March 27, 1857, and they are buried in
Hopewell Presbyterian Church cemetery, of which
church they were members and he was a trustee.
In politics he was a Republican Mr. and Mrs.
Boyd have for several years been residents of
Hanover township, Washington county, where he
is engaged in farming. Politically he is a Demo
crat. Mrs. Boyd is a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Paris, this county.

TEPHEN POST. Within the confines of
Washington county, few are the men who
in their chosen vocation have made so
marked a success as the gentleman whose
name appears at the opening of this sketch. Many
a man mistakes his life work, yet by earnest appli
cation makes a partial success. Of Mr. Post it
may be said that he has chosen well. A farmer in
the full significance of the word. From a poor,
obscure boy, earning only one hundred dollars a
year, by his own hard efforts, he has fought his way
upward. Such men are a credit to any community
and it is a pleasure to give the following brief
sketch of him and his family.
Stephen Post was born August 23, 1824, on the
farm now occupied by A. N. Hathaway. His father,
Samuel Post, also a native of Washington
county, was married to Nellie Day, who bore him
the following named children: Frank, Stephen
and Martha (Mrs. Jas. Hilton, deceased many
years ago). The father was the first to lay down
life's sorrows, passing to the grave in 1827; the
mother departed for the Better Land March 28,
1853, and they were buried at Bethel C. P. Church
near Van Buren. Samuel Post in politics was an
active adherent of the Democratic party; in relig
ious faith he was a member of the Presbyterian
Chnrch. Stephen Post, our subject, in 1865 came to his
present home in Franklin township. His farm
consists of 220 acres, all well improved and equipped
with excellent buildings, every one of which
was erected by himself. He is possessed of invent
ive genius, fie has now a grinding buhr mill of
his own invention, and with it he grinds most of
the corn for the neighborhood. He was for a num
ber of years a thresher, but now his sons have
taken his place in that industry. Mr. Post has
been thrice married: first time to Elizabeth, daugh
ter of Joseph Weir, and the results of this union
were two children: Clarinda, who died April 10,
1853, and Elizabeth, who died April 29, 1852; the
mother of these children dying April 8, 1853, Mr.
Post took for his second wife, Anna, daughter of

/""'< H,

Washington county.

1119

Thomas Ringland, and by her there were three
children: Hamilton, Joseph Weir and Annie; Jo
seph Weir died April 18, 1866, and Annie died
March 4, 1860. After the decease of this wife,
which occurred January 20, 1860, Mr. Post mar
ried Sarah Tucker, daughter of John Tucker, of
Franklin township, and she has borne him three
children: John, Mary and Frank. Our subject is
a lifelong Democrat, and a firm advocate of every
measure tending to the advancement of his town
ship and county. He has always given liberally of
his means to the church, and has for many years
been an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Pros
perity.

JASPER SIGHTS, a well-known citizen of
Donegal township, is the only male repre
sentative of the family in Washington county,
Penn. The pioneer ancestor of that name
was David Sights, who was born in Germany and
came to America in the latter part of the eighteenth
century, locating in Washington, Penn., where he
was married to a lady of Welsh parentage,her paren ts
having emigrated from Wales. Their children were
as follows: John, William, Casper, Frazier, David
and Jane, all now deceased. Of this family, John
and William moved West and died there; Casper
followed the business of a stone mason and con
tractor, and built all the bridges on the National
pike between Claysville and West Alexander (he
afterward went to Guernsey county, Ohio, and re
mained there until his death); Frazier also died
in that county, and Jane married and went to Mis
souri, where she died. The father of this family
kept a tavern for several years at Coon Island,
Washington Co., Penn., where the stages then
stopped on their regular route over the once famous
road. He remained there several years, and then
moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he followed
farming. He died August 20, 1841, and his wife
June 22, 1855.
David Sights (father of subject) was born No
vember 14, 1803, in Washington, Washington Co.,
Penn., and when a boy was brought with his parents
to Coon Island, this county, where in boyhood he
worked for different farmers, and attended the dis
trict school in the winters. On July 18, 1826, he
was united in marriage with Martha McMillen, who
was born November 12, 1803, a daughter of David
McMillen. Their children were as follows: David
F., born March 31,1827 (deceased in New Comers-
town, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio), was a harness maker;
Elizabeth J., born March 8, 1829 (widow of E. B.
Jolley, of near West Middletown, Penn.); Chris-
tianne, born March 31, 1831 (Mrs. J. L. McGill, of
Donegal township); Casper (subject of our present
sketch); John, born October 21, 1835, deceased;
Susanna, born January 29, 1839, died unmarried;

and Martha Ann, born June 27, 1841, now living
with her brother Casper. After his marriage Mr.
Sights settled three miles northwest of Claysville,
Donegal township, on a part of the " William Der
ringer " tract. Some years afterward he purchased
of Joseph Campsey an adjoining tract of land,
where he erected a comfortable dwelling, and passed
the remainder of his life. Politically he was a
Democrat, and stood high in the esteem of his
neighbors. He died July 6, 1861, and his wife
died September 26, 1868.
Casper Sights was born March 28, 1833, in Done
gal township, AVashington Co., Penn., and lived on
the home farm until the death of his father, receiv
ing a common-school education. AVhen his father
died he took charge of the farm which he now
owns. On October 15, 1890, he was married to
Catherine Ann, daughter of William Robertson, of
Guernsey county, Ohio. They have had no chil
dren. In political life Mr. Sights is an active
worker in the Democratic party, and has been fre
quently elected to township offices by his constitu
ents. He is a member of the U. P. Church at West
Alexander.

J ADD. CLARK. Among the prominent
business men of Canonsburg, J. Add. Clark
is one of the leading grocers. He is a son of
James Clark, who. was born February 14,
1814, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and received his education at the home schools of
the neighborhood. In 1853 he was united in
marriage with Mary, daughter of William Dickson,
a son of George Dickson, who emigrated from Ire
land many years ago, and purchased a farm of 400
acres in Allegheny county, Penn., where he died.
His son, William, was born in 1790, and grew to
manhood on the home place. In early life he was
united in marriage with Margaret Glenn, who bore
him children as follows: George A. (a surveyor, of
Pittsburgh, Penn.), James A. (a practicing phy-
sician,of Canonsburg,Penn.), Mary (widow of James
Clark, of Canonsburg), AVilliam (a resident of
Robinson township) and three deceased in infancy.
When but seventeen years of age the father united
with the Old Seceder Church, during the last
twenty years of his life was a member of the U. P.
Church, and was a ruling elder in both churches for
fifty-five years; in business he was a prominent and
successful agriculturist. He died March 19, 1872.
James and Mary (Dickson) Clark continued to
reside on the home place until 1866, when they re
moved to Canonsburg, Penn., where he died in
December, 1885, leaving the following children:
William D., Jeanette (since deceased), Marguerite
S. (Mrs. C. M. Grier), Anna M. (wife of Rev. D. C.
Stewart) and J. Add. Mr. Clark was a farmer and
a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and

1120

Washington county.

held various local offices. He was first a member
of the U. P. Church at North Buffalo, then united
with the one at Chartiers, of which he was trustee
for many years.
J. Add. Clark was born on the home place in
Buffalo township, this county, where his boyhood
was passed. In 1891 he opened a grocery store in
Canonsburg, and now carries a full line of goods.
He is a Republican, and in religion was form
erly a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
having since united with the Greenside Avenue
Church.

p*j VEN E. PHILIPS is one of those energetic,
U\ industrious and cultured citizens who are

E

naturally fitted to become leaders in any
- community where their lot is cast.
The family are pioneers of Washington county,
and the grandfather, David Philips, was born in
1742, in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, and in early
manhood set sail for the "land of the free and the
home of the brave." Although a preacher of the
Gospel, he believed in defending the rights of his
adopted country, and served three years as captain
in the Revolutionary war. He then settled on a
tract of 400 acres of land, partly in Washington
county, Penn., devoting the remainder of his life
to farming and ministerial work. When the war
of 1812 began he was drafted into service, but
paid the fine rather than to again participate in the
horrors of war. He accepted no political honors,
but was a very prominent citizen. He died in
1829. David Philips, son of David, was born April 7,
1780, in Chester county, Penn., and when yet a
boy moved to Allegheny county. In 1805 he was
married to Ann Richardson, born in 1785, daughter
of Thomas Richardson. Seven children were born
to this marriage, namely: Thomas, Lucinda, Em
ily, Mary Ann, Sarah, Amanda and Even E. Of
these children the only two now living are Mary
Ann and Even E. The father always followed
agricultural pursuits, owning 150 acres of land on
the boundary line of Washington and Allegheny
counties. He died in 1856, and the mother passed
away in 1870.
Even E. Philips was born in 1816 in Allegheny
county, Penn., where the greater part of his early
education was received. On February 18, 1847,
he was married to a Miss Weller, a native of Alle
gheny county, Penn., who has borne him children
as follows: Jacob, Isabelle, Ann, Irene, Orlando,
William, and two deceased. The eldest son is a
physician in Venetia; Orlando owns the home farm,
where he is residing with his father; and William
is a mail agent on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh
Railroad.

Mr. Philips owns sixty-eight acres of fine land,
underlaid with a heavy vein of coal. He has sold
the coal for $5,400. Politically he is a stanch ad
herent of Republican principles, and has served
faithfully as inspector of elections, and in various
other ways. In religious faith he is connected
with the Baptist denomination.

Tj-pV OBERT HAGGARTY is a son of Samuel
lw^ Haggarty, who was born in County Down,
||V Ireland, and was brought to America by
\\ -^ his parents when but four years old. He
V grew to manhood on a farm in Fayette
county, Penn., which was located one mile from
Coal Centre, Washington county, and there at
tended the log-cabin schools of the period. In
early manhood he was married to Elizabeth Blay
ney, a member of a prominent pioneer family, and
she bore him the following named children : Mrs.
Louisa Russell, of Fayette county, Penn.; Will
iam, living in Monongahela; Samuel, deceased at
the age of nine years; Johnson, who died in Ohio
at the age of twenty-two years; Reuben, who went
to Missouri with $1,500, and died seventeen years
later, leaving a property of $50,000, and Robert.
The father died in 1857 at the age of sixty-one
years. He was a prominent member of the Demo
cratic party.
Robert Haggarty was born March 17, 1835, on
the old homestead in Fayette county, Penn., and
there attended the common schools. At the age
of seventeen years he began to learn the stone-
cutting and mason trade, receiving for the first
year's pay $3 per month while learning. The
second year he received $4 per month, and the
third year he was paid 75 cents per day, after which
he began business for himself. He was united in
marriage with Elmira Ammon, a native of Carroll
township, and at that time had but $5 with which
to begin his wedded life. He now owns fifty acres
of land in Carroll township, and twenty-five acres
in Fallowfield township, but has given most of his
time to his trade. In political opinion he votes
with the Democratic party, and has served in Car
roll township as president of the school board. He
and his wife are the parents of five children, who
were born as follows: Clarence Linton; Mrs. Mar
garet H. Coulter, of Carroll township; Harry El-
wood, a stone mason of Monongahela; Violet El
mira, and Robert D.

JAMES H. FERGUSON, a representative
farmer of South Strabane township, is a son
of Harvey W. Ferguson, whose father was a
native of County Down, Ireland. The latter
came to America when a young man, and made a
permanent home in Allegheny county, Penn., where

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1121

he married and the following children were born to
him: Mary, Elizabeth, Harriet, David, James, Har
vey W., Robert and Hugh. Mr. Ferguson was an
active member of the Federalist and Whig parties,
and in religion was a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Perrysville.
Harvey W. Ferguson was born in 1820, on the
home farm in Allegheny county, Penn., and re
ceived his education at the home schools. In early
manhood he was united in marriage with Grisella,
a daughter of Robert McElhany, a native of Scot
land, whose family consisted of three daughters; he
was an active member of the Whig party, and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The young couple settled on the McElhany farm,
where they remained four years, thence removing
to the home farm. In politics Mr. Ferguson is an
active worker in the Republican party, and has been
a school director many years. He and his family
are members of the Presbyterian Church at Sharps-
burgh, Allegheny Co., Penn., in which congrega
tion he has been an elder twenty years.
James H. Ferguson was born in Allegheny
county, Penn., on the home farm still occupied by
his father, and passed his earlier youth at home,
attending the common schools. He afterward en
tered Newell's Institute, Pittsburgh, and remained
there two years. On December 24, 1875, he was
united in marriage with Ollie Newton, daughter
of J. T. McDonald, of Allegheny county, Penn., and
five children have been born to them: Frank (de
ceased), Alice, Maggie, Travis and Hannah. After
his marriage Mr. Ferguson remained in Allegheny
county until 1879, when he came to his present
farm, consisting of 118 acres of good land, and
upon which he has made many improvements. His
home is thirty-two feet square, and the barn is 60
by 40. He is engaged in farming and stock rais
ing, and has recently embarked in the dairy busi
ness. In political opinion M^. Ferguson is a
Republican, and an active worker in that party.
The family are members of the First Presbyterian
Church at Washington.

EORGE E. LOCKHART, ex-sheriff of
Washington county, is a native of the Key
stone State, born in Beaver county in 1848.
His father, George K. Lockhart, a native of
Lawrence county, Penn., was married in
Allegheny county to Margaret Ann Savage, who
bore him three children: AVilliam A., a resident of
McDonald, Washington county; George E., and
Agnes J., deceased wife of L. G. Mcllhinney, of
Cecil township. The father died in 1854 of small
pox, at the age of thirty-four years, and his widow
was afterward married to John Allen, by whom
she had one child, Annie E., wife of J. A. Evans,
an attorney at law of Pittsburgh.

George E. Lockhart was reared by his grand
father, William Savage, on a farm near McDonald,
in this county, his education being obtained at the
public schools of the locality. Here he remained
until he was fourteen year3 of age. In 1864 he
enlisted in company A, One Hundred and Forty-
seventh P. V. I., and participated in the fortunes
of that regiment; was with Sherman at Atlanta,
and on the march to the sea, his regiment being
the first to enter the city of Savannah, and was
present at the battle of Resaca, May 15, 1864. He
was never wounded, but soon after being ordered
to the front was seized with typhoid fever and was
sent to hospital at Nashville, Tenn., whither his
mother went from Pennsylvania to visit him. On
his recovery he returned to his regiment and served
to the close of the war, being mustered out of the
service at Alexandria June 5, 1865, and discharged
July 21, same year. He then projeeded to the
home of his mother in Allegheny county, and com
menced working in the mines as director of ship
ping. In 1885 he was appointed deputy sheriff
under Sheriff Hemphill, serving to the close of the
term, and then, in 1888, was elected sheriff on the
Republican ticket, for a three years' term, receiving
a majority of 2,159 votes in the county. During
this incumbency, the colored murderer, West, was
executed, the first person hanged in Washington
county since 1867. Mr. Lockhart is a member of
Stockweather Post No. 60, G. A. R., and of the Jr.
O. U. A. M. 
AMUEL ASHBROOK, a leading dentist in
the borough of Washington, is a native of
the county, born September 2, 1864, in Buf
falo township, where he received a liberal
education at the district schools. His great-grand
father, Simon Ashbrook, was a native of Lancaster
county, Penn., where he was married to a native of
the same county, and the children born to them
were Jacob, John, Margaret, Mary, Nancy, Solo
mon, Simon, Abraham, Absolom and William. In
17_ Simon Ashbrook came to Washington county,
making a settlement in Buffalo township, where he
and his wife died.
Absolom Ashbrook, son of this old pioneer, re
ceived his education in Buffalo township, and was
there married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Brad
dock, of Franklin township. They continued to
reside on the home farm until 1872, when they
came to Washington borough, where they now re
side. Their children were as follows : Mrs. Rob
ert Lytle, Simon F., John and William (both de
ceased), Abraham L., Solomon (deceased) and
Sarah (Mrs. W. P. Hastings). Mr. Ashbrook in
politics was a Democrat, and was a warm supporter
of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo.
Simon F. Ashbrook, father of the subject of these
lines, was born February 28, 1836, in Buffalo town-

112-2

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ship, this county, and received his education at the
common schools of the neighborhood of his birth
place. Like his forefathers he has been engaged all
his life in farming and stock raising, and has been
successful in his dealings. On November 3, 1859, he
was married to Mary, daughter of Jacob Weirich,
and children as follows have been born to them :
Edward, Susan (deceased), Samuel, Benton, Lizzie
(Mrs. John Flack) and Maude. Mr. Ashbrook and
family are members of the Presbyterian Church at
East Buffalo, and in politics he is independent.
Samuel Ashbrook, whose name opens this sketch,
at the age of twenty years entered, as a student,
the dental office of W. L. McCleary, where he re
mained one year; in 1885 he commenced a course
of study at the Baltimore Dental College, where,
in 1887, he graduated with honors. Returning to
Washington, Dr. Ashbrook commenced the practice
of his profession with A. L. Ashbrook, with whom
he remained a short time, and then again entered
the office of his preceptor. In July, 1891, he pur
chased Mr. McCleary's interest, and has since been
conducting the business alone. In August, 1890,
the Doctor was married to Margaret Connors, of
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and one child, Edmund,
has been born to them. Our subject and his esti
mable wife are members of the First Presbyterian
Church of Washington, and in his political associa
tions he is a Democrat.

E

pSjBERMAN. In the year 1732 Johannes
'-il Eberman and his son, Johannes, left their
ancestral home in Ebermanstadt, Germany,
bound for America with the purpose in view
of making it their home, and with the determination
to assist in its conquest. The family owned large
estates in the center of which was the town above
named. As was the custom, they had their genea
logical tree tracing the family back through many
generations and through centuries of time. Early
in its history for services rendered, the family, by
royal grant, was given a coat of arms, and the
motto thereon — " Ad finem fidelis " — has been a
source of inspiration throughout successive genera
tions. With the pride of birth and station and the sturdy
courage of the pioneer these two reached London
and embarked for the land of their choice. The
records in Philadelphia show that Sept. 19, 1832,
the good ship " Johnson," of London, landed at
that port, and in the passenger list are the names of
Johannes Eberman and son, Johannes, a lad under
sixteen years of age. These were the first of the
name to land on American soil, and the elder was
the great-great- great-grandfather of John S. Eber
man, a personal sketch of whom follows. They
remained at Philadelphia but a short time, and then
removed to Lancaster, same State, where they at

once became identified with public affairs. On
Dec. 22, 1743, the son married Juliana Schweich,
and their son John, on April 23, 1772, married
Elizabeth Frank.
John's interest in municipal affairs led him to
present to the town of Lancaster a large clock
which was placed in the town hall. When the
courthouse was built the clock was put therein
and for more than 100 years has been repaired and
wound by the Eberman family, and at present con
tinues to be the timepiece of the city. In "Penn
sylvania Archives " it is related that Christopher
Eberman did gallant service in the Continental line
of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment during our
struggle for independence. In the Moravian Church
records of Lancaster is the complete genealogy of
the family from 1732 to the present.
About the year 1815 Jacob, son of Gottlieb, son
of Johannes, removed from Lancaster to West
moreland county, and settled upon a large tract of
land in that county. He was married to Jane An
derson, a native of Ireland, who bore him the fol
lowing children: William, Rebecca, George M.,
W. A., Elizabeth and Samuel. Mr. Eberman was a
Democrat in political opinion, and in religion sup
ported the M. E. Church. He followed building
and carpentry in Pittsburgh for several years, then
moved to Elizabeth, Allegheny county, in 1829,
where he died.
George M. Eberman was born April 29,
1821, and reared on the home farm in West
moreland county, Penn., and attended the sub
scription schools of the vicinity. At the age
of fourteen years he began clerking in a store
where he remained until 1854, when he em
barked in a general mercantile businese in Cali
fornia, Penn. In 1859 he opened a ship-building
yard in company with William McFall, and they
conducted that business until 1879, when they dis
solved partnership, and he commenced in his present
general store in California, the firm now being
known as Hart & Co. Politically Mr. Eberman has
been a zealous worker in the Whig and Republican
parties, and has served as a member of the council,
school director and in several other offices. He has
always been deeply interested in the educational
work of his locality, and for the past twenty- five
years has been a trustee of the Southwestern State
Normal School, at California, of which he was the
first treasurer. He and his wife are members of
the M. E. Church, and he has been a trustee of same
for several years. In early manhood Mr. Eberman
was married to Ellen, daughter of Peter Wilson,
of Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn., and the names
of the children born to them are as follows: Sid
ney, Albert, Mary, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Anna,
George, John S., Charles, Wilson and Cora.
John S. Eberman, son of George M. and
Ellen Eberman, was born March 6, 1859, in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1123

California, Washington Co., Penn. He received
a public-school education, and then attended the
Southwestern State Normal School, at California,
from which he graduated iu 1878. After gradu
ating he entered the employ of J. W. Smith,
a druggist of California, remaining there until
1882, and then formed a partnership with Miss
Jennie Smith in the drug business. In 1888
he purchased her interest, and has since continued
the establishment, carrying on a full line of drugs
and sundries, and by good management has se
cured a large and profitable custom. On October
23, 1886, he was married to Mary G., daughter of
John Guffey. Mr. Eberman is identified with the
Republican party, has served in various^ local
offices, and in 1882 he was appointed postmaster at
California, holding that position until the election
of Cleveland as President, when he resigned. He
has served as director of the First National Bank
of California since that institution was first incor
porated, and has been treasurer of the Southwest
ern State Normal School for the past seven years.
In religious connection he is a zealous member of
the M. E. Church. He has in his possession a book
which has been in the family for 118 years, and
a number of deeds and articles almost as ancient.
He is in correspondence with a branch of the family
in Stuttgart, Germany, who own the leading bank
ing house there, and who have sent him the very
interesting early history of the family.

OBERT CARR BYERS, M. D., was born
in Cumberland county, Penn., April 20,
1820, a son of Isaac and Mary (Carr) Byers.
Abraham Byers, his grandfather, was also
a native of Cumberland county, born near
Carlisle, where he was reared and educated. He
became an extensive teamster or wagoner, his route
being for the most part between Baltimore and
Philadelphia, and points farther west, he having as
many as five teams on the road. This vocation he
followed for several years and then went West,
after which nothing was heard of him. He had
married, in Chester county, Penn., Margaret Bren-
neman, who bore him two children: Isaac and
Samuel. Isaac Byers, father of Robert C, was educated
in the subscription schools of his native county
(Chester, Penn.), and when yet a youth proceeded
to Philadelphia, where he learned the trade of shoe
maker. Soon after completing his apprenticeship
he moved to Cumberland county, same State, and
there followed his trade some years, at the end of
which time he came to Washington county, and
took up his residence near Canonsburg. Here he
carried on another trade, that of carpenter and
builder, up to 1849, in which year he moved to
Portsmouth, Ohio, where he died in 1865. In 1811

he married Mary Carr, a resident of Cumberland
county, and the following named eight children
were born to them: Hiram, Elizabeth, Sarah (Mrs.
James Munn), Mary (Mrs. David Woodring), Ro
bert C, Isaac, Fannie and Hannah (Mrs. Masters).
Mr. Byers was a Democrat in his political sym
pathies, and in religion he was a member of the
M. E. Church, although the faith of his forefathers
was Presbyterian.
Robert C. Byers was a boy when his parents
came to Washington county (in 1823), and it may
be said of him that he is self-educated, as his school
experiences were very limited. At the age of ten
years he commenced to work on a farm, and when
he was about twelve years old entered the employ
of his brother, Hiram, in Monongahela (then called
Williamsport), to learn the tailor trade, becoming
a journeyman at the end of two years. His first
venture in business for himself was, in 1839, made
in Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn., where he
carried on tailoring six years. In 1845 he moved
to Perryopolis, Fayette county, where he remained
three years. While there he studied medicine under
Dr. Estep, thence, in 1848, went to Fayette City,
same county (then called Cookstown), and em
barked in the drug business, in which he has since
continued with eminent success, moving to Belle
Vernon, F'ayette county, in 1860, thence, in 1873,
to Monongahela, this county, where he now resides.
On September i7, 1839, Dr. Byers married Emily
F., daughter of Micajah Churchman, a native of
Delaware, who was twice married, first time to Eliza
Sinclair, of New York, who bore him the following
named children: Sinclair, William, Emily F. and
Caroline. Mr. Churchman's second wife was Mrs.
Sarah May, widow of Rev. May, an Episcopal min
ister, and by her marriage with Mr. Churchman she
had three children: Francis M., Edward and Hen
rietta. Mr. Churchman was a Whig and a strong
Abolitionist; in religious faith he was a member of
the Society of Friends. He was an enterprising and
well-to-do farmer and stock raiser. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Byers were: Albert
S.; Mary J., married to Isaac Bailey, now deceased
( they had no children ; she resides in Monongahela) ;
Emma E., married to John Furnier (they reside
near Allenport, Washington county, and they have
seven children, viz.: Oliver, Bertha, Robert, Clyde,
Thurman, Lilly and Garnet); Robert Eugene
Byers, a leading druggist of Monongahela, was
married to Miss Josephine Camp; William C. is a
graduate physician of Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, and is a member of the medical firm
of Copeland, Hall and Byers, Pittsburgh and Phila
delphia (he married Miss Mary Clark, daughter of
Capt. Wm. Clark, and resides in Pittsburgh. They
had two children: Mazey, and Birdie, who died at
the age of ten months); Elward I. Byers (de
ceased), who was a druggist, and was married to

1124

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Miss Sarah Nevada Clark, and had two children:
Emma and Robert W.; Theodore M. Byers, a dry-
goods merchant of Monongahela, married to Miss
Agnes J. Cline, of Nebraska; and Carrie L., who
died at the age of three years.
The paternal ancestor of Dr. Robert C. Byers was
German, while his maternal ancestor was Welsh.
His grandmother, Mary Bruce, was born in Scot
land, whence she came with her brothers, Robert
and William Bruce, to Cumberland county, Penn.
The brothers were soldiers in the war of 1812,
and volunteered under Gen. Scott; both were cap
tured and taken to England, and William died in
a prison; Robert returned to Cnmberland county,
where he died soon after from the effects of his con
finement in prison. Both these brothers died with
out issue. Dr. Byers is a member of the M. E.
Church; in politics he was a Whig and Republican,
but is now a Greenbacker. He is a member of the
I. O. O. F. His wife, Emily F., had a birthright
by her parents among the Society of Friends; there
being no Society of Friends where she has resided
since her marriage, she has united with the M. E.
Church. Dr. Byers ranks among the leading men
of the town, and he and his wife enjoy the confi
dence and respect of all who know them.

ANIEL SNYDER represents one of the
earliest and most prosperous families of
Washington county, his ancestors having
come to the State over one hundred years

They were probably natives of the eastern por
tion of the State, although the exact place is not
known. The grandfather of our subject was the
first of the family to settle in Washington county,
and he made his home in Nottingham township,
where his son, Peter, the father of our subject, was
born and reared.
Peter Snyder was born February 23, 1823, and
when a young man learned the trade of shoemak-
ing which, in connection with farming, he followed
for vears, but his later life was spent in agricult
ural" pursuits. In 1847 he married Julia A. Crabb,
who was born May 9, 1830, in Fallowfield township.
Her family were also early settlers of the county.
Pier grandfather, Henry Crabb, a shoemaker by
trade,' died in Fallowfield township. His son, Philip
Crabb, the father of Mrs. Snyder, was twice mar
ried; his first wife died without children, and for a
second wife he married Elizabeth House, who bore
him children as follows: Henry, Philip, Elizabeth,
Julia Ann, Lucy, Charlotte and Caroline.
The father of these children died in 1846, aged
eighty-four years. The mother died some years
later. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Snyder
settled on the fifty-acre" tract of land where our

subject now makes his home, and here their chil
dren were born as follows: Mary J., the wife of
Abram Stecher; Alexander, married to Flora All-
man; Daniel, of whom mention is made further on;
John G., who was a farmer of Fallowfield township,
and died June 30, 1891; Henry M., of Carroll town
ship, who married Cynthia Bentley; Lucretia, mar
ried to Samuel Beazell; George B., a school
teacher, of Washington county, still living with his
mother; Frank P., a stone mason, who also resides
at his mother's home; and James S., also on the
home farm. Of Peter Snyder it may be said that,
although he began life with no financial assistance,
by hard work and good business management he
accumulated a very considerable property, having
purchased 110 acres of fine land in addition to the
fifty acres on which his home was first made after
his marriage; on this large tract he passed the rest of
his days and his widow now makes it her home. Mr.
Snyder served his township in almost every capac
ity and was one of the most popular men in the
community. He died November 23, 1882, at the
age of fifty-eight years.
Daniel Snyder, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born May 9, 1851, on the farm where he now
resides. On June 16, 1892, he was married to Miss
Alice Jacobs, a native of Allegheny county, Penn.,
and daughter of Isaac Jacobs, a well-known agri
culturist of Washington county, but formerly of
Allegheny county. Mr. Snyder, while living on the
old farm, has charge of the entire farm, nearly 164
acres, and carries on a general farming and stock
business, making a specialty of sheep. He is a
Democrat in his political preferences, and has filled
various local offices. He is a well-known man and
a worthy son of honored parents.

E

MMOR M. G. CRAWFORD is a native of
the county, born one mile from the borough
of Beallsville, June 3, 1857, a son of Mor-
J decai and Catherine (Kreider) Crawford,
the former a native of Cumberland, Md., the latter
of Rankintown, Washington county, Penn. Chris
topher Kreider, the maternal grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, was a native of Germany,
and many years ago came to America, settling in
Indiana, near Lake Michigan, where he died. His
son, Christopher, married in Indiana, and in course
of time came to Rankintown (now called West
Ws>shington),Penn., and here kept hotel for several
years, working also at his trade, that of blacksmith.
Returning to Indiana, he and his wife passed the
remainder of their days in Cass county, the husband
dying first, the wife many years afterward at the
age of eighty-eight years. Their children were:
Mary, Catherine, Nancy, Christopher, John, Philip,
Jacob, William, and two that died when young. Of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

112;

these William, Catherine and Nancy are living:
William in Logansport, Ind.; Nancy, in Cass county,
Ind., and Catherine (Mrs. Crawford).
William Crawford, grandfather of subject, died
in Cumberland, Md. Mordecai Crawford came to
Washington county, Penn., when but a small child,
and here learned wagon making with his uncle,
Samuel J. Rogers, at Beallsville, a trade he fol
lowed some twenty-six years. Afterward he carried
on farming operations for nine years, and then re
moved to Indiana. In 1862 he returned to Wash
ington county, where he has since resided, and
with his wife, who is now aged seventy-nine years,
while he is nearing his ninetieth mile-stone on life's
journey, is making his home in Beallsville. They
are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom
are now living, viz.: Samuel R., in West Pike
Run township; John A., in Cass county, Ind.;
Margaret Emma, married to Frank D. Nicholl, of
Somerset township; Alonzo, in South Strabane
township; Charles K., in Somerset township; E.
M. G., the subject of these lines, and Josephine,
wife of Ira Chamberlain, in Fayette county, Penn.
E. M. G. Crawford received a liberal education
at the common schools of his district, and until
twenty-six years of age lived on the paternal home
stead, assisting in the manifold duties of the farm.
He then learned the photographic art in Washing
ton, working for S. G. Rodgers five and one-half
years,and afterward was employed for six months by
F. S. Hawkins as finisher. In 1890 he opened a gal
lery in Brownsville, Fayette county, Penn., which
he carried on till 1891, when he returned to Wash
ington and commenced business for his own ac
count. Mr. Crawford has made a good start, and
being well-known, exceedingly popular and a good
workman, devoted to his business, keeping up to
the times in improvements in his line, has a bright
future before him.
On August 28, 1884, Mr. Crawford was married
to Miss Annie R., daughter of W. C. La Masters,
of Washington, Penn., and by this union three
children have been born: Walter M. (deceased),
and Leola R. and Essie May, at home.

R. RENSHAW, proprietor of the leading
livery stable in AVashington, was born in
1\ 1854, in Armstrong county, Penn., as on
J of W. H. Renshaw, a native of Philadel
phia, where he followed the occupation of
a river pilot for many years, but is now a farmer in
Armstrong county, fie married Miss Louisa Rog
ers (now deceased), of "old-country" parentage,
and nine children were born to them, all of whom
live in Armstrong county except the subject of
these lines.
A. R. Renshaw was reared in his native county,
at the common schools of which he received a lib

eral education. Early in life he learned the trade
of a carpenter, which he followed for several years.
On February 15, 1890, he came to Washington
county, and bought out the livery stable which he
has since successfully conducted. On January 1,
1890, he was united in marriage with Annie B.
Kerr, of Armstrong county, Penn. Our subject's
home is on East AVheeling street.

E

DWARD THOMAS was born in 1809, in this
county, a son of Joseph Thomas, who came
to Washington county at an early period, but
years afterward moved to Ohio, and died
in that State. Edward grew to manhood on the
home place, and in 1834 was united in marriage
with Eliza Beck, whose grandfather (Isaiah Beck)
was born in Philadelphia, and married in bis native
city, afterward moving to Washington county,
where he died. Edward and Eliza Thomas first
settled near Canonsburg, Penn., then moved upon
the farm now occupied by their son Edmund, and
reared the following children: Martha Jane (Mrs.
McClellan, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Nancy
(living in Ohio), Lydia (wife of James Johnson, of
Ohio), Sarah (deceased several years ago), Isaiah
(living in Chartiers township), William (living in
East Finley township, this county), Mary (married
to Andrew Gamble), Maggie (living in Ohio),
Anna (deceased in youth), Edmund, Emma (de
ceased) and Caroline (Mrs. Baker Lewis, of Tus
carawas county, Ohio). The father of these chil
dren died in 1885, at the home of his son Edmund.
He was an active politician, first as a Democrat and
then as a Republican. Mrs. Thomas is yet living
in Tuscarawas, Ohio.
Isaiah Thomas was born in Canonsburg, Char
tiers township, and there received his early educa
tion. In 1874 he was united in marriage with
Miss Mattie Agnew, daughter of Thomas and Sarah
(Dougherty) Agnew, natives of this county; the
father died some years ago, and the mother is now
living with her daughter Mattie. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas have two sons : George N. and Albert R.
After his marriage Isaiah Thomas settled on the
farm where he is now living. He owns eighty-
eight acres of the home farm, also fourteen acres in
Canton township, and has erected a good residence
and farm buildings on the place, a good gas well
being an other valuable feature of his farm. Mr.
Thomas is an active Republican, and has held sev
eral township offices. He and his wife are both
members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Edmund Thomas was born November 14, 1856,
in Chartiers township, Washington county. He
passed his youth in Chartiers township, there re
ceiving his elementary education in the district
schools. After leaving school he began farming
on the old homestead, which he now owns, and

1126

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

which consists of 106 acres of fertile and well-cul
tivated soil. He has two good gas wells on the
place, and is a prosperous farmer, devoting con
siderable attention to stock raising. Politically he
is a Republican, actively interested in the success
of his party, as well as in all worthy public en
terprises.

JAMES M. MELONEY, a well-known and
prosperous business man of Midway, is a
bright example of the results which can be
obtained by those who possess energy and
patience, coupled with a willing heart and physical
strength. He is descended from a pioneer family
of Irish extraction.
Samuel Moloney, the grandfather of the family
at present under consideration, was born in east
ern Pennsylvania, where he was married and had
two children, Alexander and Rachel. After the
death of his first wife, Samuel Meloney was united
in marriage with Nancy Berry, who bore him the
following family of children: William, James,
Samuel, John, Mary, Kate, Margaret, Nancy, Rose,
Ann, Susan and Robert. At the time of the settle
ment in western Pennsylvania, the land was wild,
wolves and other animals yet roaming the forests;
and like that of other early settlers, the life of
Samuel Meloney was filled with toil, privation
and danger. Politically he was actively interested
in the success of the Democratic party, and in re
ligion was a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian
Church. He died on the home farm.
Alexander Meloney was born in the latter part
of the eighteenth century, on the pioneer farm in
Allegheny county, Penn., where his entire life was
passed. He was early inducted into the mysteries
of agriculture, assisting with the home work. In
early manhood he was united in marriage with
Jane, daughter of David McAdams, who bore him
two sons, James M. and John (deceased). Alex
ander Meloney was a hard-working man, and was
actively engaged in the growth and prosperity of
the Raccoon Presbyterian Church of Robinson
township, of which he was a member. He was
buried in the Valley Church cemetery.
James M. Meloney, whose name commences
these lines, was born July 25, 1825, in Finley
township, Allegheny county, Penn., and was
trained to farm work from early boyhood. He fol
lowed agricultural life for several years, aud on
June 17, 1849, selected, as his life companion, Isa
bella, daughter of Samuel Eckleson, a native of Ire-
and, who came with his parents to America. He
was afterward married in this country to Anna Mc-
Cague, and reared the following family of children:
Thomas, John, Isabella, Martha, Euphemia, Samuel
and Mary A. The father settled in Allegheny
county, Penn., where his life was passed, He was

a Whig and Republican in politics, and in religion
a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
In 1870 Mr. Meloney discontinued agricultural
work, and opened an undertaking establishment
upon his farm. The business soon increased to
such proportions that he decided to remove to town
and devote his entire attention to it. Accordingly
in 1880 the family moved to Midway, this county,
where he carried on a very profitable business until
1891, when he sold out and retired from active life.
For many years Mr. Meloney has been a zealous
member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, hav
ing held nearly all | the church offices, and is now
fillino- the various duties of elder, trustee, collector,
and treasurer of the Sabbath-school. Politically
he is an ardent worker in the ranks of the Demo
cratic party.

f/OHN HUGHES, retired farmer, is a native
I of Washington county, Penn., having been
^J born in Amwell township, May 15, 1821.
^"^ His grandfather, John Hughes, a native of
Ireland, came to the United States when a young
man, and participated in the Revolutionary war in
the capacity of captain. He married Miss Sarah
Wiley, who bore him seven children: Thomas,
James, Barnabas, Samuel, John, Annie and Isa
bella. The parents of this family both died in
Washington county, and are buried in the Van-
Kirk graveyard in Amwell township.
Barnabas Hughes, third son of Capt. John Hughes,
was born in Amwell township, AVashington Co.,
Penn., where he was reared to agricultural pursuits,
attending during a few weeks in winter time the
schools of the district. He married Annie Van-
Kirk, of his native township, and they had seven
children born to them, viz.: James, William,
Thomas, John (our subject), Sarah (Mrs. Monin
ger), Mary (Mrs. J. C. Chambers) and Margaret
(Mrs. Ross, formerly of Indiana), all now deceased
except John. The parents died in Amwell town
ship, the mother at the age of sixty-six years, and
the father some years later at the age of eighty-six.
They were members of the Christian Church, and
in politics Mr. Hughes was for some time a Jack
sonian Democrat, but of later years voted the Re
publican ticket.
John Hughes, the subject of this sketch, spent
his early life on the farm, attending during the
winter months the elementary schools of his district,
after which ha entered AVashington College, from
which he graduated in 1843, taking a classical
course. He then returned to the farm and renewed
his life vocation. He taught school for some time.
In 1855 he removed from Amwell township, having
bought the Nichol farm in Franklin township,
which in 1886 he disposed of, and then moved into
the borough of Washington, where he now resides.

€cy?mmd

'jmcnije^j

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1129

In 1845 Mr. Hughes was united jn marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Nichol, of Franklin
township, and they had three children born to them :
Franklin and Samuel, both of whom died while
young, and Mary, living with her parents. The
family are members of the Christian Church, in
which for forty years Mr. Hughes has been an elder.
Politically he was first a Republican, but now votes
the straight Prohibition ticket.

1 AMES M. DAWSON. The family of which
this gentleman is a prominent member has
If | for many years been closely identified with the
^•^ interests and progress of Union township, the
grandfather (James) having settled here in an early
day. The latter was born in Ireland, and on arriv
ing in America came to Pennsylvania. He located
on a farm near Pigeon Creek church, in Washing
ton county, where the following children were born
to him: John, Mary, Thomas, Matthew, James,
Sarah, Jane, Margaret, Elizabeth, Catherine, and
William. William Dawson, youngest child of James Daw
son, the pioneer, was born October 4, 1800, in the
old cabin on Pigeon creek, Washington county,
Penn., and his youth was passed amid the hardships
and dangers inseparable from the life of a frontiers
man. In 1835 he married Martha Kennedy, a na
tive of Mingo, W ashington county. After their
marriage the young people resided on Pigeon creek
until 1847, when they settled on a tract of seventy-
five acres in Union township, same county. Will
iam Dawson passed away September 1, 1887, having
been preceded by his wife, who died June 30, 1883,
leaving three children, viz.: Mary J., James M. and
Martha A., all of whom are living on the home
place.

f

MANUEL STOODY is a native of Washing
ton county, having been born in 1824 on
the north fork of Pigeon creek, where his
school days were passed. His father, Jacob
Stoody, was born of German ancestry in
1798, in Somerset township, this county, and passed
his youth on the home farm. When he was a
young man, a family moved into the neighborhood
from Maryland. Young Stoody soon made the ac
quaintance of Andrew Long, the new-comer, for his
pretty daughter Barbara was a most desirable addi
tion to the social circle. Jacob Stoody and Bar
bara Long soon became warm friends, and this in
timacy finally culminated in their marriage. Mrs.
Stoody was born in 1801 and died in 1865, leaving
the following children: Margaret, wife of Joshua
Craven, this county; Rosanna, married to John
Guthrie, a farmer of this county; John; Manuel;
Mary, wife of James Morrison, of Nottingham town-
53

ship, this county; Elizabeth, married to Jacob Yohe,
of Carroll township, this county; Sarah, wife of
Mark Yohe, cousin of Jacob Yohe; Henry, and
Jacob. The father died January 13,1834.
Manuel Stoody grew to manhood on the home
farm, and in 1846 was united in marriage with
Mary, daughter of John Jones, a native of Fallow
field township. The following children were born
to them: Jacob A., Rachel Ann, Melissa J., Will
iam M. (deceased; he was a graduate of the South
western State Normal School, at California, Penn.,
and became a prominent teacher in the county),
Louella L. (deceased; she also graduated at the
Southwestern State Normal School, and afterward
at the National School of Elocution and Oratory,
at Philadelphia), and John H., a Methodist minis
ter, a graduate of the University of Rochester, N.
Y. The mother was called to her long home Sep
tember 9, 1889. Mr. Stoody learned and until re
cently followed the carpenter trade, and is now
farming on his place, which contains seventy acres
of land, situated about six miles south of Monon
gahela, and four miles west of Charleroi.

THOMAS M. PATTERSON represents a
pioneer family of Washington county, Penn.
His grandfather, James Patterson, was born
in County Down, Ireland, and received his
early education in his native land. At the
age of fourteen years he came with his parents to
Washington county, Penn., and they settled in
Canton township, on the farm now owned by John
McClay, erecting their cabin home in the wild
woods of the new country. At the age of twenty-
six years James Patterson was married to Mary
Miller, a native of Chartiers township, and after
marriage the young couple settled on the farm in
Hopewell township, now owned by Lemon Patter
son (a grandson). Politically, James Patterson was
first a Federalist, then a Whig, and next an active
worker with the Abolitionists. He was among the
earliest members of the Seceder Church at North
Buffalo, his parents being also members of that de
nomination; he was a member of and elder in same
for fifty years, holding that office at the time of the
coalition of the Seceder and Union Churches, and
was always very active in church work. He was
also successful in business matters, having made
his own way in the world. He died in 1868, in his
ninety-second year, and was buried by the side of
his wife in North Buffalo cemetery. They were
the parents of the following children: Alexander,
Thomas, Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Leper), Elizabeth
(wife of James Richmond), Jane (married to James
Armstrong), James, David, Mary (Mrs. Taggart),
John and Martha.
John Patterson, son of James and Mary (Miller)
Patterson, was born on the home farm in Hope-

1130

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

well township, this county, receiving his education
in a school which was held in the upper story of a
log spring house. He was married to Jane, daugh
ter of Thomas McClellan, and they continued to
reside on the old place until his death. John Pat
terson was originally an active Whig and Aboli
tionist, afterward becoming an ardent Republican;
he was much interested in school matters, and
served as school director for years. He was formerly
a member of the Seceder Church, but later in life
united with the U. P. Church at North Buffalo,
contributing liberally to the support of each. Mrs.
Patterson is yet living, and makes her home with
her son, Lemon. The remains of Mr. Patterson
were interred in the cemetery at North Buffalo,
Thomas M. Patterson, son of John and Jane
(McClellan) Patterson, was born April 1, 1853, in
fiopewell township, this county, where his early
life was passed in attending the public schools, and
in working on the farm. When but fourteen years
of age he began business for himself, but remained
at home some time after reaching maturity. On
January 3, 1878, he was united in marriage with Liz
zie, daughter of William Proudfit,of Smith township,
this county. For three years after their marriage
they remained on a farm in Hopewell township,
then moved to another one in the same township,
upon which they also lived three years, afterward
settling in Burgettstown, Penn., where they
have since resided. The children of Thomas M.
and Lizzie (Proudfit) Patterson are John, Willie,
Kate, Jennie and Thomas M. In 1891 Mr. Patter
son was nominated by the Republican party for
State representative, and was not only elected, but
ran ahead of his ticket; he is now filling that posi
tion. He is a member of the U. P. Church of
Burgettstown, in which he takes an active interest.

\ILLIAM J. MUNCE, one of the prosper
ous agriculturists of the county, whose
residence has been on East Beau street,
Washington, since 1889, is a native of
Washington county, having been born in South
Strabane township in 1818.
His father, Robert Munce, a native of County
Down, Ireland, came to America in 1803, bringing
with him his wife, whose maiden name was Mary
Quaile. Her father, William Quaile, came to this
country and county some years later, and died in
North Strabane township at an advanced age,
Robert Munce- bought a farm in South Strabane
township, where, when our subject was but a lad,
he died at the age of fifty-four years; his wife sur
vived him several years, dying at the age of seventy-
two. They were the parents of the following chil
dren: Thomas, William J., Robert (in North Stra
bane township), Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Jang

(widow of Robert Carnes), and Catherine (wife of
John McLain, in Texas), all now deceased except
William J., Robert, Jane and Catherine.
William J. Munce was brought up on the old
home farm, which is situated three miles northeast
of Washington, receiving his education at the
schools of the neighborhood. After his parents'
death he married Elizabeth Miller, daughter of
Hugh Miller, who came from Ireland in 1854, and
died in Washington, this county, as did also his
wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Munce nine children were
born: Robert, Miller and Samuel (all on farms),
Russell, James, Edward, Mary, and William and
David (both of whom died when young). One of
Mr. Munce's three farms lies in the oil belt, and
comprises 630 acres in one body. Politically, our
subject is a Republican, but is not now active in
his party.

( \JLLIAM DeGARMO, who for fourscore
was a resident of Washington
was a grandson of Paul DeGarmo,
ichman, who immigrated to America
and died in Washington county, Penn.
Jacob DeGarmo, father of subject, was a na
tive of the Keystone State, and was united in
marriage with Hannah Ames, who was born in
1790, a daughter of Joshua Ames, a shoemaker by
trade. She became the mother of fourteen chil
dren, viz.: Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Hannah,
John, Mary, Martin Smith, Absalom, Jacob John
son, Jabez Gifford, Maria (wife of William Bell),
Hiram, Jerome and an infant daughter, twelve of
whom lived to maturity. Jacob J., Jabez G. and
Maria are in WestVirginia. She died in 1882. One
son, Hiram, entered the "Ringgold Battalion," and
served three years under Capt. Gibson.
William DeGarmo, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born December 11, 1810, in Pennsylva
nia, and was two years of age when his parents
moved to Washington comnty, where he was
reared and educated. On April 15, 1830, he was
married to Elizabeth Case, a native of this county,
daughter of Stephen Case, who died when she was
a child, and their children were Julia A., wife of
Isaac Hartman (she died July 3, 1864, leaving one
child, six weeks old, named Lizzie, whose home
was afterward made with her grandparents; her
father married, for his second wife, Adeline Dague,
who bore him two children: Charles Lindsey and
Anna May; the father died about the year 1872);
Hannah, Mrs. Thomas Lytle, of Nottingham town
ship; Elizabeth, married to M. Hartley, of Am
well township; Lucinda, wife of Adam Fergus, of
Somerset township; and Maria, who all her lifetime
remained at home with her parents, caring for them
in their declining years, and now that they are
gone, ber niece and herself remain at the old home

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1131

which has been left to her by her father. On Sep
tember 6, 1892, Mrs. DeGarmo passed from earth
at the age of eighty-three years, and six months
later, Feb. 28, 1893, her husband, at the same ad
vanced age, followed her over the "dark river."
They had been married nearly sixty-three years.
Mr. DeGarmo was a Democrat arid had filled sev
eral local offices. They commenced life in a very
humble way, and all their possessions were accum
ulated by hard work and judicious economy. Mr.
DeGarmo in addition to his farming persuits made
many sleds out of the roots of trees, and this in
dustry he followed in connection with agriculture
till his eyesight began to fail him. He was gen
erally in the enjoyment of good health, was of
medium size and at the time of his death his hair
and beard were as white as the driven snow. The
old homestead contains sixty acres of prime land.

THEODORE M. BYERS, a leading dry-goods
merchant of Monongahela, is a native of the
Keystone State, born November 15, 1852,
in Allenport, Washington county, as son of
Robert C. and Emily F. (Churchman) Byers.
Our subject received a liberal education at the
common schools of his native town, and early in
life commenced gaining an insight into the mer
cantile business in his father's drug store, where he
remained several years, completely mastering that
line of trade. On the death of his brother Edward
I., he took his drug store, which had but recently
been stocked, intending to close out the business;
but after a time concluded to continue it. By
energy and close attention to business he succeeded
beyond his most sanguine expectations. In 1880 he
embarked in his present enterprise, the dry-goods
business in which he is successfully eno-ao-ed.
On August 8, 1883, Mr. Byers was married to
Agnes J., daughter of James Cline, of Nebraska.
Mr. Byers is an active Republican in his political
predilections, and in religion is a member of the M.
E. Church, in which he has served as steward, and
of the Sabbath-school of which he has been super
intendent eleven years. Socially he is a member
of Lodge No. 337, F. & A. M., Monongahela, of
the Rdyal Arch, Chapter 249, and of St. Omer
Commandery No. 7 K. T. Mr. Byers is enterpris
ing and progressive, genial in his manner and pop
ular among his many friends with whom he has
surrounded himself.

AMUEL DUNN (deceased) was born in
1817, in County Down, Ireland, where he
received his education, and learned and fol
lowed the trade of a weaver. In 1841 he
was united in marriage with Miss Grace Campbell,
who wag bprn in 1849? in County Down, Ireland, a

daughter of William and Grace (Smith) Campbell,
the former of whom was a merchant there.
In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dunn, casting
their eyes to the Western World, embarked, at Bel
fast, Ireland, on the ocean steamer "Enterprise,"
and a few weeks later landed at New York. With
but little capital to invest, the young people suc
ceeded in making their way successfully, although
strangers in a strange land, and finally located at
McDonald, in Washington county, Penn. Samuel
Dunn remained there as a tenant for some time,
when, having saved a considerable amount from
his hard-earned savings, he bought some land at
Centre (now known as Midway), in Smith town
ship, and followed teaming, hauling coal, etc.
With the assistance of his faithful wife, who was
both economical and industrious, he made a fair
income, and was able to save some money from his
daily profits. On April 30, 1880, he was laid to
rest. Mrs. Dunn is now living a retired life, in the
enjoyment of the respect and good wishes of the
entire community. She is a consistent member of
the United Presbyterian Church, as was also her
deceased husband.

JM. MOORE, M. D., a popular physician of
Midway, Penn., is the eldest son of J. S.
Moore, of Cecil township, this county. Dr.
J. M. Moore was born March 26, 1861, in Mt.
Pleasant township, this county, and received his
early education in the common schools of the day.
He then entered Canonsburg Academy, where he
remained three years, meanwhile paying his way
by employment outside of school hours. The young
student soon decided to follow the life of a physi
cian, and thus far he and the patients who have
been under his care may congratulate themselves
that such was his choice. Every man is undoubt
edly adapted to some particular vocation, and that
Dr. Moore has taken the vocation best suited to
his talents is demonstrated by the laurels he has
already won as a healer of bodily infirmities. He
commenced his medical studies under the direction
of Dr. J. H. Christy, of Paris, from whom he ob
tained a thorough and practical knowledge of the
medical science. In 1883 he entered Cleveland
Medical College, graduating February 25, 1885.
He then began his professional career at Florence,
a small town in Hanover township, this county,
where he remained six years, thence moving to his
present home in Midway, this county, many of his
former patients yet coming from Florence to him.
Dr. Moore has a large and lucrative practice, and
enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
On September 23, 1886, he was united in mar
riage with Mary, daughter of Robert McCready, of
Hanover township, this county, and one daughter
has been born to them, Ola Winifred,

1132

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

In church relationship the Doctor is a zealous
worker in and devoted member of the United Pres
byterian Church. Politically he was formerly a
Republican, but since the temperance question
arose has been an advocate of Prohibition.

OBERT McCREADY is a representative of
an old and well-known family. His grand
father, Alexander McCready, was born
about 1760, in Ireland, where he married
Sarah  , who was born in 1758. He
learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. In
1786 he sailed for America, and six months after
his arrival, after making the necessary arrange
ments, he sent for his wife. While Mrs. McCready
was on the ocean her eldest daughter were born.
Soon after the family was^united in this country
they came to Washington county, Penn., locat
ing in Burgettstown, where Alexander worked
at his trade and other employment. He assisted
in digging the race for the old mill which used to
stand southeast of Burgettstown, known as " Mc-
Farland's Mill," and for doing his work received
seventy-five acres of land in Smith township.
He removed to this farm, and passed the remaining
days of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was a
Whig in politics. He died February 24, 1850, his
wife on May 25, 1847, and they were buried in the
U. P. cemetery of Burgettstown, Penn. They left
the following children: Ann (Mrs. John Maxwell),
Alexander, John, William, Robert, Rebecca (wife
of John Custard), and Mary (Mrs. White), all now
deceased. Robert McCready was born in 1801, near Bur
gettstown, Penn., where he attended the rate schools
of that period, and learning the shoemaker's trade,
followed it in Burgettstown. In early life he was
married to Mary Reed, who was born in Allegheny
county, Penn., in 1797. The young couple lived a
short time in Burgettstown, thence moving to Pitts
burgh, Penn., where he worked at his trade, and
later conducted a hotel on Smithfield street, oppo
site the present site of the " Monongahela House."
In 1840 he left Pittsburgh and returned to Burgetts
town. In 1842 he removed to Hanlin Station,
Washington county, and there passed the remain
der of his life. In politics he was a lifelong Dem
ocrat. He died in 1872, his wife having crossed
the river October 15, 1859, and both were buried
in the U. P. cemetery at Paris. Their children
were as follows: Sarah Jane (Mrs. Lewis Saxton, of
Pittsburgh); Alexander (who died in Brooke
county, AV. Va.); Robert (our subject); Margaret
Ann (Mrs. William Beall, of Hanover township);
and Mary E. (married to James Gibson).
Robert McCready was born December 10, 1833,
in Pittsburgh, Penn. When but a small boy his
parents removed to Harlin Station, Washington

county, where he was educated; he learned the
trade of a shoemaker. On March 24, 1859, he was
married to Elizabeth Gibson, who was born No
vember 16, 1836, daughter of Robert and Jane
(Cunningham) Gibson, of Hanover township, a
representative of one of the oldest families in the
vicinity. The following children have been born
to Robert and Elizabeth McCready: Mary (wife of
Dr. J. M. Moore, of Midway, Penn.); Jennie V.
(Mrs. John McConnell, of Hanover township);
Luella (at home); Robert D. (a clerk at McDon
ald, Penn.); James A. and George G. (both living
with their parents). Mr. and Mrs. McCready began
wedded life on the place near Hanlin Station,
where he worked at his trade, then went to Brooke
county, W. Va., thence coming to Jefferson town
ship, this county. He erected a home on a small
piece of land which he had purchased in Jefferson
township, residing there till 1872, then settled on
his present piece of excellent farming land, called
the " old Gibson homestead," in Hanover township.
He has ever since resided on this tract, being en
gaged in general farming, small-fruit growing,
stock raising and the dairy business, prospering in
each department. He votes with the Democratic
party, and in religion both he and his wife are mem
bers of the U. P. Church.

QREER McILVAIN. The Mcllvain family
were originally natives of New Jersey,
where the grandfather (also named Greer
Mcllvain) was born and reared to manhood.
Over a century has rolled away since he,
with his brother George, first came to Washington
county, Penn., and locating on a farm in Somerset
township, died there at an advanced age.
Greer Mcllvain, son of the pioneer, Greer, was
born October 14, 1793, on the farm in Somerset
township, Washington county, Penn. He attended
the subscription schools and passed his entire life
in that township. There he married Jane, daugh
ter of Robert C. Campbell. The latter was of Scotch-
Irish ancestry, and took part in the Revolutionary
war. In early life he was married to a Miss Pax
ton, and they were early settlers of this county.
The father died in 1840, at the age of ninety-eight
years, followed by his wife in her 105th year.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mcllvain were born Eliza,
widow of John Kerr, of Butler county, Penn., and
mother of Rev. G. M. Kerr; Martha, now living
with her relatives in Illinois, formerly resided with
her father until his death; Mrs. Margaret Clark, a
widow, living in Illinois; Mrs. Jane Greenlee, also
a resident of Illinois; Mary Ann, deceased in 1855;
R. C, a prominent agriculturist of Somerset town
ship; and Greer. The father was a stanch supporter
of the Republican party, having taken an active
interest in all public matters. In religion he was a

^y^s^m c/W ^/fonz^L*-^-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

113"

member and elder of the Presbyterian Church, with
which his wife and daughters were also identified.
He died in June, 1889, at the age of ninety-six years.
, Greer Mcllvain, son of Greer and Jane, was born
October 13, 1825, on the home farm in Somerset
township. He attended some time at the subscrip
tion and public schools, and assisted his father with
the duties of the farm for several years after attain
ing his majority. He was married November 14,
1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of F. H. Williams, a
native of Fallowfield township, and a member of an
old family. In 1861 Mr. Mcllvain came to his
present home in Carroll township, which is a beau
tiful farm of 150 acres, bounded on the east by the
Monongahela river. He yet superintends the care
of the place, and has been a very enterprising citi
zen. He is a Republican, and was in the Revenue
service nine years during the administrations
of Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. Mr. and
Mrs. Mcllvain are members of the Presbyterian
Church. Their children are Francis William, liv
ing in Charleroi, Washington county; Mary Vir
ginia, at home; James Edgar, a lumberman of
Pittsburgh; Charles G., a rising attorney of Pitts
burgh and Monongahela; Ida Jane and Rose Ella,
living on the home place.

I OSEPH H. LITTLE, M. D. In the year 1066
| William the Conqueror, with his horde of Nor-
ff J mans, effected a landing in England, and at
^^ the battle of Hastings asserted his claim to
the throne of England. Of the many thousands of
descendants to-day of the Norman heroes the only
family in Ireland who can claim direct lineage are
the Littles, of whom the subject of this sketch is a
member. Moses Little, his grandfather, was born in County
Down, Ireland, whence, when a young man, he
emigrated to this country, settling in Washington
county, Penn., where he purchased land in Stra
bane (now South Strabane) township. At that
time Virginia still claimed jurisdiction over this sec
tion of the country, and the land was only partly im
proved. Wild animals were numerous, and neigh
bors had long distances to go through the dense
forest to visit each other. Moses Little's first
home on his settlement was made of logs, but that
has long since given place to modern improve
ments, and all that is now left of the surroundings
of those primitive days is the ever-living spring of
water which flowed near the door of the old log
house. Here, in Washington county, Mr. Little
married Margaret Locke, who had come from Ire
land in the same ship he did. They were the par
ents of four children, viz.: John, who died in
Franklin, Venango Co., Penn.; David, who died
in South Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn.; Moses, father of Dr.* Little, and Mary,

deceased wife of Zach. Reynolds (their son, Squire
D. L. Reynolds, is now a resident of South Stra
bane township).
Moses Little, the third son of Moses and Mar
garet (Locke) Little, was born in 1800, on a farm
in what is now South Strabane township, and was
there reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1823 he
was united in marriage with Miss Nancy, daughter
of Joseph Harris, of Amwell township, this county,
and the children born to them were Emeline (still
living); Margaret, widow of Samuel W. Melvin
(deceased), and the mother of two children —
Alice and Anna; John H., a farmer in South Stra
bane township; Leroy Woods, who practiced law
in Washington, Penn., and died in 1873, leaving
a widow but no children; Dr. Joseph H. and
Moses, living in Washington. The father died of
heart disease November 11, 1875, on the farm now
owned by his son Moses. He began life quite a
poor boy, having been disinherited by his father
for some imaginary trivial offense, but he made a
success. At one time he was coroner of the coun
ty, and he was an elder in the Cumberland Pres
byterian Church. The mother died in 1879 at the
age of eighty-four years.
Joseph H. Little was born in Amwell township,
Washington Co., Penn. (on the line of South Stra
bane township), May 6, 1835, and grew to man
hood on the farm, sharing in the many duties
incident to agricultural life. His primary educa
tion was received at the common schools of the
neighborhood, and later he attended select schools,
after which he entered Washington College, where
he took a classical course. On June 21, 1855, on
completion of the college course, he received the
degree of A. B.; in June, 1858, the degree of
A. M. from the same institution ; in March, 1859,
M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and
February 22, 1861, Ad Eundem degree of M. D.
from Columbia University, Washington, D. C.
During his vacations he taught school, whereby he
acquired means to enable him to prosecute his
studies and aid him through his course. Having
completed his studies, our subject was then ap
pointed principal of Blairsville Academy, in Indi
ana county, Perm., which incumbency he filled one
year, and then received the appointment of prin
cipal of the academy at West Alexander, this
county. While at Blairsville he commenced the
study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr.
J. AV. Answalt, of that place, afterward continuing
same under Dr. John Wishart & Son, of Washing
ton, this county. He began the practice of his
profession in Allegheny county, Penn., residing
one year at Library, that State, and then proceeded
to Washington, D. C, to fill the position of resi
dent physician at a hospital, receiving the appoint-
' ment under President Buchanan. Here he re
mained until March, 1861, when he again came to

1136

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

West Alexander, and commenced practice. He
had planned to go to North Carolina, but the
breaking out of the Rebellion caused him to
change his plans. In West Alexander he re
mained some thirteen years, or until 1874, in which
year, owing to his father's failing health, he came
into the bdrough of Washington, where he has
since remained, successfully practicing his chosen
profession. The Doctor has been a busy man, his
ride extending far and wide in the county, and
even beyond, no weather ever being too cold or
stormy, and no night at any time too dark or dis
agreeable to prevent him from speeding on his
mission of humanity. His practice is a general
one, and he has been eminently succe'ssful in all
branches. His library is replete with modern
works, for the Doctor, busy as he is, finds time to
drink of the Pierian spring, and he keeps well
abreast with the times.
On March 26, 1862, Dr. Little was married to
Margaret Ann, daughter of Harvey Wadsworth, of
Allegheny county, of English descent. By this
union there is one son, George B., now a druggist
at Greensburgh, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Polit
ically Dr. Little is a Democrat, and in 1870 he ran
for the State Legislature, but the District being
Republican he was defeated. Socially he is a
member of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the
Second Presbyterian Church at Washington. The
Doctor is possessed of a remarkably rugged con
stitution, and is endowed with robust health. He
would frequently be engaged in harvest work dur
ing the day, overseeing the hands, and then at
night be riding over the country, visiting his
numerous patients. The residence of Dr. Joseph
H. Little is No. 215 South Main street, in the bor
ough of Washington.

DR. A. LeGRAND RUNION, a successful and
\ popular physician of Canonsburg, Penn., is
j a representative of an old and prominent
pioneer family of Pennsylvania. His ances
tors were among the number of persecuted French
Huguenots, whose wrongs have been so graphically
pictured in the immortal lines of Longfellow's
" Evangeline." During the Huguenot troubles in
Europe, the family went to Bavaria, and in the lat
ter part of the eighteenth century one Richard
Runion, leaving his native land, came to America,
locating in New Jersey. Prior to his immigration
he had married a young countrywoman, Margaret
Jensenie, wbo bore him children as follows: Charles,
Richard (a soldier in the war of 1812, and buried
at Meadville), Jonathan, Rachel (buried at Bed
ford, Penn.), and Sarah (buried at Carlisle, Penn.).
The father was a plasterer by trade; in church re
lation he was a Seceder.

Charles Runion, son of Richaid and Margaret
Runion, was born in New Jersey, and passed his
boyhood on the home place. He learned the plas
terer's trade, and followed that vocation throughout
life. He married Martha Moorehead, a native
Chambersburg, Penn., and their children were:
Richard, William C. (a resident of Carrollton,
Ohio), Charles S., Jonathan, Wallace, Margaret
( widow of George F. Kennedy, who was a captain
in the war of the Rebellion, and died from the ef
fects of wounds received in the battle of the Wilder
ness), Mary, Martha (wife of Isaac Harsh), and
Rebecca (married to Hugh McCart). Of this fam
ily Richard, William C, Jonathan and Margaret
are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Runion moved to
West Middletown, Penn., some years after their
marriage, remaining there three years, then went
to Carrollton, Ohio, where he died.
Richard Runion was born May 15, 1819, in Cham
bersburg, Penn., where his , boyhood was passed.
He then learned the saddler's trade in Carrollton,
Ohio, following that business nine years, and after
ward entered a general store, retiring from busi
ness in 1869. When a young man he was united
in marriage with Dorothy Prosser, a resident of
Carrollton, Ohio, and five children were born to
their marriage, namely: A. LeGrand, Etta (wife of
George A. Cams), Viola, Florence and Martha.
Mr. Runion has been a Whig and Republican, hav
ing served as a member of the council and trustee
of Canonsburg. His wife died March 2, 1892.
Dr. A. LeGrand Runion was born September 16,
1850, in Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio. He re
mained at home until eighteen years of age, then
worked eleven months in a printing office at Salem,
Columbiana Co., Ohio, afterward entering the Free
Press office in Carrollton, same State. In Novem
ber, 1872, he entered the employ of T. M. Potts,
Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., with whom
he remained until the autumn of 1874. On June
2, 1874, he selected as a helpmeet Nancy E., daugh
ter of Howe Dunlap. After their marriage the
young couple resided one year in Martin's Ferry,
Belmont Co., Ohio, and he then took a course at
the Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. After leaving
this, Dr. Runion followed the drug business for
four months in Sharon, Mercer Co., Penn., then
opened a drug store in Canonsburg, this county.
He resided here two years, studying medicine, and
teaching chemistry and physiology in Jefferson
Academy. At the end of that time he took a
three months' course of study in the Homcepathic
Medical College, followed by two years at the
Western Pennsylvania Medical College, receiving
his degree in March, 1888. During his course at
the Medical College he was the assistant of the
resident physician of the Allegheny County Gen
eral Hospital, and after graduation located in
Canonsburg, where he has achieved a well earned

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

113'

reputation as a skillful and intelligent physician,
having a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Runion
has made a special study of pathology, bacteriolo
gy and microscopy. Politically he is a Republi
can and in church connection a zealous member
of the Chartiers U. P. Society.

', LINTON TEEPLE was bom March 28, 1841,
in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn.
He is a grandson of Isaac Teeple, who was
born August 1, 1760, in the State of New
Jersey. At the age of seventeen years Isaac Teeple came
to Washington county, Penn., locating at Columbia,
in "Horseshoe Bottom" (so called by the Indians),
Carroll township. On November 22, 1788, he
married Catherine Castner, who was born January
24, 1772, a member of one of the earliest families.
The young pair began wedded life on a new farm
in Carroll township, where he erected a log cabin
and conducted one of the first distilleries in that
locality, a business he followed throughout life in
connection with farming. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and in politics voted with the
Democratic party. The names and dates of birth
of the children of this couple are as follows: Jere
miah, October 26, 1790; Christopher and Peter,
August 6, 1792; Mary, September 1, 1794; Joseph,
December 13,1797; Elijah, January 7, 1799; El-
zath, February 27, 1801; Isaac, February 11, 1803;
Michael, May 9, 1805; Katie, March 29, 1807;
Christina, April 12, 1809; Susanna, October 29,
1811; and Teresa, April 4, 1814. The father died
September 17, 1828, followed by Mrs. Teeple Jan
uary 9, 1849, and both were buried in the cemetery
at Monongahela City.
Michael Teeple, father of subject, was born
on the old homestead in Carroll township, and at
tended the subscription schools of the neighborhood
until thirteen years of age. In early manhood he
married Eliza J., daughter of Jesse Montra, of
Monongahela City, and they had four children, viz.:
Jesse, Clinton, Thomas B., and Catherine B., wife
of R. B. Fry. During his earlier life Mr. Teeple
conducted a distillery, but after the death of his
parents he devoted his entire attention to farming
and stock raising. He was a very industrious, en
terprising man, and was ever interested in public
questions, especially those pertaining to religious
or educational progress. In politics he was an ac
tive supporter of the Democratic party, and was
equally zealous in upholding the Presbyterian
Church, with which he was identified. He died
November 6, 1874, followed by his wife March 4,
1883, and both are buried in the cemetery at Mo
nongahela City.
Clinton Teeple passed his early youth at home,
receiving a common-school education. In 1862 he

enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second Pennsyl
vania Cavalry. After his term of service had ex
pired he re-enlisted and remained until the close of
the war, having participated in all the battles of
his regiment, fie entered as a private, and was
first promoted to the rank of orderly sergeant, in
which position he remained eighteen months, then
became second lieutenant. He was at the battle
of Winchester during Sheridan's famous ride, had
two horses shot from under him, and was under fire
fifty-two times. He was mustered out June 9,
1865, and returned home to Washington county,
Penn. On February 15, 1867, Mr. Teeple married
Margaret A., daughter of William Wickerham, and
they first located on a farm in East Bethlehem
township, this county, then lived on another farm
for six months, after which they came to the
home place. In 1875 they went to Lucas county,
Iowa, but returned to the old place two years later,
where they have since resided. Mr. Teeple is a
Democrat, but votes independently; is a member of
the G. A. R., Post 60; also of the F. & A. M. Mr.
and Mrs. Teeple have three children, viz.: Nannie
B., wife of Charles O. Weaver; C. C. W., and Ger
trude M.

AMUEL B. LINDLEY, one of the success
ful business men of Claysville, is a grandson
)&of PhilipwLindley, who was a native of the
State of New Jersey, which had been the
home of the family for many generations. Philip
Lindley was married four times, and had six chil
dren. He learned the trade of a gunsmith, which
he followed the greater part of his life. When the
country was wild and inhabited only by Indians he
came to Washington county, Penn., and amid the
forests of Morris township selected a small tract of
land, to which he afterward added, and on which he
erected a cabin home. He was a soldier in the
Revolution, and served under Washington till the
close of the war. While in one battle he was struck
by a bullet, which inflicted a painful, but not a
dangerous wound, and as they dare not probe for
it, the leaden missile remained with him, a relic of
those days of hardship and danger. Mr. Lindley
was an earnest, energetic citizen, and in politics he
was a Democrat.
Lewis Lindley was born in the pioneer home in
Morris township, Washington county, and received
a limited education in the subscription schools. In
early manhood he was united in marriage with
Bethany, daughter of Bethuel Day, and the follow
ing children were born to their union: Lucretia
(Mrs. Daniel McAllister), Caleb, Stephen, Blachly,
Lucinda (Mrs. Isaac Condit), Samuel B., Hannah
(Mrs-N^rrcrrew Squier), Cordelia (Mrs. Leonard
Baker% Parmelia (Mrs. Colin Andrew), and Elias D.
Mr, Lewis Lindley was interested in all public

1138

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

movements, and in politics was a Democrat. He
died in the year 1860, and was soon followed by
his faithful wife.
Samuel B. Lindley was born in Morris township,
Washington Co., Penn., -and received a good edu
cation in the common schools. In" 1841 he came
to Claysville, Donegal township, and served an ap
prenticeship of two and a half years with Daniel
Kirk, a harness and saddle maker. He afterward
remained a year or two in the employ of Mr. Kirk,
doing the work of a journeyman. Pie then went to
West Finley township, this county, where he re
mained two years, thence to Greene county, same
State, and lived there two years. He then engaged
in the milling business at Lone Pine, Washington
county, and three years later purchased a farm in
West Finley township, residing upon it twelve
years. Finally he settled in his present home in
Claysville. In early life he married Isabella —
who bore him two children: Lewis and Lucretia
(Mrs. Russell). For his second wife he was united
in marriage with Margaret Laird, and she also had
two children: Eliza (Mrs. Theodore Bell) and John
K. His third wife was Mary Alexander, and to
their union were born children as follows: Alexan
der, Mary Margaret (Mrs. Dr. McDough), Mont-
ville, Elias D., Luther D., Laura L. and Mary.
For his fourth wife he married Mrs. Mary Hender-
shot, and they have two daughters: Bessie and
Cordelia C.
On August 8, 1862, Mr. Lindley enlisted in Com
pany K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav
alry, and served throughout the war in the army of
the Potomac. Before the war he was a Democrat,
but since that time has voted the Republican ticket.

AMUEL TAGGART. Among the well-
known and influential husbandmen of Char
tiers township our subject is prominently
identified, occupying a leading position
among the agricultural and business men. He is
descended from an old and well-known pioneer
family of Washington county.
James Taggart, the earliest ancestor of whom we
have an authentic record, was born in Ireland and
immigrated to America, locating first in Phila
delphia, where he was married to Margaret Fer
guson, and in 1784 moved to Washington county,
settling on a farm in Canton township. He was a
member of the Presbyterian Church, being the first
trustee elected in Washington county, and the
organization is yet in existence, having passed its
centennial. He and his wife both died in Canton
township many years ago.
James Taggart was born on the home farm in
Canton township, and selected a life companion in
the person of Martha Fergus, who bore him chil
dren as follows: Margaret (wife of Dr. McCall, of

Cambridge, Ohio), Thomas (deceased in 1836),
James (living in Canton township), Samuel, Sarah
(wife of John McClay, Canton township), Rebecca,
William, John and Mary. Of these children James
and Samuel are the only ones now living. William,
John and Mary died of scarlet fever. Mr. and Mrs.
Taggart settled on a farm in Canton township.
He was an early member of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics was an ardent Democrat,
being actively interested in county matters. James
Taggart died in this county August 29, 1863, bis
wife having preceded him many years.
Samuel Taggart, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born May 5, 1826, on the home place
in Canton township, this county, and received his
early education in the township schools. In 1849
he married Jemima Hannah Kyle, a native of Harri
son county, Ohio, and daughter of William Kyle.
Mr. Kyle was born in Ireland, and came to America
when but a boy, settling in Harrison county, Ohio,
where he married a native of Mercer county, Penn.,
and where he followed farming and died about
1863. His wife had passed away some years before.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Taggart settled
in Chartiers township, on 160 acres of land, which
contained a good gas well. He has put down
another well since purchasing the farm, besides
making various other improvements. Mrs. Taggart
died in 1802, leaving one daughter, Jennie (wife
of Oscar Wilson, of Canton township), and in 1866
Mr. Taggart married Elizabeth Allison, a daughter
of John and Ann (Paxton) Allison, the former a
native of Washington county, the latter of Mercer
county, Penn.; they settled in this county at an
early day. Of this union two children were born,
both of whom died in infancy, and the mother fol
lowed them in 1869. In 1887 Mr. Taggart married
Mary E. Seaman, daughter of Alexander and Mar
garet (Daggs) Seaman, natives of this county. The
father died in 1886, the mother a short time before.
Mr. Taggart is an active worker in the Republican
party, and has held various offices, such as member
of the school board, supervisor, and other offices of
trust and responsibility.

d(ACOB MILLER.
Heaven is not reached by a single bound ;
) We build the ladder by which we rise,
From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies
And we mount to its summit round by round.
Never were words more true than is the
poetic declaration just quoted; true in regard to
the heavenly life, and equally applicable to our
struggles for earthly success. Holland pos
sessed a wonderful knowledge of human nature, as
is evinced in every line of his writing, which never
fails to' find an answering chord in the heart of the

mmm

(PksZsltju^C cJt

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1141

reader. The really successful business men are
those who have mounted " round by round" to the
summit of their lives, pausing not to moan over the
hardships by the way, but ever climbing higher
« act to the living present, heart within and God
o'erhead." Of such material is the gentleman
whose name opens this biography.
His father, Charles Miller, was born and reared
in Germany, receiving an education in the schools
of his native land. AVhen nineteen years of age,
Charles Miller bade farewell to the Fatherland, and
turned his face to the shores of America. After
his arrival he first located in Pennsylvania, and was
married in Lancaster county to Elizabeth Getlmo-
cher, a lady of German descent, and they reared
a family of sixteen children. He was a weaver by
trade, following that vocation until 1827, when he
came to Washington county and opened a tavern.
He was a prosperous man, and in politics a member
of the Democratic party. He died in 1846.
Jacob Miller was born November 22, 1819, near
Baltimore, Md., and passed his youth at home, re
ceiving a country-school education. In 1835 he
came to Washington county and commenced the
tanners' trade with N. F. Brobst, remaining four
and one-half years. On July 1, 1840, he was
united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Simon
Wolf, and to this union were born eleven children,
two of whom are deceased. Mr. Miller began life
on a salary of $5.00 per week, and at the time of
his marriage had $40.00 with which to meet his new
responsibilities. In 1844 he opened a tin and stove
store on Main street, being also engaged in roofing.
He retired from business in 1887, having accumu
lated an independent competence. He was one of
the incorporators of the Gas Company, and also of
the Natural Gas Company of Washington, and has
ever been interested in all public enterprises. In
politics he is an Independent Democrat, and in re
ligious faith a member of the M. E. Church.

OBERT McMILLAN is a son of Robert
McMillan, whose parents were natives of
Ireland, and came to America many years
ago. Robert McMillan, the father, was
born in 1751, in York county, Penn., where
he learned the trade of cloth-dressing. He moved
to Beaver county, Penn., and there followed his
trade for several years, finally settling on a farm in
Washington county, Penn. In early manhood he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Thompson,
who was born in 1751, near Canonsburg, Washing-
ington county. They were the parents of three
children, of whom Robert was the eldest. The
father died in 1833; his wife had preceded him in
1814. V
Robert McMillan was born in 1808, in Fallow
field township, Washington Co., Penn., and in

1837 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ben
nett, who was born in 1812, in Fayette county,
Penn. She died in 1865, leaving the following
children: Leander, who served for three years in
the Civil war, in the Twenty-sixth Illinois Regi
ment (he took part in the battle of Shiloh, was in
Sherman's march to the sea, and in various other
engagements; he was shot in the shoulder, and died
of disease contracted in the service); Plarvey, who
also served three years in the Twenty-sixth Illinois
Regiment (he was sick for two years, being con
fined to hospital for some months; he is now re
siding in Pittsburgh); Mary, wife of Jacob Gibson;
Amanda, deceased wife of Smith Carson; Robert,
living with his father on the home farm; Jane,
living at home; Cynthia, also at home; and John,
who owns a large drug store in Washington. Mr.
McMillan owns 164 acres of a well-cultivated
stock farm, six miles from Monongahela, and
though over eighty-five years have passed over
him, he is yet able to superintend the farm work,
being remarkably active for a man of his age. The
men of this family have all been active supporters
of the Democratic party, and in religion all are
members of the Methodist Church.

THE WILSON FAMILY, of whom this bio
graphical sketch treats, are very prominently
identified with the early leading citizens of
Washington county. They come of Scotch-
Irish ancestry. Robert and Thomas were
the only ones of the family to come to this country,
and they were from County Antrim, Ireland.
Thomas married, but left no family. Robert mar
ried a Welsh lady, Martha Ewing by name, who
was an orphan and came from east of the mountains.
When the Wilsons came to this country is not
known, as the records are lost, but it was not later
than some time in the seventies of last century.
They were married in this country, and settled in
Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. In re
ligion they were Seceders (now United Presby
terian). In the early times it was customary for
the neighbors to help each other at log-rollings;
in harvest time at reaping grain, which was done
with sickles, and in mowing grass, which was done
with scythes; and it was considered something to
be the best reaper or mower in the neighborhood,
also the best scutcher of flax, which was a common
employment, as the early settlers made their own
linen and also their own woolen goods. In those
days the young ladies, instead of playing the
piano, had to play on the spinning-wheel, and to be
a good spinner she must spin her dozen cuts of
yarn per day. The ladies also helped scutch flax;
also weave linen, tow-cloth and flannel, all their
every-day wear being made at home.

1142

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Robert AArilson, while returning from a reaping
party at one of his neighbors, it then getting late,
had to go through a large tract of woods, when he
found he was being followed by a panther. He
was carrying two sickles, and he kept jingling
them together and facing the animal; as it moved
around him, he still kept his eyes on it, and jingled
his sickles, when at last it gave it up and moved
off, greatly to Mr. Wilson's relief. Wild animals
and wild turkeys were quite common then. Robert
and Martha E. Wilson had seven children born to
them, viz.: James, Isabell, Jane, William, Annie,
Thomas and Mary. James married Jane Gilmore,
by whom he had ten children. Robert, the eldest
married, had no children. Elizabeth married John
Murray, the owner of what is now known as the
" Morganza farm ;" died and left no family. Nancy,
Bell and Eleanor, all deceased, no family. Mar
tha married the Rev. David Collins, and had one
son, now living in Allegheny, a lawyer by pro
fession. William L., a U. P. minister of the Gos
pel, married and left one child — Mrs. Yourd, of
Mansfield, Penn. James married three times, and
left two daughters and one son by his first wife,
and two daughters by his second. Thomas, a U. P.
minister, now living (it is believed) in Portland,
Oregon, married and has several children. Mary
A. is now living with her niece, Mrs. Yourd, of
Mansfield. James, Sr., inherited the old home
stead in Cecil township, to which he added others.
James, Jr., and Robert were both farmers, in poli
tics Republicans, in religion United Presbyterians.
Thomas Wilson, youngest son of Robert and
Martha Wilson, was educated at Washington and
Jefferson College and was a Seceder minister of
the Gospel, fie was pastor of Carrollton Church,
Carrollton, Ohio. In 1841 he married Jane Brown,
of Smith township, Washington Co., Penn., and
they had four children: James B., Robert D.,
Martha J. and Thomas E. The sons all responded
to the call of their country during the Rebellion.
Thomas E. died of measles while in Alabama, and
was interred there. Robert married and has two
children: AVilliam and Nannie; lives in Jefferson
county, Ohio. James married and has two children:
Carrie and Eva Mary; lives in Harrison county,
Ohio. Martha J. married and lives in Jefferson
county, Ohio; no children. Their father, Thomas,
inherited his uncle's estate in Cecil township,
Washington county, which he sold.
William E. Wilson, second son of Robert and
Martha E. Wilson, was reared to farm life, and de
voted his time to agricultural pursuits. ' He was
married to Margaret, daughter of John Park, a son
of Samuel and Margaret Park, natives of the North
of Ireland, who came to America in the same ves
sel and were married in America; they were six
months on the ocean, the passage being a very
stormy and perilous one. The ancestral records

were lost, and we have no knowledge of their an
cestry. Samuel Park dealt considerably in horses;
he returned three times to Ireland, "and imported
horses from that country. They settled in Done
gal township, Lancaster Co., Penn., where they re
sided until the close of the Revolutionary war.
There were born to them three sons and two
daughters: John, James, Isabell, Mary and Hugh.
In the autumn of 1777 Samuel Park came over the
mountains into what is now Washington county,
and bought of Matthew Rogers, of Yohogania
county, Colony of Virginia, in consideration of
£450 in hand paid, a parcel of land on Chartiers
waters, and containing 566 acres, the bill of sale
being dated December 7, 1777. He then returned
to Lancaster county. His sons, John and James,
were sent in advance to clear the land, build a
cabin and plant a crop. Their sister Isabell came
as housekeeper. The preparations being made, the
rest of the family moved out.
John Wilson was born December 18, 1758, mar
ried Sarah McDowell in June, 1787, and from them
has sprung the Park family, one of whose history
we are endeavoring to sketch. Sarah McDowell
was the daughter of Hon. John McDowell and
Agnes Bradford, his wife, and was born October
24, 1769. Mr. McDowell was born September 23,
1736, in the North of Ireland, near Belfast. Noth
ing is known of his ancestry except that they came
from Scotland, and that his father was a judge and
a man of prominence. But to return to John, the
father of Sarah: When a young man he came to
this country and lived awhile in or near Elizabeth-
town, N. J., where he met and married Agnes
Bradford, and they afterward lived for some years
at Peach Bottom, York Co., Penn. In company
with the Bradfords, Scotts and Allisons of that re
gion, they removed to Washington county about
the year 1773. Mr. McDowell obtained a tract of
land containing 440 acres, and erected a log cabin
which has been rendered memorable as being the
place where Rev. John McMillan, D. D., preached
his first sermon in this western country, as learned
from the Doctor's diary (this was on the fourth
Sabbath or 22d day of August, 1775). This log
cabin was afterward superseded by a two-story log
cabin with a mammoth fireplace, which was long
considered the finest dwelling in that vicinity.
Mr. McDowell was one of the first elders in Char
tiers church; one of the first commissioners of
Washington county; one of the Council of Censors
for the State, and was appointed one of the As
sociate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for
Washington county, by the Governor, Thomas
McKean. We now return to Sarah, his daughter,
who married John Park in June, 1787; they set
tled on a farm there owned by him, called "Ex
periment," where they lived seven years. His
father having died, he then bought the homestead

WASHING TON CO UNTY.

I US

called "Deer Park," where they spent the remain
der of their days. John Park, though quite young
at the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, did not
withhold his services from his country. During
that struggle he acted as a scout for some time, and
rendered valuable service, but was in no severe
engagement. He preceded his parents in their re
moval to Washington county. He is said to have
recrossed the mountains over a dozen times, and
brought back salt and other necessities, which com
modities were carried on pack horses, and journeys
were slow and wearisome, and they were occasions
of much fatigue, exposure and self-denial. During
his early history he had frequeut calls from the In
dians, but these were generally of a friendly charac
ter. He was an active member of the church, and
for years served as a trustee. One of them relates
that she never knew him to stay at home from
church, even on stormy days. Sarah Park, his
wife, was of vigorous mind and extraordinary in
dustry; she was in every sense a helpmeet to her
husband. This incident will illustrate her nerve:
A wolf caught a lamb in the meadow below the
house, and she saw it in the act, and seizing a stick
started in pursuit of it. By the time the wolf
reached the fence, she was close upon it, and in at
tempting to cross, the lamb was dropped, and she
recovered it alive, though severely wounded. Like
her husband, she was a devoted Christian. They
often walked five miles to church when the roads
were bad, or the horses had been worked hard in
the busy season. One of the family remembers
that she walked more than she wanted to, and says
"when mother thought they ought to go, there was
no alternative." The first cabin was built over one
hundred years ago. It was constructed of roughly
hewn logs, puncheon floor, and had but one room.
This sufficed until enough land was cleared to
afford sustenance. Then a two-story edifice was
built, which was considered superior to the average
house of the neighborhood, as it had glass windows
and a floor of boards. This was burned down about
the 1st of August, 1836, with a part of the con
tents. The furniture in early times was plain, but
durable; the chairs were split-bottomed, straight-
backed and unpainted; carpets were at first un
known, and afterwards were home-made; the cook
ing was done at an open fireplace, with its crane
and andirons, the baking being done either in the
Dutch oven or in an outside oven; the dishes were
decorated with colored figures much like some of
the present time; pewter dishes, spoons and plates,
and also wooden ones, were used. The writer of
this sketch saw quite a quantity of George Wash
ington's household goods, and among other things
were some plates such as are common at the present
day — white, with a blue edge; some were pewter
and some were wooden; also a pewter coffee-pot.
A secretary, bequeathed by Judge McDowell to

John Park, and considered in his day a fine piece
of furniture, is now in possession of one of the de
scendants, and also the family clock, extending
from the floor to near the ceiling. The clothing of
the early settlers was chiefly of home manufacture,
being made of flax or wool. Mrs. Park was con
sidered an expert — she could spin her sixteen cuts
per day, and could weave her ten yards of cloth
per day — six yards being an ordinary day's work
for women. This home manufacture formed the
ordinary wear for both male and female, except on
special occasions, when the latter would wear
calico, costing at that time about $1 per yard.
Bonnets were mostly of straw, and were worn two
or three years without change. The men in early
times wore knee-breeches to church, and on special
occasions; at home they wore linsey pants and
woolen wamuses. Shoes for wearing abroad were
made of thick cloth with leather soles, and in win
ter shoes were made of strong leather sewed with
flaxen thread well waxed. The school-house was
about a mile from home, and was constructed of
logs; the room was separated into two parts, the
larger being laid with puncheon floor and occupied
by the school, while the smaller part was used as a
stable to keep the master's horse in during school
hours. The seats were small logs split and shaved,
and were without backs; the windows were made
by cutting out a portion of a log and covering the
aperture with greased paper to admit the light.
The term only lasted three or four months.
The Park family attended the Chartiers church,
the pastor being Rev. John McMillan, D. D. He
usually gave them two long sermons, with a half
hour between as intermission. He paid little re
gard to dress, and often appeared in the pulpit in
knee-breeches' made of buckskin (the fronts of them
so japanned with grease that they glistened), and
without either coat, vest or suspenders; but his
heart was in his work, and Tie gave them the Gos
pel truth in an impressive manner. The writer of
this heard the Rev. John Lee say that when Doctor
McMillan and another minister (whose name the
writer forgets) were on their way from east of the
mountains to Washington county, their provisions
ran out with the exception of a little parched corn
and bear's grease; that after they had eaten this a
few times, and their stomachs turned against it,
they prayed that as they were engaged in the
Lord's work He would provide them with what
they needed. They were asked if the Lord gave
them anything else to eat. "No," said they, "but
He gave us stomachs to eat what we had." They
traveled for days without coming to any habita
tion, and at night lay down without anything over
them except the blue sky and stars. Carriages
were unknown then, and the traveling was by
horseback principally, with a pair of saddle-bags
to carry what they wanted to take with them. The

1144

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

produce was hauled in wagons to Pittsburgh, and
there sold. Wheat varied in price from 50 cents
to $1 per bushel; corn and oats from 12 cents to
50. The river was crossed sometimes in skift's, but
chiefly in flat-boats propelled by poles. Teams
were afterward taken across in horse-boats. When
in market butter was sold sometimes as low as 5
cents per pound, and at other times as high as 50;
eggs as low as 6J cents per dozen, and as high as
30. The social gatherings were chiefly weddings,
singings, huskings, quiltings and log-rollings. The
weddings generally occupied two days; on the fiist
the groom was attended by a company of his friends
to the home of the bride, their way being often ob
structed by trees being felled across the way by
mischievous neighbors, or other obstructions placed
in the Way. What part the Park family took in
these amusements the writer does not know.
. But to return to the family: John and Sarah
Park had ten children born to them, viz.: Agnes,
John, Samuel, William, Margaret, James, Isabell,
Sarah, McDowell and Rebecca. Of these, Mar
garet married, May 30, 1822, William E. Wilson,
son of Robert and Martha E. Wilson, and for seven
years they lived on the old homestead farm of the
Wilsons. On April 10, 1829, they settled on a
farm called " Plenty," near Burgettstown, AVashing
ton Co., Penn., which they had purchased a short
time before. He was a successful farmer and wool
grower. In 1837 he was elected elder in the Se
ceder Church of Burgettstown, a position he held
until the union with the Associate Reformed Church
in 1858. He stood aloof from this union, and re
mained a Seceder. He died October 2, 1870, when
almost eighty years of age, being followed in 1884
by his widow in her eighty-fifth year. They had
eight children: Sarah A., Samuel P., Martha E.,
Nancy (deceased), Isabell V., John P., Rebecca
(wife of Thomas Malone), and William L. (de
ceased). Samuel P. Wilson spent his early years at home
on the farm, and then engaged in the mercantile
business, continuing until 1871. He was post
master at Burgettstown from 1865 until 1871, and
for several years he was treasurer of the Union
Agricultural Associaiion. In the fall of 1871 he
purchased a farm near Gordonsville, Va., and in
March following he moved his family thither. He
was married to Margaret Campbell, of Smith town
ship, Penn. Mrs. Wilson died July 21, 1887. In
November, 1887, he sold out at Gordonsville and
moved his family to Chinook, Mont., and stayed
there until 1890, when he returned to Burgetts
town, where he at present resides. They had four
children, viz.: Robert C, Maggie A., William E.
and Jennie E. Martha E. Wilson is the widow of
Alexander Russell (deceased), formerly of Bur
gettstown. John P. Wilson's biographical record
will be found at page 284, this volume.

William L. Wilson, son of William E. and
Margaret P. Wilson, was born on the home place
in Smith township, where his youth was passed.
He attended the public schools, receiving a thor
ough training in the common branches. Though
be selected agriculture as his life work, yet he be
lieved education to be essential to any department
of life. In 1888 or 1889 he bought the residence
of the Rev. J. T. Frederick, in Burgettstown, and
the following spring moved to town. He was un
married, his two sisters, Sarah and Isabell, living
with him. On the evening of the 25th of October,
1892, while returning from the farm to his home in
town, he had to cross the railroad track. A freight
train was just moving off the crossing, and at that
moment he stepped on to cross over, when he was
struck by the limited express and instantly killed.
He could not see the express for the freight train.
In religious matters he was a United Presbyterian.
In politics he was a Republican, cast his first vote
for the Republicans, and so continued.

JOHN H. CHARLTON, proprietor of the
widely known and popular meat market in
the borough of Washington, is a grandson of
Robert Charlton, who came. from Germany to
Washington county in 1813, and died at Cook's
Place, Chartiers township, in 1828, his wife (who
accompanied him from the Fatherland) dying some
time later. They had children as follows: Samuel,
Joseph (now in Iowa), John, Daniel, Jacob and
Robert. Samuel Charlton, son of Robert, was born in
Germany, and came with his parents to this country
and county. By occupation he was a wagoner on
the National pike between Washington, Penn., and
Baltimore, Md. He was twice married, first time
to Miss Shipe, who died leaving two children:
Robert (now deceased) and Frank (in Mannington,
W. Va.). His second marriage was with Mrs.
Elizabeth Marie (nee Hervey), a lady of Irish
parentage, and they had a family of five children,
as follows: John H., our subject; Mary, wife of
Fred Hood, of Washington; Susan, also in that
borough; Rebecca, deceased wife of Henry Lle-
wellen (she died in 1874), and Samuel M., in
Washington. The parents, soon after marriage,
came to live in the borough of Washington, where
the father died about the year 1858, at the age of
fifty-four years, the mother in 1876, at the age of
sixty-five. John H. Charlton, of whom this sketch more
particularly relates, was bom in this county, in
1842, and his boyhood was passed alternately in
attending the schools of the neighborhood of his
birthplace and laboring on the farm till coming
into the borough of Washington. Here he carried
on a butchering business till 1876, when he moved

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1145

to Ohio and there conducted a similar line of trade
until 1880, in which year he returned to Washing
ton, and opened out his present meat market, in
which he has met with unqualified success.
In October, 1872, Mr. Charlton was united in
marriage with Miss Armmella A. Levering, of Knox
county, Ohio, and four children were born to them,
viz.: Mary L., wife of Charles L. Stone; and Addie
H., Ethel B. and Clayton B., all at home with their
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Charlton are members of the
Second Presbyterian Church of Washington. In
politics he is a Republican, and at one time served
as assessor. He was but a lad of sixteen when his
father died, and, being the eldest of five children,
had for years to give all his earnings toward the
support of the family.

ENJAMIN F. BENTLEY, a leading and
influential citizen of Monongahela, is a na
tive of the county, born in Carroll town
ship in December, 1821. His grandfather,
Sheshbazzar Bentley, was born in Chester county,
Penn., where he learned the trade of millwright,
which he followed in both that and Washington
counties. In Chester county he was married, and
had one child, Hannah. Afterward he came with
his little family to Washington county, a wagon
being their mode of conveyance, in which they
brought all their chattels. They crossed into the
county through the river at what is now Mononga
hela, and for the first night camped out near
where the present fair grounds are located. They
then proceeded up Pigeon creek until they arrived
at a point where Mr. Bentley established a mill
site and built the first mill on the creek. On an
adjoining hill he put up for himself and family a
log cabin, in which they lived some years, and then
erected a hewed log house, where he passed the
remainder of his pioneer life. He also at this
place founded, in 1816, the village of Bentleyville,
in Somerset township. His children, born in this
county were House, George and Sheshbazzar. Mr.
Bentley was a Democrat in politics, and in relig
ious faith a member of the Society of Friends.
House Bentley attended in his early boyhood
the subscription schools of the neighborhood of
the place of his birth, Bentleyville, until be was
old enough to work, when he entered his father's
mill to learn the trade. While a resident of
Bentleyville he married Fannie, daughter of Will
iam Wallace, of Somerset township, and the chil
dren born to them were Hannah (Mrs. John Ken
nedy), Elizabeth, Sheshbazzar, William, Martha,
Margaret, Benjamin F. and Amanda (Mrs. Joshua
Stevens). After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bentley
moved to Carroll township, where he built a mill
on Mingo creek, which he carried on many years.
In 1824 he moved to a farm near Monongahela

river, and there passed the remainder of his busy
life, dying in 1852, a member of the M. E. Church.
Politically he was a Whig, actively and enthusi
astically patriotic, and was considerably interested
in militia matters, having at one time been a
general. Benjamin F. Bentley was reared in Carroll
township, in the primitive subscription schools of
which he received a fair education for those early
days. The schoolhouse was made of logs, the
floor and seats being rough puncheons, and the
windows of greased paper in lieu of glass. He
lived on the farm four or five years after marriage,
and then came to Monongahela, where he has since
made his home. He built his present comfortable
and commodious residence in 1873. In 1849 Mr.
Bentley was married to Mary, daughter of Daniel
Van Voorhis. They have no children. They are
members of the Baptist Church, in which he has
served as deacon, and in his political affiliations he
is a Republican. Mr. Bentley represents a family
prominent and influential in the affairs of Wash
ington county.

LACK. Samuel Black, the first of this family
in Washington county, of whom there is any
record, was born in 1775, in County Down,
Ireland, where the family were all farmers.
In 1791 he came to America, landing in New
York, whence in 1793 he proceeded to AVashington
county, Penn., and here embarked in trading, open
ing a general store in Williamsport (now Mononga
hela), the first in the place, which he conducted a
few years. This store was known as the " Old Red
House," and stock was brought from the East on
pack horses, and traded for farm products which
Mr. Black would take to New Orleans, down the
river on flat boats, there sell for cash, proceed to
New York, purchase a new stock of merchandise,
and bring same back to Williamsport. He pur
chased of Joseph Parkison a lot near First street,
on which he erected a house and store combined;
also bought large tracts of land in Washington
county, and at the time of his death was one of the
largest landholders in the county. In 1824 Mr.
Black built the first mill at Dry Run (a " tramp
mill"), the power for which was supplied by oxen,
and he operated a sawmill on Pigeon creek. He
also erected the glass factory at Dry Run, besides
the dwelling houses surrounding same. In short,
he was a thoroughly representative self-made man,
a progressive and useful citizen. His death occurred
in 1846.
In 1793 Mr. Black married Mary  ,who bore
him the following named children: Elizabeth (Mrs.
William Bentley), Maria (wife of Dr. Simuel.
King), Mary, Samuel, Marcus, Cyrus, Caroline (Mrs,
Robert Smith), Jane (Mrs.Wm. S. Mallingar), Ross

1146

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Wilson S., Mary (Mrs. George A. Clark), and Hes
ter A. (Mrs. John McNeal). In his political prefer
ences Mr. Black was a Federalist, and in his church
connection was a leading Presbyterian, and one of
the first trustees of his church.

CHARLES W. ADAMS, for sixteen years a
well-known harness maker in the borough of
Washington, and since 1890 a prominent
real-estate dealer and insurance broker, is a
Virginian by birth, having first seen the light on
May 10, 1840.
fiis father, Charles Adams, also a native of Vir
ginia, a miller by trade, married Charlotte, a daugh
ter of James Yates, also of that State, and they had
three children, our subject being the only survivor,
the other two having died when young. The father
departed this life in 1843, aged forty-three years, and
the widowed mother continued to reside in Virginia
until her son, Charles W., was about eleven years
old. She passed from earth in 1868, in Marion
county, W. Va., at the age of sixty-three years.
Charles W. Adams received a limited education
at the public schools of the neighborhood of his
home, but being fatherless had to commence work
very early in life. When eleven years old he en
tered upon a three years' apprenticeship to the har
ness business in Taylor county, Va., and before
finishing, attended school for a time, but in this
essential his opportunities were of necessity much
circumscribed. His mother was not exempt from
tpil either, for, having lost the greater part of her
means through becoming security for others, she
had to seek employment in order to support herself
and. son during his boyhood days. After finishing
his trade, Mr. Adams moved to Marion county,
same State, where, as already related, his mother
died. In 1863 he was married to Sarah AVeddle,
whose parents were of Wheeling, W. Va., and
three children came to this union: Alice and Louisa,
now living in Washington, and one that died in
infancy. In 1882, while residing in Washington,
the mother was called to her long home, at the
early age of thirty-five years. In 1867 Mr. Adams
moved with his family to Wheeling, W. Va., where
he carried on a harness business for his o^n account
until 1874, in which year he came to Washington,
Penn., and embarked in the harness trade, which he
carried on with satisfactory success until 1890, when
he sold out and engaged in his present real-estate
and insurance business.
Under the President's call, in 1863, for " more
men" to suppress the Rebellion, Mr. Adams enlisted
in ComDany E, Sixth West Virginia Cavalry, and
served in Virginia and West Virginia to the close
of the struggle. He participated in many engage
ments, but was never wounded, though he had a
narrow escape from capture on November 28, 1864,

when he was obliged to swim the Potomac to save
falling into the hands of the enemy. Along with
him was a personal friend, James A. Taggart, who
was a better swimmer; Mr. Adams struck a stiff
current and thought he would drown before getting
out of it, so called to his comrade, who was swim
ming ahead of him, for help. Taggart responded
by turning back, with true patriotic friendship, but
by dint of much struggling our subject succeeded
in reaching the shore, where, thoroughly exhausted,
he laid down among some weeds, while the enemy
passed by fortunately without seeing him. His
wife was with him up to the time of his plunge into
the river, and she fell into the hands of the Con
federates, who, after searching her trunk, released
her without further molestation. Poor Taggart
died of " spotted fever " while in the service. At
the close of the war Mr. Adams was sent to the
plains of Nebraska and Colorado, on Indian service,
and in this as in his war experiences, he escaped in
jury of any kind. In 1866 he returned to West
Virginia, and in 1867 settled down to his trade in
Wheeling, as above narrated. In 1884 Mr. Adams
married, for his second wife, Alice Weddle, sister
to his first, and by this union two children were
born, viz.: Charlotte, in 1885, and Charles W., in
1891. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R.,
W. Templeton Post, of Washington, also of the
I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members of the
First M. E. Church.

-APTAIN ROBERT PHILLIPS is a son of
William Phillips, who was born and reared
in Pennsylvania, and was united in marriage
with a widow lady, Mrs. Elizabeth (Matthews)
Paden. She was the mother of four children by
her first marriage, namely: Samuel, Mary, Marga
ret, and Martha. After the death of Mr. Paden she
became the wife of William Phillips, and bore him
the following children: John, Rezin, David, Jane
(wife of Abraham Van Voorhis), Nancy (married
to William Wickerham), and Robert. The father,
who was a miller by trade, died in Fayette county,
Penn., when Robert was eight months old. After
the death of her husband Mrs. Phillips was married
to William Jones, of Monongahela.
Captain Robert Phillips was born March 31, 1817,
near Broadford, Fayette county, Penn. When
about ten years of age he came to Monongahela,
and there received a public-school education. At
the age of fifteen years he began life for himself,
working on a farm for several years, then went on
the Monongahela, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers. He
was promoted from a deck-hand to the position of
mate, and in 1866 became captain of a vessel, hav
ing run on both freight and passenger service. On
March 26, 1839, he married Olivia, daughter of
Benjamin Parkison. She died July 10, 1886, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1147

on January 5, 1888, he was united in marriage with
Anna, daughter of John Longwell. Mr. Phillips
has won success by earnest, unremitting efforts, and
though the struggle was a hard one, many amusing
incidents occurred to brighten his early life. In
politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and
in religion he is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.

4/

MfARTIN M. SLATER (deceased) was a
native of Donegal township, this county,
born August 4, 1815, on his father's farm.
' He was of Irish ancestry, his grandfather,
William, having been born in County
Down, Ireland, where he was educated, and mar
ried to Elizabeth Bell, a resident of the same
county. He immigrated to America soon after the
Revolutionary war, and took -a farm of 160 acres,
lying near West Alexander, in this county. Soon
afterward he purchased a farm south of West Alex
ander, where he made a permanent home. He had
five children, namely: Betsey, Margaret, Jane,
David and James. Politically Mr. Slater was a
Republican, and in religion a member of the Pres
byterian Church.
James Slater was born in 1787, in Donegal town
ship, and was there married to Catherine, daughter
of Manning Martin. Mr. Martin was born in
County Down, Ireland, and came to America in
early manhood. He was united in marriage with
Jane Thomas, of Wilmington, Del., and she bore
him children as follows: Martha, Hannah, Cather
ine, Margaret, Jane, Leah, Mary A., Rachel, Sarah
and John T. Mr. Martin came to Washington
county and settled in Donegal township, where he
remained until his death. In religious faith he was
a Presbyterian. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. James Slater settled on the old home farm in
Donegal township, and reared the following family
of children: William, Martin M., David, Eliza
(Mrs. Joseph Miller), Mary A. (Mrs. John McKa-
han), John (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. G. W.
Anderson), Melissa (Mrs. Thomas Show), Rachel
(Airs. Roland Craig), and James E. Wheeling. Mr.
Slater was a successful and enterprising business
man. In politics he was an active member of the
Whig party. He died June 27, 1857, his widow
on August 24, 1872.
Martin M. Slater was reared and educated on the
old homestead. On April 3, 1845, he was married
to Margaret, daughter of Robert Nixon, a resident
of Donegal township, and native of County Antrim,
Ireland. To this union were born six children:
Mary C. (deceased), Martin (deceased),Leah, Sarah
(deceased), Luther T. and C. K. Mr. Slater passed
the first years of his married life in West Alexan
der, and engaged in the butcher business. He then
served four years as a constable and was repeatedly

re-elected. He carried on a wagon trade from
Cumberland to Wheeling; then farmed one year
on the Noble farm, and spent the next year in
Ohio, after which he proceeded to Brooke county,
where he remained eight years. In politics he
was originally a Whig, voted for W. H. Har
rison in 1836 and 1840, and in later years he was
a member of the Republican party. He died
April 30, 1892.
C. K. Slater, a son of Martin M. Slater, was
married on July 8, 1880, to Lillie, daughter of
Jackson Mitchell, of Waynesburgh, Penn., and
they have two children: Vera and Fred M. Mr.
Slater is a Republican in politics.

JS. MOORE is a prominent representative of
one of the old families of Cecil township. He
is a son of John Moore, whose parents were
born in Ireland, and coming to America about
the time of the Revolution, settled in North Stra
bane township, Washington Co,, Penn. Their son,
John, was a native of Chartiers township, this
county, where he was reared. He married Marga
ret Mytee, a native of the same township, and they
had nine children, namely: Samuel (who died in
March, 1884, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county),
Ellen (wife of David McCalmont, of Mt. Pleasant
township), J. S., Mary (Mrs. John McCalmont, of
Mt. Pleasant township), Margaret (widow of John
L. Gormley, of Dickinson county, Kans.), Eliza
(Mrs. Thomas McCallister, of Smith township),
John (who died in the West), David (living in
Missouri) and Rebecca, (living in Allegheny
county, Penn.). The family afterward moved to
Mt. Pleasant township. Both parents were mem
bers of the U. P. Church at Hickory, this county,
in which the father was for years a ruling elder,
and in politics he was an ardent Whig. While
attending the raising of a church in Hickory in
1834 he was accidentally killed. Mrs. Moore died
in 1882.
J. S. Moore was born in 1S20, in Chartiers town
ship, this county, and in early boyhood came with
the family to Mt. Pleasant township, where he
received his education in the subscription schools.
In 1860 he was united in marriage with Margaret
McBurney, a native of Robinson township, daugh
ter of James and Jane (Acheson) McBurney. Mr.
and Mrs. Moore resided in Mt. Pleasant township
until 1873, when he bought and moved upon sev
enty-six acres of land in Cecil township, where
they are now living. Six children have been born
to them, as follows: James C. McBurney, a physi
cian and surgeon of Midway, this county (married
to Mary McCready); Jessie, living at home; John
T., residing with his pirents; Jennie C, a teacher
of this county; Joseph S, and Mary E., living at

1148

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

home. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the
Chartiers United Presbyterian Church at Canons
burg, Penn. In politics he votes the Republican
ticket, and is an enthusiastic supporter of Prohibi
tion.

»x OBERT CAMPBELL McILVAIN was
*) born November 8, 1827, in Somerset town-
ft. ship, this county, a son of Greer Mcllvain,
= whose father was also named Greer. The
grandfather was born in Lancaster county,
Penn., of English descent, and was there married to
Elizabeth Morrow, a native of the same county.
The young couple came to Washington county in
an early day, accompanied by a brother, George
Mcllvain. On May 20, 1788, Greer secured 407
acres of land in Somerset township, which was sur
veyed to him February 11, 1789, and afterward di
vided with his brother. Greer and Elizabeth Mc
llvain were members of the Presbyterian Church
at Pigeon Creek. Their children were Greer, John,
Guyan, George, William, Andrew, Margaret, Mary,
Ruth, Catherine, Elizabeth, Esther, Ann and
Eleanor. Greer Mcllvain was born October 11, 1793, on
the home farm in Somerset township, and on No
vember 20, 1817, was united in marriage with Jane
Campbell, who bore him the following children:
Eliza (widow of John Kerr, living in Butler county,
Penn.); Martha (unmarried); Margaret (widow of
Robert Clark, of McLean county, 111.); Greer and
Jane (twins) (the latter being the widow of John
Greenlee, of McLean county, 111.); Robert C, and
Mary (deceased). Mr. Mcllvain followed farm
ing, took an active interest in all progressive enter
prises, and was elected to several township offices
by the Republican voters of his district. He died
June 6, 1889, his wife on September 18, 1871.
Both were active members of the Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Mclvain was an
elder from 1849 until his death.
Robert C. Mcllvain, son of Greer and Jane Mc
llvain, remained on the home farm during his boy
hood, and after attending the common schools
spent two terms at an academy in Monongahela
City, Penn. On December 5, 1861, he married
Sarah L. Sloan, who was born January 14, 1833, a
daughter of James and Sarah Sloan, natives of this
county. Rev. James Sloan was born September 16,
1 807, in this county, and was married to Sarah
Lindsey, who bore him one child: Sarah L. (Mrs.
Mcllvain); James G., a physician of Monongahela
City, and Martha A. (deceased), were children by
his second wife, Margaret Gordon. Mr. Sloan was
a Presbyterian minister, and preached about nine
teen . years at the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian
Church, 390 members being added to the original

number during his ministry. He organized the
first Presbyterian Church erected at Frankfort
Springs, Beaver county, Penn., where he preached
eight years. He was trustee of Jefferson College,
Washington county, twenty years. Mr. Sloan died
March 11, 1871,' his wife having crossed the dark
river in 1833.
To Robert C. and Sarah L. Mcllvain six children
have been born as follows: Ella F. (wife of Rev. J.
C. Mechlin, a missionary in Persia); William L. (a
farmer of Somerset township, this county); Margaret
I. (deceased); James G. (deceased); Gertrude E.
and Elmer S. (residing on the home place). Mr.
and Mrs. Mcllvain reside on the well-cultivated
farm consisting of 312 acres, which was his birth
place. They have been members of the Pigeon
Creek Presbyterian Church for some time; he has
served as a member of the Session and treasurer for
fourteen years, still filling both offices. He votes
with the Republican party, and is interested in all
public issues of the day.

TfOHN L. SHANNON is a son of Charles D.
|| Shannon, who was born June 4, 1802, on a
If I farm in Beaver county, Penn., and there in-
^^ ducted into the mysteries of agricultural pur
suits, which he continued to follow all his life.
When a young man he was married to Jeanette
Crawford, who was born May 7, 1810, and they
were the parents of seven children, namely: Re
becca J., married to George Mancha ; G. W.,
married to a Miss Mitchell ; S. C, now residing in
Kansas ; Mary L., wife of Enoch Colvin ; Irene
S., wife of Henry M. Crab, residing at Lock No. 4;
V. D., married to Rebecca A. Wilson, and John
L. The father died in 1885, and at that time was
filling the office of justice of the peace; he had
previously served as county commissioner and in
other positions.
John L. Shannon was born in 1850 in Fallow
field township, Washington Co., Penn., and at
tended the common schools. On September 15,
1880, he married Alice V., daughter of Matthew
McKerahan, of Allegheny county, Penn. She has
borne bim the following children: Wilbur V.,
William A., Jessie Mable, Arthur Scott, Alice
Lenora and Nora, all living at home. Mr. and
Mrs. Shannon reside on a farm which his father
owned, and where he is now conducting a fruit and
d<iiry business. The place is located one mile and
a half from Charleroi and four miles from Monon
gahela. In religion he is a member of the Chris
tian Church, with which his wife is also identified.
His widowed mother is living with him on the
home farm. Mr. Shannon is. now serving his town
ship as school director.

%

\r . J/". '\
i - m - '
' mm

fy erf mi^m*^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1151

•*, OBERT FINLEY PATTERSON. Among
J) the old, prominent families of Washington
V county, the Patterson family ranks high.
!s Robert Patterson, the grandfather of
Robert Finley, was a native of York county,
Penn., and moved to Washington county about
1792, settling in East Finley township. A son,
Robert, also a native of York county, Penn. , born
February 4, 1785, came to Washington county
with his father, where he married, in 1806, Nancy
Tilton, a native of East Finley township, born
January 1, 1790. They reared a family of ten
children, of whom Robert Finley is the youngest.
William, born January 24, 1808, married Eliza
beth Cooper, and resided in Athens county, Ohio,
where he died; John, born November, 1810, mar
ried Octava Farlan, of Athens county, Ohio, where
he died; Catharine, born February 19, 1812, mar
ried Royal Bingham, of Athens county, Ohio, where
she died; Rhoda, born February 7, 1814, married
R. S. Andrews, of Morris township, where she
died, March 15, 1840; Eunice, born March 11,
1816, married Daniel Day, of Morris township
(she died January 6, 1856); Asenath, born March
4, 1818, married Zenas Axtal, of Morris township,
Greene county, Penn., where she now resides:
Lettice, born September 29, 1820, married L.
Bane, of Amwell township, where she died July
13, 1843; Ann, born December 23, 1824, married
Stephen Parcel, of Morris township, and died May
18, 1854; Josiah, born July 24, 1827, married
Emma Jane Browne, of Westmoreland county,
Penn., and now resides in Franklin township,
Washington county, and Robert. The father died
lune 16, 1863, and the mother January 27,
1865. Robert Finley Patterson was born March 2,
1830, and November 15, 1852, married Lydia Clem
ens, a daughter of William Clemens, of Morris
township. Mrs. Patterson was born February 17,
1831, her parents being lfatives of Virginia. To
this union the following children were born:
Josiah M. was born November 27, 1853. He mar
ried Annie Craft, daughter of David Craft, Sr., of
said township. He is now engaged in the practice
of law at AVashington, Penn. Clara Ann, born
May 3, 1856, wife of John Reed, a real estate
a°;ent of Claysville, Penn. ; John Bryant, born
December 6, 1858, who manages his father's farm;
and Cora Asenath, bom March 16, 1872, at home.
Mr. Patterson has succeeded well as a farmer,
and is known as one of the successful business
men of Morris township. A portion .of the farm
now owned by him belonged formerly to his father,
and consequently has been in the Patterson name
for more than three-quarters of a century. Both
he and his wife are members of Pleasant Grove
Baptist Church.

THE CAMERON FAMILY are among the
oldest and most prominent residents of
South Strabane township. John Cameron
was born in Scotland, and in early youth
removed to County Armagh, Ireland, where
he was united in marriage with Esther Twinem, a
native of Ireland, and soon after his marriage
emigrated to America, making his home in Somer
set township, Washington Co., Penn. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron were born the fol
lowing children: John, James C, Esther, Mar
garet and William. Mr. Cameron was a prominent
citizen, and in politics voted with the Democratic
party. In religion he was a member of the Pres
byterian Church.
AVilliam, son of Jnhn and Esther Cameron, was
born in the year 1808, on the home farm in Somer
set township, this county, and there received his
early education. On September 28, 1837, he was
married to Martha, daughter of George Mitchell,
residing iu South Strabane township, Washington
county. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Ireland, and
in early manhood came to America, settling in
Washington county, Penn., where he was married
to a Miss Alexander. They reared the following
children: Martha (Mrs. AVilliam Cameron), born
August 9, 1804; Mary (Mrs. John McMillan), born
November 10, 1810; Eleanor, born in the year
1812, died February 29, 1832; Thomas, born
August 13, 1815, and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph
Horner), born August 20, 1817. Mr. Mitchell was
a Democrat, and in religion a member of the First
Presbyterian Church at Washington. He died at
the residence of Mr. William Cameron, May 8,
1847. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cameron
settled on the place which is now occupied by their
sons, and to the original tract of twenty-one acres
they added over 200 acres, formerly owned by
George Mitchell. This farm was uncultivated,
and he made his own improvements upon it. The
children of this couple were as follows: John,
Ellen (Mrs. John G. Paxton), Margaret, Mary J. ,
George M. and Martha A. (Mrs. J. -C. Pease).
Mr. Cameron was an enterprising man and took an
active interest in the progress of the Democratic
party; he was also interested in educational mat
ters, having frequently served as a school director
in the township. In religion he was a member of
the Presbyterian Church at Washington. He
passed away October 15, 1873, having been pre
ceded by his wife August 16, 1860.
John Cameron, son of William and Martha
(Mitchell) Cameron, was born August 12, 1838,
on the home farm in South Strabane township,
AVashington county, and received a common school
education. In early life he commenced farming,
and has since followed that vocation. He is actively

1152

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

interested in all questions pertaining to the wel
fare of the community, and is a firm supporter of
the Democratic party.
George M. Cameron, second son of William and
Martha (Mitchell) Cameron, was born April 22,
1849, and passed his early youth on the home farm,
receiving his education in the schools of South
Strabane township. On May 23, 1872, he was
united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Col.
James M. and Maria Potter Byers, residents of
Washington, AVashington county, and the follow
ing children were born to their union: William B.,
Ada E., Mary E., James M. , George and John A.
Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cameron have always lived
on the home place, and are adherents of the Pres
byterian Church. In 1886 Mr. Cameron and his
brother built the handsome residence now occupied
by them, which is furnished with all modern con
veniences. He is a Democrat, and a valued mem
ber of that party. He has always been especially
interested in the schools of the township, having
been a school director several years.

JlOHN V. LACOCK, a successful and esteemed
citizen of Franklin township, is a son of Ira
) and grandson of Samuel Lacock. Samuel
Lacock was bom in New Jersey, and in an
early day came with his wife and family to Wash
ington county, Penn., locating in Amwell town
ship. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
Lacock were as follows: Ira, John R., Eliza (Mrs.
Chrispin) and Mary (Mrs. Thomas Service). Mr.
Lacock was an active worker in the Whig party.
Ira Lacock was born December 13, 1794, in Am
well township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed
his boyhood at home, attending the rate schools
and afterward teaching school. In early manhood
he was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of
Isaac Bane, of Amwell township, Washington
county, and she bore him children as follows:
William, Samuel (deceased), Isaac, John V., Eliza
beth (Mrs. William Mounts) and Ira J. After his
marriage Mr. Lacock settled in Amwell township,
this county, where he resided two years, thence
moving to Morris township, this county, and in
1857 settling in Washington borough, where he
died December 13, 1876. In politics he was an
active supporter of the Jacksonian Democrats.
John V. Lacock was born September k>, 1822, in
Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and
received his education at the subscription schools
of the county. In December, 1848, he was united
in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of William
McClenathan. Mr. McClenathan was born August
10, 1765, in Ireland, and, emigrating to America
at an early age, settled in Amwell township, AVash
ington Co., Penn. He was married to Mary Con!
son, who was born September 10, 1780, and they

reared the following children : Isabella (Mrs. John
Tucker), born July 9, 1801 (died March 5, 1873);
Samuel, born January 15, 1803 (died February 12,
1873); William, born January 16, 1805 (died Oc
tober 15, 1835); John, born February 16, 1807
(died November 10, 1878); James, born June 25,
1809 (died July 9, 1876); Blair, born November
26, 1811 (died August 18, 1870); Allen, born June
16, 1814; Thomas, born October 17, 1816; Sim
mons, born April 9, 1819; Mary (Mrs. Nathaniel
Bane), born October 22, 1822, and Sarah J., born
June 10, 1825 (died December 14, 1889). Mr.
McClenathan was a Democrat.
After his marriage Mr. Lacock settled in Frank
lin township, afterward moving to Washington
borough, where he remained three years, then
came to the home place, and thence to his present
farm at Point Lookout of fifty acres: Mr. Lacock
has five children, viz. : George S. (married to Mary
Slusher; their children are Biddle and Birdie), Dr.
S. A., William R., Ira L. and Marion (deceased).
In politics Mr. Lacock is an active Democrat, and
in religion belongs to the Disciple Church at
Washington. Over six feet high, he is a fine speci
men of the native American.

THOMAS J. NICHOL, one of the progressive
and well-to-do agriculturists of South Stra
bane township, was born May 3, 1828, in
Canton (now Franklin) township. His
grandfather, Thomas Nichol, came to this
county from County Antrim, Ireland, and took
out a warrant, February 14, 1785, for a tract of
land now owned by John Hughes, whose wife is a
granddaughter of Thomas Nichol. This tract of
land was surveyed on May 13, 1785, and was
named in the survey " Crystal," containing 281
acres, adjoining lands of James Workman, James
Huston aud others. While yet a young man he was
married to a young lady who had come from Scot
land. After marriage they took up their residence
in Washington borough for some time,, and then
removed to the farm in Canton township, which
he had entered; there they passed the rest of their
days. They were consistent members of the Pres
byterian Church. Two children were born to
this honored pioneer couple: Samuel and Eliza
beth (Mrs. Alexander Reynolds).
Samuel Nichol, the only son of Thomas Nichol,
was born in Washington borough, this county,
where his boyhood and youth were passed, and
where he received his education. He was married
to Rebecca Bane, daughter of David Bane, of.
Amwell township, and their children were: James,
Franklin, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth (Mrs. John
Hughes), and Thomas J. After marriage the young
couple settled in Franklin township, and there re
mained until the death of the husband, which oc-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1153

curred November 19, 1870; his wife departed this
life in February, 1854. They were members of the
Disciple Church, in which he was an elder many
years; he was a Whig, and took an active part in
politics. Thomas J. Nichol, whose name opens this sketch,
passed his early life at the place of his nativity, and
received his education at the schools of the dis
trict. While a young man he took a trip West,
being absent for some time, and then returned to
his native township. In January, 1859, he was
united in marriage with Mary, daughter of ex-
Judge James C. Chambers, of Amwell township,
this county. After marriage the young couple
carried on farming in Amwell township eight
years, and then moved to Franklin township,
where they remained one year, thence coming to
South Strabane township, to their present home.
The names of the children born to them are:
Annie, Lizzie, Jennie, John, Lotta, Clark and
Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Nichol are members of the
Disciple Church at Washington, and in politics he
has always been a stanch Republican.

I( UGUST E. MOLLENAUER, a successful
\\ farmer and dairyman of North Strabane
4\ township, is a son of Ernest Mollenauer,
-* born in 1828, whose parents were natives of
Germany, and came to Allegheny county,
Penn., in the year 1848. Ernest Mollenauer was
married to Wilhelmina Huth, born in 1832, mar
ried in the year 1850, and settled on the old home
stead, where thirteen children were born to them,
of whom are now living: August E., Charles,
Henry P., Louisa (wife of A. T. Linn), Harriet E.
(wife of Jacob Keitzer), Samuel H.. Frederick H.
and Mary J. (Mrs. Scott Higbee). Mr. and Mrs.
Mollenauer are members of the German Lutheran
Church. August E. Mollenauer was born February 26,
1856, in Allegheny county, Penn., and was reared
and educated on the home farm. On February
26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mary E.
Froebe (who was bom May 1, 1858), daughter of
Valentine and Elizabeth (Gutbub) Froebe. Mr.
and Mrs. Froebe were both natives of Germany,
and came separately without their parents to
America when young. The two families settled
in Allegheny county, Penn., and on attaining the
age of maturity, Valentine Froebe was married to
Elizabeth Gutbub, who bore him seven children,
five sons and two daughters, three of whom are
living: Elizabeth (Mrs. Mollenauer), Philip and
George W. Mr. Froebe died in the year 1881,
and his widow is yet living. She is a member of
the Lutheran Church, as was her deceased hus
band. August and Mary (Froebe) Mollenauer have had

born to them six children — three boys and three
girls: Anna E. , born January 12, 1881; Sarah
W., born February 23, 1883; Samuel, bom Sep
tember 28, 1886; Eva M., born December 31,
1888; Edward C, born December 29, 1890; and
George (deceased). Mr. Mollenauer owns 147
acres of land, and he has been engaged in the
dairy business for the past eleven years, having
twenty cows, and in 1891 shipped 6,650 gallons of
milk to Pittsburgh, Penn. He and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically
Mr. Mollenauer is a Republican.

4)

NOAH F. GILMORE was born September
11, 1825, in Pitt township, Allegheny Co.,
Penn. He is a son of William, whose
father (also named William Gilmore) was a
native of Ireland. The last mentioned an
cestor immigrated to America many years ago, and
locating on a farm in Susquehanna, county, Penn. ,
successfully engaged in the farming business. In
1799 he came to Pittsburgh, Penn., and purchased
the Oakland farm, which was the scene of the
famous duel between Bates and Stewart, that con
flict having been witnessed by his son, AVilliam
Gilmore, and his brother James. The father re
sided on this farm for several years, having trans
ported coal to Pittsburgh by horses and mules, and
finally moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, where
he died. He was married to a Miss Sample, who
belonged to a famous pioneer family of Allegheny
county, and four sons were born to their union:
John, William, James and Hugh, and two daugh
ters. The father was a Federalist in politics.
William Gilmore, son of the above mentioned
pioneer, was born about the year 1789, iu Susque
hanna county, Penn., afterward coming with his
parents to Allegheny county. His school days
were necessarily limited, as his aid was needed by
his parents, who were in moderate circumstances.
He passed his youth in farm work and mining coal,
and in 1812 was united in marriage with Susanna
Fisher, a native of Susquehanna county, Penn.,
and daughter of Henry Fisher, who purchased and
moved upon a farm in Ohio, where he died. After
his marriage William Gilmore continued to mine
coal, and when the old "Oakland" farm was sold
he purchased the place, finally succeeding in pay
ing off the heavy indebtedness. He then moved to
Ohio, but finally returned to Pittsburgh, Penn.,
where he died in 1852, leaving to his heirs a prop
erty of $20,000. At one time he was very wealthy,
but lost a large amount through unfortunate cir
cumstances. In politics he was a Whig, and filled
important offices in Allegheny county for over
twenty years; in religious faith he was a valued
member of the Presbyterian Church. His children
were born as follows: John, William (deceased in

1154

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Ohio, in 1891), Margaret, Mary Ann, Fisher H.,
Noah F. and Eliza, of whom Noah F. is the only
one yet living.
Noah F. Gilmore remained on the home place
during his early manhood, and in 1851 he married
Harriet McCortney, who was a native of Chartiers
township, Allegheny Co., Penn. She died in
March, 1861, leaving one daughter, Mary A. , wife of
George Gilmore, a merchant of Allegheny county.
In 1871 Noah F. Gilmore married, for his second
wife, Sarah, daughter of John Young, a native of
Pittsburgh, and a steamboat engineer. To this
union children have been born as follows: Laura
B. , Margaret J., S. Blanche, Susanna M., AVilliam
N. , Clarence S., Charles B. and Grant K. Prior to
1887 Mr. Gilmore was actively engaged in mining
operations, and sold out at that time; he is now re
tired from active business, but conducts the ferry
which is located on his property. He was origi
nally a Whig, and was present when the Repub
lican party was organized at the corner of Fourth
and AVood streets, Pittsburgh, Penn. Although he
has from that time been a zealous Republican, Mr.
Gilmore has invariably refused to accept official
honors.

I LAS HALEY, probably the oldest, and one
of the most prominent, merchants in the
Monongahela Valley, is a son of Sedgwick
Haley, whose father was born in Ireland,
and came to America many years ago, when he
married a Miss Jeans. Of the children born to
this union the following are named: Daniel, James,
John, Richard, Enoch and Sedgwick. The father
of this family was a Democrat in political opin
ions, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He died in Holmes county, Ohio.
Sedgwick Haley was born and reared in Holmes
county, Ohio, and attended the schools of the
neighborhood, passing his youth on the home
place. A few years after attaining his majority
he chose as his wife, Rebecca Dailey, a native of
AVashington county, Penn. , and the young couple.
resided in Middletown, Ohio, for five years after
their marriage. They then removed to a farm in
Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where the remainder of
their lives was passed. He was identified with the
Whig party, and served ten years as justice of the
peace; he was equally zealous in religious matters,
as an active member of the M. E. Church. He
died in his forty-fourth year, leaving to mourn his
loss a widow and nine children: Jefferson, Simeon,
Sarah, John, Silas, Mary and Sedgwick (twins),
Rebecca and Charles.
Silas Haley was born July 30, 1832, in Holmes
county, Ohio. He learned the tailor's trade, and at
the age of eighteen years came to Monongahela
City, where he followed that vocation until 1854,

when he opened a clothing establishment which he
has since conducted. On March 10, 1853, he was
united in marriage with Mary C, daughter of Levi
Priggs, a native of Huntingdon county, Penn.,
and three children have blessed this union, namely :
Rebecca, wife of W. C. Robison; C. E. and Will
iam A. Mr. Haley was originally a Whig, and is
now a Republican; he has served as a member of
the council. In religious faith he is an earnest,
active member of the M. E. Church.

EORGE W. POGUE, prominently identi
fied with the representative citizens and
successful farmers of Hanover township, is
descended from an old Irish family. His
grandfather, John Pogue, who was the first
of the name to locate in Washington county,
Penn., was born in Ireland, August 11, 1742, and,
after landing in America, located on a farm in
Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., near
Cross Creek. Like all the early settlers, he
labored under many disadvantages, and had to
make several trips across the mountains for salt.
On one occasion, while returning from a trip over
the mountains with a load of salt, he reached
Pittsburgh on Saturday night, and would not pro
ceed with his load on the Sabbath; and while re
maining there, he was completely disgusted with the
desecration of the sacred day. On the following
morning-he was offered several acres of valuable
land in the heart of the city for his load of salt,
but decidedly refused the proposition, as he did
not care for land where the Sabbath was not ob
served. He and his wife were leading members
of the Seceder Church, and lived to old age, on the
place where they first settled, and were laid to
rest in a private burying ground on the home
farm; be died December 21, 1837; they were the
parents of seven children as follows: William, James
(a school teacher), Samuel, George, Sarah (Mrs.
John Curry), Robert and David.
George Pogue was born January 16, 1789, and
when old enough assisted in clearing up the
forest of the pioneer farm, attending, in the mean
time, the rude subscription schools of the time.
AVhen a young man he was married to Nancy,
daughter of David Davis, a native of Washington
county, on Cross creek. After his marriage Mr.
Pogue located for a short time on a farm adjoining
the old place, and in 1836 went to Belmont county,
Ohio, settling on a place near St. Clairsville. He
died in 1882, his wife in 1884. Mr. and Mrs.
Pogue were active members of the M. E. Church;
in politics he was a Democrat prior to Jackson's
administration, when he joined the Whig party,
finally becoming a Republican. The children of
this family were as follows: David, Robert,
George AA7., Rebecca E. , Ruth and John F., of

< ; *

/*m < i

S££a 7^ mvjsimL-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1157

whom only three are living: George W., Ruth
(Mrs. Hugh Rogers, of Belmont county, Ohio), and
Rebecca E. (wife of Griffith Lemon, living in Bel
mont county, Ohio).
George W. Pogue was born July 4, 1827, in
Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., and
when nine years of age came with his parents to
Belmont county, Ohio. On May 17, 1859, he was
married to Pauline Robinson, who was born in
1839, a daughter of Rev. James Robinson, a Meth
odist Protestant minister, of Muskingum county,
Ohio. After his marriage George AV. Pogue pur
chased 240 acres of excellent land in the Rock
River country, Whiteside Co., 111., remaining there
but a short time, and then made a trade with an
uncle (his father's brother) who was living in Jef
ferson township, Washington Co., Penn. By this
bargain he received a farm, of 100 acres, to which
he removed in 1860, and when his uncle Robert
died, George W. Pogue settled up the affairs of
the estate. In 1863 he came to his present farm
(situated on the Pittsburgh and Steubenville pike,
three miles west of Florence), to which he has
added an adjoining tract. Mr. Pogue has been
extensively engaged in the wool and live stock
business, having been successful in both, and has
accumulated a good property by his own efforts.
In politics he was originally a Whig, now a Re
publican, aud is well posted on the issues of his
party; in principle he is a Prohibitionist. In 1851
he made the good confession in the Methodist
Protestant Church of Eldersville, Penn. , in which
he has served as steward and in other offices. His
wife is a member of the same church. They have
two daughters: Mary (Mrs. C. F. Gardner, of
Hanover township) and Ella (wife of George S.
Hanlin, also of Hanover township). At the time
of the first settlement of the Pogue family, Indians
were numerous, and many times he and his family
were compelled to spend their nights in the grain
fields. The horses wore bells, and as they could de
tect the presence of the Indians first, the settlers
depended on them for warning.
Rev. James Robinson, father of Mrs. George W.
Pogue, was born in Geneva, Fayette Co., Penn.,
June 27, 1812. His father, James Robinson, a
farmer, was a native of Ireland, and came to
America when a young man. He was married
twice, the second time to Sarah Clelland, who bore
him the following children: James, John and
Sarah Ann. Mr. Robinson was a Covenanter. He
died in West Virginia, at Barracksville. Rev.
James Robinson was educated at Meadville, Penn.,
and was licensed to preach in 1837 in the M. P.
Church, this first charge being in the Zanesville
circuit, Ohio Conference. He came to the Pitts
burgh Conference, and spent the remainder of his
life in same. He was married to Susan, daughter
of John Johnson, of Muskingum county, Q^io, and,

the children of this marriage were Pauline, John
W., Virginia (Mrs. Thomas Stevenson), Mary E.,
James F. , William and Marshall, all now deceased
save Mrs. Pogue. Politically Mr. Robinson was a
Whig and Republican.

V\VIf ^' KREPPS, a prosperous blacksmith and
MJ wagon maker, was born December 13, 1847,
1(| in Fayette City, Fayette Co., Penn., the
J) a youngest in the family of children born
to Lewis and Elizabeth (Bilaud) Krepps.
Lewis Krepps was born of German ancestry, in
1809 in Harper's Ferry, Va., where his boyhood
and early youth were passed. In 1828 he and his
brother Christian walked from Harpers Ferry to
Brownsville, Penn., and there be worked at his
trade, that of blacksmith. He was married in
Brownsville to Miss Elizabeth Biland, of West
Pike Run township, Washington county. After
ward they settled in Fayette City, Fayette Co.,
Penn. They became the parents of seven chil
dren, as follows: John W., living at Grand
Rapids, Mich.; Jeremiah A., deceased in 1860;
Lewis Thornton, living in Richland county, 111.;
Sarah, wife of Eli Croop, of Ravenna, Ohio;
Enos Clark, who died in 1882, at St. Louis, Mo.;
Mary C. and M. S. (twins), the former of whom
married J. AV. Burton, and they are now living in
North Dakota. The mother of this family died in
Fayette City, in 1865, and in 1867 the father mar
ried a second time. In 1869 he purchased a farm
in Westmoreland county, Penn., moved thereon,
and there died in 1881, in his seventy-fourth year.
M. S. Krepps received his education in the pub
lic schools, and learned the trade of blacksmith in
his native town. In 1870 he moved to Allen town
ship, Washington county, where he continued his
trade, and in connection carried on agriculture.
On July 2, 1872, he was married to Josephine,
daughter of John Fry, the ceremony taking place
in California, Penn. , and the young couple at once
took up their home on a farm in Allen township,
comprising sixty-eight acres of good land. The
children born to this union were John F. , born
December 4, 1878; Joe E., born November 3, 1881;
Frank G., born December 6, 1883, and died of
diphtheria July 17, 1892. In politics Mr. Krepps
is actively interested in the Republican party, and
he and his wife are members of the Disciple
Church.

EZIN C. TUCKER, a well-known farmer
and progressive citizen of Hanover town
ship, is descended from one of the pioneers
of the county.
Prior to 1770 there came from Maryland
one John Tucker, who, after the Government sur-

1158

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

vey, took up 400 acres of what is known as the
" Grace tract " in Hanover township, having made
improvements on a tomahawk claim, several years
in advance of the Government survey. He was a
large man and as straight as an Indian, a despiser
of the lazy man and the rascal, and was an honest
Quaker. Before coming here his first wife died,
leaving two sons, Rev. Samuel, who was killed by
Indians while en route to Kentucky, and John,
who moved to Ohio. He married his second wife
shortly before leaving Maryland, and she, with
the two sons, accompanied him to this county.
There were two daughters born to this second
marriage, who became Mrs. Ralston and Mrs.
Sadler, respectively. Jonathan, the eldest son of
the second marriage, was born in Fort Vance dur
ing an Indian raid in 1771. Thomas, the fourth
child, moved to Ohio ; David was the youngest. John
Tucker was the founder of Tucker's Church, which
was built in 1823, and which is yet known by that
name. He was among the earliest residents of this
county, from whom the majority of the families of
this name in Hanover township are descended.
Many were the trials and struggles endured by
this old pioneer, of which, did space permit, we
would gladly give a detailed description. He
lived to the ripe old age of one hundred years, and
was buried in the Tucker's Church cemetery, where
his wife was also interred.
David Tucker, youngest son of John, was reared
on the old homestead where his father had first
located. When a young man he was married to
Christie Ann Hill, who bore him the following
children: Ellen, Rezin, Mary Ann, David, Philip
Rowland, Nancy and Samuel, all of whom lived to
adult age, some moving to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
and Iowa, while a few remained in their native
county. The father was a Democrat, and in re
ligious faith his wife was a Baptist. He died in
1819, and was buried in a private cemetery on the
home place. His widow was married to John
Clark, and had two children by her second mar
riage, viz. : Matthew (who went to Texas) and
Harriet (deceased in youth). The mother died in
Ohio, where she lived with her elder sons.
David Tucker, son of David and Christie Ann
Tucker, was born in 1812. and received but a com
mon-school education, his father dying when he
was but a boy of seven years. He then went to
live with his uncle, Nathan Hill, near Eldersville,
Jefferson township, this county, of whom he learned
the tanner's trade. In 1829 he left the tanning
business, and going to Pittsburgh worked for some
time in an iron mill. When his brother, who had
been living on the home place, left there for the
West, he came from Pittsburgh and took charge of
the farm. In 1837 he was married to Sarah S.
Watt, who was born in 1813. in Hanover town
ship, daughter of John Watt. The children born

to this union were as follows: Rezin C.? Angeline
E. (deceased in youth), Mary Ellen (unmarried, is
yet living on the home farm), Harriet L. (Mrs. R.
AV. Crisswell of Hanover township), David S.
(married, of Florence), John W. (deceased) , Sarah
S. (wife of George S. Graham, M. D., a leading
physician of Florence) and Lemuel J. (professor
in a college at Defiance, Ohio). Of these children
John W. enlisted in Company K, One Hundred
and Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed near Todds
Tavern at the battle of the Wilderness. Owing to
an order previously issued by the commander'-in -
chief, the body was never secured, and was buried
in the field. The parents always lived in this
township. David Tucker was a Democrat until
the close of Jackson's administration, when he be
came a Whig and Republican. He was among the
leading men. and a liberal contributor to the M.
E. Church (Tucker's Church). He was twice mar
ried, his second wife being Rachel B. (Miller)
Hall, a widow, who died in 1884, followed by her
husband in October, 1890. He was a man of pow
erful physique, weighing over 200 pounds.
Rezin C. Tucker, son of David and Sarah S.
Tucker, and the subject proper of this sketch, was
born April 27, 1838, in Hanover township, this
county. His first education was received in the
common schools, afterward attending the Florence
academy for some time. In youth he gave his
name to the M. E. Church. After leaving school
he learned the carpenter's trade, which he com
pleted and followed at various places in the county.
For the past few years he has been living on the
home place, of which he now has charge, having
been administrator of his father's estate. In poli
tics be is a Republican, taking an interest in the
success of his party. He has never married.

\ILLIAM DUNBAR is an esteemed citi
zen of Robinson township, who is rapidly
converting the products of the soil into a
golden harvest, the reward of patient, in
dustrious toil. His grandparents, James
and Mary Dunbar, natives of Ireland, emigrated
to America in an early day, settling in Pennsyl
vania, and thus becoming identified with the pio
neer history of that State. Twelve children were
born to them, of whom but two are now living:
Mary (widow of Joseph Wallace, living in Oak
dale, Allegheny Co., Penn.), and William (a farmer
of Cross Creek township, this county). Mr. Dun
bar followed farming and stock raising. He died
in 1830, and in 1831 his wife was laid beside him.
Thomas Dunbar was born February 12, 1805,
in Washington county, and in 1833 was married to
Mary Scott, who was born in 1817 in the same
county. The following children were bom to
their union: Alexander S., Mary (wife of Dallas

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1159

Garrison), AVilliam (of whom a sketch is given be
low), Martha, James, Elizabeth, Susan, and an
unnamed infant. Of these children the ones now
living are Alexander, Mary and William. Thomas
Dunbar cared little for political life, but was
actively interested in public improvements and
church affairs, to which he contributed liberally,
and with his wife was a devoted member of the
Raccoon Presbyterian Church. He died in 1891,
having been preceded by his wife in 1852.
William Dunbar was born July 9, 1847, and was
reared on the home farm. On May 19, 1881, he
married Naucy Annan, bom June 17, 1847, in
Washington county, Penn., daughter of AVilliam
(a carpenter) and Maria (Trimmer) Annan, early
settlers of this county. They reared four chil
dren, viz. : Mary, Nancy (Mrs. Dunbar), and
James and Emma (both deceased). Mr. and Mrs.
Annan were members of the Presbyterian Church.
He died in 1876; his widow (who was born in
1816) is living with her daughter, Mary, in
Candor, this county. William and Nancy (Annan)
Dunbar are active members of the Presbyterian
Church. He owns a well-cultivated farm of 157
acres, and raises a considerable amount of stock.
In politics he is a Democrat.

GL. KINDER was born February 27, 1842.
His great-grandfather, George Kinder, re
sided on Plum Brush, and followed the Ohio
and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boat
man. For a time he was successful in business,
but being overtaken by financial trouble, a few
years later went to New Orleans, and never re
turned. His son George was born in East Beth
lehem township, this county, and lived in that
vicinity until after his marriage, when he was ac
cidentally killed in a carding-mill, which he
owned and operated. The maternal grandfather
of our subjeot, Christian Booze, was born in Greene
county. Penn. He had no educational opportuni
ties, and followed carpentry and farming, eventu
ally becoming a successful business man.
Valentine Kinder, the father of our subject, was
born in 1805 in East Bethlehem township. He
received a limited education in the common schools,
but was a good penman. When a young man he
went to Galena, 111., upon a mining expedition,
thence coming to St. Louis he raised a crop of
corn, and then returning home taught school for a
time. He then married Miss Julia Booze, at which
time his entire worldly property amounted to $35.
He located just below the present home of his son
George, and remained there two years. He then
removed to West Mill. Six years later he bought
the home of his son, Louis, where he lived a num
ber of years, and thence removed to the old Nich
olls farm, near Hillsborough. At the time of his

death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left $10,-
000 for distribution, having previously divided
$50,000 among his children.
Our subject was born on the old homestead just
south of Hillsborough, where he lived with his father
until he moved to the Nicholls farm in 1857, leav
ing the old farm in charge of his two sons, Louis
and Harvy. C. L. Kinder was educated in the
common schools, and though his opportunities were
limited, he was an eager reader and a very well
informed man. He remained at home until his
enlistment, August, 1861, in the "Ringgold Cav
airy," an independent company, Capt. John Keyes
commanding. He was in the service three and
one-half yeai-8, and during two months of that
time was confined in Andersonville and Florence
Station prisons. He served in no general engage
ment, being under Gen. Keller, protecting the B.
& O. R. R. On June 10, 1863, he was taken
prisoner at Lester's River Gap, AAT. Va., and was
twice slightly wounded while in the service. He
was mustered out of the army March 17, 1865, and
on retiring to his home resumed the occupation of
farming, working his father's place on shares. In
1868 he and his brother Louis purchased the farm
of over one hundred acres where Samuel Kinder
now lives. Here he remained for about five years,
and in the spring of 1873, together with his brother-
Valentine, he purchased the farm of 207 acres
upon which he passed the rest of his life. Mrs.
Kinder has since added ten acres to this tract.
Valentine Kinder remained upon the farm one
year; then purchased a portable sawmill, and soon
after this was killed by falling upon the saw. He
left a wife and one child. Our subject then bought
out the interests of his brother's heirs in the farm,
and became very successful in business, having
made the greater share of his property himself.
There is probably no finer place in the township
than this farm. On Thursday, January 17, 1867, Mr.
Kin der married Sarah Worrell, daughter of Elias and
Aves Worrell of Allen township. Mrs. Kinder had
the following half-brothers: Allen Worrell, deceased
in July, 1867; William Worrell, deceased in June,
1873; John Worrell, deceased in July, 1873. Elias
Worrell, the father, died in May, 1873. Mrs.
Kinder had one full brother, Elias Irvin Worrell,
and one sister, Elizabeth, wife of Eli Williams. Mr.
and Mrs. Kinder had six children: Aves Ann,
born October 7, 1867; Elias I., born May 22, 1868,
died May 25, 1868; John Irwin, born July 2, 1871;
Elizabeth Nora, born March 18. 1873, was married
October 18, 1892, to Ira Friend; Julia Josephine,
born April 7. 1877, and Sarah Gertrude, born
August 22, 1881. C. L. Kinder died March 17,
1892. He had always been a Republican, and took
an active interest in the affairs of his party. He
was, as is his family, an active and devout mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

1160

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

?HOMAS G. WALLACE, one of the best
and most systematic farmers of West Finley
township, is a son of Charles, whose
father, Robert Wallace, was born and mar-
r/ ried in County Down, Ireland. His wife
was formerly Esther Walkingshaw, daughter of
John Walkingshaw. a miller of County Down.
After his marriage, Mr. Wallace sailed (in 1804)
with their oldest son from Ireland to America, and
while on the ocean, the second son, Robert, was
bom. The family first settled in Westmoreland
county, Penn., and resided there ten or twelve
years, finally making a permanent home in West
Finley township, Washington county. Their other
children were John, Samuel, Mary Ann, Martha
and Jane. Of this family Robert is now the only
living member. The mother died June 14, 1848,
and the father lingered until 1856, when he, too,
passed away.
Charles Wallace, the eldest son of the above
family, was born January 2, 1802, in County
Down, Ireland, and passed his youth in America,
on the farm of his father. He learned the trade
of a weaver, and followed that vocation until he
settled on the farm now occupied by his son,
Thomas G. He was united in marriage with Ann
Griffith, daughter of Thomas Griffith, of Donegal
township, Washington county, who was a native
of Wales. To this union were born children as
follows, the names and dates of birth being given:
Margaret, October 15, 1826: Robert, January 4,
1828; Thomas G., March 19, 1829; Samuel, Sep
tember 10, 1830; John, Novembers, 1832; Charles,
July 14, 1833; Esther, January 8, 1836; William,
July 16, 1837; Mary J.. February 7, 1839, and
Arthur, May 15, 1842. Of these children, Esther,
Samuel, John and Mary J. are deceased. Mr.
Wallace was a charter member of the Haney-
town Presbyterian Church. In politics he was
formerly a Whig, and on the formation of the
party became a Republican. On May 19, 1871, he
was laid to rest, and on February 6. 1879, was fol
lowed by his wife.
Thomas G. Wallace was born in Donegal town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., and came with his
father to West Finley township, where he as
sisted in the general duties of the home farm until
he was twenty-two years of age, when he began
workiug by the month for the neighboring farmers,
in which he continued three years. On March 14,
1854, he was married to Elizabeth Haggerty, of
Independence township, Washington county, who
bore him one daughter, Anna Mary, who died
February 11, 1855, the mother having died Febru
ary 5. On February 9, 1860, Mr. Wallace was
married to Harriet L., daughter of Alexander Pat
terson, whose ancestors were of Irish birth, and
to their union were born the following children:
Beverage P., born January 31, 1861; Anna M-,

born May 4, 1862; William A., born June 18,
1863; Charles H, born September 8, 1864; Lizzie
J., born October 23, 1865; James P., born Janu
ary 23, 1867; Lelia A., born March 25, 1868;
Samuel M., born August 25, 1869; Ida B., born
November 3, 1870; Thomas H. , born January 20,
1872; Nancy M., born May 13, 1873; Edward L.,
born February 17, 1875; John A., born November
20, 1876, and Laura E., born May 11, 1881. Of
the above family, Samuel, James and Lelia are de
ceased. When Mr. Wallace began married life he
was too poor to purchase a home, and so continued
to rent until he had paid $7,000 for the use of
farms. He then concluded that renting was as ex
pensive as purchasing property, and so bought the
old home farm, which by the practice of economy
aud good management he has nearly paid for. He
is one of the few farmers who keep a strict account
of the sales and expenditures of the family. Dur
ing the last year Mr. AVallace has sold about
$1,500 worth of stock and produce from his farm.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Haneytown, AV. Va. , to which he gives a liberal
support. In politics he is a leading Republican.

LEWIS LINN, a representative agriculturist
. of Peters township, was born December 17,
1827, in Union township, Washington Co.,
Penn. , and is a son of Aaron Linn.
Aaron Linn was born in 1790, in New Bruns
wick, N. J., and iu early manhood was married to
Eliza Henkison, a native of the same State.
They afterward located in Union township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he worked by the day.
Their children were bom as follows: David, Will
iam, Lewis, Hannah, Mary (1), Zephanalia, James,
Mary (2), Elizabeth and Ann C. Of this family
David, William, Mary, Zephanalia and James are
decoisod. The latter enlisted in Company G, One
Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed at
the battle of Gettysburg.
Lewis Linn, the subject proper of this sketch,
passed his youth on the home place. On April 13,
1848, he was married to Margaret J., daughter of
James Sheets, a shoemaker of Peters township.
The young couple then lived as tenants in Peters
township, also near Canonsburg, and in 1861
bought the home farm in Peters township, contain
ing 180 acres of fine land, upon which he has
made many improvements. He owns twenty-five
cows, and has a milk route in Pittsburgh, which is
managed by his son, William, who also buys milk
of the neighboring farmers. Mr. Linn votes the
Democratic ticket, and has served nine years as
road supervisor, but prefers to devote his principal
time to personal matters. He assisted in the or
ganization of the Presbyterian Church at Finley
ville, of which he is an elder and stanch supporter.

m i '' ' ;- :' <; : ' ' *" * <P -' "'

m

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1163

Nine. children have been born to this union, namely :
James, Aaron, Nancy, Belle, William, John A.
(deceased), one deceased in infancy, Robert and
Margaret. Of these four are married, viz. : James,
Aaron, Nancy and Belle. Mr. Linn has had fif
teen grandchildren, three of whom are deceased.

J I AMES BELL- Of the many European
countries that have given to America their
I best and bravest citizens, the fair Emerald
Isle has ever been found in the foremost
rank. Persecuted and oppressed by power
ful nations, many of her high-spirited sons and
daughters have fought a land of freedom, and
finding the object of their quest in America, have
bled and died to maintain the honor of their
adopted country.
James Bell was born February 9, 1844, near
Bangor, County Down, Ireland, and grew to man
hood on his father's farm. He soon evinced an
inclination for mechanical work, and by indulging
this natural taste, finally became quite a success
ful carpenter. On March 17. 1873, he was united
in the bonds of matrimony with Jane Major, a
native of the same county. She was born Decem
ber 3, 1855, and was a daughter of David Major,
a merchant of Bangor. County Down, Ireland.
Mr. and Mrs. Bell decided to begin their mar
ried life in the New World, and in June, 1873,
sailed from Lame, County Antrim, on the State-
line ship "Pennsylvania." After a voyage of
thirteen days they landed at New York, thence
proceeded to Steubenville, Ohio, where they re
mained a short time, then settled at Midway, Penn.
Mr. Bell there found employment in outside work
at. the coal mines, but through working with un
tiring industry, his health began to fail from the
unaccustomed and severe manual labor. In 1880
he opened a small grocery, being obliged to begin
on a modest scale, as his finances were very
limited. But undaunted by the many obstacles
before him. with the spirit of energy and pluck
characteristic of the sons of Erin, James Bell be
gan at the foot of the commercial ladder. Slowly,
yet steadilv, he began to rise; round by round he
ascended, watching and working, with his faithful
wife by his side to encourage and aid in the stub
born conflict; at last success dawned and the
darkest hours were over. To-day James Bell con
ducts the most extensive individual mercantile
business at Midway. He has been compelled to
enlarge his business facilities, and is enjoying the
well-earned reward of those weary, toilsome years.
The following children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. James Bell: Minnie, David, William M., Bessie
M. N, James A., Hugh W.. John (deceased in in
fancy). Mattie S. and John N. In politics Mr.
Bell was formerly a Republican, and in 1884 joined

the Prohibition party, with which he has since
been connected. He and his wife are earnest
members of the U P. Church.

ESLEY L. OWINGS, a well-to-do farmer
and substantial citizen of Hanover town
ship, is of Welsh extraction. His grand
father, Asa Owings, was born in Wales,
and on his -arrival in America settled
near Harmon's Creek, where his life was passed in
"tilling the virgin soil." Many were the hard
ships and trials with which this family contended
before the victory was won beyond a question.
Twelve children were born to Asa Owings, among
whom, and second in the order of birth, was one
named Ephraim.
Ephraim Owings was born January 6, 1801, in
Brooke county. W. Va. , in the pioneer cabin on
Harmon's creek, this county. His early life was
passed on the frontier. On January 12, 1826, he
was married to Blanche Swearingen, who was
born August 20, 1807, in Brooke county, W. Va.,
where her father, John Swearingen, after coming
from Maryland, settled. The following children
were born to Ephraim and Blanche Owings: Vir-
linder, the widow of Henry Fullerton; Michael,
married to James Mahan, and living in De Kalb
county, Mo. ; John S.. a farmer of Hancock county,
W. Va. ; Asa, an agriculturist of Webster county,
Mo.; Frances, deceased wife of John Snedeter;
Helen, married to John N. Griffith, of Hanover
township; Catherine, widow of Daniel Sturgeon,
of Beaver Falls, Penn.; William E., a farmer of
De Kalb county, Mo.; Wesley L., of whom further
mention is made; George E., deceased in infancy;
Minerva and Mary (twins), deceased in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Owings lived in Hancock and Brooke
counties, W. Va., where he followed the river in
connection with farming until 1864, when he
purchased the Henry Bow farm, in Hanover town
ship, this county, where his last years were spent.
At length, worn out with the toil of many indus
trious years, he passed away, July 13, 1884, fol
lowed by his wife July 14, 1891, and they are
buried in the Florence cemetery. Mrs. Owings
was a member of the Baptist Church at Holliday's
Cove, W. Va., in which her husband was an
elder and leading member for many years. He
was a zealous Democrat, a successful farmer and
an excellent citizen.
Wesley L. Owings was born July 18, 1846, in
Brooke county, W. Va. On the old place, where
the father had passed his boyhood, the son grew
to maturity. When a young man he came, with
his parents, to Washington county, Penn. On
February 17, 1870, he married Margaret E. Davis,
who was bom May 20, 1848, a daughter of Will
iam and Margaret (Bruce) Davis, of Hanover

1164

WASHINGTON- COUNTY.

township. The children of Wesley and Margaret
Owings are as follows: George D., Linnie A.,
Margaret E., William E., Ralph G. and Elva C,
all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs.
Owings remain on the old place where the father
first settled. Like his ancestors for generations,
Wesley Owings devotes his attention to the culti
vation of his farm and stock raising, in which
business he has prospered. He is an enthusiastic
supporter of the doctrines embraced in the Demo
cratic party. The family share the respect and
esteem of the entire community, and Mrs. Owings
is a member of the U. P. Church at Frankfort
Springs.

d[ L. BRADY was born in Washington, Wash
ington Co., Penn., a descendant of Freeman
| Brady, who came to Washington, Penn.. in
about 1812, where he worked at his trade, that
of mason. He married a Miss Means, of South
Strabane township, this county, whose family reside
on the place now known as the ' ' Taylor farm,' ' and
their children were as follows : Sophia, Seaman (de
ceased), Andrew (deceased), John and Freeman,
Samuel, James, David (deceased), Benjamin, and
Martha (deceased). Mr. Brady took a very active
part in local affairs, and at one time was post
master at Washington. He was contractor for
many of the abutments to the bridges, along the
National pike, and built the courthouse and old
jail. Although he had but a limited education,
he became one of the most prominent men of the
day. Politically, he was one of the old wheel
horses of the Democratic party in AVashington
county. He and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian Church. He died in 1872, when
over seventy years of age, having been preceded to
the grave by his wife.
Benjamin Brady, son of Freeman, was born in
Washington borough in 1836. and there passed
his entire life. In 1859 he was married to Rebecca
Jordan, of Washington, and three children were
born to them : W. C.,bom March 4. 1860; J. L.
(a sketch of whom follows), born September 28,
1862; and Katie H. born August 14, 1864 (mar
ried to John W. Hallam). Mr. Brady was a
butcher and conducted a meat market, a business
he followed all his life. He was generous to a
fault, and ever ready to give a helping hand to the
needy. He died in October, 1864, and his widow
is still living in the borough of Washington.
J. L. Brady lived in Washington until he was
,five years of age, when he came to Amwell town
ship, and made his home with his granduncle and
grandaunt, Isaac and Isabella Dager, the former of
whom died when J. L. was a lad of fifteen sum
mers, since which time he has successfully man
aged the farm, having previously received his edu

cation in the common schools. On October. 16,
1889, he was united in marriage with Ella Hilde
brand, daughter of Andrew and Mary Hildebrand,
of West Bethlehem township, whose other children
are Marion, Eli, Alvin, Frank, Rachel and Zoe.
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Brady have one child, Glenn, born
May 28, 1891. Our subject is a Democrat, and is
active in the politics of his township, always voting
for the best man in local politics, regardless of
party distinctions.
Isaac Dager, granduncle of J. L. Brady, was
born March 29, 1808, on the farm now occupied
by our subject, and received a good rate-school ed
ucation. He was married to Isabella Means, and
there was born to them one daughter, Catherine
Ann, who died at the age of nine years. Mr.
Dager died December 4, 1876, on the farm where
his life was passed, and his widow followed him to
the grave September 27, 1888.

4/

HENRY MORRISON, son of Henry, and
grandson of Henry Morrison, was born Au
gust 13, 1827, in Nottingham township,
this county. The grandfather -was a lieu
tenant in the Revolutionary war. In 1773
he came to this county and bought 466 acres of
land on Mingo creek, where he died at the age of
eighty-two years, leaving three sons: John, James
and Henry. Henry Morrison was born October 2,
1799, in Nottingham township, and at an early
day was married to Anna Stewart, who was born
here October 14, 1794. Five children blessed this
marriage, namely : William, born December 18,
1820, died February 26, 1843; Patience (Mrs.
Hamilton), born April 30, 1823; Henry, of whom a
sketch follows; John, born May 23, 1830, died
January 6, 1836, and James, born May 14, 1833.
The father owned 152 acres of land and passed
his life iu agricultural pursuits, serving the town
ship in various capacities. He died October 7,
1884, having been preceded by the mother De
cember 25, 1877.
Henry Morrison, whose name opens this sketch,
grew to manhood on the home place in Notting
ham township, and on March 30, 1848, married
Margaret, daughter of Charles Hamilton, of Peters
township. She was born July 16, 1829. To this
union the following children have been born:
Charles H., born March 12, 1849; Margaret A.,
born October 24, 1852; Sarah B., born November
1. 1855, died August 16, 1859; Patience L., born
July 21, 1858, died August 17, 1859; Henry W.,
born June 12. 1860, died October 1, 1865; James
S., born October 7, 1862; AVillett A., born April
11. 1865; Harry M-, born July 24, 1867, and How
ard F., born July 11, 1871.
Mr. Morrison is a prosperous farmer, now own
ing seventy-eight and one-half acres of well-culti-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1165

vated laud, and at one time gave his entire atten
tion to stock raising. He has been supervisor,
also serving as school director for several years.
In political affairs he affiliates with the Democratic
party.

EA. AVILLIAMS is of French descent, his
grandparents, James and Sarah (Elversbn)
Richards, having been born in France.
— When but sixteen years of age James Rich
ards served as a fifer in the French revolution,
being a brave soldier; he received a wound in the
leg which he carried through life. Emigrating to
America, he became a farmer and active politician.
They were the parents of three children, viz. :
Hester, Hannah and Lucy. The parents died in
East Pike Run township, Washington Co. . Penn.
Titus Williams, son of Elder Williams (known
as a great minister of his day), was born in 1808,
on the home place in East Pike Run township, and
for several years was a boat pilot on the Monon
gahela river. He was married to Lucy Richards,
who was born in 1809, and she bore him three
children, namely: Hester A. (deceased), Eli A.
and James E. , a Methodist minister of Pittsburgh,
Penn. The father was a representative citizen of
the community, and voted with the Whig party.
He died in 1842, at the age of thirty-four years,
and his widow, who is now a hale and hearty
woman of eighty-two years, is yet living with her
son. She is a member of the M. E. Church, with
which her husband was also identified.
Eli A. Williams, son of Titus and Lucy Will
iams, was born February 27, 1842, in Fayette
county, Penn., and there learned the blacksmith's
trade. He married Elizabeth Worrell, August 26,
1874, who was born in 1854, in Washington county,
Penn. She is the daughter of Elias and Aves
(Smith) Worrell, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania. The father was an agriculturist,
and in politics a Republican. He died in 1872.
Both parents were members of the M. E. Church ;
their children were Sarah, widow of C. L. Kinder;
Elizabeth, wife of Eli A. Williams, and E. I. Wor
rell, of Allen township, living on and owning the
old homestead. Eli A. and Elizabeth (Worrell)
Williams are the parents of three children, namely:
John A., born in 1875; Elverson I., born in 1878,
and Arthur L.. born in 1887. Mr. Williams is a
manufacturer of coal picks and tools for several
different companies, being a very expert workman,
and also carrying on his farm of 106 acres. He
is a prominent citizen, always interested in public
enterprises, and votes with the Republican party,
having filled various local offices. He is also a
member of the Masonic Fraternity, and in religious
faith he and his wife are members of the M. E.
Church, of which he is trustee.

d'OHN B. ANDREW was born in Morris town-
| ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 28,
j 1852. He is a son of Robert S. and Sarah
(Cooper) Andrew, and grandson of James
Andrew, who was born and married in the
State of New Jersey, removing to Washington
county, Penn. , early in the present century. The
grandfather located near Mt. Zion church, Morris
township, aud there reared the following family,
all of whom are now deceased: Ruth, Mary, Mar
garet, James, John, William, Peter and Robert S.
Peter was born in Morris township, August 25,
1799, died April 23, 1883. Robert S. was born in
Morris township, November 6, 1812. Mr. Andrew
died in 1826.
Robert S. Andrew received his early education
at the subscription schools, but on the death of his
father was obliged to assume the care of the farm,
together with his brothers. In 1836 he married
Rhoda Patterson, daughter of Thomas Patterson,
of Morris township. She bore him two children
(twins), who died in infancy. Mrs. Andrew died
in 1837, and in 1842 Mr. Andrew was united in
marriage with Sarah Cooper, daughter of Zebulon
Cooper, of Butler county, Penn. , to which union
were born the following children: Sarah Ann and
Mary Elizabeth (twins), born February 2, 1843
(Mary Elizabeth, deceased in infancy, and Sarah
Ann is the wife of George W. Craft, of Morris
township); James Herschel, born January 21, 1845,
yet living (unmarried) with his brother. John B.
Andrew; Zebulon C. born January 2, 1847, mar
ried to Jennie Booth (of Greene county, Penn.)
and residing in Washington. Penn. ; Margaret E. ,
born February 15, 1850, widow of Spencer Clut
ter, and living in Greene county, Penn., and John
B. . subject of this memoir. The mother of these
children died November 3, 1852, and Mr. Andrew,
in 1858, wedded Hannah (Hathaway) Emerson.
She was born in 1821. Their children were:
Robert S., born September 10, 1859, living in
Pittsburgh, Penn.; Carrie, born September 27,
1862, wife of J. F. Post, and residing in Morris
township, and William H., born October 10, 1865,
living in Washington. Mrs. Andrew died March
4, 1877, and in 1884 he married Sarah Anderson,
of Washington, Penn. Mr. Andrew passed his
entire life upon the old home farm, and always
followed agriculture. He was a Democrat, and in
religion was a member of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church at Concord, but attended the M. E.
Church at Mt. Zion. Robert S. Andrew died
June 9. 1891.
John B. Andrew remained at home and assisted
his father in the farm duties until he was twenty-
six years of age. On November 1, 1878, he mar
ried Flora Samantha Cooper (born December 25,
1855), daughter of Nathaniel Cooper, of Mercer
county, Penn., and their children are Oliver Woods,

1166

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born September 5, 1879; John Elmer, born Sep
tember 27, 1883, and Harry Clark, born October
17, 1887. Mr. Andrew raises some stock, and is
a successful farmer. Politically, he is a Demo
crat but not a politician, and in religion he and his
wife are members of the M. E. Church at Mt. Zion.

MLLIAM W. HUNTER. Lord Bacon
aptly expressed the universal belief when
he penned the lines, "Though kings,
princes and great personages be few, yet
there are many excellent men who deserve better
than vague reports and barren elegies." History
is biography of men whose deeds have left an
impress on the life of a nation or a people. If
such be an evident fact, the lives of those men who
have risked their all for the dear old flag are
especially interesting to every true patriot and
most worthy of permanent record, that future
generations may be benefited by their perusal.
The Hunter family were originally natives of
Ireland, where the grandparents of the present
generation, John and Jane (Work). Hunter, were
born and reared. They were married in the old
country, where John had learned the weaver's trade.
In 1800 they sailed to America, first locating on a
farm adjoining Buffalo village, this county. He
packed salt over the mountains, then drove a team,
and afterward took a contract to build a mile of
the old National pike. He then bought a farm in
Buffalo township, successfully following agricult
ural pursuits until becoming advanced in years,
when he resumed his trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter
reared the following children : Robert (removed
to Belmont county, Ohio), David (moved to Iowa).
Alexander (deceased in Ohio), Joshua (deceased of
cholera in Wheeling, W. Va. ), James (settled in
Iowa), Margaret (deceased in Washington county,
Penn.), William (of whom a sketch follows), Samuel
(moved West) and. one deceased in youth. The
parents moved to Belmont county. Ohio, and
passed their declining years with their son Robert.
They were members of the North Buffalo United
Presbyterian Church under the ministry of Rev.
David French. The mother of Mr. Hunter was
born in Ireland and lived to be one hundred and
nine years of age.
William Hunter was born in Buffalo township,
this county, soon after his parents arrived in
America, receiving a meager education in the
country schools. When but thirteen years of age
he drove a four horse team — also assisting with
various duties of the farm. In 1830 he was mar
ried to Mrs. Maria J. (Maher) Chambers, widow of
Joseph G. Chambers, and daughter of John
Maher, Sr. , a prominent merchant, and sister of
John Maher, Jr., a leading attorney. Purchasing
the place now occupied by his namesake, he began

to follow farming. Mr. Hunter was a quiet, un
demonstrative man, and was a radical Democrat,
though never taking a very active part in politics.
He and his wife were members of the Upper
Buffalo Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hunter was
a woman of excellent mind and possessed an inex
haustible fund of general information. He died
March 23, 1887, having been preceded to the
grave by his wife, May 12, 1856. Their children
are named, Joseph C, Jane, William W. and
Joshua J.
William W. Hunter (whose name opens this
sketch) was born March 4, 1837, in Hopewell
township, this county, and attended the common
schools of the vicinity until twenty years of age,
when he taught school in Hopewell township four
years. When the Civil war began he had arrange
ments made for studying law in AVashington, Penn.,
being unable to enlist in the army, having lost his
right arm in a threshing machine in 1859, but he
engaged as a teamster, remaining in that Work
until March 12, 1863. He then returned to farm
life, and December 15, 1864, was united in mar
riage with Lizzie T., bora April 3, 1837, daughter
of Caldwell Smiley. Their children are: Joseph W.,
John S., Clarence M., and Howard T. Joseph W.
is a student at the Philadelphia Medical College.
Mr. Hunter was born on the farm where he is now
living. The home place contains 91 J acres, and
he owns an additional tract of 112J acres. When
a young man of twenty years he began contribut
ing to newspapers, having obtained a high reputa
tion as a writer, and is at present a regular con
tributor to the Pittsburgh National Stockman,
Western Agriculturist. Dakota Farmer and
Breeders' Gazette. He is regarded as an enter
taining public speaker. Probably no other man in
private life in this county has been called upon as
often to speak at religious, educational, patriotic
and agricultural meetings. He devotes his prin
cipal attention to the breeding of draft horses. Mr.
and Mrs. Hunter are members of the Upper
Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which he has been
an elder twenty years, and superintendent of the
Sabbath -school for fifteen years, where he is now a
teacher. He was a commissioner from the Wash
ington Presbytery to the Presbyterian General
Assembly at Detroit, Mich., in 1891. In politics
he votes the Republican ticket, but though often
urged to do so. has never allowed his name to
appear as a candidate for office.
Joseph C. Hunter, a brother of William W..
and eldest son of William and Maria (Chambers)
Hunter, was born in 1831, on the farm in Hope
well township, and was educated at the Millers
burg, Lancaster Co., Penn., Normal School, gradu
ating with the class of '58. He fitted himself for
teaching, and followed that occupation until
the war began. He enlisted in August, 1862, in

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1167

Company C, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry,
and participated in all the engagements of his
regiment until his death, in 1 864, resulting from
exposure. Amoug the battles in which he fought
may be mentioned Loomy Creek, Devil's Hole,
Moorfield, Pancake Gap, Petersburg, Fredericks
burg, Monocacy Junction, Cedar Creek, and many
other engagements.
Jane Hunter (a sister of Joseph C.) was born
in 1835 in Hopewell township, this county, receiv
ing her education in the common schools and Buf
falo Academy; she afterward taught two terms of
school, and, in 1862, was married to Hon. J. R.
Kelley, who enlisted in 1861 in an Ohio regiment,
was discharged because of broken health in 1862,
and returned to his home. He represented Wash
ington county in the State Legislature of 1864,
1865 and 1866, being Speaker of the House the
last year, and afterward edited the AVashington
Reporter. He died in 1871, 1'eaving three chil
dren: Mary R. (wife of C. B. Jackson, Clays
ville, has one child, Kathleen), Annie L. (wife of
James Ray, of Claysville) and John W. (married
to Annie Milligan, Claysville, now of Mannington,
W. Va.).
Joshua J. Hunter (a brother of Joseph C.) was
born June 1, 1832, and reared in Hopewell town
ship, this county, receiving his education in the
Buffalo Academy. He followed farming until the
war opened, and in August, 1861, enlisted in
Company I, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, being dis
charged for physical disability in May, 1862. He
re-enlisted in August, 1862, with his brother, in
Company C, Twenty-second Cavalry, as commis
sary-sergeant. He died in February, 1865, in
the hospital, from the effects of hardship and ex
posure in the service.

4/

MRS. MARY BOON, widow of William
Boon, is a daughter of James Speer, who
was a son of James, and grandson of
Robert Speer. The latter was a native
of Adams county, Penn., and settled in
Washington county at a very early date. He and
his family afterward moved to New Concord, Mus
kingum Co., Ohio, where he died. His son, James,
was born in Adams county, Penn., and came to
Ohio with his parents in early childhood, passing
the most of his life near New Concord. At that
time the Indians were yet numerous in the coun
try, but were usually friendly, and often visited
the Speer family. During these calls the squaws
invariably left their poor little "papooses"
strapped to a board outside the door. Thus, amid
the scenes of pioneer days, was James Speer
reared to manhood. In early life he was married
to Miss Catherine Latta, and settled in AVashing

ton county, Penn., where he died November 14,
1849. Their children were born as follows: Deb
orah, Robert, Thomas L. , James, Jane and Nancy,
all of whom are now deceased.
James Speer, son of James and Catherine Speer,
was born in 1810, on the farm in Peters township,
Washington Co., Penn., where his widow is now
living. In 1839 he was united in marriage with
Maria Calahan, who was born in 1814 in Peters
township, this county. She is a daughter of
Thomas Calahan (carpenter), a son of Joseph
Calahan, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Thomas Cala
han died when her daughter Maria was but five
years of age, and the child passed her girlhood in
the house of John Rankin, of Washington county,
where she remained until her marriage.
James and Maria Speer were the parents of
eight children, viz. : Mary, Kate, Eliza J. (de
ceased), a son deceased in infancy, Adeline (wife
of George Scott, of Des Moines, Iowa), Blanche
(Mrs. James Emery, of Washington county, Penn.),
Anna Margaret (widow of William Paden, has one
son, Lloyd H), and an infant daughter (deceased).
The father died April 29, 1878. Of these children,
Mary Speer was married to William Boon, grand
son of John.
John Boon, the grandfather, was born in Ire
land, where he grew to manhood and married.
This family came to America many years ago,
and first settled in Dauphin county, Penn., where
Mr. Boon was engaged in farming and distilling,
most of the wheat being then distilled, as prod
uce brought no profit. He finally moved to Can
onsburg, Penn., where the parents died. Their
children were born as follows: William, James,
John, Mary, Jane, Margaret Elizabeth, Joseph
and Nancy. In politics Mr. Boon was a Whig,
and in religion a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Miller's Run.
William Boon, grandson of John Boon and son
of William and Margaret Boon, was born July 10,
1831, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and passed his youth on the home farm. In
1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-
fourth Regiment, P. V. I., serving nine months,
then returning to Cecil township, this county, was
married February 9, 1865, to Miss Mary Speer.
To this marriage were born four children, namely :
Nettie E. , James L., John A. and Blaine, all of
whom are living. The father followed general ag
riculture and devoted considerable attention to
sheep raising. In politics he was a Republican.
He died July 20, 1884, in his fifty-third year.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Boon has
continued to reside on the old place, which has
been her home for twenty-six years. It contains
100 acres of good land. Mrs. Boon is a member
of the United Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.

1168

Washington county.

If DAM S. FERGUSON, a prominent farmer
V of Somerset township, is a native of the
4\ same and a son of Robert Ferguson, whose
-* father (Robert) was born in Lancaster
county, Penn., and there married to Lydia
Ferguson, who was born in the same county.
Eleven children were born to them, and the grand
father died at the age of eighty- three years; his
wife had died several years before.
Robert Ferguson was bom February 29, 1804, on
a farm in Washington county, receiving a common-
school education. He was married to Elizabeth
Smith, and they had eight children (only three of
whom are living), viz.: Adam S., Sarah J. (married
to Richard Huffman, a resident of Washington
county, Penn.), Robert (a farmer of Somerset
township), Lydia (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased)
and three others who died in infancy. The father
and mother are both deceased.
Adam S. Ferguson was born May 7, 1836, in
Somerset township, this county, and from early
childhood was trained to agricultural duties, re
ceiving a common business education. In 1869 he
married Rachel McDonough, a native of this
county, who bore him one daughter, deceased in
infancy, the mother following it in 1873. In 1873
Adam S. Ferguson was united in marriage with
Lucinda Degarmo, who was born in 1836, daughter
of William and Elizabeth Degarmo, natives of
Washington county. Mr. Degarmo was a farmer,
and the parent of five children, four of whom are
now living: Hannah (wife of Thomes Lytle, a
farmer of Fallowfield township, this county),
Elizabeth (married to Matthias Hartley, a farmer
of Amwell township), Maria and Lucinda (Mrs.
Ferguson). The parents are yet living in Fallow
field township, aged eighty years.
Adam S. Ferguson and his wife have had two
children, namely: Elizabeth G. (living at home)
and Lavina (deceased). Mr. Ferguson is identified
with the Democratic party.. He devotes particular
attention to his well-cultivated farm of 186 acres.
His wife is a member of the Disciple Church.

i\ILLIAM PROUDFIT is descended from
a well-known family of Washington
county. David Proudfit, his grandfather,
was a native of Scotland, and, coming to
America, located in York county, Penn. ,
where his son John was born January 28, 1775.
In 1802 this John Proudfit came to Washington
county, Penn., locating in Hanover township. On
April 9, 1809, he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross Creek (then
Hopewell) township, boru March 24, 1793, a
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle.

Some time after their marriage, John and Eliza
beth (Lyle) Proudfit returned to York county, as
the father of John was growing old and feeble,
and needed the care of his children. The young
couple remained on the home farm until the death
of the father, which event occurred in 1826.
John and his family then again moved to Wash
ington county, settling one mile west of Burgetts
town, where he passed the remainder of his life.
The trips across the mountains were fraught with
much danger and inconvenience. On one occasion
Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300 miles on horse
back to visit relatives in York county, the wife
carrying an infant in her arms, and many hard
ships were endured on the journey. The follow
ing children were born to these pioneers: David,
born August 13, 1810, died September 19, 1813;
John L. (deceased), born September 3, 1812;
James K, born April 21, 1815, died February 25,
1816; Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith
township), born January 2, 1817, died December
21, 1892; Agnes, born June 17, 1819, died August
15, 1824; Robert F., born December 23, 1821,
died in Smith township, in September, 1886; Cin
derella (wife of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland
county, Ohio), born September 16, 1824; AVilliam,
born May 10, 1828; Andrew, born March 20, 1831;
and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover
township, this county), born August 29, 1833, now
in Hanover township.
William Proudfit was born and reared in Smith
township, Washington county, attending the home
schools and working on the farm during his boy
hood. On January 4, 1855, he was united in mar
riage with Catherine Riddile, who was born April
5, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Riddile, of Smith
township. She has borne him the following chil
dren: Elizabeth C. (Mrs. Hon. T. M. Patterson,
of Burgettstown, Penn.), Margaret S. (wife of Dr.
S. L. McCullough, of Frankfort Springs, Beaver
Co., Penn.), Andrew C. (a farmer of Smith town
ship), Mary J. (Mrs. Miller Russell, of Robinson
township), Samuel R. (living at home), William R.
(deceased), John L. (who is a student of Washington
and Jefferson College) and Kate B. (residing with
her parents). Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit resided on
the home farm a short time after their marriage,
then moved to a pleasant place situated at the
confluence of Middle Raccoon creek with the main
stream, his farm comprising 221 acres. He has
followed general agriculture, including stock rais
ing, and was extensively engaged in breeding fine
sheep, being now much interested in the dairy
business. Mr. Proudfit is a successful man in the
best sense of the term, having won a large number
of warm friends. Politically, he has always been
a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1169

I AMES McCLEERY, a prosperous farmer,
| wool-grower and stock raiser of Hopewell
v J township, was born October 7, 1854, in West
^^ Finley township, AVashington Co., Penn.
He comes of pioneer stock, his parents, Alexander
and Mary (Davidson) McCleery, being natives of
West Finley township, while his grandparents,
James and Catherine (Ferbis) McCleery, were
reared in this county.
James McCleery (the grandfather) was born in
Ireland, and his parents sailed for America when
he was small. They came to Donegal township,
this county, where he grew to manhood and was
married to Catherine Ferbis. After their marriage
they removed to West Finley township, where
their children were reared: John, Alexander,
Joseph, Thomas, Jane and James, the latter dying
in youth.
Alexander McCleery was reared on the farm,
receiving such education as was afforded in his
time. When he was thirty-one years of age he
married Mary Davidson, and afterward purchased
a farm. His wife died in 1866, leaving four chil
dren: William D., James (subject of this sketch),
Nettie J. and Robert D. His second wife was
Elizabeth Ackley, of Greene county, who has borne
him one daughter, Mary Elizabeth. He resides in
West Finley township with two of his unmarried
children, Robert D. and Mary E. His eldest son,
William D., is a physician at Hanoverton, Ohio.
Nettie J. is married to R. J. Buchanan, and is re
siding in Ohio county, W. Va.
James McCleery, son of Alexander and Mary
(Davidson) McCleery, received his early education
in the public schools of West Finley township. He
then went to Oberlin, Ohio, where he pursued a
scientific course of study for nine terms. After
leaving college he turned his attention to farming,
remaining with his father until 1885. On January
24, 1884, he was married to Lulu V., daughter of
Robert and Jane (Lucas) Sutherland. In 1885 he
removed to a farm in the southwestern part of
Hopewell township. He now owns 171 acres of
well-improved and well-stocked land. Politically
he is a Republican, but while taking a lively in
terest in political affairs, voices his sentiment by
his ballot alone. Mr. McCleery has two children,
Frank Ross and Mary Templeton.

^ILLIAM T. COURSON, a public spirited
and intelligent citizen of Amwell town
ship, is a son of Benjamin Courson, who
married a daughter of John Carter, of
that township. The young couple lived
in Franklin township several years, and then moved
to the old farm in Amwell township, which he still
owns, and where were born their seven children,
as follows: William T., John N. (deceased), Mrs.

Nancy Van Kirk, Mrs. Margaret Lacock, Mrs. Jane
Galley, Frank M. and Fannie.
William T. Courson, the eldest in the above
named family, was born in Franklin township,
Washington Co., Penn., and when six years old
was brought by his parents to Amwell township,
where he has since resided. On May 21, 1876, he
was united in marriage with Miss Sidney Watson,
a daughter of William W. and Catherine Watson,
whose children were: Mrs. Sarah Jane Shipe, Mrs.
Mary Callie McFee, Robert, Henry (deceased),
Mena, Lenora (deceased) and Sidney. Mr. Watson
died November 30, 1891, and Mr. William T.
Courson has since bought the home farm of the
deceased, which property comprises sixty-one acres.
William T. and Catherine (Watson) Courson
have had five children, namely: Lillie, Herschel,
Willie, Ray and John. Mr. Courson has been a
farmer all his life, and is the owner of about 122
acres of fine land, to which he gives his principal
attention. He has accumulated a comfortable
competence by his own unaided efforts, and al
though barely forty years of age, is already enjoy
ing the fruits of early toil. He is a "hustling"
Republican, and has held several minor offices in
a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to
his constituency. In religious faith he is a mem
ber of the M. E. Church.

T AMES JOHNSTON. Of the prosperous and
. representative farmers of Cecil township, this
C'_JJ gontleman deserves prominent mention. His
^^ ancestors were natives of Ireland, from which
country his grandparents, John and Elizabeth
Johnston, emigrated to this country, settling per
manently in South Fayette township, Allegheny
Co., Penn. John Johnston passed away in 1841,
and was followed by his wife two years later.
John Johnston (a son of this pioneer couple) was
born in 1802, on the home place in Allegheny
county, Penn. He was reared to manhood in
South Fayette township, and in early life was
married to Elizabeth Roy, who was born in 1803,
in Ireland. She was a daughter of Thomas and
Margaret Roy, who came to America many years
ago, locating on a farm on Miller's run, Cecil town
ship, this county, where the father died in 1849,
his wife soon following him. Seven children were
born to the union of John and Elizabeth (Roy)
Johnston, namely: Rachel (who died in 1849, at
the age of eighteen years), Margaret (deceased
April 3, 1887, wife of Joseph Campbell, Allegheny
county, Perm.), Elizabeth (deceased in childhood),
Elizabeth (married to William Bowman, Allegheny
county), James (subject), W. J. (residing in Peters
township, this county) and Martha Jane (wife of
W. P. Morgan, Canonsburg). Mr. Johnston was a
conservative in politics, and in religion he and his

1170

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

wife were members of the U. P. Church at Robin
son's Run. He died February 7, 1853, in South
Fayette township, Allegheny county, and the
mother passed away December 14, 189l, while re
siding in Canonsburg, this county.
James Johnston was born January 14, 1840, on
the home farm in South Fayette township, Alle
gheny Co., Penn., receiving his education in the
district schools. In 1866 he came to Cecil town
ship, Washington county (where he has since re
mained), and purchased 208 acres of land, which
had been patented by William Long in 1784. He
was united in marriage with Susanna, daughter of
Robert and. Susanna Bell, early settlers of Peters
township, this county. Mr. Johnston has made
many improvements on his farm, and is prospering
in his chosen vocation. Politically he votes with
the Republican party. He is a member of the
Greenside U. P. Church at Canonsburg, and his
wife was connected with the Presbyterian Society
at Centre. She died March 7, 1892, aged forty-
four years three months seventeen days, leaving
five children: John B. , Mary E., Robert, Laura
and James Harvey.

FHILIP ADDISON MINTON, one of the
successful and enterprising farmers of
Morris township, is a grandson of Philip
Minton, who was born in New Jersey, of
English parentage, and in 1786 moved with
his brother Matthias to Washington county, Penn.,
locating a mile south of Sparta, in Morris town
ship. He soon after married a Miss Clutter, of the
same county, who bore him the following children :
John, Thaddeus, George W., Sophronia, Harriet
and Ruth, of whom George W. is the only surviv
ing member, and he resides on the old homestead.
Thaddeus Minton was born August 15, 1805,
and received but a limited education at the sub
scription schools. He was a natural mechanic,
and worked successfully at carpentering, milling
and shoemaking. He was married to Parmelia
JSquires, of Morris township, and their children
were: Warren, engaged in the lumber and coal
business, at Charleston, 111.; Philip A., the subject
of this biography ; J. AV. , who lives in Washing
ton, Penn., a trusted employe in a large iron mill;
Rachel, wife of J. M. Dille, of Morris township;
Ruth, married to E. Dille, a resident of Waynes
burgh, Greene Co., Penn., and Anna L., the widow
of H. Adams, living in Prosperity.
Philip Addison Minton was born in Morris town
ship, Washington Co., Penn. , October 12, 1837, and
was educated in the common schools. At the age
of seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, which
he has followed for twenty-two years, and has won
the reputation of a skilled workman. On February
28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Keziah

Dille, who was born April 11, 1836, a daughter of
Lewis Dille. Mr. Minton lived in Prosperity,
Morris township, for two years after his marriage,
then in 1863 removed to the " Old Jeduthian
Sanders" farm, lying three miles northeast of
Prosperity, and in 1865 came to the well-improved
farm where he has since resided. They have had the
following-children: James O., born December 28,
1861, married to Victoria Tharp; Laura V., boru
July 17, 1864, died in infancy; Annie May, born
December 12, 1865, wife of Stephen Tharp, and
living near Ten-Mile village, Washington county;
Chester W., born June 21, 1868, a dentist, practic
ing in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Lillie F., born April 1,
1871, died November 1, 1877; Lizzie B. , born
November 20, 1873, died November 9, 1877, and
Herschel P., born May 24, 1879, yet living with
his parents.
In 1865 a terrible conflagration destroyed all the
property of Mr. Minton, and amid the confusion,
a beloved child was lost before it could be rescued.
Once more he began life with no property except
ing one horse and a cow; but with the kind assist
ance of sympathetic neighbors, he began farming
on a very limited scale. However, his " never-
say-die" disposition soon put him " on his feet "
again, and to-day he owns a good, well-stocked
farm, upon which he has erected one of the finest
barns in the township, built and modeled by him
self. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious
conviction is an elder in the Upper Ten Mile
Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is also a
member.

JOHN SWAGLER, a wealthy farmer of Peters
township, is a grandson of Jacob Swagler,
' who emigrated from Germany to America,
and coming to Washington county, Penn.,
bought a farm on Pigeon creek, in Somerset
township. In early manhood he was wedded to a
Miss Layton, who bore him several children, among
whom were two sons: Jacob (who settled in Wayne
county, Ohio) and Jonathan.
Jonathan Swagler, son of the pioneer Jacob,
was bom in 1795, on the farm in Somerset town
ship, Washington county, where his entire life was
passed. He was married to Miss Sarah Horn, of
Amwell township, Washington county, and their
children were as follows: Solomon, Hannah (de
ceased), Delilah, Elizabeth, Eliza J., John, Jacob,
Mary (deceased), and Susanna. The father died
in 1876, having been preceded by the mother in
1872. John Swagler, son of John and Sarah (Horn)
Swagler, was born in 1827 on the old Swagler
homestead in Somerset township, this county.
His youth was passed on the home place, and in
1859 he was married to Margaret, a daughter of

.mBW§L

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1173

Jonathan Dague, of West Bethlehem township.
After his marriage John Swagler bought and moved
upon 187 acres in Peters township, which he pur
chased by payments. Not only has he cleared the
farm from indebtedness, but has added to the
original tract 130 adjoining acres. He also owns
forty acres near Venetia, upon which is located the
Swagler mills. In addition to managing the mill
Mr. Swagler has been a successful farmer and
stock dealer, having until quite recently enjoyed
the reputation of raising the finest wooled sheep in
Washington county. He has recently sold the
coal which has been found under his land for
$30,000. He is quiet and unassuming in manner,
never boasting of his own success. In politics he
is a Republican. To his first marriage three chil -
dren were born, viz.: Sarah J., Jonathan and Em
ma. For his second wife he wedded, November
27, 1879, Margaret, daughter of James McCor
mick, of Peters township, and she has borne him
one son, Charles.

I( A\ILLIAM McPEAK was born February 7,
|\ // 1841, on the farm in Cecil township where
Xf( he is now living. He is a son of James
-* McPeak, whose father was a native of
Maryland, and in 1802 crosed the mount
ains, locating permanently in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, Washington Co., Penn.
James McPeak was born in 1800, in " The
Glades," and when but two years of age was
brought by his parents to a farm near Hickory,
Penn. When a young man he was married to
Jane Cochran, a native of North Strabane town
ship, and in 1836 they settled on the farm where the
remainder of their lives was passed. He was an
active member of the Whig and Republican party,
and held several township offices. He and his
wife were formerly members of the Seceder Church
at Noblestown, and afterward united with the U. P.
Church at Venice. In 1851 he was elected a mem
ber of the Session, filling that position until his
death, which event occurred in 1880, the mother
being laid beside him in 1885. Their children
were: Samuel, living in Mansfield, Penn.; Will
iam, of whom further mention is made; Sarah,
wife of J. R. Dinsmore, Allegheny county, Penn. ;
Elizabeth, wife of D. L. McConnell, of Cecil town
ship; David, living in Smith township; and Martha,
wife of J. F. Mawhinney, of Cecil township.
William McPeak remained on the home place
during his boyhood, attending school in District
No. 3, Cecil township. When the Civil war opened
he became a member of the State Guards and was
drafted in the first nine months' draft. In 1861
he was united in marriage with Abigail, daughter
of Stewart and Nancy (Alexander) Hickman, all of
whom were natives of South Fayette township, Alle-
65

gheny Co., Penn. The father died in 1874, in his
native county; the mother is now residing in Can
onsburg, Penn. Since their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. McPeak have resided on the old homestead,
which contains 106 acres in a good state of cultiva
tion. He is an active member of the Prohibition
party, and iB now serving his second term as town
ship commissioner. He and his wife are members
of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice.
They have two children: S. J. and W. H.

JH. GREGG is descended from a family who
were among the first settlers of East Pike
Run township. Many years ago three broth
ers, Henry, William and John Gregg, emi
grated from the Emerald Isle and made a
permanent settlement in East Pike Run township,
Washington Co., Penn. Henry took a patent for
349 acres of land known as the "Burning Mine,"
which is now owned by a Mr. Duvall. John Gregg
was twice married; AA7illiam, the second brother,
was the grandfather of J. H. Gregg. William
Gregg was married to Ruth Jackman, a native of
Ireland, and they settled on the farm in East Pike
Run township, where eight children were born as
follows: Robert (married to Ann Robison), An
drew, Henry (married to Jane Dowler), John
(married to Nancy Gregg), Mary Ann, Sarah,
Jemima and Margaret (Mrs. Crow).
Andrew Gregg was born in March, 1808, in
East Pike Run township, Washington county, and
passed his youth on the homestead. He was mar
ried to Mary Ann Huggins, who was born in 1816,
in what is now Allen township, Washington coun
ty, and of the children born to this union six are ¦
yet living, namely: Lucy Ann, wife of V. C.
Jones, of Fallowfield township; Ruth Ann, married
to William Sphar, of Allen township; A. J.,
living in East Pike Run township; R. W. ; Sarah
Jane, wife of Thomas F. Fry, of Chase county,
Kans. , and J. H. The father was actively identi
fied with the interests of the Republican party.
He died in 1872, on the old farm where his widow
is yet living.
J. H. Gregg was born March 16, 1853, in East
Pike Run township, and is the youngest in his
father's family. His youth and earlier manhood
were passed in the home neighborhood where he
attended school. In 1882 he came to the farm in
Allen township, upon which he has erected a good
house and barn. On February 8, 1888, he was
united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Stephen
and Hannah (Shaw) Ward, and a native of Allen
township. Her parents are early settlers of Wash
ington county, and are now living at Wood's Run.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregg are the parents of three
children, viz. : Frank, Alpharetta and Joseph
Riley. The home place contains eighty acres of

1174

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Well-cultivated land, and he is a prosperous farmer.
In politics he is identified with the Republican
party. Mrs. Gregg is a member of the M. E.
Church at Lueyville.

/

M^RS. MARGARET BLACK, widow of
John A. Black, is a native of Morris town
ship, this county, where she still resides.
-1 She was born in 1832, on what is known
as the old "Rutan farm," where she
spent the days of her girlhood, and was one of a
family of thirteen born to John Rutan, a prosper
ous farmer. They were of New Jersey descent.
Margaret Rutan united with the Presbyterian
Church when eighteen years of age. She was mar
ried to John A. Black in 1860.
John A. Black was born April 13, 1826, near
Johnstown, and was one of a family of six chil-
dren,allof whom emigrated West except himself , lo
cating in the States of Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.
The ancestors came from Ireland, and the family
has been characterized by honesty and sterling
worth. Mr. Black early chose as his vocation that
of a carpenter, in which he made himself proficient,
and locating in Morris township, where he devoted
his energy to his calling, was amply prosperous.
When his country was in peril he did not hesitate
in the performance, of his duty, but, in 1862, left
his young wife and home, and gave himself over
to the ''fortunes of war," enlisting in Company
D, 140th Regiment, P. V. I., and served until the
war closed. He was captured at Gettysburg, and
consigned to Belle Isle prison, where he was for
six months held a prisoner of war, enduring all the
hardships incident to prison life. In conjunction
with three of his fellow-prisoners, plans for escape
were laid, but the hardships and ill food to which
he had been subjected had so reduced him physic
ally as to render him unable to travel. So much
attached to him were his companions in misfortune
that, rather than accept liberty at the cost of leav
ing him behind, they chose to remain and share
his fate. The war ending, Mr. Black returned to
his home, where he resided until his death, which
resulted in 1880 from the kick of a horse. By his
kind disposition, sterling uprightness and Christian
charity he won many lasting friends, and enjoyed
an enviable popularity. He was an active member
of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an
elder, and an enthusiastic Sunday school worker,
being an instructor in the Sunday-school at the
time of his death. In political views he was a Re
publican, though conservative.
To Mr. and Mrs. Black were born three sons,
namely: Brice, born March 25, 1861 (married
June 11, 1892, to Lizzie Roller, of this county);
John Miller, born June 8, 1867 (married Septem
ber 13, 1892, to Lizzie Dille, of Washington

county), and Boyd E., born March 18, 1871.
Since her husband's death, Mrs. Black and her
two sons, Brice and Boyd E., have managed to
good advantage the farm and other property. The
place on which they reside, known as the " Tim
othy Lindley ' ' farm, has been their home since
1866. John M. Black works at the carpenter's
trade, which was also followed by his father.

JOHN F. BUCHANAN is a worthy representa
tive of one of the leading pioneer families of
Buffalo township. His ancestors were of
Irish birth, and his grandfather, John Bu
chanan, was married in Ireland to a Miss Foster,
a native of the same country. The young couple
remained in their native land several years, and
then, in company with several others, embarked for
America in a small sailing vessel. They had a
long and tedious voyage of sixteen weeks, and
finally landing in New York, remained a short time
in eastern Pennsylvania, afterward moving to
Washington county, same State. They made a
permanent settlement as farmers in Chartiers town
ship, and died there, leaving a family of children.
Mr. Buchanan was an active member of the Se
ceder Church in Buffalo township for many years.
He was a member of the Democratic party. He
and his wife were buried in the cemetery at North
Buffalo. Thomas Buchanan (father of subject) was born
and reared in Chartiers township, Washington
Co., Penn., there receiving his early education.
He was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter
of James Simley, of Cross Creek township, this
county, who bore him the following children:
James S., John F., Alexander and Samuel. Mr.
Buchanan was afarmer, and passed his earlymarried
life in Peters township, this county, afterward pur
chasing a farm in Buffalo township, where he re
mained some years, finally settling in Cross Creek
township. In early life he evinced an unusual
strength of character, and ever exerted a beneficial
influence upon the moral and religious sentiment
of the community. Mr. Buchanan was also a
warm friend of education, and served on the school
board many years. He died July 16, 1869, and
was followed by his wife in June, 1875.
John F. Buchanan was born October 2, 1829,
and passed his earlier years at home. He then
learned the trade of a miller, which he has since fol
lowed, for a number of years operating a mill in
Cross Creek township, and now owning one in
Taylorstown, same county. He is known in the
community as a man who never loses an oppor
tunity of doing a good deed, and never allows it
to be known. Mr. Buchanan has never married.
In political life he is a Democrat.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1175

uILSON LINVILLE is a native of Wash-
II ington county, Penn., born March 12, 1846,

on his father' s farm in Donegal township.
He is a son of George LinviUe, whose
grandfather, Peter LinviUe, was a pioneer
farmer of Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and there reared a family of children, one
of whom was Jeremiah LinviUe, grandfather of the
subject of this sketch; three other sons— Peter,
Aaron and Lewis— moved to Kentucky, where they
lived and died.
Jeremiah LinviUe was bom in 1790, in Mt.
Pleasant township, and on attaining a mature age
enlisted in the army during the war of 1812. In
the Ohio campaign he chanced to see Aaron Lin
viUe, one of his three brothers who had gone to
Kentucky many years before, and was then a mem
ber of a Kentucky regiment. But they were on a
rapid march, which was immediately followed by
an engagement, so the brothers had no chance to
speak— a formal salute as their eyes met in startled
recognition, and again they parted. In 1811 Jere
miah LinviUe was united in marriage with Eliza
beth Riley, who was born in 1795, near Winchester,
Va., and afterward came with her parents to
Washington county, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Lin
viUe children were born as follows: Lavina (de
ceased), Maria (deceased), George W., Lucretia
(Mrs. Samuel Hanen, of Maidsville, W. Va.), Har
riet, Drusilla, Cyrena (the latter three being de
ceased), Caroline (widow of Henry Hilloc, of
Wetzel county, W. Va.) and Amanda (Mrs. Frank
lin Fisher, of Claysville, Penn.). Mr. LinviUe
lived near Atchison, Donegal township, the greater
part of his life, but in later years moved to West
Middletown, same county, and lived in retirement
with his wife until they were both laid to rest,
after a life of many and useful years.
George W. LinviUe, father of our subject, was
born August 10, 1816, in Donegal township, and
secured his education in the common schools of the
day. In 1836 he was united in marriage with
Mary Rodgers, who was born January 22, 1819, a
daughter of Francis Rodgers, and she bore him
children as follows: Alfred (deceased), George,
Elizabeth, Mary Jane (deceased), Francis, Wilson,
Jeremiah, John and Calvin Terry. The mother of
these children died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. Lin
viUe was married to Lydia Lucas, who was born
September 29, 1838, a daughter of Benjamin Lu
cas, of Donegal township, Washington county, and
they had two sons: Roley and Newton, both of
whom are living at home. Mr. LinviUe has always
been a farmer. In politics he is a Republican,
and he and his wife are members of the Dutch
Fork Disciple Church.
Wilson LinviUe, son of George and Mary (Rod
gers) LinviUe, was brought when a young child to
Independence township, this county, with his par

ents, receiving his education at the common schools.
On October 16, 1884, he was married to Ella Con
dit, who was born June 9, 1863, a daughter of
Cephas Condit, of Amwell township, and to this
union were born two children: Florence May and
Harry Wilson. After his marriage Mr. LinviUe
located on the old "Bane farm," a valuable tract
of land, located one mile southwest of Atchison,
which is now owned by himself and his brother
Frank. They are extensive wool growers. Po
litically Wilson LinviUe is a Republican, and has
frequently filled offices of trust in his township,
the duties of which he has performed with much
credit. In religious connection he is an officer in
and prominent member of the Disciple Church.
Francis LinviUe, a brother of Wilson, with
whom he is engaged in business, followed the car
penter's trade in early life, and afterward formed
the above spoken of partnership with his brother.
In politics he also is a Republican. The LinviUe
Bros, are recognized as honest and upright citizens,
and enjoy the reputation of being thoroughly capa
ble business men. The LinviUe brothers — Wilson,
Francis and Calvin Terry— located on the old farm
in Donegal township in October, 1874.

EORGE W. COFFEY. That Scotland has
furnished the United States with many of
her best and most loyal citizens has never
been disputed, and in this respect no sec
tion has been more favored than Washing
ton county. Prominent among such is the Coffey
family, of whom the subject of this memoir is' a
worthy member.
He is a son of George R. Coffey, who was born
in 1801, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he learned
the trade of wheelwright, which he followed in
his native land. In 1836 he emigrated to Amer
ica, landing in New York on the Fourth of July,
our great national holiday. From New York he
proceeded westward, and landing in Washington
county took up his residence near the borough of
that name, at what was then known as "Rankin,"
but is at the present day called "West End."
After a brief sojourn here, he moved to Buffalo
township, same county, where he put up a dwell
ing and workshop on the then famous National
pike, and where he continued to industriously
work at his trade. Saving his earnings, he was at
last enabled to purchase a tract of land containing
seventy-two acres, where he resided until four
years prior to his death, when he moved into the
borough of Washington. Before leaving Scotland
Mr. Coffey had married Agnes, daughter of Alex
ander Dickey, and her he brought with him to this
country, together with the following named chil
dren: Alexander (who died September 13, 1892),
Margaret (deceased) and Ann (now in AV ashing-

1176

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ton county, Penn.). The children born to them on
this side the Atlantic were: Jane, William (de
ceased April 4, 1875), George W. and Agnes (who
died October 4, 1888). On June 30, 1886, the
father passed from earth, the mother having pre
ceded him to the silent tomb some ten years be
fore. George W. Coffey was born September 7, 1841,
at his parents' first home in Buffalo township,
which, as above stated, stood by the National pike,
and he received a good common-school education.
On November 16, 1865, he was married to Nar
cissa A. , daughter of William McCoy, and the young
couple afterward, for twelve years, made their
home in West Virginia, where Mr. Coffey followed
with success the business of contractor. In 1879
they returned to this county and took up their
residence on the old Coffey homestead, where they
now reside. The following named children have
been born to them: George R. , Martha R.,
Earnest Lester, Grace, Bessie, Clark and Chester,
all yet under the parental roof. In 1S90 Mr.
Coffey erected his present handsome and com
modious residence, on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail
road, at the station known as " Coffey's," and the
building and grounds are considered to be among
the finest in the county, his farm covering 138 acres
of the most fertile land. Here, in addition to
general farming, he pays considerable attention to
the breeding of blooded stock, including Poland-
China hogs, and Oxford-Down sheep. Politically,
he is a Democrat, and has filled numerous town
ship offices with credit t"> himself and to the satis
faction of his constituents. He affiliates with the
United Presbyterian Church.

\ILLIAM McCONNELL has been a suc
cessful farmer of Cecil township, and,
being retired from active business, is now
living in Hickory. He is a son of James
McConnell, who was born in Cecil town
ship. James McConnell was married to Sarah
Phillips, who was born here in 1800, and passed
their lives farming in the township. In politics he
was originally a Whig, afterward becoming a Re
publican. He and his wife were members of the
U. P. Church at Robinson's Run, in which he was
a ruling elder. He died about 1872, having been
preceded by his wife several years.
James and Sarah McConnell were the parents of
the following children: Mary (Mrs. Hugh Mc
Dowell, of Peters township), Martha (widow of
Samuel Vaneman, of North Strabane township,
who died in 1891), John (living on the old home
stead in Cecil township), William (subject of this
sketch), James (residing in Peters township, a
widower), Sarah (wife of Samuel McPeak, of
Canonsburg), Jane (living on the old home farm),

Elizabeth (wife of Mark Kelso, of North Strabane
township) and David (living in Cecil township).
William McConnell was born March 29, 1831, on
the farm in Cecil township, Washington county,
and received his education in the subscription
schools. He chose a life companion in the person
of Rachel P. May, a native of Cecil township, and
daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Berry) May,
January 8, 1857. Alexander May was born in
Cecil township, and his wife was a native of
Mt. Pleasant township, this county. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. May settled in Cecil
township. They were members of the Asso
ciate Church until the union, and in politics he
was active in the Republican party. Mr. May
died at Venice, this county, in 1872, being fol
lowed by his wife in 1884. William and Rachel
(May) McConnell passed the first years of married
life on a farm in Peters township, this county, but
in 1862 he bought and moved upon a farm in
Cecil township, remaining there until 1882. He
then sold the, place, and buying eight acres in
Hickory, has since led a retired life in that village.
His wife died in 1887, leaving one daughter, Sarah
Elizabeth, wife of John H. McCalmont, of Mt.
Pleasant township.

T S. VANCE. The Vance family were among
. I the earliest pioneers of Washington county,
j/"!/ and as nearly as can be ascertained are per-
^^ haps the oldest settlers of Smith township.
The first ancestor of these prominent citizens,
of whom we have an accurate history, was one Maj.
William Vance, born in 1718 in Scotland, and came
to Virginia in early life, afterward moving to Wash
ington county, Penn., where he died April 18,
1788. His son Joseph was born, about 1750,
near Winchester, Va. , where he was married, and
coming to Washington county, Penn., about 1773,
located about three miles southwest of Burgetts
town, in Smith township, on a large tract of land.
This land was then an unbroken wilderness, or, to
quote a pioneer phrase, " there was not a stick
amiss," but it has since been divided into nine of
the finest farms in Washington county. As soon
as a rude shelter had been erected for the family,
Joseph Vance, in company with a few of his widely
parted neighbors, began the erection of what was
known as " Vance's Fort." This was intended to
protect the settlers from the onslaughts of the In
dians, who were yet numerous in the Territory, and
bitterly resented the encroachment of the pale faces
upon their hunting grounds. The fort was
situated but a short distance from the cabin of
Joseph Vance, and stood for many years, the only
signs of its existence now visible being a piece of
brick-colored ground and an old stone chimney.
At the gates of Fort Vance, under a white oak

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1179

tree, on October 14, 1778, the Rev. James Powers
preached the first sermon known to have been
heard west of the Alleghany mountains. On this
wild tract Joseph Vance and his wife passed their
lives, with the exception of occasional visits to his
birthplace, and as the immigration increased, prop
erty rose in value. The vast tract of land, once
seemingly worthless, became very valuable and the
pioneers reaped the deserved reward of early years
of toil, privation and danger. The first wife of
Joseph Vance died many years ago, leaving him
"six children, viz. : William, John, Joseph, Eliza
beth, Jeannette and Mary. Of this family, Eliza
beth married William Wylie, and settled in Harri
son county, Ohio; Jeannette married James Stephen
son, and settled in Smith township, Washington
Co., Penn. ; Mary married Robert Lee, and set
tled in Belmont county, Ohio; one son, Joseph, re
turned with his father on a visit to Virginia, then
went west, and his fate was never known. For his
second wife Mr. Vance was married to a native of
Winchester, Va. , who died soon after their mar
riage, and he made a third choice in the person of
Mary Moore, a native of Winchester, Va. , who
bore him two daughters: Anna Mary (wife of
William Brady, Ohio county, W. Va.), and Hannah
(married to Edward Morgan, Ohio county, W.
Va.). The father died May 6, 1832, and in 1852
his faithful wife was laid beside him,
William Vanoe, eldest son of Joseph, was born
November 30, 1775, on the old " Fort Vance farm"
in Smith township, where his boyhood was passed
in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large portion
of them falling to him as the eldest son. On De
cember 24, 1799, he was married to Rachel Patter
son, who was born June 3, 1781, daughter of
William Patterson, of Cross Creek township, this
county. To the union of William and Rachel
Vance children were born, of whom the following
is a brief record: Cynthia, born March 8, 1801,
married William Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne
county, Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph,
born September 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith
township, and died in 1864; James, born July 23,
1804, followed agriculture in Jefferson township,
this county, and died in 1881; William P., born
September 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county
for some time, thence moving to Hardin county,
Ky., and is now a retired farmer of Caldwell
county, Mo.; Allison, born December 14, 1808,
died in Washington county on the home farm;
Elizabeth, born February 17, 1811, is now living
in Burgettstown, Penn., the widow of David S.
Walker; Ann, born November 8, 1812, was united
in marriage with Norris Walker (she died, leaving
a large family of children); David, born April 14,
1815, died in infancy; and Rachel, born December
28, 1816, was married to Josiah N. Scott, and is
now deoeased. On January 9, 1817, the mother

of these children passed from earth, and on June
12, 1818, Mr. Vance was married to her sister,
Hannah Patterson, who was born in 1786. Five
children were born to this union, namely: Thomas
P. (deceased farmer of Cross Creek township),
born July 15, 1819; Mary (unmarried, living in
Rome, Ga), born June 1, 1821 ; Caroline (deceased
wife of R. S. Caldwell, Hopewell township, this
county), born December 30, 1824; John S. , born
June 7, 1827; and Jane (wife of J. S. Young, of
Ohio, died in Rome, Ga. , where they resided), born
September 7, 1830. During his earlier life the
father resided on the home farm in Smith town
ship, in company with his brother John, whose in
terest he afterward purchased. In 1816 William
Vance was elected a representative of Washing
ton county in the State Legislature. He was an
enthusiastic member of the AVhig party, was a
counselor and adviser among his friends, and
favored the tariff bill from its infancy. After his
term of office had expired, Hon. William Vance
returned to his farm, having made a signal success
in the performance of his duties. He was a liberal
contributor toward and consistent attendant of the
Presbyterian Church with which his wife was con
nected. He died April 18, 1856, and in 18 /8 his
widow followed him "across the dark river."
Both are buried in the Cross Creek cemetery.
John S. Vance was the second son of William
and Hannah Vance. He grew to manhood on the
home farm in Smith township, where he was born,
and received a common school education. On No
vember 9, 1848, he married Emily H. Jerome, who
was born December 19, 1827, a daughter of John
Jerome, of West Liberty, Ohio Co., W. Va., but a*
native of Maryland, whose widow {nee Harriet
Miller) moved to Cross Creek village, Washington
Co., Penn,, after his death. Mrs. Vance has but one
brother, James Jerome, living in Minerva, Stark
Co., Ohio. John S. and Emily H. Vance have had
the following children: Caroline J. (Mrs. Robert
Campbell, of Sheridan, Penn.), William O. (living
at home), Charles J. (residing in Oakdale Station,
Allegheny Co., Penn.), Thomas W. (county re
corder of Jefferson county, Ohio), Joseph G. (a
farmer of Cross Creek township, this county), Ed
win L. (deoeased in youth), John F. (a resident of
Bridgeville, Penn., in the office of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company), Jessie B. (deceased in child
hood), Frank B., Viola V. and Mary G. (the latter
three living at home).
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vance lived
on the home farm in Smith township until 1858,
when they settled on their present home, a portion
of the original Vance traot, upon which Mr. Vance
has erected new and commodious buildings. He
follows farming and stock raising, giving consider-
able attention to the breeds of fine-grade sheep,
and like all who have borne the name, is a most

1180

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

successful business man. He was a Whig, now
voting the Republican ticket, but is not an active
politician, as he has no ambition for office. He
attends the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek.
His house, all the improvements on which were
made by himself, is situated two miles southwest
of Burgettstown. Mr. Vance is a man of large
stature, and is in the enjoyment of good health.

,1 "IULiLiIAM M
k\// of the oh
Xf{ township.identified

{[ "^ILLIAM M. REA is a descendant of one
oldest families of Cross Creek
whose ancestors have long been
with the history of northwest-
' ern AVashington county. The first mem
ber of the family to locate in AVashington county
was William Rea, of whom it is only known that
his life was passed among the early settlers of
Cross Creek township, this county, where his chil
dren were born and reared.
William Rea was born on the home farm in
Cross Creek township, and in early manhood was
married to a Miss Campbell, a member of a pioneer
family. Their children were John C, William
(who became blind at the age of seventeen years,
but" lived to old age, spending most of his time
with a brother Charles), Joseph V. (a farmer of
Mt. Pleasant township), Jane (deceased wife of
Cyrus Wells), Elizabeth (married to William T.
Kerr, and died in Canonsburg, this county), Samuel
(deceased in youth) and Charles C. (a farmer of
Cross Creek township). The father of these chil
dren was a successful farmer, and in politics first
an Old-line Whig, then a Republican. He died in
1865, being followed a few years later by his
widow. John C. Rea was born March 13, 1813, on the
home farm in Cross Creek township, and received
a subscription-school education. In 1836 he was
married to Mary A. Lyle, who was born in 1816,
daughter of James and Mary (Campbell) Lyle.
Her father was a descendant of the prominent
pioneer family of that name who resided in Cross
Creek and Smith townships, this county. To the
union of John C. and Mary A. (Lyle) Rea, the fol
lowing children were born: James L. (deceased).
William M. (of whom a sketch follows), Samuel J.
(of Harrison county, Ohio), Elizabeth J. (deceased
wife of D. M. Pry), Mary E. (deceased wife of
John W. Pry), Aaron L. (was a soldier in the war
of the Rebellion and died from the effects of dis
ease contracted while in the service). Joseph V.
(deceased), Alice M. (wife of Prof. Ewing S. Mc-
Wreath, of Hopewell township, this county), Eliza
A. (Mrs. J. D. Cook, of Cross Creek township) and
Elvira (deceased in infancy). The parents always
resided on the old homestead in Cross Creek town
ship, this county, where the father followed agri
cultural pursuits. In politics he was, like his

father, a Whig and Republican, and in religious
faith an earnest member of the Presbyterian
Church. He died several years ago, and his
widow is now living a retired life in West Middle-
town, Penn.
William M. Rea was born March 5, 1839, in
Cross Creek township, this county, passing his
boyhood on the home farm. He received 'a com
mon-school education, and then began a course at
Jefferson College, Canonsburg. which was inter
rupted by the opening of the Civil war. On Au- ¦
gust 21, 1862. he enlisted at Cross Creek village
in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth Regi
ment, P. V. I. His first duty was the guarding
of the railroad lines between Baltimore and Har
risburg, and he afterward took part in the other
engagements in which his regiment participated.
On May 8, 1864, at Todd's Tavern, in the battle
of the Wilderness, he was wounded by a musket
ball, which passed through the right ankle joint of
his right limb. Amputation being found neces
sary, he was placed in Lincoln Hospital, and being
discharged about the close of the war returned to
Washington county in May, 1865. Some time
after his return home, Mr. Rea entered mercantile
business at Pittsburgh, thence moved to Burgetts
town, but finally selected farming as his life work,
and moved to Cross Creek township. On Sep
tember 20, 1866, he was married to Martha J.
Keys, who was born February 17, 1844, daughter
of Joseph Keys, of Smith township. Four daugh
ters were born to this union : Ida M. , Josephine
E. (both of whom are living in Canonsburg, this
county), Anna T. and Martha V. (living at home).
On November 23, 1875. the mother passed from
earth, and for his second choice Mr. Rea was mar
ried to Nannie A., daughter of James McElroy.
She was born October 21. 1844, in Chartiers
township. Washington Co., Penn.. and the chil
dren of this marriage are James M.. John C. (de
ceased in youth), Samuel J. and William M. Some
time after locating on the farm in Cross Creek
township Mr. Rea moved to Mt. Pleasant town
ship, thence to North Strabane township, but
finally settled on bis present home in Smith town
ship, where he is known as one of the most suc
cessful farmers of the neighborhood. He is an
ardent worker in the Republican party, and in
religious faith he and his family are members of
the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.

ffl RTHUR B. WARD. The Ward family trace
f/W their bneage through four generations to
|r^\ one James Ward, an Englishman, who
II -* came to America many years ago and set
tled in Virginia, where he died leaving a
large family. Stephen Ward, a son of this James,
was born and reared near Martinsburg, Va. , where

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1181

he was married to Hannah Thurston, and they had
three children, namely: James, Hannah and
Thomas. The father followed farming and stock
raising, and in politics affiliated with the Whig party.
The family finally moved to Washington county,
Penn., locating near Maiden, in East Bethlehem
township, where the parents died, both members of
the M. E. Church.
Thomas Ward, son of Stephen and Hannah, was
born February 27, 1811, near Winchester, Va.,
and attended the schools of his native State. After
attaining his majority, he left home and com
menced farming in Washington county, Penn.,
there passing the remainder of his life, with the
exception of six years he spent in Fayette county,
Penn. When a young man, Thomas Ward was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Williams, a
daughter of John Williams, who was born October
12, 1784, and was married in Winchester, Va. , to
Mary Thompson, who was born in March, 1789.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of the
following children, their names and dates of birth
being here given : Alfred, March 16, 1806; Susan,
April 22, 1808; Daniel, January 9, 1809; Mary
Ann, January 11, 1811; Robert, March 9, 1813;
Thomas, January 28, 1815; Elizabeth, January 4,
1817; John, April 6, 1820; Catherine, August 17,
1821; Sarah- J., January 2, 1823; James Knox,
April 17, 1824; Clara E., November 14, 1826;
Margaret, January 9, 1830. After his removal to
Pennsylvania the father followed teaming from
Baltimore on the National pike. In political opin
ion he was a Whig and Republican, with strong
Abolition sympathies, and in religion he was a mem
ber of the M. E. Church. To the union of Thomas
and Elizabeth (Williams) Ward the following chil
dren were born: Mary J. (wife of Thomas Whorly),
Melinda (wife of Daniel Linn), John W. (who en
listed in the 18th Regiment, P. V. C), Stephen
(who enlisted in Company I, Second Virginia In
fantry), Robert, James Knox and Thomas. Mrs.
Ward died in March, 1846, followed by her hus
band May 18, 1891.
James Knox Ward was born March 31, 1844, in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and remained at home until March, 1865. He then
enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment. P. V.
C, and served with the army of the Potomac. On
May 10, 1866, he was married to Susannah,
daughter of William C. Wolfe, who was born in
Virginia, and was a son of Isaac C. Wolfe. The
latter was also a native of Virginia, and there mar
ried Susanna De Haven, who bore him four chil
dren, viz.: William C, Joseph, Elizabeth and
Rachel A. The father voted with the Democratic
party, and in religious faith was a member of the
M. E. Church. Mrs. Wolfe died January 19,
1846, and he was laid to rest Julv 27, 1870.
William C, Wolfe was born July 22, 1820, in

Virginia, and in 1829 came with his parents to
Washington county, Penn. ; he received his educa
tion in the subscription schools, and followed ag
ricultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he was
united in marriage with Melinda J. (Small) Wood,
who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington county,
where they settled, and he followed teaching and
cabinet making. In political opinion he was a
Democrat, and in religious connection a member of
the M. E. Church. His children were Alfred D., who
enlisted in Company I, Second Regiment Virginia
Volunteer Infantry, and served three years; Susan
nah (wife of James K. AVard); Joseph, who enlist
ed in Company D. Seventy-ninth P. V. I.; Ann,
wife of Herdman Maxwell Taylor; Henry AV. ; Sarah
N. ; Abram and Isaac C. The father was a Demo
crat in politics.
William C. Wolfe died March 4, 1855, and was
followed by his widow April 7, 1874. To the
union of James Knox and Susannah (Wolfe) Ward
five children have been born, viz.: Arthur B.,
Thomas H., Elizabeth, William S. and Louis.
The family have, with the exception of one year,
passed their lives in Washington county. Mr.
Ward affiliates with the Republican party in poli
tics, and in religious faith is a member and trustee
of the M. E. Church.
Arthur B. Ward was born February 25, 1867,
in West Brownsville, Penn., receiving his educa
tion at the Southwestern State Normal School,
California, Penn. At the age of fifteen he entered
the store of Robert Lynch, with whom he remained
as clerk for about two years, then served as man
ager until 1888, afterward purchasing the busi
ness, and conducting it for several years. In April,
1891, he removed to the Hotel Arlington Building,
having increased his old stock of goods, and added
a large line of gents' furnishings. On August 27,
1891, he was united in marriage with Luella,
daughter of J. P. McCain, a resident of California,
Penn. Mr. Ward is actively identified with the
Republican party, and is a member of the M. E.
Church.

f[OHN M. WATSON, a prominent farmer of
j I North Strabane township, was born January
frj 31, 1833, in Chartiers township, Washington
^^Co., Penn. His father, David Watson, was
also a native of Chartiers township, born in 1791,
and passed his early life on the home farm. He
received a good common-school education, and in
early manhood was married to a Miss Craighead,
who bore him children as follows: Martha (de
ceased), Amelia (deoeased), Nancy (Mrs. Alexan
der Henderson), Rachel (wife of William Ross),
Belle (deceased wife of John Chambers) and
George. For his second wife Mr. Watson was
united in marriage with Margaret Morrison, also

1182

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

boru in Chartiers township, this county, a daugh
ter of James Morrison, and the children born to
this marriage were John M., Mary (Mrs. Peter
Martin), and George N. (who died in Washington
county, aged fifty-three years). David Watson
died at the age of fifty-two, Mrs. David Watson
when aged eighty- four years. Mr. AVatson had
charge of the AVashington turnpike for many
years, and managed its affairs with marked suc
cess. He was a stanch member and active par
tisan of the AAThig party, and was one of the most
ardent supporters of the U. P. Church at Cross
Roads, Chartiers township.
John M. Watson passed his early years on the
home farm in Chartiers township, and after the
death of his father began life at a very early age.
On August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company G,
One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volun
teers, and served until the close of the war; he
was mustered out June 5, 1865, near Alexandria,
W. Va. On November 15, 1866, he was married
to Sarah J., daughter of Andrew Borland, and one
daughter, Ida, has been born to their union. Mr.
Watson is a successful business man, and owns a
large and productive farm in North Strabane town
ship. He is a stanch Republican, and is always
active in the interests of his party. He and his
family are members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Mt. Prospect, and he is a member of the
Session.

THOMAS C. SHIPLEY. Among the pro
gressive citizens of Hanover township is the
above mentioned gentleman, a son of Ben
jamin Shipley, who was a son of John
Shipley.
John Shipley was born about twelve miles from
Baltimore, Md., and passed his boyhood in his na
tive State, there receiving his early education. At
the age of twenty-one years he came to Washing
ton county, Penn., and purchased a wild tract of
land in Smith township. He added to this from
time to time until he had 135 acres, where a
small log cabin was erected, which Miss Lydia
Day consented to share. To this marriage the
following children were born : Benjamin, George,
John, William. Nancy, Talbert T., Richard, Sam
uel, Lavina, Catherine, Rachel and Henry. Al
though the Indians were then very numerous,
those in their vicinity were usually of a peace
able disposition. John Shipley was a soldier in
the war of 1812, and while he was defending his
home, the brave wife followed the plow in his
stead. He was an active worker in the Whig
party, and in religious faith was a member of the
M. E Church.
Benjamin Shipley was reared on the home farm,
and educated in the rude subscription schools. In

1824 he was married to Nancy Cole, who was born
in 1802, a daughter of Thomas Cole. The children
of Benjamin and Nancy Shipley were as follows:
Rachel (wife of James White), John and Nancy
(were scalded to death when small), Thomas C.
(our subject), Lydia (Mrs. John Frederick, of Bur
gettstown), Mary (widow of John Vance), Richard
(a farmer, deceased in 1883), Talbot (a farmer,
died in 1890), Catherine (deceased, unmarried) and
Dallas (deceased in infancy). Mr. and Mrs. Shipley
passed their married life in Smith township, this
county. He was a successful agriculturist, and in
politics was first a AVhig, then a Republican. He
died in 1876, and Mrs. Shipley survived him till
1884. Both were members of the M. E. Church,
and are buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at
Burgettstown. Thomas C. Shipley was born February 28*, 1833,
on the home farm in Smith township, this county.
On October 24, 1861, he was married to Eleanor
K. Proudfit, who was born August 29, 1833, a
daughter of John and Eliza (Lyle) Proudfit. The
children of T. C. and Eleanor Shipley are: Eliza
beth Nancy (Mrs. David Riddile, of Wellsville,
Ohio), Isa Mary (wife of Frank Hill, of Wellsville,
Ohio), John P. (married December 28, 1891, Mary
G. E. Sims, and to this union Thomas Earl Ship
ley was bom), Willie D. (deceased at the age of
sixteen years) and Ella Nora (living at home). Af
ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shipley located
for some time on the farm'in Smith township, and
in 1863 settled in Hanover township, on the place
where they are now residing, but which then con
tained all old buildings. Three y.ears later he re
turned to Smith township, and in 1883 came back
to the same farm and erected new buildings, in
cluding a residence and barn. Since that time he
has resided in Hanover township, following gen
eral farming, stock raising, and the dairy business.
Both he and his wife are members of the Presby
terian Church at Florence.

J (AMES W. BIGGER. Of the prominent,
prosperous and respected citizens of Robin-
I son township, none are better or more favor
ably known than the gentleman whose name
opens this brief sketch. The sous of Erin are and
ever have been among the leaders of all enterprises
in which bravery, energy and enthusiasm are the
requisite ingredients.
About the middle of the last century, Thomas
Bigger, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, was
there married to Elizabeth Moore, who was born
in the same county. The young couple decided
that their wedding trip should be an ocean voyage,
and accordingly they embarked for the New World
not many days after their marriage. After land
ing in America they came to Pennsylvania, first

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1185

locating on a piece of land near Hickory, this
county, which belonged to George Washington but
was then in court. His rights, however, were soon
established, after which Mr. and Mrs. Bigger set
tled on a farm in Robinson township, which is yet
in the family name, being now the property of
Matthew Bigger. The Indians had not then en
tirely left the old hunting grounds, and often com -
pelled the adventurous, pioneer to flee for life to
Fort McDonald; but as new settlers entered, and
the forests were cleared away, the Redmen roved
farther west, finally leaving the pale faces in undis
turbed possession of their homes. Eleven children
were born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Bigger,
as follows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas,
Ann, James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Eliza
beth. Samuel Bigger was born on the old Bigger
homestead in Robinson township, this county,
which is now occupied*"by his son Matthew. Sam
uel passed his youth on the old place, being em
ployed in the usual manner of a farmer boy, and
in early manhood married a Miss Wills, a native of
Ireland, who bore him a large family of children,
of whom are yet living: Thomas, Elizabeth, James
W., Matthew, Mary J., Ann, Jennette, Martha,
Samuel and Jane (twins); John died when he was
about two years old. The father was a Presby
terian, then a Seceder, and afterward a member of
the'U. P. Church, in which he was an elder. In
politics he was first a Democrat, then a Whig,
finally a Republican.
James W. Bigger, the second son of Samuel
Bigger, first saw the light of day November 30,
1828. He remained on the old homestead during
his boyhood and early youth, receiving his educa
tion in the common schools of the period, which,
to quote the gentleman's own language, were: "Ac
cording to my judgment better adapted to give the
pupil a more thorough knowledge of the branches
taught than the schools of the present day." On
January 1, 1857, Mr. Bigger was united in mar
riage with Miss Sarah H., daughter of the late
Richard Donaldson, a resident of Hanover town
ship. Children came to brighten their pleasant
home as follows: Jennie W. , Esther Me., Lizzie,
Isaac, Ida and S. W. (twins), Richard, W. M. and
J. M. Of these, Lizzie is deceased, while the other
children are scattered, some living near their par
ents, others gome far from the home nest. The
mother died June 5, 1891. Mr. Bigger has con
tinued to reside on the farm where he had settled
immediately after his marriage. He is a repre
sentative citizen, and in politics has ever been a
firm advocate of the principles embodied in the
platform of the Republican party. In religious
faith he has for many years been a member and
liberal supporter of the Robinson United Presby
terian Church.

W. JACKSON, a rising young agricult
urist of Cross Creek township, is a
representative of a well-known family.
His grandfather, Andrew Jackson, was
born in 1785 in Cecil county, Md., and
when ten years of age came with his parents to
Washington county, Penn. They settled on King's
creek, in Hanover township, where Andrew was
reared to manhood.
Andrew Jackson was united in marriage in 1808
with Elizabeth Cool, of Hanover township, who
was bofcn June 27, 1782, and children were bom
as follows: Mary, born April 25, 1809; W. C,
born November 12, 1810; Isaac, born Jauuary 1,
1812; Elisabeth, born October 2, 1816; Eli, born
October 27, 1818; Elsie, born October 23, 1820;
John, born September 9, 1822 ; James, born April
20, 1825; and Sarah, born May 24, 1827. Of
these the only ones yet living are James and Elsie.
The father was a soldier in the war of 1812.
W. C. Jackson, the second son of Andrew and
Elizabeth Jackson, was born on King's creek,
Hanover township, Washington Co. , Penn. His
youth was passed on the home farm and he at
tended the Florence Academy for several years.
He then began the study of theology under the
tutelage of Rev. William AVallace, of Wheeling,
W. Va. , afterward taking a course at the Alle
gheny Theological Seminary, graduating in 1846.
In 1842 he selected as his life companion Miss
Martha H. Lawton, who was born May 1, 1825,
daughter of Job T. Lawton, a native of Rhode
Island, who came to this county with his parents
in 1813. After graduating, Mr. Jackson preached
as a supply at different U. P. Churches for several
years, but never took charge of a congregation, as
his wife could not leave her aged parents. Two
children were born to the union of W. C. and
Martha H. (Lawton) Jackson, namely: W. W.,
born March 19, 1844; and Mary E., born October
22, 1850, the latter of whom was married to Will
iam Cole, a prominent hotel landlord of Burgetts
town, Penn. In politics Mr. Jackson was a stanch
Democrat. He died August 20, 1888.
W. W. Jackson (son of AV. C, and grandson of
Andrew) was born at Wheeling, W. Va., and
passed most of his early life in Cross Creek town
ship, Washington county. He attended the Cross
Creek Academy several terms, and then entered
Washington and Jefferson College, graduating at
the early age of nineteen years. He afterward re
turned to the farm and assisted his father, who
was unable to do much manual work, having bpe"n
crippled by a falling tree in 1863. On September
30, 1872, AV. W. Jackson was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Boyles, of St. Clairsville, Ohio.
daughter of Jacob Boyles. The farm contains 105
acres of land. In politics Mr. Jackson is a Demo
crat, and in religious faith a member of the Presby-

1186

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

terian Church, and of the Session at Cross Creek.
To William and Mary E. (Jackson) Cole was
born William A. Cole, November 22, 1868. He
married Alice R. Crawford, of Westmoreland
county, Penn., in 1889, and to this union the fol
lowing named children were born: Willa Marie, in
1890; Alfred Orlando, who died when one year
old, and Alice Margie, born in September, 1892.
William A. Cole resides at Pittsburgh, where he is
in the real-estate business.

I( LEXANDER S. BERRYHILL, a citizen
|\ of Burgettstown who has risen unaided
from the lowest round of the ladder to a
prominent position in business "and social
life, was born August 15, 1808, in West
Liberty, W. Va. He is a son of Alexander, and
grandson of William Berryhill.
William Berryhill was of Scotch descent and
served as captain under AVashington throughout
the Revolution. After the war he settled near
Greencastle, Penn., and followed the blacksmith's
trade some years, afterward purchasing the farm
where his life was passed. In early manhood he
was united in marriage with Ruth Steele, who was
born in Ireland, coming with her parents to
America when but one year of age. The children
born to William and Ruth (Steele) Berryhill were
as follows: Alexander S., Ruth (Mrs. Noble),
William, Samuel, Elias and Isabella (wife of Rev.
Blackburn). Mr. Berryhill was a Federalist in
politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of
the county. He and his family were members of
the Presbyterian Church.
Alexander Berryhill, father of Alexander S.,
was born in Lancaster county, Penn. , and was
educated in the schools of the neighborhood. In
early life he came to Uniontown, Penn., where he
was married to Mary, daughter of Moses Linn.
After his marriage he moved to West Virginia,
and conducted a tanyard for some time, then
opened a general store at West Liberty, W. Va.
He finally sold out and became one of the pioneer
boatmen of that vicinity, making trips from West
Liberty, W. Va. , to Nashville, Tenn. He ex
changed the Northern produce for cotton, sugar
and other articles raised in the Southern States.
While returning from one trip, he met the first
steamboat that was ever on the Ohio river, and
challenged the crew for a race to Short Creek.
They accepted, and he won the race. In 1830 he
came to Cross Creek township, this county, where
he made a permanent home. In politics he was
formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the
Democratic party. He and his wife were members
of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents
of the following children: William, Moses L.,
Alexander S., Mary E. (wife of William McKin
ley), James, John, Samuel and Martha.

Alexander S. Berryhill (the subject of this
biography) received a common-school education in
the home district, and on April 15, 1840, was
united in matrimony with Catherine, daughter of
John Shipley. The young people immediately
settled in Burgettstown, Penn., where they re
mained nine years, then went to Burlington, Iowa,
being there one year, thence moved to Lancaster,
Wis. They remained three years in the latter
place, when the father of Mr. Berryhill died, and
he returned home. He settled in Cross Creek,
where he remained for some years. He then spent
some time in Florence and at Cumberland, W. Va. ,
and removed from Cumberland to Burgettstown at
the time the railroad was being constructed. The
railroad passed the town about half a mile north
east, and the station was called Cardville, by which
it was known until the towns were incorporated as
one, under the name of Burgettstown, in 1881. Mr.
Berryhill built the first house in Cardville, and
started a grocery store, continuing in this business
until 1887, when he retired from active business
and has since been leading a retired life. Mr. and
Mrs. Berryhill have had the following children:
Martha (wife of James Jackson), Mary L (Mrs.
Simpson), Flora, Belle (formerly Mrs. Richard
Henrich, now wife of James P. Kelso, of the Bur
gettstown National Bank), Richana (wife W. E.
Fisher, of Columbus, Ohio) and Ella. In religious
faith he and his family are active members of the
Presbyterian Church. In politics he - is a Demo
crat, having cast his first vote for Jackson and his
last for Grover Cleveland. In addition to the
family of Alexander S. Berryhill above mentioned:
Thomas M. Berryhill, son of William, Jr., and
nephew of Alexander S. , is the only surviving
member of the Berryhill family. He resides on a
farm near Hickory, Pennsylvania.

Ei LIAS D. OWEN. Among those who have
made farming in Morris township a thor
ough success, is Elias D. Owen. He is a
— son of Aaron Owen, and a grandson of
John Owen, whose father emigrated from Wales in
the early part of the eighteenth century, and located
in New Jersey, where he married, and reared a
family of children, of whom John Owen is the only
one recorded. John Owen married a MisB Pool in
New Jersey, who bore him five children, all boys,
as follows: Benjamin, Daniel, John, Aaron and
Gudiab. The parents died in New Jersey, as also
did their son John. Daniel emigrated to Ohio,
thenge to Michigan, where he died. Aaron, Ben
jamin and Gudiah all emigrated to Washington
county, Penn. Benjamin came first, and located
in Morris township, followed by Gudiah.
Aaron Owen, father of our subject, came next,
locating in Morris township about 1822, He was

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1187

born in New Jersey about 1796, and there married
Mary D. Day. He was a weaver by trade, which
occupation he followed for some time after coming
to Washington county. Three children were born
to them here— Phcebe, Lavina and Benjamin, all
of whom are living. Phoebe, widow of Edmund
McVay, lives in Greene county, Penn. Lavina,
wife of John Young, lives in the same county.
Benjamin married Julia Day, and lives near Jack
sonville, Greene Co., Penn.; he is an elder of the
Jacksonville C. P. Church. The father died in
1854, and the mother in 1883. Both were Cum
berland Presbyterians. Elias D. Owen, the eldest
child of Aaron and Mary Owen, was born in New
Jersey, July 24, 1819, and came to Washington
county in 1822 with his parents at the age of
eighteen years; he joined the Cumberland Pres
byterian Church at West Union and has been a
Sabbath -school teacher ever since. In 1842 he
married Sarah Auld, born June 17, 1822, whose
ancestors came from Ireland about the middle
of the eighteenth century, locating in New
Jersey, whence they moved to Washington
county soon after 1800. After his marriage Mr.
Owen moved to what was then known as the
" Jolly Farm," where he has since resided.
James E. Ray, half brother of Aaron Owen, and
uncle of Elias Owen, was born in the year 1807,
and married Margaret Lenord. Three children
blessed their union. The eldest, I. M. Ray,
elected congressman in 1888, is a prominent lawyer
in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn; the second, J.
L. Ray, a resident of Morris township, Greene Co.,
died in 1893, aged thirty-six years. His daughter
Jane, who married John Powers, died some years
ago. To the union of Elias D. Owen and Sarah Auld
there were born two children: Caroline, the eldest,
was born in 1843, and married Milton Robertson,
whose death occurred April 2, 1875; Mrs. Robert
son and children have since lived with her parents.
Mary Ann, born 1853, married B. F. Reeves, and
is the mother of six children. Mr. Owen, although
well along in years, is still able to do a day's work
on the farm, to which he gives his personal atten
tion. He is possessed of a remarkably strong con
stitution, having sustained on three different occa
sions injuries that would ordinarily have resulted
in death. In politics Mr. Owen was a Democrat
prior to 1884, but his views on the tariff question
being at variance with those advocated in the plat
form of that year, he voted for Blaine, and has
since been an active supporter of the principles of
the Republican party. On his farm Mr. Owen
gives considerable attention to sheep raising, in
which he has been remarkably successful, his flocks
never having, in his fifty years' experience, been
affected with an epidemic so common in that
seotion. Mr. Owen has made life a success in

many ways, not excepting financially. He is a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
at West Union, as is also his wife. Mr. Owen's
grandfather, on his mother's side, was Samuel
Day, who was born in New Jersey, and there mar
ried Sophia Hayden, who bore him twenty-one
children, eighteen of whom lived to maturity and
raised families. In 1831 the family of Samuel
Day had a reunion, there being present seventy-
five representatives. He joined the Presbyterian
Church early in life; but when the Cumberland
Presbyterians organized here in 1831, he joined
the congregation of that church at Old Concord,
becoming an active member thereof and serving as
elder for several years. He then moved to Athens,
Ohio, with the intention of having a Cumberland
Presbyterian Church organized there, which he
soon succeeded in accomplishing. He died some
time afterward in the triumph of a living faith.

f( AMES MARTIN is one of the progressive and
. I therefore successful farmers of South Stra-
v}j bane township, and is a representative of an
^^ old pioneer family of the county. They were
originally natives of York county, Penn., and
toward the close of the eighteenth century, Peter
Martin moved with his wife and family to Wash
ington county, settling on the farm which is now
occupied, by his descendants. He died at the age
of eighty years, having reared a family of seven
children. James Martin, a son of this early settler, was
born in 1792, in York county, Penn., coming with
his parents*to this county when a boy. In 1821
he was married to Mary White, who bore him chil
dren as follows: Peter B. , born February 4, 1822;
Samuel, born January 24, 1824; James, born De
cember 12, 1826; John White (a merchant of Can
onsburg, this county), born January 11, 1828;
Matthew, bom December 7, 1829; Mary Jane (de
ceased), born September 21, 1832; Ebenezer Hen
derson (drowned in the Potomac river), born June
21, 1834; Ann Elizabeth (deceased), born Novem
ber 2, 1837; Elizabeth Margaret, born October 10,
1839; William Henry, born September 4, 1842,
and Thomas Jefferson, born August 28, 1847. Mr.
Martin continued to improve his farm, in connec
tion with managing a sawmill, during his active
business life. He was formerly a AVhig, afterward
a Republican, and held several political offices.
In religion he first united with the Seceder Church,
then joined the United Presbyterians. He died in
1887, having been preceded by his wife in 1878.
James Martin was reared on the home farm in
North Strabane township, this county, and at
tended the common schools. He was early inducted
into the mysteries of agricultural pursuits, and de
cided to devote his life to farming. He believed

1188

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

that a knowledge of science, especially of that
branch which pertains to agriculture, was neces
sary to secure the highest success as a farmer. He
has therefore read and studied much on the sub
jects connected with his vocation. On November
12, 1868, James Martin was united in marriage
with Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Clokey. Sam
uel Clokey was a son of James Clokey, a native of
County Down, Ireland, who was reared and edu
cated in the old country, coming to America at an
early date. He settled in Dauphin county, Penn.,
remaining there until 1812, when he moved to
Washington county and purchased the farm now
occupied by his son, following farming and stock
raising in connection with the distilling business
most of his life. In politics he was an active
worker in the Whig party, and in religion was a
member of the Seceder Church at Peters Creek,
and assisted in organizing the Seceder Church at
Pigeon Creek. He was the father of two chil
dren: Sarah (Mrs. James Herron) and Samuel.
Samuel Clokey was born in Dauphin county,
Penn. , and came to Washington county at the age
of eighteen years. He was married to Rebecca,
daughter of Alexander McClure, of South Stra
bane township, and settled on the home farm,
where the following children were born: James,
Alexander, Mary J., Elizabeth (Mrs. James Mar
tin), Sarah (wife of John G. Clark), Samuel, Abi
gail, Rebecca (married to George A. Dougherty)
and Caroline. Of this family James, Alexander,
Samuel and Abigail are deceased. Mr. Clokey
was formerly a Whig, and then a Republican,
being a leader both in political and business cir
cles. In church connection he was first, a Seceder,
after uniting with the United Presbyterian Church
at Pigeon Creek, in which he was a trustee and
leading member. His wife died in 1878, and he
rests by her side in the cemetery at Pigeon Creek.
James and Elizabeth (Clokey) Martin have had
no children. He is a member and liberal sup
porter of the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek. In
politics he is an active member of the Republican
party, though never accepting office.

fr^f/ EORGE R. DEEMS, a successful farmer of
if » West Pike Run township, is a native of the
vlf same, born October 3, 1841, on the old
^4 homestead. The father, John Deems, was
also a native of the county, and here learned
the carpenter and wagon-making trades. When a
young man he was married to Mary Reynolds, a
native of Fayette county, Penn., who bore him
nine children, namely: Mary, wife of Lewis Duvall,
a farmer of Hopewell township, Washington
Co. , Penn. ; Martha, widow of Nickson Ailes, a
resident of California, Penn.; Sarah J., widow of
S. W. Rogers, of Beallsville, Penn. ; George R.,

whose name opens this sketch; Margaret E., wife
of Robert Elwood, a resident of Beallsville; Cor
nelia, married to John D. Springle, a boat builder
of Brownsville, Penn. ; Frank, living in Ottumwa,
Iowa; Elizabeth and Jacob R., both deceased.
The father died soon after the birth of his young
est child; his widow is now living, at the age of
seventy-seven years, with her daughter, Mrs.
Rogers, in the village of Beallsville.
George R. Deems was reared in the West Pike
run township, where he received a common-school
education, and when seventeen years old learned
the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in
Company I, Eighth P. V. I., and participated in
the Seven Days' Fight, the second battle of Bull
Run, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, and numer
ous other engagements. He served until the close
of the war, then returning to Washington county
followed his trade about five years in West Browns
ville. On November 25, 1869, he was united in
marriage with Emma E. Rogers, who was born
December 12, 1846, in Washington county, Penn.,
a daughter of Samuel and Sarah F. (Crawford)
Rogers, natives of Maryland, and the parents
of children, as follows: Priscilla, wife of Adah
Crouch, a farmer of West Pike Run township;
Joseph H, a farmer of Beallsville, Washington
county; Sarah F., married to Smith F. Scott;
Emma E., wife of George Deems; Mary A., de
ceased; and four who died in infancy. The
father of this family was a public-spirited citizen,
and a successful agriculturist. He died in 1890,
having been preceded to the grave by his wife in
1882. Both were members of- the M. E. Church,
and in politics he was a Republican.
After their marriage George R. and Emma E.
(Rogers) Deems located on the pleasant farm in
West Pike Run township which is now their home.
It contains seventy-three acres of valuable, well-
cultivated land, to which Mr. Deems devotes the
greater portion of his time. He is identified with
the Republican party in polities, and is deeply in
terested in all public matters. Mr. and Mrs.
Deems are members of the Beallsville M. E.
Church.

I/OSEPH HAYBURN, a prominent representa-
. I tive of one of the oldest pioneer families of
rjl Donegal township, and an enterprising and
^^ progressive citizen of Claysville, is a native
of Donegal township, born August 20, 1859.
His father, James Hayburn, was also a native of
that township, boru in May, 1820. Joseph Hay-
burn, grandfather of Joseph, was born and reared
in Ireland, and was there united in marriage with
Margaret Laird, a native of County Donegal. The
young people immigrated to America, and finally
settled in Donegal township, Washington Co.,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1189

Penn. Their children were as follows: Alexander,
Mary, John, Robert, Fannie, Ada M. (Mrs. John
Griffith), James, Joseph and Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac
Titus). Mr. Hayburn was always a farmer. In
religion he was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics he was a stanch Democrat.
James Hayburn, father of Joseph, was reared
and educated on the home farm in Donegal town
ship. In 1857 he was married to Margaret, daugh
ter of Alexander Reed, and the following children
were born to them: Belle, Joseph, Jennie and Liz
zie. Mr. Hayburn was a successful farmer and
progressive citizen. Politically he was a leading
member of the Democratic party, and in religion
was an adherent of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs.
Hayburn died January 22, 1884, and was followed
by her husband within the next month.
Joseph Hayburn passed his early life in Done
gal township, where, June 24, 1886, he was mar
ried to Miss Jennie E. Griffith, and they have one
daughter, Ethel Bernadeen, born November 27,
1888. Mr. Hayburn lived on the farm and
engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1891, when
he purchased a livery business of L. D. Lindley,
which he now conducts in company with John
Knox. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.

JAMES SHANNON McCUTCHEN. No citi
zen of East Bethlehem township, and for
that matter, it may even be said, of the entire
county, can boast of a wider circle of friends
than this successful agriculturist, such is his
well-earned popularity.
Hugh McCutchen, grandfather of our subject,
when a young man emigrated from Ireland to
America, landing in New York about the year
1786, all he brought with him being the clothes on
his back, a stout heart, and strong and willing
hands. After leading for a time a somewhat wan
dering life — working here and there — he finally
settled in Fallowfield township, this county, and
after some five years, during which time he was
employed in various occupations, he invested his
entire earnings in a small stock of goods, and em
barked in mercantile business. He became very
successful, enjoying a wide and profitable trade
among the pioneer families. He married a lady
whose parents were natives of Scotland, and sev
eral children, all now deceased, were born to them;
both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, she
preceding him to the grave some few years. Po
litically he was a Whig, and is remembered as
having been an oft-sought local adviser in his
party. The following interesting family anecdote
is related: When Grandfather McCutchen was
about to board the ship that was to carry him
across the Atlantic from his native land, he and a

brother, who had come to see him off, exchanged
watches, each one agreeing to treasure the other's
timepiece as a family heirloom to be handed down
to posterity. This compact each kept faithfully;
yet, although carefully and jealously guarded, the
watch that came to America was stolen some years
since, after having been "handed down" to the
grandson, James S. McCutchen.
Samuel McCutchen, the second son of Hugh and
Jane McCutchen, was born, in 1798, in Fallow
field township, this county, where he received a
limited education at the subscription schools of the
vicinity. In boyhood he learned the trade of a
shoemaker, which he successfully followed during
the greater part of his life, in connection with
farming pursuits. He commenced life poor, for
his father's estate, after being divided among
many heirs, rendered him but little assistance.
By dint of hard work, however, he was enabled to
earn and save sufficient to buy a small farm, and
being successful in his undertakings, particularly
as a financier, and by reason of various specula
tions, in buying and trading land, turning out
profitably, he in course of time accumulated a con
siderable share of this world's goods. His wife,
Melinda Furnier, was a daughter of Henry and
Julia (Horine) Furnier, natives of Germany, who
came to America shortly after the Revolutionary
war, locating in Hagerstown, Md. , whence they re
moved to Washington county, Penn., making a
final settlement near Belle Vernon, in Fallow
field township. To Samuel and Melinda Mc
Cutchen were born children as follows: Henry
Erwin, who died at the age of seventeen years;
Sarah Jane, now Mrs. John Stacker, residing in
Monongahela City, and James Shannon. The
mother died in 1861, the father in 1862, he was a
strong supporter of the principles of the Whig
party. James Shannon McCutchen, the subject proper
of this memoir, was born January 15, 1828, in
Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and
was two years old when his parents moved to East
Bethlehem township, where he was reared on the
farm, and educated at the common schools. In
his youth he was employed as a farm assistant,
receiving for his services from $5 to $10 per
month. He has never used tobacco or intoxicants
in any form, and as a result he saved his earnings,
which he judiciously invested, and to-day is de
servedly well circumstanced financially. He is the
owner of 127 acres of valuable land situated on
the banks of the Monongahela river, within but a
short distance of Lock No. 5, and the elegant resi
dence thereon, together with the entire surround
ings, gives evidence of superior taste, prudent
thrift and easy affluence.
Mr. McCutchen is perhaps the most widely read
gentleman in his vicinity, and his library contains

1190

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

some 480 volumes of handsomely bound works
by eminent authors. He is not only a man of
letters, but also a traveler of no little experience,
his journeyings from time to time having been
many, which, to a man of observation such as Mr.
McCutchen, means a vast amount of additional in
formation and mental pabulum. Among many
points of interest which he has visited in the East
and in Canada, may be mentioned Washington
(D. C. ), New York, Boston, Montreal, Toronto,
Niagara Falls, etc. Some three years since, along
with a party of neighbors, he visited the ' ' far
West," during which tour he remained six days in
San Francisco, was in Seattle (Wash.), Portland
(Ore.), St. Paul (Minn), Yellowstone Park, Hot
Springs (Ark.), etc. Our subject is a faithful Re
publican, and although not a politician, has been
called upon at times to fill offices of trust in his
township, where his popularity is unbounded,
which incumbencies he has invariably filled with
characteristic care and natural ability.

P>ARK J. HAMILTON, an enterprising citi-
' zen of Nottingham township, this county,
is a son of James R. Hamilton. The latter
was born in 1818, in Peters township,
AVashington county, and received a classical
education. During his earlier years he followed
the profession of school teaching, and being solely
dependent upon his daily earnings for a liveli
hood, was obliged to practice strict economy. In
1846 he was married to Miss Patience Morrison, a
native of this county, and having managed to save
a small amount of his salary, the young man
bought a little farm in Nottingham township, this
county, upon which he and his bride began their
wedded life. They were poor in worldly goods,
but happy and rich in the possession of health and
love. Fortune soon began to smile upon the brave
young couple who met her frowns with such cheery
faces, and as years passed on children came to
brighten the little home as follows: Patience B.
(wife of James H. Barkley), William H. L.,
Charles James Reed, John T. G., Joseph G. P.,
Elizabeth Ann, Margaret Elnora and Mary Jane.
Of these the latter three are deceased. At the
time of his death James R. Hamilton owned 300
acres, of land. '
Park J. Hamilton was born October 15, 1863,
on the home farm in Nottingham township, this
county, attending the home schools during his
early youth. On October 18, 1888, he was united
in marriage with Miss Agnes J. Miller, a well-
known school teacher of Nottingham township,
and a daughter of John Miller, a prominent agri
culturist of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Hamil
ton had been working with his father on the home
place previous to his marriage, and the young

couple immediately took up their residence on the
paternal homestead. He now owns eighty-one
acres of the old place, which he keeps in an excel
lent state of cultivation, and also raises a good
grade of cattle. Two children have been born to
this marriage, viz. : Elfra Augusta and John Park.

Flf J. HESS was born May 3, 1843, in Fallow-
|/1\ field township, Washington Co., Penn., a
#r^\ son of John Hess, who was born in 1817,
Jj -* in Pennsylvania, of Dutch parents, who
f were among the earliest pioneers of that
State. In early manhood he was united in mar
riage with Ann Jones who was born in 1819, in
Fallowfield township, Washington county, of Eng
lish parents; her father lived to the age of one
hundred years. To the union of John and Ann
(Jones) Hess were born eight children, of whom
are named: William, who enlisted in the "Ring
gold Battalion," serving three years and six
months, part of the time as clerk of his regiment;
A. J.; MaryE., wife of Capt. Fairfield, of Alle
gheny county, Penn. ; Amanda, deceased in 1844,
wife of Thomas Teeple; Maggie J. and John E.
The father was a leading agriculturist, and raised
a large quantity of sheep and cattle; the farm con
tained eighty-eight acres of very fertile land. He
served his township in different offices, and was a
valued citizen. He died in 1887, followed by his
wife in 1889.
A. J. Hess, son of John and Ann Hess, has al
ways resided on the old place, and since the death
of his father has lived there with his brother John
E. He owns forty-four acres of the homestead,
and devotes his principal attention to its cultiva
tion. Politically he is an advocate of Republican
principles, and in religion is a member of the
Methodist Church. On January 27, 1874, he was
united in marriage with Emma S. Teeple, a native
of Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn.
Their union has been blessed with three sons and
.two daughters, namely: Charles W., Alcinous J.,
Elizabeth L. , Angelia P. and Howard Floyd.

JOHN H. HAMILTON, one of the successful
stock raisers in Washington county, is a son
of Robert C. and Mary (Young) Hamilton,
and was born in 1849, on the home farm in
Washington county. From earliest boyhood
he evinced an unusual fondness for the animals
on the farm, and soon developed rare judgment
in the care of stock. He attended the common
schools of the neighborhood, acquiring as well a
good practical education, thus laying deep the
foundations of a life which has been most useful
and prosperous. On January 14, 1886, he married
Emma L. , the only daughter of P. H. and Eliza-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1191

beth Stevenson, of Allegheny county, Penn. Two
daughters have been born to their union, namely:
Mabel Pauline and Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Delaine Asso
ciation of Sheep Breeders, serving that organization
as corresponding secretary, and his principal atten
tion is devoted to this branch of stock raising. In
politics he votes with the Democratic party, and in
religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian
Church of Canonsburg.

THE MARTIN FAMILY were natives of
York county, Penn. , and in the latter part
of the eighteenth century Peter Martin
came to Washington county, Penn., with
his wife and family, and settled on the farm
where the remainder of his life was passed, and
which is the present home of his descendants. He
died at the age of eighty years, and rests beside
his wife, who bore him seven children, all of whom
are now deceased.
James Martin, son of Peter Martin, was born in
1792, in York county, Penn., and came with his
parents to AVashington county, where, in 1821, he
was united in marriage with Mary White (who
was born in 1800), daughter of Samuel White,
and she bore him the following children: Peter
B., born February 4, 1822 (deceased); Samuel,
born January 24, 1824; James, born December
12, 1826; John White (now a merchant in Canons
burg, this county), born January 11, 1828;
Matthew, born December 7, 1829; Mary Jane (de
ceased at the age of twenty-two), born September
21, 1832; Ebenezer Henderson (drowned in the
Appomattox river), born June 21, 1834; Ann
Elizabeth (deceased in 1838), born November 2,
1837; Elizabeth Margaret, born October 10, 1839;
William Henry, born September 4, 1842, and
Thomas Jefferson, born August 28, 1847. Of
these children Ebenezer Henderson enlisted in the
Civil war, Company G, 140th P. V. I. , and after
ward became a member of the Signal Corps. Mr.
Martin cleared and improved his farm, and, with
the aid of his sons, also managed a sawmill. He
was actively interested in politics, having first been
a Whig, and after the formation of that party be
came a Republican. He held several political
offices, and in early manhood was captain of a
militia company. In religion he was formerly a
member of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting
with the United Presbyterian Church. He died
at the age of eighty-five years, following his wife,
who died in 1878 iu her seventy-eighth year.
Matthew Martin, son of James- and Mary
(White) Martin, grew to manhood on the home
farm in South Strabane township, Washington
county, and received his earliest education in an
old log schoolhouse, which was built and furnished

in the most primitive manner — the large chimney
at one end, greased paper for windows, a rough
puncheon floor, the writing desk fastened to the
wall, and the rude seats supported by wooden pegs.
After leaving school, young Matthew worked on
the farm and assisted his father in the sawmill.
He is now a prosperous man. He votes the Re
publican ticket, and has filled the position of super
visor of roads three or four terms.
William Henry Martin (brother of Matthew)
was married January 17, 1867, to Annie M. Thome,
a resident of North Strabane township, this county,
and they have two children : Abbie Ettie (wife
of Rev. William Jones, pastor of a Presbyterian
Church at Pittsburgh), and James Willis. AVilliam
H. Martin is now a school director of his town
ship, and in religion a member of the U. P.
Church, of which he is an elder. In 1884 the
brothers erected their present handsome dwelling.
Their farm consists of over 400 acres of land, situ
ated five miles east of Washington borough, in
South Strabane township, which is one of the most
comfortable and cosy homes in the vicinity. The
brothers devote a great deal of time to stock rais
ing, and now own about eight hundred fine Black-
Top Merino sheep. This farm was patented to
Jacob Shively* in 1786. The patentee sold to
Peter Martin in 1811, and it has been in the Mar
tin family since that year.

THOMAS WEAVER, a native of Washington
couuty, and early settler of Cecil township,
is the eldest son of John, and grandson of
Thomas Dill Weaver. The Weaver family
are of AVelsh descent, and trace their settle
ment in Pennsylvania to the time of William Penn.
Thomas Dill AVeaver was born in Chester county,
Penn., and there married to Jane Hinston, who
came with her parents from Ireland to Chester
county, Penn., at the age of seven years. After
the birth of their third child the young couple
came with pack-horses to AVashington county,
Penn., locating at Canonsburg, where both died
many years ago.
John Weaver, a son of this pioneer couple, was
born in Chester county, Penn. , having come with
his parents to Chartiers township, this county,
when but seven years of age. He grew to man
hood in this county, and learned the trade of a
stone mason. When a young man he selected a
life companion in the person of Mary McMillan, a
native of North Strabane township, daughter of
Dr. John and Catherine (Brown) McMillan. The
parents were born in Chester county, Penn., com
ing to this county in an early day, and locating in
North Strabane township. The father was pastor
of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church for fifty
years, also the founder of Jefferson College. He

1192

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

died in 1828, having been preceded by the mother
in 1818.
John and Mary (McMillan) Weaver made a per
manent home near Canonsburg, Penn., and were
members of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church.
The children born to this union were as follows:
Thomas (whose name opens this sketch), Catherine
(Mrs. Patterson White, of Paxton, 111.) and Jane (a
twin, wife of John Jeffrey, of Jeff erson county, Ohio),
Sarah (deceased at the age of seventeen years),
Mary (deceased in 1887, wife of Wilson Lesnett,
Allegheny county, Penn.), John (died in Canons
burg), Margaret (Mrs. John Perry, of Missouri),
Nancy (married to William McNutt, of Canons
burg) and Samuel (deceased in Canonsburg).
Thomas Weaver was born April 16, 1811, in Char
tiers township, this county, being educated in the
subscription schools of the home district. On
March 17, 1835, he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick nad Isabella
(Wilson) Lesnett, early pioneers of Allegheny coun
ty, Penn., where their lives were passed. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weaver resided in
Chartiers township until 1848; then bought a par
tially improved farm of 106 acres in Cecil town
ship, of which he yet retains eighty- six acres, well
improved and cultivated. He votes with the Dem
ocratic party, and in religion both are members of
the Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg, of which
he has for many years been a ruling elder. They
are the parents of the following named children:
(1) John, born December 25, 1835 (a physician
and surgeon of Canonsburg, was united in mar
riage with Belle A. Boyce, December 10, 1863, and
died March 18, 1872. The children of this union
are Lizzie B., Thomas McKeag (died in childhood),
Mary' J., Thomas C. and John B., twins, the lat
ter of whom died January 16, 1892); (2) Fred
erick, born January 14, 1838 (farmer and dairy
man, living in Cecil township, was united in mar
riage with Sarah A. Henry, February 17, 1881.
They are the parents of the following named chil
dren: Martha M., Ida E., Thomas V. and William
McC); (3) Mary, born February 9, 1840 (wife of
James M. White, of Cecil township, married March
16, 1866); (4) Thomas, born November 5, 1841
(preferred to follow the profession of a teacher, but
entered the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P.
V.I. , and died as a prisoner of war at Louisanna Hos
pital, Va., November 27, 1863); (5) Isaac, (6) Isa
bella, and (7) Calvin (all died in childhood) ; (8) Isaac
Calvin, born June 29, 1849 (farmer and mechanic,
living in Cecil township, was uuited in marriage
with Mary J. McLaughlin, October 19, 1876, and
died December 25, 1890. The children of this
union are Mary E. , Fred R., Annie B. , Alice L.,
Thomas D., Olive M. aud Francis J.); (9) Samuel
W., born January 9, 1853 (a physician and sur
geon of Oregon, was united in marriage with Alice

Grim, November 1, 1888. The children of this
union are Francis and Grey Grim); (10) Frank
Ritchie, born August 17, 1855 (farmer, living in
Cecil township, was united in marriage with Sarah
J. McNary, August 9, 1892).

AMUEL SCOTT, a leading and representa
tive citizen of Smith township, is a son of
Finley Scott, and a grandson of Abraham
Scott, who was born and reared in Mary
land, and when a young man (about the year 1780)
came to Washington county with his brother Al
exander, settling near Raccoon, Robinson town
ship. Here he purchased a wild tract of land,
where the remainder of his active life was passed
in agricultural pursuits. He married Jane, a
sister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville),
and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs.
James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher),
Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David
White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan
(married to John McBride), Samuel, Finley and
Holland. Abraham Scott was a Democrat in poli
tics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Raccoon.
Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson
township, and educated in the schools of the neigh
borhood of his home. In 1822 he married Mar
garet, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith
township. The young people made their first
home after marriage on a farm in Robinson town
ship, this county, remaining there a few years,
when they rented, a neighboring farm, afterward
purchasing a place in Smith township, where they
lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home
where the remainder of their lives was passed.
The children of this couple were Ann, Robert K.,
James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs.
William Cowan), and Margaret (wife of Thomas
Akleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own
fortune, and owned 450 acres of land at the time
of his death, which occurred April 5, 1878. He
was a Democrat, and held various township offices.
In church connection he was first a member of the
Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an
elder, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at
Burgettstown. He and his wife are buried in the
United Presbyterian cemetery.
Samuel Scott was born August 13, 1829, on the
home place in Robinson township, and came with
his parents to Smith township, where he was
reared and educated, receiving a country- school
education. On January 31, 1878, he married
Mary M., daughter of John Ross, and she has
borne him children as follows: Margaret J., Wal
ter S., Martha A. and Samuel O. Mr. Scott was
an Old-line Democrat, but since the organization
of the party has been a Republican ; he has held

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... .-.. ¦¦"¦¦. ¦ h, ;¦
' ' ' .¦>'•:",. . \/, ; ,'.:. ','¦ .,

wrnist^ce-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

119'

various township offices, and served three years as
county auditor. He and his family are members
of the United Presbyterian Church at Burgetts
town, of which he has been trustee for many years,
and has contributed liberally to the cause. For a
time he taught school in Cross Creek, Smith town
ship, and Robinson township.

ACHARIAH BAKER is descended from a
Quaker family, whose characteristic spirit
.of honor and morality is still manifested in
^ the lives of the present generation of that
name.

Nathan Baker was a resident of New Jersey, and
lived'near Philadelphia for several years, finally
removing with his family to Chester county, Penn.
Afterward he purchased a farm of 150 acres in
Washington county, near Fredericktown, where he
managed a mill, drove stock and carried on the
work of the farm. His first wife was Elizabeth
Baker, of New Jersey, and their children were
Aaron, Nehemiah, David, Joseph, Nathan, Enoch,
Mrs. Lydia Townsend and Mrs. Mary Linton.
After the death of the mother of this family, Mr.
Baker married a widow, Mrs. Jordan, who bore
him the following children: William, Israel,
Mahlon and Mrs. Hannah Rejester. Soon after
Mr. Baker came to Washington county he went to
Baltimore, Md., with stock, and while there was
taken sick and died; this occurred in 1803, and he
was buried beside his first wife.
Joseph Baker, son of Nathan, was born July 9,
1786, in the State of New Jersey, and passed his
early youth at home, attending the rate schools,
and assisting in the farm duties. When seventeen
years of age, his father died, and he then learned
the carpenter's trade of Spencer McKay, which he
followed many years. He first purchased the
Miller farm, comprising thirty acres, and in 1830
bought the place which is now the property of his
son Zachariah, and here passed the remainder of
his life. On January 1, 1818, he was united in
marriage with May Corwin, of Amwell township,
who was born November 1, 1797, and the results
of this union were the following children: Eunice,
born November 15, 1818; Alpheus, born May 27,
1821; Stephen, born June 8, 1824; Sophia, born
September 29, 1826 (deceased August 9, 1840);
Asenath, born August 22, 1829; Enoch, born April
5, 1832; Zachariah, born December 19, 1835;
Ruth, bom November 11, 1837; and David, born
August 20, 1842. Mr. Baker was a successful
business man, and his property represented the
result of his own integrity, economy and persever
ance. Politically he was formerly an Old- line
Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He
and his wife were members of the Baptist Church
at Mount Vernon. He died July 22, 1863, after a
long and useful life.

Zachariah Baker, son of Joseph, was born on
the farm in Amwell township, where his entire life
has been passed. In his boyhood days he attended
the district schools, but at the age of twenty-one
he began working by the month, continuing in
that way several years. On August 22, 1862, he
enlisted at Amity in the One Hundred and Fortieth
P. V. I., remaining in the service until July 6,
1865. He participated in the battles of Gettys
burg, Auburn Heights and Spottsylvania Court
house, in which latter engagement he was
wounded. On December 21, 1865, he was united
in marriage With Rosa A. Voorhes, who was born
March 6, 1839, near Amity, in Amwell township,
a daughter of A. W. and Mary Voorhes; the other
children in her father's family were Nelson, born
February 27, 1829; Samuel, born June 12, 1830;
Jane, born March 24, 1832; Albert, born Decem
ber 26, 1833; Margaret, born October 16, 1835;
Nancy, born May 11, 1837; Rose A. born March
6, 1839; Julia (Mrs. Swiggler), born February 4,
1841; Elizabeth, born August 24, 1842; Mary, born
March 24, 1844; Andrew, born March 28, 1845;
and Peter, born February 28, 1847.
The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Zachariah Baker is as follows: Sophia Jane, born
October 19, 1866, is the wife of Joseph Tucker, of
Amity; Victoren, born July 25, 1868, died Sep
tember 14, 1869; Elizabeth Ann was born January
11, 1874; William Horner, born December 22,
1879, died November 16, 1880. Mr. Baker has
been a successful business man, and is a highly es
teemed citizen. He is a zealous worker in the Re
publican party, and he and his family are all
members of the Methodist Church at Amity.

It SAAC C. PATCH is a son of William Patch,
I who was born June 1, 1820, in AVashington
I county, Penn., and when a young man was
married to Annie E. Clemens. They moved to
Triadelphia, W. Va. , in 1854, but after eight years
returned to this county, and are now residing in
Allegheny, Penn. Their children were born as
follows: Alexander M., Isaac C. , William E.,
George A. C, Lizzie M., Katie B., Alice A., Birney
M., and Ralph C. Alexander M. graduated at
West Point in 1876; lost his leg at Fort Brown,
Tex., and is now a merchant at Cornwall, Penn.
AVilliam E., Katie B. and Birney M. are dead.
George A. C. is engaged in oil and gas drilling.
Lizzie M. married Albert Boone, and lives in Alle
gheny, Penn. ; Alice A. and Ralph C. live with
their parents.
Isaac C. Patch was born January 19, 1856, in Tri
adelphia, W. Va., and when fifteen years of age
began to learn the blacksmith's trade in his father's
shop. This business he has since followed with
a full measure of success. In 1872 the family

1196

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

moved from Claysville to Houstonville, Penn.,
where Isaac C. and George A. C. still reside. On
February 10, 1886, Isaac C. Patch was united in
marriage with Jennie, daughter of James and
Ellen Ferris. There were born to him the fol
lowing named children: Anna Mazie, Emma Elsie,
William Clark and Albert Boon.

iJLLIAM J. MATHEWS, for many years
a leading merchant of Washington, was
born in Washington county, Penn., No
vember 10, 1817. His early home was in
the country a few miles from Noblestown,
in this State. Here he spent the first twenty years
of his life, gathering what education he could at
the school in the neighborhood, and at the same
time forming habits of industry by assisting his
father and only brother in a flouring mill. The
death of his mother broke up the home. His
brother John was married and became a farmer in
Noblestown, taking the father with him.
William J. Mathews, the subject of this sketch,
came to Washington and entered the dry-goods
store of C. M. Reed, Sr. , who was then in busi
ness on the corner of Main and Wheeling streets,
where the Pittsburgh store is now. Here he
served several years as a clerk, and, when Mr. Reed
sold his interest in the house, the firm became
known as that of Chambers & Mathews. This
partnership continued a harmonious and success
ful one for twenty-five years, when failing health
decided both members to retire. The transfer of
the business was just about to be made when
death called Mr. Matkews from his earthly labors.
He died suddenly of pneumonia, November 30,
1874, aged fifty-seven years and twenty days. He
was married in 1860 to Frances S. Pelletrean, of
Southampton, N. Y. , who graduated from the
Washington Seminary in 1849. She, her three
sons and one daughter, survive him. While Mr.
Mathews' life may in some ways be called unevent
ful, his was one of those sterling characters which
are ever to be held in high esteem. Beginning
life a poor boy with few opportunities for mental
improvement, he became, because of hard work,
scrupulous honesty and strict integrity, a prosper
ous man. At the same time, as well as being
" diligent in business," he found time to cultivate
the higher interests of his being. He joined the
Presbyterian Church early in the pastorate of Rev.
J. I. Brownson, D. D., and became by a consistent
daily life a witness for Christ. He was a trustee
in the church, and at a meeting held December 4,
1874, the following action was taken in relation to
his death:
William J. Mathews, whose death we are called upon
to record, died November 30, 1874. He had been a
trustee for four years, the confidence of the congrega

tion being manifested by his election annually from
1870 to 1874. In the discharge of the duties of the office
he was conscientious and faithful, taking a deep interest
in all matters pertaining to the business of the congrega
tion, and advocating liberal measures for the promotion
of the welfare of pastor and people. During a residence
in the community for a period of thirty years he main
tained the character of an upright, honest citizen. The
trustees bear cheerful testimony to his uniform courtesy
and kindness in his intercourse with them and to his
consistent character as » member of the church. They
direct a copy of this minute to be furnished to his widow
with the assurance of their sympathy in her bereave
ment. (Signed by) M. H. Ewing, C. M. Reed, A. S. Baird,
Alex AVilson.
JERRY MYERS was born December 29, 1837,
and is a son of Henry Myers, who was born
in 1807. In 1832 Henry Myers was united
in marriage with Mary Ann Myers, who was
born in 1812. They reared a family of four
teen children, twelve of whom are now living, viz. :
Hiram, a farmer of Somerset township, married
to Miss Sarah Ann Wilson; Ursula, married to
Christian Hootman, an agriculturist of Nottingham
township; Elizabeth, married to William Keenan,
an agriculturist of Fallowfield township; Jerry,
married to Sarah Rainey; Abner, farming in
Somerset township, married to Miss Mary Horner;
William, a farmer of North Strabane township,
married to Eliza J. Leyda; John, a stock dealer,
of Castle Shannon, Allegheny county, married to
Dora West; Anderson, an agriculturist of Somer
set township, married to Lucinda Huffman; Jacob,
an agriculturist of Somerset township, married to
Josephine Red; Mary J., married to Linsey Heth-
erington, a farmer of Somerset township; Henry,
an agriculturist of Somerset township, married to
Isabelle Crouch ; Sarah A. , married to Alva Leyda,
a farmer of Somerset township. The mother of
this family died May 16, 1892. She was a member
of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. The
father is now in his eighty-sixth year, and is living
at the old homestead; he is a member of the Pres
byterian Church at Pigeon Creek.
Jerry Myers received his early education in the
common schools of Somerset township, this county.
In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second
Pennsylvania Calvary, under Capt. J. T. Chess-
rown, and took part in all the principal battles,
and many skirmishes, of the West Virginia cam
paign, serving until the close of the war. Iu 1865
he returned home and resumed his agricultural
duties. On March 8, 1866, he was united in mar
riage with Miss Sarah Rainey, who was born
November 11, 1838, in Somerset township, this
county, daughter of William and Mary (Gamble)
Rainey. William Rainey was born in 1805, and
in early life was married to Mary Gamble, who
was born in 1813; they reared a family of nine
children, six of whom are now living, viz. : JaneM.
(wife of .George Adams, a farmer of Page county,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1197

Iowa), Sarah (Mrs Jerry Myers), Levi G. (a farmer
of Somerset township), Eunice E. (married to
George Young, an agriculturist of Somerset town
ship), Minerva (wife of Charles Floyd, also an
agriculturist of Somerset township) and George
M. (a stock dealer, of Somerset township). The
father of this family died in 1886. He was a
member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church.
The mother is now in her eightieth year, and is liv
ing with her daughter, Mrs. Floyd. She is a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek.
Jerry and Sarah (Rainey) Myers have had five
children, viz.: Harry A., born August 1, 1870;
Jennie G., bora November 16, 1872; Pearl C,
born December 26, 1880; William (deceased) and
one that died in infancy. Mr. Myers is a progress
ive citizen, rapidly rising to prominence in public
and business life, and taking an active interest in
all movements tending to elevate or improve the
condition of the community. He owns a fertile
farm of 247 acres, the resources of which are de
veloped to their utmost capacity. He and his
wife are members of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian
Church. 
1 OHN CUNNINGHAM is a well-known resi-
. I dent of Donegal township, and, like many of
VJ, our most successful and honored citizens, he
^^ is a native of the fair " Emerald Isle." His
father, Peter Cunningham, was born in 1799, in
County Down, Ireland, and in early life learned
the weaver's trade, which he followed but a short
time. He then became a farmer, and also dealt
very extensively in stock. He was married to
Dorothea Wilkinson, who was born in the year
1812, also a native of County Down, Ireland, and
to them were born the following children: John,
Eliza, George, Thomas, Peter, Ellen, Sarah and
Abigail, all of whom passed their lives in Ireland,
with the exception of John. The father died in the
year 1844, and was followed by the mother in 1863.
John Cunningham, the eldest son in the above
mentioned family, was born July 24, 1829, in
County Down, Ireland. He learned the trade of-
weaver during his boyhood, but never followed it.
His education was obtained in the schools of the
country, and he remained at home until April 12,
1849, when he resolved to seek a fortune in the
New World. Embarking at Belfast on the vessel
" Agitator " (so named for Daniel O' Connel 1, the
greatlrish agitator), the ardentyouth sailed to Amer
ica, and after a voyage of six weeks and five days
landed at Philadelphia. He then went to Pitts
burgh by way of canal boat and rail, but work
being poor, he remained there only a short time,
and soon came to^ Washington county, Penn. The
first man he worked for after leaving Pittsburgh
was Isaac Hodgens, of Taylorstown, with whom
he remained one month, being treated very kindly,

and receiving $10 for his services. From there
he went to James Campsey, an extensive land
owner, with whom he remained fourteen years.
On September 17, 1863, he was united in marriage
with Margaret J; Heyburn, who was born in 1840,
daughter of Alexander Heyburn, and they have had
children as follows: John (living with his parents,
is a speculator), Mary Jane (deceased in infancy),
George (residing at home), Joseph (living at
home), Amanda (also living with her parents) and
Margaret Jane (deceased in infancy). The mother
of these children died December 25, 1879, and for*
his second wife Mr. Cuuningham was married,
December 29, 1885, to Mary Ann Heyburn, who
was born in 1847, a sister of his first wife. They
have had no children. Mr. Cunningham passed
the first few years of his married life as a tenant
on the farm of his former employer, and finally
saved enough money to purchase a home. In
1872 he bought and moved upon a farm which was
located near Atchison, Donegal township, this
county, and remained there till 1881. He then
moved onto a part of the "Heyburn " tract, lying
three miles northwest of Claysville, in Donegal
township, and has since resided on this farm,
which belongs to his wife. Mr. Cunningham has
been the architect of his own fortune. He was
but a poor Irish boy when he first landed on
American soil, and by dint of industry and enter
prise has accumulated a competency. In religious
faith he is a Presbyterian, and with his family he
enjoys the esteem of the community. In political
life he has always been a Republican. The fol
lowing is from the pen of Mr. Cunningham:
Ireland my country I'm now going to leave you,
I'll bid you farewell for a while;
To a far distant country I'm now going to wander,
Where wild beasts and savage are king.
But Erin my country I'll still think upon you;
And of your sweet vales I will sing.
When far distant from you I will think on you still,
Your sweet purling streams and your daisy-clad hill.
The ship she is waiting with flags waving high,
Which bears me from Ireland my fortune to try.
But ne'er will I forget till the day I shall die,
The pleasures I spent there when I was a boy.
In the old County Down, near the town of Hillsborough,
Where my youthful days I have spent;
When I think upon them my heart fills with sorrow,
Alas, for their sakes I lament;
But I hope that kind Providence will still be my guide,
And conduct me safe over the ocean so wide
With a full flowing glass on the other side.
I will drink to Old Erin the Green.
Farewell to the land where the shamrocks do flourish;
Farewell to its green flowery vales;
Farewell to the green woods, where the songsters chant
chorus,
And tell to the warblers their tales.
May the bright sun of heaven still shine round your isle;
And peace and prosperity still on you smile;
This is the prayer of your wandering exile,
In a land far from Erin the Green.

1198

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

L

EVI SCOTT (deceased) was a son of Finley
and grandson of Abraham Scott, the latter
of whom was born and reared in Maryland,
and when a young man came to Pittsburgh,
Penn., afterward settling in Washington county
with his brother Alexander. He purchased a wild
tract of land near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson
township, this county, where his life was passed in
agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane, a
Bister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville),
and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs.
James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher),
Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David
White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan
(married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley,
Holland and Samuel. The father was a Democrat
in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby
terian Church at Raccoon.
Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson
township, and educated in this county. In 1822
he was married to Margaret, daughter of James
Stephenson, of Smith township. The young peo
ple first settled on a farm in Robinson township,
and remained there a few years, when they rented
a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place
in Smith township, where they lived twenty years,
and finally moving to the home where the remain
der of their lives was passed. Their children were
Ann, Robert K. , James, Samuel, Finley, John,
Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) and Margaret
(wife of Thomas Akleson). Mr. Scott was the
architect of his own fortune and owned 450 acres
of land at the time of his death, which occurred in
1879. He was a Democrat, and held various
township offices. In religious connection he first
united with the Associate Reformed Church, in
which he was an elder, and afterward became a
member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.
Both he and his wife are buried in the U. P.
cemetery. Levi Scott was born January 18, 1837, in Smith
township, on the farm now occupied by his widow.
He remained on the home place, and attended the
common schools of the neighborhood until seven
teen years of age, when he came with his parents
to a farm a short distance north of his birthplace.
In August, 1862, he enlisted iu Company C,
Twenty-second P. V. C. , in which he was a bugler,
remaining until the close of the war, when he was
honorably discharged. After the war the young
soldier returned to his home in Washington county,
and on June 5, 1867, was married to Lizzie J. Lee,
who was born August 19, 1844, daughter of Robert
and Elizabeth (Hindman) Lee. Mrs. Scott had
two sisters, Mrs. Mary L. Pry, and Miss Nannie
H. Lee, who died February 24, 1892, and was
buried beside her father and mother in the old
cemetery at Cross Creek village.
After his marriage Levi Scott settled on the old

home farm. He was a member of the United
Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, and was one
of the building committee who superintended the
erection of the handsome edifice which is their
present house of worship. In politics he was an
influential worker in the Republican party. On
June 2, 1883, he was working at a portable
sawmill near Rankin's Mill, in Mt. Pleasant
township, and by some accident was thrown be
tween the huge saw logs, being instantly killed.
He was buried in the United Presbyterian cemetery,
and left a widow and one son, Robert Lee, who was
born June 19, 1868. Since the death of her hus
band Mrs. Scott and her son have continued to re
side on the home place, upon which Mr. Scott had
erected one of the most handsome farm residences
in Smith township. The farm work is carried on
by the son and his assistant, Mr. B. D. Malone, a
faithful and energetic man, who has been in the
employ of the Scott family for twenty years.

ILLIAM C. IRWIN. Prominent among
the enterprising and prosperous agricult
urists of Canton township is the subject
of this brief biographical sketch. He
was born May 6, 1830, in Canton town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., a grandson of David
Irwin, who was among the earliest settlers of the
county, but the particulars of whose emigration
are unknown. However, the family settled in
Canton township, where they at once began clear
ing up and improving a farm.
James Irwin, son of the old pioneer, David Ir
win, was married October 8, 1818, to Margaret
Smith, who died July 6, 1819. On March 1, 1821,
Mr. Irwin married Nancy Clark, who bore hi m the
following named children: Margaret, Ann, Jane,
Mary, AVilliam C. , Martha, David, Nancy and
Adeline. The mother died October 15, 1860, the
father December 12, 1854. Mr. Irwin was an
energetic worker in the Democratic ranks, and an
active member of the United Presbyterian Church
at North Buffalo, where he and his wife lie buried.
William C. Irwin, son of James and Nancy
(Clark) Irwin, passed his early youth and manhood
upon the home farm, and was educated at the
public schools of the neighborhood of his birth
place. On October 19, 1854, he was married to
Mary R. , daughter of Leet and Elizabeth Dye, and
immediately brought his bride to the home of his
boyhood. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin has
been blessed with the following named children:
Florence A. (deceased), James D. , John L., Laura
A., Leman N, William M., Edith E., Asa C, Minnie
J. (deceased), Mary Etta, Charles Milton, Nellie
S. and Clifford T. The mother was called from
earth December 12, 1886. Since early manhood
Mr. Irwin has been engaged in agricultural pur-

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1201

suits, and he now owns one of the best farms in
Canton township. He is a member of the Second
Presbyterian Church at Washington, with which
he has long been identified. Politically he is a
Democrat, active and zealous in the interests of
his party.

d/AMES PATTERSON, a prominent citizen of
Chartiers township, was born February 20,
| 1828, in Allegheny county, Penn., and is a
grandson of John and Mary (Miller) Patter
son, natives of Ireland, who came to Amer
ica, first settling near Wilmington, Del. In 1806,
with one horse and a wagon to transport their
worldly goods and themselves, the family moved
to a partially improved place in Allegheny county,
Penn., where John Patterson died, his widow sur
viving him many years.
Robert Patterson, son of John aud Mary (Miller)
Patterson, was born in 1791, in Ireland, and passed
his earlier youth in his native land, coming to Amer
ica with his parents, who finally settled in Pennsyl
vania. Robert Patterson married Mary McConnell,
a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and settled
on the homestead in that county. He was one of
the minute-men in the factory at Wilmington, Del.,
previous to his arrival in Pennsylvania. Mr. and
Mrs. Patterson were formerly members of the As
sociate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run, after
ward uniting with the U. P. Church at that place.
Mrs. Patterson died in the spring of 1863, and on
March 31, 1876, he passed away on the old home
stead, while in his eighty-fifth year.
James Patterson received his education in the
schools of his native county, and then learned the
carpenter's trade, following that vocation several
years. In November, 1861, he was married to
Miss Catherine Stewart, a native of the Emerald
Isle, and a daughter of John and Mary (Walker)
Stewart, also natives of Ireland, who immigrated
in 1852 to Allegheny county, Penn., where the
mother died in 1875; the father is now living with
his daughter Catherine. James Patterson re
mained in Allegheny county several years after
his marriage, and in 1867 removed to his present
home in Washington county, Penn. The children
of James and Catherine (Stewart) Patterson are
Robert M., John W., Mary Jane, Anna Martha,
Sarah Ellen and Mary Rebecca. Of this family,
John W. was married in 1890 to Lizzie J. Phillips,
a native of Cecil township, and daughter of John
AVayne and Anna Mary (Cummins) Phillips, na
tives of Chartiers township, this county. To the
union of John W. and Lizzie J. Patterson has been
born one daughter, Anna Laura. Mary Jane Pat
terson (the third child of James) is married to C.
L. Reed, of Cecil township, and they have one
child, Catherine Pauline, Mr. Patterson bftl 135.

acres of land, to which his attention is principally
given; he also raises a fine breed of stock. Polit
ically, he is an active worker in the Republican
party. 
LLLIAM M. RUSSELL, a prosperous
farmer of Chartiers township, is a son of
Andrew Russell, whose father was a native
of Scotland, and came to eastern Penn
sylvania, afterward moving to Washing
ton county, where he died. Andrew Russell was
bom in 1777, in Cecil township, this county, and
in 1782 came to a farm in Chartiers township,
where he grew to manhood aud was married to
Ann McClellan. They passed their lives in their
native county. In politics Andrew Russell was a
Whig, and an active worker in the party. He died
in 1861, and was followed to the grave by his widow
February 17, 1868. They were formerly both
members of the Associate Reformed Church, and
afterward united with the U. P. Church at Canons
burg. They were the parents of eleven children.
William M. Russell was born October 10, 1825,
in Chartiers township, Washington county, being
the youngest child in his father's family. He
was reared on the home farm, and educated in the
subscription schools of the county. In 1855 he
was married to Margaret Jane Thompson, a native
of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and a
daughter of Joseph and Margaret (AVilson) Thomp
son, natives of Ireland, of Scotch descent. They
immigrated to America in an early day. settling in
Mt. Pleasant township, where Joseph Thompson
passed the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits.
He was actively interested in political questions,
and in religion was connected with the U. P.
Church of Hickory, this county. His wife, who
was a member of the Associate Reformed Church,
died in 1847, and in 1861 he was laid by her side.
After his marriage William M. Russell opened a
book and drug store at Canonsburg, this county,
keeping a full line of school and college text-books.
In 1862 he moved to a farm in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county, and in 1881 settled on the farm
in Chartiers township which he now occupies, com
prising 135 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs.
Russell have had ten children, but four of whom
are now living, namely: L. A. (living in Chartiers
township), William Frank (an operator at Bridge
ville, Allegheny Co., Penn), Mamie Bell Agnes
(married to James M. Paxton) and Robert Lee
(studying for the ministry at New Wilmington
College). In politics Mr. Russell is a Republican,
aud has served as supervisor and member of the
school board.. His wife died January 19, 1892.
She was a member of the U. P. Church at Hick
ory, in which her husband was an elder, now be
ing a member of the United Presbyterian Church
at Houstonville.

1202

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

^ILLIAM VAN KIRK was born Septem
ber 24, 1836, in Franklin township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and is a great-grand
son of Henry Van Kirk, who was born
January 9, 1742, and who married Sarah
Van Kirk. To their union were born the follow
ing children: William, Johnson, Mary, Gideon,
Ira, Arthur, Sarah. Henry, John, Ann, Elizabeth
and Jennie. Mr. Van Kirk settled in Amwell
township, Washington Co., Penn., in an early day,
and remained there until his death, April 3, 1797.
He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in
politics was a Federalist.
Henry Van Kirk was born in Amwell township,
AVashington county, and in early life learned the
mason's trade, which vocation he followed several
years. He was married to Ruth Jolly, and reared
the following children: Mary E., Dryden, Jane,
Charles, Ruth, Susanna and Milton. After a few
years' residence in Amwell township, Mr. Van-
Kirk removed to Franklin township, where he
passed the remainder of his life. In politics he
was a AVhig, and in religious faith a member of
the Baptist Church.
Dryden Van Kirk was bom on the home farm
in Franklin township, and in early life learned
the mason' s trade of his father, which was after
ward his chief occupation. He was married to
Matilda Sowers, a resident of eastern Pennsylvania,
and she bore him children as follows: John O.,
Henry (deceased), William, Charles, Simeon (de
ceased), George M. (deceased), Nancy J. (Mrs.
John' McClelland), Sarah (Mrs. Henry Lindley)
and Hiram. Politically Mr. Van Kirk is a Repub
lican. He is now residing on his farm, one of the
best in Franklin township.
William Van Kirk passed his early life on the
home farm, attending the common schools. Like
his father and grandfather, he learned the mason's
trade, and followed it until the commencement of
the Civil war, when he enlisted, in August, 1862,
in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V.
I. His company was commanded by Capt. Ache
son, and was sent to the South, where he did
guard duty on the West Central Railroad, and
thence going to Fredericksburg, he remained with
the company until the close of the war. When on
the skirmish line near Deep Bottom he was struck
by the splinters of a sapling near by, which went
through the knapsack and its contents and killed
the man beside him. He also stood near a man
whose head was shot off by a cannon ball. On his
return from the war Mr. Van Kirk engaged in buy
ing stock. In May, 1872, he was united in mar
riage with Sidney A., daughter of, George Van-
Kirk, of Amwell township, and to their union have
been born the following children: Blanche, infant,
Howard (deceased), Julius C. and Jessie V. (twins)
and Merle W. Mr. Van Kirk has achieved suc

cess through his own efforts. He has always sup
ported the Republican party, and has served as
school director, supervisor, and inspector of elec
tions. The family are members of the Disciple
Church at Washington.
Simeon Van Kirk, a brother of William, also en
listed in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth
P. V. I., and followed the fortunes of his regi
ment until in the battle of Gettysburg they were
called to assist in a charge, and were outflanked
by the enemy. The regiment suffered a heavy loss
when they attempted to close up the ranks, in
front of Little Round Top Mountain, and Simeon
Van Kirk was one of the men killed at that time.

^r\ OBERT ZEDIKER. This progressive and
li*r/ enterprising citizen of South Strabane
|V township is a representative of one of the
I) -^ best-known and most prominent families in
v the county.
John Zediker, grandfather of subject, was a na
tive of eastern Pennsylvania, and in their youth he
and his brother David, having an eye to the
grandeur and fertility of the then "far West,"
set out to " spy the land," ostensibly on a hunting
expedition, and finally arriving in AVashington
county, they were so fascinated with the beauties
and attractions of South Strabane township, that
they here resolved to remain and cast their lot.
John, while in eastern Pennsylvania, had learned
the trade of blacksmith, which he carried on for
many years in the county of his adoption. Soon
after his arrival he married Margaret, daughter of
Ludwig Smith, who was among the earliest settlers
of the county, and the children born to this union
were Lewis, Susan (Mrs. Joseph Hallam), Eliza
beth (Mrs. George Smith), Julia A. (Mrs. James
Schwisher), Mary (Mrs. Matthew Doak) and John.
Mr. Smith took a " tomahawk claim " of nearly a
thousand acres of wild land, a part of which is
now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He
early identified himself with the politics of his sec
tion, and was prominent among the Federalists.
In church matters he also took an active interest,
and in the organization of the Lutheran Church in
Amwell township he was a prominent factor. In
this Society he was an elder for many years.
Lewis Zediker, father of our subject, was born
in 1792 in South Strabane township, and passed
his boyhood and youth on the home place, attend
ing the subscription schools of his locality. In his
eaily manhood he was married to Isabella, daugh
ter of Robert Henry, and the children born to them
wore John (deceased), George, Robert, Nicholas,
Sarah (Mrs. William Birmingham), Mary A.,
Susan (Mrs. E. R. Smith), Julia (Mrs. Frank Mar
tin) and Harriet (Mrs. John Redick). After mar
riage M'\ and Mrs. Zediker took up their residence

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1203

on the farm of his father-in-law, where he built a
log cabin in which they lived some years; then
moved to the place known as the " B. B. Zediker
farm " on which they passed the remainder of
their days, Mr. Zediker dying in 1867, his widow
in 1876. Their remains repose in the Pigeon
Creek U. P. cemetery. As members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, Mr. and
Mrs. Zediker were among its most active and lib
eral supporters. In politics originally a Whig,
afterward a Republican, he was a leading coun
selor in the ranks of either party.
Robert Zediker was bom August 24, 1822, on
the old homestead, where he was early inducted
into the multifarious duties of farm life. He at
tended the common schools of the district, and
was regarded as one of the most apt scholars of his
section. On December 25, 1849, Mr. Zediker was
united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of John
Hewitt, of Amwell township, and the children
born to them are Mary J. (Mrs. John Berk), Anna
M. (Mrs Aaron Gamble), Martha B. (Mrs. George
Shipe), Margaret K. (deceased), John H. (de
ceased), Emma G. (deceased), Lizzie (Mrs. John
N. White) and Fannie. After marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Zediker took up their residence on the home
farm, where they yet live, and on which they have
made material improvements, having built two
commodious dwellings; the one in which they at
present reside was erected in 1885.
A zealous and enthusiastic Republican. Mr.
Zediker has for many years been one of the lead
ers of the party in his section, and he has ever
taken a deep interest in all matters tending to the
advancement of his township and county, particu
larly in educational affairs, in connection with
which he has done much to elevate the standard
of instruction, and for a long period he served as
director of schools. Mr. Zediker, through his lib
erality and influence, was of valued assistance in
getting the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through
his locality, giving the right of way, and donating
grounds for the station.

/

f I [ AMILTON DAVIS (deceased) was a son of
sj Samuel Davis, who was born in Canton
j township, Washington Co., Penn., June 19.
-1 1794. On February 19, 1816, Samuel
Davis was united in marriage with Nancy
Hamilton, a resident of the same county, and she
bore him the following children: John, William.
Hugh, Mary, Samuel, Hamilton and Robert. In
politics Mr. Davis was formerly a Whig, and on
the organization of the Republican party became
one of their most active workers. He kept a tav
ern for many years, dealt largely in stock and was
a leader in all public enterprises. On November
22, 1861, he passed from earth. Mrs. Davis fol
lowing him to the grave October 8, 1872,

Hamilton Davis was born August 22, 1830, in
Canton township, this county, and passed his
youth upon the farm, receiving his education in
the common schools. He was an ardent and pro
found student, and always took an active part in
the political and religious questions of the day.
On March 8, 1865, he was married to Mary G.,
daughter of David Morrow, whose ancestors emi
grated to America about the middle of the eight
eenth century; her mother was Grizella, daughter
of Robert Johnson. After their marriage the
young people immediately took possession of the
old home farm where the family still reside, The
children born to them are: Harry N., born Novem
ber 3, 1865; John W.,bom April 16, 1868; Charles
M., born July 16, 1870; Samuel A., born June 1,
1874; Minnie H, born June 28, 1876; Retta C,
born March 10, 1879; Frank L., born January 20,
1881; and David O., born May 10, 1885. Mr.
Davis was for many years engaged in buying stock
from different parts of the country, a business in
which he was successful. In political life he was
an earnest advocate of Republican principles, al
though he never accepted official positions, and
in religion was" for many years a trustee in the
Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, of which
he was a zealous member. Mr. Davis died Janu
ary 31, 1889.

HENRY STEPHEN DAY, a successful and
prosperous young farmer of Morris town
ship, is a son of I. N. Day, and a grandson
of Stephen Day. Henry S. Day was born
V January 13, 1852, and March 2, 1876,
was married to Alice K. Vaile, daughter of Leonard
Vaile, of Morris township, to which union have been
born five children, as follows: Clinton H, Arthur
W., Howard N., Harry V. and Mary C, all living.
Mr. Day has lived for fifteen years on the excellent
farm of 135 acres which he now owns, which was
formerly known as the old "Hathaway" farm. He
gives considerable attention to stock raising, espe
cially sheep. He was the first stock raiser to
introduce Dorset-Horn sheep into Morris township.
Mr. Day is a lifelong Democrat, and both he and
his wife are members of Upper Ten-Mile Presby
terian Church at Prosperity. Few young men of
this seotion have succeeded better or stand higher
in the estimation of the best citizens, than Henry
S. Day. I( NDREW MILLER, a farmer of Mt. Pleas-
\\ ant township, is a native of the same, hav-
A\ ing been born there July 17, 1828, and is
^ a representative of one of the pioneer fam
ilies of Washington county.
James Miller (his grandfather) was born in Ire-

1204

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

land, and coming to Lancaster county, Penn., just
before the Revolution, served five years in the war.
In 1782 he was married to Margaret Shearer,
afterward serving one year more as a soldier. In
1786 he returned to his wife, settling on a farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and followed
agricultural pursuits. He and his wife were mem
bers of the Seceder Church.
Thomas Miller, a son of James and Margaret
Miller, was born in 1783, in Mt. Pleasant township,
Washington county. In 1806 he bought the farm
now owned by his son, Andrew, and in the spring
of 1812 was united iu marriage with Sarah Miller,
daughter of Thomas and Margaret Miller, also na
tives of Ireland. The latter had emigrated from
their native country, and, coming to Washington
county, settled in Mt. Pleasant township, where
they passed the remainder of their lives, the father
dying iu his eighty-seventh year. They were both
members of the Seceder Church at Hickory. After
his marriage Thomas Miller settled on the home
farm, and there passed his life, combining agricult
ural duties with carpentry, having erected the
first house in Claysville. He was a worker in the
Democratic party, and in religious connection he
and his wife were both members of the Seceder
Church at Hickory. He died in 1859, being fol
lowed in 1865 by his wife, who had borne him
children as follows : James (deceased at the age
of twenty-three years), Margaret, Catherine, Mary,
Sarah, Ann, Thomas, Elizabeth (deceased at the
age of seven years) and Andrew (subject of this
sketch), all now deceased except the last-mentioned
son. Andrew Miller was reared on the home farm,
receiving a subscription-school education. On
March 11, 1852, he was married to Sarah Stewart
(a native of Chartiers township), daughter of Archi
bald and Rebecca (Reed) Stewart. Archibald
Stewart was a blacksmith, and passed his entire
life in Chartiers township, where both he and his
wife died some years ago. After their marriage
Andrew and Sarah (Stewart) Miller settled on the
home farm and reared the following children:
Thomas, Archibald S. (a merchant, living in Wash
ington, Penn., married to Miss Susannah Espy),
James B., John N. (a physician of Dorseyville,
Penn., married to Maggie Weber; he is an elder
in the U. P. church), Andrew Reed (an attorney of
Steubenville, Ohio), W. W. (a physician and sur
geon at Bakerst'own, Penn.), David M. (a physi
cian and surgeon at Pittsburgh, Penn.), Alvin and
Rebecca Jane. Andrew Miller has a good coal
land farm of 212 acres, upon which is a pleasant
and comfortable residence and barn, with many
other improvements. He is not an active politi
cian, but lias held some township offices. He and
his wife aie members of the Cross Roads United
Presbyterian Church. Many changes have been

wrought since the ancestors first settled on the old
farm. The grandfather, James Miller, used to
make the trip by boat to New Orleans, returning
home on foot through miles of unbroken wilder
ness, where now the locomotive sweeps by with a
scream and pleasant homes dot the grassy hills and
valleys.

I A\ILLIAM A. DICKSON, a successful
\JJ farmer of Robinson township, is a grand
ly/ son of George Dickson, who was a native
— ' of Ireland, immigrating to Allegheny
county, Penn., at an early day. He then
purchased 400 acres of land, and followed farming
and stock raising until his death.
William Dickson, father of William A., was
born in 1790, and reared on the home farm in
Allegheny county. He was married to Margaret
Glenn, who bore him children as follows: George
(a surveyor, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Rachel (widow
of Robert Potter, of Noblestown, Penn.), James G.
(a practicing physician of Canonsburg, this county),
Mary (widowof James Clarke, of Canonsburg), Will
iam A., and three that died in infancy. The father
united with the old Seceder Church when but sev
enteen years of age, and during the last twenty
years of his life was a member of the U P.
Church of Noblestown. He was a ruling elder in
these Societies for fifty- five years, and in business
was a prominent and successful agriculturist. He
died March 19, 1872.
William A. Dickson was born June 15, 1831, and
reared to manhood on the old home farm. His
elementary instruction was obtained at the country
schools, after which he attended Duff's Commer
cial College at Pittsburgh, completing the course
in 1856. He then returned home and worked on
the home farm. On October 15, 1857, he was
united in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth
McBurney, who was born on February 28, 1835,
in Washington county, an only child of Robert
and Eliza (Welch) McBurney, the former of whom
was a son of John McBurney, Sr. Robert Mc
Burney was originally a Democrat, then became
an Abolitionist and finally a Republican. He was
a member of the Centre U. P. Church, aud an
elder in same for some years. For years he served
as a justice of the peace. He died in 1875; his
widow is still living with her son-in-law.
To the union of AVilliam A. and Elizabeth (Mc
Burney) Dickson the following children have been
born: Margaret G. , Elizabeth W. (a graduate of
the Steubenville Female Seminary, class of '85,
afterward teaching two years in the Oswego Col
lege, now teaching at Chase City, Va.), Robert M.
(who graduated at Duff's College), AVilliam R.
(graduated at New Wilmington College, now a
student in the Medical College at Pittsburgh,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1207

Penn.), Anna S. (a graduate of New Wilmington,
Lawrence Co., Penn., now teaching at Chase City,
Va.), Agnes J. (student at New Wilmington), Wal
ter E. and Bertha L. Mr. Dickson still retains a
portion of the ancestral acres. In 1875 he moved
to his present home in AVashington county. He
and his family are members of the United Presby
terian Church, and he was an elder in the U. P.
Church at Noblestown, at present in the Midway
TJ. P. Church.

THOMAS McCLELLAND is of Irish descent,
his grandfather, Thomas McClelland, hav
ing been born in County Donegal, Ireland.
and immigrated to America when about
seventeen years of age, first landing at New
York. Thomas McClelland entered the war of the
Revolution, and served till the close of the contest,
receiving a cut in the head, besides being
wounded in both ankles. He was afterward mar
ried to Nancy, daughter of Samuel Fergus, and
their children were William, Margaret (Mrs. Will
iam McLain), Mary (Mrs. John Allen), Hugh,
John, Martha (Mrs. James Brown) and Thomas.
Mr. McClelland passed the earlier part of his
married life in Adams county, Penn., and in the
year 1790 removed to South Strabane township,
Washington Co., same State, where he remained
until his death. Politically he was identified with
the Democratic party, and in religion was formerly
a member of the Covenanter Church, but afterward
united with the United Presbyterian Church at
Washington. William McClelland, son of Thomas and Nancy
(Fergus) McClelland, was born in Adams county,
Penn., in 1783, and was six years of age when his
parents brought him to Washington county, where
he obtained his education. He was united in mar
riage with Mary, daughter of John Allen, also aresi-
dent of South Strabane township, and to their union
were bom the following children: Eliza, Nancy
(Mrs. Samuel McQuay), Thomas, Rebecca (Mrs.
James Waller), Jane and John. Mr. McClelland
was a Democrat in politics. In religion he was
formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church
at Washington, but after united with the United
Presbyterian. Thomas McClelland was born March 6, 1818, on
the farm in South Strabane township which is his
present home, and received a subscription -school
education. On March 17, 1842, he was married
to Martha, daughter of AVilliam Waller, a resident
of Somerset township; he was united in marriage
with Mary Peese, and settled on the home farm.
His children are Andrew, Elizabeth, Mary, Will
iam, Ruth A., Rachel, Sarah, George, James,
Margaret, Martha and William. Mr. McClelland
is a Pemocrat in politics, and has held the offices

of road supervisor and school director. In religion
he is an adherent of the Presbyterian Church at
Pigeon Creek.

j It O. McKNIGHT. Among the early fam
'?J ilies of Washington county, none are
| more deserving of prominent mention
JJ than that of the gentleman whose name
opens this sketch. His grandfather, Hugh
McKnight, was born in Ireland, and came to
America in early life, first settling in Cecil county,
Md. , where he was married to Mary Nesbit. In
1784 they moved to Washington county, settling
on the Littleton tract of 193 acres. He died in
this county.
Joseph McKnight, father of subject, was born
in 1774, in Cecil county, Md., and in 1818 was
united in marriage with Sarah Anderson, a native
of Ireland, who came with her parents in 1781 to
eastern Pennsylvania, and settled in Chartiers
township in 1800. She was a daugher of Abraham
and Elizabeth (Chestnut) Anderson, natives of Ire
land, who settled in Chartiers township, this
county. They had a son in the war in 1812. Mr.
and Mrs. Anderson died some time prior to 1850.
The young people began married life on a farm in
Chartiers township, where two children were born
to them, viz.: Eliza Mary (Mrs. Alexander Mc
Connell, of Chartiers township) and H. O. (subject
of our sketch). Mrs. McKnight died in 1850, and
in 1856 Mr. McKnight was married to Margaret,
widow of John Campbell, and daughter of Thomas
McEwen, of Allegheny county, Penn. Joseph Mc
Knight was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was
at Erie with Commodore Perry, at the time the
fleet was building in 1813. He was an active poli
tician of the Whig party, and afterward became a
Republican. In religion he was a member and
ruling elder of the Seceder Church at Hickory,
this county. He died in 1872 on the home farm
nearly in his hundredth year; he had lost his sight
some years before. Mrs. McKnight died in 1892,
in her ninety-second year. She was formerly a
member of the Associate Reformed Church, which
afterward became the United Presbyterian
Church. H. O. McKnight was born September 29, 1822,
on the home farm in Chartiers township, and was
the youngest child born to his father's first mar
riage. He received a district-school education, and,
May 19, 1859, he married Margaret, daughter of
Robert and Elizabeth (Dawson) Welch, natives of
Maryland, who came to Washington county and
settled in Chartiers township, where their lives
were passed. Mrs. McKnight died June 10, 1871,
leaving four children: Sarah Anderson (Mrs. A.
T. Cowden. of Mt. Pleasant township). Joseph A.
(who married Lizzie J. Welch, and lives on the

1208

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

home farm), Florence Emma (who died in Decem
ber, 1889, wife of A. C. Smith, of Canton town
ship) aud Ella Margaret Welch (living at home).
On October 1, 1873, Mr. McKnight married
Martha E., daughter of Thomas and Jane (Mills)
Paxton, natives of Washington county and Ohio,
respectively. Mr. Paxton died in 1886, and his
widow is now living in Chartiers township. Mrs.
McKnight died April 20, 1884. H. O. McKnight
owns a good farm, containing 240 acres of fertile,
well-improved land, upon which is a large tract of
timber. In 1879 he erected a comfortable barn,
70x36, and in 1878 built an eight-roomed, two-
story house. He was formerly a Whig, and has
been a member of the Republican party since its
organization; he has held various township offices,
having served as justice of the peace and member
of the school board. He is a member of the Char
tiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church,
formerly of Mt. Pleasant U. P. Church, with
which his wife was also connected.

IfOHN A. BOONE is a prominent representa-
^ 1 1 tive of a pioneer family of Washington
If' J) county. John Boone, his grandfather, was
^^ born in County Antrim, Ireland, where he
was married to Nancy Badger. The family came
to America many years ago, and first settled in
Dauphin county. Penn., where Mr. Boone was en
gaged in farming and distilling, most of the wheat
being then distilled, as produce brought no profit.
He finally moved to Canonsburg, Penn., where he
died. Their children were as follows: William,
James, John, Mary, Jane, Margaret, Elizabeth,
Joseph and Nancy. In politics Mr. Boone was a
Whig, and in religion a member of the Presbyte
rian Church at Miller's Run.
Joseph Boone, son of John, was born in 1798,
in Dauphin county, Penn., and came to Washing
ton county, Penn., with his parents, when yet a
child. He attended the schools of Washington
county, and was early inducted into the mysteries
of agriculture. In early life he was married to
Nancy, daughter of John McCoy, a resident of
Chartiers township, this county, and a native of
Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Boone began married
life on the farm now occupied by John C. McNary,
where they resided about three years, then pur
chased and moved upon a farm in Cecil township,
and three years later settled in North Strabane
township, this county. Mr. Boone died Septem
ber 16, 1850, having made a success in life solely
by his own exertions. He was a Whig, and in
religion a member of the Chartiers Presbyterian
Church. Mrs. Boone is yet living, now in her
eighty-eighth year. She is the mother of the fol
lowing children: John A., Samuel (who gradu
ated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, in August,

1853, and is now living in Ohio), Thomas (de
ceased) and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Pettil).
John A. Boone, eldest son of Joseph and Nancy
(McCoy) Boone, was born June 13, 1829, in
Chartiers township, this county, and received his
early education at the common schools. On May 28,
1874, he was united in marriage with Ada, daugh
ter of Levi Griffith, and three children have been
born to them, viz. : Ada C. and Alice E. (twins)
and Joseph G. Mr. Boone is an energetic, repre
sentative citizen, in politics a Republican, and in
church connection a member of the First Presby
terian congregation of Canonsburg. His home is
a large and beautiful residence, pleasantly situated
on the principal street of Canonsburg.

T| AMES D. HUSTON, a public-spirited and en-
, I terprising citizen of Amwell township, is a
((J) grandson of Joseph Huston, who came to
^^ Washington, this county, in 1786, and es
tablished the old "Huston Inn" (as it was
then, called), situated on the east side of Main
street, below Maiden. He kept the tavern until
his death, making a good profit in the business.
He married Miss Elizabeth Beckwith, and to their
union were born the following children : Mrs. Sarah
Meetkirk (deceased at the age of ninety- one years),
Mrs. Isabella Sarratt (deceased when aged forty-
two), Cyrus (who died in his seventy- eighth year),
Mary, wife of Zachariah Reynolds (she died when
eighty-seven years old), Joseph (who died in his
eighty-fifth year), Hamilton (who died in his
eighty-first year), William B. (deceased in his
eighty-fourth year; he continued the old "Huston
Inn" for many years), and Mrs. Eliza Oliver (who
died when eighty-six years old). At the time of
his death, which occurred in 1813. Joseph Huston,
the father of this family, owned nearly all the
southwestern part of Washington, Penn. His
wife survived him many years, and died about
1855, in her eighty-fifth year.
Cyrus Huston, son of Joseph, was born Febru
ary 23, 1797, at Washington, Penn., in the old
" Huston Inn." In early manhood he learned the
trade of a cabinet maker, which he followed for
a time iu what is now known as Monongahela,
thence in about 1843 removed to Pittsburgh, and
was there during the great fire of 1845. He after
ward sold out and invested in a tan -yard, opposite
Horse Island, on the Allegheny side of the river;
he was then a very wealthy man. but the flood of
1852 completely ruined him, and he afterward re
turned to Pittsburgh, where he lived about twenty
years, engaged in the real estate and brokerage
business. In 1848 he was married to Miss Mary
Swart, and they had one child, Sarah. The mother
lived but a short time afterward, and Mr. Huston
was afterward married to Mrs. Nancy Howden,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1209

by which union were born James D. (whose name
opens this sketch) and Mrs. Martha Belle Hornish.
About 1872 Mr. Huston came to Washington
county, Penn., where he remained till his death,
which occurred May 3, 1874.
James D. Huston was born August 4, 1838, in
Washington, Penn., and remained with his parents
until they moved to Pittsburgh, when he went to
Holmes county, Ohio, and for a time attended a
small academy in Knox county, same State. He
then went to Pittsburgh and learned the trade of
cabinet making, which business he followed, to
gether with carpentering, five years, and removing
in 1859 to Amity, this county, he embarked in mer
cantile business. In 1860 he went to Monticello,
Ind. , and clerked in a store there for a time, but
returning to Amity in 1864 he bought out James
Hughes, Sr. , and in April, 1865, again began mer
cantile business. On April 29, 1862, Mr. Huston
was united in marriage with Rosetta Hughes, who
has borne him five children, namely: William (de
ceased), born July 15, 1863; Charles (deceased),
born September 23, 1864; Mrs. Doisey M. Bur
roughs, born November 28, 1867; Harry H. , born
January 14, 1870 (still living at home), and Jessie
B. (Mrs. Kerr), born August 7, 1871. In 1869
Mr. Huston removed to Lone Pine, and served as
postmaster there for sixteen years. He was pres
ident of the academy of Pleasant Valley three
years. He has always taken an active interest in
school matters, and is ever ready to aid a worthy
cause. He has always been a Republican.

fll LEXANDER McCONNELL represents one
//\\ of the earliest pioneers of AVashington
Jr^\ county, his grandfather, Alexander McCon-
JJ nell, who was a native of Virginia, coming
to Washington county in 1787, with a
brother Matthew. The brothers each took a farm,
and Alexander afterward bought 200 acres of the
"Black Woods " tract, of one Mr. Black. Alexan
der was married in Cecil township, this county, to
Elizabeth McCrory, and they settled on a farm
adjoining that of his grandson and namesake. He
took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection.
In church relation he and his wife were members
of the Seceder denomination. He died many years
ago, being followed several years later by his wife.
She was the mother of six children, viz. : Alexan
der, who resided in Cecil township; David, whose
sketch follows; Prudence, wife, of James Oram;
Jane; Nancy; and Matthew, of Chartiers town
ship, all now deceased.
David McConnell, son of Alexander and Eliza
beth (McCrory) McConnell, was born in 1791, on
the home farm in Cecil township, where he grew
to manhood. In 1828 he was united in marriage
with Sarah Campbell, who was born in 1805 in

Cecil township, and to their union were born the
following children : Alexander (who died at the age
of fourteen years), Mary Margaret (Mrs. James
Johnston, of Helena, Mont.), John C. (a widower,
living in Washington, Iowa, near Ainsworth), Eliz
abeth (deceased, first married to James Giffin,
then to Frank Collins, of Peters township, this
county), David (who died at the age of four years),
Jane (deceased in youth), Alexander (whose name
opens this sketch), Isabella (Mrs. John Skiles, of
Dallas county, Iowa), and Sarah (wife of J. R.
Gladden, of Cecil township).
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McConnell
settled on the homestead in Cecil township. In
politics he was formerly a Whig, then a Democrat,
and served some years as supervisor. He and his
wife were first connected with the U. P. Church at
Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with the same
society at Venice, he having been one of the organ
izers of the church in the latter place. David Mc
Connell died in 1873, and was followed by his wife
in 1881.
Alexander McConnell was born in 1840, on the
old place in Cecil township, this county, attend
ing during his boyhood the district schools of
the vicinity. In 1881 he was married to Mary
Jane, daughter of John and Mary (Spence) Mat
thews, natives of Cecil township; they moved to
Jefferson county, Kans. , where the father died in
1887, the mother following him to the grave in
1889. Alexander and Mary Jane McConnell set
tled on the place where they are now living, and
which contains 109 well-cultivated acres. The
barn, yet in a good condition, was erected in 1794,
and the house was built in 1805. In politics
he is a Democrat, but votes independently in
county elections. He has served two or three
terms as supervisor, and in religion he and his wife
are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. They
have three children : Esther Mary, Sarah Eveline
and John Walter.

ji OBERT HERRON, a descendant of a lead-
') ing pioneer of North Strabane township,
^ was born September 30, 1826, on- the farm
= now occupied by his brother James. He
is a son of Joseph Herron and grandson of
James, whose father, Charles Herron, was born in
Ireland, where he was married, and reared a large
family, coming with them to America in an early
day. His son James was born in County Down,
Ireland, and passed his boyhood in his native land.
He came to America in the latter part of the eight
eenth century, locating in North Strabane town
ship, this county, on the farm now owned by James
Herron, the grandson. The place was then in a
rude state of cultivation, but was soon transformed
into a comfortable home. In early manhood Mr.

1210

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Herron was united in marriage with Rachel Reed,
a resident of Ohio, and the following children were
born to them: Charles. John, William, James,
Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. Po
litically, Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and took an
active part in the questions of the day. He was an
earnest member of the Seceder Church.
Joseph Herron was born January 2, 1797, in
North Strabane township, Washington county, on
the farm of his father, and received his early
education in the schools of the vicinity. On Jan
uary 3, 1824, he was married to Margaret, daughter
of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset township, this
county, and then settled on the home place, where
the remainder of his life was passed. In 1850 he
erected the brick residence now occupied by his
son James. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Herron were
born children as follows: Rachel, born December
15, 1824; Robert, born September 30, 1826; James,
born September 18, 1828; John, born July 24.
1830; Sarah J. (Mrs. Jonathan Peese), born April
22, 1833; Joseph, born December 8, 1834; Mar
garet A. (Mrs. Robert Munnel), born October 4,
1837; and Elizabeth M. (Mrs. John B. Herron),
born October 6, 1842. Mr. Herron was a Demo
crat in politics, and served as judge of elections
and school director. He was also a lieutenant in
the militia, and in religious connection was a mem
ber and liberal supporter of the Seceder Church.
Mr. Herron died January 25, 1852, and was fol
lowed by his wife March 18, 1854. Both are buried
in the cemetery of the United Presbyterian Church
at Pigeon Creek.
Robert Herron worked on the home farm during
his boyhood, and on May 13, 1858, was united in
marriage with Rachel E. , daughter of John Berry,
and she bore him the following children: William
G. , Margaret J. (Mrs. W. B. McNary). Lizzie R.
(Mrs. M. H. Munce), Anna M. (Mrs! W. H. Mc
Nary), % Sadie Thome and Robert Walker. Mr.
Herron has always been a Democrat in politics, and
has held various township offices. He is a very
prominent citizen, and in religious connection he
and his family are members of the United Presby
terian Church at Mt. Prospect, to which he gives
a liberal support. Mr. Herron has in his posses
sion one of the oldest Bibles in Washington county,
which was formerly the property of one of his
paternal ancestors.

C^\ ICHARD GLADDEN occupies a conspicu-
IW?' ous position in the large circle of promi-
ijfv nent agriculturists of Cecil township, and
Jj -^ is descended from a pioneer family. The
earliest ancestors of the name, whose
history can be obtained, were AVilliam and Mary
(Woods) Gladden, both of whom were born in
eastern Pennsylvania. They came to Cecil town

ship in May, 1795, and bought of one Nicholas
Gaunce 206^ acres, of which tract he had secured
the patent in 1789, and which became their perma
nent home. After the death of William, the land
became the property of Richard Gladden, and has
continued to remain in the family name up to the
present time.
Richard Gladden, son of William and Mary
(Woods) Gladden, was born on the old homestead
in Cecil township, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits. In early life he was married to Mary
Kelso, who was born near Noblestown, Allegheny
Co. , Penn. He brought his bride to the old farm
and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, also
giving considerable attention to politics; he voted
with the Whig and Republican parties. To the
union of Richar 1 and Mary Gladden came the fol
lowing children: William, living in Canonsburg,
Penn. ; Martha, wife of Thomas Reed, living at
Pasadena, Cal. ; Benjamin John, residing in Car
thage, Mo. ; George, a physician and surgeon of
Homestead, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Richard, whose
sketch follows; and Joseph, living at Canonsburg,
Penn. The father of this family died in 1864,
the mother passing away in 1885. Both were
members of the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run.
Richard Gladden, son of Richard and Mary
(Kelso) Gladden, was born in 1855, in Cecil town
ship, in a house which was used as a fort in colonial
times. The schoolhouse which he first attended
was built on the ground where an oil well is now in
operation. On October 25, 1876, he was united in
marriage with Lavina Tuten, who was born in
Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
daughter of George and Catherine (Trimmer)
Tuten, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, who settled
in this county many years ago. The father died
in Hickory, Penn., and the. mother is yet living, in
Pittsburgh. Richard and Lavina (Tuten) Gladden
began married life on the farm in Cecil township
which they now occupy, consisting of 200 acres of
well-cultivated land. He has been engaged in the
dairy business, and three oil wells are in operation
on the place. In politics he is a Republican, and
in religion Mr. and Mrs. Gladden are members of
the U. P. Church at McDonald, Penn. They are
the parents of three children, viz. : Anna Mary,
Iva and Frank.

I W. GIFFIN is descended from a family
w I who originally settled in eastern Pennsyl-
vli vania. In 1795 Andrew and Jane (Hervey)
-" Giffin bought 450 acres of land on the
boundary line of Allegheny and Washington coun
ties. They settled in Cecil township, this county,
where he died in 1815, being followed by his wife
a few years later.
John Giffin, son of Andrew and Jane Giffin, was

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1211

born in 1785, in Chester county, Penn., and when
ten years of age came with his parents to Cecil
township, where his youth was passed. In 1804
be was united in marriage with Jane Hanson, who
was born about the year 1787, in Fayette town
ship, Allegheny Co., Penn., and they settled per
manently on a farm in Allegheny county, to which
he devoted his time; he took an active part in the
Whiff and Republican factions. He died in 1870,
having been several years preceded by his wife.
Their children were as follows: Andrew H. (liv
ing in Cecil township), Margaret (deceased in
youth), Jane (widow of William Young, in Cecil
township), Alice (wife of John Ballantine, in Mus
kingum county, Ohio), Nancy (who died in 1890, in
New Concord, Ohio, wife of Andrew Hanson), J. W.
(whose sketch is given below), Jacob Hanson (de
ceased), William (a widower, living in Canons
burg, Penn.), Mary (Mrs. Richard Boyce, of Mis
souri), Thomas (a widower, living in Kansas),
Rebecca (deceased wife of Archibald Rutherford,
of West Virginia) and Sarah (Mrs. George Ruth
erford, of West Virginia). The parents were
members of the Associate Reformed Church at
Robinson's Run.
J. W. Giffin was born December 1, 1815, in
Allegheny county, Penn. , and was educated in the
log-cabin subscription schools of Fayette township.
He was first married to Elizabeth Patterson, a na
tive of Allegheny county, daughter of James Pat
terson, who was born in Ireland, and immigrated
to this country many years ago. The young peo
ple settled in Fayette township, Allegheny county,
and the wife died in Cecil township, this county,
in 1860, leaving three children, viz. : Mary Abi
gail, Samuel Hanson (living at McKeesport, Penn.)
and James P. (a widower, of Pittsburgh, Penn.).
On March 19, 1863, Mr. Giffin was united in mar
riage with Patience Morrison, a native of Notting
ham township, this county, the ceremony taking
place in Cecil township. She was a daughter of
Maj. John Morrison, an early pioneer of Notting
ham township. This wife died in 1870 in Cecil
township, leaving four children, as follows: Eliza
beth, Mrs. AVilliam R. Miller, of Mt. Washington,
Allegheny Co., Penn.; John B., living at home;
Anna, wife of Harry Wilson, of Noblestown,
Penn., and Ella Y, living at home. In 1874
Mr. Giffin bought an improved farm of 111 acres
adjoining Venice, this county, where he carries
on general farming, and upon which is an oil well
nearly ready for operation. Politically he was
formerly a Whig, and has been a member of the
Republican party since its organization; has
served as supervisor, member of the school board,
assessor and in various other offices of public
trust. He is a member of the U. P. Church at
Venice.

y. OBERT JOHNSTON. The Johnston family
f/ were for many years residents of Allegheny
V^ county, Penn., where one Janras Johnston
* was born and reared. In early life he was
married to Jane Morrow, a native of the
same county, and the young couple immediately
settled in Peters township, AVashington Co., Penn.
He died in his seventy-third year, his wife passing
away at the age of seventy-two, leaving a family
of children, among whom was a son Robert.
Robert Johnston was born September 30, 1817,
on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and during his earlier years assisted his
father with the work on the place. On March 2,
1841, he married Miss Rebecca Black, and they
began housekeeping on a farm which he had pur
chased of his father, near Canonsburg, this county.
In 1863 he bought 141 acres of land in North
Strabane township, this county, to which he re
moved in the fall of that year. On this farm he
has continued to reside, and has reared four chil
dren, namely: Sarah Jane, James L. (living in
Canonsburg), Richard and Mary Eliza. The
mother died in 1872, at the age of fifty-eight years,
but her memory is ever living in the hearts of those
who knew and loved her. The family are mem
bers of the First Presbyterian Church at Canons
burg, and Mr. Johnston has taken an active part
in questions of public interest, having served in
various township offices.
Richard Johnston, the second son of Robert and
Rebecca Johnston, was born February 26, 1848,
on the place near Canonsburg, this county, and has
passed his life under the parental roof, receiving
a common-school education. On November 13,
1873, he married Anna M., daughter of Isaac and
Jane (Matthews) Weaver, and she has borne him
three children, namely: Eva M. , Robert B. and
Harry W. Like his father, Richard Johnston
affiliates with the Democratic party, and in relig
ion he and his wife are members of the First
Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.

irp^ OBERT WARRELL. Among the esteemed
IU^ residents of East Finley township, none
l[Y, are more worthy than the subject of this
\\ ^ sketch. He is a son of James AVarrell, who
V was a native of County Donegal, Ireland,
to which country Washington county is indebted
for many of her substantial and enterprising
citizens. James Warrell received a fair education, of
which he made good use in later years, and
learned the shoemaker's trade. In about 1815 he
was united in marriage with Sarah Wilson, a native
of the same county, and before leaving Ireland the
following children were born to them: Thomas

1212

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(deceased), Rebecca (living in Allegheny county,
Penn.), Rachel (deceased), Charles (residing in
Claysville, this county) and James (deceased). Mr.
Warrell was engaged in the meroantile and broker
business at Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland, and
during the war of 1812 was frequently called on
business to New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia
and many other large eastern cities. In 1825 he
immigrated with his family to America, and land
ing at New York, resided in that city for some
time, where another child, Robert, was born to
him. In 1826 he moved to Washington county,
Penn., locating near Claysville, Donegal township,
where he purchased some property, upon which
was a hotel, conducted for a short time by John
Valentine, then purchasing a farm, engaged in
agriculture. Three other children were there born:
William, a farmer in East Finley township, this
county; Sarah Ann (Mrs. William L. Oliver), of East
Finley township, and John, a farmer of Richland
county, Ohio. Mr. Warrell was never sick a day
in his life before his last illness, and was a man of
wonderful vigor and vitality. He once walked
from Claysville to Pittsburgh and returned, in one
day and two hours of the night. Politically he
was a Republican, and in religious faith a member
of the Presbyterian Church. His wife died in
1834, and after a short sickness he sank peacefully
to rest.
Robert Warrell (the eldest of the children born
in America) was born in New York City, July 4,
1826, and was early brought by his parents to
Washington county, Penn., where he received a
limited education. After attaining his majority he
was employed as a tanner, afterward becoming a
partner in the business with his brother. He then
clerked in the dry-goods store of George K. Scott,
Washington, Penn., for some time, when he went
to Pittsburgh and clerked for Stephen Barton, a
jeweler and notion dealer on the comer of Wood
and Water streets. At this time there were no
railroads in the city. On July 30, 1850, Mr. War
rell was united in marriage with Rebecca Crisswell,
who was born November 15, 1825, a daughter of
Richard and Jemima (McKenzie) Crisswell. To
this union two children were born: Sarah E.
(widow of Rev. William Gamble, a M. E. minister
and native of Allegheny county), born May 29,
1851 (has four children: Mamie R., Clara E.,
Estelle and Walter D.), and Robert B., born Sep
tember — , 1854 (deceased when four months old).
After his marriage Mr. Warrell remained some
time in Pittsburgh, and then moved to Henry
county, Ohio, locating near Napoleon (the county
seat). He remained there two years, returning in
1856 to Washington county, Penn., where he '
finally settled on his present well-improved farm,
situated five miles south of Claysville, in East
Finley township, this county, and successfully

followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Warrell is a
versatile man, and has an extensive acquaintance
throughout the county. He is an enthusiastic
worker in the Republican party, and has been
called on to fill several political offices, but has in
variably declined. He and his wife are both mem
bers of the Stony Point M. E. Church. Their
widowed daughter, with her four children, resides
with her parents.

JAMES SMITH was born January 1, 1817, on
the old farm in Washington county, where he
remained until he reached the age of maturity.
He is a grandson of Demas Smith, who
emigrated to this country from Germany,
and was married to Elizabeth Zook, a native of
the same country. They had the following family
of children: Betsey (Mrs. Johns), Joseph, Peter,
Polly (Mrs. Iamso), Susan (Mrs. Clark), Chris
topher, Hannah (Mrs. Huffman), Rachel (Mrs.
Seales), Abram, Susan, Dennis, David and Cath
erine (Mrs. Meeks). Mr. Smith served seven years
in the war of the Revolution, being among the
band of suffering heroes who for the cause of lib
erty endured those . terrible winters at Valley
Forged He entered Washington county about 1785,
locating in West Bethlehem township, at the head
of Daniels run. Here he resided two years, and
then moved to Greene county, settling on a farm of
200 acres in what is now Washington township.
He there passed the remainder of his life, dying
about 1824 in his ninety-sixth year. In politics,
he was an Old-time Whig.
Peter Smith, son of Demas and Elizabeth Smith,
was born in the State of Pennsylvania (east of the
mountains) in 1775, and in 1785 removed with his
father's family to West Bethlehem township,
Washington county. He remained with his parents
(who afterward moved to Greene county) until he
was twenty- nine years old, but had no educational
privileges. In 1804 he was united in marriage
with Priscilla Cooper, daughter of Moses and
Sarah Cooper, of Amwell township, this county,
and to this union were born children as follows:
Dennis, Moses (deceased), Polly (Mrs. Garber),
Peter, Betsey (Mrs. Riggle), Sally (Mrs. Potts,
residing in Missouri), James, David (deceased),
Mrs. Eunice Johnson (deceased), Hannah (Mrs.
Hufford) and Priscilla (Mrs. Bealer). Mr. Smith
was a hard-working and successful man, owning at
one time 300 acres of land. He was a AA'hig, and
took an active interest in the political affairs of the
township and county. He and his father were for
many years members of the Baptist Church. Mrs.
Smith died in 1840, Mr. Smith in 1848.
James Smith, son of Peter and Priscilla Smith,
received his education in the common schools of
Washington county, Penn,, and is fond of his-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1213

torical and current literature. In 1843 he was
united in marriage with Margaret Johnson, daugh
ter of Zenis and Sarah Johnson, of Greene county,
Penn., and to this union were born two children:
Johnson, a resident of McKeesport, Allegheny
Co. Penn. , and Sarah, deceased wife of Mr. Wat
son. After his marriage Mr. Smith moved on the
farm he now occupies, which he purchased when
his father died. His first wife dying March 4, 1871,
Mr. Smith married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah
Paul, widow of Philo Paul. In political affiliation
Mr. Smith was a Whig, first casting his vote for
Gen. Harrison, and since its formation has been an
active member of the Republican party. He is
much interested in local politics, and has been su
pervisor and school director for a number of years.
He has been a valuable member of the Baptist
Church forty-seven years.

l\ILSON T. DENNY, son of Josiah, grand-
/' son of William and Elizabeth Denny, was
born September 11, 1843, in Cecil town
ship, this county. The grandparents
came with their family in 1790 from
eastern Pennsylvania to Washington county, where
both died. AVilliam Denny was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war.
Josiah Denny was born June 16, 1798, in Wash
ington county, Penn. , and passed his youth on the
home place. On October 19, 1820, he was united
in marriage with Jane Simcox, who was born Au
gust 18, 1798, in this county. They settled on the
farm in Cecil township now owned by W. T. Denny,
and children were born to them as follows: Will
iam W. (deceased March 3, 1868), a physician and
surgeon, of Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Joseph, living in
Noble county, Ohio; Mary (wife of William H.
McClay), died in October, 1883, at Cumberland,
Ohio; Martha Jane, Mrs. Hugh Liggett, of Mus
kingum county, Ohio; John A., living at Canons
burg, Penn. ; and W. T. , whose sketch follows.
The father passed away April 1, 1856, followed by
his widow July 7, 1868. Both were members of
the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run.
AV. T. Denny was educated in the schools of the
home district, and then followed agricultural pur
suits. On February 27, 1866, he made choice of
a life companion in the person of Margaret Tid
ball, who was born December 24, 1845, a daughter
of William and Elizabeth (Nicholson) Tidball, all
three being natives of Robinson township, Alle
gheny Co., Penn. The father passed away May
12, 1884, the mother on November, 10, 1849.
Mr. and Mrs. Denny have resided on the old
homestead since ' their marriage. Many improve
ments have been made on the place since the pres

ent owner has had possession. A good house and
two good barns have been erected, one barn having
been burned. The farm contains seventy- five acres
of well -cultivated, fertile land. In the autumn of
1871 Mr. Denny embarked in mercantile business
at Burgettstown, but in 1876 returned to the old
place, resuming his former occupation. He votes
the Republican ticket, and is now serving his sec
ond term as a member of the school board. He and
his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Ven
ice, this county. Four children have been born
to them, viz.: Harry W., AVilliam W., Eva Jane
and Laura M.

EiLIJAH MILES. Of the many prominent
and esteemed citizens of Buffalo township,
the name of this family ranks among the
— J first.
Elijah Miles was a son of Elijah Miles, who was
born in the State of Virginia in 1765, and in his
later years removed to Canton township, Washing
ton Co., Penn. He died August 27, 1834, in
Ohio, on his farm (where he was settling up his
business affairs), honored by all who knew him.
His wife and four children survived him at the date
of his death. John died in 1891, in Marietta,
Ohio, at the age of eighty-five years; Mary died
January 20, 1837, in the twenty- eighth year of her
age; Nancy died April 13, 1837, in the twenty-
sixth year of her age. Their mother, Elizabeth,
died at the age of sixty years.
Elijah Miles, our subject, the only surviving one
of the four children, was born in Canton township,
Washington Co., Penn. He moved to Keokuk
county, Iowa, in 1855, and came back to Buffalo
township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1856, where
he permanently settled. Elijah Miles was married
in 1862 to Caroline, daughter of Lewis Snyder,
and the children born to this union were Mary,
wife of Frank M. Caffey, of Buffalo township, Eliz
abeth and John.
Lewis Snyder, father of Mrs. Caroline Miles,
was born in 1801 in Germany. He was well edu
cated, and became a soldier in the German army.
He was married to Catherine Mary Cook, and the
children born to them were Caroline, who was
born October 6, 1835, in Germany, and came with
her parents to America; and Charles, George,
Louisa, Lewis, William, Catherine and Frank, born
in America, the last named being now deceased,
the only one in the Snyder family that has been taken
away. The living children of this family are all resi
dents of Washington county, Penn. In 1844 Mr. Sny
der came to America with his family, and first set
tled on a farm in Franklin township, Washington
Co., Penn., where he made his permanent home.

1214

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

J | AMES A. THOMPSON. Among the self-
made men of AVashington county, none are
] better deserving of prominent mention in
this Biographical Record than the above-
named citizen. His parents were Allen and
Martha (Lindsay) Thompson, early pioneers of
Washington county. The father was born in 1794,
and the mother in 1797. The following children
were born to them: William, John L., Josiah,
James A., Allen, Martha J., Mary Ann, Harvey
H. , Sarah, AVilliam, John A. (deceased), and
Ebenezer (deceased). The mother passed away in
1870, followed by the father in 1872.
James A. Thompson was born December 10,
1822, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
Washington Co., Penn. He assisted his father in
the care of the farm and, receiving but little
financial aid from home, began life with no capital
but that of a willing heart, strong hands and cheerful
spirit. On Christmas Day, 1845, he was united in
marriage with Margaret Griffith, and soon after
their wedding he rented his father's farm and con
tinued to live there as a tenant for several years,
finally purchasing the old place. His wife died
April 3, 1857, leaving two small children: Allen
and Samuel (deceased), and on March 9, 1858, he
was joined in wedlock with Margaret, daughter of
James and Mary (Geis) Kerr. To this union have
been born four children: Mary Eva, William K,
Martha E. and Sadie M. The name of Ella
Steele, a little orphan girl, completes this family
circle, for she is cherished as tenderly as their own
by her foster-parents. Mr. Thompson has done
all in his power to advance the educational inter
ests of the community. He has served as super
visor, but though shirking no responsibility, he
has no desire for political honors. He declares
that ' ' the Republican party is good enough for
him," and votes accordingly. He is a wide-awake,
progressive man. In 1858 he sold the old place,
and bought 156 acres now known as the " Guthrie
farm," in Chartiers township, and in 1875 bought
the eighty-three acres which is now his home. To
this he has added thirty-three acres of another
tract, and is now living near Canonsburg.

B. DUVALL. The Duvall family, of which
this gentleman is a prominent representa
tive, has for many years been closely asso
ciated with the progress and improvement
of Washington county.
Alexander and Elizabeth Duvall were natives of
Maryland, born of French descent. They came to
Pennsylvania many years ago, and located in
Washington county, where he lived several years,
ami then settled on a farm in Fayette county,
near Brownsville, where he died at the age of
eighty-five years. Of their children are named

John, Dayid, Jacob, Lewis, Eli, Jehu, Hiram and
Elizabeth, all now deceased.
David Duvall was born April 7, 1785, in East
Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and
passed his youth on the home farm. He began
life with no financial aid, but willing hands, an
active brain and stout body proved sufficient cap
ital, and he soon acquired a comfortable property,
all in agricultural pursuits. When a young man
he was united in marriage with Mary Bailey, who
was born in 1782, in East Pike Run township, and
they reared the following family of children:
Nancy, widow of S. Robison, now residing in Cal
ifornia, Washington Co., Penn.; Eliza, wife of
John B. Hanen, of East Pike Run township; Ruth,
widow of George Garrett, a resident of California,
Washington county; Mary; Alexander B. ; John;
Lewis; Abigail, and Sarah, of whom the four last
mentioned are now deceased. The father in his
political affiliations voted with the Republican
party. He died August 24, 1865, having been pre
ceded by his wife iu 1862.
Alexander B. Duvall, son of David and Mary
(Bailey) Duvall, was born March 19, 1825, in East
Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. He
received a subscription-school education, and grew
to manhood on the home farm, working the old
place on shares until the death of his father. In
1870 he was united in marriage with Josephine
Pester, who was born in Washington county, Penn. ,
a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Smith) Pester,
also natives of this county. Her father was a cab
inet maker at Coal Centre, Penn., and in politics
voted with the Democratic party. He and his
wife died in Coal Centre, leaving two children,
Ann and Josephine (Mrs. Duvall). To the union
of Alexander B. and Josephine (Pester) Duvall the
following children have been born: Emma, David
R., Nellie S., Carolus, Anna Thames, Chauncy
Slocum, John Shanton, Flora G., Belva L., Pierre
L., Alexander V., Cassius A., and Jessie.
The old homestead contains 210 acres of well-
cultivated land, and is universally admitted to be
one of the finest farms in Washington county. In
1875 Mr. Duvall erected a handsome two-story
house upon the property, commanding a beautiful
landscape view for many miles, carrying the eye
to the mountain beyond. Since 1852 he has been
a member of the F. & A. M. at Coal Centre. He
is a fearless, conscientious man, and worships at
the Disciple Church, his wife being identified with
the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

JAMES H. ALLEN. Among the prosperous
citizens of Carroll township, perhaps none
have had more varied or thrilling experiences
of life than this gentleman. His grandfather,
David Allen, was an early settler of Forward town
ship, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he carried on

g^^-^ ^7-^70^^^

Washington county.

1217

farming and stock raising, also operating a distill
ery. He married Mary Warne, who bore him chil
dren as follows: John, Dorcas, Joseph, James,
David, Eliza, Frances, Mary and Bela. The
father of this family died about the year 1823.
He was a leading member of the Presbyterian
Church at Round Hill, and in politics he was a
Democrat. David P. Allen, father of subject, was born in
1805, in Forward township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
and learned the trade of tanner. He married
Miss Mary Whorley, and, with the exception of
short intervals, their lives were passed in Forward
township, Allegheny county. He owned twenty-
one acres of coal land, and followed farming dur
ing his later years. On October 30, 1889, he
died, aged eighty-four years six months, leaving
the following children: James H., Joseph W. (liv
ing in Kansas), Ann Eliza (deceased), Dorcas (Mrs.
McConnell, living in Majors, Buffalo Co., Neb.),
Bradford (residing near Denver, Colo. ), Albert G.
(a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Florence (Mrs.
McTeeter, of Braddock, Penn.), and Mrs. Mary J.
Fleming, of Fayette City, Penn. The mother is
yet living on the old homestead in Allegheny
county, Penn., aged eighty-three years. In poli
tics the father was a Whig and Republican.
James H. Allen was born November 23, 1832,
in Wheeling, W. Va. ,"and was brought with his
parents to Allegheny county, Penn., when an in
fant. At the age of twenty years he took a course
of engineering at Brownsville, Penn. , and passed
fouryearslearningthemachinist's business. After
completing his studies he became a steamboat en
gineer, and for thirty -five years sailed the western
waters— the Ohio and Mississippi — going as far
north as St. Paul, and as far south as New Orleans.
During the Civil war he was engaged in transport
ing troops and provisions, and was held as a pris
oner for some time on the Cumberland river. He
was on a boat that sank in the Ohio river, near
Battingrape Island. After the war he returned
home, and February 28, 1867, he was married to
Miss M. A. Thompson, daughter of Wilson Thomp
son, of Monongahela. The children born to them
were as follows: Bertha (deceased), Wilson T.,
Albert and Harry. Wilson Thompson was a na
tive of Maryland, whence, when a young man, he
came to Monongahela, and learned the trade of
glass blowing, which he followed some time. He
was married to Margaret, daughter of Elias Wat
kins, of Monongahela, and the children born to
them were: Martha A. and William (deceased in
infancy). The father died in 1872, the mother in
1840, and both are buried in Monongahela. He
was a leading member of the M. E. Church, and
was deeply interested in educational affairs.
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Allen have a beautiful
home in Bellwood, near Monongahela, where they

have resided some fifteen years. They are mem
bers of the Methodist Church. Mr. Allen is one
of the leading citizens of his locality, a typical
self-mademan, one whose integrity is unquestioned.
In his political affiliations he is a stanch supporter
of the Republican party.

dfOSEPH HAWKINS. The Hawkins family
have long been residents of Pennsylvania.
] Robert and Ruth Hawkins (grandparents of
Joseph) were born in eastern Pennsylvania,
where they married and reared the following
children: William (a resident of Newton Falls,
Trumbull Co., Ohio), Robert (living in AVest Beth
lehem township, this county), Elizabeth (living in
Springfield, Ohio, widow of George Taylor), Lydia
A. (residing in Ohio, widow of Eli Hill), Mary
(widow of Thomas Duton, Ohio), Louisa (wife of
Joseph Weaver, a farmer of Ohio), Elijah, Thomas
and Gideon, the latter two being deceased. The
father of this family was a preacher for the Dis
ciple Church; in politics he voted the Republican
ticket. He died in 1850, at the age of seventy two
years, after a busy life in agricultural pursuits.
Elijah Hawkins was born September 17, 1815,
in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and was reared on the farm. He received
a business education, and began mercantile life at
Beallsville, this county, remaining there five years.
He then moved to Zollarsville, this county, con
ducting business in that place for twenty years,
but finally sold out and retired to his present farm
in Pike Run township. He was first married to
Mary A. Greenfield, a native of Washington
county, Penn., who bore him one daughter, Mary
A. (wife of James Hedge, a farmer of Jefferson
county, Iowa). The mother died in 1841, and in
1842 Elijah Hawkins was married to Elizabeth
Weaver, who was born in 1815, in Washington
county, Penn. Their children were as follows:
Louisa (wife of Isaac Hill, a farmer of AVest Pike
Run township), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Hill, of Polk
county, Mo.), George (a farmer of Fayette county,
Penn.), Joseph (of whom a sketch follows), Theo
dore (a merchant of Beallsville), Theophilus (farm
ing the home place), Walter (farming in West Pike
Run township), William (deceased) and Avorilla
(deceased). The mother of these children died in
1889, in her seventy- second year. The father is a
preacher in the Christian Church, of which both
his wives were earnest members. In politics he
votes with the Republican party, and is interested
in both the civil and religious welfare of the
people. Joseph Hawkins was born September 15, 1848,
in Beallsville, AVest Bethlehem township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., being reared in the village and
educated at the public schools. In 1873 he was

1218

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

united in marriage with Elizabeth Deemes, who
was born September 15, 1841, in Washington
county, Penn. , a daughter of Mark F. and Mar
garet Deemes. Her parents were both natives of
this county, and reared the following children:
Joshua (a resident of Colorado), George W. (farm
ing in Beallsville, Penn.), Maria (wife of W. F.
Wilson, of West Pike Run township, this county),
Samuel P. (a ranchman of Nebraska), Elizabeth
(Mrs. Hawkins), and Willie and Oliver, both de
ceased in infancy. The parents both died in their
sixty -fifth year.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have been born two
daughters: Maudie and Ada. In politics Mr.
Hawkins votes the; Republican ticket. He is a
member of no church.

AMUEL J. GHRIST, one of the most pros
perous and influential citizens of Burgetts
town, is a son of Isaac Ghrist, who was
born in Maryland, where he was reared and
educated. He was a blacksmith by trade, and in
early life was united in marriage with Maria Will
ison, also a native of Maryland, where the young
people continued to reside for several years after
their marriage. They then moved to Fayette
county, Penn., finally going farther west, to near
Ironton, Ohio. The children born to them were:
Samuel J., John, Peter, Isabel, Isaac, Elias, Will
iam, Sabina and Sarah A., of whom Samuel J. is
the only one living in Washington county. The
father and other members of the family died of
cholera during the outbreak of that disease at
Ironton. The mother afterward married Mr.
McCoy of Ironton, and after his death removed to
Illinois with her sons, Elias and William, where
she died.
Samuel J. Ghrist, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born January 1, 1818, in the State of
Maryland, and when a young man came from Fay
ette county ,to Smith township, this county. He
commenced working on a farm for one John Hobbs,
remaining with him four years, at the end of which
time he began working on another farm. Several
years later he purchased a small place, to which
he added from time to time, and he now owns over
230 acres of good land in Smith township, and a
fine residence in Burgettstown. In March, 1838,
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter
of James and Jane (Vance) Stevenson, of Smith
township, the latter of whom was a daughter of Will
iam Vance, of Vance's Fort. The following named
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ghrist:
Jane, deceased February 15, 1892; Sarah M. ;
Martha A. ; M. Elizabeth; Catherine W. , wife of J.
R. McNary, of Smith township (they have six
children); Anna M., deceased January 31, 1892,
was married to G. M. Miller, of Claysville, now a

druggist of Burgettstown (had one child, Sara
Edna); and S. Vance Ghrist, now an attorney at law
in South Dakota. He married Miss May Putnam,
who holds the honor of teaching the first school in
Hand county, S. Dak. They have two children:
Elizabeth Vance and Bayard Sidney. The mother
of this family dying March 3, 1854, Mr. Ghrist
married in August, 1873, Rachel Stroud, of Steu
benville, Ohio, who died July 24, 1888, leaving no
issue. In 1878 Mr. Ghrist moved to Burgettstown,
where he is yet residing, his home being cared for
by his daughters, who are still under the paternal
roof. His success in life is to be attributed solely
to his own efforts, which have been untiring, and
now, a man of about seventy- five years of age, he
is iu the enjoyment of good health. Until he was
twenty years of age he never wore a coat of any
kind, only a kind of knitted jacket, and his first
coat he worked for and earned by the sweat of his
brow. His farm, when he came to it, was but
partly cleared, but by assiduouB labor he highly
improved it. His present home in Burgettstown
he bought, besides which he owns other houses in
that borough. The family are all great readers.
Catharine and Martha were educators in Washing
ton and Allegheny counties, and S. V. in Wash
ington county and in several western States, and
has been admitted to the practice of law in Kansas,
Illinois and South Dakota. In political opinion
Mr. Ghrist was formerly a Whig, afterward a Re
publican upon the organization of the party; has
been actively interested in politics, and has held
various township offices. He is a member, and has
been a liberal supporter, of the Presbyterian
Church from early youth, at the same time con
tributing largely to all charitable and public enter
prises.

HUGH McDOWELL, a prominent agricult
urist of Peters township, is a son of Joseph
McDowell, and a grandson of Thomas Mc-
— ' Dowell. The grandfather was born in Lan-
T/ caster county, Penn., and followed farming
and hunting, being an enthusiast in the latter pur
suit. In early life he selected a life companion in
the person of Jeanette Clark, and of the children
born to their union the following are named:
Joseph, James and Jane.
Joseph McDowell, son of Thomas, was born
about 1790, in Lancaster county, Penn., where he
grew to manhood. In 1808 he and his father came
to Washington county, where the latter bought a
farm in Mt. Pleasant township. After the death
of his father Joseph worked on neighboring farms,
and devoted his leisure hours to hunting, many a
turkey and deer falling beneath his unerring rifle.
In 'early life he was married to Eleanor McKnight,
of Washington county, who bore him seven chil-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1219

dren, viz.: John, Joseph, Hugh, Mary, Jane,
Elizabeth and Ellen; of these Hugh (of whom a
sketch follows), Ellen and Jane (wife of Benjamin
Vannatta, of ' Noblestown, Allegheny county) are
yet living.
Hu»h McDowell was born September 28, 1815,
near Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, Washington
Co. Penn. His youth was passed in rural pur
suits, and at the age of seventeen years he learned
carpentry, a trade he followed twenty years. He
finally purchased 173 acres of land in the Char
tiers Valley, taking possession of the place in 1863,
where he has since carried on general farming, in
cluding sheep raising. On February 25, 1847, he
was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of
James McConnell, a pioneer farmer of Cecil town
ship, this county, and their children were as fol
lows: Ellen J. (wife of W. J. Johnston), Elizabeth,
Margaret and Ida (these three died of diphtheria
in 1861), Samuel (deceased in 1863), Mary M.
(living at home), John J. (living on a part of the
Alexander McConnell homestead, being now part
of the McDowell farm, married to Elizabeth Mc-
Millian), and Effie A. (living with her parents).
The daughters all attended the academy at
Canonsburg. Many improvements have been made on the
place, and Mr. McDowell personally erected the
handsome buildings thereon. Politically he is a
stanch Republican, having originally been an Anti-
slavery Whig, and served as a delegate to the con
vention held at Pittsburgh when the Republican
party was organized. He has held many local of
fices, but does not care to take a prominent place
in politics. In religious faith he is a member of
the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has
served in many ways. Mr. McDowell did not in
herit a cent, but, by the industry and economy of
himself and wife, now owns one of the best farms
in the country. This should serve as an incentive
to young men in like circumstances, to go and do
likewise. EI. WORRELL is a son of Elias, and grand
son of Robert Worrell, the latter having
been a pioneer of Fayette county, Penn.
Robert was a relative of William Penn.
Elias Worrell was born in 1798, on his father's
farm in Fayette county, Penn., and came with his
parents to Allen township, Washington county,
when a boy. In early life he was united in mar
riage with Sarah Allen, a native of Allen township,
this county, who bore him children as follows:
Allen, a cabinet maker, who died at California,
Penn., July 24, 1866; AVilliam, a merchant of
Brownsville, Penn., who died June 19, 1872;
John, a clerk on a steamboat, died July 25, 1872,
at Brownsville, and Joshua, who enlisted in 1862,
in the Eighteenth Cavalry, under General Kil-

patrick. After the war he moved to Kansas, then
returned to Washington county, where he died
February 22, 1872. For his second wife Elias
Worrell married Aves Smith, a native of East Pike
Run township, and their children were S. AV.,
wife of C. L. Kinder, who died in 1892, at Scenery
Hill; Mary Elizabeth, wife of E. A. Williams, of
East Pike Run township, and E. I., whose name
opens this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell always
resided in Allen township. Mr. Worrell owned
land in Wooster, Ohio. In politics he was an
active Republican, having held various local offices.
He died May 1, 1873, having been preceded to the
grave by his wife July 6, 1861.
E. I. Worrell was born November 12, 1848, on
the home farm in Allen township, AVashington
county, received a district-school education, and
also attended the Normal at California, Penn. He
was married March 2, 1881, to Emma, daughter
of George W. and Caroline (Riggs) Hazelbaker,
and a native of Allen township, this county. Her
parents were born in Washington county. Both
parents are now living in this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Worrell have had three children, namely:
J. H. , Cora and Irwin. The father is an active
member of the Republican party, and has held the
position of county auditor since the fall of 1890,
receiving 6,686 votes. The farm contains 106
acres of good land. In religious faith Mr. and
Mrs. Worrell are members of the Methodist Church
at Ebenezer. He studied pharmacy when a young
man, with the intention of becoming a druggist;
but at the solicitation of his father, took charge of
the farm and has ever since been an agriculturist.
Mr. Worrell has been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church since boyhood, serving as super
intendent of Sabbath- school, secretary of the board
of trustees and leader of the choir. He has been
administrator, trustee and assignee of many es
tates, and has always been faithful in every posi
tion. ¦
Fl( BRAM COLVIN is a son of Stephen Colvin,
// \\ whose father, Vincent, was an early settler
F^l of Fallowfield township. The latter in-
// -^ vested largely in land, having at one time
v owned nearly 2,000 acres in Fallowfield
township. On March 28, 1780, he received a
grant for the home place, which was situated on
Pigeon creek, and contained 470 acres. The fol
lowing children were born to Vincent Colviu:
Stephen (who inherited 200 acres of the old place),
John, Vincent, Joshua, Moses, Lott, Agnes (Mrs.
Powell), Susanna (Mrs. AVilson), Charlotte (Mrs.
Frye), Lucy (Mrs. Frye) and Harriet, who married
a Baxter. Stephen Colvin was born in 1778, in Fallowfield
township, AVashington Co., Penn., and became a
leading agriculturist, devoting special attention to

1220

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

stock raising. He was married to Mary, daughter
of Abram Frye, who married a Miss Wilson, of
Washington county, who bore him thirteen chil
dren, whose names are given as follows : Hester,
Julia, Nancy, Abram, Lucinda, Sarah, Stephen,
Mary, Elizabeth, John, Lewis, Rebecca and Vin
cent, of whom Vincent and Lewis enlisted in the
army, Vincent dying while in the service. The
father died in 1846.
Abram Colvin was born April 21, 1820, on the
homestead in Fallowfield township, and his educa
tion was received in the log-cabin schoolhouse of
the district. In 1848 he was married to Miss
Frye, daughter of Abraham, and granddaughter of
Samuel Frye, a farmer of Washington county, who
erected the first house on the west side of the
Monongahela river, in this county. Samuel Frye
was born in 1729, in Virginia, and was there mar
ried to Christina Speers, who was born in 1752 in
the same State. They came overland to Washing
ton county at a very early day, and July 19, 1792,
took out a ' ' tomahawk right " to a large tract of
land in Fallowfield township, where the Gibson
distillery is now located. He was a famous
hunter, and also worked on the farm, remaining
in the neighboring fort at night for protection from
the Indians. He died in 1814, his widow, Novem
ber 9, 1841.
Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina
(Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home
farm in Fallowfield township. He received a
subscription-school education, and in early life was
married to Isabella Ringland, a native of Wash
ington county, who bore him eleven children,
namely: Samuel and John, both in Allen town
ship; Christina, Mrs. Abram Colvin; Abraham,
who entered the service in Washington county, and
is now living near Nashville, Tenn. ; Henry, a
resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber
land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town
ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock -No. 4,
same township; Jackson, living in Cowley county,
Kans., enlisted and was taken prisoner, being con
fined in Andersonville prison eleven months;
Clarissa, married to Alexander Allman, and died in
East Pike Run township; Smith; and Isabelle, wife
of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo.
After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye
settled on the lower part of the old homestead in
Fallowfield township. He was actively interested
in public matters, first affiliating with the Demo
cratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub
lican. He died December 11, 1866, followed by his
widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see her
youngest daughter the mother of twelve children.
Both parents were members of the Disciple
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Colvin are the parents of seven
children, namely: Stephen, Belle Abram, Chris

tiana, Smith, Fremont and Ellsworth, of whom the
youngest child has for the past five years been a
resident of Los Angeles, Cal. The home farm
contains 110 acres of land, located about five miles
southwest of Monongahela City, where Mr. Colvin
deals extensively in stock. Politically, he votes
with the Republican party.

4J

HENRY M. CONKLIN, one of the most
prominent of the agricultural citizens of
Morris township, is a native of the same,
born April 12, 1835. He is a worthy rep
resentative of one of the pioneer families
of his native township.
John Conklin, his grandfather, was born in New
Jersey, and in 1790 moved with his family to Mor
ris township, Washington Co., Penn., locating
near the town of Sparta. John Conklin had seven
children, of whom one son, Isaac, was born in the
State of Pennsylvania in 1805. In 1825 he was
married to Lydia Sears, also a native of Pennsyl
vania, and the following children were born to this
union: Sarah Ann (deceased wife of William
Rogers, of Iowa), Elizabeth (living in Greene
county, Penn., the widow of Morgan Thompson),
John (a farmer of the same county), William (a
farmer near Van Buren, in Morris township),
Henry M. , Oliver S. (a resident of Missouri),
Margaret (living in the State of Kansas, married
to John A. W. Dyer), Samuel A. (a prominent
practicing physician of Canton, Ohio), Stephen
Munroe (a farmer of Morris township), Warren
B. (living near Sparta, this county), and Lydia
Viola (wife of I. N. Lucas, a physician in North
Dakota). Henry M. Conklin, whose name opens this sketch,
received a limited education at the common schools
of the home district, and at the age of twenty-
one years commenced to learn the trade of paint
ing with his brother John, his financial wealth
being, at the start, very limited indeed. After
working at his trade for a number of years in the
different parts of the county, and in AVestern Vir
ginia, he returned in 1861 to Washington county.
On February 28, 1861, he was united in marriage
with Jerusha Jane Blakeway, a native of East
Finley township, this county, daughter of Eliza
beth and Humphrey Blakeway, both of whom
died in that township, and lie buried in the grave
yard at Old Concord, Penn. On March 14, 1861,
Mr. and Mrs. Conklin moved to their present home,
which is now a well-improved farm situated two
miles northeast of Prosperity, where he has erected
one amongst the finest residences in the township.
Mrs. Jerusha Jane Conklin died September 26,
1889, and lies buried in the cemetery at Prosperity.
On October 31, 1891, Mr. H Conklin married
Miss Mattie Sampson, daughter of Abraham

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WASHINGTON COUNTY

1223

Sampson, of East Finley township, and one son,
Grover Stephenson, was born to them September
6, 1892. Politically Mr. Conklin has been a
Democrat, and has served as inspector of elections
in his township. In 1853 he became united with
the Church of Upper Ten-Mile, at Prosperity,
Washington Co., Pennsylvania.
J[|OHN A. MoCALMONT, one of the leading
| dairymen and a successful agriculturist of
ll Robinson township, is a native-born citizen.
— ¦ John McCalmont (his grandfather) was of
the fearless and sturdy Scottish race, and possess
ing an adventurous spirit, decided to seek the
New World. In early manhood he came to
America, following the blacksmith's trade, during
the early part of his life in York county, afterward
settling on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this
county, where eight children were born to him.
He died in 1858.
James McCalmont (the eldest son of the Scotch
immigrant just mentioned) was bom January 31,
1807, in York county, coming with his parents to
Mt. Pleasant township at the age of one year,
where he was reared and educated. On May 31,
1835, he was united in marriage with Sarah Mc
Burney, who was born April 7, 1811, a daughter
of John McBurney, whose father, James McBur
ney, was a common ancestor of the McBurney
family of the present generation. James McBur
ney was born in County Down, Ireland, and there
learned merchant tailoring. In 1762 he was mar
ried to Jeanett Milligan, and they had two chil
dren: John and Elizabeth. In 1783 they came to
America and settled in Washington county, Penn.
Mr. McBurney was prominent in both political
and church work, serving as justice of the peace
in Cecil township until obliged to resign his posi
tion on account of enfeebled health. He was one
of the first ruling elders of the Associate Reformed
Church. He died August 11, 1820, having passed
the age of fourscore years,
John McBurney was born in County Down, Ire
land, and came with his parents to America. In
1793 he was married to Sarah Hunter, a native of
Pennsylvania and a member of the Associate Re
formed Church. A large family were born to the
union, as follows: Jennie, James, Esther, John,
Eliza, Robert, Sarah, David and Samuel, and of
these Sarah was married to James McCalmont.
James and Sarah (McBurney) McCalmont be
gan their wedded life on a farm near Hickory,
this county, where they remained four years, and
then, in 1839, came to Robinson township, where
he remained until his death, which occurred in
1890, when he was in his eighty-third year. He
was elected an elder in the United Presbyterian
Church at Burgettstown, in 1839, and in 1863
transferred his membership to Centre, where he

was again elected and installed elder, serving many
yeai-B in that capacity. He was a Republican,
actively interested iu the success of his party, and
served as school director several years, also justice
of the peace two terms. His children were as fol
lows: Mary, Lizzie, John A., James P., Sarah
H., David A., R. M., Esther Agnes, and Kate (the
latter being deceased).
John A., son of James and Sarah (McBurney)
McCalmont, was born February 22, 1840, and re
ceived a common business education. On August
22, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred
and Fortieth P. V. I., under Capt. William A.
Stockton, of Cross Creek township, Washington
county. He served with his regiment in all the
principal battles and in a number of skirmishes,
remaining until the close of the war in 1865.
After returning home he engaged in agricultural
pursuits, which he has since followed with success.
In February, 1870, he was united in marriage
with Anna B. Keys, who was born in 1846, a na
tive of Washington county, and five children were
bora to them, namely: James K, Mary J., John
C, Sarah M. and one deceased. The mother was
a member of the U. P. Church. She passed away
in 1880, and on June 15, 1887, Mr. McCalmont
was married to Minnie Henderson, who was born
November 5, 1853, in Washington county, a
daughter of Alexander Henderson. The latter' s
grandfather was Rev. Matthew Henderson, who
was born in Scotland and, coming to America at an
early day, preached the first sermon in English
west of the mountains in Pennsylvania. He died
in 1795. His son Robert was a farmer, and in
early manhood was married to Elizabeth Russell.
He died in December, 1866. Alexander Hender
son, son of Robert Henderson, was born in April,
1809, and when a young man was united in mar
riage with Nancy AVatson, who was born in March,
1819. They had eleven children, five of whom
are now living: Mary W., Robert M.. Lizzie, Min
nie (Mrs. John A. McCalmont) and Rebecca. The
father died in April, 1890, the mother having pre,
ceded him in February, 1864. Both were members
of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCal
mont has a farm of 154 acres, and carries on a
very extensive milk-dairy. He and his wife are
members of the Centre United Presbyterian
Church of Midway. In politics Mr. McCalmont is
a Republican.
d(OSEPH SCOTT, one of the oldest, and un
doubtedly one of the most robust men of his
) age in Independence township, is descended
from a prominent family. He is a son of
Arthur Scott, who was born in 1761, in Lan
caster county, Penn., and there passed his boy
hood days. When only a stripling he joined the
Continental army, and served during the war of the

1224

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Revolution. He was one of those half-clothed and
nearly starved heroes who suffered in that never-
to-be-forgotten winter at Valley Forge. He was
sick for many weeks; he served as a teamster in
the struggle, and has often related to his son
Joseph the terrible scenes of those early days, the
outlines of which are familiar to every student of
United States history.
At the close of the war young Arthur resolved to
seek a home in the wilds of western Pennsylvania,
of which he had heard thrilling tales of adventure.
After a long and tedious journey, traveling by nar
row paths through unbroken forests, the sun his
only compass, our daring pioneer at last came to
the eastern boundary of AVashington county, and
paused for a time at a place called Ginger Hill.
He there met Miss Ann Hamilton, the young lady
he afterward wooed and won. She was born in
the year 1773, in Adams county, Penn., near Get
tysburg. In 1786 Arthur Scott came with his
older brother, Samuel, to Washington county, and
bought 175 acres of land, lying near Buffalo creek,
about one mile from the Pennsylvania and West
Virginia (then Virginia) lines, in Hopewell (now
Independence) township. It was then an un
broken forest, and the Indians, who had but recent
ly moved across the river into Ohio, often made
raids through their former hunting grounds. Dur
ing these periods of danger, the pioneers were
compelled to seek a temporary refuge in the block
houses constructed for that purpose. Wild ani
mals were numerous; bears, deer, and wild turkeys
roamed through the forest, and the unearthly
scream of the panther made the night hideous to
human ears. After purchasing their land, the
two brothers erected a log cabin, and began the
herculean task of clearing away the forest. But
the toil and privations were endured with the
lightest of hearts, for each of the young men were
looking eagerly forward to a happy home in the
very near future. When the first cabin was
finished, Samuel brought home his young wife,
and they then began to prepare for the coming of
Arthur's bride. But the plans of one were doomed
to disappointment. One day Samuel Scott, in com
pany with a brother-in-law, James Law, crossed
the Ohio river in search of game. They soon sep
arated, promising to join each other at a given
point, and, after a circuitous course, "Scott came
to the place of meeting and waited for Law.
Meanwhile Law had approached the place in
search of game, and, mistaking him for a deer,
fired, and the unfortunate man fell dead. The
news of the terrible accident was broken to the
young wife, who continued to reside on the farm
with her two children — Joseph and John — for
some time. She was afterward married to a Mr.
Hutchinson, and the home place eventually became
the property of her son John. He took charge of

it in the year 1808, and with his wife (formerly a
Miss Ferguson) resided upon it till the year 1830,
when it was then purchased of him by his cousin
Joseph. Soon after they had erected the cabin of Samuel
Scott, Arthur also built his home on a part of the
original tract, and in 1789 he was married to Ann
Hamilton. This couple passed their entire lives on
the home farm, and reared the following children:
William (deceased September 20, 1851), born No
vember 20, 1790, moved to a farm in Richland
county, Ohio, which he cleared from the forest,
and there remained until his death: John, born
March 6, 1792, during his youth hauled loads of
salt aud merchandise over the mountains (just be
fore the war of 1812 he hauled a wagon load of
specie for the Government from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh, being accompanied by a detachment of
soldiers. For this service he received $10 per
cwt. ); Elizabeth (deceased August 8, 1866), born
August 8, 1794, was the wife of Walter Craig, a
well-known politician, statesman and legislator of
Washington county ; Agnes (deceased February 14,
1869), born February 3. 1797, wife of William
Gilmore, of Ohio county, W. Va. ; Mary, wife of
John Alexander, born February 18, 1799; David
(deceased in 1887. at Portsmouth, Ohio), born
January 12, 1801, learned piano and organ mak
ing in Philadelphia, and afterward became a piano
tuner; Samuel (deceased March 25, 1866, at the
home of his brother Joseph), born March 6, 1803,
passed his early life on the farm, afterward be
coming a merchant in Pittsburgh; Jane (deceased
July 22, 1886), born November 11, 1805, was mar
ried to Hugh Miller, of Knox county ; Joseph (sub
ject of the present sketch); and Margaret Ann
(deceased March 15. 1838, at her home in Inde
pendence township, Washington county), born No
vember 19. 1811, wife of Henry Smith.
Although Arthur Scott had but a limited early
education, by close application and observation he
became a well-informed and fluent man, and was
an eager reader. He never tasted whisky, was a
strong advocate of temperance, and an earnest re
ligious worker. The "still house" that was found
on almost every farm in those days was "conspic
uous by its absence" on the farm of Mr. Scott,
who instilled the same principles into the minds of
his children. Politically he was first a Democrat,
but after the election of Andrew Jackson, became a
Whig. In the latter part of hislife he lived with bis
son Joseph until the time of his death, which oc
cur red July 24, 1843. His widow survived him sev
eral years, when she passed away October 15, 1848,
while visiting a daughter in Summit county, Ohio.
Joseph Scott was the ninth child in the order
of birth, and was born May 12, 1808, in Hope
well (now Independence) township, and passed
bis earlier years attending to the common duties of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1225

a farmer boy. He received his education in the
usual log hut, which required neither nails nor
glass in its construction, greased paper serv
ing all practical purposes as a window. The
teacher was hired by a subscription from those
of the parents who felt inclined to pay for the in
struction. Adventurous urchins had no lack of
material sport, for in those days wild animals were
often seen, and bears were frequent visitors in the
neighborhood. Joseph Scott attended school
about three months in the winter season, and dur
ing the summer assisted on the farm. On August
22, 1832, he was united in marriage with Eliza
beth Cozad (who was bom November 11, 1807, in
Carroll county, Ohio), daughter of Jacob Cozad, a
Presbyterian minister of New Hagerstown, Ohio.
They have had children as follows: John (a farmer
of Independence township), born August 16, 1833;
Margaret Ann (deceased in 1837), born August 3,
1835; William H. (deceased, a farmer of Wash
ington State), born January 26, 1837; Elizabeth J.
(Mrs. George U. Chaney, of West Alexander),
born March 22, 1839; Rebecca B. (Mrs. Klinefel
ter, of Washington, Penn.), born February 4, 1841 ;
David A. (a merchant of Independence, Penn.),
born December 2, 1842; Joseph (a farmer of Osage
county, Kans.), born January 3, 1845; Jacob O.
(a oitizen of AVashington, this county), born De
cember 27, 1846; and Sarah M. (Mrs. Thomas
Lang, of Grafton, W. Va.). born October 5, 1849.
After his marriage Mr. Scott took charge of the
home place, as his father was growing old, and re
mained upon it until 1887, following his vocation
of farming and stock raising. His wife died on
January 25, of that year, and he afterward moved
to the home of his son David, where he has since
remained. He is now living a retired life, but
still owns the old place. Mr. Scott happily pos
sesses a very retentive memory, and easily recalls
incidents of his boyhood as if they had occurred
but yesterday. No man is better known, or more
highly respected than this gentleman. He organ
ized and was the prime mover in the first Sabbath-
school held in the Presbyterian Churoh, in Inde
pendence, Penn., of which he has been a member
for sixty -five years, serving as elder fifty- four
years. Politically, he has ever been an enthusias
tic supporter of the Republican party since its
formation, previous to which he was a Whig. He
has never missed a county, township, State or
national election since he was old enough to vote,
and was an active Anti-slavery man. In addition
to his regular business, he has performed many
public duties, having been guardian for twelve
children at one time. He was colonel in the Tenth
Pennsylvania Militia for four years and is fre
quently called by that title.
[Since the above was written, the subject of the sketch
died January 1, 1893.

FTNLEY SCOTT, a skilled blacksmith and
energetic husbandman of Smith township,
is a son of Finley and grandson of Abraham
Scott. Abraham Scott was born and reared
in Maryland, and when a young man came to Pitts
burgh, Penn., afterward settling in Washington
county with his brother Alexander. He purchased
a tract of wild land on Raccoon creek, Robinson
township, this county, where his life was passed in
agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane, a
sister of John Finley, the founder of Finleyville,
and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs.
James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher),
Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David
AVhite), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan
(married to John McBride) Abraham, Finley, Hol
land and Samuel. The father was a Democrat in
politics, and in religion a member of the Presby
terian Church at Raccoon.
Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson town
ship, this county, and here educated. In 1822 he
married Margaret, daughter of James Stephenson,
of Smith township. The young people first set
tled on a farm in Robinson township, remaining
there a few years, when they rented a neighboring
farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith town
ship where they lived twenty years, and finally
moved to the home where the remainder of their
lives was passed. The children of this couple are
Ann, Robert K., Samuel, James, Finley, John,
Levi. Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) and Marga
ret (wife of Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the
architect of his own fortune, and owned 450 acres
of land at the time of his death, which occurred in
1879. He was a Democrat and held various town
ship offices. In church connection he was first a
member of the United Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown, this county, afterward uniting with
the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was
an elder. Both he and his wife are buried in the
U. P. cemetery.
Finley Scott, the subject of this biography, was
born December 10, 1831, on the "Hanover Farm "
in Smith township, receiving a common-school edu
cation. In early youth he learned the black
smith's trade with Josiah Scott, of Burgettstown,
which he followed until 1852, when, with his
brother James and a few others, he started for
California. They traveled to New York, then took
passage to Aspinwall by the steamer "Eldorado;"
they crossed the Isthmus, walking the last twenty-
one miles, and upon arriving at Panama one of their
number was attacked with the ' ' Isthmus fever. ' ' He
soon was able to continue the journey, and they
sailed for San Francisco on the steamer " J. L.
Stevens," but when opposite San Pedro bay,
the steamer was disabled. Assistance was soon
brought from San Francisco, but not long after
reaching the end of their journey, William Shields,

1226

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the sick companion, died and was buried at San
Francisco. Finley Scott proceeded with his friends
from San Francisco to Eldorado county, and fol
lowed mining with fair success. Mr. Scott after
ward worked at his trade in California, but
eventually returned to Burgettstown, this county.
In September, 1857, he was married to Theresa
A. Crawford, who was born August 1, 1838,
daughter of Thomas Crawford, of Burgettstown,
Penn., who has borne him children as follows:
France L. (an engineer on the P. C. C. & St. L.
R. R.), Thomas L. (an engineer on the same rail
way), Samuel J. (deceased in infancy), Clara A.
(living at home), John E. (an employe of the B.
& O. R. R. Co. at Cincinnati. Ohio), Ella M. (liv
ing with her parents), Theresa Bell and Laura A.
(twins, living at home), Annie E. and Charles L.
(both residing on the home farm). Mr. and Mrs. Fin
ley Scott began married life in Burgettstown, this
county, where he followed his trade till 1866, and
then moved to a farm about one mile and a half
northwest of that borough, in Smith township. In
1881 he removed to his present pleasant home,
situated on the Florence road two miles from
Burgettstown. He has since divided his time be
tween his trade and agricultural pursuits! shipping
some milk to Pittsburgh. Personally Finley Scott
is a very pleasant and entertaining conversa
tionalist, and is a popular and respected citizen.
In politics he is a Democrat. Both he and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown.

/^EORGE W. DUVALL is a grandson of
If Lewis and Hannah Duvall, who were pio-
VI| neer settlers of Washington county, Penn.,
^TJ and died on the home farm.
John Duvall, father of subject, was born
and reared on the home place in Washington
county, and always followed agricultural pursuits,
giving considerable attention to stock raising.
He voted with the Republican party. He was
first married to Mary Yarty, who bore him seven
children, viz.: George W., Hannah, Amanda
(wife of William Hornbake, of West Pike Run
township), Ellen (married to Frank Bake, a car
penter, of Allenport, this county), Elizabeth,
Lewis, aud John L. (a farmer of Fayette county,
Penn.). The mother died in 1869, and Mr. Duvall
was then married to Elizabeth Lash, whose chil
dren were Tory (deceased). Robert, Isaac (both of
whom are living in Charleroi, Washington county),
William (a painter of Charleroi), and Frank (a
farmer, of Fayette county, Penn.). The father
died October 3, 1884, aud April 27, 1885, the wife
and mother passed away. She was a member of
the M. E. Church.
George W. Duvall, son of John and Mary Du

vall, was born January 5, 1853, in West Pike Run
township, Washington Co., Penn., and was edu
cated in the district schools. On February 22,
1877, he married Miss Maggie Marker, who was
born September 8, 1854, in Washington county,
Penn., a daughter of Lewis and Eliza (Williams)
Marker, natives of this county, whose children
were as follows: <John, a resident of West Browns
ville, Penn. ; William, living in East Pike Run
township; James, living in West Brownsville;
Charles, also of West Brownsville; Maggie, wife
of George W. Duvall, and Mary, deceased. The
father followed farming all his life, and in politics
voted with the Democratic party. He died Au
gust 31, 1891, his wife having passed away in
1862. They were members of the M. E. Church.
George W. and Maggie (Marker) Duvall have two
sons: Charles W., born September 16, 1880, and
John L. , born August 23, 1883. Mr. Duvall owns
the old homestead of eighty- four acres, where his
grandfather first located many years ago. In"
politics he is a Republican, and he has served as
school director for the past three years.

TfOHN COOK was born October 1, 1787, in
. I Chambersburg, Franklin Co. , Penn., a son of
PI) Robert and Mary (Brown) Cook, who were
^^ born, reared and married in Ireland. In
1785 they emigrated to America, first locating in
Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., and in 1787
crossed the country to Washington county, locat
ing on the farm where their descendants are yet
living. They passed their lives on the old place,
making many improvements on it. Robert and
Mary Cook were members of the Associate Re
formed Church, and both died many years ago.
Their children were Jane, Martha, Archibald,
John and Margaret.
John Cook, at the age of ten years, came with
his parents to Cecil township, this county, where
he passed the rest of his days in agricultural pur
suits. On April 7, 1814, he was united in mar
riage with Olevia Coulter, a native of Allegheny
county, Penn., who bore him six children, namely:
Robert (deceased), Moses C. (a widower, living in
Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., Penn.). John (mar
ried, residing in Belmont county, Ohio), Jane,
Mary and Margaret, all three deceased. The
mother died August 22, 1824, having been fatally
injured by an accident while returning from
church, and February 16, 1826, Mr. Cook married
Ursulu Herriott, a native of Allegheny county,
Penn., by which union five children were born,
viz. : George H. (married, a physician and surgeon
of McDonald, Penn.), Archibald (deceased), Sam
uel H. (of whom special mention is made further on),
Elizabeth and Hester (both deceased). This wife
died July 7, 1838, and on March 10, 1840, Mr.

II n t 1 I *

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111111

Eg&ragBpl iffp

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^tM2,i5<><7&

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1229

Cook made a third choice in the person of Nancy
Grier, who was born in 1802, in Allegheny county,
Penn., and one son, N. G., came by this marriage.
The father, in his political affiliations, voted with
the Democratic party, and served as supervisor of
Cecil township. He and his wife were members of
the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run, in which he
was an elder. He died August 4, 1861, and March
2, 1864, his widow was laid to rest.
Samuel H. Cook, son of John and Ursula (Her
riott) Cook, was reared on the home place, and re
ceived his education in the common schools. He
remained at home until twenty -five years of age,
meanwhile working on the farm. In 1868 he
moved to McDonald, where he embarked in the
undertaking business, and in 1882 he opened a
general store, which he conducted eight months;
then engaged in the furniture business, which, in
connection with undertaking, he still conducts; he
also does embalming. Mr. Cook has made his own
success, and deservedly enjoys the confidence of
the public. In April, 1857, he was married to
Rebecca, daughter of James Donaldson, by which
union was born one child that died in infancy, its
mother following it to the grave in 1858. On June
5, 1861, Mr. Cook married Mary A. , daughter of
Andrew Gilfillan, of Allegheny county, Penn., and
three children were born to them: Nancy Grier
(wife of Prof. J. M. Shaffer, of Slippery Rock),
Dora (deceased at the age of eighteen) and Mary
E., at home. The mother of these children dying
December 22. 1884, Mr. Cook married, for his
third wife, March 14, 1892, Amanda C. Smith, of
Pittsburgh. He is a member of the U. P. Church
and for the past twenty-five years has been an
elder in same — about ten years at Robinson's Run,
the remainder of the time at McDonald. He was
a substantial donator toward the building of the
present U. P. Church at McDonald.
N.^G. Cook, only son of John and Nancy (Grier)
Cook, was bom July 8, 1842, on the home farm in
Cecil township, where he was reared, receiving his
early education in the common schools of the
neighborhood. On March 28. 1872, he was united
in marriage with N. Isabella Gladden, a native of
Smith township, daughter of William and Nancy
(Brown) Gladden, and granddaughter of William
and Mary Ann (Woods) Gladden, the former born
in eastern Pennsylvania, the latter in England.
William Gladden (a son of this couple) was born
in 1797, in Cecil township, and in early manhood
was married to Nancy Brown, who was bom in
1806, in Allegheny county. Penn., a daughter of
John and Mary (Acheson) Brown, natives of Lan
caster county, Penn., who migrated to Noblestown,
Allegheny county, in 1792, and in 1800 moved to a
farm in South Fayette township, same county. He
died in 1848, having been preceded to the " long
home" several years by his wife. Mr. and Mrs.

Gladden resided on a farm in Smith township, this
county, until 1855, when they moved to a place in
Allegheny county, where the rest of their lives was
passed. They were the parents of three children:
Mary Ann (who married Joseph McConnell, and
died in 1863), William (married, died in 1872) and
N. Isabella (wife of N. G. Cook). The father died
in 1871, the mother on December 31, 1884; they
were members of the Robinson Run U. P. Church.
N. G. and N. Isabella (Gladden) Cook located
on the farm where they are now living, containing
212 acres of good land, which has been in the
possession of the family over one hundred years.
Four children have blessed their union: Nannie B.
(deceased in March, 1888, at the age of fourteen
years and six months), John L., AA^illiam G. and
Isabella Haddessa. Mr. Cook votes with the Demo
cratic party, and has served as a member of the
school board. He and his wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church at Robinson's Run.

AVID WHITE is a well-known farmer and
worthy representative of one of the oldest
Pennsylvania families. His grandfather,
James White, was born in eastern Pennsyl
vania, coming with his parents to North Strabane
township, Washington county, where he died in
1835. James, son of James White, was born in 1788,
on the home farm in North Strabane township,
where his youth was passed. In early manhood he
was married to Isabella May, who was born De
cember 11, 1798, in Cecil township. He served in
the war of 1812 as first lieutenant, and in politics
was a Whig, casting his Presidential vote for Gen.
William H. Harrison. In April. 1827, the young
people settled on a farm in Cecil township, and
the following children were born to their union :
Jane Ann (deceased in 1866), Margaret (widow of
John Ralston, of Cecil township), Phcebe (deceased
in youth), John M. (living in AVayne county, Ohio),
David (whose sketch follows), Eliza Jane (widow
of William Stewart, of Canton township), Samuel
(living in Canonsburg) and Phoebe (widow of John
McLaughlin, of Chartiers township). The parents
were members of the Seceder Church at Chartiers.
The father died in 1871, having been preceded in
1863 by the mother.
David White, whose name opens this sketch, was
born May 30, 1832, in Cecil township, receiving
his education in the schools of the neighborhood.
On January 7. 1864, he selected as his life com
panion Anna E. Anderson, a native of Chartiers
township. She was a daughter of John and Ann
(White) Anderson, the former a native of Ireland.
and the latter born in Chartiers township, where
their married life was passed. He died in 1868,
and his widow lived several years afterward. Two

1230

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

children were born to the union of David and Anna
E. (Anderson) White: James R. (who married Anna
Scott, and lives in Cecil township), and Annie Bell,
who died in infancy. The mother died December
15, 1866, in Chartiers township, where they had
resided after their marriage. In 1869 Mr. White
moved to Cecil township, and was married Novem
ber 11, 1869, to Lizzie E., daughter of Joseph and
Martha (Anderson) Reed. Joseph was a son of
David Reed, who was born and reared in Lan
caster county, Penn. David Reed was married in
early life, and brought his bride to the farm in Mt.
Pleasant township, where they remained until Gen.
Washington had proven his title to this tract of
land. The famous General took dinner one day
with Mr. and Mrs. Reed, and is said to have de
clared that he would allow the settlers no rights or
compensation for improvements, but would take
possession of the land, offering, however, to sell it
at an exorbitant price. Mr. Reed harvested his
crop, and September 22, 1784, bought and moved
upon a place in Cecil township, this county. He
died in 1824, his widow surviving him until 1840.
Joseph Reed was born April 30, 1796, on the
home farm in Cecil township, where his boyhood
was passed. He was first married to Elizabeth,
daughter of Thomas Alexander, who died six
months after the wedding, and for his second wife
Mr. Reed was married to Anna, daughter of Rev.
David McLean, of Ohio. She bore him four chil
dren, viz. : Margaret (deceased wife of Robert
Henderson, resided in Chartiers township), Mary
(deceased wife of John Nesbit, Chartiers town
ship), David (a leading physician of Cedar Rapids,
deceased in 1878) and Jane Ann (wife of John B.
Moy, Venice, this county). The mother of these
children died, and he was afterward married to
Martha Anderson, who was born October 2, 1816,
in Chartiers township. They settled on the old
homestead where children were born to them,
as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. David White), John
(deceased September 21, 1863, inlndiana. Hewasa
minister in the U. P. Church), Matthew Anderson
(living in Allegheny City, Penn.), Thomas Alex
ander (living in Pasadena, Cal.), George Murry (a
U. P. minister of Cumberland county, Penn.),
Julia Ann (wife of Alonza F. Hemphill, Houston
ville, Penn.) and Lidlie Campbell (living in Cecil
township). Mr. Reed was always identified with
the interests of Cecil township. He possessed a
strong constitution and lived to be ninety -eight
years of age, dying in October, 1885, his wife
having gone before in October, 1882. In 1877
David White bought his present farm in Cecil
township, containing 110 acres of good land, and
moved upon it the following year. Two children
have blessed his second marriage: Joseph A., a
graduate of the Iron City Commercial College, at
Pittsburgh, and Elva Minetta (deceased in 1889, in

her thirteenth year). Politically Mr. White is a
Prohibitionist. He was formerly a member of the
U. P. Church at Venice, but he and his wife are
now connected with the Canonsburg Chartiers
Congregation.

^ILLIAM S. GRIMES. When young men
of culture, intellect and education deliber
ately choose a peaceful rural life in pref
erence to the glittering show and cease
less din of a metropolis, it augurs well for progress
ive agriculture. No profession is more free from
petty annoyances or more conducive to mental and
moral as well as physical growth, than is that of
an intelligent farmer. The youth of to-day realize
this fact as never before, and the illiterate farmer
from the rural districts will soon be a legend of
the past, for his place is even now filled with men
who are equally able to take their places in college
halls or harvest fields, and among whom is the
family of William S. Grimes.
William S.Grimes is a grandson of Isaac Grimes,
who was born in Washington county, Penn., and
followed the blacksmith's trade in early life. AVhen
a young man he was married to Sarah Pool, a na
tive of this county, and they were the parents of
four children, viz. : William (deceased), Joshua N. ,
Mary (deceased), and one that died in infancy.
Both parents died on the old place in 1871.
William Grimes, father of subject, was born
June 19, 1823, in East Pike Run township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. He learned and followed the
blacksmith's trade when a young man, and in 1851
was married to Margaret A. Springer, who was
born in 1831, in East Pike Run township, this
county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grimes
located on the home place, where he followed farm
ing and stock raising. He took an active interest
in the Republican party, and served in local offices;
in religious faith he and his wife were memb'ers of
the Presbyterian Church at Coal Centre, Penn. , of
which he was an elder about thirty years. Their
children were as follows: William S. ; Leroy C. , a
farmer of Stark county, Ohio; Anna L. , wife of C.
Miller, a physician of Fayette county, Penn., and
Mary B., deceased wife of Townsend Theakston.
The father died November 22, 1880, the mother
having "gone before" in February, 1877.
William S. Grimes was born October 11, 1852.
on the home farm in East Pike Run township, this
county. His elementary education was secured at
the district schools, and he then attended the
Southwestern State Normal School, at California,
several terms. After completing his studies he
taught for some time, and finally settling on the
homestead, has since devoted his attention to agri
culture. On March 25, 1874, he was united in
marriage with Lizzie Dorsey, who was born Sep-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1231

tember 1, 1855, in East Pike Run township, this
county, a daughter of George and Martha (Phil
lips) Dorsey, also natives of this county, who were
the parents of nine children, of whom three are
now living: Cassius A., Charles I. and Lizzie.
Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are living on the old home
stead, consisting of 114 acres of well-cultivated
land, upon which he carries on practical farming
with signal success. Good buildings have been
erected on the place, and the stone part of the
house was built over one hundred years ago. He
votes with the Republican party, and in religion he
aud his wife are members of the Taylor M. E.
Church, of which he is a trustee. The names and
dates of birth of the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Grimes are as follows: Nora E., August 8, 1875;
Elva-L., October 23, 1876; Margaret A., April 22,
1878; George D., August 15, 1880; William C,
July 20, 1884; Mattie R., March 24, 1886, and
Mansell F., December 14, 1891. Mr. Grimes is
the present auditor of West Pike Run.

YLVESTER HERTIG, a prominent farmer
and wool-grower of Donegal township, is a
son of John G. Hertig, who was born in
1804, in the Canton Neufchatel, near the
beautiful city and lake of the same name, the coun
try being at that time an annex of the French Em
pire. The Hertig family were ardent admirers of
the world-renowned Napoleon, and Charles (the
eldest son of the family) though a youth of barely
twenty years, had already won the epaulets of a
subaltern officer, in the sanguinary battle of
Waterloo, where he received a severe wound. The
father of this family was a battle-scarred veteran,
and had then been placed on the retired list.
John G. Hertig was to have been educated for
the church in accordance with his parents' desires,
but the ideas of the youth did not agree with the
expressed wishes of the family. He had no taste
for the life of a churchman, but secretly determined
to secure as good an education as possible, and then
flee to America, whose free institutions imparted
so roseate a tint to his boyish dreams. Quitting
school at the age of sixteen years, with the repu
tation of being a prodigy in scholarship, he gained
the consent of his parents to go to Holland, as the
fall of Napoleon had given the then hated Prus
sians the control of his birthplace. He was limited
in finances at this time, which fact prevented his
coming at once to America, but it was only hope
deferred. The long-cherished ambition was hid
den for a time, but never once forgotten. John
Hertig soon became tutor in a wealthy family, and
giving them four hours daily of his time, received
a libera] compensation. In addition to the luxu
ries of aristocratic life, which included unlimited
quantities of the most elegant wearing apparel, he

also received the annual sum of $300 in gold. But
certain galling restraints were imposed, and his
proud spirit, brooking no fetters, longed eagerly
for absolute freedom. He must realize the dream
of his life, naught else would satisfy, and at the
end of two years he decided that the time for ac
tion had arrived. Having saved $1,000, the daring
youth bid adieu to the family with whom he had
been an honored guest (who entreated him to re
main with them), and sending a farewell to his
parents, looked his last on the shores of Europe.
Perhaps a faint regret came over him as the banks
of his sunny France faded from sight, and he re
alized that he was forever leaving all who loved
him, to dwell a stranger in a strange land. But
youth is buoyant, and seldom spends much time
in vain regret; new scenes were before him, a new
life lay just beyond. In 1824 the young man
landed in New York, where he remained some
time, then went to Uniontown, Fayette Co., Penn.,
entering in a partnership school with an American,
who attempted to cheat the young foreigner.
After discovering the treachery, young Hertig
withdrew from the school, and began teaching in
George township, Fayette Co. , Penn. Soon after
ward he was united in marriage with Elizabeth,
daughter of Joseph Showalter, a farmer of the
neighborhood, and eleven children were born to
their union, of whom eight are yet living. Mr.
Hertig passed many years of his life in Fayette
county, Penn., and was one of the best-known and
most popular men of the county. He possessed
remarkable mathematical skill, and never saw or
heard of a problem which he could not solve. He
was a fluent scholar, speaking, reading and writing
the English, French and German languages with
perfect ease; translating Latin as a pastime;
solving the most difficult mathematical problems
readily as if but child's play; surveying lands,
drawing plats, and drawing up all kinds of legal
documents, with more ease than an average law
yer. Mr. Hertig was indeed a man of wonderful
power and versatility. The latter years of his life
were passed in Tennessee (where he owned some
real estate), thinking that the balmy southern air
might lessen the pain of the infirmities he was
obliged to suffer, although not confined to the
bed. and never accepting a physician's aid. He
died August 24, 1885, at Cleveland, Tenn. ; his
widow still survives him.
Sylvester Hertig was born January 20, 1 850, in
George township. Fayette Co., Penn. He received
a common-school education, and passed his boy
hood on his father's farm. On February 19, 1880,
he was married to Emma L. Eberhart. who was
born March 25, 1861, daughter of Adolph and
Sarah (Beatty) Eberhart, and she has borne him
children as follows: Charles, Adolph, Hortense
and John G. After his marriage Mr. Hertig

1232

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

resided some time in Springhill township, Fayette
Co. , Penn. , and followed farming and stock raising.
He then moved to Buffalo township, Washington
Co., Penn., and located about six miles west of
AVashington. In 1888 he came to Donegal town
ship, this county, locating on the " James Dickey"
farm, which he now owns, lying about one mile
and a half south of Dunsfort, near the line of
West Virginia, where he is extensively engaged
in wool-growing. Mr. Hertig casts his ballot for
the one he considers most capable of filling the po
sition, regardless of political standing.

dfACOB F. McDOWELL is a worthy repre
sentative of one of the early families of
J Mt. Pleasant township. The McDowells are
of Scotch descent, the first settlement having
been made in Lancaster county, Penn., in
colonial days, by Thomas McDowell. He first
settled near McConnell's Mill, Chartiers township,
and in 1779 took a patent for 400 acres in Mt, Pleas
ant township, now in the McDowell and Miller
name. He died in this county, and was buried in
Buffalo village.
The grandfather, James McDowell, was bom in
Lancaster county, Penn., and when a young man
came to Washington county, taking out a patent
for land in Mt. Pleasant township. He was mar
ried in Chartiers township to Mary McKnight, a
native of the last named place, and the young
couple settled on the place in Mt. Pleasant town
ship now occupied by their grandson, Jacob F.
Mrs. James McDowell died in 1853.
John McDowell was born in 1811, on the old
home place in Mt. Pleasant township, and attended
the subscription schools during his boyhood. In
1838 he was married to Margaret Miller, who was
born in Chartiers township, and they continued to
reside on the old homestead, where he followed
agricultural pursuits. In political opinion he was
a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were
among the first members of the Presbyterian
Church at Mt. Prospect. He died August 18,
1886, having been preceded by the wife and mother
February 20, 1866. They were the parents of
seven children, namely : James W., an attorney
at AVashington, Penn. ; Jacob F., of whom a sketch
follows; Margaret, wife of J. M. K. Donaldson;
Rebecca, married to James Agnew, of Mt. Pleasant
township; John, living at Canonsburg, Penn.;
Sarah, residing on the home farm; and Lizzie, also
at home.
Jacob F. McDowell was born June 3, 1843, on
the old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, re
ceiving his education at the schools of the home
district, and beginning life for himself on his
birthplace. On January 29, 1874, he married
Margaret Dickson, a native of Cecil township, this

county, whose parents were early settlers of the
Bame locality. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have
always remained on the old place, which contains
eighty six acres of well-cultivated land, and he is
engaged in general farming and stock raising. He
is actively interested in the success of the Demo
cratic party, and has served two terms on the
school board, and also as auditor of Mt. Pleasant
township. In religion he and his wife are members
of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a
deacon. Three children have blessed their union,
namely: Ida Margaret, Theresa Elizabeth and
John Howard.

»jpv ICHARD M. FITZ WILLIAM, a prosper
]L4/ ous and popular citizen of Franklin t'own-
j[[V ship, whose fine farm of 240 acres is situ-
JJ -^ ated near the borough of Washington, was
v born June 28, 1825, in Rankintown, Wash
ington Co., Pennsylvania.
His grandfather, William Fitzwilliam, was a
native of County Down, Ireland, where he was
married to Jane McCullough, and a few years
thereafter they came to America, landing at Phila
delphia, thence proceeding to Little York, same
State, where they remained some time. During
the "Whisky Insurrection" he volunteered into
the militia, and was sent to Washington county,
where he concluded to make his home, so brought
his family and made a settlement in Franklin
township. Afterward he moved to Mercer county,
same State, where he remained some time; thence
went to Ross county, Ohio, where he passed the
remaining days of his busy life; his widow re
turned to Washington county, and here died in
1842. By trade Mr. Fitzwilliam was a weaver,
¦which he followed both in Ireland and in this
country. He was an adherent of the Episcopal
Church. Francis Fitzwilliam, father of subject, was born
in Franklin township, this county, in 1801. While
in Ross county, Ohio, he learned blacksmithing,
and after serving his apprenticeship moved to
Meicer county, Penn., where he remained one
year, working at his trade; then located in Ran
kintown, this county, where he worked eight years.
In 1832 he purchased the farm in Franklin town
ship now occupied by his son Richard M. In 1824
Mr. Fitzwilliam married Mary, daughter of Rich
ard Mounts, a member of one of the earliest
families of the county, and the children bom to this
union were Richard M, Jane (widow of James H.
Wheeler), Frank (who was educated at Washing
ton and Jefferson College, was admitted to the bar,
went to Kansas, and there died; he had married
Eliza Clay Jackson, of Bowling Green, Ky., and
they had four children: Mary, Lizzie, Frank and
Romaine, all residents of Leavenworth, Kans.), and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1233

Mary (also deceased). The father was called from
earth April 15, 1875, the mother having preceded
him to the grave March 31, 1872. Francis Fitz
william was a self-made man in every sense, and
won his own success unaided. He was, in his politi
cal predilections, first a Whig and Abolitionist, and
afterward a Republican, and in church connection
he was a thorough Presbyterian.
Richard M. Fitzwilliam, the subject of this
sketch, passed his early life on his father's farm,
and was educated at the common schools of his
vicinity. On April 23, 1864, he was united in
marriage with Ella, daughter of James C. Cham
bers, of Amwell township, and they at once set
tled on the home place where they yet reside. Mr.
Fitzwilliam attends the First M. E. Church at
Washington, and in his political sympathies is an
active Republican.

J 'AMES McKEE is a well-known and prosperous
farmer of Chartiers township. His father,
I John McKee, was a son of Samuel McKee,
the latter being a native of Ireland, who
emigrated to America in about 1786, settling in
Washington county, Penn., on the farm whe»e
he died.
John McKee was bom in 1803, in Washington
county, Penn., and on arriving at man's estate
married Miss Nancy McNary, a native of Chartiers
township, this county. The young couple first set
tled in Canton township, this county, and a few
years afterward moved to the home farm, where Mr.
McKee is yet living at the age of eighty-nine years.
Five children were born to them, four of whom
died in infancy. The mother died in 1844, on the,
farm in Canton township, and John McKee was
afterward married to Leviah Irwin, daughter of
John Irwin, an early pioneer of Washington
county, and to this union were born three children,
viz. : John T. (living in Mt. Pleasant township,
this county), Elizabeth N. and Mary M. (both resid
ing at home). This wife died in 1886.
James McKee, son of John and Nancy McKee,
was born in 1836, in Canton township, being the
youngest of his father's family. He was educated
in the common schools of Chartiers township, and
also attended a term or two in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county. He has always followed farm
ing and stock raising, making a specialty of good
Shorthorn cattle. The farm consists of 100 acres
of highly-cultivated land. James McKee is an
active member of the Democratic party, and served
as township supervisor for six years, also filling the
positions of auditor and inspector. He and his
sisters are members of the United Presbyterian
Church, of which the father is also a member.

ILLIAM WOODBURN, a well-known and
representative farmer of Independence
township, is a son of Thomas, whose fa
ther, Thomas Woodburn, was a native of
Ireland, and there learned the trade of a weaver.
He afterward immigrated to America, locating in
Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he was married, and brought his bride to
the log-cabin home, erected by his own hands. The
young people were frequently obliged to flee to the
neighboring blockhouse from the furious attacks of
the blood-thirsty savages. Fourteen children were
born to this pioneer couple, seven sons and seven
daughters, all of whom lived to an adult age and
two are yet living: Samuel, a resident of Tyler
county, W. Va., and John, living in Burgettstown,
Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Woodburn passed
their lives on the farm, where they died at an ad
vanced age.
Thomas Woodburn, a son of Thomas Wood-
burn, the pioneer, was born about the year 1800,
on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and re
ceived an education in the subscription schools of
the neighborhood. When yet a boy he began
working for the farmers in the vicinity, and in
1832 was married to Clarissa Jackson, who was
born about 1800, in Ohio county, W. Va. , and died
in the year 1841, leaving the following children:
James, William, Thomas and Martha (Mrs. Mar
shall Meredith, of Randolph county, AV. Va.). For
his second wife, Mr. Woodburn was united in mar
riage, in 1845, with Margaret McHenry, of Alle
gheny county, Penn., and the children born to this
union were Nathan (a soldier in the late war, who
was killed in the service), Sarah (deceased), James
(deceased), John, Susan, Rebecca and Elizabeth.
Of these children, the latter four are all residents
of Tyler county, W. Va. Soon after his marriage
Mr. Woodburn located in Allegheny county, Penn.,
where he engaged in farming, and in the latter
part of his life moved to a farm in Tyler county,
W. Va. , where he died in 1869. Mr. Woodburn
was a successful and respected business man.
Politically he was formerly a Whig, and after the
organization of the party became a Republican.
He was a member of the U. B. Church. Mrs.
Woodburn is now living in Tyler county, W. Va.
William Woodburn was born November 18,
1835, in West Liberty, Brooke Co. ,W. Va. , and being
left without a mother when but six years of age,
he made his home with his paternal grandfather.
He remained there six years, then went to live
with his father in Allegheny county, Penn. At
the age of twenty years he began to ' ' paddle his
own canoe," by working for different farmers. On
August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company C,
Twenty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry,
and took part in all the engagements of that com-

1234

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

pany. In the year 1865 he was honorably dis
charged, and returning home, began work upon
the farm. On April 16, 1868, he was married to
Sarah Meloy, who was born August 16, 1833, in
Buffalo township, and they have had the follow
ing children: Nina E., Lee Anna B. and Jennie
R. , all of whom are yet living with their parents,
the latter two being school teachers. The first
years of married life were passed by Mr. Wood-
burn in German township, Harrison Co., Ohio,
near Cadiz Junction. In the year 1875 he moved
to his present home in Independence township,
AVashington county, locating near Mt. Hope. He
is a farmer and stock raiser, and in politics is a
Republican. He and his wife are both members
of the Mt. Hope U. P. Church.

fpY OBERT D. CRAIG, one of the stirring, go-
Iwy ahead young farmers of Hopewell town-
\\f\. ship, AVashington county, was born in
II -^ 1867, on the farm where he now resides.
v He is a son of William Craig, who was a
son of William and Susan (Leaper) Craig, the
former a native of the North of Ireland, and the
latter born in Pennsylvania.
William Craig, the grandfather, grew to man
hood in Ireland, when the family sought a home
in this country. William came to Washington
county, Penn., and established himself on a farm
near West Middletown, there residing until his
death. His family consisted of the following
named children: John, Walter, William, Jane, Re
becca, Susan, Catherine and Margaret. The father
died in 1834, in his sixtieth year. His widow sur
vived him until 1866, when she too passed away,
at the advanced age of eighty years. With Mr.
Craig came his two brothers — David (who resided
at Middletown) and Walter (who lived at Cross
Creek village).
William Craig, father of Robert D. Craig, was
born on the home farm in Hopewell township,
though the family residence was then in Independ
ence township, this county. He was educated in the
common schools of Independence township, at
tending whenever possible, and acquiring a good
English education. When about twenty-three
years of age he married Margaret McFadden, who
died in October, 1864, leaving six children, namely :
Alexander, William, John S., Susan, Margaret and
Lucy, of whom Alexander, Susan and Margaret
are deceased. I-n 1865 Mr. Craig was married to
Margaret Dalzell, and a son and daughter were
born to them: Robert D. and Lavina Jennie. The
father was always a successful farmer, and was
the owner of some excellent places. During the
later years of his life he also dealt largely in stock,
iu which vocation he was equally successful, con
ducting a large business. His success was due to

energy and industry, combined with economy aud
business foresight. In politics he differed from
other members of his family, being an earnest ad
vocate of the principles of the Republican party,
but though always keenly on the lookout for
the welfare of his county, neither sought nor de
sired public office. During the last years of his
life he was a member of the United Presbyterian
Church. He died October 3, 1890. Of the chil
dren of his family the following is a brief record:
William Craig, the eldest living son, is married to
Miss Ada Nuzum, of West Virginia, and is now
residing in Independence township, this county
(they have had two children : Eva Pearl, now about
five years of age, and Anna, deceased); John, the
second living son of William Craig, was married
to Miss Kate Botes, who has borne him two chil
dren, Alvin and Mary Belle; Lucy, daughter of
William and Margaret Craig, is married to James
McMurray, and is living in Kansas City, Mo. ;
Robert D. (subject) and Lavina J. are unmarried,
and reside with their mother on the old homestead.
Like their father, the men of the Craig family are
adherents of the Republican party.

AMUEL J. MELVIN, a well-known farmer
and one of the representative citizens of
Hanover township, traces the genealogy of
the Melvin family to two brothers, Samuel
and William Melvin, who came to America in early
days with their parents, and located on a farm in
Cecil county, Md.
Samuel Melvin was born March 28, 1772, in
Ireland, coming with his parents to this country
when a child. He grew to manhood in Cecil county,
Md. , and on December 31, 1795, was married to
Tamar Miller, who was born August 5, 1774, in
Maryland. Some time after their marriage they
set out for the West, and in 1803 came to Wash
ington county, Penn., locating on a farm in the ter
ritory now named Jefferson (then Cross Creek)
township, where he began to clear away the forest
and make a home. After a prosperous and indus
trious life he died March 17, 1826, having been
preceded by his wife, October 13, 1821. They are
buried at Bethel Church cemetery in Jefferson
township. His brother William came to Jefferson
township in 1808, afterward moving to Brooke
county, W. Va. , and in 1848 settled in Burgetts
town, where he died in 1856. The following chil
dren were born to Samuel and Tamar Melvin:
Ann, born February 21, 1797, Mrs. Edward J.
Jones, of Jefferson township; John, died October
13, 1821, and was buried with his mother (he was
bom March 5, 1799); Henry, a merchant at Wells
ville, Ohio, and other places, died at Wellsburg,
W. Va., born April 29, 1801; Sarah, born April 2,
1803; William, whose sketch follows; Tamar, born

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1235

August 23, 1807, wife of George Elliott, of Davis
county, Iowa; James, a cabinet maker and under
taker at Pughtown, W. Va. (father of ex- Judge
Thayer Melvin, of AVheeling, W. Va.), born March
9, 1810; Samuel, died when twelve years of age,
born August 1, 1812; and Lydia, Mrs. James T.
Jones, born November 9, 1816. Of this family
none are now living.
William Melvin was born June 9, 1805, in Jef
ferson township, this county, and received a very
limited subscription-school education, working on
the farm. His elder brother Henry being a crip
ple, the greater part of the work fell on AVilliam.
On June 14, 1827, he was married to Abigail Jones,
a native of Maryland, daughter of Edward J. Jones,
also a native of Maryland, who resided in Jeffer
son township, Washington county, at the time of
their marriage. William and Abigail Melvin were
the parents of the following children : Ann, widow
of David Thorley, of Jefferson township; John, a
farmer of Jefferson township; Tamar E., deceased
wife of Robert Hamilton, of Davis county, Iowa;
Mary M., widow of Cyrus M. Stephenson, of El
dersville, Penn.; Samuel J., our subject; Lydia,
married Robert P. Cooper, went to Iowa, but died
* on the home place in Jefferson township, this
county; and William, a farmer living on the home
plaee. Mrs. Melvin died July 3, 1850, and was
buried in the Bethel graveyard. For his second
wife William Melvin married Susan Ann McKeever,
a sister of the well-known Judge McKeever, of
Hopewell township, who is the only member of her
family now living. Mr. Melvin began his married
life on the home farm, which was then considera
bly involved. But with untiring energy he labored
(often making flour barrels after night, for sale)
until the place was free from incumbrance, and va
rious additions and improvements were made and
paid for. He possessed abundant vitality, under
going several accidents which would have resulted
fatally to an ordinary man. He was over six feet
in stature and well proportioned. He was a bitter
enemy of slavery, and at one time the only Aboli
tionist in Jefferson township. In politics he was
first a Democrat, then a AVhig, next an Abolitionist
or Freesoiler, and finally a Prohibitionist, casting
his last ballot for Gen. Clinton B. Fisk for Presi
dent — his last public act. He was a member of the
Wesleyan Methodist Church at Eldersville, Penn.,
and a zealous worker for the cause of the Master.
When he passed away, December 23, 1888, Jeffer
son township lost one of her most worthy and
valued citizens, and Methodism one of its most
zealous supporters.
Samuel Jones Melvin (our subject) was born
February 3, 1839, in Jefferson township, this
county. His earlier education was supplemented
by a two years' preparatory course at Adrian Col
lege, Adrian, Mich, where he was a student when

the Civil war opened. He came home intending to
enlist, but was persuaded by friends to remain at
home, as his health was rather feeble. When Lin
coln issued a call for ninety-day men, the name of
Samuel J. Melvin was drawn, but rather than be
drafted, he enlisted, October 21, 1862, as a volun
teer in Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I.
(Roundheads) at Eldersville, Penn. He served
two years and nine months, and during that time
was employed as clerk in different departments,
from company to corps headquarters, his ability in
this line having been discovered in the early part
of the service. When drafted he was engaged in
teaching school in what is known as Lee's School,
Jefferson township, having completed one month
of the term when the draft was made. While in
the army he suffered from inflammatory rheu
matism, chronic diarrhoea and typhoid fever. He
was honorably discharged July 24, 1865, and re
turned to Washington county, Penn. Afterward
he took a western trip, and, finally returning to his
birthplace, began farming on the home place. On
November 14, 1867, he was married to Helen M.
Hanlin, who was born December 23, 1845, a daugh
ter of Alexander and Margaret (Gracey) Hanlin, of
Hanover township. The children of Samuel J. and
Helen M. Melvin are as follows: Charles P., a pat
tern maker of Pittsburgh, Penn. ; William Alexan
der, deceased at the age of seven years ; Galbraith
Stewart, Mary Gracey and Alice Gertrude, all of
whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin
remained on the old Melvin farm in Jefferson
township until February 24, 1875, when they came
to Hanover township and located on the Alexander
Hanlin farm, part of which is now their home. He
has made many improvements on the place and has
erected a pleasant residence, which commands a
fine view of the surrounding farms. He follows
general farming and stock raising, and is also con
ducting a dairy business. He voted with the Re
publican party until 1884, since which time he has
been a member of the Prohibition party. He and
his wife are leading members of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church of Eldersville, Penn., of which
he is a trustee and class-leader. He has also, for
a number of years, been superintendent of a Union
Sabbath -school at Hanlin Station.

f [ AMES M. THOMAS. Among the leading fam-
'P ilies of Washington county, none have a bet-
\f J ter claim to prominent mention in the pages
^^l of this Biographical Record than the one of
which the gentleman is a worthy member.
Edmund Thomas, grandfather of James M., is
the first of the family in this county of whom there
are any data. He was a native of eastern Penn
sylvania, and when a young man came hither and
made a settlement in North Strabane township,

1236

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

where he carried on farming to the end of his busy
life, becoming one of the leading citizens, ever in
the van of all progressive movements. He was
hero -married to Rhoda, daughter of David Leon
ard, of Washington county, a resident of near the
village of Bentleyville, and the children born to
them were Sarah, Mary, Rebecca, Ann, Phcebe,
Lydia, Rhoda, Nancy and Liverton. Mr. Thomas
early united with the Presbyterian Church, in after
life serving for many years as a trustee and an
elder. Politically he was a zealous Democrat.
Liverton Thomas, father of subject, was born in
North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn.,
May 12, 1809, and his education was received at
the schools of his district, which he enhanced by
much after study. In 1834 he was married, in
Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Glandon, who was born in
Maryland, October 2, 1813, and moved with her
parents to Harrison county, Ohio, and the results
of this union were nine children, eight of whom
are yet living, viz. : Edmund, in Saline county,
Neb. ; William, a farmer in Chase county, Neb. ;
James M.; Rhoda L., wife of John Hodgens, in
Des Moines, Iowa; Liverton G. , a physician in
Philadelphia, Penn.; Belle M. , wife of James C.
Matthews, a farmer and undertaker in North Stra
bane township; A. J., also a farmer in North Stra
bane township; and Ida M., wife of William Ket
tle, of Rush county, Kans. ; Caleb F. died in in
fancy. The mother died December 10, 1873, and
the father then went to live with his daughter,
Mrs. John Hodgens, in Des Moines, Iowa, where
he now is. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he has always been a liberal sup
porter, and was the donator of the land on which
the Fairview church now stands, having materially
contributed toward its erection, and has been an
elder from its organization. Politically, he is a
lifelong Democrat, and has been in his day a
hard worker for the party's interests.
James M. Thomas was born December 29, 1838,
in North Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and received a thorough common-school
training, which, being a diligent student and apt
scholar, he turned to the best account. He assist
ed in the duties of his father's farm until 1866, in
which year he embarked in general mercantile
business in the village of Thomas, inclusive of the
buying and shipping of all kinds of farm produce.
He is one of the heaviest wool dealers in his local
ity, and has justly earned the confidence of every
one with whom he has had dealings. His first
store was a 16x20 room, which was soon enlarged
to 16x40, to meet the growth of his business. In
1876 he erected his present business block in the
same village, 24x70, two stories and a basement.
The store is finished in natural wood, and is one of
the finest country stores in the county. Mr.
Thomas carries full lines of all classes o{ goods,

dealing heavily in produce, and his success is en
tirely of his own making. On September 20, 1859,
James M. Thomas was united in marriage with
Mary J. , daughter of Alexander Hamilton, of Not
tingham township, and the children born to them
are Carrie B. , Howard N., Cora B. and Clyde B.
The mother of this family died July 10, 1885, and
December 28, 1886, Mr. Thomas for his second
wife married Mrs. Anna Hodgens, daughter of Dr.
Murray, of Canonsburg. The family are members
of the Presbyterian Church at Fairview, in which
Mr. Thomas is an elder and has held various
offices. His political predilections are Democratic,
but of late years he has preferred to vote for the
best man, irrespective of party claims, at all times
having first in view the best interests of his town
ship, county and State.

DAVID A. BROWNLEE is a representative
of one of the most prominent pioneer fami
lies of Washington county, and traces his
lineage back through the generations to a
hjjrdy, robust Scotch " lad and lassie."
Archibald Brownlee was born and reared in
Scotland, and was there married to a Miss Hamilton,
who bore him the following children: James, Will
iam, John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John
Allison), and Hugh (who died when the family
were crossing the ocean). About the year 1765 he
immigrated to America, first locating in Lancaster
county, Penn. , where he remained some time, and
in 1775 purchased a farm in Canton township,
Washington county, which became their perma
nent home. James Brownlee, a brother of Archi
bald, also settled in Washington county, where he
resided until 1800, since which time the family
have all removed from the county. Archibald was
first a member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church,
and afterward united with the Seceder Church.
He followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and
died in Canton township.
James Brownlee was born January 4, 1745, in
Lanarkshire, Scotland, and after coming to Amer
ica learned the trade of a millwright, which he fol
lowed several years in eastern Pennsylvania. He
then settled on a farm in Canton township, Wash
ington county, where the remainder of his life was
passed. In early manhood he was united in mar
riage with Jane Leman, a member of a pioneer
family of Washington county, who had emigrated
from Ireland, and to this union came the following
children, their names and dates of birth being
given: John, October 15, 1777; Archibald, Febru
ary 28, 1779; James, September 27, 1780; Hugh,
July 23, 1782; Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel Brownlee),
May 17, 1784; William, January 13, 1786; Thomas,
December 1, 1787; Samuel, August 9, 1789; Jo
seph, August 8, 1791; Jane (wife of Kenneth

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1239

McCoy), April 20, 1793; and David, April 8, 1797.
The home of Mr. Brownlee was situated two miles
west of Washington borough. He was a member
of and ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North
Buffalo, and in politics he was a Whig. He died
in 1822, and was buried beside. .his wife, who had
preceded him to the grave.
Joseph Brownlee was born in Canton township,
Washington Co., Penn., passed Mb early life on the
home place, and was for some time engaged in
hauling goods from Philadelphia. He married
Esther, daughter of John Templeton, of Washing
ton county, and in 1819 the young couple settled
on a farm in Independence township, where their
lives were passed and the following children born:
Ann, James H. (living in Knoxville, Tenn.), John
T. and Jane (Mrs. Robert Y. Meloy). Mrs. Brown
lee died December 8, 1832, and Mr. Brownlee,
May 15, 1834, married Jane Auld, of Washington
county. Of this union were born: David A., Jo
seph W. (residing in Cross Creek township), Sarah
M. (Mrs. Samuel Donaldson), Esther H. (Mrs.
Samuel L. Moore, of Independence), and Martin
B. (a minister of the U. P. Church in Iowa). Mr.
Brownlee was an energetic man, exerting a marked
influence on the lives of the surrounding people.
He was a member of the Mt. Hope U. P. Church,
in which he was an elder forty years. Politically
he was formerly a Whig and an Abolitionist, after
ward a Republican, and always took an active part
in all questions of public interest. He died No
vember 23, 1867, and was buried by the side of
his wife in the cemetery at Mt. Hope.
David Auld, grandfather of subject, was born near
Coleraine, in the North of Ireland, came to Amer
ica at an early day, and settled in the southern
part of Washington county. Toward the beginning
of the present century he was married to his cousin,
Mary Auld, by whom he had the following chil
dren: James, Jane (married to Joseph Brownlee),
• John, David and Mary, all now deceased. The
mother of these children died March 11, 1819, and
April 12, 1821, he was married to Sarah Jackson,
who sutvived him. He was a Whig, a member of
the Associate Church, and a farmer in Buffalo
township. David A. Brownlee, our subject, was born Feb
ruary 9, 1835, on the home farm, situated two and
a half miles northeast of Independence, in Inde
pendence township. On October 15, 1868, he
married Jane Ann Templeton, who was born Jan
uary 13, 1838, daughter of Alexander Templeton.
Alexander Templeton was reared in Cross Creek
township. He married Margaret M. Gabby,
(daughter of James Gabby), by whom he had the
following children: John (who died at the age of
thirteen years from the kick of a horse), Dr. James
Gf. (in Pittsburgh), Thomas B. (deceased, was a
member of Company A, One Hundredth Pennsyl-
58

vania Infantry, and died after the battle of the
Wilderness), Jane Ann (Mrs. D. A. Brownlee),
Hugh A. (deceased), Esther M. (Mrs. John Scott),
Mary E. , Alexander Brown (deceased). Mr. Tem
pleton was a Democrat in politics, and in religion
was a member of the U. P. Church. In 1855 he
moved to New Wilmington, Penn., and died there
in April, 1861; his wife died in April, 1874, and
they are buried in the cemetery at New AVilming-
ton. Mr. aud Mrs. Brownlee have one child:
William T., born July 3, 1869, now a well-educated
and prepossessing young man. After his marriage
our subject lived with his widowed mother until
her death, which occurred April 7, 1883 (she was
buried in Mt. Hope cemetery), since which time he
has owned and managed the home place. Mr.
Brownlee has been very successful in business, and
has erected a large and commodious dwelling upon
his farm. Politically he is a Republican, and has
been elected to various township offices, in which
his efficiency has been ably demonstrated. He
and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope U. P.
Church, in which he is an elder. They have re
cently taken a very nice little girl named Anna,
bom September 18, 1884, and intend to raise her
as their own child.

AMES JONES, a well-known undertaker, liv
ing at St. Cloud, Somerset township, is the
youngest son of Perry Jones, whose father,
Abednago Jones, came to New York in an
early day and worked at his trade, that of a
tailor. He afterward moved to Washington
county, there making a permanent home.
Perry Jones was born in 1783, in New York,
and when yet a boy learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed all his life. In early manhood
he married Susanna McCelvy, who bore him four
sons and four daughters, of whom are yet living:
William A. (a carpenter of Wayne county, Ohio),
Isabel and James. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were
members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon
Creek. He died October 8, 1852, having been
preceded by his wife February 9, 1848.
James Jones (whose name opens this biography)
was born September 28, 1825, in Somerset town
ship, this county, and when but a small boy learned
the trade of carpentry with his father. In 1860
he opened an undertaking establishment which he
is yet conducting. On October 21, 1851, he was
united in marriage with Rachel P. Craig, who was
born September 22, 1824, in Allegheny county,
daughter of John and Ann (Larimor) Craig; her
father was bom on the ocean while his parents
were crossing from Ireland to America. Mr. and
Mrs. Craig -both died in this county. To the
union of James and Rachel P. (Craig) Jones the
following children were born: Sarah B., born

1240

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

October 12, 1852, died March 6, 1858; Austin H,
born January 4, 1855, died April 3, 1856 ; Anna (wife
of William Leyde, a farmer of Nottingham town
ship, this county), born August 18, 1856; John P. (a
farmer of Nottingham township), born August 17,
1858; William A. (a Presbyterian minister of Knox
ville, Pittsburgh, Penn.), born November 27, 1860;
Hanford M., carpenter, born October 20, 1862;
James A. (a carpenter of Somerset township), born
December 30, 1864 ; and Nannie A. (living at home),
born February 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are
members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian
Church, in which he was ruling elder many years,
also acting as first deacon, and he was superin
tendent of the Sabbath-school four years. On
August 1, 1884, he was appointed postmaster at
St. Cloud, which office he is now filling; he also
served as director of the poor. In politics he was
formerly a Democrat, but is now a Prohibitionist.

J. CROTHERS was born in Mt. Pleas
ant, Jefferson Co. , Ohio, June 25, 1812. In
1834 he located on the farm in Buffalo town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., now owned by
Samuel Blayney. On March 4, 1835, he was mar
ried to Miss Jean Brownlee, daughter of William
Brownlee, one of the earliest pioneers of western
Pennsylvania. On that farm Mr. Crothers re
mained until 1845, when he removed to the one
now owned by L. M. Crothers, his youngest son,
which he had bought some years before. He re
mained on this farm until his death, which oc
curred July 20, 1889.
Mr. Crothers was known as one of the most
thorough agriculturists of the county. He* was
very public-spirited, taking an active and special
interest in every movement tending to the welfare
of his neighborhood. His characteristics, which
were strongly pronounced, and as unphangeable and
firm as a rock of adamant, may be summed up in a
few words: He thought for himself, he said exactly
what he thought; and he did exactly what he
said.

]j\ILLIAM T. ARNOLD, a well-to-do
/ farmer of Hanover township, is the lineal
descendant of an old Irish family, the first
of whom to come to America was his
grandfather, Samuel Arnold. The latter was born
in Ireland, about ten miles from Newry, and the
same distance from Banbridge, County Down.
When Samuel Arnold was a young man he was
there married to Margaret Glass, who bore him the
following children in Ireland: Nancy (married to
William Anderson); Mary (died of "king's evil").
Some time during the latter part of the eighteenth
century this family came to America, and made

their first permanent location in Allegheny county,
Penn., where other children were born, namely:
John (of whom a sketch follows); Margaret (wife
of John Stewart, Noblestown, Allegheny Co. , Penn.) ;
Jane (Mrs. John Moore), and Elizabeth (married
to Hugh Glenn, died in Richland county, Ohio).
Samuel Arnold and his wife died in Allegheny
county, Penn.
John Arnold (the father of our subject) waB
born August 19, 1800, in Allegheny county, Penn.
He received a meager education in the schools of
that period, and worked on his father's farm until
he was a boy of sixteen or seventeen. He then
began to learn the trade of a saddler (which at that
time was a very lucrative one), working under his
brother-in-law, John Stewart, at Noblestown, Penn.
In 1821 he was married to Mary Cavitt, who was
born in 1805, in Allegheny county, daughter of
George Cavitt, a native of Franklin county, whose
father, Patrick Cavitt, was born in Ireland. After
his marriage John Arnold located ten miles west
of Pittsburgh, along the Pittsburgh & Steubenville
pike. He finally secured a small tract of land, to
which, by patient industry and toil, he added.
They remained in Allegheny county twenty-five
years, and in 1846 removed to Hanover township,
Washington Co., Penn., along King's creek, where
he continued to follow farming. In politics, John
Arnold was a Whig and a Republican. At an
early age he made the good confession in the
Union Church, and in 1854 was elected elder of
the King's Creek Associate Reformed Church,
which position he held until his death, November
20, 1863. His widow survived him until January
29, 1880, when she was laid by his side in the
Frankfort cemetery. She also was connected with
the same church as her husband, and when the
United Presbyterian Church was organized, united
with that Society. They were the parents of the
following children: George C. (a U. P. minister),
bom February 19, 1825, deceased December 1,
1863; Margaret (wife of Robert Ramsey, Beaver
county, Penn.), born November 1, 1826; Samuel,
born October 11, 1829, deceased December 2,
1849; John (living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa), born
February 23, 1832; William T. (whose name opens
this sketch); Agnes (Mrs. B. F. Mevey, of Alle
gheny, Penn.), born June 24, 1836; J. G., born
November 9, 1839, deceased June 5, 1857; Cyrus
G., born September 5, 1842; and J. Lee (living in
Chicago), born January 3. 1850.
AVilliam T. Arnold was born December 22, 1833,
in Allegheny county, and attended the country
schools of his vicinity. He was reared on the
farm and performed the usual duties of agricult
ural life. On October 24, 1860, he married Ann
Eliza Ramsey, who was born November 4, 1835, in
Hanover township, Washington county, daughter
of Mitchell and Ann (George) Ramsey. The fol-

Washington county.

1241

lowing children have blessed this union: Thomas
G., a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; John, de
ceased in youth; James M. ; Anna Mary; William
C, and Charles S. ; the last four are living at home.
After his marriage William T. Arnold located
on the farm in Hanover township, this county,
adjoining the Beaver county line, where he
has ever since resided, following farming and
stock raising. He has also dealt in agricultural
implements. Although not a wealthy man, Mr.
Arnold enjoys the world and takes life cheerfully,
doing his duty day by day. In politics he is an
enthusiastic Republican, taking a warm interest in
the success of his party. Mrs. Arnold is a mem
ber of the King's Creek U. P. Church.

</

l\T[ER O. cBROWNLEE is descended from
vl one of the oldest pioneer families of Wash-
1| ington county, Penn. Archibald Brownlee,
the earliest known ancestor, was born near
Glasgow, Scotland, and passed his early
youth in his native land. When a young man he
emigrated to America with his wife and family,
and locating in eastern Pennsylvania resided there
many years previous to the Revolution, and there
reared a family of children, three of whom were:
Thomas (born in Scotland), James and William.
The Indians becoming hostile drove settlers (men
tioned) backto eastern Pennsylvania. The Revolu
tion breaking out, Thomas enlisted under General
Washington, and was one of his ferrymen crossing
the Delaware. He was also one of Washington's
select marksmen, and was a man of great muscular
power, weighing from two hundred and fifty to
three hundred pounds.
Thomas Brownlee, son of Archibald, grew to
manhood, and was married to Martha Shearer.
After taking up his claim and after the Revolution
the young man came farther west, locating in Buf
falo township, Washington Co., Penn. He there
entered 600 acres of land, nearly half of which tract
is still in the possession of his descendants. His
brothers, James and William, and his cousins,
James and John Brownlee, each took up 600 acres.
The following children were born to Thomas and
Martha Brownlee: Hamilton, Archibald, David,
Margaret, Jane and Martha; all of whom are now
deceased. The mother of these children died, and
after several lonely years, Mr. Brownlee was uuited
in marriage with Elizabeth Muncy, who bore him
four children: William T., Elizabeth, Rachel and
Susan, all of whom are deceased. Of these chil
dren, William T. Brownlee was killed in Missouri,
by a neighbor with whom he had some trouble.
Archibald, son of Thomas and Martha (Shearer)
Brownlee, was born January 12, 1795, on the farm
m Buffalo township, Washington county. He was
one of the first Abolitionists, and took an active

part in smuggling slaves, being interested in the
underground railway, which was made to assist
the fugitive negro in escaping to Canada. Mr.
Brownlee was married to Keziah, daughter of
William, and descendant of Archibald Brownlee,
and the following children were born to their
union: Joanna (residing in Kansas), Ariel (living
in Buffalo township, AVashington cpunty), Eben
ezer (a minister in Blue Earth City, Minn.), Mar
garet (living in Washington county), Keziah (de
ceased), Martha, Elizabeth and Jonathan (residents
of Washington county). Of the above family,
Ariel Brownlee was born July 16, 1829, on the
property in Buffalo township, which he now owns.
He received a common-school education, and was
reared to farm work. He enlisted in Company A,
Eighty-fifth P. V. I., under Capt. H. J. Van-
Kirk, and took part iu the engagements of Fair
Oaks, Deep Bottom and numerous skirmishes.
Receiving his discharge, he returned to the farm,
upon which he has since resided. Politically he
is a Republican, and in religion a United Presby
terian. Johathan Brownlee, son of Archibald and Keziah
Brownlee, was born in Buffalo township, Washington
county, and passed his youth on the farm, where
he received a fair education, and afterward taught
eight terms of school. On November 28, 1854, he
was married to Catherine Anderson, daughter of
Benjamin Anderson, Donegal township, Washing
ton county, and to them the following children
have been born: Anderson (a minister (U. P.) liv
ing at Martin's Ferry, Ohio), Alvin (deceased),
Nettie, Ner O. , Carrie, Jennie, Melvin (deceased)
and Hervey (deceased). Mr. Brownlee has a farm
of 1-36 acres and is engaged in stock raising, giv
ing especial attention to breeding hogs, sheep and
cattle. In politics he is an active Republicau,
having filled various township offices.
Ner O. Brownlee, born March 3, 1861, son of
Jonathan and Catherine (Anderson) Brownlee, re
ceived a fair education, to which he has added
much valuable knowledge, making stock raising a
special study. On October 29, 1886, he was mar
ried to Beatrice, daughter of Thomas Noble, of
Wheeling, W. Va. This lady died November 28, 1 892,
leaving two children: Thomas Owen, born Janu
ary 4, 1888, and Louisa C, bom July 16, 1889
(died June 20, 1891). Like his father Mr. Brown
lee is a Republican, but not an active politician.
In religion he is connected with the United Pres
byterian Church at Claysville.
El BENEZER BUCHANAN, a retired farmer
of West Alexander, Penn. , was bora July
7, 1815,in Ohio county, W.Va. He is a son of
— John Buchanan, whose father was a native
of Ireland, and the first of the family to emigrate
to America. He located in Pennsylvania, where

1242

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

his son John was born, who there grew to man
hood, and was united in marriage with Catherine
Blayney, of Ohio county, W. Va.
After his mariage, Mr. Buchanan remained in
Ohio county some time. In 1816 he moved to
Champaign county, Ohio, becoming a pioneer of
that county, where he died in the following year.
He had seven children, only three of whom lived
to an adult age, namely: George (deceased at the
age of seventy years), Ebenezer (subject of this
sketch) and Martha (living on the home farm).
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Buchanan
and her three living children removed to Belmont
county, Ohio, where she lived for sometime, thence
proceeded to her native place in Ohio county, W.
Va. She died in 1870, at the age of eighty-six
years, and is now buried in the U. P. graveyard,
at West Alexander.
Ebenezer Buchanan is the youngest of a family
of seven children. He was but a small boy when
his father died, and at the age of twelve years he
beo-an to learn the tanner's trade at Taylorstown,
Penn. After serving his apprenticeship, he began
business for himself in 1836, at Good latent,
Washington county. In the year 1838 he was
married to Jane Templeton, who was born Novem
ber 12, 1818, in West Finley township; she is the
daughter of Alexander Templeton, a pioneer.
Alexander Templeton was born in 1786, one mile
east of Washington, Penn., of Irish parentage.
He married Charity McClain, of Pigeon Creek, in
1816, settled on a farm in West Finley township,
and to them were born two sons and four daugh
ters. Their sons became Presbyterian ministers.
Samuel M. married Margaret, daughter of Rev.
James Dickey, and died in 1867. Milo married
Agnes Rentoul, of Montrose, Scotland, and died
in 1863, both leaving families. The daughters are
all married, and are still living.
Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have had the following
children: Malrvina C. (Mrs. William Henderson,
of Ohio Co., W. Va.), John Alexander (whose
health was wrecked in the Civil war, is an apiarist
of Holiday's Cove, Hancock Co., W. Va.), Elmira
J. (deceased at the age of ten years), Theresa C.
(deceased at the age of twelve years), Caroline V.
(also deceased in her twelfth year), George Mil
ton (deceased when seven years of age) and Ells
worth (a groceryman of Claysville, Penn.). After
his marriage Mr. Buchanan farmed in Marshall
county, W. Va. , until 1847, when he removed to
Ohio county. In the year 1865 he came to Done
gal township, Washington Co., Penn., and located
on the borders of West Alexander. Since the town
has increased in extent, Mr. Buchanan has prac
tically become a citizen. In 1885 he retired from
active life, and with his wife is now enjoying the
fruits of fifty-five years of toil. He is an enthu
siastic member of the Republican party, but

though nominations have been tendered him, he
prefers to give his time to his private business.
Both Mr. Buchanan and his wife are members of
the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander.

MITH FRY. The Fry family, of whom this
gentleman is a prominent member, are num
bered with the earliest and most progressive
citizens of Washington county.
The first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania
was one Samuel Fry, who was born in 17 — , in
Virginia, and was there married to Christina
Speers, also a native of Virginia, born in 1752,
They came overland to Washington county, Penn. ,
in an early day, and July 19, 1792, took a "toma
hawk right " to a large tract of land in Fallowfield
township. Samuel Fry was a famous hunter, and
also worked on his farm, remaining in the fort at
night, for protection from the Indians. He died
in 1814, being survived by his wife till November
9, 1841, when she too passed away.
Abraham Fry, son of Samuel and Christina
(Speers) Fry, was born in 1792, on the home farm
in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn.
He received a subscription-school education, and
in early life was married to Isabella Ringland, a
native of AVashington county. She bore him
eleven children, namely: Samuel (living in Allen
township, Washington county), John (also living
in Allen township), Christina (Mrs. Abraham Colvin,
of Fallowfield township), Abraham (who entered
the United States service in Washington county,
and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.), Henry, a
resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber
land river), Noah (who died in Fallowfieldtownship),
Sarah (wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, Fal
lowfield township), Jackson, living in Cowley coun
ty, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was taken
prisoner, and was confined in Andersonville prison
eleven months), Clarissa (who married Alexander
Allman, and died in East Pike Run township),
Smith (of whom a sketch follows) and Isabelle
(wife of Elgy Van Voorhis, of Kansas City. , Mo).
After their marriage Abraham and Isabelle Fry
settled on the upper part of the old homestead in
Fallowfield township. He was actively interested
in public matters, and first affiliated with the
Democratic party, then becoming a Whig and Re
publican. He died December 11, 1866, followed
by his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to
see her youngest daughter the mother of twelve
children. Both parents were members of the
Church of Christ.
Smith Fry was born March 4, 1836, on the old
homestead in Fallowfield township, and is the tenth
child in order of birth. He attended the district
schools, passing his boyhood on the farm, and
March 21, 1861, he married Mary Ann Mitchell, a

- 'MKf'MK
-' . •

I rife

:¦'.¦-"- 'WlfsSS, ............ .

mi

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1245

native of Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn. Her parents were Mark and Lucinda (Bur
gan) Mitchell, natives of Washington couuty,Penn.,
and members of the Church of Christ. James and
Elizabeth (Smock) Burgan, natives of Westmore
land county, were among the early pioneers of
Washington county, and members of the Church
of Christ. He was remarkably well versed in the
Scriptures, and it is said of him that he could re
cite entire chapters without prompting. He
servod in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Fry be
gan wedded life on the old place, where he owns
136 acres of good land, and is giving considerable
attention to stock raising, especially heavy-draft
Clydesdale horses. In his political preferences he
votes with the Republican party. His wife is a
member of the Church of Christ. Their children
are Harvey J. Fry, living in Fallowfield township,
married to Miss Maie Reeves, January 12, 1888;
Lucinda Isabella, wife of Joseph Nutt; Charley
Smith; Abram Elgy ; Clara Estella, and Cora Oella.

JOHN MAHAFFEY RUSH, a prominent
farmer and stock raiser of Hopewell town
ship, is of Irish descent, his father, Patrick
Rush, having been born December 25, 1797,
in County Tyrone, Ireland. Patrick's parents
were John and Mary Rush, natives of County
Tyrone, where they resided during their entire
lives. Patrick Rush evinced a desire to come to
America, and when but fourteen years of age,
joined a party of friends, named Miller, who were
about to emigrate. His parents pleaded with him
to remain at home until he reached manhood, but
with the impetuosity of youth he determined to
sail immediately, and was permitted to accompany
his friends on board the vessel, where he concealed
himself until out of port. His friends paid for his
passage, and he promised to work for them after
reaching America until he could repay them. The
Miller family came to Mt. Pleasant township,
this county, and began clearing land. After work
ing out his debt, young Patrick Rush hired to Mr.
Miller by the year, remaining in his employ for
several years. On Christmas Day, 1829, he was
married to Sarah Mehaffey, a native of Ireland,
born September 18, 1799, in County Down, Ireland,
She was the daughter of John and Nancy Mehaffey.
The latter family came to America and settled in
Chartiers township, when Sarah was thirteen years
of age, locating near Cross Roads Church, where
Mr. Mehaffey was killed September 25, 1825, by a
falling tree, while cutting timber for the church.
After his marriage to Sarah Mehaffey, Patrick
Rush rented a farm in Mt. Pleasant township.
this county, upon which he remained for thirty
years. He purchased two farms, which he sol<L

and in 1849 removed to Hopewell township, where
the subject of our sketch is now living. Five
children were born to Patrick and Sarah Rush,
namely: John M., Nancy (wife of James Bigger,
of Muskingum county, Ohio), Mary Jane (wife of
Matthew Knox, of Guernsey county, Ohio), Robert
(lieutenant of the Ringgold Battalion, Pennsylvania
Cavalry, killed at Rodney, Va.) and Sarah (married
to Samuel Armstrong, of Guernsey county, Ohio).
The mother died in October, 1886. She and her
husband were members of the United Presbyterian
Church. In politics Mr. Rush was a Democrat,
but aside from attending election, took no active
part in political affairs. He was a man of keen
perceptive faculties and good judgment. Begin
ning life for himself when so very young, he had
no opportunity for getting a literary education,
yet he was in every sense of the word a successful
man, and accumulated a handsome property. He
died in August, 1880.
John M. Rush was bom October 22, 1830, in
Mt. Pleasant township, and was sent to a subscrip
tion school, which he attended during the winters
until seventeen years of age. He has a vivid
recollection of the schools of that time, which were
in sharp contrast to the present school system.
The rude log schoolhouse with its primitive furni
ture familiar to every pioneer was the "temple of
learning" where he received his education. The
course of study pursued at that time included such
text-books as "Cobb's Speller" and "U. S.
Speller," "Western Calculator" and "English
Reader." Quill pens were used, and the "copies
were set by the master." Primitive as were the
methods employed in those days, it was in such
schools and by such methods that many of the
most intellectual and able men of our day laid the
foundation of their education. The training Mr.
Rush then received has served well in his success
ful business career. At the age of seventeen years
he left school and engaged in wagoning between
Hickory and Pittsburgh, hauling grain and mer
chandise, driving four or six horses to a great
" Con estoga " wagon. He followed that business
nine years, and in 1856 took charge of his father's
farm, having since pursued the occupation of
farming and stock raising. In 1857 he was mar
ried to Nancy, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth
(Fronacker) Stoolfire, of Donegal township, and
to them were born five children: Albert Stoolfire,
Eudora Winona, Lillian, Sallie M. and Herbert.
Mr. Rush is residing on his farm two miles south
east of West Middletown. He is a Democrat, but
seeks no political prominence. Mrs. Rush and
her daughters (all of whom are living at home)
are members of the Disciple Church at West Mid
dletown. Mr. Rush has no church affiliations.
Albert S. Rush, son of John M. and Nancy (Stool
fire) Rush, was born August 20, 1860, and was reared

1246

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

on his father's farm in Hopewell township, this
county. He received his early education at the
district school known as Tartown school, attending
there until about eighteen years of age. He then
followed farming, working with his father until
twenty-two years of age, when he entered Duff's
Commercial College at Pittsburgh, Penn., where
he remained about- three months, when sickness
compelled his return home. On June 6, 1883, he
was married to Miss San Jacinto Duvall, daughter
of Louis Duvall. Their children are Albert John,
Mary Nila and Stanley Oklahoma. In addition to
managing a large farm, Mr. Rush does an exten
sive business in breeding, raising and selling pure
blood Poland-China pigs, Shropshire sheep, and
Jersey cattle, all registered. His exhibits of stock
raised on his farm during the last three years have
excited the comment and admiration of fine stock
fanciers throughout western Pennsylvania. His
business is growing, and his sales book holds
orders from Ohio, New York, Maryland and Vir
ginia, besides different localities in his own State.
He possesses in an eminent degree those qualities
which form a first-class citizen, and is a credit to
his community, enjoying the esteem of bis neigh
bors. He leaves to others the business of politics,
caring nothing for the allurements of office-holding,
but voices his sentiments at every election by his
ballot, being liberal in local elections, supporting
the most suitable candidate. In national elections
he supports the principles of pure Democracy. Mr.
and Mrs. Rush are members of the Dutch Fork
Disciple Church, and by precept, practice and
financial support, perform their duty toward sus
taining and promoting the cause of Christianity in
the community.

d[ OHN McMANNIS, one of the most prominent
[ native-born agriculturists of Washington
|l county, is a son of William McMannis, who in
very early days had settled in what is now
Canton township, this county, having come, when a
young man, from eastern Pennsylvania, where he
was born in 1787.
William McMannis was married to Elizabeth,
daughter of Patrick Burns, a native of Ireland,
and the children born to this union were John,
William, James, Ann, Elizabeth and Hannah. The
father of this family died in 1849, the mother in
1873. Mr. McMannis removed from Canton town
ship many years ago, and took up his residence in
Strabane township until 1830, in which year he
came to Buffalo township and settled on a farm in
Rural valley. In his political preferences he was
an Old-line Whig.
John McMannis, the eldest son of this honored
pioneer, was born February 1, 1817, in Canton
township, where his boyhood and youth were spent

alternately in working on the farm and in attending
the subscription schools of the locality. On Feb
ruary 26, 1840, he was united in marriage with
Mary, daughter of John Irwin, a farmer of Buffalo
township, where he was reared, and where he was
married to Elizabeth Anderson, who bore him the
following named children: Thomas S., Leviah
(wife of John McKee), Mary (wife of John Mc
Mannis), Matthew A., Sarah (wife of John P.
Gamble), Elizabeth M. (wife of John Williamson)
and John. Mr. Irwin was a member of the Seceder
Church, and in politics an uncompromising AArhig.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McMannis resided
three years on the farm with his father. He then
located on a rented farm in Buffalo township,
situated about one and one-half miles from Tay
lorstown. This place he afterward purchased, and
it was on this farm that the first oil well in the
township was sunk. The names of the children
born to them are Elizabeth (wife of J.. R. Littell),
Anna, Catherine (Mrs. William H. Torrence),
Myra, and Till a (wife of W. S. Richey). The
mother of this family departed this life December
21, 1871, in her fifty-sixth year, a devout member
of the U. P. Church. Mr. McMannis was originally
a Democrat, but since 1856 he has been a Repub
lican; for twenty-four years he was a school di
rector, and from 1865 he served as a justice of the
peace for ten years, or, in fact, till he declined to
serve longer, even when re-elected.
In the summer of 1889 Mr. McMannis retired
from active business life, and having sold the farm
to the Washington Oil Company, he moved into
the village of Taylorstown, where he now resides
enjoying in the sunset of his life the fruits of his
earlier labors. He is well known among the old
residents of Buffalo township, and has always been
identified with its advancement. He is a repre
sentative self-made man, one who from small be
ginnings has by industry, economy and sound judg
ment accumulated an ample competence. He has
never used tobacco or liquor in any form, and is
hale and hearty, universally respected and es
teemed.

I7I( LEXANDER MoCONNEL is one of the
I |\ leading agriculturists and stockmen of
JpW Chartiers township. His grandfather,
II -* Alexander McConncl, was born July 10,
1755, in Charlotte county, Va., and in early
manhood married Esther Reed, who was born May
16, 1756. She died November 30, 1786, and on
April 28, 1789, Mr. McConnel was united in mar
riage with Elizabeth McCrory, who was born Feb
ruary 26, 1767. They settled near Carlisle, Penn.,
and a few years later came to Cecil township, this
county, where he took a patent of land. He died
many years ago, and his wife survived him several

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1247

years. To them were born the following children :
Alexander, David (deceased in Cecil township),
born October 5, 1791; Jean, born October 11, 1793;
Prudence, born November 14, 1795 (wife of James
Oram, of Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn.,
deceased at Washington, Iowa, in 1 890) ; Nancy,
born September 26, 1797; and Matthew, born Oc
tober 25, 1799. .
Alexander McConnel, father of subject, was born
February 2, 1790, on the home farm in Cecil town
ship, where he grew to manhood, and was married
to Ann Berry, a native of this county. The young
people first located in Allegheny county, Penn.,
then moved to Cecil township, this county, and six
years afterward settled on a farm in North Stra
bane township, carrying on a mill in connection
with farm duties. Mr. and Mrs. McConnel were
the parents of the following children: Alexander,
Elizabeth, Jane (first married to Daniel Boyles,
and is now living in Washington, the widow of
Mr. Collins), Mary A. (living in North Strabane
township, widow of Richard Fife, his third wife),
Isabelle (deceased wife of Dr. Vail, of Rochelle,
111.), John (married, living in North Strabane town
ship, on the old homestead), David (who died about
1856), William (a United Presbyterian minister,
licensed in June, 1856, first called to the church at
Hanover, Beaver Co., Penn., and in 1858 came to
West Newton, Penn. He married Miss Anna Mc-
Clurkin. of Pittsburgh, and died July 18, 1866,
in Allegheny, Penn.), Matthew (deceased in 1886),
James (married, living in Houstonville, this
county) and Anderson (deceased in 1884). After
the mother of these children died, Mr. McConnel
married a Miss Torrence, who survived him about
one year. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, in
politics was first a Whig, then a Republican, and a
strong opponent of slavery. He assisted in the
organization of the Society which is now the
Greenside United Presbyterian Church, of which
he was an elder from the first organization of the
body, holding that position until his death. He
resided in North Strabane township for more than
sixty years, then moved to Peters township, this
county, where he died about two years afterward.
Alexander McConnel, whose name opens this
sketch, was born December 20, 1816, in Allegheny
county, Penn., being the eldest in his father's
family. When but three years of age he came
with them to Cecil township, this county, and
when he was nine years of age, the parents settled
on the home place in North Strabane township,
where Alexander completed his education in the
subscription schools. He learned the trade of a
millwright, and in 1847 came to Chartiers town
ship, erecting a flouting-mill known as McConnel' s
Mill, on Chartiers creek, which business he fol
lowed fifteen years, also working at his trade. On
December 8, 1853, he was united in marriage with

Eliza McKnight, of Chartiers township, daughter
of Joseph aud Sarah (Anderson) McKnight, the
father a native of Cecil county, Md., and the
mother a native of Ireland. After their marriage
the young people settled on the farm in Chartiers
township which is their present home. Four
children have blessed their union, viz. : Alexander
Anderson (who died July 6, 1862), born April 8,
1856; J.M., bornSeptemberl4, 1858; John O., born
August 24, 1860; and one deceased in infancy. Of
these children, John graduated in 1883 from
Westminster College, read medicine one year, and
was then educated for the ministry at Allegheny,
Penn., finishing at Xenia (Ohio) Seminary, and
was licensed to preach. He was ordained in the
Westmoreland Presbytery at Ligonier, Penn. In
1889 he married Mary, daughter of Rev. J. H.
Timmons. Mr. McConnel owns a fertile and well-cultivated
farm of 230 acres, and, since coming to Chartiers
township, has devoted his time to its improvement
and management. He was formerly a Whig, but
since the organization of the Republican party
has voted the latter ticket, and has served four
terms as township supervisor. He and his wife
are earnest members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Cross Roads, in which he has been a
ruling elder for many years. In his youth Mr.
McConnel joined the Spear Spring Church, now
known as the Greenside Church.
At Dr. Martin's store in Canonsburg, the second
attempt was made to build the Chartiers Railroad.
Wesley Grier, David Houston and Alexander Mc
Connel were talking with others about the great
benefit that the building of this road would be.
The three at once subscribed $1,000 apiece, and got
others at the store to subscribe smaller amounts.
These three men also raised more money; Mr.
McConnel raised $8,000 within four miles of his
home; the start thus made secured the road, and
Mr. McConnel took $1,800 worth of stock.

1 [ AMES R. STEWART. Prominent among the
1 1 many families of Irish descent who have
v)\ added so greatly to the improvement of
^^ America, ranks the one of which this gentle
man was an honored member. As early as
1795 John and Mary Stewart emigrated from Ire
land, bringing with them their four children, and
made for themselves a new home in what was then
an undeveloped country. Mr. Stewart died,
December 18. 1836, when eighty-six years old; his
wife preceded him to the grave February 12, 1836,
being at the time eighty-five years of age.
The eldest son, Archibald Stewart, married
Rebecca Reed, a native of Pennsylvania, and after
his marriage settled in Chartiers township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., where he engaged in farming

1248

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and also carried on the blacksmith's trade. He was
an elder in the Associate Reformed Church and in
the United Presbyterian Church at Cross Roads.
Politically he was a Republican. His death
occurred June 5, 1862, after he had attained his
seventy-fifth year, and on May 3, 1857, his wife
passed from earth in her sixty-fourth year. Their
children were: James R. , who married Elizabeth
T. Miller; Mary, Mrs. Samuel Griffith, of Hickory,
Mt. Pleasant township, AA7 ashington county; Jane,
Mrs. William S. White, who died in 1883; Joseph,
who was married in Illinois, and died there; Will
iam, who lives in Villisca, Iowa, and is married;
Margaret, who married David Miller, and died in
1872; Sarah, Mrs. Andrew Miller, of Mt. Pleasant
township, and John, who first married Miss Eliza
McLaughlin, and afterward Miss Elizabeth Slem-
mons. He died in 1886. in Donegal township,
Washington county.
James R. Stewart was born June 9, 1812, on the
farm where his widow now resides. His educa
tional advantages were very limited, the schools of
that time being only rude huts, and the teachers
being but indifferently prepared to impart knowl
edge. However, he learned the blacksmith's trade
thoroughly under the tutorage of his father, and
afterward followed it in connection with farming.
On May 23. 1839, Mr. Stewart married Miss Eliza
beth T. Miller, a daughter of Jacob and Jane
(Filston) Miller, and after their marriage the young
couple resided on the home farm, where Mrs.
Stewart is now living, and where Mr. Stewart died,
May 22, 1880. He was sincerely mourned by the
numerous friends who appreciated his sterling
worth and strict integrity. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
were earnest church workers, and devoted much
attention to deeds of charity. Their union was
blessed with two children : Jacob M. (of Chartiers
township, who married Miss Rebecca Todd, and
after her death married Miss Lizzie Grounds) and
Rebecca, who married, October 20, 1864, William
H. Thompson, who was born in Canonsburg, May
17. 1837. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomp
son located in Canonsburg, where he engaged in
wagon-making, and then moved to Hickory, where
he died Febrnary 1, 1873, at the age of thirty-six
years. He was an active worker in the Repub
lican party; and was a member of the United Pres
byterian Church at Canonsburg. The children
born of their union were: a son who died in in
fancy; Stewart J., a farmer by occupation, who
owns the valuable farm on which he lives; Joseph
H, a graduate of Duff's Commercial College,
Pittsburgh, Penn.; Elizabeth Emma (deceased)
and Millie R. Mrs. Thompson has given her
children superior educations; she now makes her
home with her children on the farm.
Jacob Miller, father of Mrs. Stewart, was born
in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married Jane

Filston, also a native of that section of the State.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller
moved to Washington county, locating near Mc
Connell's Mill, in Chartiers township, and a few
years later took possession of the property, now
known as the "Col. Robert Miller" farm, where
the following children were born: Rachel, Mrs.
Thomas Sproat, of South Strabane; Mary, Mrs.
Samuel McNary (she and her husband have
each been married before); Nancy, Mrs. John
Boon; Jane, Mrs. Richard Sproat, of Ohio; Samuel,
who married Miss Mary Ann Cockins, and lives in
Mt. Pleasant township; Catherine, Mrs. James
McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant township; Jacob, who
married and moved to Ohio; Margaret, Mrs. John
McDowell, Mt. Pleasant township; Robert, who
first married Abbicah Cundal, and afterward made
Elizabeth Glen his wife (he died in October, 1891);
Elizabeth T. , Mrs. James R. Stewart; Sarah, MrB.
James Patterson; and Sophia, who has never mar
ried. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Stewart, is the only
member of the Miller family now living, and is a
worthy representative of her highly respected
ancestors.

LARK PRESTON, an honored citizen and
representative agriculturist of Somerset
township, is a native of the same, having
been born October 16, 1837, a son of John
Preston and grandson of Bernard Preston.
Bernard Preston was born April 29. 1754, in
Maryland, and was reared ou the home place in his
native State. On May 7, 1776, he was united in
marriage with Mary Preston, also a native of Mary
land, born March 19. 1759. He followed farming,
and in 1784 moved to Pennsylvania, purchasing a
large tract of land in Washington county, where
he and his devoted wife remained the rest of their
lives, rearing the following children: Sarab,
Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Anna, Elizabeth, Daniel,
Jonathan, Silas, Bernard and John. The parents
of this family were members of the M. E. Church.
the old church building of that denomination
being on the farm now owned and occupied by our
subject. John Preston, the youngest son of Bernard and
Mary (Preston) Preston, was reared on the home
farm, and early in life was married to Margaret,
daughter of Robert and Jane Clark, the latter of
whom died in 1866. To this union were born five
children, viz. : Mary J. (deceased wife of Dr. W.
L. S. Willes, of Washington county, Penn.), Clark
(subject of sketch), Loammi (deceased), John F.
(living in Neosho county, Kans.), and Lacy A.
(unmarried), a resident of Monongahela City,
Penn. The father died September 24, 1884, the
mother in 1851, the former a member of the
M. E. Church, the latter a Presbyterian.

Wmm--

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1251

Clark Preston grew to manhood on the home
farm, receiving a common-school education. In
1862 he enlisted in Company D, Ringgold Bat
talion. P. V. C, was honorably discharged, and is
now drawing a pension. On September 18, 1867,
he was married to Catherine C. Teeple, who was
born September 22, 1844, in Washington county,
Penn., daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Williams)
Teeple, both also natives of Washington county,
and who had nine children: Thomas (a farmer of
Neosho county, Kans.), Theodore (a farmer of
Carroll township, Washington county), Catherine
C. ("wife of Clark Preston), Sarah (unmarried),
Emma S. (married to A. J. Hess, a farmer of Fal
lowfield township, this county), Adda T. (wife of
Robert McKee, deceased farmer of Allegheny
county), and Josephine T. (wife of Thomas Edgar);
the others died in infancy. The father died in
1881, a member of the Presbyterian Church; the
mother passed awav in 1868, an adherent of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Clark and Catherine C. (Teeple) Preston have
had the following children: Clyde A., born July
27, 1868; Harry A., born September 26, 1869; Metta
M., born July 19, 1871 ; Theodore A., born March
17, 1873; Isaac C, born February 28, 1875; Vance
L. G., bora October 28, 1876, and Cooper M.,
bora August 27, 1879. Mr. Preston is not in-
¦ terested in political questions, but votes the Re
publican ticket, and takes an active part in all mat
ters pertaining to church or school: he has served
fifteen years as school director. He and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church. The
home farm consists of 140 acres of land, in a high
state of cultivation, upon which is erected a com
fortable two-story dwelling, also a commodious
barn and substantial outbuildings.

il "1ILLIAM PATTERSON, a worthy repre-
vJJ 8entative of an old pioneer family, is a
Xff son of William Patterson, whose grand-
father. James, was the first of the family
to settle in America. Of the children of
this James Patterson, William was born in 1733,
and in 1758 was married to Rosanna Scott, of Cecil
county, Md. She died April 5, 1769. and on April
10, 1770, he was married to Elizabeth Brown, who
bore him ten children. In the spring of 1778 he
and several of his sons secured 350 acres of land
in Cross Creek township, this county, upon which
he settled in the fall of same year, dying there in
1818. Thomas Patterson, a son of William and Rosan
na (Scott) Patterson, was born October 1, 1764, and
passed his boyhood on the home farm. In 1794 he
bought some of his father's land, erecting a grist
and flour mill upon it, and also purchased addi
tional property from Mary Patterson. On Octo

ber 6, 1795, he was married to Elizabeth Findley,
daughter of Hon. William Findley, of Westmore
land county, Penn. The young people began house
keeping in a log cabin, which was formerly used
as a store, and in this pioneer home eleven chil
dren were born: William, James, Samuel, John,
Thomas, Findley, Moses and David, and Mary,
Elizabeth and Rosanna. Thomas Patterson, Sr. ,
was a major-general in the militia. He was a
member of Congress from 1817 to 1825, and of the
Electoral College in 1816. He died of apoplexy
November 17, 1841.
William Patterson, son of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Findley) Patterson, was born September 25, 1796,
and at an early age was entrusted with the care of
the farm and mills, during his father's absence on
political business. In 1812 his father established
a fulling mill, of which William took charge as
soon as he was competent. In 1819 he was united
in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Hon. Aaron
Lyle, a resident of Cross Creek township, this
county. William Patterson was a prominent officer
in the militia, and organized and commanded the
Union Volunteer Battalion; was also major on the
staff of the brigadier-general of militia. In 1828
he was elected to the State Legislature, serving
four consecutive terms, and during the last term
was Speaker of the House. He took a very active
interest in all educational matters, secured the
erection of an elegant schoolhouse near his home,
contributing liberally to the expenses, and serving
most efficiently as director. While in the Legisla
ture he obtained $8,000 from the State to erect a new
building for Jefferson College. In 1844 he became
a member of the Electoral College, and in 1859,
retiring from a brilliant public career, he passed
his last days in quiet. The children born to Will
iam and Margaret Patterson were Lysander, Mary,
James, Robert, Aaron Lyle, Caroline, William,
Margaret, Thomas A., and Samuel Findley. The
father died in April, 1879, the mother in March,
1883. William Patterson, son of William and Margaret
(Lyle) Patterson, was born January 4, 1832, in
Cross Creek township, this county, and received a
common-school education, assisting at the same time,
his father on the farm and in the mill. On Jan
uary 8, 1856, he was wedded to Sarah Margaret
Jackson, who was born December 22, 1838. in Jef
ferson county, Ohio, daughter of James Jackson.
They have had the following children: Mary (Mrs.
Eli Sheets, of Ashland county, Ohio), Sarah Ella
(wife of Newton Simpson, of Hill Grove, Hardin
Co., Ky.), James J. (deceased in youth). Margaret
(a school teacher), Jennie, Lewis Cass, Annie.
Robert Lee (deceased in youth). Elvira B. and
William B. Mr. Patterson farmed in Independ
ence township for some time after his marriage,
then moved to Ashland county, Ohio, remaining

1252

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

there several years, but again came to this county.
He afterward located near Springfield, Ohio, but
in the fall of 1875 returned to his native home,
settling about two and a half miles south of In
dependence, this county, adjoining the West Vir
ginia line, where he has since resided. He is en
gaged in farming, stock raising and in fruit and
vegetable culture.
He enjoys a reputation for integrity and veracity,
as well as that of being an independent thinker,
untrammeled by any creed, dogma, superstition,
preconceived or inherited notion. He is not a
member of any religious or secret organization,
but claims the right to investigate all questions
(both secular and religious) for himself, subject to
no dictator except instructed reason. He believes
that faith without knowledge is a delusion and a
snare. His motto, expressed in the language of
the poet, is:
New occasions teach new duties,
Time makes ancient creeds untruth;
He must upward then and onward,
Who would keep abreast of truth.
Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis.
(The times change, and we change with them.)

,\ILLIAM S. RUSSELL was bom Febru
ary 12, 1843, in Smith township, this
county. He is one of the leading agri
culturists of the vicinity, and a lineal de
scendant of Abraham Russell, who was
born in Ireland, and, coming to America soon after
the war of the Revolution, was married in this
country. He became one of the earliest settlers
of Smith township, this county, at a time when
the Indians made fearful slaughter among the
white pioneers. He was a successful farmer, and
served his country in the war of 1812, dying at an
advanced age, and leaving the following children,
who also lived to advanced ages: William (men
tioned below). James and John (twins, the latter
of whom died in Allegheny county, Penn.) and
Nancy (wife of Jacob Drake, a farmer of Arm
strong county, Penn.).
William Russell, eldest son of Abraham Rus
sell, was born in the latter part of the last century,
in Smith township, this county, receiving a some
what imperfect schooling, as the opportunities of
those days were very meager and primitive. In
1798 he was married to Nancy Strain, whose par-
en! s were early settlers in Smith township, and in
about 1800 Mr. and Mrs. Russell, with their in
fant son, removed to Portage county, Ohio, resid
ing there until the close of the war of 1812, in
which William was a soldier. Being dissatisfied
with the country, he returned about 1815 to Smith
township, and located near the line of Cross Creek
township, where he continued to follow farming

until his death. In politics he was a Democrat.
His wife died several years before her husband,
and left the following children : Abraham (deceased
in this county at the age of eighty -five; he never
married), Sarah (deceased wife of James Fulton,
formerly of Cross Creek township, then moved to
Hanover township, this county), John S., Saman
tha (who cared for her father in his old age and
died unmarried) and James (deceased in Colum
biana county, Ohio).
John S. Russell was born February 14, 1806, in
Portage county, Ohio, on the home farm, where he
was initiated into the mysteries of agricultural life.
On February 12, 1833, he was married to Jane
Simpson, who was born September 3, 1815, daugh
ter of James and Ellen (Stewart) Simpson, old and
early residents of the township. The children
born to this union were as follows: Ellen (living
in Burgettstown, Penn., unmarried), Cynthia (un
married, also residing in Burgettstown), Margaret
(wife of James. Dunbar, of Smith township), Ophe
lia (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Hanover township, this
county), AArilliam S. (subject of our sketch), Agnes
(an unmarried lady of Burgettstown, Penn.), James
C. (an agriculturist of Smith township) and David
A. (deceased farmer of Smith township). Mm
Russell died July 23, 1851, and for his second
wife Mr. Russell married Mary A. Vincent, who
was born February 20, 1818, daughter of Joseph
and Sarah (Rea) Vincent, of Mt. Pleasant town
ship, this county. Two children were born to
John S. and Mary (Vincent) Russell: John (who
died in youth) and Jane (Mrs. D. W. Smith, of
Smith township, this county). After his first mar
riage Mr. Russell settled on a farm one mile west
of Bulger, Smith township, where his life was
passed successfully in agricultural pursuits. Year:
by year his possessions increased, until, by dint of
careful management, business sagacity and good
financiering, he became among the most extensive
wool growers and largest landholders of the town
ship, at the time of his death owning nearly six
hundred acres of valuable and productive real
estate. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re
ligion a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian
Church, which he served as an elder! He died
September 15, 1879.
William S. Russell was born on a portion of the
farm in Smith township, where he is now living,
and was reared to rural life. On April 7, 1870, he
was united in marriage with Miss Mary McBride,
who was born March 5, 1842, a daughter of John
McBride. The following children have blessed
this union: Eva J., John M. , Holland S., Annie
S., Clement K. , Cynthia S., Walter S. , Luella and
Dwight M. William S. and Mary (McBride) Rus
sell settled on the "Old Simpson farm," one mile
west of Bulger, where his maternal grandfather
resided in early days. He devotes a considerable

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1253

portion of his time to general agriculture and
stock raising, and also conducts a small dairy.
He was formerly a Democrat, afterward uniting
with the Prohibition party, and in religion he and
his wife are consistent members of the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.

DAVID M. PRY is a substantial and pro
gressive citizen of Burgettstown, Penn.
His grandfather was married in Virginia to
a Miss Barnes, who bore him children as
follows: John, Abraham, William L., Eliza (Mrs.
John Powelson), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Pascal,
• of Cross Creek township) and Mary. The father
of this family was a Democrat in politics.
Abraham Pry, father of David M. , was born
November 10, 1813, in Hampshire county, W. Va.
The father died when the son was but four years of
age, and the child was left to struggle through the
perplexities of boyhood unaided, but he secured an
education by dint of perseverance and energy, and
when about twenty-two years of age came to
AVashington county, settling in Cross Creek town
ship. In 1840 he was there married to Rachel,
daughter of David McClurg, of the same township,
and the young people then settled on the farm
where they are yet living. The following children
have been born to their union: David M. , Cather
ine J. (deceased), John W., William H. and Jo
seph M. (twins, the latter of whom is deceased),
Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna M. (de
ceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and Francis H.
(deceased). The father of this family was origi
nally a Democrat, then a Whig, finally uniting with
the Republican party, whose principles he now sup
ports. He attends the Cross Creek Presbyterian
Church, contributing liberally to its maintenance.
David M. Pry, eldest son of Abraham and Rachel
(McClurg) Pry, was born June 16, 1842, on the
home farm in Cross Creek township, and remained
with his parents until about twenty years of age.
He enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and
Fortieth P. V. I., serving throughout the Civil
war. He was wounded at Spottsylvania, being
shot in the leg by a musket ball, and was -sent to
the "Finley" hospital at Washington City. He
remained there until mustered out of the service
August 16, 1865, then returned home and engaged
in farming. On October 5, 1865, he was united
in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Rea,
of Cross Creek township, this county, and the
children born to them were Nora L., Jennie O. ,
Mary G., William R. (deceased) and Edwin B.
After his marriage Mr. Pry followed farming for
two years, and in 1868 opened a general store in
Burgettstown, Penn. In 1884 he was elected
recorder of the county, and served in that office
until 1887, then returned to Burgettstown, resum

ing his former business. Mrs. Pry died in Sep
tember, 1877, and was buried in the Presbyterian
cemetery at Burgettstown. On February 5, 1885,
Mr. Pry was united in marriage with Mary D. ,
daughter of Robert Lee, of Jefferson township,
this county. In politics Mr. Pry is a Republican,
and has always been active in promoting the wel
fare of his party, being prominent in the county
conventions, and has twice represented his county
in the State conventions at Harrisburg. He has
been five times appointed, by the Governor of the
State, a notary public, serving in that capacity
sixteen years, and on February 21, 1893, was
elected a justice of the peace in the borough of
Burgettstown. He is also enrolled as agent or at
torney, and admitted to practice before the De
partment of the Interior in Washington, D. C. :
he has secured many pensions for disabled soldiers,
widows, orphans and dependent parents of the late
Civil war. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Burgettstown, and has held the office
of elder since 1874. He was a delegate from the
Washington Presbytery to the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church of the United States,
which met in Chicago in 1877.

JC. CROUCH, farmer, is a prosperous citizen
of Peters township. The first ancestor of
his family, concerning whose history there is
any record, was one Robert Crouch, a native
of Maryland. This pioneer left his native
State, and many years ago settled in Nottingham
township, Washington Co., Penn., where he re
ceived a Government patent for land, and passed
his life in tilling the soil. His children were
William, John, and two daughters, whose names
are unknown.
William Crouch, son of Robert, was born in
Lindenfort, Penn., and reared to manhood in
Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn.
In early life he married Miss Mcllvaine, and set
tled on a farm in North Strabane township, this
county, where ten children were born to them,
namely: George, Robert, John, Joseph, Isaiah,
Watson, Daniel, Sarah, and two whose names are
unknown. Mr. Crouch was an elder in the Pres
byterian Church.
"AVatson Crouch was born in 1819, on the farm
in North Strabane township. When a young man
he was married to Agnes, daughter of James
Crawford, of Peters township, and she died leav
ing two children: an infant (deceased), and J. C,
whose sketch follows. For his second wife Wat
son Crouch married Deborah, daughter of David
Wells, and she has borne him eight children. In
1858 the family moved to Marshall county, W. Va. ,
where they are yet living.
J. C. Crouch, son of Watson and Agnes (Craw-

1254

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ford) Crouch, was born March 11, 1844, in North
Strabane township, this county. In 1862 he en
listed in the Twelfth Regiment, AV. Va. V. I., and
served in the army of the James river. He re
mained until the contest was ended, and was pres
ent at Lee's surrender, then coming home resumed
work on the farm. On December 17, 1869, he
was married to Mary, daughter of William Mc
Murray, of Peters township, and six children have
blessed their home, viz. : William J. , Harvey W. ,
Thomas B., Frank M., Charles M., and Ross" Em-
mett, all of whom are living under the parental
roof. The farm contains 160 acres of land. Mr.
Crouch is actively interested in the success of the
Republican party, and has held many townsh'ip
offices. He is a member and trustee of the United
Presbyterian Church at Peters Creek.

T| AMES and LEANDER McCORMICK. John
w. I McCormick was born in Scotland, and after
\J' landing in America came to Pennsylvania.
About the year 1775 he located on a farm
situated on the boundary line between Allegheny
and Washington counties. He was married in this
country to Elizabeth McMillian, a native of Scot
land, who bore him six children, namely: John,
James, Samuel, Griselda, Elizabeth and Mary, all
of whom are now deceased. The father was a
Revolutionary soldier, and returning home after
the war, died on the old place.
John McCormick, son of John and Elizabeth
McCormick, was born in 1787, in eastern Pennsyl
vania. He was there married to Margaret John
ston, who was born in 1789, daughter of Robert
Johnston, aRevolutionary soldier, and the follow
ing children were born to this union: John, Mary,
Robert, James, Samuel, Agnes, Elizabeth, Margaret
and George. Of this family James, Samuel and
Margaret are yet living.
James McCormick was born October 14, 1814,
in Allegheny county, Penn., and passed his boy
hood on the home place. He then learned the
carpenter's trade, following the same for nineteen
years, when he came to his present farm in Peters
township. On December 14, 1843, he was mar
ried to Jane Wright, and their children were as
follows: John, Leander, Jane, Margaret, Almira
and Elizabeth. Those now living are John, Lean
der and Margaret. The mother died in 1859, and
for his second wife James McCormick married on
May 3, 1861, Elizabeth Mouck, who bore him two
sons. William and James. This wife was laid to
rest December 16, 1883. Mr. McCormick began
life with no financial aid, and has accumulated a
good property. He has eighty acres of fine land,
upon which a good house has been erected. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, and has held
many township offices. He has been a member of

and elder in the United Presbyterian Church for
thirty years.
Leander McCormick was born March 9, 1857,
on the farm near Bower Hill, Washington county,
Penn. , where he remained during his minority.
He then taught school three years in Chartiers,
Peters, and Nottingham townships, and in 1881
opened a store at Venetia, same county. On No
vember 7, 1882, he was united in marriage with
Angie, daughter of Amos Caseber, a resident of
Nottingham township, this county. Leander Mc
Cormick was appointed the first postmaster of
Venetia, and retained that office until 1886, when
he was removed, owing to a change in the admin
istration. In 1889 he was reinstated by President
Harrison, and has since filled that position in con
nection with his store. His property consists of
two houses and lots in the town, the store room and
a fine dwelling now in process of erection. Polit
ically, he is a stanch Republican, and has served
in various township offices; in religion he is a
member, trustee, and treasurer of the Presbyterian
Church at Finleyville. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick
have three children: Eva J., Elmer L. and James
Benjamin Harrison.

I W. DONALDSON is an enterprising young
l I farmer of North Strabane township. He is
If"!) a son of John Donaldson (who was a son of
James), who passed his youth on the home
farm in Westmoreland county, Penn., where he
was educated. He was married to Margaret Salis
bury, a resident of Red Oak, Brown Co., Ohio,
who bore him children, as follows: Josephine
(who died at the age of fourteen), Thomas W. and
Margaret (Mrs. William H. Jones). For his sec
ond wife Mr. Donaldson married Rebecca Van
Eman, and their children were Mary E., J. William,
Jennie R. and Alexander B. Mr. Donaldson was
a Whig, and an ardent partisan. He served many
years as justice of the peace in Brown county,
Ohio, to which State he removed from Pennsyl
vania six months before his first marriage, where
.he was engaged in coach building and afterward
in farming. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, in which he was an elder for years. He
died in Brown county, Ohio, and the family then
removed to Washington county, Penn., first locat
ing near Canonsburg.
J. W. Donaldson was born September 13, 1853,
in Brown county, Ohio, and came to Pennsylvania
with the family when but a small boy. His edu
cation was principally obtained by self-study, as
he was obliged to earn his living at a very early
age, working at any employment he could secure.
On January 1, 1880, he was united in marriage
with Mary B., daughter of T. H. Lyon, and their
union has been blessed by the following children:

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1255

Mary L. , Arthur V. , Bertha B., Nellie J., Annie
Grace and William Harvy. After his marriage,
Mr. Donaldson purchased a portion of the Linn
farm in North Strabane township, where he re
mained several years, and then bought and moved
upon his present home in the same township. He
has, by enterprise and perseverance, achieved his
own success, and is a liberal supporter of all pub
lic enterprises. He takes an active part in church
work, serving in the Presbyterian Church as trus
tee nine years, and holding the office of ruling
elder for the past six years. The Society of which
he and his family are members is known as the
"Dr. McMillan Church." In politics he is an act
ive and valued member of the Republican party.

J/OHN CONRAD. Among the prominent citi
zens and successful agriculturists of Fallow-
) field township, this gentleman is prominent.
He is a son of John Conrad, who was born in
1795, in West Pike Run township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., and grew to manhood on the home
farm. When a young man he selected a life com
panion in the person of Catherine, daughter of
Kobert Ferguson, a farmer of Somerset township,
Washington county, and to this union were born
the following named children: William, Hannah,
Margaret, Jane, Elmira, John, Catherine, David
and Elizabeth. The latter two are numbered with
the dead. The father always followed agricultural
pursuits; he served the township in various offices
until he died, in 1868. He was followed to the
grave by the mother in 1869.
John Conrad was born November 12, 1830, in
Fallowfield township, and there received his early
education. On attaining the age of maturity he
took charge of the home place, consisting of 180
acres of fertile land, lying five miles from Monon
gahela City. He now owns 105 acres of land ad
joining the village of Lock No. 4, where he
deals in stock. Of the village of Lock No. 4 Mr.
Conrad platted a part, a portion of the village
being at one time part of the farm. He is the
owner of a handsome modern dwelling and nicely
decorated grounds. He votes with the Democrat
party, and has served as judge of election and filled
other offices. In religion he is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Conrad is yet unmarried.

LI LYSSES enterpris
JJ is a son
"""" Thomas
West Virginia,
Thomas Wheele
Honor Donovan
follows: James,

S. WHEELER, one of the most
Ing farmers of Jefferson township,
of John Wheeler, whose father,
Wheeler, came from Maryland to
locating near Steubenville.
¦r was married in Maryland to Miss
who bore him eleven children, as
John, Thomas, William, Zacha

riah, Andrew, David, Benjamin, Honor, Sarah and
Nancy. John Wheeler was born August 18, 1812, on the
home place in West Virginia, and assisted in the
duties of the farm until about twenty years of age,
when he learned tailoring. In connection with
his trade he carried on a general store in the town
of Eldersville, for twelve years, and then bought
the farm which is now in the possession of his
son Ulysses. John Wheeler was united in mar
riage in 1839 with Hannah Sharp, who was born
March 9, 1817, in Washington county, Penn. The
young couple afterward moved to Eldersville,
where their six children were born: Amanda, born
March 28, 1840; Ulysses S., born June 8, 1841;
Jasper, born March 16, 1844; Lorenzo, Henrietta
and Loretta (triplets), born July 26, 1848. Of
these children, the last four died in infancy, and
Amanda (Mrs. Dr. McCullough) died May 25,
1881. John Wheeler died February 1, 1867, and
Mrs. Hannah Wheeler, August 30, 1877.
Ulysses S. Wheeler (the subject of this sketch),
the only living representative of his family, came
to the farm in Jefferson township when about
thirteen years old, which has since been his home.
In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One
Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and served in the
First Brigade, First Division, Second Army
Corps, under Gen. Hancock, during the whole war.
Ulysses Wheeler was engaged in thirty-two battles
and skirmishes, among the more important of
which were Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court
House, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Mr.
Wheeler was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville.
In the year 1865 he received an honorable dis
charge, and returned home. In the following
year he was united in marriage with Frances,
daughter of B. M. Sharp, an undertaker of Steu
benville. She was a student and graduate of the
Steubenville Female Seminary. Ulysses S. and
Frances Wheeler have two children, both of whom
are living with their parents on the farm. In poli
tics Mr. AVheeler is an ardent Republican, and al
though his township is strongly Democratic, he
has been elected to several official positions, having
been tax-collector nine years, and was census
taker in the year 1890. He is honored by all his
acquaintances, and is a devoted husband and
father.

G. GAYMAN. In the van of Washington
county's prominent farmers and progressive
men stands this gentleman. He is a native
of the county, born March 11, 1830, in
West Bethlehem township. His father,
Isaac Gayman, was also born, in 1804, in West
Bethlehem township, where he was reared and
educated. He was twice married; first to Eliza-

1256

Washington county.

beth Greenlee, by whom he had children as fol
lows : Olivia, G. G. , Caroline, Samuel, Daniel
(deceased) and Mary Ann. The mother of these
children died at the age of twenty eight years,
and Isaac Gayman then married Amanda Wys-
waner, by which union there were three children:
Isaac, Emeline and Barbara. The father departed
this life in 1879. He was a Democrat in politics.
In religious matters he worshiped at the Disciple
Church. At the common schools of his district the sub
ject of this sketch received a fairly liberal educa
tion, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on the
home farm. In the spring of 1856 he moved into
East Bethlehem township, where he owns a fine
farm of 107 acres, situated on one of the most
pleasant sites in the township, and having thereon
a commodious residence and splendid outside build
ings. In addition to general agriculture, he de
votes a portion of his time to the raising of fine-
bred sheep. In 1890 he and his son invented a
device for curing foot-rot in sheep, said to be most
wonderful in its success, and they have now an ex
tensive factory for the manufacture of same, at
Clarksville, Greene Co., Penn., which gives em
ployment to several hands. They have salesmen
and agents distributed through different parts of
the Union; and although their invention is but a
few years old, it has already attained a high repu
tation, having in every respect proved most satis
factory to all who have tried it, as evidenced by
the numerous testimonials received from all parts
of the country. On December 27, 1855, Mr.
Gayman was married to Miss Elizabeth Barnard,
and two children have been born to them: Samuel
and Emma. Of these Samuel married Ella Buck
ingham, who died in 1890, leaving two children:
Cora and Clyde (the last named being now de
ceased), and he then took, for his second wife,
Jessie Matthews, by whom he has one son, Glen.
Emma married William K. Buckingham, and they
have two children: George and Grace. Polit
ically Mr. Gayman is a Democrat. He is descended
from one of the oldest and most prominent fam
ilies of Washington county, his grandparents hav
ing settled here when it was a wild, uncleared
region.

EORGE W. OSBURN, retired merchant, of
Burgettstown, is descended of Irish an
cestry, his father and grandfather having
been natives of the Emerald Isle.
James Osburn (grandfather of subject)
was married to a Miss McCutcheon, of his local
ity, and they soon afterward emigrated to America,
landing at New York. Proceeding to Westmore
land county, Penn., they there made a permanent
settlement, and reared a family of children, as

follows: James, Jane, Robert, George, Margaret,
Catherine, Martha and John. Mr. Osburn was a
Democrat in politics, and in religious faith a mem
ber of the M. E. Church.
James Osburn, father of George W. , was reared
and educated in Westmoreland county, Penn. , and
was first married to a Miss Johnston, who bore
him two children, Thomas and Jane. For his
second wife, he was united in marriage with
Martha, daughter of Adam McKennet, a native of
Ireland, and a member of the M. E. Church. Mr.
McKennet settled on a farm in Robinson township,
this county, in the early part of the present cent
ury, and there passed the remainder of his days.
After his second marriage James Osburn settled on
the McKennet farm, where he died in 1843. Polit
ically Mr. Osburn was a Democrat, and in religion
an adherent of the M. E. Church. Martha, wife
of James Osburn, survived him until the year
1885, when she died on August 5, leaving three
sons, James J., George W. and Robert C.
George W. Osburn, whose name opens this
sketch, was born June 9, 1836, and passed his
youth on the home farm in Robinson township, re
ceiving a common-school education. On October
20, 1859, he was united in marriage with Mary,
daughter of James Hastings, of Allegheny county,
Penn. She was a very estimable lady and model
wife, whose demise occurred January 5, 1865. As
a result of this union three children were born, of
whom two died in infancy. The surviving child,
Martha J., was born January 19, 1861, and was
reared on the home farm under Presbyterian influ
ences. She was educated in the common school.
She married R. C. Cassidy, November 18, 1884. As
a result of this marriage the birth of Ora R. Cas
sidy occurred on April 17, 1888. Mr. Osburn con
tinued to reside on the home farm until 1888, in
which year he came to Burgettstown, where he
formed a partnership with R. C. Cassidy in the
grocery business, which they conducted until 1891,
when Mr. Osburn retired. He is an active Re
publican, and has held various public offices.

JS. WALTZ, a leading citizen of West
Alexander, was born at Washington, Wash
ington Co. , Penn. He is a son of Abraham,
whose father, Daniel Waltz, was united in
marriage with Margaret Bedillion, of Fayette
county, Penn. Daniel Waltz was a painter and
chair muker by trade, and followed that business
all his life. Soon after his marriage he moved to
Washington county, where eight children were
born and reared, and where the remainder of his
life was passed. In politics he was a Jacksonian
Democrat, and took an active interest in the wel
fare of his party.
Abraham Waltz passed his early life on the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1257

home farm in Washington county, where he re
ceived a common-school education and where he
began to learn his father's trade of painter and
chair maker, which he afterward followed. He
was married to Margaret B., daughter of John
Peters. Mr. Peters was born and reared in Massa
chusetts, and was married to Margaret Saladay, of
Fayette county, Penn., where five children were
born and reared. Mr. Peters. and his wife passed
the remainder of their life in Brownsville, Penn.,
and were buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham
Waltz were active members of the M. E. Church
at Washington, he being class- leader several
years. He affiliated with the Democratic party.
The death of this man occurred in 1841, and he
was buried in the cemetery at Washington.
J. S. Waltz, the only child of Abraham and
Margaret (Peters) Waltz, was reared and educated
at Washington, Penn. He has been an extensive
reader and instructor in vocal music. At the age
of eighteen years he began to learn the cigar trade,
remaining four years with Thomas McKean, of
Washington. He then began business for himself
in the " Black Factory," where he continued two
years. In the year 1868, Mr. Waltz came to West
Alexander, Penn., and there conducted a dry-
goods and grocery store for three years, when he
opened a cigar factory, which he now carries, on
in connection with the insurance brokerage busi
ness. He was married to Nannie J., daughter of
Isaac Post, of Donegal township, September 24,
1862. There were three children born to this
union: Linnette M. (a music teacher, died March
24, 1890), Harry P. (a bookkeeper and musician
in Wheeling, AV. Va. ), and Isaac N. (a book
keeper), graduated from the business college at
Wheeling, W. Va. ; he is also a musician. The
mother died June 24, 1890. Mr. Waltz was for
merly a Democrat, but is now a Republican. He
has been administrator and executor of several
estates. When the borough of West Alexander
was organized he was elected the first justice of
the peace, and on the expiration of his term was
re-elected, serving in all ten years. He has also
served as burgess, has been a member of council,
and a school director, and was again elected justice
of the peace, his commission dating from May, 1892,
to serve five years. During his long service as
justice of the peace he joined in marriage several
hundred couples, representing every State in the
Union, who look upon West Alexander as a west
ern "Gretna Green." In church connection he
was formerly a Baptist, but afterward united with
the U. P. Church at West Alexander, Penn. , in
which he has for years been leader of the choir.
During the building of the church he served both
as trustee and treasurer, and has ever taken an
active part in the support of that Society.
The Waltz family are descendants of Frederick

Reinhart Waltz, whose posterity now numbers
several thousands, and they are residents of almost
every State in the Union. The American pioneers
of the family emigrated from Switzerland to
America in the year 1731.

NDREW RUSSELL (deceased). The family
of which this gentleman was a representa
tive is descended from prominent early
pioneers of AVashington county, Penn., and
the blood of Scottish patriots flows in their
veins. Andrew Russell and his wife (the grand
parents) were born in Scotland and emigrated to
this country many years ago, first locating near
Oxford, Chester Co., Penn. In 1782 he purchased
and moved upon a part of the Crawford- Neville
Military Patent, in Chartiers township, Washing
ton Cb., Penn., also purchasing another farm on
the north branch of Chartiers creek. A log cabin
was erected, which in due time was supplanted by
a more commodious residence, their original home
being afterward used for a blacksmith shop. Seven
daughters and three sons were born to this couple.
Andrew, son of Andrew Russell, was born in
1777, in Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and in early life was married to Anna Mc
Clelland, who bore him eleven children, viz. : James
(married to Miss McElroy, living in Unionport,
Ohio), Andrew, Alexander, Robert, John, William,
Jane, Isabella, Ann, Eliza and Nancy, of whom
William and Ann are living. The father died in
1862. Andrew Russell was born December 31, 1814,
on the farm now owned by his brother John, where
his boyhood days were passed. On April 18, 1839,
Andrew Russell was united in marriage with Jane,
daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Steele) Miller,
who came from Ireland in 1810. Andrew and
Jane Russell reared a family of ten children, of
whom the following is a brief record: Sarah Jane
was married to Sampson' Smith, and they reside
in Allegheny City, Penn. ; of their six children,
Jennie L. , Anna R. and Clara S. are living. An
drew J. was first married to Margaret McBurney,
who bore him one son, Andrew Lyle (now attend
ing the Philadelphia Medical College) ; the mother
died in October, 1884, and for his second wife Mr.
Russell married, August 4, 1886, Alice M. Smith
(he is station agent and merchant at Bulger, Penn.,
and is an elder of the U. P. Church). James H.
Russell died when twenty-one years of age. Thomas
A. died in infancy. Letitia A. gave her hand in
marriage to Ezra McBurney, and was the mother
of five children, three of whom are living, namely:
Jennie D., Mary L. and Mattie L. Isabella M.
Russell was the wife of Matthew Brown, and bore
him eight children, namely: David Andrew, John
Edmund, Anna Doret, AVilliam Ralph, Joseph

1258

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

McElroy, AV alter Earl, Robert Russell and Jennie
Miller. William M. married Annie J. Agnew, to
whom one son, Johnson Miller, was born. Rob-
bert A. was married to Nettie Berryhill, who bore
him one daughter, Jennie Gertrude. Dorett M.
married Homer J. Willison, January 4, 1883; to
them were born two sons, Howard Linford and
Knowlie Clark, the latter died of pneumonia Jan
uary 7, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Russell began their
married life in a room sixteen feet square, but by
patient industry soon accumulated a good prop
erty, and owned some very tine stock. He was
school director and supervisor, being always inter
ested in all movements tending toward progression,
and in religious faith was an earnest member of
the United Presbyterian Church. He died April
25, 1891, leaving many warm friends to mourn his
loss, who gave to the bereaved family their heart
felt sympathy.

Jl OSEPH SHAW is one of the most prosperous
agriculturists of Chartiers township, giving
] especial attention to the raising of fine stock,
and is a representative of one of the oldest
pioneer families of Washington county. He is
the second son of John Shaw, and a grandson of
Joseph Shaw, the latter of whom was born in the
North of Ireland, and married a Miss Sankey,
finally settling in Chartiers township, Washington
county. John Shaw (a son of the above-named couple)
was born in 1804, on the pioneer farm in Chartiers
township, this county. In 1832 he was married
to Sarah Harsha, a native of the same county, and
they settled on the home farm, where the following
children were born to them: Esther Ann and Jane
(both deceased in infancy), William D. (who en
listed in Company A, Eighty-fifth Regiment, P.
V. I., serving three years, two months and ten
days; married Sarah Bancroft, have two sons and
one daughter, and is now living in Adams county,
Iowa), Joseph, John H. (deceased at the age of
fourteen years), an infant and James (twins, the
latter of whom was a veteran of Company B, First
Virginia Cavalry; married Mary Boyce, who died,
leaving four sons and three daughters; he then
married Rella St. Clare, by which union there is
one son now living in Guernsey county, Ohio),
Sarah Jane (who married J. L. Henderson, and
died leaving four sons and one daughter), Har
rison Marshall (who died of typhoid fever, at the
age of seven years), Thomas (residing on the old
pioneer farm, married Hannah Grounds, who died
leaving one son, and he then married Jennie W.
Agnew, by whom he has one son and two daugh
ters), Rebecca Agnes (deceased in youth), Robert
Theodore (a graduate of Washington and Jeffer
son College, now a physician and surgeon at Silver

Plume, Colo., and who has served twice as a mem
ber of the Legislature from his county) and Har
riet (married about the year 1878 to David Bedow,
to whom she bore a son; she died in March, 1880).
The mother of this family died of apoplexy in
1869. She was a daughter of John Harsha, whose
parents were early pioneers of Washington county,
of Scotch-Irish ancestry. John Harsha was a
hunter in Kentucky in the days of Daniel Boone,
but in his younger life he had learned the trade of
chair maker in his native State. He married Es
ther Ann McMillan, a native of Chartiers town
ship, also a member of an early pioneer family.
They died in this county. John Shaw was a Dem
ocrat until 1840, when he became a Whig, and
upon the organization of the Republican party, he
joined its ranks; he was an enthusiastic worker
with them, and one of the most patriotic of men,
universally respected. In church relationship he
was a member of and elder in the United Presby
terian Church of CroBs Roads, in Chartiers town
ship. He died in February, 1879.
Joseph Shaw (whose name opens this biography)
was bora August 10, 1837, on the home farm in
Chartiers township, this county, and was educated
in District No. 2, that township. On September
13, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-fifth
Regiment P. V. I., for a term of three years, or
during the war, and was assigned to the army of
the Potomac under Gen. MacClellan. The army
of the Potomac then lay encamped from Fortress
Monroe to Newport News, and commenced move-,
ment on May 4, 1862. The enemy evacuated his
position at Yorktown the night before, and upon
discovering this the Union army began a hot pur
suit, overtaking them at Williamsburg, where a
terrible fight ensued, lasting till night, when the
Confederates retreated. The regiment then fol
lowed, taking part in a few skirmishes, and finally
halted at Fair Oaks. From here, after a fierce
battle, they were forced to retreat to Harrison's
Landing, the retreat including what is termed the
Seven Days Fight. The army soon afterward
evacuated Harrison's Landing, proceeding to For
tress Monroe and Hampton Roads. At this junct
ure, Companies A and F were detailed to guard
the hospital at Point Lookout for three months.
Companies A and F received orders to join the
regiment at Suffolk, Va., and while there had a
skirmish with the enemy at Blackwater. In the
latter part of January, 1863, they were sent to St.
Helen's Island, on a fleet comprising about fifty
wooden and iron-clad vessels. They landed Feb
ruary 8, 1863, and saw the engagement which took
place at Charleston Harbor, many vessels being
engaged, also the bombardment of Ft. Sumter by
Dupont. The Union troops were then in posses
sion of Folly Island. A battery was there ambushed
which enabled them to take Morris Island, and then i

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1261

followed the siege with Forts Wagner and Gregg,
which were protecting Charleston. Joseph Shaw
assisted in building the "Swamp Angel," after the
siege. The regiment was then transferred to Hil
ton Head, where it remained until April 23, 1864.
An expedition was then sent to Bermuda Hundred,
being the first regiment to land under Gen. Ben.
Butler, and afterward took part in the bloody bat
tles near Petersburg. Leaving there they went
to Turkey Bend, thence to the Gap, where a heavy
fight ensued on Chapman's Farm, at Deep Bottom.
In this engagement the Eighty-fifth Regiment
captured two stands of colors, but nearly half of
those heroic men fell martyrs to the Union cause
that fearful day, and Mr. Shaw received a flesh
wound. From there they went to Norfolk on duty,
and on November 22, 1864, Joseph Shaw received
an honorable discharge at Pittsburgh, Penn., and
he immediately returned to Washington county.
On December 5, 1865, the wedding bells pro
claimed the union of Joseph Shaw and Helen Jane
McBurney, a native of Canton township, this
county, reared and educated in Washington. She
is a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Maxwell)
McBurney, natives of South Strabane township,
descended from Scotch ancestors, members of the
U. P. Church. The mother died in 1888, and in
1889 the father passed away, while residing at
Antelope Gap (his ranch near Goldthwaite, Mills
Co., Texas).
Mr. and Mrs. Shaw passed the first years of
their married life on the place known as the Sam
uel Morgan farm, which he sold, and in 1881 he
purchased the farm of over 127 acres which he now
owns in Chartiers township. Five children have
been bom to them, viz. : Dr. John H. (a dentist
of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Harry McBurney (a farmer),
Mary, Florence and Margaret E. ; the daughters
all attend the Washington Female Seminary. Mr.
Shaw has given special attention to raising English
Shropshire sheep. He and his wife and family are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at
Houstonville, and they are now living in that vil
lage. Politically Mr. Shaw votes with the Repub
lican party.

JOSEPH MoDOWELL is a representative of
one of the early families of Mt. Pleasant
township. The McDowells are of Scotch-
Irish descent, the first settlement having been
made in colonial days by Thomas McDowell, in
Little Britain township, Lancaster Co., Penn.
The great-grandfather, Thomas McDowell, was
born there, and in 1773 came to Washington
county, first settling near the mouth of the north
branch of Chartiers creek, in Chartiers township,
taking out a patent for 400 acres of land. In 1787
he purchased a patent of 899| acres in Mt. Pleas

ant township, from John Neiper, the assignee of
Robert Downing, which was patented in John
Neiper' s name January 3, 1788, described as lying
near the headwaters of Chartiers creek, and named
Long Meadow. In a will made by Thomas Mc
Dowell and his wife Jennet, the following named
daughters are mentioned: Hester Miller, Rachel
Steel, Dina McKnight, ' Jane Clarke, Rebecca,
Martha, Abigail, and sons: William, John, James
and Joseph, and the grandson: Benoni Stulbs.
Thomas McDowell died in the year 1797, and was
interred in the Buffalo Presbyterian church bury
ing ground in Hopewell township.
James McDowell, son of Thomas and Jennet,
was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and moved
with his father's family to Washington county,
where he married Mary McKnight, a native of
Chartiers township. They settled on the farm in
Mt. Pleasant township, James having in the year
1796 bought of his father 160 acres of the orig
inal John Neiper patent, paying in consideration
therefor the sum of £100 current money of Penn
sylvania. The following children were born to
them: Eleanor Nesbit, Rebecca Smith, Jane Mc
Elroy, and James and John. James McDowell,
the grandfather, died June 21, 1827, his wife sur
viving him a number of years. Both lie in the
Cross Roads U. P. Church burying ground.
James McDowell, the father, was born on the
farm of his father, James, on June 21, 1804, and in
the year 1828 married Katharine Miller, of Char
tiers township, who was born also in 1804, and
was a sister to Col. R. W. Miller. They set
tled on part of the farm, it having been willed to
him and 'his brother John to be divided between
them. He followed farming, stock raising and
hunting as an occupation, and was considered in
his day a great marksman and hunter. AVhen
about fifteen years of age he, with a flint-lock
rifle, went hunting, taking along with him a young
fox-hound. Before he was off their own farm, he
came up to a black bear. The young hound would
not leave him , but with his tail down and bristle' s
up, kept a sniffing. He finally discoved the bear
standing up on its haunches and on firing, the
powder flashed in the pan, causing the gun to
hang fire. In the meantime the bear had got
down on all fours and ran about a rod before the
gun discharged the ball. This bear was the last
one seen in these parts and was a few days after
ward killed near what is now the village of Hick
ory, in Mt. Pleasant township. When dressed the
bear weighed 300 pounds. James McDowell's po
litical views were Democratic, his first vote being cast
for Andrew Jackson for President. He voted for
all the Democratic nominees down to his last vote,
which was cast for Grover Cleveland in 1884. Al
though not a member of any church, he was never
known to speak disrespectfully of the Christian

1262

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

religion, and all that is known of his religious be
lief is what he said to the minister on his death
bed which was: "when Christ died He sent the
Holy Ghost as a Comforter." Catharine McDowell,
the mother, was a member of Mt. Prospect Pres
byterian Church by certificate, having joined the
First Presbyterian Church of AVashington before
marriage. She was a kind mother and a conscien
tious Christian. The following children were born
to them: Mary, Jane, James (died in youth),
Rachel, Jacob, John (died in youth), Samuel (now
living in Miami county, Kans.), Robert (died in
Miami county, Kans. , March 30, 1889), Joseph
and Katharine. The mother died February 16,
1881, and the father July 10, 1886. Both are
buried in Mt. Prospect cemetery.
Jacob McDowell, son of James and Catharine,
volunteered in the year 1861 and served as a cav
alryman in the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry,
Company K, until honorably discharged in 1864,
having served for three years. He died in 1875,
from the effects of a wound on the left, cheek bone
received while in the army.

J. GREGG. Among the early settlers of
Washington county, whose deeds are an un
dying monument to their memory, were the
ancestors of the well-known family, repre
sented here by the gentleman whose name
here appears.
In the year 1790 three brothers — Henry, Will
iam and John Gregg — left Ireland, the country of
their birth, and crossed the ocean to America.
After a voyage of sixteen weeks they all «ame to
Washington county, Penn., and settled in East
Pike Run township, where Henry secured a tract
of 349 acres called the "Burning Mine," and now
owned by a Mr. Duvall. Henry Gregg served as
justice of the peace in 1796. He was married to
Jane Dowler, and of their children whose names
are given are John, Henry, Thomas, Edward, Seth
and William. The parents died in 1834 in West
Pike Run township. The second brother of the
three who emigrated from Ireland was William
Gregg, and he was married in the old country to
a lady who bore him the following children:
Henry, John, William, Andrew, Robert, Christina
(wife of John Crow) and a Mrs. Jackman.
Robert Gregg, son of AVilliam, was born in Ire
land, and was about twelve years of age when
the parents and uncles came to America in 1790.
He attended the subscription schools of Washing
ton county, Penn., and in early manhood was
married to Ann, daughter of John Robison, a
native of Ireland, where he was married. Coming
to America in an early day, he opened the first
tavern on the old Washington road in Pennsyl

vania. His children were Joseph, John, William,
Susan, Sarah and Ann (Mrs. Gregg).
Robert and Ann Gregg resided on the home
place until his health failed, when they moved to
Greenfield (now Coal Centre), where he died. He
was a pilot on the Monongahela, Ohio and
Mississippi rivers. In politics he was actively
identified with the Democratic party, and served
for years as supervisor, as well as in other town
ship offices. The children of this family were
born as follows: John R., William, Mary, Jane
(wife of Daniel Williams), Andrew J., Ann (mar
ried to Thomas Huggins) and Matilda. Of these
Andrew, J. and Ann are yet living. Robert Gregg
helped to build the first steamboat launched on the
Monongahela river. His son, John R., started the
first general store in Greenfield in 1835, which he
kept for fifty years. He, in partnership with
Hiram Smith, loaded the first coal boat there, and
ran it by hand to Cincinnati. Boats in those days
were loaded three feet deep, and were sixty-five
feet long, and he lived to see his son W. H. Gregg
load boats six and seven feet deep and 165 feet
long, and towed by steamboats.
Andrew. J. Gregg was born in November, 1817,
in East Pike Run township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and attended the pioneer schools of the
period. On July 6, 1852, he entered matrimonial
life in company with Mary A., daughter of James
Ailes, who was a son of Amos Ailes, whose father
was Stephen Ailes, a native of Chester county,
Penn. Amos Ailes was born in 1751, and grew to
manhood in his native county. In early life Amos
Ailes was married to Ann, daughter of Joseph
Brown, a farmer of Chester county, Penn., and
soon after their marriage they came to Washington
county, locating on a tract of land in East Pike
Run township, which had then been in the pos
session of Joseph Brown for about two years. At
the time Amos Ailes settled upon it, the place was
an unbroken wilderness, inhabited only by wild
animals and wandering Indians. Two young girls
named Scott were killed by the Redskins about
this time, and Mrs. Ailes shot a deer in the door-
yard soon after their arrival. In this wild forest
home children were born to these pioneers, and
reared, as follows: Joseph, Stephen, Aaron, Mary
(wife of Eli Gause), James, Sarah (wife of John
Waites), Isaac and Amos. Mr. Ailes was a Whig
in politics, and in religion a member of the
Society of Friends. He died in February, 1835,
and was buried by the side of his wife in the West-
land cemetery, in East Bethlehem township, Wash
ington county. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg resided on
the home place for three years after their mar
riage, then purchased and moved upon an adjoin
ing farm. They finally settled on the Ailes home
stead, and in 1889 erected their present residence.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1263

In addition to general farming, Mr. Gregg has
conducted a gristmill for the past few years. In
politics he is a stanch Democrat, and has held
various local offices. He is a member and ardent
supporter of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

DANIEL SHELLER, a well-known citizen of
Claysville, was born February 1, 1816, in
Donegal township. He is a son of Samuel
Sheller, also a native of that township,
whose father, William, was born in Germany, from
which country so many of the best and most intel
lectual citizens of America are descended.
William Sheller, grandfather of our subject,
passed his youth in his native land, and there mar
ried a German lady, who bore him children as fol
lows: William, Henry, John, Samuel, Mary (Mrs.
Jacob Ruple), Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Stephen
son), Mrs. Beckley and Mrs. McKee. This family
emigrated from Germany, and settling in Wash
ington county, were among the earliest pioneers of
Donegal township. Indians were still numerous,
and when the settlers attended church, which they
did usually in a body, the men of their number
carried their guns with them. In politics Mr.
Sheller was a Federalist; in religious faith he was
one of the founders of the United Brethren Church,
with which he was connected.
Samuel Sheller, father of Daniel, always lived in
Donegal township, and was educated in the German
language. He was united in marriage with Eliza
beth, .daughter of Christopher Winter (of whom
special mention will presently be made), and their
children were: Daniel, Elizabeth, Christopher
(living in West Alexander), Catherine (Mrs. John
J. Clemmens), Mary, Susanna (Mrs. Alexander
Noble) and Lucinda (Mrs. Alexander Blair). After
his marriage, Mr. Sheller settled on the farm
where the remainder of his life was passed. He
was a member of the United Brethren Church, and
in politics he was an active worker in the Old-line
Whig party. He died January 1, 1838, his widow
surviving him until 1860, when she, too, passed
away. Daniel Sheller, the subject of these lines, re
mained on his father's farm in Donegal township
during his early years, and was educated chiefly iu
the German language, attending the English
school but three months. On May 20, 1847, he
married Rachel, daughter of Joshua Stoolfill, and
their family consists of two sons and two
daughters, viz. : Samuel M. , Margaretta (Mrs.
Samuel Blayney), Joshua S. and Ida F. , all now
deceased. After his marriage Mr. Sheller settled
in Buffalo township, this county, where he re
mained until 1878; then came to his present home
in Claysville, where he is living a retired life. His
original farm comprised ninety acres, but he has

added to it until he now owns 228 acres of excel
lent land. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and
is now a member of the Prohibition party. In
church relations he is connected with the United
Brethren Church at Zion Chapel.
Christopher Winter, our subject's maternal
grandfather, was a native of Rhinepfalz, Germany,
whence, when a young man, he came to America,
and to Washington county, where he purchased a
tract of land in Donegal township, before the be
ginning of the present century. He married Kath
arine Schaffer, a lady of German descent, born in
Washington county. They remained in Donegal
township until their deaths, and they now lie at
rest in the cemetery at Zion Chapel. They were
among the e:irly pioneers of the township. The
country at the time of their settlement there was a
wilderness, inhabited by wild animals and Indians;
and when on the Sabbath the pioneers walked
through the forest to the little log building, used
both as a schoolhouse and church, they would
carry their trusty rifles with them for protection.
Samuel M. Sheller, son of Daniel and Rachel
Sheller, was born in Buffalo township, educated in
the State Normal School at California and taught
school for several years. For some time he was
engaged in mercantile business at Claysville. In
March, 1879, he married Jennie D., daughter of
Thomas McLeary, Esq. To this marriage were born
Elmer E., A. Garfield, Ida F., Margaretta A. and
Mary K. He then followed agriculture on the
home farm, and became one of the most successful
breeders of fine stock. Mr. Sheller was a member
of the United Brethren Church, and in politics
was a strong Prohibitionist. His death took place
March 22, 1892, and he was laid to rest in the
Claysville cemetery.

Ttf LEXANDER C. CHAPMAN, retired farmer
I l\ and now a leading citizen of Claysville, is a
|r4\ native of the county, having been born
II -* March 5, 1823, in Donegal township, of
f stalwart Scotch-Irish descent.
His grandfather, Richard Chapman, a native of
Ireland, was there married to Sarah Patterson, and
had a numerous family, the names of the four sons
being: Richard, Alexander, Andrew L. and Robert,
and of the two daughters: Jane and Mary. The
family emigrated to the United States in about the
year 1781, landing in New York, whence, the same
year, they moved to Washington county, Penn.,
where grandfather Chapman kept a hotel near
Washington some years, then purchased a farm
and resided in the county until their deaths.
Andrew L. Chapman, a son of the above pioneer,
came with his parents from Ireland to this country,
where he received his education. AA'hile quite a
young man he was married to Nancy, daughter of

1264

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Elder Thomas Campbell, of whom further mention
will be presently made, and the children born of
this union were: Jane (wife of Daniel Mooney),
Sarah (deceased wife of Jacob Mooney), Selina
(deceased), Nancy (deceased wife of Rev. Walter
Russell), Phcebe (deceased wife of David Oden-
baugh), and Alicia (deceased wife of Thomas Mc
Fadden), Alexander C. (subject), Dr. Andrew L.,
Thomas (deceased), Cornelius (deceased), and Dr.
Campbell (deceased). Mr. Chapman was an active
member of the Whig party, a warm friend of edu
cation and a public-spirited, progressive citizen.
He was one of the early teachers of the schools in
his township. A prominent member of the Chris
tian Church at Dutch Fork, he was one. of its most
liberal supporters, and was for many years an elder
in same. As a successful farmer he had no superior
in his section, and in addition to general agricult
ure he was for a long time engaged in sheep rais
ing. He died in this county in 1845.
Elder Thomas Campbell, grandfather of sub
ject (a descendant of Archibald Campbell, Duke
of Argyll, Scotland), was born February 1, 1763,
in County Down, Ireland, where in June, 1787, he
was married to Jane Corneigle, a descendant of
the French Huguenots. In an early day (1807)
he came to this country, making his home near
Washington, Penn. , finally removing to Bethany,
W. Va. , where he died at the advanced age of
ninety-one years. The following is a brief record
of his children that grew to maturity : His eldest
son, Alexander, while in Ireland became a student
of theology, concluding his education at Glasgow,
Scotland. He and his father were eminent minis
ters of the Seceder Church. In 1809 he joined
his father in this country. In the meantime they
both became dissatisfied with the divided state of
Christendom, and proposed a remedy by inviting
all Christians to unite with them "on the Bible and
the Bible alone." And thus Thomas and Alex
ander Campbell inaugurated the "Reformation of
the Nineteenth Century," forming churches on this
basis, known as "Churches of Christ," or "Dis
ciples," which have attained high standing among
the religionists of the world, and to-day numbers
1,000,000 members in the United States. Alex
ander also founded Bethany College, Bethany, W.
Va., of which he was president until his death in
1866. The second son, Thomas, was a leading
physician in this county. Archibald was also a
prominent physician, as well as an able preacher.
Dorothy became the wife of Joseph Bryant.
Nancy (mother of subject) became the wife of
Andrew L. Chapman. Alicia became the wife of
Mathew Clapp, and Jane, the wife of Mathew Mc
Keever. Alexander C. Chapman received his education
at the subscription schools of his native township,
and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On April

13, 1847, he was married to Julia A., daughter
of Richard Chapman, of Washington county,
Penn., and the children born to them were: Agnes
(deceased wife of Dr. Mont. LinviUe), Dorothy
(deceased wife of Dr. James Bemis), Kate (de
ceased), Selina (deceased), and Lizzie B., Grafton
K. and Campbell A., who are now living. The
mother of these children dying in 1874, Mr.
Chapman married, for his second wife, Mrs. M.
Hodgens, widow of John Hodgens, of this county,
she dying in the spring of 1889. In politics Mr.
Chapman was a Whig until that party ceased to
exist, after which he became a Democrat, and of
late years he has voted the Prohibition ticket. In
1875 he was elected to the office of justice of the
peace, which he filled with credit. He remained
on the farm until 1889, when he retired from act
ive life, and located at Claysville. He still owns
280 acres of fine land in Donegal township. While
engaged on the farm he was recognized as one of
the leading citizens of that section; was for years
engaged in buying wool, and took particular pride
in fine stock, and the production of fine wool; he is
regarded as competent authority on sheep and wool.
Mr. Chapman has been for years a consistent mem
ber of the Christian Church at Dutch Fork, and is
looked upon as a brainy, well balanced man, and an
able debater.

H. CRAWFORD, a prominent and pros
perous farmer of East Bethlehem town
ship, is a grandson of Elijah Crawford, a
— native of Fayette county, Penn. , who in
his lifetime was a Democrat of no small
repute. For a long term of years he held the
office of justice of the peace, and in his religious
faith he was a member of the Society of Friends.
He married Christina Oase, of Philadelphia, who
bore him children as follows: Lee, Levi, Josiah,
Jacob, James Sidwell, Cassie and Elizabeth, who
married Johnson Craft, and is now a resident of one
of the Western States.
James Sidwell Crawford, father of subject, was
born July 25, 1809, in Fayette county, Penn.,
where he received a fairly liberal education and
was reared to agricultural pursuits, which became
his life work in connection with distilling. On
April 14, 1836, he married Sarah Hawkins, daugh
ter of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, of AVashing
ton county, and the young couple then .settled on
the farm now occupied by their son, R. H. He
was successful as a farmer and stock raiser, and
made many substantial improvements on his prop
erty, among which may be mentioned the hand
some and comfortable residence erected in 1845, a
fine commodious barn and various outbuildings.
At the time of his death he had by energy, per
severance and judicious economy accumulated a

Mtimmmmmm

M

mm

mm-mm mm1.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1267

handsome competence, his farm comprising no less
than 322 acres of superior land. In his political
preferences he was a solid Democrat, but not an
active one, his farm interests occupying his entire
time and attention. He departed this life April 3,
1869, his widow in 1883, in her seventy-second
year. Their children were R. H. , Mary Emma,
Sarah Melissa, James Josiah and Edwin Elijah.
The last mentioned participated in the Civil war,
serving under Col. William J. Palmer in Company
K, FifteentL Pennsylvania Cavalry, and died in
Nashville, Tenn., February 12, 1863, aged twenty-
two years four months nineteen days. James
Josiah died July 29, 1862, aged thirteen years
ten months fourteen days; Sarah Melissa married
Robert Hawkins, and now resides at Newton Falls,
Trumbull Co., Ohio; Mary Emma is the wife of
Elmer R. Deems, of Washington, Penn.
K. H. Crawford was born October 28, 1837, on
the farm he now owns in East Bethlehem town
ship, and in his boyhood attended the common
schools of his district. He was reared to farm
work under the able instruction of his father, and
became, like him, one of the most successful agri
culturists of the county. On January 3, 1884, he
married Miss Anna E., daughter of Casper and
Sarah Ann (Griffith) Wyland, of Washington,
Penn. Mr. Crawford is a Democrat to the back
bone, but in minor elections votes for the best
man, regardless of party interests; he and his
wife are members of the Lutheran Church, His
farm covers 150 acres of prime land situated near
the center of East Bethlehem township, where he
carries on general farming, including stock raising
— buying and selling — and has continually on the
place a flock of about 150 sheep.

AMUEL AVALKER. The earliest record ex
tant of the Walker family, to which the sub
ject of this' memoir claims relationship, is
of one David Walker, a native of New
Jersey, who married Elizabeth Elliott, of the same
State. About the year 1772, the young couple
settlod near a little town called Burnt Cabins,
Huntingdon Co., Penn. Ten children were born
to them, viz. : Alexander, John, David, James,
Martha, Sarah, Mrs, Cree, Susan, Polly and Isa
belle, all now deceased.
Alexander Walker, eldest son of David, was
born May 10, 1773, in Huntingdon county, and
passed his boyhood on the borne farm. In 1795
he came to Washington county, and located in
Jefferson township, on the farm now owned and
ocoupied by his son. Here he met Miss Elizabeth
Norris, who was born December 19, 1778, in this
county, and October 26, 1800, they were married.
They settled on the home farm mentioned, and Mr.
Walker also managed a still-house, which was, at

that time, as important an industry as a mill of
the present day. The names and dates of birth
of the children born to them are as follows:
Elizabeth, February 22, 1802; John, June 8, 1803;
David, September 19, 1804; James, January 1,
1807; John N. , June 24, 1808; Susanna, December
22, 1809; Alexander, June 21, 1811; Mary Ann,
February 7, 1814; David S., July 6, 1816; Isabelle,
November 17, 1818; Drusilla, February 16, 1821;
and Samuel, April 18, 1823. The father died
September 8, 1854, the mother on December 17,
1855. They were Presbyterians. Mr. Walker
was a Democrat.
Samuel Walker was born in the house where he
is now living, and was reared to agricultural pur
suits, attending the common schools of the neigh
borhood. On September 2, 1844, he was married
to Miss Elizabeth H. Jerome, born June 10, 1825,
in Ohio county, W. Va., daughter of John Jerome,
a pioneer of that neighborhood. After marriage
they settled on the home place, and cared for his
aged father. After his death, the son became the
legal owner of the 200 acres of productive land
which is his present home. The names and dates
of birth of the children born to Samuel and Eliza
beth H. (Jerome) Walker are as follows: Thomas
P., July 22, 1845; Ophelia A., September 21, 1848;
W. Scott, August 8, 1852; James J., September 6,
1855; Harriet Bell, April 9, 1858; and Alexander,
February 16,1862. In politics Mr. Walker was
first a Whig, and afterward a Republican. He at
tends the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, to
which he gives a liberal support.

\ILLIAM S. GREGG. Among the early
'.) settlers of Washington county, Penn.,
Jl whose deeds are an undying monument
- to their memory, were the ancestors of
the well-known family, of which the sub
ject of this memoir is a worthy representative.
In 1790 three brothers— Henry, William and
John Gregg— left Ireland, the country of their
birth, for the shores of Columbia. After a voyage
of sixteen weeks, they all came to Washington
county, Penn., and settled in East Pike Run town
ship. Of these brothers William was the great
grandfather of our subject, and his son Henry se
cured a tract of 349 acres called "the Burning
Mine," in East Pike Run township, now owned by
a Mr. Duvall. This Henry Gregg served as a justice
of the peace in 1796. He was married to Jane Dow
ler, and they had children as follows: John, Henry,
Thomas and Edward. The parents of this family
died in 1834, in West Pike Run township. John
Gregg, the youngest of the three who came to
America in 1790, was twice married, his second
choice having been Miss Nancy Gregg, a native of
Ireland, to whom he was married in 1794. Their

1268

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

children were James, born August 8, 1795; Eleanor,
born May 22, 1797; Andrew, born April 8, 1799;
Mary, born September 8, 1801 ; Henry, born April
28, 1804; Sarah, born September 8, 1806; Ann,
born November 9, 1808; John, born January 23,
1811; Margaret, born February 8, 1813; and Eliz
abeth, born February 11, 1815. The father died
July 20. 1841, followed by the mother April 14,
1844. She was a member of the M. E. Church.
The three brothers who first settled in America
were all members of the M. E. Church, and in
politics affiliated with the Whig party.
William Gregg, another son of the pioneer Will
iam, married Ruth  . who bore him the fol
lowing children: Henry, John, William, Andrew,
Robert, Christina (wife of John Crow), and an
other daughter (who became the wife of a Mr.
Jackman). Robert Gregg, son of William and Ruth Gregg,
was born in 1808, in East Pike Run township,
Washington Co., Penn. He lived on the home
farm during early life, and February 8, 1821, was
married to Mary West, who was born in 1812,
in this county. They were the parents of six
children, namely: William S., West J., Robert
J. (living in Coal Centre, this county), Matilda,
Francis and Ruth A. The father was a practical,
energetic farmer. In politics he affiliated with
the Democratic party, and held various township
offices. He died in 1874, and in 1890 the wife
and mother was laid beside him. They were mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Coal Centre.
AVilliam S. Gregg was born July 4, 1847, in
East Pike Run township, Washington Co.. Penn.,
where his boyhood was passed. In 1872 he mar
ried Sarah J. Lutes, who was born in 1852, in
Washington county, a daughter of Joseph and
Mary A. Lutes, representative of an old family.
Four daughters were born to this union, namely:
Nora, Estella J., Laura (deceased) and Mary A.
(deceased). The mother, who was a member of
the Presbyterian Church at Coal Centre, died in
1886, and in 1891 Mr Gregg married Mrs. Mary
E. (Wright) Newman, daughter of Isaac Wright.
Her father was born in 1 81 3, in Washington county.
Penn., and was married to Mary J. Long, a native
of this county, born in 1818. The following chil
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright: Eliza (de
ceased); William H, a resident of Fayette county,
Penn.; Luke, living in East Pike Run township;
Samuel; Lizzie, wife of Samuel Worrell, a farmer
of East Bethlehem township; Mary E., wife of
William S. Gregg, Molissa; Matilda; Mary C. ;
Joseph; Thomas J. and John. Of this family the
six last mentioned are deceased. The father
passed his life on the home farm, where he died in
1885, having been preceded by the mother in 1859.
In politics he is a Republican. In 1878 Mary E.
Wright was married to John Newman, a native of

Washington county, Penn., and they settled in
Beallsville, same county, where he carried on a
general merchandise business, and died in 1885.
Mrs. Newman was afterward married to William
S. Gregg, and to the latter union one son, Harry,
was born July 21, 1892. Mr. Gregg owns fifty-
seven acres of highly- cultivated land, and conducts
a general farming business. He is a member of
the Coal Centre Presbyterian Church, while his
wife is identified with the M. E. Society, at Coal
Centre.

CARSON, SMITH and JEROME G. Thomas
Carson, great-grandfather of the subjects
of this sketch, was born and married in Ire
land. Coming to this country, he located
in Maryland, whence a few years afterward he
moved to Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn. , where he died on the farm now owned and
occupied by Henry Carson. His children were
Joseph, Thomas, William and John.
Thomas Carson, grandfather of subjects, was
born in eastern Pennsylvania, and coming to Wash
ington county many years ago was married January
25, 1791, to Mary Gibson, a native of Kentucky.
They settled on the farm in Fallowfield township,
still owned by their descendants, and here he car
ried on agriculture, and followed shoemaking; also
served as justice of the peace several terms. At
one time, being pursued by Indians, he traveled
seventy-five miles in one day, carrying his rifle, and
thus escaped. He died in 1848, leaving the fol
lowing children: Elizabeth (wife of James Young) ;
Thomas G. (married to Elizabeth Scott); Mary
(wife of John Grable); James S. (married to Dor
cas Redd); John B. (married to Sarah Scott); Ann
(wife of John Grable); Charlotta (wife of John
Carson). John B. Carson (father of subjects) was born
April 25, 1802, on the old home place on Pigeon
creek, Fallowfield township, Washington Co ,
Penn., where he grew to manhood. He was mar
ried to Sarah Scott, who was born December 6,
1813, a daughter of Parker Scott, Esq.. a farmer
by occupation, and owner of 700 acres of land; in
addition to general agriculture, he was a heavy
dealer in sheep and horses. Mr. Carson after
marriage located on the Pigeon Creek farm, now
occupied by his son Smith, but in the spring of
1846 he moved to Maple creek, on the farm his
son, Jerome G. now lives on. He died January
27, 1872, and September 17. 1887, his wife passed
away, leaving the following children: Newton (who
was a real estate dealer, also founder of West
Belle Vernon, and died December 24, 1888), Mary
(wife of Jackson Carson, of Fallowfield township),
Smith (a farmer living on Pigeon creek), Lewis
(living in West Pike Run township), John B. (who

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1269

resided in Allen township until the spring of 1893,
when he moved to Ohio), Jerome G. (on the home
farm), and Sarah J. (now deceased). Mr. Carson
voted the Democratic ticket, and served in various
offices. In religion he and his wife were members
of the Baptist Church. He served as major in the
old-time militia.
Smith Cabson was born October 16, 1836, in
Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He
remained on the place up to the time of his mar
riage, which occurred in May, 1873, with Miss
Amanda McMillan, who died on March 6, 1877,
leaving three sons: Charlie M. , Barkley M. and
Mack R. She belonged to the M. E. Church. Mr.
Carson married, October 17, 1880, for his second
wife, Miss Elmira, daughter of William Blythe,
and they are living on the old homestead, where
they are engaged in farming and stock raising.
The Carsons are generally Old-school Baptists and
Democrats. Jerome G. Cabson was born November 19, 1852,
on the ancestral acres in Fallowfield township, and
is the youngest son in his father's family. He at
tended the common schools during boyhood, and
has always followed farming and stock raising.
On November 4, 1875, he was united in marriage
with Isabelle Fry, daughter of Noah and Lydia
(Hill) Fry, the former of whom was a native of
Fallowfield township, the latter having been born,
reared and married in West Pike Run township.
Noah Fry died in 1884, having been preceded to
the grave by his wife several years. Mr. and Mrs.
Carson began married life on lOOf acres in Fal
lowfield township, where they are yet living. He
has erected a good residence on the place, and
does a profitable business in general farming, in
cluding stock raising. In politics he affiliates with
the Democratic party, and in religion he is a mem
ber of the Disciple Church, of which his wife is
also an adherent. Children have blessed their
union as follows: Lydia May, Joel (deceased in
1885), Alonzo, Val and Norman F.

COLONEL JAMES T. KIRK, who was born
at Canonsburg, Penn., September 21, 1825,
died at Washington, same county, December
7, 1886. He was reared and educated at
Canonsburg, and there established a merchant
tailoring house, which he carried on successfully
until 1851, when he moved to Washington, and
opened a similar business there, in a store which
occupied the site of the present A. B. Caldwell
store. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil war, he
was a member of the "Jefferson Light Guards,"
of Canonsburg, which disbanded in 1860, or early
in 1861. The call of April 15, 1861, for troops,
led to the reorganization of the guards, and as Mr.
Kirk was a lieutenant in the old command, so now

he was elected captain of the new organization.
Gov. Curtin accepted the company, and confirmed
the selection of Mr. Kirk as captain; but on the
arrival of the men at Pittsburgh, April 27, 1861,
the quota of Pennsylvania was filled, and the
guards were ordered to return. On May 7, follow
ing, the command was again ordered to Camp
Wilkins, and there, on June 19, the members en
listed for three years, and the name " Jefferson
Light Guards" was lost in that of Company D,
Tenth Regiment of the Reserve Corps, which was
mustered into State service June 19, and organized
June 21, 1861, the date on which Capt. Kirk was
promoted to lieutenant-colonel. On July 1 the
regiment occupied Camp Wright, on the Allegheny
river, proceeded to Harrisburg on the 18th, was
received into the United States service on the 21st,
moved to Baltimore on the 22d, and to Washing
ton, D. C. , on the 24th. On August 1 the ad
vance to Tenallytown, Md., was entered upon, and
from that date to muster-out, on June 11, 1864,
the regiment participated in all the brilliant affairs
of the brigades to which it was attached. On the
resignation of Col. McCalmont, Lieut. -Col. Kirk
was commissioned colonel May 15, 1862, and gal
lantly led the command from Mechanicsville, June
26, 1862, to Fredericksburg Church, April 30, 1864.
Before the regiment was ordered to the Peninsula,
the people of Canonsburg presented their first cit
izen with a sword and horse in recognition of his
services in the army. During the battle at New
market Cross Roads, Col. Kirk received a sunstroke;
at the second Bull Run, the Colonel was shot
through the side, while commanding the Third
Brigade, and at Gaines' Mills he was also wounded.
After being sunstruck he returned home, but was
again with the command at Manassas Junction
the night before the battle. Owing to his wounds
and the poor condition of his health, he resigned
October 18, 1862, and retired with honor from the
service. On returning to Washington, Penn.. he
served as assistant provost- marshal until the close
of the war.
Resuming a business life. Col. Kirk and his
brother George became landlords of the old "Man
sion House," on Main and Chestnut streets, which
they conducted for several years. Subsequently
he established a gents' furnishing and notion store,
on Reed's corner (now occupied by the Pittsburgh
Dry Goods Store), and carried on that business
until 1876, when he sold his interests therein, and,
practically retired from mercantile life. During
the decade preceding his death he worked at his
trade occasionally. He was the first captain of
Company H, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania N. G.,
and that company turned out to take part in his
funeral on December 9, 1886, which was carried
out under direction of William F. Templeton
Post, G. A. R., No. 120, the burial ritual being

1270

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

observed, Major Vankirk delivering the eulogy.
Col. Kirk married Miss Mary Jane Swan, a sister of
Editor William Swan, and both made their home
at Canonsburg. The children born to that mar
riage are as follows: William M. (deceased);
George W., residing at Tyrone, Penn. ; James C. ,
a resident of Washington, Penn. ; Samuel W. ,
residing at Johnstown, Penn.; and Edwin T. ,
a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn. The mother,
now seventy years old, resides with her son, James
C. in Washington.
George A. Kirk, the father of Col. Kirk, was the
pioneer of the family in Washington county. To
his marriage with Jane Bell Thompson eight chil
dren were born, of whom the following named are
living: Harriet, now Mrs. Boyd Crumrine, in Wash
ington; Mary and Lizzie, also in Washington;
Robert T., in Canonsburg, and William H. , a
physician of Doylestown, Penn. Each member of
the family fills a place in the history of the State,
while the late Colonel fills one in the history of the
Nation. The American ancestor of the family was
married in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1796, came
to the United States shortly thereafter, and after
a stay east of the mountains, arrived in Washing
ton county and settled on the Pentecost lands. In
1811 he moved to Canonsburg, where he pur
chased a house and lot. In 1813 he and two
neighbors went East with a band of horses, and at
the " South Mountain House " disappeared.
Some days after his body was found in the mount
ains; but it will never be known whether he was
lured thither by robbers, or met death while pursuing
his journey in the night-time. One of his sons,
George Kirk, was postmaster at Canonsburg,
Penn., from 1851 to 1859, when he died.

J [NO. C. BANE was born in Amwell township,
Washington Co. , Penn. , on AVednesday, the
I 6th day of November, 1861. He is the oldest
son of Aaron and Mary W. Bane. He has
one brother, Albert G. Bane, and one sister,
Edith Bane. His father is a farmer. His ances
tors were Scotch Quakers, and the first branch of
the family to come to America settled in Penn
sylvania, before the Revolutionary war.
The early life or boyhood days of Bane were
spent upon his father's farm. During the winter
seasons he attended the public schools of the dis
trict, completing his common-school education in
March of 1876. On the 22nd day of May, 1876, he
began a course of study at Hoge's Summit Acad
emy, at that time taught by Prof. John C. Messen
ger. He rode on horseback, six miles across the
country, from his home, to attend this school, for
a period of four years, completing his studies there
in the early part of the year 1880. He obtained
at this school the rudiments of a classical and
scientific education.

In September, 1880, he entered Washington and
Jefferson College, where he took a special course,
completing his studies in that institution, with the
class of 1882. Between the years 1882 and 1886
he spent his time upon his father's farm, devoting
his leisure moments to reading and the study of
shorthand. On the 23rd day of November, 1886,
Bane was registered as a student at law, at the
Washington County Bar. He devoted the succeed
ing three years to the study of his chosen profes
sion, supporting himself in the meantime by the
practice of shorthand, in which he is an expert.
On Monday, the 13th day of January, 1890, he
was admitted to the bar. He at once commenced
the practice of his profession in Washington. He
has, from the very beginning of his practice, met
with well merited success. He is to-day one of the
leading young lawyers at the Washington County
Bar. Bane is an enthusiastic Democrat. Ever since
his admission to the bar, he has been conspicuous
as an ardent and successful party worker. He was
elected Chairman of the Democratic County Com
mittee of Vigilance, of Washington County, in
1891, and re-elected in 1892. Washington Coun
ty, at the time he was first elected Chairman of the
Vigilance Committee, was one of the strongest Re
publican Counties in Pennsylvania, but by his
perseverance, and his abilities as an organizer,
Bane has placed it among the doubtful counties.
His skill as a political manager is recognized by
his own party, and feared by his opponents in the
opposing party. This fact has made him the most
prominent among the politicians of the county.
Beyond local politics, he has figured extensively in
the politics of the State. He has been several
times a delegate to State Conventions of his
party, where he has always taken an active part.
Bane is a member of the Jacques de Molay Com
mandery, No. 3, Knights Templar.

jHITE H. WILSON is a worthy represent
ative of a pioneer family of Washington
county. He is a son of James AVilson,
whose father, Thomas; was a son of
Thomas Wilson. The latter was of Irish
birth, and in 1749 located on little Chartiers creek,
Washington county, Penn. He was married to
Hannah Brown, who died in 1830; he died in 1833.
Thomas Wilson, son of Thomas and Hannah
(Brown) Wilson, was born in 1787, and was a
farmer and stock dealer. In 1810 he married Es
ther McCorkle, who was born in eastern Pennsyl
vania, and they became the parents of nine chil
dren, namely : James, Mary (wife of Leonard Weaver,
a resident of Beallsville, Penn.), Margaret (wife of
Samuel Graves, both deceased), Hannah (wife of
White F. Hopkins, both deceased), Jane (deceased),

'-mn^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1273

Esther (deceased wife of Samuel Thompson), Eliz
abeth (wife of George L. Thompson, both deceased),
Thomas C. and Robert (both deceased), whereby it
will be seen that James and Mary are the only
survivors. The father of this family died in 1859,
followed by the mother in 1864; both were mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he
voted with the Democratic party.
James Wilson, the eldest son of Thomas and
Esther (McCorkle) Wilson, was born February 26,
1811, in Washington county, Penn. He attended
the schools of the neighborhood, and was reared to
farming. In 1831 he was united in marriage with
Mrs. Elizabeth (Horn) Falconer (who was born in
1801, in Washington county, Penn.), widow of
Samuel Falconer, to whom she had borne two chil
dren: Thornton (deceased) and Eliza J. (wife of
Thomas H. Howden, a farmer of West Bethlehem
township). Mrs. Falconer was a daughter of Da
vid and Anna (Black) Horn, early settlers of this
county. To the union of James and Elizabeth
(Falconer) Wilson children were born as follows:
Esther A., wife of George Kinder (deceased), who
was a farmer of West Bethlehem township; Char
lotte W., widow of G. AV. Campbell, since married
to A. J. Buffington, of Salem, Henry Co., Iowa;
Jacob, a farmer of West Pike Run township;
Asenath, wife of J. P. Wilson, of La Salle county,
111.; Thomas H, a farmer of Clay county, Ind.;
White H. , whose name introduces this biography;
David, deceased; Elizabeth, married to Valentine
Crumrine, of East Bethlehem township, Washing
ton Co., Penn. ; and Margaret, married to Joseph
K. Horn, living in Portage county, , Ohio. The
mother died May 7, 1887, at the age of eighty-six
years; she was a member of the M. E. Church.
The father is yet living in West Pike Run town
ship, at the age of eighty-two years; he has always
voted with the Republican party.
White H. Wilson was born October 12, 1839, on
the home place in West Pike Run township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. He attended the public schools,
and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On De
cember 24, 1863, he was married to Maria Deems,
who was born in 1840 in West Pike Run township,
a daughter of Mark F. and Margaret (Baker)
Deems, the former of whom was a farmer. Mr.
and Mrs. Deems were the parents of the following
children: Joshua (a .farmer in Colorado), G. W. (a
resident of Beallsville, Penn.), Samuel P. (living
in Nebraska), Elizabeth (wife of Joseph Hawkins,
a farmer of Somerset township) and Maria (wife of
White H. Wilson). The mother died in 1864, fol
lowed by the father in 1880. Both were members of
the M. E. Church. To the union of White H. and
Maria (Deems) Wilson four children have been
born, namely: Samuel C, a grocer of Allegheny,
Penn. ; Clara, wife of John T. Baker (they have
one child, Lewis V.); Lelia D., wife of J. F.

Yorty (they have two children, Maud E. and Paul
A. ), and Maggie D. , still at home. Mr. Wilson in
1892 was elected a justice of the peace in West
Pike Run township for the term of five years. He
and his wife are members of the Oak Grove Pres
byterian Church, of which he is a trustee.

4)

V.ML ARTIN RANKIN is of Hibernian ancestry,
Xf/\ his grandfather, John Rankin, having
Ml I been born near Belfast, in County Down,
Ireland. He was married in the old
country, where his only son, John, was
born and reared to manhood. The latter was mar
ried to Miss Kate Martin, a native of the same
place, and the young people (accompanied by the
elder Rankin) then immigrated to America. John
and Kate (Martin) Rankin located on a farm of
eighty acres in Allegheny county, Penn., where
children were born to them as follows : Mary J. ,
Charlotte, Ellen, William, John A., Andrew, Ed
ward, Joseph and Martin.
Martin Rankin, whose name introduces this
sketch, was born June 17, 1835, on the pioneer
farm in Allegheny county, Penn. He was married
to Appalonia, daughter of Jerry Stilley, a resident
of Allegheny county, and they settled on a farm
near Gill Hall, in that county. In 1876 he pur
chased 181 acres in Union township, this county,
where they are yet living, and in addition to gen
eral farming he conducts a profitable dairy, keep
ing about twenty cows. Politically he is an earnest
advocate of the principles embodied in the Repub
lican party. The following children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rankin : Albert, Ed
ward, Sarah, Linnie, Lewis, George, John and
William.

MfATTHEW F. McCONNELL (deceased),
son of Matthew and Ann (Merchant) Mc
Connell (a record of whom appears on
Ml Page 1022, this volume), was born Sep-
v tember 4, 1827, in Hanover township,
this county, on the old McConnell homestead, sit
uated near Raccoon creek. He remained on his
father's farm during boyhood, and received his
first education at the country schools, which was
supplemented by several terms at Florence Acad
emy. After leaving school he successfully fol
lowed the profession of school teaching in Washing
ton, Beaver and Allegheny counties, Penn., work
ing on his father's farm during the summer. He
finally abandoned school teaching, and gave his en
tire attention to agricultural pursuits. On April
4, 1873, he was married to Sarah Ann Hutton,
who was born August 1, 1851, a daughter of C.
D. and Mary Jane (Pugh) Hutton, of near Pugh-
town, W. Va. The grandfather of Mrs. Hutton

1274

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was the founder of Pughtown, and was an early
settler of Hancock county, in the same State.
Two children were born to the union of Matthew
F. and Sarah Ann McConnell: Samuel F. F., born
December 30, 1875; and William A., born July 3,
1877, both of whom are assisting their widowed
mother in the management of the farm. Mr. Mc
Connell passed his whole life on his birthplace,
and followed general farming until the time of his
sudden demise, March 8, 1891, which was caused
by heart failure; he was buried in Cross Roads
cemetery, at Florence, Penn. Iu politics he was a
lifelong Democrat, and in religion a consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church at Florence,
of which he was a trustee. Since his death Mrs.
McConnell has been living on the old place, which
she conducts with the assistance of her two sons.
Before her marriage she was a member of the Rob
inson United Presbyterian Church, since which
time she has been identified with the Cross Roads
Presbyterian Church.

4/

MB. MERCER (deceased), a well-known-
resident and successful merchant of
Florence, Penn., was a son of William
Mercer, who was born near Canonsburg,
Penn., in 1797.
William Mercer- was educated in the subscrip
tion schools of the day, and in 1815 entered the
store of Robert Bowland, Esq., of Burgettstown,
Penn., as a clerk, being a most trusted employe.
On March 28, 1821, he was married to Eliza Bow-
land, who was born September 27, 1801, in Can
onsburg, daughter of his employer. In 1824 Mr.
Mercer entered business in Florence, Penn., which
he successfully conducted until his retirement from
active life in 1848. He then removed to the edge
of the town and erected a very pleasant brick
residence on a nice tract of land, there living a
retired life. On March 28. 1871. Mr. and Mrs.
Mercer celebrated their golden wedding. He died
at the advanced age of eighty years. His venerable
widow, although a sufferer for twenty years, sur
vived him until March 12, 1877, when she too
passed away. In politics he was a Whig, and
later a Republican, taking an interest in the suc
cess of his party. In 1829 he was appointed
postmaster of Florence, which office he filled for
many years. For over sixty years he was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, with which he
uuited in 1816. In 1853 he was chosen ruling
elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church, and
held that office until his death, being a strong
pillar in the church. Both he and his wife were
buried in Florence cemetery. Seven children were
born to this union, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of
Hon. Lecky Harper, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, propri
etor and publisher of The Banner ; Robert B., a

farmer of Hanover township; Martha, wife of Dr.
J. W. McCabe, died in 1857; William B., a drug
gist of Mansfield, Ohio; Harriet, married to Seaton
Walker, a woolen manufacturer of Allegheny
county, Penn. ; M. B., our subject, and Gaylord.
Of these children Elizabeth is the only one yet liv
ing. M. B. Mercer was born February 23, 1839, at
Florence, Penn., and being an apt scholar and close
student at the common schools, completed his
education at the higher institutions of learning.
When a young man he entered the drug store of
his brother, William B., at Mansfield, Ohio, re
maining there some time, and then entered Book
ing's drug store at Wheeling, W. Va. He finally
began business for himself in Allegheny, Penn.,
where he was established on Beaver avenue.
Here he married Mary E. Hollins, July 7, 1869,
who was born February 20, 1849, in Allegheny
county, Penn., a lady of English parentage. Her
father, George Hollins, was a native of Stafford
shire, England, and her mother, Elizabeth (Green)
Hollins, was born in Gloucestershire, England.
After his marriage Mr. Mercer opened a drug store in
Pittsburgh, corner of Wylie and Washington streets,
and was among the prominent pharmacopolists
of the " Smoky City." In 1875, owing to the fail
ing health of his aged parents, he disposed of his
interests there, and removed to Florence, Wash
ington county, where he continued to care for
them until they died. In 1878 he opened a drug
store in Florence, this county, on the site where
his father won success. Here he remained until
heart failure. caused his death, while on his way to
Pittsburgh, January 14, 1891. Mr. Mercer was
very popular socially, an efficient druggist, and an
enterprising citizen. He was a Democrat, serving
as postmaster during Cleveland's administration,
and was assistant postmaster at the time of his
death. He was an active member and trustee of
the Presbyterian Church, also serving in other
capacities. He was also a member of Cardville
Lodge, No. 407, I. O. O. F. Since his death his
widow has been living in Florence, surrounded by
her many friends.

J | AMES SCOTT, one of the foremost business
men of Smith township, is a native of the
| same, having been born December 27, 1827,
on his father's farm. He is a son of Finley
and grandson of Abraham Scott. Abraham Scott
was born and reared in Maryland, and when a
young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn., afterward
settling in Washington county, with his brother
Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land
near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, where
his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He
was married to Jane, a sister of John Finley (the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1275-

founder of Finleyville), and reared the following
children: Rachel (Mrs. James Russell), Mary (wife
of Thomas Fletcher), Ann (married to James Kerr),
Jane (wife of David White), Elizabeth (Mrs. Will
iam Scott), Susan (married to John McBride), Abra
ham, Finley, Holland and Samuel. The father was
a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Raccoon.
Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson town
ship, and educated in this county. In 1822 he se
lected, as his life companion, Margaret, daughter
of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The
young people first settled on a farm in Robinson
township, this county, remaining there a few years,
when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward
purchasing a place in Smith township, where they
lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home
where the remainder of their lives was passed.
The children of this couple were: Ann, Robert. K.,
James, Samuel. Finley, John, Levi. Jane F. (Mrs.
William Cowen) and Margaret (wife of Thomas
Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own
fortune, and owned 450 acres of land at the time
of his death, which occurred in 1879. He was a
Democrat, and held various township offices. In
church connection he was first a member of the
V. P. Church at Burgettstown, this county, after
ward uniting with the Associate Reformed Church,
in which he was an elder. Both he and his wife
are buried in the U. P. cemetery.
James Scott received a common-school education,
and followed agricultural pursuits on the home
farm until 1852. He and his brother Finley then
joined the throng of gold seekers bound for Cali
fornia, first going to New York, then sailing in the
steamer "Eldorado" to Aspinwall, thence crossing
the fever-haunted Isthmus, partly by water, partly
by rail, the rest on foot, and at length, after
tramping some twenty-one miles, they reached
Panama. One of the men was there taken sick
with the fever prevalent in that locality, and the
entire party was detained a few days. When he
had partially recovered, they took passage for San
Francisco on the steamer " J. L. Stevens," pro
ceeding on their journey until opposite San Pedro
bay, in California. The ship then became disabled,
and they were obliged to lay to until assistance
could be brought from San Francisco. They had
barely reached their destination when the sick
companion, William Shields, succumbed to the
fever and passed away. James Scott followed the
life of a miner in El Dorado county, but not real
izing his expectations of success returned to Wash
ington county the following year, by the same
route as on the outward journey. He then took
charge of the "Old Egypt Mill"' at Midway, con
ducting that business for several years. On June
12, 1855, he was married to Lizzie Galbraith, who
was born in 1831, daughter of William Galbraith,

of Smith township. They have had the following
children: Finley S. (deceased, married to Anna
Riddile), William G. (a machinist of Wellsville,
Ohio), Harry C. F. (living at home), Samuel G. (a
blacksmith of Cross Creek village) and George R.
(living with his father). The mother of this family
died in 1873, and on August 20, 1878, the father
was united in marriage with Lizzie E. B., daughter
of John Gregg, who has borne him one son, John
G. After his marriage Mr. Scott located on a farm
situated about two miles east of Burgettstown, this
county, where he resided until 1859. then located
on his present home, which is one mile and a half
south of that borough. Mr. Scott was engaged in
the agricultural and implement business for three
years, having since followed farming and stock
raising. He is well and favorably known in the
township, and in politics was a Democrat before
the war, having since voted the Republican ticket.
He is not an active politician, but has held various
township offices. He and his wife are both con
sistent members of the U. P. Church.

If SAAC N. SPRINGER is descended from Swed
ish ancestry, and traces his lineage to one
Charles C. Springer, a nobleman from Stock
holm. Sweden, who landed in this country
about 1689. He settled where Wilmington. Del..
now stands, where in time he owned an extensive
plantation. He was a prominent member of the
Swedish Church. His son, Jacob Springer, assisted
in the erection of the first church in the colonies,
known as the Swedish Church of Wilmington.
Del. In 1770 the ground where is now the city of
Wilmington, Del., was leased for a term of ninety-
nine years, and the lease or deed is still in the pos
session of the descendants of the Springer family.
John G. Springer was born August 8, 1785, a
son of Jacob Springer, Jr., was reared and edu
cated in Wilmington, Del., and came to Washing
ton county, Penn., many years ago. On February
1, 1810, he was married to Miss Jennie Newkirk,
of this county, and they first located on a farm in
East Pike Run township, moving in 1826 to a
property in West Pike Run township. He was a
Whig in politics, and served repeatedly in an
official capacity. He was sergeant in Robert Kerr
Company, Ninety-ninth Regiment of the Pennsyl
vania Militia, which was noted in the war of 1812-
14. In religion he was one of the first trustees of
the old West Church, located in West Pike Run
township. His children were Newton (deceased),
Henry N., Rhoda (wife of David Knight). Nancy
(Mrs. McJunkins), Elmira (deceased wife of James
Morton), Mrs. John Taylor, John and Jane (de
ceased). Henry N. Springer, son of John G. Springer,
was born August 19, 1817, in East Pike Run town-

1276

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ship, Washington Co. , Penn. , and attended the
primitive subscription schools of the day. In 1844
he was united in marriage with Phoebe Hill, daugh
ter of Joseph Hill, of West Pike Run township,
and their children are Helen, H. Ed., Isaac N.,
Elmira (wife of Isaac Morris), Catherine (wife of
Samuel Morris), and Joseph J. A. Mr. Springer
was formerly a builder and contractor, and in his
business experience erected many of the buildings
in the eastern part of the county. In 1844 he
moved to West Brownsville, and there engaged in
ship building, a business he followed until 1855,
when he retired to the farm. In political opinion
he was a Whig until the organization of the Re
publican party, since when he has been identified
with the latter. He is a member of the M. E.
Church at Newkirk's.
Isaac N. Springer, son of Henry N. and Phoebe
(Hill) Springer, was born September 5, 1855, in
West Pike Run township, Washington Co. , Penn.
He attended the neighborhood schools, remaining
on the farm until 1877, when he bought a pho
tographic car, and traveled through western Penn
sylvania. On May 14, 1881, he was united in mar
riage with Ellen M. , daughter of Jacob and Helen
French, of California, Penn. (Jacob French died
in 1866, in Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn.). After
his marriage he opened a store at Garwood, this
county, of which place he was appointed postmas
ter in March, 1884. In the fall of 1884 Mr.
Springer's life was endangered through robbers
entering his store and dwelling at Garwood. Mr.
Springer has been very unfortunate in this re
spect, as burglars have entered his place of busi
ness three 'times, but he has always had them ap
prehended and brought to justice. In 1887 he
bought out the store of James Herron, at Cali
fornia, in partnership with whom he conducted the
business until 1891, since which time he has been
sole proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have
one son, H. Earle. Our subject is a Republican,
and has served as auditor and school director at
California. In religion he is a member of the M.
E. Church, of which he is a trustee, and was one
of a committee of three chosen to erect a parson
age, which is a credit to the town.

TfOHN B. HAYS is one of the representative
. I citizens of Smith township, and comes of an
frjl eminent pioneer family, of whom one David
^^ Hays, on September 13, 1787, purchased
land iu New Jersey, where children were born to
him and reared as follows: John, Thomas, David,
Joseph, William, James and Moses, and five daugh
ters, whose names are unknown.
Moses Hays was born in the State of New
Jersey, and after partially learning the black
smith's trade was drafted, at the age of sixteen,

into the Continental army, and with five brothers
of his he served through the war as regimental
blacksmith, and during the contest his brother
John, who was a lieutenant, received a wound
which afterward caused his death. In 1783 Moses
was married to Jemima Peterson, a native of New
Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary
war, Moses, with his wife and brothers, went
West, settling on 1,000 acres of land about three
miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county, on
Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this tract,
and Moses made a permanent home upon his share,
which is still owned by Alex Hays, where the
following children were born to him and reared:
Thomas (moved to Jackson county, Ohio, where he
died), born October 5, 1784; Edith (wife of David
Hays, of Ohio), born February 27, 1786; John (de
ceased near Moorefield, Harrison Co., Ohio), born
February 3, 1789; William (killed by accident),
born April 7, 1791 ; James (deceased in Allegheny
county, Penn.), born June 11, 1793; Alexander,
bornNovember 11, 1795; Mary (deceased in youth),
born December 25, 1797 ; Eleanor (deceased wife
of James Todd, of Allegheny county), born No
vember 15, 1799; Joseph (deceased on the home
farm), born February 15, 1801; David (deceased
farmer of Smith township, married to Martha
Fulton), born May 7, 1803; and Ann (deceased in
youth), born June 23, 1805. Moses Hays pos
sessed a remarkably retentive memory, easily re
calling incidents of the Revolutionary war fifty
years after the conflict. Anything once seen or
heard he never forgot, and easily brought it to
mind whenever the subject arose. He was a prom
inent and successful farmer, and in religion was a
member of the Raccoon Church during the ministry
of Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend
of Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836,
being followed a few days thereafter by his wife.
Alexander Hays was born November 11, 1795,
on the farm of his father in Smith township. His
literary attainments were acquired in the primitive
log-cabin schoolhouse of the day, the instruction
being as limited as the furniture, but Alexander
Hays soon gave evidence of unusual mechanical
ability, readily learning both the carpenter's and
blacksmith's trades. In 1824 he made choice of a
wife in the person of Ann Stevenson, who was
born in 1802, daughter of James Stevenson, an ex
tensive landowner of Smith township. The chil
dren born to this union were as follows: One de
ceased in infancy, James S. (whose name opens
this sketch), Jemima (deceased in infancy), John
B. (a farmer of Smith township) and Joseph (a
lawyer in Pittsburgh, Penn.). Alexander and Ann
(Stevenson) Hays began married life on a part of
the old Stevenson tract, lying about one mile and
a quarter west of Burgettstown, Penn., where they
passed all of their wedded life. He was an

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1277

industrious, kind-hearted man, possessing many
friends. In politics he was a stanch supporter of
Democratic principles, and filled several township
offices to the entire satisfaction of his party. He
died in 1846, and in 1881 his widow was laid to
rest beside him.
John B. Hays (a son of Alexander and Ann
(Stevenson) Hays) was the fourth child in his
father's family. He was born on the farm in
Smith township, this county, where he is now liv
ing, and attended the rate schools during his boy
hood. He cherished a youthful ambition to be
come a lawyer, and to this end took a practical
course in Washington College, but owing to the
failing health of his parents, he soon returned to
the farm. During the " gold fever " excitement
he went to California, remaining three years, then
returned to his widowed mother, and was after
ward employed as a dry-goods clerk in the store of
his uncle, J. B. Phillis, of Burgettstown, this
county. John B. Hays was a soldier in the Civil
war, being promoted for bravery and efficient
service to the rank of captain. At the close of the
war he returned to the home place, and September
30, 1875, was united in marriage with Mary A.
Scott, who was born January 20, 1840, daughter
of Josiah N. and Rachel (Vance) Scott, of Jeffer
son township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hays
are the parents of the following children: Ernest
B., George P., John W., and Joseph (deceased at
the age of three years), the living children all re
siding at home. Mr. Hays has been extensively
engaged in the dairy business, but has been more
active in political than agricultural life. He is
one of the leading advisers and workers of the
Republican party in his vicinity,' and has held
various township offices, in which he has always
given perfect satisfaction. He was a justice of the
peace for fifteen years, first elected in 1859, and in
1890 was appointed by President Harrison to the
position of Government gauger and storekeeper in
the District of Washington, Greene and West
moreland counties, Pennsylvania.

l\ILLIAM AV. PAUL, of Amwell township,
is a descendant of William Paul, who was
bom in 1615, emigrated from Gravesend,
England, June 10, 1635, in the ship
"True Love," of London, and in 1637
located in Taunton, Mass.
William Paul, a descendant of this pioneer,
was born in Washington county, Penn., and after
ward located in Amwell township, south of Amity,
where he purchased the farm now owned by J. Ful
ton Bell and Philip Swart, which he owned until his
death. He was married to Hannah Slaught, who
bore him the following named children: James,
Huston, Nathan, Sarah (Mrs. Abel McFarland),

Rosa (Mrs. Cristopher Venum), Andrew, Daniel
M., Lavinia (Mrs. Michael Schulser), John, Will
iam, Philo, and Adaline (Mrs. Thomas Reese).
The father of this family died in Ohio; the mother
died near Lone Pine, Penn., aged eighty-two years.
Philo Paul was born in Amwell township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., March 26, 1824, and passed
his early youth on the farm with his father. In
1841 he purchased a farm in West Bethlehem
township, where he lived until August, 1862, when
he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in Com
pany D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. ; he
was killed at Spottsylvania Court-house. He was
married to Miss Sarah Hughes, of Amwell town
ship, and they had nine children: William W. ,
James M., John A., Daniel W., Alexander H,
David C, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln
and Laura Jewell Day.
William AY Paul, son of Philo and Sarah Paul,
was born December 26, 1843, in Amwell township,
this county; he received his education in the com
mon schools, and was afterward a student for some
time at Pleasant Valley Academy. He lived in
West Bethlehem township and worked on a farm,
but when twenty years of age removed to Amwell,
afterward carrying on a sawmill for his father,
which he finally bought. He continued in that
business twenty years, and then engaged in mer
cantile business at Lone Pine. On November 24,
1864, Mr. Paul was united in marriage with Phcebe
Jane Egy, and to this union have been born three
daughters, viz. : Sarah Lillian, born in 1868; Nora
Jewell, born in 1873, and Dale W., born in 1879,
all of whom are attending school and living at
home. Mr. Paul is a Republican in politics, and
now fills the position of postmaster at Lone Pine.
He and his family are members of the Christian
Church at that place.

\ILLIAM C. AIKEN. ' Among the emi
nent names connected with AVashington
county, none are more favorably known
than that of this gentleman. He is a son
of Joseph, who was a son of Joseph, the
first of the Aiken family to locate in Smith town
ship. Joseph Aiken was born in 1760, east of the
mountains. His birthplace is unknown, but Mary
land was probably his native State. He was mar
ried to Nancy Wilson, who was bora in 1764,
daughter of William Wilson, and in 1794 the
young couple made the long and difficult journey
over the mountains, locating one mile south of
Bulger Station, Smith township, this county. They
first erected a rude log cabin, and began to improve
the property with such primitive tools as were ob
tainable. But perseverance and industry will con
quer almost any obstacle, and success at last

1278

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

crowned the efforts of these heroic frontiersmen.
Five children came to bless the union of Joseph
and Nancy Aiken, viz. : One deceased in infancy,
William (killed by a falling tree), Martha (married
to James Montgomery, of Allegheny county, after
ward moved to Iowa), Nancy (deceased in Guernsey
county, Ohio, married to Alexander Cowan, a
blacksmith) and Joseph. The father was a Whig
in politics, and a soldier in the war of 1812; he
and his wife both died in the home where our sub
ject now lives, the father on November 16, 1836,
the mother in 1849. Both were members of the
Seceder Church.
Joseph Aiken was born February 19, 1806, on
the farm in Smith township, where his father had
first located. His boyhood was passed on the home
place, and he received a common-school education.
On June 11, 1835, he was married to Margaret
Mackey, who was born March 16, 1816, in Alle
gheny county, Penn. , a daughter of William and
Deborah Mackey, natives of Ireland, who came to
Allegheny county in an early day, and moved to
Spencer, Guernsey Co., Ohio, when their daughter
Margaret was but four years of age. She grew to
womanhood in Ohio, and was there married to Joseph
Aiken, who located on the old Aiken place in Smith
township, Washington Co., Penn. , and four chil
dren were born to them, as follows: W. C. (whose
name opens this sketch), Alexander W. (deceased,
at one time a grocer in Allegheny City, Penn.),
Fanny J. (deceased wife of Vance Smith, of Mt.
Pleasant) and Joseph M. (a groceryman of Alle
gheny City, Penn.). The father was a Whig in
politics, and in church connection a member of the
Seceder Society, now the U. P. Church. He died
February 24, 1840, and his widow has continued
to reside on the home place with her son William
C. Much credit is due this lady for the manner iu
which she has borne the double responsibilities of
a widowed life so many long years. A faithful
mother and Christian lady, she has inculcated the
principles of honor and industry in the minds of
her fatherless children, who have done credit to
her training. She is a member of the U. P.
Church, and a most highly esteemed lady.
William C. Aiken, the eldest son of Joseph and
Margaret Aiken, was born March 27, 1836, on the
old homestead where he is yet living. He received
but a limited education, for, being the eldest son,
when his father died he was needed to assist his
widowed mother, with whom he has always resided.
On October 21, 1868, he married Sarah C. McFar
land, who was born August 12, 1842, a daughter of
Samuel McFarland, of Smith township, and two
sons were born to them: Joseph M. (living at
home), born July 12, 1870; and Samuel A., bom
March 13, 1872, died March 20. 1874. The mother
was called away April 3, 1872, and was buried in
the Centre cemetery at Midway, this county. On

May 1, 1879, W. C. Aiken was married to Sarah
A. Tannehill, who was born February 3, 1847, a
daughter of John and Margaret (McCahan) Tanne
hill. Three children have been born to this mar
riage, as follows: Oscar V., born January 22, 1880;
Margaret C, born September 25, 1881, and Ida,
deceased when nineteen days old.
William C. Aiken has always resided on the
home farm, which he now owns, and has been a
successful business man. In politics he is an active
member of the Republican party, and has voted
each year since old enough, his first vote being cast
for Abraham Lincoln. He has served in various
township offices, and was elected justice of the
peace, but declined to accept that position. For
twenty or more years Mr. Aiken has been in the
dairy business, being the second shipper of milk
from Bulger. They are members of the Centre
United Presbyterian Church at Midway, and he
has served as a member of the Session for over
twenty years.'

JiOHN DUNBAR. Foremost among the suc-
| cessful and progressive farmers of Smith
| township stands the name of John Dunbar,
who represents an old and prominent family
of Irish descent. James Dunbar (grandfather of our
subject) was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ire
land, and being of an adventurous disposition, be
came a sailor in early life. He came to America and
made a permanent settlement on Raccoon creek,
Smith township, this county, being obliged to
" grub out " a site for the first cabin which he
erected, but his energy knew no discouragement,
and success at length crowned his efforts. He
was united in marriage with Mary McConnell, of
Robinson township, this county, who bore him
twelve children, namely: James, Jane, Thomas,
Joseph, Robert, Martha, Elizabeth, John, Samuel,
Mary, William, and an infant son (deceased). In
the latter part of his life Mr. Dunbar lived for
some time in Robinson township. Although begin
ning life as a poor sailor boy, he possessed the right
spirit of perseverance, and at the time of his death
was a wealthy man. He died in 1842, having been
preceded by his wife many years.
James Dunbar (the eldest son in the above men
tioned family) was born May 11, 1802, in Robin
son township, this county, and assisted his father
in agricultural duties during early life. He then
learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it ever'
afterward. On February 15, 1827, he was united
in marriage with Mary Elder, who was born Octo
ber 26, 1806, daughter of David Elder, of Robin
son township, this county, and their children were
Mary J., born January 12, 1830, deceased August
15, 1852, wife of Samuel Scroggs, a merchant of
Candor; Martha (wife of Samuel Castner, of Inde-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1279

pendence township), born March 2, 1832; John,
born August 15, 1835; David E., born December
17, 1837 (went West and no tidings have been since
received of him); James A. (deceased, a well-edu
cated man), bora April 1, 1839; Margaret (de
ceased wife of William McBride), born June 24,
1841; Robert (a traveler in California), born No
vember 17, 1844; Ann Eliza (wife of AVilliam
Waters, of Pittsburgh), born June 10, 1846; and
Thomas J. (deceased in infancy), born January 23,
1848. Besides working at his trade, James Dun
bar owned and partially managed a farm. He
was a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife
were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.
He died August 28, 1878, being followed by his
wife June 25, 1880.
John Dunbar (the eldest son of James) was
born August 15, 1835, on the same farm where he
is now residing. As the eldest of the children,
the greater share of the work fell to him, and in
order to attend school in the daytime he was
obliged to mine coal at night. On January 8,
1874, he chose a wife in the person of Ann M.
Springer, who was born July 10, 1844, in Smith
township, daughter of John and Mary (Spencer)
Springer. The young people located on the home
farm, upon which they have erected new buildings
and made many improvements. In politics John
Dunbar voted the Democratic ticket, taking an
active interest in the success of his party. He
and his wife are consistent members of the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church.

/Tty EORGE M. MILLER is a representative of
If a prominent pioneer family of Washington
III county, and is a grandson of Christopher
^l Miller, who waB married in Donegal town
ship, this county, where his children were
born and reared, as follows: Mrs. McConahey,
John, Margaret, Jesse, Mary (wife of John Birch)
and George.
George Miller, youngest son of Christopher, was
bom on the home farm in Donegal township, re
ceiving an education at the public schools of the
vicinity. He was married to Sarah, daughter of
William Noble, and reared the following children:
Isaac, Lucinda (deceased), Isabella (wife of J. P.
McAdow), William H. (who enlisted in Company
K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , was killed
at Gettysburg on the evening of July 2), George
M., Rachel (married to William R. Noble), Mary,
H. C. (deceased) and Ella. Of these children
Mary, Ella and Rachel died of fever within two
weeks of each other. Isaac enlisted in 1862, in
Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. ,
attached to the army of the Potomac; he was
wounded May 1, 1864, in the battle of the Wilder
ness, and remained, with the Todd family for two

weeks, when he was taken by the Confederates to
Libby Prison. He was exchanged four months
later, returned home, and is now a resident of
McCune, Kans. The father was a shoemaker by
trade. In politics he was first a Whig, then a
member of the Know-nothing party, and after
ward an Abolitionist and Republican. He died in
1872. George M. Miller was born June 7, 1847, in
Donegal township, this county, and remained at
home during his early life. When eighteen years
of age he attended Claysville Normal School,
teaching the Hore School in East Finley township
the following winter. The next summer he again
went to the normal, and taught the home school in
the ensuing winter. He then began the study of
medicine, and in 1871 entered into partnership
with G. H. Miller in the drug business, in which
he remained until taken sick. He then taught
school until 1875, when he entered the employ of
David Campsey, of Claysville, this county, remain
ing with him until March, 1880, when he opafced
out his present drug business in Burgettstown. In
1876 he was united in marriage with Anna, daugh
ter of Samuel J. Ghrist, who died leaving him one
daughter, Sarah E. Mr. Miller is a Republican,
and in religious faith is an active member of and
an elder in the Presbyterian Church.

T OHN M. ENLOW, an enterprising business
, I man of Claysville, was born September 6,1845,
f^l in East Finley township, Washington Co.,
^^ Penn., and is a great grandson of Abraham
Enlow, who came to East Finley township
in an early day, and patented 3,000 acres of land
in the wilderness, to which he finally moved with
his family, and there passed his remaining years.
Abraham Enlow had ten children, seven sons and
three daughters: two sons (whose names are un
known, went to Tennessee), Elliott, William,
Michael, Luke, Henry, Mrs. Rachel St. Clair,
Mrs. Jemima Hill and Mrs. Mary Post. AVhen
the parents died the land was divided among the
children, each of whom settled on their respective
farms, and made improvements. In politics Mr.
Enlow was a Democrat, and in religion an enthu
siastic member of the M. E. Church.
Elliott Enlow was born in Maryland, and when
a small boy was brought to AA7 ashington county.
In early life, he was united in marriage with Martha
Atkinson, a resident of East Finley township, and
they had nine children, viz. : Henry, John, Gideon,
Mrs. Mary Patterson, Mrs. Rachel Marshall, Mrs.
Elizabeth Thornberg, Mrs. Eleanor Sprowls, Mrs.
Jemima Patterson, and Martha, unmarried. His
entire life was passed in farming. In religion
Elliott Enlow and his brother Henry were instru
mental in founding what was formerly called

1280

Washington county.

Enlow' s Chapel, and now known as the Stony Point
M. E. Church, of which he was for many years one
of the most effective workers and liberal support
ers. In politics he was an active Democrat, but
never could be induced to accept any official posi
tion. His brother Henry was for many years a
justice of the peace, and enjoyed a favorable repu
tation in the community.
John Enlow was born in 1802, in East Finley
township, Washington county, and received his
education in the home school. He was married to
Nancy, daughter of Robert Woods, one of the old
est pioneers of the township, and the young peo
ple immediately settled on the home farm in East
Finley township, which became their permanent
abiding place. They had one son, who died when
ten years of age. After the death of his first wife
John Enlow married Jemima Post, and to this
union were born seven children: Sarah, wife of
Rev. J. W. Hill; Martha, wife of John Hopkins;
Mary, wife of Amos Sprowls; Nancy, wife of S.
E. Martin; John M. ; Gideon and Eleanor, both of
whom died before reaching maturity. Mr. Enlow
was a prominent member of the M. E. Church
which was founded by his father. In political
views he was a Democrat. He died September 16,
1876, and was followed to the grave by his wife in
May, 1880.
John M. Enlow passed his early life on the farm
where he was born, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits, receiving a common-school education.
On November 7, 1877, he was married to Lizzie
E., daughter of John W. Hill. He remained on
the home farm on which his great-grandfather had
located until 1888, when he came to Claysville, and
in 1891 purchased his present stock of furniture
and an undertaking establishment. The firm are
Enlow & Noble. They do all kinds of cabinet
work and embalm in the best and most approved
manner, making a success of their business, as
they are both energetic men. Mr. Enlow is a
leader in the Republican party, and being a warm
friend of education, has frequently served the
township as school director. In religion he united
in early life with the Stony Point M. E. Church,
and ever took an active interest in the work of that
Society, having held various offices in the church
and Sunday-school, which he has filled to the satis
faction of all.

f

M. MORRISON, a prosperous stock raiser
of Nottingham township, is a son of Benja
min P. Morrison, who was born November
ji 2, 1811, in Nottingham township, this coun-
*' ty. On May 31, 1838, Benjamin was mar
ried to Rebecca Rea, who died April 21, 1849,
leaving four children: Elizabeth J., Hamilton R.,
John D. and Sarah E. On April 17, 1851, he
married, for his second wife, Mary McKown, a

native of Allegheny county, Penn. , who was born
in 1814, near Bridgeville, Penn. One child was
born to this marriage, P. M. Morrison, whose
name opens this sketch. The father was a farmer
and stock dealer. He died July 25, 1860, and
the mother is yet living with her son.
P. M. Morrison was born October 7, 1853,
on the home farm in Nottingham township, this
county, where his early education was received.
On October 10, 1872, he was united in marriage
with a daughter of James Hamilton, who bore him
five children, viz. : Lucy G. , Maggie E., Delia B.,
Viola J. and Loman P. The mother died March
13, 1889, and on September 24, 1891, he made a
second choice in the person of Mary, daughter of
John Sleeth. Her parents resided near Hickory,
this county, and she is a native of the county.
One son has been born to this marriage, John M.
Mr. Morrison resides on the home farm, which
consists of 177 acres, and devotes his principal
attention to raising sheep and cattle, usually keep
ing from one to three hundred sheep, and making
a specialty of Shropshire stock. The farm con
tains a rich vein of coal, which he sold recently for
a good price. He also owns two acres of land
fronting on the railroad, and two double dwellings
in' the village of Venetia, one containing twelve
rooms and the other six. Politically he is an ad
vocate of the principles embodied in the Demo
cratic party, and has served as township auditor
and supervisor. In religion he is a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Fairview, and is leading
the choir, having filled that position very accept
ably for several years.

I AMES TUCKER, a representative of one of
. I the pioneer families of AVashington county,
\f \, comes of English descent, his ancestors hav-
~~^ ing emigrated to Virginia in the early part
of the eighteenth century. They settled in the
Shenandoah Valley, where James Tucker (from
whom the present generation trace their geneal
ogy) was born. In 1775 he came to Pennsyl
vania and secured a ' ' tomahawk right ' ' in Amwell
township, Washington county, and the land re
mained in the possession of the family until 1891,
when it was sold. At the early date he came here
but one settler was in the vicinity, a Mr. Bane.
Mr. Tucker was married to Elizabeth Bane, a
resident of Virginia, and the following children
brightened the rude pioneer home: Isaac, Tem
pest, Thomas, Joseph, James, Rachel, Ruth, Han-
nab, Elizabeth and Mary. Mr. Tucker was a
member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Herman.
Tempest Tucker was born in Amwell township,
Washington Co., Penn., April 1, 1776, and passed
his earlier years on the farm of his father. In
1800 he was united in marriage with Sarah Mc
Clain, who bore him five children : John, James,

mm"
¦mm^m^-mm.'..

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1283

Elizabeth, Phcebe (Mrs. Adam Weir) and Sarah.
After his marriage Mr. Tucker built a grist-mill,
which was one of the first water mills in Wash
ington county, and was situated on Bane's fork of
Ten-Mile creek. He remained on that farm until
1851, when he removed to the place now occupied
by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Tucker ac
cumulated a comfortable property, the result of
his early toil. He was a member of the Baptist
Church at Mt. Herman, and a liberal contributor
to that Society. He died on the farm in February,
1854, his wife on August 30, 1851, and the re
mains of both rest in the cemetery at Mt. Herman.
John Tucker was born in Amwell township,
Washington Co. , Penn. , May 23, 1803, and lived
at home until about twenty years of age, when he
served an apprenticeship of three years with Patter
son Pollock, a leading wheelwright of Greene
county, Penn. He then followed that vocation in
Greene and Washington counties, until about the
year 1853, when he retired to the farm, and built
the grist-mill at Meadow Lands. On November
10, 1831, he was married to Isabelle, daughter of
William McClenathan, and the following children
were born to them: Sarah (Mrs. Stephen Post),
William M. , James and John (deceased). In 1841
Mr. Tucker purchased the farm of 200 acres upon
which his father resided. In politics he was a
Republican, and served several terms as school
director. His wife passed away March 13, 1873,
and he followed her March 15, 1875.
James Tucker, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born September 7, 1839, in Amwell township,
Washington county, and obtained his early edu
cation at the same school-house his father had at
tended. Mr. Tucker has ever been a zealous
member of the Presbyterian Church, and in polit
ical opinion he is a Republican. His farm com
prises 200 acres of land.
AVilliam M. Tucker (an elder brother of James)
was born in Amwell township, Washington county,
August 14, 1836, and received his education at the
same school-house which his father had attended
in his boyhood days. On October 18, 1860, Will
iam M. Tucker was married to Sarah, daughter of
Thomas Weir, and they then settled on the home
farm where they yet reside. Their children are
Thomas Weir (married to Mrs. Mattie Crosgray
Thomas), John G., Ettie F. and William C. He
is an active worker in the Republican party, and
has been school director twenty-six years in suc
cession. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church at Upper Ten-Mile.

ENJAMIN F. JEFFRIES. The well-
known family, of which this gentleman
is an honored member, have for many
years been closely identified with the his
tory and progress of West Pike Run township.

Joseph J. Jeffries was born of Irish parents in
1772, in Chester county, Penn., and in 1788 pur
chased the old farm in West Pike Run township,
Washington county. In 1796 he married Betsey'
Robison, who was born in 1781 in Loudoun county,
Va. , and the young couple soon thereafter moved
to the farm he had purchased. The place con
tained about two hundred acres of land, and here
he carried on a profitable business in farming and
stock raising. Joseph J. Jeffries died April 9,
1854, having been preceded by his wife June 16,
1833. The children born to them were as follows:
Amor, John, Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and Job,
all now deceased except the last named, who is
now living in Lemont Furnace, Fayette county.
Amor Jeffries was born March 21, 1803. on the
home farm in West Pike Run township, Washing
ton county, was educated at the subscription
schools of the neighborhood, and learned the trade
of wool carder, which he followed during early
life, afterward devoting his attention to milling
and agricultural pursuits. On April 6, 1828, he
was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a na
tive of Washington county, born September 8,
1805. By this union were born the following chil
dren: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a farmer of
Greene county, Penn. ; Joseph, landlord of a hotel
at Centre ville, Washington Co. , Penn. ; Anderson;
Benjamin F. ; Elizabeth, died February 18, 1875;
Jacob, died May 16, 1883; John, died March 16,
1855; George W. , died December 25, 1870; James
J., died October 18, 1874; Eleanor, died October
20, 1876, and Jackman, died January 24, 1844,
The father of these children was fond of literary
pursuits, and in political opinion voted with the
Democratic party. He died June 15, 1885, having
been preceded by his wife June 9, 1880.
Benjamin F. Jeffries was born October 22, 1841,
on the home place in West Pike Run township,
Washington county, and attended the common
schools of the home neighborhood. On August
26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Anna
Pepper, who was bom in 1846, in East Pike Run
township, a daughter of William and Harriet (Nan-
kivel) Pepper, natives of England, the former born
in 1787, the latter in 1797. AVilliam Pepper, who
was a butcher and farmer, immigrated to Pennsyl
vania many years ago, settling permanently on a
farm in Washington county. He was an ardent
supporter of the Democratic party, and held vari
ous local offices; he was also prominently identi
fied with the religious and educational interests of
his locality. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper reared a fam
ily of seven children, namely: William, an agri
culturist of East Bethlehem township; Mary, wife
of Alexander Moffitt, a resident of Washington, D.
C. ; Thomas; Anna, Mrs. Jeffries; James, John C. and
Elizabeth, of whom the last three are now deceased.
The father died October 9, 1879, having been

1284

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

preceded by the mother March 7, 1877. Both were
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
To the union of Benjamin F. and Anna (Pep
per) Jeffries have come four children, as follows:
Mary E., born March 8, 1878, in Jefferson town
ship, Greene county ; Annie P. , born December 9,
1879, in West Pike Run township, this county;
Hattie and Pollie (twins), born February 14, 1885,
in West Pike Run township, all in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Jeffries is identified with the Democratic
party, and has served as school director for several
years. In religious faith he is a member of the
M. E. Church, and is superintendent of the Sab
bath-school. He owns a well-cultivated farm,
which contains eighty-two acres of prime land.

4/

HARRY H. BROWNLEE was born January
28, 1867, in Hopewell township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., a representative of a prom
inent pioneer family of Scottish descent.
Archibald Brownlee was a native of Scot
land, and there married a Miss Hamilton, who bore
him children as follows: James, AVilliam, John,
Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John Allison), and
Hugh (deceased while on the ocean). Mr. Brown
lee came to America in 1765, and first settled in
Lancaster county, Penn. In 1775 he moved to
Washington county, and purchased a farm in
Canton township, where he passed the remainder
of his life.
James Brownlee, eldest son of Archibald, in
early life learned the trade of a millwright, which
vocation he followed some years. He was married
to Jane Lemon, daughter of pioneers of Washing
ton county, but a native of Ireland. The young
couple began married life on a farm in Canton
township, where the following children were born
and reared: John, Archibald, James, Hugh, Eliza
beth, William, Thomas, Samuel, Joseph, Jane and
David. Mr. Brownlee was a Whig, and in religion
was a ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North
Buffalo. Archibald Brownlee (grandfather of subject) was
born February 28, 1779, three miles west of AVash
ington, in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and in early life was married to Mary Clark, of
Washington county, who bore him children as fol
lows: James, Joseph, John, Clark, Samuel, Eliza
beth and Jane.
John Brownlee (father of subject) was born in
1807, in Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and passed his boyhood days at his birth
place. His parents afterward removed to Buffalo
township, same county, where he lived until forty
years of age. He was then married to Sarah
Logan, and removed to a farm about two and one-
half miles south of West Middletown, in Hopewell
township. Six children were born to him, namely:

Newton (deceased in youth), Jennie (wife of Dr. J.
N. Bemis, of West Middletown), Alice (deceased),
Leamon J., Frank S. and Harry H. Mr.
Brownlee had but a limited literary education, but
he possessed excellent judgment and became a
prosperous business man. He was of a retiring but
social disposition, and in religion was a devout
member of the United Presbyterian Church at
West Middletown. In politics he was a Republican.
He never needed a physician's service. He died
January 31, 1892, and his widow now resides in
West Middletown.
Harry H. Brownlee received his early education
at the district school in Hopewell township, this
county, and in March, 1886, left home, and en
gaged in the general hardware business with T.
M. Patterson at Burgettstown, AVashington county.
In January, 1887, he sold out, and entered the
furniture business, in September, 1889, forming a
partnership with William Barr, of Buffalo town
ship. They then came to their present place of
business, in Claysville, where they occupy a three-
story building, which is crowded with goods; they
also do a general undertaking business, having all
the necessary facilities for that line. On June 22,
1889, Mr. Brownlee was married to Ida, daughter
of David Cummings, formerly a resident of Hope
well township, this county, but now living in Har
rison county, Ohio. In politics Mr. Brownlee is
an active Republican, and in religion he is a mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Clays
ville.

THOMAS S. BAILEY was born June 8, 1836,
in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn., a son of John Bailey, who was also a
native of Fallowfield township, having been
born on the home place in 1785.
John Bailey was trained from early childhood to
agricultural duties, and made farming his life
work. On arriving at maturity he was married to
Margaret Scott, also a native of Fallowfield town
ship, and ten children were born to their marriage:
Cynthia, Sarah, Isaac, Noah and one unnamed, all
five of whom died in infancy, those yet living being
Mary, wife of George Bane, a farmer of Greene
county, Penn. ; Nancy, wife of John Bell, a
farmer living near Monongahela City; James, an
agriculturist of East Pike Run township; John,
living in East Bethlehem township, and Thomas
S. , whose name opens this sketch. The father
was a firm supporter of the Republican party. He
died in 1870, at the age of eighty-five years; his
wife passed away in 1869. She was a member
of the M. E. Church.
Thomas S. Bailey passed his youth on the home
place, where he received but limited literary oppor
tunities, his whole life having been devoted to agri-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1285

cultural pursuits. In 1874 he was united in mar
riage with Sarah J. Elliott, who was born in 1847,
in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,
Penn. She is a daughter of Samuel and Susanna
(Bane) Elliott, who were the parents of nine chil
dren viz. : Sebastian, a farmer of East Bethlehem
township; Joseph, a farmer; Margaret, wife of
John Martin; Emma; Sarah J., wife of Thomas
S. Bailey; William, a blacksmith, of Carmichael's,
Greene county; Oliver K. ; Lizzie, and Martha.
The father was a native of East Bethlehem town
ship, this county, where he followed farming and
veterinary work. Politically he was an independ
ent Republican, but devoted most of his time to
personal matters. He died on the home place
in 1858, and in 1877 Mrs. Elliott (who was a native
of eastern Virginia, and came with her parents to
Washington county in early childhood) was laid
by the side of her husband. Both were members
of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey re
side on a farm of fifty-five acres, the condition of
which gives evidence of the taste and care of
the present owners. In religion they are identi
fied with the M. E. Church.

DANIEL DAY. The Day family is old and
well known in Washington county. It is
well deserving of the space devoted to its
history in this work, and no member is
more worthy of mention than he whose name
heads this sketch. Daniel Day was born May 7,
1813, a son of Calvin Day, one of the pioneers of
Washington county. The father came from New
Jersey, locating in Morris township, Washington
county, prior to 1800. His death ocurred in July,
1823. Daniel Day spent his boyhood days on his
father's farm, and upon entering life for himself
he chose agriculture as his vocation. He resided
for forty years prior to his death upon the place
now owned by his widow, which is located about
two miles west of Sparta, in Morris township, and
is known as the "Hoagland farm." Mr.- Day
was a truly representative man, public-spirited and
admired for his sterling worth. He voted with
the Republican party, though he was never an
active politician. Mr. Day was twice married,
first on October 17, 1844, to Miss Eunice Patter
son, a daughter of Robert Patterson, of Morris
township. She was born March 11, 1817, and
died January 6, 1856; no children were born to
them. He was married, a second time, on May
28, 1857, to Miss Nancy Cooper, who was the
seventh in a family of ten children born to John
and Martha (Atkinson) Cooper.
John Cooper was born January 11, 1786, in New
Jersey, and on April 6, 1809, was married to
Martha Atkinson, who was born September 4,
1789; she died December 28, 1859, and was fol

lowed to the grave by her husband September 15,
1876. The following is a brief record of their
children: Elizabeth was born March 2, 1810, and
April 22, 1830, was married to William Patterson
(she died March 19, 1892); Selina, born June 28,
1812, was married May 17, 1838, to William Atkin
son, and died July 26, 1873; Mary was born June
15, 1814, and was married November 11, 1847, to
Thomas McNees; Ephraim was born July 17,
1816, and September 19, 1865, married Miss A.
E. Cooper (he died July 21, 1868); Thomas H. '
was born November 2, 1818, and married, June
16, 1842, Miss Mary Ann Auld (he died December
28, 1883); Harriet, born July 19, 1821, was united
in marriage May 11, 1843, with Amos Patterson
(she passed away August 20, 1889); Nancy, born
February 19, 1824, is the widow of Daniel Day;
Amelia was born October 25, 1826, and was mar
ried March 15, 1862, to John Simpson (she died
April 26, 1884); Martha A., born September 29,
1830, was united in marriage November 15, 1855,
with William Elliott Craft (she died December 2,
1860); Sarah Jane, born March 29, 1833, was mar
ried March 8, 1859, to Sylvester Cary.
Daniel Day died May 26, 1885, leaving no chil
dren. His widow, a most estimable lady, is yet
residing on the old homestead.

J%[ LEXANDER McCALMONT, a prosperous
// \\ and representative citizen of West Middle-
p=|\ town, Washington county, is descended
J] ^ from one of the old pioneer families of his
v native State.
John McCalmont, the father of subject, was born
in 1780, in Cumberland county, Penn., on the farm
of his father, who was also a native-bom Pennsyl-
vanian. John passed his early life on the home
farm, receiving a common-school education, and
afterward learning the trade of blacksmith, and
when a young man was married to Mary, daughter
of John' Proudfit, of York county, Penn. In 1805
the young couple came to Washington county,
first settling in Smith township, and afterward
moving to Mt. Pleasant township, where a home
was made. The following children were born to
their union: James (who died in 1891), Nancy
(who died in 1833), Polly (wife of John Henderson),
David (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. Samuel Moore),
John (residing in Mt. Pleasant township), Alex
ander (mentioned below), William (deceased) and
Samuel. In politics the father was first a AVhig,
afterward a Republican, and was actively interested
in the success of his party. In religious faith he
was a member of the Presbyterian Church several
years, and then united with the Seceders, finally
joining with the United Presbyterians. He fol
lowed his trade in connection with farming all his
life, and was an energetic and enterprising citizen.

1286

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

His first wife dying in 1840, he was afterward mar
ried to a Mrs. Moore, who bore him no children.
He died in October, 1861, in Mt. Pleasant town
ship. Alexander McCalmont (whose name opens these
lines) was born March 28, 1821. in Mt. Pleasant
township, this county, where his boyhood was
passed in attending the county schools. On Feb
ruary 28, 1849, he was married to Mary, daughter
of Samuel Allison, a native of Beaver county,
Penn., bom August 26, 1829; she went when a
child with her parents to West Virginia. After
marriage the young people settled on the home
place in Mt. Pleasant township, where they have
since resided, and children have been born to them
as follows: Mary (wife of Stewart AVhite), John
(married to a Miss Glass), Agnes (Mrs. B. Lindsey),
Cora (wife of William Connor), Emma (married to
James Manson), Samuel (married to Elizabeth
McCarrell), James (married to a Miss Farrow),
Ida (Mrs. William McBurney), Abraham L. (mar
ried to Ellen Kendricks, and living in Allegheny,
Penn.), Lillie (wife of William Lane) and Maud
(Mrs. E. McCabe). In 1888 Mr. McCalmont re
tired from active business life, and is now residing
in West Middletown. In politics he was formerly
a Whig, and since the organization of the Repub
lican party has been an active worker in its ranks.
In the spring of 1889 he was elected a member of
the council of West Middletown, and was chosen
president of same by his colleagues. He is a
warm friend of education, and served zealously as
school director. When but seventeen years of age
Mr. McCalmont united with the United Presbyterian
Church of Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
which he has served as trustee, and with which
his family are also connected. Mr. McCalmont
still retains his farm in Mt. Pleasant township. It
consists of 266 acres, and is one of the finest prop
erties of the kind in the county. He was at one
time extensively engaged in the sheep industry,
raising fine Spanish Merinos.

ICHARD HAWKINS STULL. This gen
tleman is of German descent, his grand
father, John Stull, having emigrated from
his native land in an early day. John and
Elizabeth Stull settled on the tract of land
in East Bethlehem township, a portion of which is
yet in the possession of their descendants, and
there reared the following children: John, Martin,
Abraham, Andrew, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowser, Mrs.
Mary Horner, Philip, Mrs. Barbara Hupp, and
Isaac. Isaac Stull was born in 1807, in the old log
house which his father had erected on the farm in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co. , Penn.
He attended the subscription schools, and in early

manhood was married to Matilda, daughter of
Richard Hawkins, a native of Greene county,
Penn. The children of Isaac and Matilda Stull
were as follows: Joseph, Mrs. Lizzie Overholt,
John (a resident of Iowa City, Iowa), Richard
Hawkins, Jackson C. (living on a farm in East
Bethlehem township), James (deceased), and Abra
ham and Thomas (twins) (the latter of whom is an
eminent physician living in Grant county, AVis.).
Richard Hawkins Stull was born August 9, 1842,
on the place in East Bethlehem township now
owned by G. G. Gayman, and soon after his birth
the parents moved to the farm in East Bethlehem
township, which he yet owns. In October, 1886,
he was united in marriage with Maggie, daughter
of Samuel Lewis, and they have one son, Samuel.
The home place contains 126 acres of valuable
land, upon which Mr. Stull conducts a general
farming business, and also gives special attention
to the breeding of Hambletonian and Clay horses,
and his stock has taken many premiums at county
fairs. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the
Republican party, and cast his first vote for Presi
dent Lincoln.

TfAMES P. HICKMAN was born February 26,
. I 1839, on the old homestead in Cecil township,
fTjl this county. He is a prosperous stock raiser
^^ and farmer, and is descended from a pioneer
family of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Peter
Hickman, a native of Lancaster county, Penn.,
married Abigail Fawcett, and after marriage they
settled in South Fayette township, Allegheny
county, many years ago, enduring all the priva
tions and dangers inseparable from frontier life.
He was a Whig, and he and his wife were mem
bers of the Presbyterian Church. They both died
on the old farm. Their children were: Joseph,
Moses, Abigail, John, Elizabeth, Ann, Steward,
Peter, Daniel and Benjamin.
Benjamin Hickman was bom June 8, 1801, in
South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
where he grew to manhood. He married Nancy
Jordan, who was born in 1811, also a native of
South Fayette township. The young people set
tled on a farm in Cecil township, and eight chil
dren were born to them, of whom four are yet liv
ing, viz. : John S. (residing on the home place),
Moses (living in Cecil township), James P. (whose
sketch follows) and Mary Jane (wife of John Neal,
of Canonsburg). The parents were members of
the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Allegheny
county, Penn. The father died in the spring of
1881, and in August, 1890, the mother passed
away. He was a "Whig, and a self-made man, who
was very enterprising.
James P. Hickman was reared on the home farm
in Cecil township, and educated in the schools

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0u?^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1289

of the neighborhood. On February 27, 1873, he
married Miss Viola Jane, daughter of Arthur J.
and Elizabeth (Middleswath) Hopper. Mr. and
Mrs. Hickman began married life on a farm of 190
acres in Peters township, this county, but in 1880
they moved to a farm in Cecil township, having
purchased the Park homestead, containing 190
acres and adjoining the home farm of the Hickman
family. Since locating on this farm, Mr. Hick
man has made various improvements and dealt
largely in stock, making a specialty of sheep rais
ing. In politics he is a Republican, and has
served faithfully two years as supervisor. Though
not a member of a church, he has been treasurer
and trustee of the Centre Presbyterian Church.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hickman: Elizabeth Alcinda, William Arthur and
James C.
Arthur J. Hopper, father of Mrs. Hickman, was
born November 15, 1816, in Lancaster county,
Penn. His father, Samuel Hopper, was born in
Ireland, and came to America when a youth. He
settled in Lancaster county, Penn. , and there mar
ried Elizabeth Barclay. In 1817 they came to
Allegheny county, settling in Fayette township,
and purchased a farm with but ten acres improved.
Their children were: Robert, Andrew, Samuel,
Arthur J., John, James and Nora (Mrs. Alexander
Fitch), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Campbell), Mary
A. (Mrs. James Wallace). He was a Whig and
later a Republican, and was among the organizers
of the United Presbyterian Church. They came
over the mountains in a two-horse wagon, and
when they arrived exchanged the wagon in part
payment for a farm. The youth of Arthur J.
Hopper was spent on the home place, and he was
educated at the common schools. On July 22, 1841,
he married Elizabeth Middleswath, of Allegheny
county. Their children were: John C, Samuel
N., Elizabeth A. and Viola J. Mrs. Hopper died
September 5, 1891. Mr. Hopper settled in Alle
gheny county, and there continued farming until
1847, when he came to Peters township, remaining
there until 1856, when he came to his present resi
dence. He is a Republican ; a member of the U.
P. Church; is a self-made man, very enterprising.

G ARSON. The family of this name, with which
Elgy S. and John A. Carson are more im
mediately connected, have for many years
been prominently associated with the lead
ing citizens of Washington county.
Thomas Carson was born in eastern Pennsyl
vania, and, coming to Washington county many
years ago, was married to Mary Gibson, a native
of Kentucky. They settled on the farm in Fallow
field township which is yet owned by their de

scendants, and here he carried on agriculture and
followed shoemaking, also serving as justice of the
peace. At one time being pursued by Indians,
he traveled seventy-five miles in one day, carrying
his rifle, and thus escaped. He died in 1814,
leaving the following children: James, who moved
to Ohio; Joseph, who first located in Ohio, then
moved to Indiana; Thomas G. ; William, married
to Mary Burgess, and who lived on the old home
stead; James S. ; John B. ; Mary, Mrs. Grable;.
Elizabeth, wife of James Young; Ann, Mrs. Gra
ble; and Charlotte, wife of John Carson.
Parker Carson, son of Thomas G. and Elizabeth
Carson, was born in 1819, in Fallowfield township,
Washington county. In 1844 he selected a life
companion in the person of Margaret Carson, a
native of this county, and the young people moved
to Indiana. They resided on a farm in that State
for six years, then returned to Washington county,
and in 1852 bought and settled upon 188 acres of
land in Fallowfield township. They were the
parents of the following named seven children:
Sarah E. ; Margaret A.; Melissa; Elgy S. ; John
A. ; Thomas G., and Mary J.' Of this family Elgy
S., John A. and Mary J. are yet living. The
father devoted his attention wholly to agricultural
pursuits, and served his township in various local
offices. He died in 1878, having been preceded
to the grave by his wife in 1874.
Elgy S. Caeson was born July 9, 1852, on the
home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington
Co., Penn. He resided with his parents during
his minority, and November 20, 1873, was mar
ried to Ruth, daughter of Joseph Morton, a well-
known agriculturist of Washington county. This
marriage has been blessed with the following chil
dren: Margaret (deceased), Laura A., Elgy H.,
Cecelia R. , Joella, Rollo H. and Anna B. , all yet
living with their parents. Mr. Carson owns 189
acres of land, all of which is well cultivated, and
here he raises sheep and cattle; he also buys and
sells a large amount of live stock. In politics he
affiliates with the Democratic party, and has filled
many local offices. In religious faith he is an ad
herent of the Old-school Baptist Church.
John A. Cabson, son of Parker and Margaret
Carson, was born in 1855, in Fallowfield township,
Washington Co. , Penn. In 1880 he was united
in marriage with Lizzie May, daughter of John
S. AVilliams, a native of Pennsylvania, and to this
union there have been born five sons and two
daughters, as follows: Nora W., Carl C, Oscar
P., Carrie E., Harvey S. (deceased), John R.,
and Jo Reese. Mr. Carson is now serving as
chairman of the Democratic convention of Fal
lowfield township, has filled many other political
offices, and for six years has been clerk of the town
ship. He is a stockholder of the Maple Creek
cemetery, of which he has always been secretary,

1290

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and is now holding the position of treasurer. His
farm contains 108 acres, lying seven miles south of
Monongahela, and three and one-half miles from
Charleroi. Lover postoffice is situated half a
mile from the farm.

JAMES TAGGART (deceased). Among the
early pioneers to whom the citizens of Wash
ington county owe a lasting debt of gratitude,
is the familiar name of Taggart. This
prominent family has for many years been
identified with the best interests of the county, and
took an active part in the hardships of frontier life.
The earliest representatives of the name were na
tives of Ireland, from which country one James Tag
gart emigrated to America in 1783, and coming to
Washington county, Penn. , bought a tract of land
called "Chestnut," containing 260 acres, situated
on the headwaters of Chartiers creek. In 1831
he bought a farm of. 405 acres, in Licking county,
Ohio. He also bought a farm in Tuscarawas
county, Ohio. He was united in marriage with
Mary Ferguson, who bore him seven children,
namely: John, James, Samuel, Robert, Jane, Eliza
beth and Mary, all of whom are now deceased,
leaving numerous descendants, who are scattered
throughout the United States. The parents died
in AVashington county.
James Taggart, son of James and Mary (Fer
guson) Taggart, was born on the farm in Wash
ington county, where his life was passed. He fol
lowed general farming and raised a large number
of sheep. He was united in marriage with Martha
Fergus, who bore him ten children, namely:
Thomas, James, Samuel, William, John, Margaret,
Sarah, Rebecca, Martha and Mary, all now de
ceased except Samuel, who lives near Washington,
Penn. The father of this family was an elder in
Upper Buffalo Congregation for twenty-four years.
He died July 28, 1863.
James Taggart, son of James and Martha (Fer
gus) Taggart, was born November 10, 1823, in
Canton township, on the old homestead where his
ancestors had first settled on their arrival in Penn
sylvania. He passed his boyhood in the usual
manner of a farmer lad, and received his education
at the Wotring Academy, which was established
about 1818, by Judge Wotring. When a young
man James Taggart was married to Jane Ander
son, of Cross Creek township, this county, a
daughter of Dr. Henry A. Anderson. To this
union was born one child, who died in infancy,
followed two months later by the mother. On
October 20, 1857, Mr. Taggart was married to his
second wife, Margaret A., a daughter of James
and Ann (Cockins) McBride. They were residents
of Canton township, Washington county, where a
son, Vincent, is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

To the union of James and Margaret (McBride)
Taggart children were born as follows: James
M. (married to Miss Jennie Maxwell), Annie F.
(wife of F. W. Donaldson), Archibald A. (married
to Ella W. McCarrell), Urania Bell and Charles
Leslie, both of whom still reside with their mother
on the old homestead. Mr. Taggart voted with
the Democratic party before the Civil war, and in
1862 joined the ranks of the Republican party, of
which he became a trusted and valued member,
and served one term as county auditor. In religious
faith he was a member and trustee of the Buffalo
Presbyterian Church, and led the choir for many
years. He was called over the river February 22,
1892, leaving many friends to mourn his death, who
are yet waiting the hour when they shall meet on
the other side.

D

Co.,

R. BEBOUT, a well-known farmer and
stock raiser of Cecil township, was born
September 3, 1832, on the old homestead
in North Strabane township, Washington
Penn. He is a son of Peter Bebout, and
grandson of John.
John Bebout was born June 20, 1752, in Hol
land, and when a young man sailed to America.
He first located in New Jersey and was there mar
ried to Mary Agnew, who was born October 23,1757.
The young people resided in Sussex county, N.
J., until 1801, when they moved overland to AVash
ington county, Penn., there making a permanent
home. They were the parents of nine children, viz. :
William, born April 21, 1778 (lived in Cross Creek
township); Peter, born February 20, 1780; Sarah
B., born February 28, 1782, wife of Joseph Mc
Lain, Mercer county, Penn. ; John, born March 21,
1789, resided in Carroll county, Ohio; Mary, born
June 23, 1791 (Mrs. Harmon Haines, of North
Strabane township); Israel, born August 12,
1793 (a farmer); Susan, born December 30, 1796
(Mrs. Long, who first settled in Cecil township,
this county, then moved to Ohio); Betsey, bom
December 4, 1798 (wife of Isaac Weaver, of
Chartiers township), and Ira, born February 3,
1800 (deceased in 1891, first lived in North Stra
bane township, this county, thence moved to
Muskingum county, Ohio). All of this family are
now deceased. The father died in 1836, in Mercer
county, Penn. , his wife having preceded him
several years.
Peter Bebout was born on Staten Island, N. J. ,
and when twenty years of age took a trip on foot
to Washington county, Penn. , returning to New
Jersey the same fall. In 1801 he and his parents
moved to Washington county, locating in North
Strabane township, on Chartiers creek, where
Peter Bebout was married to Isabella Cooper, a
native of Columbiana county, Ohio. The young

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1291

couple settled on the old homestead in North
Strabane township, and children were born to
them as follows; Mary (deceased wife of William
Hays), Susan (married to AVilliam Bebout, of
Washington, Penn. ), Ira (living in Monongahela
City), Margaret (deceased wife of Cephas Cochran),
D. R- (whose name opens this sketch), Isabelle
(wife of John Crouch, of North Strabane township),
Joshua (who moved to Missouri), Stephen (de
ceased in 1872, at Canonsburg), Martha Jane
(deceased at the age of two years), one who died
in infancy, Caroline (Mrs. Joseph Manes, living on
the old homestead) and Herman (a stock dealer,
residing in Canonsburg, Penn.). The parents
were members of the Hill Presbyterian Church.
The father of this family died about 1861 in North
Strabane township, and was followed by the mother
in 1889.
D. R. Bebout attended the district schools of
North Strabane township, and then learned the
carpenter's trade, which he followed some years.
He was appointed agent of the Chartiers Valley
Railroad, at Canonsburg, before it was completed.
On March 10, 1859, he was married to Dorothea,
daughter of James and Katie (Whitely) McMurray.
James McMurray was a native of Ireland, and
coming to America married and settled perma
nently in Washington county, Penn.
Mr. and Mrs. Bebout remained in Chartiers
township until 1878, when they bought and moved
upon the farm in Cecil township where they are
now living. It contains eighty acres of well-im-
proved land, upon which he has erected good
buildings and operates three good oil wells, in
addition to the usual farm duties. Politically he
votes with the Democratic party, but devotes the
greater part of his time to private interests. In
religion he and his wife are members of the First
Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. Their chil
dren are: James, an elder in the First Presby
terian Church at Canonsburg, living at home;
Catherine, wife of S. W. McNary, of Cecil town
ship; Mary Belle; Frank, married, a clerk in a
furniture store in Monongahela City; Martha Jane,
wife of William McCorkle, of Somerset township;
and Elizabeth, attending school at Slippery Rock,
Pennsylvania.

OYD McNARY, one of the popular young
citizens of North Strabane township, is a
son of Samuel McNary, who was born
August 16, 1825, in Nottingham township,
Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood
on the farm, receiving a common-school education.
He was married to Margaret McClure, who was
born July 7, 1828, and seven children were born
to their union, as follows: James S., born October
27, 1851; David, born June 23, 1853, died Octo

ber 28, 1875; William Boyd, born February 17,
1856; Joseph R., born August 13, 1858; Mary,
born August 10, 1860, died April 19, 1876; Mattie,
born November 23, 1862, married, July 3, 1884,
W. F. Wiskeman, and died October 2, 1888; and
Clark J., born June 20, 1865. Samuel McNary
was an enterprising and progressive citizen and
served in various township offices, filling the posi
tion of school director fifteen years. He was a
lifelong member of the U. P. Church, and died
February 10, 1883. His widow passed away
March 5, 1886.
Boyd McNary was born February 17, 1856, on
the home farm, and followed the usual routine of
a farmer boy, but received a thorough common-
school education. On October 22, 1885, he was
united in marriage with Jennie M. Herron, who was
born January 8, 1861, daughter of Robert and
Rachel (Berry) Herron. Robert Herron was a son
of Joseph Herron, whose father, James, was a
native of Ireland. James Herron emigrated to
America in the latter part of the eighteenth cent
ury, and settled in North Strabane township, this
county, on the farm now owned by his descendants.
When a young man he was married to Rachel
Reed, a native of Ohio, and the following children
were born to their union: Charles, John, William,
James, Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel.
In politics Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and in
religion a devout member of the Seceder Church.
Joseph Herron, son of James, was born January
2, 1797, on his father's farm in North Strabane
township, and was educated in the country schools.
On January 3, 1824, he married Margaret Hast
ings, of Somerset township, this county, and they
settled on the home place, where children were
born as follows: Rachel, Robert, James, John,
Sarah, Joseph, Margaret and Elizabeth M. The
father was an active worker in the Democratic
party, and in religious connection supported the
Seceder Church. He died January 25, 1852, his
wife being laid beside him March 18, 1854, and
both rest in the U. P. cemetery at Pigeon Creek.
Robert Herron was born September 30, 1826, on
the farm where his brother James is now living.
On May 13, 1858, he was united in marriage with
Rachel E., daughter of John Berry, who bore him
children as follows: William G., Margaret J. (Mrs.
W. B. McNary), Lizzie R. (Mrs. M. H. Munce),
Anna M. (Mrs. W. H. McNary), Sadie T. and
Robert W. Mr. Herron has always been a Demo
crat and has served his party in various ways. He
and his family are members of the U. P. Church
at Mt. Prospect.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs.. McNary settled on
the old farm, where three children were bom, as
follows: Robert B., September 25, 1886; Mary R.,
March 20, 1889, and Carrie M., November 17, 1890.
Boyd McNary is one of the successful farmers in

1292

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

North Strabane township. He and his two
brothers, Joseph and Clark, own 134 acres of good
land. He has a considerable influence in politics,
and votes the Republican ticket. He and his wife
are members of the U. P. Church.

JAMES HERRON, a leading business man of
the village of California, is descended from
Hibernian ancestors, his grandfather, James
Herron, having been a native of Ireland, in
which country he grew to manhood and was
married. The family finally came to America, lo
cating in Greensburgh, Westmoreland Co., Penn.,
where the grandparents died, leaving two sons,
Nelson and John.
John Herron, son of the pioneer James, was
born on the farm in Westmoreland county, Penn.,
there received his early education, and learned the
carpenter's trade. When a young man he moved
to Allegheny county, Penn., where he met and
married Elizabeth, daughter of Francis and Ellen
(Vandervort) Cooley, who were natives of New
York. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley were the parents of
the following children: Joseph, Robert, William,
John, Francis, Samuel, Harrison, Elizabeth and
Mary. The father of this family followed farming
near New York City for several years, afterward
moving to a place in Washington county, Penn.,
and finally settling on a farm in Allegheny county,
near Pittsburgh, where he died. He was original
ly a Democrat, but afterward became a member of
the Whig party, and in religion was connected
with the English Lutheran Church. John and
Elizabeth (Cooley) Herron passed their married
life in Allegheny county, and he followed the car
penter's trade in Pittsburgh. They had two sons,
Francis C, a farmer, and postmaster at Oklahoma,
and James. John Herron died in 1828, and was
followed to the grave by his widow in 1839.
James Herron, son of John and Elizabeth
(Cooley) Herron, was born August 8, 1825, in Al
legheny county, Penn. , and received his early edu
cation at the subscription and public schools of
the vicinity. Being left an orphan, he had to
commence life for himself at an early age, and
when sixteen years of age was apprenticed to
Thomas McKee, a blacksmith of Pittsburgh, Penn.,
with whom he remained about ten years. He then
purchased the shop, and conducted the business
for five years, when he entered the employ of the
Lippincott Manufacturing Company. In 1859 he
purchased an interest in the store of his brother-
in-law, William F. Barclay, at Coal Bluff, this
county. Mr. Herron served as postmaster of that
place during the Civil war, but, resigning this
position in June, 1865, opened his present general
merchandise store in California, which is now one
of the oldest and most prosperous establishments

in the village. Politically he has been a Repub
lican, and recently he became a Prohibitionist; in
religion he is a member of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church. On May 28, 1846, James Herron
was united in marriage with Hannah M. , daughter
of James and Rachel (McVay) Barclay, of Finley
ville, Washington Co., Penn. They have had no
children, but adopted a little girl, and reared her
as their own; she is now the wife of John H. Wil-
kins, to whom she has borne three sons, viz. : Fred
B., James H. and Frank S.

JOHN C. McBRIDE, one of the most progress
ive, influential and successful citizens of
Robinson township, is descended from pio
neer ancestors of Washington county.
James McBride (the grandfather) left the
Emerald Isle in early manhood, and coming to
Washington county, Penn., settled near Miller's
run, on some land which legally belonged to
George Washington. When the latter discovered
that his rights were endangered, he made known
his claims to the property, and the immigrants
were forced to evacuate that locality. They then
moved to a tract of 240 acres in the northern end
of the county, near which was erected the Associ
ate church of Robinson in 1832 (now the U. P.
church), the patent for which tract of land was
issued in 1786, and is still in the possession of our
subject. This tract has since been the homestead
of the McBride family. James McBride was mar
ried in Washington county to Miss Sarah Sprowls,
and they settled on the farm in a small house
which had been previously erected, but which was
afterward burned by the Indians while the family
were on a visit to their old home. Ten sons were
born to this couple, all of whom lived to advanced
age, namely: Francis, Nathaniel, Matthew, James,
John, Isaac, Samuel, David, William and Alex
ander. The father was a Democrat, and a mem
ber of the Associate Church of Clinton, and was
a member of one of three families who first formed
the organization.
William McBride was born in 1798 on the old
homestead in this county, and followed farming
from early boyhood throughout his active life. He
was married to Martha Keys, who was born June
11, 1805, near Bulger, this county, a daughter of
James Keys, and the following children blessed
their union: James, born October 8, 1832 (now
deceased); William, born October 24, 1836; Jane
and John C. (twins), born March 27, 1840, the
former married to John Purdy,. and living in Alle
gheny county, Penn. The father of' this family
died October 22, 1878, the mother on February 4,
1875. Mr. McBride passed his entire life on the
home farm, engaged in general agriculture and
stock raising, proving an enterprising and pro-

^A^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1295

gressive man. In his political affiliations he was a
Democrat. John C. McBride was married December 30,
1874, to Elizabeth Galbreath, who was born near
Candor, this county, a daughter of William Gal
breath, a native of Allegheny county, Penn. , born
about the year 1796. His father, Samuel Gal
breath, was of Scotch ancestry, and was reared in
eastern Pennsylvania. He early came to Alle
gheny county, where he carried on farming, an
occupation he followed during the rest of his life.
He married Nancy Gilmore, who bore him the fol
lowing children: James, Robert, Annie, Nancy,
Elizabeth and William. Samuel Galbreath was a
member of the Noblestown U. P. Church. Will
iam Galbreath was thrice married: first time to
Margaret Bingham, who bore him one child,
Henry P. ; his second wife was Esther Ewing, and
by this marriage there were children as follows:
Letticia E., Nancy G., Isabell C. (married to
Thomas Munn), Samuel, Margaret B. (married to
James G. Wilson), Esther A. (married to W. S.
Bailey) and Elizabeth. For his third wife Will
iam Galbreath wedded Jane Bailey, who bore him
one child, William, and she is now living with our
subject and wife, at the patriarchal age of ninety-
three years. William Galbreath died August 21,
1874. After their marriage John C. and Elizabeth G. Mc
Bride moved to a farm about three miles east of
the old homestead, on which he has erected a fine
dwelling house. One daughter has come to bless
their union, Martha Keys, born June 1, 1877.
Politically, Mr. McBride was identified with the
Democratic party until of late years, since when
he has been in sympathy with the Prohibition
movement. He is a well-known, enterprising
citizen, has filled various township offices, and has
ever given his aid to enterprises tending to the
good of the community at large. In religious
faith he is a consistent member of the Robinson
U. P. Church.

OBERT C. HOOTMAN is a well-known and
successful farmer of Donegal township.
His grandfather, Christian -Hootman, was
a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany,
having been born there about the year
1757. Christian enlisted in the army when a
young man, and was among the Hessian soldiers
who came to America, during the Revolutionary
war, and were hired by the English government to
fight the Colonists.
Christian Hootman was a drummer boy, and
upon first landing in America was delighted with
the country, often longing for freedom, that he
might assist the Colonists in their struggle for lib
erty. At the battle of Brandywine he was taken

prisoner, and (making no effort to escape) was soon
drumming in the Continental army under Gen.
Washington. He served till the close of the war,
and decided to remain in the " land of the free,"
where the galling restraints of the old country
were unknown. In the year 1785 the young man
came to Donegal township, Washington Co.,
Penn., after a long and tedious journey over the
mountains. He took up a " tomahawk claim ' ' in
the northwest corner of Donegal township, imme
diately on the line then bounding Pennsylvania
and Virginia. Here he erected a cabin home in the
wilderness, and began to clear a piece of land upon
which to raise corn. He was then married, and
the following children were born to him: Henry
and Jacob (who moved to Iowa, where they died) ;
John (moved West and there died) ; Mary (wife of
Adam Deeds), moved to Coshocton county, Ohio;
Catherine (Mrs. William Shaler), who died in Don
egal township; David, who learned the blacksmith
trade, and followed it on the Monongahela pike,
where he died; Tenie (deceased wife of Samuel
Miller), lived in Donegal township; and Christian
(the father of our subject). The mother of these
children died, and Mr. Hootman was afterward
united in marriage with Susan Cavanaugh, who
bore him no children. He continued to live on the
same farm until his death, which occurred in the
year 1845, after sixty years of pioneer life in
Washington county. His second wife had also pre
ceded him to the grave.
Christian Hootman was born October 12. 1800,
in Donegal township, on the farm which is now
owned by his son Robert. His early life was
passed in attending to the duties of the pioneer
farm, and his education was limited to the advan
tages of the subscription schools, but this was-
afterward supplemented by home instruction from
his stepmother, who was an educated woman. He
thus became a well-informed man. In about the
year 1830, Christian Hootman was married to
Sarah McBroom, who was born in 1808, daughter
of Robert McBroom, of Brooke county, W. Va. ,
but a native of Ireland. Two children were born
to them: Nancy S. M. (Mrs. E. Buchanan, of
Wheeling, W. Va.), and Robert C. (subject of this
sketch). Mr. Hootman passed his entire life on
the home place, and was a successful farmer. In
religion he was an active member of the U. B.
Church, to which he and his father were liberal
contributors. Mr. Hootman died February 27,
1874, and was followed by his widow April 22, 1891.
Politically he was a lifelong Democrat.
Robert C. Hootman was the only son of his
parents, and was born November 14, 1844, on the
home farm, where he is yet living. He was trained
to farm work from boyhood, and received a com
mon-school education. On September 13, 1866,
he was united in marriage with Maggie Yant, who

1296

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was born April 20, 1850, a daughter of Jacob and
Lizzie (AA'ilson) Yant, and the following children
have been born to this union: an infant daughter
(deceased), and Luetta, Frank S., Laurence V. and
Bruce C. , all of whom are living at home. After
his marriage, Mr. Hootman settled on the home
farm, which has been in the possession of the
Hootman family since it was patented, and is one
of the most valuable pieces of farm land in Done
gal township. Mr. Hootman is a very systematic
and progressive farmer, and is extensively en
gaged in raising sheep. Politically he is a Dem
ocrat, but often votes for the man he thinks best
qualified, regardless of his party connection.

JOHN P. SCOTT, a prosperous, popular and
cultured citizen of Cecil township, is a son of
John, and grandson of John Scott. John
Scott (the grandfather) was born in 1777, at
Mingo creek, Washington Co., Penn., of Scotch
parents, and was married to Esther Phillips. In
1800 they moved to Mt. Pleasant township, Wash
ington county, locating on 305 acres of land,
which was originally a portion of the George
Washington survey. They were members of the
Associate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run,
in which he was a ruling elder. He died Febru
ary 19, 1817, and July 19 of the same year his
life companion was laid by his side. They were
the parents of the following children: Hannah
(born 1801, married to Capt. John Young, of Alle
gheny county, Penn.), Esther (born 1811, wife of
William Gribben, Allegheny county), Rachel (Mrs.
Allen Dunn, of Pittsburgh, Penn,), Elizabeth
(born 1803, wife of John Cairus, of Pittsburgh,
Penn.), a daughter Mary (born in 1805, died in
early womanhood), Samuel (born 1807, died more
than fifty years ago in Allegheny county), Jonathan
(born 1809, moved West) and John (whose sketch
follows). The parents were among the earliest of
early settlers in Allegheny county.
John Scott was born in 1813, on the home farm
in Mt. Pleasant township, where his boyhood days
were passed. On August 29, 1836, he was united
in marriage to Ann White, who was born in 1815,
in Smith township, this county, and the young
people settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township,
where four children were born to them: Mary
(deceased February 13, 1889, aged fifty-one years,
seven months and fifteen days), born in 1837, was
married in September, 1858, to R. W. Lawrence,
of Independence township; John P., whose name
opens this sketch ; William J. (deceased March 25,
1873), born June 25, 1841 (entered the service
for a thirty days' call to Gettysburg), and married
Sarah A. Douglas in 1863, settled in Cecil town

ship; and Samuel Wilson (died in April, 1888),
born August 1, 1852, and married April 27, 1881,
to Miss Anna M. May. Mr. and Mrs. John Scott
were first members of the Associate Reformed
Church at Robinson's Run, and in 1850 united
with the Associate Reformed Church at Venice,
this county. In 1858 they became members of the
U P. Church, of which Mr. Scott was elected an
elder, but refused to serve. He died June 10,
1887, his widow passing away January 31, 1892.
John P. Scott was born April 17, 1839, in Mt.
Pleasant township, and attended the common schools
of the neighborhood. On January 1, 1861, he was
united in marriage with Mary Ann Cook. Her
father, Robert Cook, was born June 2, 1805, in
Cecil township, and on April 23, 1835, made choice
of a wife in the person of Mary Gladden, who was
bom August 15, 1798. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Cook settled on the farm now occupied
by their daughter, Mary A. He was a farmer,
taking an active part in the politics of the Demo
cratic party, and in religion was a member of the
now United Presbyterian Church at Robinson's
Run, afterward uniting with the church at Venice,
this county. Mrs. Cook died July 22, 1842, leaving
two daughters: Mary Ann (Mrs. Scott) and Anna
E. (living in Cecil township). On February 27,
1844, the father was married to Rebecca Glen-
denen, who bore him one child, deceased in in
fancy. Mr. Cook died January 6, 1857, followed
by his widow August 30, 1886, in her eighty-first
year. John P. and Mary Ann (Cook) Scott began mar
ried life on the farm in Cecil township where they
are yet living. He taught school three years in
Mt. Pleasant and Cecil townships, having since
been engaged in cultivating the farm, containing
280 fertile acres. Among the many improvements
which have been made may be mentioned the erec
tion of a good, commodious barn, 42 by 62 feet.
Mr. Scott makes a specialty of raising Delaine
wool Merino sheep. In politics he is a strong ad
herent of the Prohibition party, and has been a
candidate for county commissioner. 1 n religious
faith he and his wife are members of the U. P.
Church at Venice, in which he is an elder, having
been elected to that office August 28, 1864. Five
children have gladdened the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Scott, namely: Robert Cook, born May 17, 1862;
Anna (married on January 1, 1890, to James R.
White, has one child, John Lee), born September
10, 1864; John Elmer, born March 19, 1867
(married October 26, 1892, to Luella Bell McPeak);
William Lawrence (graduated at Westminster,
Penn., with class of '91, now attending the Med
ical Department of the University of Pennsylvania
at Philadelphia), born April 7, 1870, and George
Wilson, born July 22, 1878.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1297

4)
Penn.

Mi ATTHEW B. BROWN, a well-known agri
culturist of Mt. Pleasant township, was
born in 1851, in Allegheny county, Penn.
' He is a son of David Brown, whose father,
John Brown, was born in Lancaster county,
John Brown was there married to Mary
Acheson, and in 1785 the young people moved to
Noblestown, Allegheny county, where he followed
the tailor's trade and conducted a hotel. He after
ward moved to a farm in the same county and
reared his children. He died about 1851, his wife
having entered the dark valley a few years before.
David Brown, was born in 1803, on the home
farm in Allegheny county, and was trained from
early boyhood to agricultural life. He was married
in his native county to Rebecca Borland, remaining
there a short time after that event. In 1847 he
bought a partially improved farm of 339 acres in
Mount Pleasant township, Washington Co. , Penn.,
to which he moved in 1855, his wife having died
in Allegheny county the year before.

OBERT H. RUSSELL (deceased) was one
of the leading and prosperous citizens of
Chartiers township. In business circles he
stood in the front rank of prosperous and
enterprising stockmen, in social life he was
equally renowned for a generous, affectionate dis
position, and in religious faith he was a devoted and
liberal churchman. His father, Andrew Russell,
was born January 3, 1777, in Cecil township, this
county, coming with his parents to Chartiers town
ship when about two years of age. In 1800 he
was married to Ann McClellan, who was born in
1784, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and
after marriage began to manage the home farm.
He was a Whig, taking an active part in the early
political history of the county ; he had a brother
who served in the war of 1812. In religious faith
he was first a Seceder, then joined the U. P.
Church at Canonsburg. He died March 2, 1861,
in his eighty-fourth year, being followed by his
wife February 17, 1868, who had borne him chil
dren as follows: Jane (wife of Samuel Lee, de
ceased January 24, 1880); Isabelle (deceased in
1845, wife of William McCali); James (deceased
in January, 1890, married in 1844 to Elizabeth
McElroy); Ann (living in New Concord, Ohio);
Elizabeth (deceased January 10, 1868, in her six
ty-fifth year, married to Robert Jeffrey, of Mt.
Pleasant township); Andrew (deceased in April,
1891, married April 18, 1839, to Jane Miller);
Alexander (deceased September 29, 1886, in his
seventy-eighth year, married first to Margaret Ann
Acheson (deceased), then to Lavina Calkins); Rob
ert (deceased in May, 1887; first married to Eliz
abeth McConaughey, then to Martha Jane Mc
Nary) ; John (living in Chartiers township, mar

ried to Elizabeth G. Morrison); John Russell, died
January 16, 1893, after a brief illness; William
(married to Margaret Thompson, who died in 1892,
living in Chartiers township) and Nancy (deceased
in 1849).
Robert H. Russell was born in 1819, in Char
tiers township, Washington Co., Penn., being
reared and educated in the district schools of the
township. He was first married to Elizabeth Mc
Conaughey, who died within a few years. On May
17, 1858, he made a second choice in the person
of Martha Jane McNary, daughter of William and
granddaughter of John McNary. John McNary
was married to Jane Hill, and in 1784 made a per
manent settlement in North Strabane township,
this county. They were both members of the Se
ceder Church. William H. McNary was united in
marriage with Margaret Murray, daughter of
George Murray, who came from Scotland in an
early day, and was married to Mary Reed. In
1832 he moved from North Strabane township
to Chartiers township, where he died, being fol
lowed by his wife three years afterward.
Robert H. and Martha Jane Russell began mar
ried life on one of the finest farms in Chartiers
township, where his widow is still living, which he
had purchased in 1845. Mr. Russell took pride
and pleasure in making all possible improvements
upon his farm, having erected a handsome brick
dwelling and good outbuildings. He was espe
cially interested in raising sheep, having been one
of the charter members of the National Delaine
Merino Sheep Breeders' Association. In religion
he was an earnest worker in the Chartiers United
Presbyterian Church, having been a member of
the Session for twenty-three years. He also served
as elder, and always contributed to the Master's
cause to the utmost of his ability. He passed from
earth May 17, 1887, and his widow is yet residing
on the old place. Many hearts were saddened by
the loss of this honorable, generous, Christian man,
for in this world such characters are rarely found
and are sorely missed when called away.
L. A. Russell, one of the most prominent busi
ness men of Washington county, has devoted his
time to stock raising, making a specialty of breed
ing sheep, and has achieved an enviable success in
that business. He is a representative of an old
and honored pioneer family of this county. He is
a son of William and grandson of Andrew Russell,
whose father was born in 1723, in Scotland, com-
inc* to America in 1758, where he was united in
marriage with Isabel Mays, a native of Ireland.
They first settled near Oxford, Chester Co., Penn.,
then went to Canonsburg, and in 1782 bought the
home farm in Chartiers township. He was a
blacksmith, and having brought his tools from
eastern Pennsylvania, enjoyed a great deal of cus
tom, having no competitor in that vocation.

1298

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Andrew Russell was born in 1777, in Cecil town
ship, this county, and in 1782 came to a farm in
Chartiers township, where he grew to manhood
and was married to Ann McClellan. The couple
passed their lives in their native county. Andrew
Russell was a Whig, being an active worker in the
party. He died in 1861, the wife and mother be
ing laid to rest February 17, 1868. They were
formerly members of the Associate Reformed
Church, then united with the United Presbyterian
Church at Canonsburg. They were the parents of
eleven children.
William Russell was born October 10, 1825, in
Chartiers township, Washington county, being the
youngest child in his father's family. He was
reared on the home farm, and educated in the
subscription schools of the vicinity. In 1855 he
was married to Margaret Jane Thompson, a na
tive of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. She
is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Wilson)
Thompson, who were natives of Ireland, and of
Scotch descent. They immigrated to America at
an early day, and settled in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, where Joseph Thompson passed the rest of
his life in agricultural pursuits. He was actively
interested in political questions; in religion he was
united with the U. P. Church of Hickory, this
county. His wife, who was a member of the
Associate Reformed Church, died in 1847, and in
1861 he was laid by her side. After his marriage
William Russell opened a book store in Canons
burg, this county, keeping a full line of school
and college text-books. In 1862 he moved to a
farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and in 1881 settled
on the farm in Chartiers township which he now
occupies. It consists of 135 acres of good land.
Mr. and* Mrs. Russell have had ten children, four
of whom are now living, namely: L. A., William
Frank (an operator at Bridgeville, Allegheny Co. ,
Penn.), Mamie Bell Agnes, and Robert Lee (study
ing for the ministry at New Wilmington College).
In politics William Russell is a Republican, and
has served as supervisor and member of the school
board. His wife died January 19, 1892. She
was a member of the U. P. Church at Hickory, in
which her husband was an elder, now being a mem
ber of the church at Houstonville.
L. A. Russell was born June 15, 1863, on the
home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county,
being reared in Chartiers township. After attend
ing the common schools he took a commercial
course at the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, Penn. ,
and graduated February 16, 1884. He then re
turned to the home place, and began to follow
farming and stock raising. He raises a large
amount of thoroughbred National Delaine Merino
sheep, shipping them to all points in the United
States. He is a member of the National Delaine
Merino Sheep Association, and is one of the lead

ing sheep breeders of Washington county, although
some of his time is given to the raising of Short
horn cattle. In 1884 and 1885 Mr. Russell made
an exhibit at the New Orleans' Fair, where he was
awarded eleven prizes on twelve sheep. He casts
his ballot with the Republican party, and was
chairman of this precinct during the Prohibition
movement, securing many votes for the Amend
ment. In religious faith he is a member and
trustee of the Chartiers United Presbyterian
Church at Canonsburg, serving as a teacher in
the Sabbath-school, and assistant leader in the
choir. In business, social and religious circles,
Mr. Russell has proven himself a zealous and
active worker, and an ardent, capable leader.

JR. GLADDEN occupies a prominent position
in the large circle of leading agriculturists of
Cecil township, and is descended from one of
the pioneer families. His earliest ancestors,
whose history can be obtained, were William
and Mary (Woods) Gladden; they were both born
in eastern Pennsylvania, William being a miller by
trade. They came to Cecil township in May,
1795, and bought of one Nicholas Gaunce 206^
acres, of which he had secured the patent in 1789,
and made this their permanent home. After the
death of William, the land became the property of
Richard Gladden, and has remained in the family
name up to the present time.
Joseph Gladden, son of William and Mary
Woods Gladden, was born in 1795, in Cecil town
ship, this county, and was reared and educated on
the old homestead. In early manhood he married
Jane Donaldson, a native of Robinson township,
this county, and first settled near Midway, on what
is known as the Campbell farm. In the spring of
1842 he bought and moved upon a farm in South
Fayette township, Allegheny Co. , Penn., remain
ing there until his death, which occurred in 1866,
being followed by his wife in 1881. Both were
members of the United Presbyterian Church at
Robinson's Run. Their children were: Thomas
D. (living on the homestead in Allegheny county,
Penn.), William (deceased in 1891, a resident of
Jefferson county, Ohio), James (deceased in youth),
J. R., and Mary Jane (wife of R. A. Warren, Jef
ferson county, Ohio).
J. R. Gladden, son of Joseph and Jane (Donald
son) Gladden, was born in 1842, in South Fayette
township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and received his ed
ucation in the common schools of the neighborhood.
In 1869 he married Sarah A., daughter of David
and Sarah (Campbell) McConnell, early pioneers of
Cecil township, where their daughter Sarah was
born. On January 15, 1884, J. R. Gladden, in
company with his brother, Thomas D., bought the
old home farm of their grandfather, William Glad-

<£*

cZt^^yi-^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1301

den, in Cecil township, from their uncle, Richard
Gladden, and in 1888 J. R. Gladden bought his
brother's interest, and made it his permanent home.
The place contains 321 acres of good land, located
about one mile from McDonald, and contains four
producing oil wells. Mr. Gladden conducts a gen
eral farming business in connection with a profit
able dairy, and has built a good barn, being now
engaged in building a comfortable tenant house.
He votes the Democratic ticket. He and his wife
are members of the First Presbyterian Church at
McDonald, of which he is a trustee. They have
had four children: David (deceased at the age of
two years), Joseph, Thomas Donaldson and Mary
Jane.

d'lOHN SMITH, a successful farmer of Inde
pendence township, was bom June 22, 1820,
I near Mt. Hope church, Independence town
ship, this county. He is a son of John Smith,
who was born in 1786, in County Fermanagh, Ire
land, and lived on the farm during his boyhood.
He was married to Jane Graham, who was born in
1786, a daughter of William Graham. In 1818,
with his wife and infant son, he embarked from
Cork, Ireland, for America, and landing in New
York came to Independence township, this county,
where a brother of Mr. Smith had previously
located, near Buffalo creek. Mr. Smith worked
as a farm tenant for some time after his arrival in
Independence township, but soon purchased the
place on which he lived, and continued to reside
there until his death, which occurred in 1831.
His widow remained on the place until 1835, when
she too passed away, leaving the following chil
dren: William (born in Ireland), John (a farmer
of Independence township), Jane (deceased), Ed
ward (died in 1847 of consumption) and Mary A.
(widow of Paul Ralston, of Independence town
ship). John Smith, son of John and Jane (Graham)
Smith, worked on the home farm from earliest
boyhood, and received his education in the rude
country schools of the period. When his parents
died he took charge of the place, which is situated
about three miles south of Independence, near the
West Virginia line. His two sisters lived on the
farm with him until the death of one in 1891, and
Jane, the remaining sister, has since been keeping
house for him. Mr. Smith is unmarried, and his
health having been poor for several years, he has
consequently lived in a retired manner. He is
naturally a quiet and unassuming man, having the
respect and esteem of all who know him. Polit
ically he was formerly a Whig, and is now a mem
ber of the Republican party. He is a member of
the M. E. Church at Independence.

JfOSHUA DICKERSON, a representative of
one of the early families of Washington
| county, was born January 3, 1845, on the
farm where he now resides in Franklin town
ship. His great-grandfather, Henry Dicker-
son, was married in New Jersey, his native State,
and reared the following named children: Joshua,
Henry, George, Gideon, Leonard, Asa, Margaret
and Ruth. He was a leading member and liberal
supporter of the M. E. Church, and withal was a
hard-working, industrious man.
Joshua Dickerson, grandfather of our subject,
was born May 3, 1781, in AVashington county,
Penn. , whither his father had come in a very early
day. He was for the most part a self-educated
man, making himself well acquainted with the
ordinary branches of education, and he made a
special study of surveying, a profession in which
he had no superior in the county. He was well
versed in wood craft and was considered one of
the best hunters of his time; his business as sur
veyor naturally brought him in contact with a
large number of citizens, and he at once became a
popular man. He early identified himself with
the leading party, was elected auditor of his native
county, and so well did he discharge the duties of
his office that he was nominated for, and elected,
representative from Washington and Greene coun
ties, a position he filled eight consecutive years;
he was then elected to the State Senate, in which
he served six years, and then resigned to accept
the secretaryship of the land office, which he filled
till 1830. In 1831 he was chosen to the constitu
tional convention of the State, and took an active
and zealous part in the labors of the same. In
these many years of public life and prominence, Mr.
Dickerson was totally unpretentious, his home being
all along in the old log cabin where he was born.
He was a man of magnificent physique, stalwart
and active, and .the very bean ideal of a Nimrod.
At the time of La Fayette's visit to Washington,
Penn.. he furnished the carriage which conveyed
the illustrious visitor, and he took a prominent
part in the reception. On April 30, 1853, he
passed from earth full of years and honor. The
children born to this remarkable pioneer and his
first wife, Margaret McPherson, are as follows:
Joshua D., Nancy, Alexander, Mary, John, Jennie
(Mrs. Samuel Walters), Ruth (Mrs. Lewis Barker),
Henry, Lydia (Mrs. Howard Trussell), Margaret
(Mrs. William Hazlett) and Matilda. Joshua
Dickerson's second wife was Cornelia Craig, who
bore him no children.
John Dickerson, father of our subject, was a na
tive of Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn.,
born April 13, 1810. He passed his boyhood and
youth on the old home place, and was married to
Mary, daughter of Robert Adams, of Washington

1302

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

county. The children born to this union were
Margaret (deceased) and Joshua. This wife dy
ing in 1851, Mr. Dickerson married Miss Mary
Johnson, by which union came the following named
children: Harvey, Mary A., Ruth A. (deceased),
Lewis (deceased) and Flora B. On April 10,
1865, Mr. Dickerson was called from earth after a
long and industrious life. In politics he was first
a Whig, and afterward, on the formation of the
party, a Republican.
The entire life of the subject of this sketch has
been passed on the homestead of his immediate
ancestry, the days of his boyhood and early youth
having been occupied in receiving a thorough
course of training to agricultural pursuits, and in
attending in the winter months the common schools
of the district. On June 2, 1867, he was united
in marriage with Sarah, daughter of the Hon. J.
C. Chambers (a sketch of whom is given else
where), and two children were born to them: Mary
(deceased) and Lewis B. Mr. Dickerson and fam
ily are adherents of the Disciple Church, and in
politics he is a Republican. He has been pros
perous, thanks to his industry, intelligence and
foresight, and is a leader in his community, where
he is highly respected.

THE JEFFRIES FAMILY. This well-known
family have been closely identified with the
progress of West Pike Run township.
Joseph Jeffries was born of English par
ents in Chester county, Penn. (on the
Brandywine river, near Chadd's Ford), in 1772.
He moved from that county to Loudoun county,
Va. , and there married Betsey Robison, who was
born in 1781 in that Virginia county. In 1796
they came to Washington county and settled in
West Pike Run township. • The following named
children were born to this couple: Plessie, born
in 1798; Benjamin Amor, born March 21, 1803;
Bennet, Mary, John, Job, all deceased except the
last named, who is now living at Lemont Furnace,
Fayette county. Joseph Jeffries died April 9,
1854, preceded by his wife June 16, 1833.
Amor, born on Buffington' s farm, East Pike Run
township, was educated at the subscription schools
of the neighborhood, and learned the wool carder's
trade, which he followed during early life, after
ward devoting his attention to milling and agri
culture. He married (April 6, 1828) Sarah Gregg,
who was born in Washington county, September
8, 1 806, and by this union there were the follow
ing named children: Eliza, born June 12, 1829
(married Henry Gregg, a farmer of Greene county);
Joseph, born November 1, 1830 (married Nancy
Jane Hess, a native of Ohio, and he is now living
at Centreville, Penn.); Elizabeth A., born Novem
ber 19, 1831, died February 18, 1875; Jacob, born

March 26, 1833, died May 16, 1883; John, born
October 16, 1834, died March 16, 1865; Anderson,
born February 11, 1836; George N. , born Sep
tember 10, 1837, died December 16, 1870; Jack-
man, born April 15, 1839, died January 24, 1844;
Benjamin F., born October 22, 1841 (married An
nie Peppers in 1875); Elenor J., born March
27, 1845, died October 22, 1876; James J., born
May 28, 1849, died October 18, 1874. The father
was fond of reading, and in politics voted with the
Democrats. He died June 15, 1885, preceded by
his wife June 9, 1880.
Anderson Jeffries was born in the old home in
this county, and in the schools of the district se
cured a knowledge of the common studies. On
June 18, 1882, he married Mattie J. Elliott, born
March 6, 1856, in this county, a daughter of
Michael Elliott, a native of this county, born No
vember 15, 1825. Mr. Elliott learned the gun
smith's trade, and on June 15, 1855, married Eliza
Amos, who was born December 25, 1838. Mr. and
Mrs. Elliott were the parents of one daughter,
Mattie J., wife of Anderson Jeffries. Mr. Elliott
died in 1857, and Mrs. Elliott married Fredrick
Staley. To them were born the following chil
dren: John C, Catherine E. (wife of Henry
Hanen), Anna M., Samuel J., Daniel E. , Fredrick
F. (deceased), Emaline (deceased), David R., Hugh
C, Eliza L., Hannah B. , Thomas C. and Clarence
V. Mr. and Mrs. Staley are now living on a farm
in West Pike Run township. To the union of
Anderson and Mattie J. (Elliott) Jeffries five chil
dren were born, namely : Corene E. , Sarah A. (de
ceased), Emma J. and Minnie May (twins) and
Bessie L. The father is a stanch Democrat. He
cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. Mr.
Jeffries owns 276 acres of land. The stone house
where he was born, and in which the family now
reside, was built by Benjamin White over one
hundred years ago. Mrs. Jeffries and daughter,
Corene, are -members of the M. E. Church.

FREDERICK McMURRAY is descended
from natives of the Emerald Isle, whence
so many of our most industrious and patri
otic citizens trace their lineage. His father,
James McMurray, was born March 13, 1796, in
Ireland, and when but a small boy came with his
parents to Pennsylvania, being reared to manhood
upon a pioneer farm. He was married, in 1830,
in Washington county, Penn. , to Catherine Whit
ley, who was born December 22, 1804, and they
had children as follows: John (now living in Ken
tucky), born May 20, 1831; Frederick, born in 1832;
Dorothy (wife of David Bebout, a farmer of Cecil
township, this county), born April 17,1834; Esther
(unmarried, is keeping house for her brother
Frederick), born February 17, 1836; Nancy (mar-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1303

ried to David C. Dunlap, a farmer of North Stra
bane township), born October 15, 1837; Catherine
(wife of Samuel Rankin, a resident of South Stra
bane township), born August 13, 1839; Mary J.
(Mrs. Albert Stimpson, a farmer of West Finley
township, this county), born May 20, 1841 ; Belle
(wife of Demas Leyda, a farmer of Washington
county, Ohio), born May 27, 1842; James (living
in Kansas City, Mo.), born March 6, 1844; and
Lizzie (married to John Hawkins, a farmer of
Greene county, Penn.), born December 5, 1846.
The father was a prominent farmer of Somerset
township, and an active worker in the United
Presbyterian Church of Pigeon Creek, but cared
little for politics. He died April 15, 1875, having
been preceded December 26, 1867, by his wife.
Frederick McMurray owns and resides upon the
home farm, consisting of 109 acres, which was
purchased in 1847 by his father. He is a prac
tical and progressive farmer, and in politics affili
ates with the Prohibition party. Mr. McMurray
has never married.

IlONAS C. McCRACKEN, a successful agri-
l I culturist of Amwell township, is of Scottish
VJj descent. His grandfather, Andrew Mc-
^^ Cracken, with a brother, David, removed
from Scotland to County Down, Ireland. From
there David immigrated to America about 1768, and
in 1792 was followed by Andrew and his family,
who lived with David two years. Andrew then
bought sixty-three acres of land of Jacob Housing,
to which he afterward added forty-one acres,
purchased of William McClenahan, comprising the
farm on which his descendants still live. In 1843
he went to Ohio, and there died. His wife was
Sarah Jennison, of Ireland, and they had five chil
dren — two sons and three daughters: John, Archi
bald, Elizabeth, Isabelle and Nancy.
Archibald McCracken, son of Andrew and Sarah
(Jennison) McCracken, was born May 23, 1799, on
the old homestead in Amwell township, AA'ashing-
ton county, where he always remained, and was
educated in the common schools. In 1825 he was
married to Lerana, daughter of Luther Axtell, by
which union there were the following children:
Phebe, Elizabeth, Andrew J., Mary, M. L. A.,
Rachel (deceased), Sarah, Cloah (deceased), Jonas
C, and Martha J. (deceased). Archibald Mc
Cracken was a successful business man, and at the
time of his death owned 184 acres of land. He
was a Whig, then a Republican, and was always in
terested in township and county affairs. He died
August 31, 1884, his wife having preceded him to
the grave in 1859, and they are buried at Amity.
Jonas C. McCracken was born on the old farm
in Amwell township, Washington county, June 11,
1843. His boyhood was passed in attending

school, and working on the farm. He took an ex
tensive western trip, but evidently concluding that
Washington county could not be excelled, soon re
turned here to make a permanent home. In 1885
he spent two months in Glasgow, Scotland, the
guest of relatives who had not been heard from for
fifty-five years, and in 1887 he took a trip to Texas.
On March 15, 1888, he was united in marriage with
Mary Ross, of Washington township, Greene Co.,
Penn. He purchased from the heirs that portion
of the old farm which he now owns, consisting of
seventy-five acres of fertile soil, and carries on
mixed farming.
T(OHN REED, a prosperous agriculturist of
. I Hopewell township, is a grandson of James
fflj Reed, the latter of whom was a carpenter,
^^ and built the first courthouse in Washington
borough. James Reed was born in Scotland,
and was married to Sina Parker, who bore him
seven children, the sons being named as follows:
John, James, Samuel and Parker.
Samuel Reed was reared and educated in Hope
well township, this county, and was afterward
united in marriage with Mary Ann Vincent,
daughter of Alexander Vincent. The following
children were born to this union: James (living
in Missouri), Alexander, Sina Ann (deceased),
Jane, Mary, Nancy, John and Catherine. Of
this family James was married to Lydia B. Mc
Williams, of Westmoreland county, Penn., who
died leaving four children: Harry, Cally, Samuel
and Dell; their father is pastor of a Presbyterian
Church in Missouri; Alexander was first married
to Jane Ann White, of Washington county, who
bore him children as follows: White, Samuel, Net
tie and Annie (the mother died, and Alexander was
then married to Mary White, of West Virginia);
Catherine is the widow of R. E. Merchant, and
has three sons: Frankie, Orr and Eddie (she is
living with her brother John) ; Mrs. Samuel Reed
died February 22, 1881, followed by her husband
April 5, 1887. He always followed farming, and
in politics was a Democrat. He and his wife
were members of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian
Church, in which he served as trustee.
John Reed, son of Samuel Reed, was born
November 13, 1846, and was about three years
of age when his father purchased the farm now
occupied by S. P. AVilson. John Reed attended
the common schools, afterward becoming a student
of the academy, which he attended one session;
he then devoted his whole attention to farming.
On October 3, 1877, he was married to Amanda
Merchant, a native of Ohio, who bore him two
children: Sina Mabel and Mary Ella (deceased).
Mrs. Reed was called to her last home August 8,
1881. Mr. Reed was a member of the Upper
Buffalo Presbvterian Church.

1304

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

F. CROTHERS is the eldest son of
William B. Crothers, who was born June
14, 1836, in Buffalo township, Washing
ton Co. , Penn. , and passed his earlier
years at home, alternately working on the
farm, and attending the district school, at which
he secured a thorough knowledge of the common
branches. He began farming in early life, and
has since continued in that calling, also devoting
much attention to stock raising. On February
28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Emma,
daughter of James Maxwell, of Hopewell town
ship, this county. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Crothers settled on the place where they now
reside, and the following children have been born
to them: Anna (Mrs. Samuel Cleland), Wylie F.,
Maggie (Mrs. AValter Coulson), Harry, Albert,
James, Arthur and John. Mr. Crothers is a suc
cessful farmer, and owns a farm of 500 acres,
upon which he has made many improvements, near
the village of Taylorstown. In early life he
united with the United Presbyterian Church, aud
has ever been an active member, having held some
important offices, the duties of which he has faith
fully performed. He has ever been interested in
public enterprises, and in politics is a member of
the Republican party.
AATylie F. Crothers was born January 19, 1863,
on the home place in Buffalo township, this coun
ty. He remained at home during his minority,
and was educated at the schools of Taylorstown,
where he was considered one of the best students.
On January 19, 1888, he was united in marriage
with Nettie M., daughter of James Noble, and
they have one child, Homer N. In February,
1889, Mr. Crothers opened a general store in Tay
lorstown, Buffalo township, and by his honesty,
enterprise and uniform courtesy has the largest
custom of any store in the town. His stock occu
pies a large building with two floors and a base
ment, also a large warehouse adjoining. He keeps
a complete assortment of all kinds of goods, and
has the largest and best equipped store (outside
of Washington) in western Washington county.
He has succeeded in business by earnest effort,
and is one of the leading young men of the vicinity.
Politically he is an ardent Republican, and though
not a politician gives all possible aid to the suc
cess of his party. He and his family are mem
bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Tay
lorstown, to which they are liberal contributors.

,\INFIELD SCOTT ARMSTRONG, a citi
zen of West Finley township, is a grand
son of James A. Armstrong, a native of
Ireland. The latter immigrated to Amer
ica, and settled east of the Alleghany
mountains, where he was married to Miss Mar

garet Martin. After their marriage the young
couple settled in Donegal township, Washington
Co. , Penn. , where ten children were born to them.
Mr. Armstrong was one of the first volunteers in
the war of 1812, and served till the close of the
war, when he received an honorable discharge.
Samuel Armstrong was the tenth child in the
order of birth, and was born April 20, 1812, on the
farm in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn.
He was united in marriage in 1833, with Mary
Crow, daughter of William Crow, also a resident
of Donegal township, and to their union were born
the following children: Mrs. Mary Watson, Mar
garet, Mrs. Sarah J. Hair, AVilliam H. , Catherine
(Mrs. Guess), and Winfield Scott. Mr. Armstrong
removed to West Alexander four years before his
death, which occurred June 12, 1867, having been
preceded by his wife in October, 1855.
Winfield Scott Armstrong was born August 13,
1847, in Donegal township, Washington county,
and lived at home until old enough to earn his
own living, when he began to work by the month
for different farmers. On March 27, 1865, he en
listed in the One Hundred and Third Regiment,
P. V. I., and served until the close of the war.
His brother, AVilliam H. Armstrong, enlisted in
Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment,
P. V. I. He served in many of the battles, and
was captured at Gettysburg, being taken to Libby
Prison, where, in December, 1863, he died of
starvation, thus adding another name to the long
list of martyred heroes. On February 19, 1873,
Winfield Scott Armstrong was married to Miss
Kate Gordon, and they have had two children,
William H., born April 28, 1876, and Flora Gor
don, born January 23, 1890. After his marriage
Mr. Armstrong bought the old water-power grist
mill which he still owns, and made the good, old-
fashioned sweet flour. The old mill has been kept
in excellent repair, and is one of the few of that
kind now in operation.

THOMAS SHAW. Among the honored citi
zens of Chartiers township, the name of
Thomas Shaw occupies a prominent posi
tion. He is a successful agriculturist and
worthy representative of an old pioneer fam
ily. His grandfather, Joseph Shaw, was born of
Scotch parents in Ireland, where, in early manhood,
he married a Miss Sankey, and coming to America,
he settled in Chartiers township, Washington Co.,
Penn., where he reared a family of children.
John Shaw, father of subject, was born in
1804, on the pioneer farm in Chartiers township,
Washington county. In early manhood he mar
ried Sarah Harsha, a native of the same county,
and settled on the home farm, where the following
children were born: Esther Ann (who died in

mgWr%

t&m&fmsm

m

&J

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1307

infancy), Jane (who died in infancy), William D.
(who enlisted in Company A, Eighth-fifth Regi
ment, P. V. I., served three years, two months
and ten days, and is now living in Adams county,
Iowa), Joseph (residing in Chartiers township),
John H. (who died at the age of fourteen years),
an infant and James (twins, the former deceased
aud the latter a veteran of Company B, First Vir
ginia Cavalry), Sarah Jane (who married J. L.
Henderson, and died leaving four sons and one
daughter), Harrison Marshall(whodiedat the age of
seven years of typhoid fever), Thomas (our subject),
Rebecca Agnes (who. died in youth), Robert Theo
dore (a graduate of Washington and Jefferson
College, now a physician and surgeon of Silver
Plume, Colo. ; he has served as a member of the
Legislature from his county), and Harriet (who
was married about 1878, to David Bedow; she had
one child, and died in March, 1880). Mrs. John
Shaw died of apoplexy in 1869. She was a daugh
ter of John Harsha, a son of early pioneers of
Washington county, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
He was a hunter in Kentucky in the days of Daniel
Boone, learned the trade of chairmaker in his na
tive State, and waB married to Esther Ann Mc
Millan, a native of Chartiers township, also a
member of an early pioneer family. They both
died in Washington county. John Shaw was a
Democrat until 1840, when he joined the Whigs, and
upon the organization of the Republican party
became an enthusiastic Republican. He was a
member of and elder in the United Presbyterian
Church at Chartiers Cross Roads, and died in
February, 1879.
Thomas Shaw, the subject of this biographical
sketch, was born September 20, 1844, on the farm
owned by his father, and where he is now living.
He attended the district schools of Chartiers town
ship, and October 26, 1876, chose a bride in the
person of Hallie M. , daughter of John and Jemima
Grounds, early settlers of Washington county.
and residents of Mt. Pleasant township. One son
was born of this union, Wilbert Lawrence. Mrs.
Shaw died June 27, 1879, and on March 16, 1881,
Mr. Shaw married Jennie W., daughter of E. J.
and Ann (White) Agnew, prominent pioneer set
tlers of Washington county, and residents of
Chartiers township. Mr. Agnew has been an elder
in Hickory and Cross Roads Churches for many
years. Three children have been born to our sub
ject and his wife, viz. : Sarah Ann Gertrude,
Franklin Agnew and Lizzie Edna. The home
farm contains 2Q0 acres of well- cultivated land,
and in connection with the general management
of the place Mr. Shaw devotes much attention to
stock raising, making a specialty of Holstein cat
tle, Shropshire sheep and Chester- White swine.
In politics, he votes the Republican ticket; and he
and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Chartiers
61

Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church in
Chartiers township, in which he is an elder, an
office also filled by his father in the same church
for many years.

LEWIS F. McCRORY, a citizen of Califor
nia, is a representative of one of the promi
nent families of Allen township. His grand
father, John McCrory, was born and reared
in AVashington county, Penn., there receiving
his early education. When a young man he
was married to Catherine Speers, a member of a
pioneer family of this county, and. they settled on
a farm in Fallowfield township. Their children
were Elizabeth (wife of David McClain), Samuel
S., James, Rebecca, John, Plesey, Henry, Jacob,
Solomon, Emily (wife of George Lang) and
Nathaniel. The father was a Whig in political
opinion. Samuel S. McCrory was born in 1809, in Fal
lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and
attended the subscription schools of that locality.
In early manhood he married Nancy, daughter of
Samuel Fry, and she bore him the following chil
dren: Sarah E. (deceased), Mary K., Lewis F..
Christina (deceased), Henry J. , Emily and John.
Mr. McCrory worked at boat building and kin
dred occupations during early life, and after his
marriage bought a farm, on which he passed the
rest of his days. In political opinion he was
originally a Whig, afterward a Republican. He
died in September, 1853, his widow passing away
June 1, 1892.
Lewis F. McCrory was born February 17, 1839,
in Fallowfield township, Washington Co. , Penn. ,
and was reared to agricultural pursuits in Allen
township, where he attended the public schools.
In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving until the close of
the war. On October 20, 1869, he married Han
nah J. , daughter of Allen Bowlen. The latter was
a son of Nelson Bowlen, a farmer, whose parents
were natives of Ireland, and came to America in an
early day. Nelson Bowlen was married to Mary
Coalbank, who bore him six children, namely:
Bailey, William, Allen, Eliza, Mary Jane and
Elizabeth. The father served in the war of 1812;.
in politics he voted with the Whig party, and in
religious faith he was a member of the Disciple
Church. Allen Bowlen (deceased), son of Nelson and
Mary Bowlen, was born in 1822, in West Virginia,
and there learned the tailor's trade, which he fol
lowed for several years. He was twice married,
first to Anna Hugh, and their children were Han
nah (wife of Lewis F. McCrory), Sarah (married
to Samuel Artis), Isaac, Mary E., Margaret and
James, all except Hannah being now deceased.

1308

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

For his second wife Allen Bowlen was married to
^Susan McCarty, who bore him children as fol
lows: Minerva (deceased), Nelson (deceased), Ke
ziah (deceased), Samuel, May, Michael and Will
iam. Mr. Bowlen was formerly a Democrat, and
afterward united with the Republican party, and
in religion he was a member of the M. E. Church,
in which he served as steward and trustee.
Lewis F. and Hannah J. (Bowlen) McCrory re
sided in Washington county, Penn., for some years
after their marriage, then moved to a farm in Fay
ette county, finally returning to Allen township,
this county. Mr. McCrory was identified with the
Republicans, but since the organization of the
Prohibition party has been an enthusiastic advo
cate of the principles embodied in their platform.
He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

OWERN BROS. These gentlemen, who
conduct an extensive carriage-making es
tablishment, and are also dealers in harness
and horse goods, in Canonsburg, are prom
inently identified with the leading business
interests of that place. The family are of Irish
descent, the grandfather, William Gowern, having
been born and reared in Ireland, where he was
(married to a Miss Annie Nugent. Soon after mar
riage the young couple came to America, and
located permanently in New York, where three
children were born to them: Robert F. , Mary and
Katie. Robert F. Gowern, eldest son of William Gow
ern, served an apprenticeship in New York with
Brewster, at the wagon-making trade. After com
pleting it he took a tour through the Southern
States, working as he traveled. Returning to New
York he was married, on July 18, 1852, to Alice
Robinson, a native of that city, of Scotch parent
age. Two years later Mr. Gowern located in
South Egremont, Mass., and not long afterward
moved to Lincoln, 111., thence to Harrodsburg,
Ky. , and finally came to Pittsburgh, Allegheny
Co., Penn. In 1875 he organized the firm of R.
F. Gowern & Sons, for the manufacture and sale
of carriages. The firm commenced business on a
modest scale, in a small frame building where they
remained until 1886, in which year they erected
their present extensive factory. Robert F. Gow
ern has had four children, namely: William J.,
Robert F. , Lillie (wife of John Boyce), and Annie
'(deceased). In politics the father is a loyal mem-
iber of the Democratic party.
William J. Gowern was born December 5, 1853,
in New York City, and passed his boyhood at
home. In early youth he entered a carriage-mak
ing establishment at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he
remained two years, then completed his appren

ticeship with the firm of S. B. & C. Hayes, Wash
ington, Penn. He is familiar with every depart
ment of the business, which he conducts with char
acteristic energy. Like his father before him, he
is an active Democrat. He is yet unmarried.
Robert F. Gowern, Jr., was born March 8, 1856,
iu South Egremont, Mass. He learned the carriage-
making trade of S. B. & C. Hayes, of Washington,
Penn., and is an accomplished workman, thorough
ly understanding his business. On July 15, 1880,
he was married to Miss Nannie A. Simpson, and
has three children, all living. In 1887 the broth
ers bought the entire interest in their father's es
tablishment, and added to the business harness
and horse goods, the firm being now known as the
Gowern Bros. They make 100 carriages per year,
and are constantly busied with filling orders, work
ing to their fullest capacity.

L

T. CLAYBAUGH, a prominent contractor
and builder of California, Penn., is the sec
ond son of Moses B. Claybaugh, whose
father, Michael Claybaugh, was born and
reared in Germany. The latter was married in his
native land, and there learned the blacksmith's
trade, afterward coming to Brownsville, Fayette
Co., Penn., where he and his wife died many years
ago. Moses B. Claybaugh, son of Michael, was born
in Fayette county, Penn., where his youth was
passed. He was married at Coal Centre, Washing
ton Co., Penn., to Miss Rebecca Troy, a native of
that place. The young couple first resided in Cal
ifornia, this county, where he followed the black
smith's trade, until 1854, and then moved to Law
rence county, Ohio. In 1861 he enlisted, in Gal
lia county, Ohio, for three years, or during the
war, and served under General Burnside; he died
of cholera at St. Louis, Mo. , in 1865, while en route
home. In 1864 his wife removed to her present
home in California, Penn. She has had three
children, namely: Loretta (who died in 1863, in
Ohio), L. T., and Eva (wife of J. F. Furlong, of
Pittsburgh, Penn.).
L. T. Claybaugh was bom in 1856, in Lawrence
county, Ohio, and in 1864 came to California, Penn.,
where he received a limited education, as his wid
owed mother needed his assistance when he was
yet a boy. He first commenced working in the
boatyard, then learned the carpenter and joiner's
trade at McKeesport, Penn. He worked as a
journeyman for several years, and in 1880 com
menced business for himself as a builder and con
tractor. In 1880 he was married to Anna Coats
worth, a native of Monongahela City, and daughter
of Joseph Coatsworth. The latter was born July
12, 1842, in Durham, England. His father, Jo-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1309

seph Coatsworth, was also born and reared in Dur
ham, England, and was there married to Sarah
Ellison, who bore him six children, namely:
Thomas, Margaret, Joseph, William, Sarah and
John. Mr. Coatsworth was an expert lead-ore
miner, and devoted much time to investigating the
different branches of that business in his native
country. He finally concluded that America of
fered superior opportunities for his family, and in
1853 crossed the ocean, first locating at Pittsburgh,
Penn. He there followed coal mining for some
time, and a few years later purchased a farm in
Carroll township, this county, finally removing to
Monongahela City, where he died in 1861. He was
a strong supporter of Whig and Abolition princi
ples, and upheld his views with the tenacity of a
true Englishman. He was formerly connected with
the primitive M. E. Church, and after coming to
America united with the M. E. Society at Monon
gahela City, of which he was a most conscientious
member. Joseph Coatsworth came with his parents to
America when but a lad, and passed his minority
in Washington county, Penn. In 1872 he opened
a grocery store, and engaged in the coal business
at California, this county, afterward conducting a
grocery at Monongahela City. He finally aban
doned the grocery and opened the butcher shop
where he is now doing a profitable business. On
November 4, 1863, he was united in marriage with
Trovillo, daughter of Washington Eckles, formerly
of Westmoreland county, Penn. , and they are the
parents of seven children, namely : Anna, wife of
L. T. Claybaugh; Charles W., J. W., May, Kate
G., Bessie and Eva. Mr. Coatsworth is an active
member of the Democratic party, and has served
as councilman.
Mr. and Mrs. Claybaugh settled in California,
Penn., where he owns a pleasant residence and
other valuable property, which he rents. As a
contractor he is pre-eminently successful, giving
constant daily employment to an average of thirty-
one men, and for the past two years has taken the
output of the California brickyard, averaging 100,-
000 bricks per month. Mr. Claybaugh is one of
the directors of the California Glass Company;
is a director in the Minerva Land and Improve
ment Company, of Fayette county, Penn. ; a di
rector in the local branch of the Security Building
and Loan Association, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; and
a director in the local branch of the Southern
Building and Loan Association, of Knoxville,Tenn.
He is actively identified with the Republican party,
and has served as a member of the town council;
he is a member of the Royal Arcanum of Califor
nia. Mr. and Mrs. Claybaugh are the parents of
four children, namely: Lon W., Eva, Ruth and
L. T., Jr.

¥ EHU DUNLEVY is a representative of an
. I early pioneer family of Washington county,
yfj\ and a son of Andrew Dunlevy, whose parents
^^ located in Allen township some time prior to
1795, and died in that vicinity.
Andrew- Dunlevy was born July 1, 1795, on the
home farm in Allen township, Washington Co.,
Penn. , where his youth was jjassed. On May 22,
1816, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jack-
man, who was born March 25, 1799, in AVashing
ton county, and to this marriage children were
born as follows: Joseph (who died in 1840), Will
iam (who moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois,
and thence to Nebraska, where he is now living),
Matilda (who died single), Crawford (now living in
Hot Springs, Ark.),' Jehu, Anthony (a ship car
penter, was killed in an explosion on a vessel on
Galveston Bay, Texas), Jesse (deceased in infancy),
Barbara Ann (wife of S. T. AVilliams, of Cherokee
county, Iowa), and Sarah Rebecca (wife of Parker
S. Sphar, of Allen township). The father was
a Democrat in politics, and in religion an ardent
member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he
was a ruling elder for many years. He died July
24, 1879, having been preceded by his wife in
1845. Jehu Dunlevy, son of Andrew and Sarah (Jack-
man) Dunlevy, was born October 5, 1833, in Allen
township. He has never left his birthplace, and
November 20, 1856, brought thither his bride, Mary
McKee, a native of Allen township. She was a
daughter of Hugh and Catherine (Lutz) McKee,
early pioneers of Fayette county. Penn. , and mem
bers of the Rehobeth Church. The mother is yet
living in Allen township, Washington county, the
father having passed away some years ago. Mrs.
Dunlevy died April 14, 1868, leaving two sons, of
whom the following is a brief record: James H. is
a railroad agent at Munhall, Penn., at which sta
tion are located the great Carnegie Steel Works,
where, on July 6, 1892, occurred the famous riot.
On June 17, 1891, James H. Dunlevy was mar
ried to Mary A. daughter of Rev. Levi Risher, of
Dravosburgh, Penn. , and one son has been born to
their union, viz: Risher A. They reside in Home
stead, which city adjoins the Steel Works of Car
negie & Co. Thomas T., youngest sou of Jehu
and Mary (McKee) Dunlevy, is a steamboat master
and pilot on the Monongahela and Ohio rivers.
On June 1, 1870, Jehu Dunlevy was married to
Mary E., daughter of James and Mary (Swanger)
Patterson, pioneers of Allegheny county, Penn.,
and ardent members of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church. Two daughters have been born to the
union of Jehu and Mary E. Dunlevy, viz. : Etta
M. and Jessie F. The home farm contains eighty
acres of river land, upon which a mining town is
now being established to further the coal industry.

1310

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Politically Mr. Dunlevy is a Democrat, and has
served for many years as a member of the school
board, and takes a special interest in all educa
tional matters. His wife is a member of the
United Presbyterian Church.

d/AMES CRAIG, one of the leading represent
ative progressive farmers of Donegal town-
] ship, is a grandson of John Craig, a native
of County Donegal, Ireland, whence in an
early day he immigrated to this country, tak
ing up his residence in Fayette county, Penn.
Here he married Rebecca Stevens (by whom he
had some eight or ten children), and followed farm
ing, also teaching school up to the time of his
death. The widowed mother afterward came with
her son John to this county, where for a few years
he kept a tavern on the National pike, about two
miles east of West Alexander, in Donegal township,
where Joseph Sample now resides. Here John
Craig married Ellen, a daughter of James Craig,
and one child was born to their union, Rebecca,
who died after reaching adult age. This wife be
ing called to her long home, Mr. Craig married, for
his second wife, Eleanor, a daughter of Patrick
Craig, of Donegal township, and the results of
this union were the following children: Jane,
William, John, Eleanor, Mary, Samuel, James,
Roland and Margaret, all now deceased except
James. After his first marriage John Craig lo
cated in West Finley township, near the State line
of West Virginia, where for a short time he followed
farming, aud then moved to Donegal township,
settling one-half mile south of Toll-gate No. 6, on
the National pike, where he passed the remainder
of his days, dying September 30, 1864, in his
eighty-fourth year, his wife having preceded him
to the grave in 1852. In politics Mr. Craig was
first a Whig and afterward, from the time of its
organization, a member of the Republican party.
He was a successful agriculturist, and accumulated
a comfortable competence by hard work and judi
cious economy.
James Craig was born May 25, 1825, in Done
gal township, Washington Co., Penn., where his
boyhood and youth were passed, alternating be
tween book lessons at school and practical lessons
on his father's farm. On December 4, 1851, he
was married to Elizabeth Dickey, who was born in
Germantown (now a part of Philadelphia), October
7, 1827, a daughter of Nathaniel Dickey, a native
of County Donegal, Ireland, who, when a young
man, came to America, settling near Philadelphia.
There he married Elizabeth Kelter, a native of
eastern Pennsylvania, and to them were born the
following children: William, Mary, Tacy, Eliza
beth (Mrs. Craig), Anna, Sarah J., Caroline,
Susan and Martha. About 1830 they came to

Donegal township, this county, where they resided
until their deaths; the father dying June 11, 1852,
in his sixty-second year, having been thrown from
a horse and killed, and the mother on June 17,
1870, in her seventy-third year. To Mr. and Mrs.
James Craig were born nine children, as follows:
Mary E. (Mrs. George Brownlee, of Otoe county,
Neb.), John (a carpenter, also in Otoe county),
William D. (a farmer in Donegal township), James
(deceased when twenty-eight years of age), Emma
J., Samuel L. and Elizabeth B. (all three living
with their parents), Nathaniel H. (who died at the
age of seventeen years) and Carrie V. (at home
with her parents). Soon after marriage Mr. Craig
settled on one of his father's farms, situated three
miles southeast of West Alexander, where he has
resided over forty years, successfully engaged in
farming and stock raising. In politics he is a
Republican, and has held various township offices,
to which, however, he never aspired; his wife is a
consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr.
Craig and the entire family enjoy the esteem and
respect of a wide circle of acquaintances and
friends.

It SAAC T. CROUCH. As we record the lives of
those whose acts have made a lasting impress
on the community in which they live, or whose
beneficial influence is ever reaching out farther,
there is a special pleasure in tracing the history of
men who were numbered among the gallant
soldiers of the Union. The gentleman of whom
we write is a son of Benedict, and grandson of
Elijah Crouch. The latter, who was of English
descent, reared a family of four children, viz. :
Elisha, Benedict, Stephen, and Mary, all of whom
lived over fourscore years, and are now deceased.
Benedict Crouch was born in June, 1800, near
Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., there passing his
early youth. He learned the saddler's trade, which
he followed a short time, and was then married to
Rebecca, daughter of James Wallace. It seems
this adventurous young Romeo had little faith
in the popular maxim that " When poverty
enters the door; love flies out of the window," for
it is said that he commenced wedded life with a
capital of thirty-seven cents. But far better than
wealth, a stout body, active brain, and cheerful
heart were his, which, with the unselfish love of his
fair bride, proved far more efficient aids to success
than a bank account in the hands of another.
They were tenants on a farm for several years after
their marriage, when he bought 288 acres near
Bentley ville, Washington Co. , Penn. Here he car
ried on an extensive farming business, and reared
a large family of children, as follows: James,
Sarah, John, AVilliam, Adah, Mary Ann, Thomas,
Nathan, Hiram, Isaac T., Elizabeth, Bennett and

mm

C/' <=J- * /&m<^^&r\/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1313

Nesbit, of whom John, Sarah, Elizabeth, Thomas,
Hiram, Nesbit and Mary Ann are now deceased.
Adah and Isaac T. served under Gen. Philip Sheri
dan in the famous Ringgold Cavalry, which was
finally merged into the Twenty-second Cavalry,
under which title it was mustered out. Hiram was
also a soldier of the Union, and William, then resid
ing in Arkansas, felt that duty called him to defend
his home and family rather than the nation; he
therefore entered the Confederate army, and served
throughout the conflict as captain of an Arkansas
regiment. Benedict Crouch, for his second spouse,
married Charity AVallace, a sister of his first wife,
and the children by this union were S. Bentley, Hud
son C. and Allison B. Notwithstanding the con
dition of his finances in early manhood, Benedict
Crouch succeeded in paying for his home, rearing
his large family of children in a respectable man
ner, and also saving quite a sum of money. He
was an earnest Christian, and was identified with
the Methodist Church, in which he was a class-
leader. In politics, he was first a Whig, and after
ward, on the formation of the party, a stanch Re
publican. Isaac T. Crouch, son of Benedict and Rebecca
Crouch, was born August 22, 1842, near Bealls
ville, Washington Co., Penn. At the age of
twenty-one years he entered the war (as above
related) as a private, being afterward promoted to
the rank of sergeant. He participated in the bat
tle of Cedar Creek, the scene of "Sheridan's
Ride, " and served until the close of the war. He
then returned to Washington county, where he
worked on a farm for several years. On Septem
ber 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Eliza
beth, daughter of AVilliam Forsythe, of Fayette
county, Penn. The young people soon afterward
located in Peters township, Washington county,
where they remained as tenants for several years.
In 1879 he bought the farm where he is now liv
ing, containing 117 acres of some of the best land
in the county; it is underlaid with a valuable vein
of coal which was recently sold at $50 per acre.
Politically, Mr. Crouch has always been devoted to
the interests of the Republican party, but invaria
bly declines official honors. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and has served as elder and
Sabbath-school superintendent. Two daughters
complete the family circle, Jennie R. , attending
the Washington Female Seminary, and Nellie R.

MARTIN BOM CRAIG, a substantial farmer
of Franklin township, is of Irish parent
age, his father, William Craig, having
been born in the Emerald Isle, and when
a small boy emigrated with his parents to
America. The sole method of navigation in those
days was by sailing vessels, and the emigrants
were nearly two and a half months in crossing the

4

ocean, the weather being extremely rough, but the
journey was at last ended in safety.
The Craig family settled in Franklin township,
Washington Co., Penn., where William grew to
manhood and was married to Lydia Stokly, a
daughter of one of the oldest pioneers of that
township. The following children were born to
them, their names and dates of birth being given:
Eli, May 17, 1788; Otho, April 2, 1790; John,
September 2, 1792; Arthur, July 13, 1794;
Thomas, March 13, 1796; Elizabeth, July 31,
1798; Samuel, June 22, 1800; Prudence and
Cornelia (twins), February 14, 1803; and Martin
B., February 8, 1808. Mr. Craig resided in AVash
ington borough several years after his marriage,
and then purchased the farm now occupied by his
son Martin B. It was then an uncultivated tract
of land, and its present comfortable and homelike
condition is due wholly to the efforts of Mr. Craig
and his children. He was an energetic man, and
earned the success which he won. In political
life he was a Democrat, and for many years served
as justice of the peace in Franklin township, a
position which he filled to the entire satisfaction
of every one. He died July 30, 1823, his widow
on June 26, 1848.
Martin B. Craig passed his childhood on the
home farm in Franklin township, but was obliged
to begin life for himself at a very early age, and
the experience thus gained has since enabled him
to overcome many obstacles to success which would
have proved insurmountable to those possessing
less practical knowledge. He received a very lim
ited education at the subscription schools, and re
tains a most vivid recollection of the scenes there
enacted, and the primitive surrounding of his boy
ish days. The schoolhouse was an old deserted
cabin, with a puncheon floor, upon which the slab
seats and writing desks were placed beside the
walls. The windows consisted of a single pane of
glass, or a slip of greased paper placed over an
opening made by the removal of a portion of a log.
The old fireplace extended nearly across one end
of the room, and was fed by huge logs, which were
cut down at noon time by the larger boys.
On December 24, 1831, Mr. Craig was united in
marriage with Sarah, daughter of Abram Elliott,
a native of New Jersey, and their children are
Jane (deceased), Adeline, Elizabeth, Lydia, Will
iam, Atkinson and Sample (all three deceased),
and Nancy, living at home. After his marriage
Mr. Craig settled on the home place, having pur
chased the interest of the other heirs, and in 1851
he erected the handsome brick residence which is
his present home. He commenced life with very
little, but by industry and enterprise has become a
most prosperous citizen. In politics he is an ardent
Democrat, outspoken in his opinions. He is a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

1314

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

^ILLIAM P. MORGAN is a great-grand
son of John Morgan, who was born in
Wales, where his boyhood and youth were
passed. He was there married to a young
countrywoman, and some years afterward
brought his family to America, locating in Allegheny
county, Penn. Three children were born to these
early pioneers, viz. : Hugh, Samuel and Anna.
The parents continued to reside on the farm, where
they first settled, until their death. They were
members of the Presbyterian Church, and in polit
ical opinion Mr. Morgan was a Democrat.
Hugh Morgan was born and educated in Wales,
and came to America with his parents in early life.
He was married to Margaret Billingsby, of West
Virginia, and settled permanently in Allegheny
county, Penn. They reared the following children :
John, Samuel, Anna, Mary, Frank, Hannah, Web
ster, Hugh, James, Billingsby, Josiah and Will
iam (the two last named being deceased). The
father died in 1846. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and politically he was an
adherent of the Democratic party.
James Morgan, son of Hugh and Margaret
(Billingsby) Morgan, was born January 17, 1809,
on the home place in Allegheny county, Penn. ,
and attended the subscription schools of the vicinity
during his youth. In early life he was wedded to
Elizabeth, daughter of John Hindman, a native of
Washington county, Penn. , who bore him children
as follows: Hugh, Sarah J. (Mrs. William Herri
ott), Samuel, Billingsby, William P. , John C. and
Maggie (wife of James Fife). Mr. Morgan has
for threescore years been a zealous member of the
Presbyterian Church. He has always followed
farming and stock raising. Politically, he was
formerly a Whig, and has voted the Republican
ticket since the organization of that party. Mrs.
Morgan passed over the silent river in 1870.
William P. Morgan was born May 4, 1842, on
the old place in Allegheny county, Penn. , receiving
his early education in the home schools. On
March 7, 1867, he was united in marriage with
Martha J. , daughter of John and Elizabeth John
son. While yet a young man William P. Morgan
began a successful mercantile career. He first
opened a store at Morganza, this county, remain
ing there five years, then moved to Canonsburg,
and since that time he has conducted a very profit
able business in the latter place, his custom having
increased to large proportions. He is an active
member of the Republican party. In religion he
is prominently identified with the U. P. Church
at Canonsburg, having served for years as a mem
ber of the Session, and also as Sunday-school su
perintendent. Mr. Morgan is one of the influential
and progressive men of his community. Two daugh
ters have blessed his home, namely: Lizzie Luella
(Mrs. Ed. McNary), and Laura (living at home).

'ARY PIPER. In every community there
are to be found some who have achieved
success in life by sturdy, patient, unceasing
toil, and among this class the Piper family,
of whom the subject of this sketch is a prominent
member, have been justly welcomed.
William Piper was born in Virginia of German-
English parents, and he followed carpentry in
conjunction with agricultural pursuits, becoming
a successful man. He left a large family, of
whom, Thomas D. Piper was born in the Shenan
doah Valley, Va., where his boyhood was passed.
He there learned and followed the carpenter's
trade, and after a time, coming to Coal Centre,
Washington Co. , Penn. , commenced business as a
builder and contractor, many of the buildings there
being erected by him. At Coal Centre he married
Ella Holmon, who bore him one son, William
(who married Catherine Crow, and died in the
State of California), and shortly thereafter died.
Thomas D. Piper was then married to Mary
Duvall, daughter of Lewis Duvall, one of the
highly respected and well-to-do farmers of East
Pike Run township, who had children as follows:
Mary (wife of Thomas D. Piper), Hannah (wife of
Elias Garrett), Abigail (wife of Jacob Deems), Isa
bel and Eliza (both unmarried), John (married to
Hannah Yosty) and Lewis (married to Mary
Deems). To Thomas D. and Mary Piper were
born the following children: Ann (wife of H. D.
Wilkins), Hannah (who married Joseph Moffat),
Lewis D., J. W., Mary (wife of Henry F. Jami
son), Cary and A. C. The father of this family
died January 26, 1880, the mother on January 23,
1884. Politically Mr. Piper voted with the Whig
and Republican parties, and in religion he was a
leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Cary Piper was born December 8, 1851, in Coal
Centre, Washington Co., Penn., and received his
early education in the public schools. In 1873 he
opened a grocery business at Coal Centre, in con
nection with his brother A. C, which they ex
changed for a drug store in 1874. They have
been very successful in the latter enterprise, which
is conducted under the firm name of Piper Bros.,
and they own some of the best property in Coal
Centre. On September 11, 1879, Cary Piper was
united in marriage with Alice F., daughter of E.
C. Furlong, who is a son of John Furlong, whose
father was born in Ireland, and coming to America
made a permanent settlement in Maryland. John
Furlong was born on the home place in Maryland,
where he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of
Henry and Catherine Holman, also natives of
Maryland. The father was a Revolutionary sol
dier, holding the rank of captain, and both parents
died in Allen township, Washington county, where
their later years were passed. To the union of

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1315-

John and Elizabeth Furlong three children were
born, viz. : Catherine E. (married to James Dow
ler, of West Pike Run township, and died in 1890),
Otho H. (deceased in 1882, at Fayette City, Penn.)
and E. C. After their marriage (about 1830) Mr.
and Mrs. Furlong came to Washington county,
Penn., locating on a farm in Allen township, and
during the last twenty years of his life he followed
the coal business in Fayette county. He was a
soldier in the war of 1812, and politically was a
Jacksonian Democrat, taking an active interest in
the affairs of his party. He died in March, 1883,
at the age of ninety-three years, the wife and
mother having passed away long before, at the age
of seventy- five years. Both parents were members
of the M. E. Church at Mt. Tabor.
E. C. Furlong, youngest son of John and Eliza
beth Furlong, was born February 27, 1823, on
the home farm in Maryland, and coming with his
parents to Pennsylvania, was reared in Allen town
ship, Washington county. He attended the sub
scription schools of the neighborhood, and after
the death of his father engaged with his brother
Otho in the coal business on the river, shipping to
all points on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. E.
C. Furlong was pilot on the river coal boats for
about thirty years, making many trips to Cairo,
Louisville and Cincinnati. In 1850 he was united
in marriage with Amy Ann Stockdale, a native of
Allen township, this county, a daughter of Allen
Stockdale, who was bom in 1788; be married
Letitia Allen, who was born July 27, 1788, a
daughter of Joseph Allen, for whom Allen town
ship was named. The Aliens were among the
earliest settlers of Washington county, and owned
a vast tract of land on the Monongahela river
where their lives were passed. Joseph Allen died
December 10, 1832, his wife having been laid to
rest December 27, 1827. E. C. and Amy Ann
Furlong began wedded life on the farm where they
are now living, and the following children have
blessed their union: Josephine (wife of Frank
Hernett, of Pasadena, Cal.), William Allen (pro
prietor of a drug store at Laceyville, Penn.), John
F. (residing at Pittsburgh), Sarah, Alice F. (wife
of C. Piper), Letitia and Otho (living in Charleroi,
Penn.). Mr. Furlong conducts a prosperous real-
estate business, and owns nine houses in Roscoe.
Politically he votes with the Democratic party,
and has served as a member of the school board;
in religion he and his wife are members of the
M. E. Church.
Cary and Alice F. (Furlong) Piper have had two
sons, viz.: Edward C. (deceased) and Earle. Mr.
Piper is an active worker in the Republican party,
and served as postmaster at Coal Centre, under
Garfield, also Harrison. He is interested in relig
ious matters, as a zealous member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, of which he has been trustee.

ARSON. The first member of the family, of
which Isaac and Cornelius Carson are hon
ored representatives, emigrated from his
native land, Ireland, to America, and made
a settlement in this county, taking out a patent for
land in Fallowfield township over one hundred
years ago. Subsequently he traded a part of the
original farm for a shot-gun, in order to induce a
traveler who had the gun to settle near him in the
wilderness. He died on this property, which has
been in the possession of the family ever since.
John Carson, his son, was born, reared and edu
cated on the home place in Fallowfield township,
and when a young man married Elizabeth
Springer, of the same locality. After marriage
they settled on the homestead, where Mr. Carson
carried on general farming and stock raising.
Their children were Mary (Mrs. Abraham Van-
Voorhis), Margaret (Mrs. Parker Carson), Eliza
beth (Mrs. Noah Fry), John S. (father of subject),
Sarah A. (Mrs. H. Allman) and Caroline (Mrs. M.
Hazen). The parents of this family both died on
the home place, and lie side by side in the Speers
burying ground. They were members of the
Speers Baptist Church; in politics Mr. Carson was
a Democrat, and he held various township offices.
John S. Carson was born May 31, 1823, in Fal
lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He
married Margaret Jones, a native of the township,
daughter of Elijah and Mary (Warren) Jones, farm
ers, who were the parents of the following chil
dren: William, Eliza J. (Mrs. John Beadle), Mar
garet (Mrs. John S. Carson), AA'esley, James, Noah
and Isaac W. Mr. Jones was a member of the M.
E. Church, and in politics was a Whig and Repub
lican. After his marriage John S. Carson purchased
a farm adjoining the homestead in Fallowfield
township, and here passed the remainder of his
life, dying September 24, 1882, his wife having
preceded him to the grave December 16, 1870;
they sleep their last sleep in Maple Creek
cemetery, which is on the Carson farm. Mrs.
Elizabeth Carson was the first buried there.
They were members of the Baptist Church,
and Mr. Carson was always regarded as an ener
getic and substantial citizen. In his political
preferences he was an active Democrat, held va
rious offices of trust in his township, and was school
director for over a quarter of a century. Their
children were Isaac, Cornelius, John Clarkson
(who died in April, 1891, at Salt Lake City, Utah),
Henry (a farmer in Fallowfield township), Robert
B. (a resident of Aspen, Colo.), Mary E., Van C,
Margaret M. (Mrs. I. N. Carson, of Fallowfield
township), Caroline (Mrs. John W. Carson), Noah
T. and Joseph (both living on the old Carson
homestead). Isaac Cabson was born December 29, 1846, in
Fallowfield township, and received a liberal edu-

1316

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

cation at the common schools of his district. On
May 1, 1872, he married Lorinda, daughter of
Noah and Lydia (Hill) Fry, natives of Fallowfield
township. Her father died in December, 1884, the
mother several years prior to his demise. Mr. and
Mrs. Carson continued their residence in Fallow
field township until 1877, when he bought 140
acres in Allen township, to which they removed.
He yet owns sixty-four acres in Fallowfield town
ship, and in addition to general farming is con
siderably interested in live stock, making it a
specialty. Politically he votes independent of
party in local politics, but supports the Democrats
in national issues. He is a member of the school
board. Mrs. Carson is identified with the Disciple
Church. Their children are Noah F., John S.,
Van C, Carl B. , Omadell, Raymond, Edgar and
Annie Elizabeth.
Coenelius Cabson was born December 29, 1848,
in Fallowfield township, where his primary educa
tion was received. He attended the private
academy of John C. Messenger, and later the
Southwestern State Normal School at California.
On the completion of his studies he taught school
for some few terms, during the winter months,
working on the farm the rest of the year, which
latter vocation he followed until 1882 when he
came to Monongahela, and here for a short time
was in partnership with Yohe Brothers, in their
planing mill. He then opened a furniture store
which he conducted about four years, afterward
embarking in his present grocery business. On
October 30, 1873, Mr. Carson was married to
Sarah, daughter of Joseph Beazell, of Fallowfield
township. To them have been born: Laura I.,
Margaret A., Sarah B. , Van C, Emma J., May E.,
Cornelius G. , Isaac W. and Joseph Bascom. Our
subject is an active Democrat, a leader in the party
for many years. He has been twice elected a
member of the borough council in a ward where
the Republicans outnumber the Democrats two to
one — a forcible evidence of Mr. Carson's popular
ity, and a practical recognition of his capabilities.
He is a member of the M. E. Church, a highly
successful business man, and an energetic, useful
citizen.

HENRY M. KEENY, one of the most popu
lar, wide-awake citizens of Franklin town
ship, was born January 13, 1837, in AVest
I -^ Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,
v Penn., a son of Daniel and Mary (Shipe)
Keeny, the former of whom was born in Amwell
township, same county, the latter a daughter of
one of the early settlers here. Daniel Shipe served
in the war of 1812, and was reported among the
missing. After marriage Daniel and Mary Keeny
resided in various townships in the county, finally

settling in Amwell, where they died. The children
born to them were Levi (deceased), Rebecca (widow
of Mr. House), Elizabeth, Isaac, John, Abraham,
Henry M. , Mary A. (wife of J. Bowen, of Canton
township), Catherine (Mrs. Charles Van Kirk),
Daniel (who enlisted in Company C, One Hun
dred and Fortieth P. V. I. , was wounded in the
battle of Gettysburg by a shell, and died of blood
poisoning at the hospital in Philadelphia), and
George (who was in Company B, same regiment
as his brother). In politics the father was a
Democrat. Henry M. Keeny began attending school in his
native township, about three months of each year
being so passed, and this continued till he was
eighteen years of age. When nineteen he com
menced teaching in the " Red District." where he
remained one year; then taught three terms in
Greene county, and afterward eight terms under
an engagement in Franklin township, this county.
On September 1, 1881, he was married to Sarah
O, daughter of Robert Chambers, now deceased
of Franklin township, and they then settled on the
place where they yet reside. Their union has been
blessed with the following named children: Bessie
E., born November 1, 1882, and Birdie, born
December 1, 1883. Mr. Keeny has always been a
Republican, and at the age of twenty-one was
elected to the office of auditor of Amwell township,
serving two years. In Franklin township he has
served as auditor three years; school director,
twelve years; clerk of the election board, six years;
supervisor, three years, and is now serving his
fifteenth year as justice of the peace. Mr. Keeny
is a typical self-made, and, for the most part, self-
educated man, and he is now the owner of 400 acres
of valuable land, all accumulated by industry,
economy and good management. For twenty-one
years he has been a buyer of wool. Some few
years back his health commenced to fail somewhat.

llOHN T. MOFFITT represents an old and
l II pioneer family of Washington county. James
^JjJ Moffitt (grandfather), born in Ireland No-
'-^ vember 4, 1766, on the banks of Loch Erin,
emigrated to this country in 1789. He was mar
ried, September 18, 1791, to Elizabeth Nichols,
and reared a family of nine children — five sons
and four daughters — of whom one daughter and
two sons are yet living. He was a weaver by
trade, but, settling on a farm in AVest Pike Run
township, this county, became successful as a
farmer, leaving, at his death, which occurred when
he was eighty-six years old, a large amount of
property to his heirs. Elizabeth, his wife, died at
the age of eighty- eight years, and both are buried
on the old homestead.
John Moffitt, son of James and Elizabeth

¦.&Jf<

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1319

Moffitt, was bom December 2, 1804, and was en
gaged during the earlier part of his active life in
boating coal and apples, making some trips to
New Orleans. He was a strong supporter of the
Republican party, and served several years as
constable under Ephraim Blaine, the father of the
late James G. Blaine. At that time any failure
to pay an honest debt was considered a grave
crime, punishable by imprisonment. Later in life
he settled on the old homestead, and followed ag
riculture and stock raising. He was married to
Hannah Mason. He died September 13, 1878, in
the seventy-third year of his age, his wife follow
ing soon after; both were members of the M. E.
Church. John T. Moffitt, son of John Moffitt, was bom
August 14, 1844, and secured a limited education.
On May 13, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Hor-
mell, born March 31, 1850, in Guernsey county,
Ohio, a daughter of Jacob Hormell, who was born
December 19, 1825, and on August 26, 1847, he
married Minerva Lilley, who was born December
26, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Hormell were the par
ents of ten children, eight of whom are yet liv
ing. John T. and Mary E. Moffitt have had the
following family: John H., born June 5, 1870;
Victor Noir, born April 10, 1873; Thomas Edgar,
born May 10, 1879; Guy, born June 4, 1886;
Mary, born May 26, 1889, and Lillian, bom April
12, 1875, died in the fourth year of her age.
Mr. Moffitt has taken pride in fine stock. He
has been a breeder of Jersey cattle for eighteen
years, was early in life engaged in raising fine
sheep, and has on the farm (the old homestead),
which he now superintends, a flock of thorough
bred Black-Top Merino sheep. He has erected on
his place excellent buildings. In political opinion
Mr. Moffitt is a Prohibitionist, has filled the office
of school director for two terms, and is road
commissioner. He and his wife are identified
with the Disciple Church, in which he is an elder.

TfOHN WOODBURN. Among the residents
. Ij of East Finley township, who by their ex-
ffjl emplary lives have not only won for them-
^ selves esteem, but have also acted an im
portant part in molding the lives of others, none
are more prominent or influential than the Wood-
burns. The earliest record known of this family
is that of one John Woodburn, a native of County
Antrim, Ireland, where he was a landholder.
There he married Martha Scott, who bore him in
that country six children, one of whom died there,
the remaining five — Rosanna, Mary, Samuel,
Martha and Joseph — coming to America with
their parents in 1812. After a stormy voyage of
sixteen weeks they landed, in the spring of the
year, at Philadelphia, and from there pushed on

to Washington county, where they settled in Buf
falo township, near Taylorstown. Here Mr.
Woodburn purchased 160 acres of land, ten of
which were under cultivation, and successfully
followed farming until 1842, when, old age coming
upon him, he went to live with his children, but
died in the following year. His wife had preceded
him to the grave in 1822. By hard work, indus
try and good management he accumulated consid
erable property. His children are all now dead,
Joseph, the father of our subject, being the last to
pass away.
Joseph Woodburn was born May 22, 1804, in
County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America with
his parents in 1812. He attended the subscrip
tion schools in Buffalo township, this county, and
received practical instruction in agriculture on his
father's farm until the age of nineteen, when he
began to learn the tanner's trade with Adam Law
rence, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after
which he embarked in the business for himself.
On March 4, 1829, he was united in marriage with
Ruth Garrett, who was born in 1802, a daughter
of James and Sarah (Ross) Garrett, who were of
Irish extraction. Mrs. Woodburn died July 24,
1842, leaving four children : John, James R.,
Samuel and Mary A., of whom Samuel died in
1863, and Mary A. on June 29, 1886. On April
27, 1843, Mr. Woodburn married Mrs. Hannah
Downie, the widow of Robert Downie, and of this
union were born two children : Jennie (who died
January 9, 1866) and Luther S. (who died June 9,
1866). After his first marriage Mr. Woodburn
followed his trade of tanner until 1832, when he
moved to Donegal township and purchased a farm
near AVest Alexander. Here he carried on farm
ing for about five years, and then came to East
Finley township, settling on land about one and
one-half miles south of Claysville, along Buffalo
creek. In 1866 he and his wife moved into AVash
ington, where they lived until her death, which
occurred in 1883, after which he made his home
with his children until his summons from earth,
which came August 23, 1889. He was successful
in all his undertakings, and at the time of his
death owned over four hundred acres of choice
farm land, the fruits of his labor and toil. Mr.
Woodburn was formerly a Democrat, voting for
Andrew Jackson, but after 1840 he followed the
fortunes of the Whigs, and after the formation of
the Republican party united with it, proving one
of its strongest supporters up to the day of his
death. His sons, John and James R., are the
only survivors of his family. ,„,„„„.„,
John AVoodburn was born July 2, 1830, in .Buf
falo township, AVashington Co., Penn., and is the
eldest son of Joseph and Ruth (Garrett) Wood-
burn. He received a liberal common-school edu
cation, and a thorough, practical training in agri-

1320

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

culture on his father's farm. On May 24, 1855,
he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Jones, who
was born September 30, 1836, a daughter of
Alexander and Mary (Dickel) Jones, natives of
Lancaster county, Penn., who afterward moved to
Wayne county, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn
were born eleven children, their names and dates
of birth being as follows: Luther S., July 29,
1856 (died September 5, 1861); Alice E., January
25, 1857 (married to William Rooney, of Clays
ville, Penn.); George J., August 16, 1859 (a farmer
in East Finley township); Elmer E., January 17,
1861 (a farmer in Franklin township); Mary E.,
July 2, 1862 (married to E. Ashbrook, of Buffalo
township) ; Willie L. , April 27, 1864 (a resident of
Washington, Penn.); Frank M., December 8, 1865
(living in Allegheny, Penn.); and James S. , Octo
ber 1, 1867; Pliney E., February 14, 1869; Ina
May, January 28, 1871, and Eddie B., July 28,
1876, all at home. On July 1, 1855, Mr. Wood-
burn moved to his present well-improved farm,
situated about two miles south of Claysville, on
Buffalo creek. He has inherited all the progress
ive spirit for which his ancestors were noted, and
his success in life is due to that, and to his busi
ness sagacity, careful management and industry.
He possesses a wonderful memory, is a most inter
esting conversationalist, and can speak of events
long past with the utmost accuracy and ease. In
1887 he built one of the finest brick residences in
East Finley, and his barn has no superior in the
township. He and Mrs. AVoodburn are members
of the U. P. Church, and in politics he has been a
stanch Republican since the formation of that
party.

4)

M(RS. ISABEL M. BRYSON, widow of
Joseph A. Bryson, was born June 21,
1834, a daughter of Henry L. and Rachel
-1 Ann (Nixon) Rizer, and in 1872 was mar
ried to Joseph A. Bryson.
Joseph A. Bryson was born July 19, 1827, of
Irish descent. His grandfather was born in County
Donegal, Ireland, and after marriage immigrated
with his family to America, first locating in Mary
land, and afterward settling in the northern part
of Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn.,
near the union of the Little and Big Buffalo
streams. He was among the pioneers of the town
ship, and passed the remainder of his life on the
farm, his wife surviving him several years, living
with the children.
William Bryson (a son of this old pioneer) was
born in 1808 in Ireland, and came with his parents
to Washington county, Penn. ; he was united in
marriage with Hannah Bryson, who was born in
1792, daughter of John Bryson, an old pioneer of
the county, and their children were John (living in

Warrensburg, Mo.), AVilliam (deceased in Texas),
David and Abraham (deceased in youth), Margaret
(Mrs. William McHugh, of Taylorstown, Penn.),
Mary (deceased in youth) and Hannah (de
ceased in 1882). Mr. Bryson passed his married
life on the farm now owned by the family
of his son Joseph. He was a successful business
man, and in politics a Republican. He died April
13, 1878, having been preceded by his wife Sep
tember 29, 1872.
Joseph A. Bryson was born on the home farm,
in Donegal township, which is situated about half
a mile west of Dunsfort, Penn. He always followed
agricultural pursuits, and remained on the old
place throughout his life. He died January 5,
1890, leaving a widow and the following children :
Mary Jane, Emma L., Nora B., William H. and
Charles D. (twins). All of the children are living
with their mother on the home farm, which is suc
cessfully carried on under her management.

dlOHN LAIRD, a worthy representative of one
of the oldest families of Donegal township,
J is a native of the same, born June 4, 1828.
His paternal grandfather, John Laird, was
born in Ireland in 1758, and was there married to
Mary Snodgrass, who bore him children as follows:
Alexander, Margaret (wife of Joseph Hayburn),
Robert, Jesse, James and John. He came to the
United States about 1792, alone, and finding em
ployment on a farm, worked diligently until he
had earned sufficient means to bring his family
from the " ould sod." Receiving the necessary
welcome remittance, Mrs. Laird, Alexander, Jesse,
Margaret and John, Jr. , crossed the broad Atlan
tic, and about 1800, after landing, with some diffi
culty found their father, who had set out to meet
them with a team. He brought them to his new
home in Lancaster county, Penn., and the follow
ing year they moved by wagon to Washington
county, where they made a settlement near Tay
lorstown, Mr. Laird having purchased a tract of
land in Donegal township. John Laird died
June 3, 1838, his wife having preceded him to the
grave in February, 1829. Politically he was a
Democrat, and took a lively interest in the advance
ment of his adopted country. Robert and James
Laird, uncles of the subject of this sketch, came
over subsequently.
John Laird, son of this pioneer, was born in
County Donegal,' Ireland, in April, 1792, and
when yet a boy came with the rest of the family
to the United States and to Washington county,
where he received his education. When yet a
young man he was married to Margaret, daughter
of William and Margaret (Todd) Snodgrass, of
Donegal township, the former a native of Ireland,
the latter of Scotland. The children born to Mr.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1321

and Mrs. Laird were Jesse, Robert, James, Will
iam A., John, Mary J. (wife of Samuel Dougherty),
Grizzella and Margaret (Mrs. S. B. Lindley). The
mother of this family dying December 15, 1835,
Mr. Laird married, for his second wife, Agnes
Maxwell, who died February 8, 1878, leaving one
child, Ann E. (wife of Dr. John W. Kelly). Mr.
Laird departed this life July 18, 1847. He was
one of the first members, and all his life a sub
stantial supporter, of the Presbyterian Church at
Claysville. Politically he was a Democrat, and
took an active interest in educational matters in
his locality. Enterprising and energetic, he was
self made, succeeding by hard labor and unceasing
toil in amassing, before retiring from active work,
a comfortable competence.
John Laird, the subject proper of these lines,
was reared to farm life, and what education he
succeeded in securing was obtained at the sub
scription schools, but he is chiefly self-educated,
having devoted much of his spare time to reading
at home. On January 8, 1852, he was united in
marriage with Eveline Potter, who was born in
Marshall county, W. Va., March 11, 1828, a
daughter of John Potter, a native of Washington
county, Penn., where he married a Miss Supler, a
native of Donegal township, same county. Soon
after their marriage they moved to Marshall,
county, W. Va., where they purchased a large
tract of land and where the father also followed
milling. They reared a large family of children,
and resided there until their deaths. Mrs. Laird
died September 14, 1876. Mr. Laird remained on
the old home farm in Donegal township until
1872, in which year he came to Claysville, where
he has since resided. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a lifelong
solid Democrat.

THE PRY FAMILY. Among the well-
known and prosperous early settlers of
Washington county, the Pry family takes a
prominent position. Conrad Pry was a na
tive of Germany, and coming to America
began farming on a place about eight miles from
Romney, W. Va. His son, Jacob C, was born in
the latter part of the eighteenth century, in West
Virginia, where his early life was passed on the
home farm. He was married when a young man
to Miss Catherine Barnes, of Hampshire county,
W. Va., who bore him the following children:
Eliza, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Abraham and Will
iam. Of these children, Betsey (as she is famil
iarly called), married to Samuel Paskel, of Cross
Creek township, and Abraham (mentioned below)
are the only ones living.
Abraham Pry was born November 10, 1813, in
Hampshire county, W. Va. , and his father died

when he was but four years of age. He learned
the cooper's trade in early life, but did not continue
to follow it. When about twenty-two years of age,
he came to Washington county, locating on 150
acres in Cross Creek township. In 1840 he was
united in marriage with Miss Rachel McClurg, of
Cross Creek township, daughter of David McClurg,
who came from Ireland, and settled on the farm
adjoining that of Mr. Pry. Since purchasing his
farm Mr. Pry has added to the original tract, and
now has 241 acres. Abraham and Rachel Pry are
the parents of the following children: David M.,
John W., William H. and Joseph M. (twins, the
latter now deceased), R. A., Abraham, Ambrose,
Catherine J., Cynthia Ann, Anna M. and Francis
H. The father was originally a Democrat, then a
Whig, finally becoming a Republican, being now
an active supporter of the latter party. He is a
regular attendant of and liberal contributor to the
Cross Creek Presbyterian Church.
Abeaham Pet (son of Abraham and Rachel (Mc
Clurg) Pry) was born November 17, 1852, in the
old home, where he was trained to farm duties
from early boyhood. On February 22, 1877, he
was married to Elizabeth A. Dimit, of Independ
ence township, this county, who has borne him two
sons, Brainard K. and Wiley C. He is a Repub
lican, to which party the family have always been
stanch adherents, being actively interested in pro
moting the growth of Republican principles. They
are principally engaged in farming and sheep
raising, usually wintering three or four hundred
sheep. Mr. Pry is an influential and prosperous
citizen, a worthy representative of an honored
name.

RS. JANE ANN LEE, a popular and in
telligent lady of Jefferson township, is a
daughter of Samuel Scott, whose father,
Josiah, of Scotch descent, was a resident
of Washington county, Penn., where he was
united in marriage with Jane Noble. Eight chil
dren were born to Josiah and Jane (Noble) Scott.
namely: Samuel, John, Hugh, Alexander, and four
daughters, whose names have not been ascertained.
Samuel Scott (the father of our subject) was
born about the year 1779, near Washington bor
ough, where he was trained to agricultural pur
suits, which he followed through life. He was
united in marriage with Miss^ Mary Ann, daughter
of William Wiley, a farmer of Washington county,
and their children were: William W., Josiah N.,
Jane Ann and Samuel G. Of this family, William
and Josiah N. are deceased, and Samuel G. is a
prominent farmer of Smith township, this county.
Jane Ann (Scott) Lee (subject of this sketch)
was born October 3, 1817, near Washington bor
ough, and assisted in the household duties of the

1322

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

home until she grew to womanhood. Miss Scott
then attended Washington Female Seminary for
two years, and was married October 5, 1837, to
John Lee. His father, Hugh Lee, was a native of
Ireland, who, emigrating, settled on the farm in
Cross Creek township, Washington county, Penn.,
where Mr. AV. C. Lee is now living. After the
marriage of John and Jane (Scott) Lee they came
to the present home farm in Jefferson township,
where children were born and reared as follows:
William S., born October 18, 1838; Eliza A., born
June 13, 1841; Mary M., born March 25, 1843;
Hannah J., born March 20, 1846; John C, born
August 2, 1847; Samuel W., born January 14,
1850; Hugh, born December 25, 1851; Alice, born
January 26, 1853; and Lucy, born July 19, 1856,
all of whom are living. Mr. Lee died April 23,
1856, and at that time owned over 300 acres of
fertile farm land, which is kept in an excellent
state of cultivation by the present owners. In pol
itics he was a counselor and adviser of the AVhig
party. In religion he was a member of the Pres
byterian Church, which he served as trustee and in
various other capacities.
Eliza Ann, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John
Lee, grew to womanhood under the parental roof,
and was united in marriage December 29, 1859,
with A. M. Foster. To this union were born four
children: Lenora, born April 14, 1861; Eliza Jane,
born April 2, 1862; Harry W., bora June 4, 1864;
and Lee Ellis, born October 2, 1869. Of these
children, Lee Ellis is the only living member (the
others having died in youth). He resides with his
mother and grandmother, and has entire control of
the home place.
Hugh Lee, the youngest son of John and Jane
Ann Lee, was born on the farm in Jefferson town
ship, where his mother is now living. He passed
his younger days in attending the common schools
of his neighborhood, and assisting in the general
duties of the home place. On October 7, 1873, he
was married to Jennie R., daughter of Robert
Scott, of Burgettstown, Penn. The young couple
lived on an adjoining farm until they erected their
present beautiful home (which was built in 1885)
upon the old place. One son has blessed their
union: Harry Scott Lee, born October 14, 1874.
Hugh Lee bears the family name, through which
he inherits his present home. In politics he has
always been a stanch Republican. He is a con
scientious member of the Cross Creek Presbyterian
Church. I AMES AVILSON, a representative of one of
. I the pioneer families of Franklin township,
(f J J was born December 9, 1821, in that town-
^^ ship. His grandfather was a native of Mary
land, where he was married, and in 1780
moved to Washington county, settling in Franklin

township. The country was then very new, and
Indians were numerous, but he erected a log cabin,
and with his family braved the dangers and en
dured the privations of frontier life. He reared
the following children: Robert, Douglas, Jane,
Margaret, Mary, Effie, Sarah, Nancy and Johnson.
In politics Mr. Wilson was a Democrat, and in
religion a member of the M. E. Church.
Robert Wilson was born on the home farm in
Franklin township, and received a meager educa
tion in the common schools. He remained at home
until some time after his marriage, when he re
moved to the farm where he died. He was mar
ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha and Mary
Lacock, and she bore him the following children:
Emily (Mrs. William Haggerty), Sabrina (Mrs.
James Powers), Simeon, Eliza (Mrs. James War
rick), James, Atlas, Abner and Douglas. Mr.
Wilson was a liberal contributor to the cause of
Christianity, although a member of no church.
In politics he was a Whig, and took an active in
terest in all questions pertaining to the welfare of
the township.
James Wilson, son of Robert and Elizabeth
Wilson, was born in Franklin township, AVashing
ton county, and attended the common schools of
the neighborhood, which offered but poor advan
tages. In 1847 he was united in marriage with
Isabella, daughter of John Fulton, a resident of
Morris township, this county, and to their union
were born children as follows: Mary (Mrs. Albert
Lacock), Frank and Victoria (Mrs. Gleason Conk
lin). After his marriage Mr. Wilson settled on
the farm of 145 acres of valuable land, where he
still resides, the improvements having been made
by his own industry. In politics he was originally
a Whig, and since the formation of the party has
been a Republican. He has served as assessor
two terms, and has also been school director nine
years. He is a liberal supporter of the church.

\ILLIAM T. SAMPSON. The Sampson
family, of whom this gentleman is a
worthy representative, are among the
most influential and wealthy citizens of
Carroll township. They originally were
natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., where
William Sampson was born in 1765. He was mar
ried in that county to Mary Nill (who bore him four
children), and some time after his marriage the
family moved to Washington county, Penn., where
the father died in 1815.
James Sampson, son of William and Mary
Sampson, was born February 5, 1806, just above
Webster, on the Monongahela river, in Westmore
land county, Penn. He came with his parents to
this county in 1810, and in 1840 was married to
Mary Grant, a native of Washington county. She

#Z44T7^/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1325

bore him seven children, of whom are named Will
iam T. , Harvey J. and John G. The mother died
in 1889. James Sampson has carried on a distill
ery for twenty years in connection with farming,
and now owns 1,250 acres of land. He was pres
ident of the Bank of Monongahela City for twenty-
two years, and is one of the leading citizens of
AVashington county.
William T. Sampson was born January 22, 1844,
in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., and
received his education in the schools of the county.
On Mav 23, 1876, he was united in marriage with
Lucretia Welsh, daughter of John and Sarah Jane
(Bell) Welsh, the former of whom is a farmer of
Knox county, Ohio, and they have two sons and
three daughters, namely: Mary B. , Sarah J., John
W., Lucretia V. and William K. The home place
is situated three miles from Monongahela and con
tains 265 acres of land, and upon it he raises a
good quality of stock, besides carrying on general
farming. Mr. Sampson is a Republican, and has
served his township as supervisor for several years.
Mrs. Sampson is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.

i ILLIAM STOLLAR, an old and success
ful farmer of East Finley township, is a
son of Andrew Stollar, who was born in
1777 in Schuylkill county, Penn., where
he was married to Rosanna Ealy, a native of the
same county, also born in 1777, a daughter of
George Ealy, who afterward moved to Washington
county. The following children were born to their
union: Rosamond, Peter, Christina, Catherine
(residing in Illinois), Henry (living in Claysville,
this county), William (subject of sketch), Daniel,
Mollie (living in West Finley township, this county),
and one deceased in infancy, unnamed ; all except
the two last named were born in Schuylkill county,
Penn. In 1818 Mr. Stollar packed a wagon with
household goods, and crowding, with the family,
inside, moved to Washington county, locating about
two miles south of Washington, where they re
mained a short time, thence moving to East Finley
township, settled in the midst of a partially cleared
wilderness, about half a mile north of East Finley
postoffice, and there, in the new home, their two
younger children were born. Mr. Stollar died in"
1846, and January 5, 1863, his wife followed him
to the "undiscovered country."
William Stollar was born January 16, 1813, in
Schuylkill county, Penn., and was brought, with
his father's family, to Washington county, where
he received very little schooling, as his parents
were poor and needed his aid in the farm work.
He remained at home until he reached the age of
maturity, and, on October 18, 1833, was united in
marriage with Annie Rockefeller, of East Finley

township, born October 30, 1818, daughter of Na
than Rockefeller, and they had the following chil
dren: Rosanna, born September 20, 1835 (de
ceased); Nathan, born January 19, 1838 (a farmer,
living in East Finley township); John, born May
17, 1840 (residing in Nebraska); Rachel, born May
5, 1842 (living in East Finley township); Andrew,
born July 17, 1844 (a resident of East Finley town
ship); Nancy, born April 28, 1850 (residing in
Washington, Penn.); Henry, born January 14,
1853 (deceased in infancy), and two other children
(deceased in infancy). Mrs. Stollar died January
19, 1854, and in 1855 Mr. Stollar was married to
Susanna Martin, who was born January 9, 1822,
daughter of Daniel Martin, and their children
were as follows: Daniel, born March 1, 1856
(deceased May 22, 1858); Margaret Jane, born
April 13, 1858 (living in Morris township, this
county), and Mary Elizabeth, born December 15,
1861 (living in Johnstown, Penn.). The mother
of these children died November 26, 1877, and in
1885 Mr. Stollar was married to Rebecca Bedill-
ion, born January 3, 1845, daughter of John
Bedillion, of Franklin township.
In 1834 Mr. Stollar moved to his present farm
(then an unbroken wilderness, which he himself
cleared), situated about one mile and a quarter
south of East Finley postoffice, in East Finley
township, and continued to follow farming with
marked success until he retired from active life to
enjoy the fruits of early toil. He has been a Re
publican since the formation of the party. In
church relation he is a member of the Valley M.
E. Church; his wife is a member of the C. P.
Church at Bethel.

\ILLIAM PRIGG. Of that noble army of
stalwart pioneers who braved so many
Xff dangers and endured such innumerable
hardships in the early settlement of
Washington county, none can claim greater prom
inence than the Prigg family.
Samuel Prigg, the first of the name to settle in
the county, was a native of Maryland, whence, when
a young man, he came with his parents to Buffalo
township, where Salem Flack now resides, and
here built and operated a tannery for some years ;
later he settled in Canton township. In his native
State he had been apprenticed to a tanner, with
whom he thoroughly learned the trade, and after
following the same for many years, finally settled
on a farm, where he passed the remainder of his
days. While yet a young man he married Hetty
Day, a resident of Washington county, and the
children born of this union were: John, Robert,
Samuel, Margaret, Rebecca, William, Enoch D.
and James. The father died about 1855, the
mother about 1853. They were zealous members

1326

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of the Baptist Church , and in politics Mr. Prigg
was an Old-school Democrat, an ardent supporter
of the principles of Jefferson and Jackson, and one
of the organizers of the party in his township.
William Prigg was born August 6, 1815, in Can
ton township, this county, and was reared a typical
"farmer boy." His schooling, which was limited
to a few weeks in the winter time, was obtained at
the primitive establishments of learning in vogue
at that time. During his early manhood, when he
first started out for himself, his life was one of
continual hard work, and it was then that he more
particularly manifested those traits of character
which have made him so well known in this sec
tion. In company with his brother, Enoch D. , he
purchased a farm, on which they lived, keeping
"bachelor's hall," working and improving the same
until they bought another tract, when they divided
their holdings, the old home place falling to
Enoch's share. William is now the owner of 250
acres of land in Canton township, and is rated as
one of its most successful and substantial citizens.
Ou October 6, 1856, Mr. Prigg married Rebecca,
daughter of Joseph Mountz. The young couple
took up their residence on the Prigg farm, where
they remained fifteen years, then moved to the
Wolf farm, and in 1886 came to their present
place of residence. The children born of their
union were: Samuel (deceased), Jackson (married
to Margaret McQuay), William (married to Nora
Weaver), and Joseph. Like the family generally,
in politics, Mr. Prigg has maintained the princi
ples of the Democratic party, but in voting; as far
as county and township politics are concerned, he
is Independent. A lifelong member of the Pres
byterian Church, he has ever been one of its most
active workers and liberal supporters, and lets not
his left hand know what his right hand doeth.
[Since the above was written, we have received infor
mation of the death of Mr. AVilliam Prigg. — Ed.

AMUEL W. CARSON, the oldest living
representative of the Carson family in
Washington county, was born January 24,
1838, and is a son of Thomas and Mary
(Wright) Carson. Isaac Carson, his grandfather,
was born and married in eastern Pennsylvania,
whence he came to this county, becoming one of
the earliest settlers of Buffalo township, and a
prosperous farmer. His children were as follows:
James, born April 17, 1798; Thomas, born Sep
tember 30, 1800; Adam, born June 20, 1803; Mary
(Mrs. William Bell), born February 14, 1806;
Rebecca (Mrs. William Ely), born May 18, 1808;
Ann (Mrs. William Wright), born April 15, 1810;
Margaret (Mrs. Albough), born May 27, 1812;
Isaac, born July 22, 1815; Samuel, bom January
25, 1819, and Jane, born May 2, 1821. The par

ents of this family lie buried side by side in North
Buffalo cemetery; they were members of the
Seceder Church, and in politics he was a Whig.
Thomas Carson, father of our subject, was mar
ried in 1829 to Mary, daughter of Samuel Wright,
and the children by this union are Rachel (Mrs.
H. C. Noble), Isaac, Samuel W. and Leman.
After marriage Mr. Carson continued to reside on
the home place, where he carried on farming and
stock raising, and where he and his wife passed
the remainder of their busy lives, the father dying
January 5, 1865, and the mother January 5, 1876;
they were consistent members of the United Pres
byterian Church, and in politics Mr. Carson was
an ardent Democrat.
Samuel AV. Carson lived nearly half a century
on the place of his birth, and in 1885 moved to his
present commodious residence, where he has a fine
farm of 200 acres, besides which he has another
tract of 100 acres in the western part of the town
ship. He has always been engaged in farming,
and has met with well-merited success. On
December 24, 1874, he was married to Margaret
A., daughter of Abraham Zigler, a native of Cum
berland county, Penn. , where he married, and had
the following named children: Alexander, Mary,
Margaret A., Dora, John, Sadie, Agnes and Mar
tha. The Zigler family are all members of the
Presbyterian Church at Claysville (near which
town they reside), and in politics he is a Democrat.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carson were
Frank, Mac, Etta B., Mary (deceased), Van R.,
Wright, Otto (deceased) and S. C. The family
are members of the Presbyterian Church at. Clays
ville; in politics Mr. Carson is a Democrat, and
has been one of the party's leaders in his section
for years. He has served his township in several
capacities with much merit, and for the past six
years has been a member of the school board.

I OHN M. GRIFFITH, a well-known citizen
i I and prosperous dairyman of Mt. Pleasant
vlj township, is a grandson of John Griffith.
^^ His great-grandfather, John Griffith, was
born in Wales and married Letitia Blackburn.
They settled in Mt. Pleasant township, and some
of the family located in Maryland in 1765.
Their son, John Griffith, (grandfather of subject),
came to Mt. Pleasant township, and settled on the
old Griffith homestead, where he died.
Isaac Griffith, father of our subject, was born,
in 1800, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant town
ship, on the headwaters of Raccoon creek,
where he grew to manhood. He married Eliza
beth Esler, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, who
bore him the following children: Robert (living in
Cass county, Mo.), John M. (our subject), James
M. (assassinated in Arizona), Isaac M. (deceased),

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1327

Jane (Mrs. T. M. Berryhill, of Mt. Pleasant town
ship), Lizzie (unmarried, living at Hickory, this
county), Letitia (wife of T. M. Liggett, of Inde
pendence township) and Hattie Ann (wife of John
Liggett, also of Independence township). Mr.
Griffith followed farming, and in politics was first
a Whig, then a Know-nothing, and finally a Re
publican. In religious belief he and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt.
Prospect. He died in 1867, and his wife in 1857.
John M. Griffith was born March 17, 1842, in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and was edu
cated in the schools of Hickory, attending also six
weeks at the normal school ; he afterward taught
school several terms in Washington county. On
October 22, 1863, he was united in marriage with
Mary Lyle Smith, a native of Smith township,
and a daughter of Ebenezer and Margaret (Lyle)
Smith, natives of Cross Creek township. Mr.
Smith carried on a commercial business in Smith
township, this county, for several years, and was a
Republican. He and his wife both died in Smith
township. Mrs. Griffith has two sisters living:
Sarah Margaretta (wife of A. M. Russell) and
Jennie 0. (wife of Samuel Farrar), both residents
of Mt. Pleasant township.
Mr. and Mrs. Griffith began life on their pres
ent farm, which contains 140 acres of well-culti
vated land, where they conduct a profitable dairy
business, milking an average of eighteen cows per
day. He built his residence in 1862, and remod
eled it in 1892. In politics Mr. Griffith was for
merly a Republican, but is now a zealous Prohibi
tionist, and he cast the first Prohibition party vote
in his township; in 1888 he was nominated for the
State Legislature on the Prohibition ticket. He
and his wife are connected with the Mt. Pleasant
United Presbyterian Church at Hickory, in which
he is a ruling elder. They have two children:
Maggie Venalla and Edwin Smith, both at home,
the former of whom attended Washington Semi
nary, and graduated from Geneva College in 1888 ;
the latter is at present attending Hickory Academy.

'EORGE W. LUELLEN is a grandson of
Henry Luellen, who came from the banks
of the Ocheeche river in ' ' Old Virginia," to
Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn.,
about 1783, and locating on the farm now
owned by Grant Moninger, took up 200 acres of
land. He was united in marriage with a. Miss
Barnet, of Washington county, and to their union
were born three sons and four daughters: Asa,
Luellen (deceased), Mrs. Betsey Slusher (deceased),
Jessie (deceased), Reason (deceased), Polly (Mrs.
Kearn), and Mrs. Millie Featherland (deceased).
Mr. Luellen spent the rest of his life on the farm,
and was successful in business.

Reason Luellen, son of Henry, was born in
1795, on the old home farm in Amwell township,
this county, where he passed his life, receiving a
limited education in the schools of the period. He
was married to Sarah Pettit, who bore him the
following children: Charles, George W., Jonathan,
Bowen (deceased), Henry and Andrew Jackson (the
last named being deceased). The mother of these
children dying, Mr. Luellen was united in mar
riage with a Miss Reynolds, and they had two
children: Sarah (Mrs. Riggle), and Simon, who
died in the army. Mr. Luellen devoted his life to
farming, and owned a good farm of 180 acres in
Amwell township, Washington county, also about
three hundred and sixty acres in Iowa. He died
on the old farm in 1858, in his sixty-third year.
George W. Luellen was born in 1825 on the old
homestead in Amwell township, Washington county,
and remained at home until twenty-five years of
age, receiving a common-school education. In
1850 he was married to Miss Rebecca Thomp
son, of Amwell township, who has borne him four
children: Mary Ann (Mrs. Closser), Margaret
Ellen (Mrs. Russell), Allison (deceased), and
Emma (Mrs. Swart). Mr. Luellen has a good
farm of 150 acres in Amwell township, and has
been a busy and successful man. In politics he
has always been a Democrat, and has held the
office of road commissioner three terms, or nine
years. Now sixty-seven years of age, he is a
strong, healthy man, and has yet the promise of
many useful and happy years to come.

MrRS. ELIZA JANE KIDD, one of the
most estimable and intelligent ladies of
Jefferson township, is a daughter of Robert
Ml -> Stewart, whose father was born in County
v Down, Ireland, where he was married to
Betsey Hemphill. In 1812 the family set out for
America; during the voyage the ship (as was the
custom in times of war) was boarded by a British
man-of-war in search of recruits for the navy, and
several able-bodied men were pressed into the
British regular service. The son Robert (then a
young man of eighteen years) was one of them,
and he served three weeks in the navy, but at the end
of that time he was released by his father paying a
ransom. The family finally arrived at Philadelphia,
Penn., without further mishap, and thence pro
ceeded to Hickory, Washington Co., Penn., where
they made a permanent settlement. The son,
Robert Stewart, was soon afterward married to
Miss Ann McGaugh, who was born January 27,
1794, in Londonderry, Ireland, and their children
were John, Eliza Jane, Sarah, Robert, James and
Andrew. The living members of this family are
Robert, James and Eliza Jane.
Eliza Jane Stewart was born March 19, 1820,

1328

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

on the home farm in Jefferson township, and as
sisted her mother with the household duties during
her girlhood. She was united in marriage with
David, son of Joseph Kidd, a native and life
resident of Ireland, of whose family David was the
only member to settle in America. After their
marriage the young people settled in Guernsey
county, Ohio, where they resided fifteen years, and
reared the following children : Sarah, born July
12, 1850; Ann Jane, born October 10, 1852; Mary
E., born February 5, 1855; Robert, born January
14, 1857; Agnes, born August 30, 1860, and
Rebecca (wife of George Boles), born March 31,
1864. On July 13, 1868, David Kidd passed away, and
his widow then returned to Jefferson township,
and bought the farm of 177 acres where she is
now living. This farm consists of very fine land,
upon which is a grist and saw mill, both in con
stant operation. Mrs. Kidd is a consistent mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and is loved and
respected by all who know her. She has in her
possession a cane which was used by Gen. Murray,
who fought under Washington in the Revolu
tionary war.

It V. CLARK passed his early life in Mt.
¦ Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn.,
r Ji receiving his education at the common schools
^^ of West Middletown, and at AVashington and
Jefferson College. On December 8, 1886",
he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter
of Rev. Samuel Taggart.
Samuel Taggart, a leading clergyman of this
county, was born March 26, 1803, in County An
trim, Ireland, son of John Taggart, who was also
born in Ireland, and there married Mary B. Con-
nahon, who bore him three sons : J ames, John and
Samuel. John Taggart was an extensive cattle
dealer. He died in Ireland and in 1820 the fam
ily immigrated to America, landing at Montreal,
where James had previously settled and engaged
in the shoe business. John and Mrs. Taggart
afterward came to Pittsburgh, Penn., where the
mother died. John engaged in shoe manufactur
ing at Pittsburgh, being very successful in that
business. He was married to Elizabeth Orr, of
Pittsburgh, who bore him the following children:
John, Robert, Samuel, William, Mary A., Tillie
and Lizzie. He was a Democrat, and in religion
a member of the Associate Reformed Church.
Samuel Taggart passed his youth in Montreal
and Pittsburgh. He first attended the Western
University, and then entered the Theological Sem
inary of Allegheny, from which he graduated in
1834. On July 18, 1839, he was married to Mar
garet, daughter of Robert McAyeal, who was born
in 1784, in Belfast, Ireland, where he was reared

and educated. Ho emigrated when a young man,
and coming to Pittsburgh, Penn., engaged in
mercantile business. He was there married to
Rebecca Matthews, whose family came from Ire
land when she was but six years of age, and set
tled in Wilmington, Del., where the remainder of
their lives was passed. Their children were:
Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Taggart), Sarah, James,
Robert, Rebecca (Mrs. Alexander McKeever),
Nancy (wife of Rev. Reed), and Mary (married to
Dr. McComey). In politics Mr. McAyeal was at
first a Democrat, and then a Republican. He was
a member of the Covenanter Church, and died in
1865, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife
followed him to the grave May 1, 1889, in her
ninety -sixth year.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Taggart had three chil
dren, namely: Robert, Samuel A. and Mary E.
(Mrs. J. V. Clark). His first charge was at West
Middletown and at Mt. Vernon, where he remained
fifteen years, then lived in Harmony, 111., eighteen
months, when he returned to West Middletown,
where he passed the remainder of his ministerial
life, retiring in 1884. He was a Free-Soil man
and afterward joined the Republican party. He
died October 21, 1885.
To the union of J. V. and Mary E. (Taggart)
Clark was born one daughter, Margaret. In 1885
Mr. Clark engaged in general mercantile business,
in which he has since continued. In politics he is
an active member of the Republican party, and he
is an energetic and prosperous business man. He
is a member of the U. P. Church at West Middle-
town.

IiOHN FINLEY KENNEDY, one of the most
|! energetic business men of AVashington coun-
frj] ty, is a grandson of Samuel Kennedy (a
^^ farmer), who was born of Irish parents,
and grew to manhood in Union township,
AVashington Co., Penn. John and Martha (Young)
Kennedy,- parents of Samuel Kennedy, were born
in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America,
the father at the age of twenty-one years, the
mother when quite small. She was married to
John Kennedy at the age of thirteen and one-half
years, he being twenty-four years old. They first
lived at Coal Hill (then called Fort Pitt, now
Pittsburgh, S. S.). From Fort Pitt they moved to
Mingo, where they passed the remainder of their
days, John Kennedy dying in 1842, in his eighty-
second year, his wife in 1847, when seventy-six
years old. Twelve children were born to them, of
whom two died in infancy, and ten lived to good
old age. In early manhood Samuel Kennedy mar
ried Elizabeth McVey, who bore him the following
named children: Thomas, Hannah A., John,
Martha, James K, Joseph M., Mary and Samuel

* to * "?> /

i-^Mi " *

Si.
SiiiKBliiii

If

#

1 M

la

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1331

L. In politics he was a Federalist, and in relig
ious faith a member of the Mingo Presbyterian
Church. Thomas Kennedy, son of Samuel and Elizabeth
(McVey) Kennedy, was born in 1825, on the home
' ' place in Union township, Washington Co., Penn.
He learned the trade of cooper, but followed car
pentering. On December 9, 1845, he was united
in marriage with Hannah E. , daughter of William
and Nancy (Osburn) Roberts, of Carroll township,
this county. They settled on the home place in
Union township, where three children were born to
them, namely: J. F., W. A. and Samuel D. In
politics Mr. Kennedy was a Whig and Republican ;
' ' in church connection he was a member of the
Mingo Presbyterian Congregation.
J. F. Kennedy was born November 10, 1846, in
Union township, Washington Co., Penn., where
he remained until eighteen years of age. He then
became bookkeeper for S. B. Kennedy, of Pitts
burgh, Penn., and was afterward a partner in the
coal business ; then worked two years in the oil
. . fields of Tidioute, Warren county, same State.
After leaving that place he conducted a mercantile
business at Huston's Run, thence moving to Court
ney, Union township, Washington county, where
he resided eighteen years. He was interested in the
coal mines at that place twelve years and served
as postmaster for nine years. He now owns a
store and butcher shop. He has thirty acres of
land, also eight dwellings in Courtney, and he
erected the first house in the village; has an inter
est in the Courtney Fire-Brick AVorks. He gives
considerable attention to stock, including the
breeding of trotting and pacing horses, and has
Jersey cattle for sale. On June 3, 1872, Mr.
Kennedy married Sarah E., daughter of Andrew
Gault. Our subject is a Republican, and has
served his township in many ways; was appointed
coroner by Governor Beaver, and re-elected in
1887; was elected a justice of the peace of Union
township. He is a member of Courtney Presby
terian Church.

H. BUCHANAN, a prosperous and en
ergetic young farmer of Independence
township, is a son of David and Fannie
(Hamilton) Buchanan. Our subject was
born March 24, 1863, in the house where he is now
living, and received his elementary instruction in
the common schools; he afterward attended Beth
any College, West Virginia, and also college at
Canonsburg, Penn. He and his brother then began
farming on the home place. On June 1, 1887, he
was united in marriage with Winnie, daughter of
C. C. Rea, of Cross Creek township, this county.
She attended Cross Creek Academy, and taught
school five years, being an educated and intelligent
C2

lady. They have two children, Elizabeth Lenore
and David Rea, both living at home. Since his
marriage W. H. Buchanan has resided on the
home farm, consisting of 300 acres of well-im
proved and valuable farm land; he gives consider
able attention to sheep raising, having many very
fine animals, some of which are registered
in the United States and the Delaine Registers.
Mr. Buchanan belongs to the progressive type of
farmers and is a public-spirited citizen, well fitted
to manage the extensive real estate which he owns.
In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he and
his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo Presby
terian Church at Independence.

T AMES THOME, one. of the oldest living
. members of the 'family of that name, was
Vj\ born in August, 1816, in North Strabane
^^ township, Washington Co. , Penn. His grand
father, James Thome, was a native of Dauphin
county, Penn. He was married and had six
children, viz. : William, John, James, Margaret,
Samuel and Abigail. Of these James was born in
Dauphin county, same State, and there received
such education as the subscription schools of the
period afforded. Not being satisfied with the out
look for success in his native county, so far as he
was individually interested, he came to Washing
ton county about the time of the "Whiskey Insur
rection," was with Washington during this insur
rection, and purchased, in North Strabane town
ship, the farm now occupied by his son, James.
Their first humble dwelling thereon was a rude
cabin built of hewn logs. Many improvements
were made by Mr. Thome and his family, and the
once forest-grown wilderness was to a great extent
brought to its present high state of fertility
through their unceasing toil. Mr. Thome was
united in marriage with Abbie Hill, who bore him
the following named children: Jane (deceased),
William, John, Abbie (wife of James Pollock),
Margaret (wife of Rev. Bankhead Boyd), James
(subject) and Samuel (deceased). The father of
this family died in May, 1861. He and his wife
were members of the Seceder Church, in which
Mr. Thome was an elder for many years. In pol
itics he was a Whig.
James Thome received a good common-school
training, and was early inducted into the mysteries
of agriculture, and the hard, never-ceasing work
incident to that vocation. On April 13, 1843, he
was married to Eliza, daughter of James McNary,
of Nottingham township, which union has been
blessed with six children, as follows: Abbie (wife
of Rev. D. C. Wilson), Annie (wife of William
Martin), Rev. J. L. , William, Samuel and Emma.
After marriage Mr^Thome settled permanently on
the home farm, where he successfully cultivated the

1332

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

soil, but has retired from active work and is now
passing the last days of his useful life in the en
joyment of the fruits of his toil. Mr. and Mrs.
Thome are members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he was first
a Whig, but for many years back he has been
an uncompromising Democrat, and has been
supervisor a number of years. He has been emi
nently successful in all his pursuits, and to-day is
the owner of 250 acres of highly-improved land.
He is proverbially kind-hearted and charitable,
and his hospitality is of the genuine old-fashioned
kind.

JOHN A. HUNTER, a skilled builder and
contractor of McDonald borough, is descended
from natives of the Emerald Isle, whence so
many of our most enterprising and worthy
citizens trace their origin.
Robert Hunter first saw the light of day in
County Down, Ireland, where he grew to manhood
and was married. The young people soon after
ward set sail for America, immediately after their
arrival proceeding to Washington county, and
settling in Cecil township. A log cabin was soon
erected and the work of clearing the farm begun,
which he continued until his death. The children
born to them were Mary (wife of Alexander Jef
frey), Elizabeth (Mrs. Lindsey), Jane (Mrs. Hunter)
and John. Robert Hunter and his family were
members of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's
Run, of which he was an active supporter. In
politics he was an active member of the Whig
party. His wife died in 1854, at the age of
ninety-Bix years.
John Hunter was born in Cecil township, this
county, on the Hunter homestead, and passed his
youth in attending the country schools, receiving
a good education. He was married to Nancy
Greer, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who bore
him children as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Robert,
George, John A., Margaret, William (who enlisted
in Company D, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, and
died in the service), Joseph, James and Nancy J.
The father of this family followed agricultural
pursuits. In political opinion he was first a Whig,
then a Democrat; and in religious connection was
a stanch member of the Covenanter Church, in
which faith he died in 1868, being followed by his
wife in 1878; both are buried in the Covenanter
Church cemetery.
John A. Hunter was born January 19, 1836, in
Cecil township, this county, and received a com
mon-school education. He began farming for
himself at the age of seventeen years; in 1870 he
came to McDonald, here following the business of
a builder and contractor, and he has erected the
majority of the buildings in the town. On July 3,

1861, he was married to Mattie A., daughter of
William Harper; the latter was a son of Robert
Harper, a native of Ireland, who was there married,
and, afterward coming to America, settled in Cecil
township at an early day. He was a Whig in
politics, and in religious faith a member of the
Seceder Church. His son, William Harper, was
reared and educated in Cecil township, this county,
and in early manhood was married to Mary,
daughter of John Lindsey, of Cecil township;
their children were Mattie A., David, Mary,
Tamar, Wilson, Joseph and Melissa. The father
followed agriculture and stock raising; in politics
he was formerly a Whig, and united with the
Republicans upon the formation of the party.
To the union of John A. and Mattie A. (Harper)
Hunter, two children have been born: Addie G.
(deceased) and William J. Mr. Hunter votes the
Republican ticket, and in religion he is a member
and trustee of the United Presbyterian Church.

ILLIAM E. CRAFT, a representative of
one of the prominent pioneer families of
Washington county, was born in 1816
in this county. His great-grandfather,
John Craft, was a native of Maryland,
and removed to Washington county before the
Revolution, being among the first settlers of the
locality. He reared four sons, viz. : Lawrence,
John, Thomas and William.
Lawrence Craft was born in 1750. He married
Annie Thompson, a native of Winchester, Va., and
became the father of five children: John, Thomas,
William, Linda (wife of Benjamin Hoagland) and
a son who died in infancy. William, the father of
the subject of this sketch, was born in 1789 in
Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. He
married Mary Elliot, who was born in 1794, a
daughter of William Elliot, an old pioneer of
this section. To this union eleven children were
born, as follows: Betsy, Lawrence, Annie, Will
iam E., Martha, Melinda, Jane, David, Ggprge,
Isaac" and Mary. Of these, nine lived to maturity.
Martha, Jane, David, George and William E. are
at present the only surviving members.
William E. Craft was born on his father's farm,
where his boyhood was passed. He was first mar
ried in 1853 to Martha, daughter of John Cooper,
of Morris township, and to this union were born
three children: Alice (wife of W. S. Waters, of
Franklin township), born October 7, 1856; Harriet,
born August 31, 1858, resides with her father, and
Martha Jane, born November 14, 1860, wife of
Randolph Rush, of Prosperity. Mrs. Craft died
December 2, 1860, and on June 14, 1866, Mr.
Craft was married to Mary J., daughter of George
McCarrahan. To this union were born children
as follows: Ida D., born July 10, 1867; Maggie

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1333,

E., born April 30, 1869; William E., born July
25, 1872, and Edgar, born January 30, 1876, all
living at home. The mother of these children
died August 24, 1891. The farm owned by Mr.
Craft, lying along what is known as Craft's creek,
two and one-half miles west of Prosperity, is a
fine one, and yields a good income. Mr. Craft
has always voted with the Democratic party,
though he is not an active politician. He is a
worthy member of the Mt. Zion M. E. Church.

TiOHN C. BALDWIN, one of the most pros-
. I perous citizens of West Finley township, is a
\f\\ grandson of William Baldwin, who was born
^^ in Franklin township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and there grew to manhood. When the
war of 1812 began, he was among the first to vol
unteer his services, and remained in the war until
the close. He was afterward married, and reared
a family of eight children: Thomas, Phcebe,
Jonathan, Silas, Seely, Cephas, Amos and Frank
(deceased in youth).
Thomas Baldwin was born about 1820, on the
farm in Franklin township, and received his early
education at the subscription schoolhouse, with its
puncheon floor and slab seats. When about
twenty-one years of age he learned the trade of a
cabinet maker, which he followed several years.
He was united in marriage with Miss Regina
Schrontz, and their children were as follows : Eliza
beth (Mrs. Miller), Francis F. (lieutenant in an Iowa
regiment, who was killed near Dallas, Ga., while
cheering on his men), Jacob S., Milton, John C. ,
Mrs. Mary Booth, Silas, Regina and Anna M. , of
whom the latter three died in early life. After
saving some money by following his trade, Mr.
Baldwin bought a farm and devoted the summer
season to its cultivation.
John C. Baldwin was born February 19, 1846,
in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and
passed most of his earlier years in farming. At
the age of twenty-one he taught a term of school,
and the following winter entered Waynesburgh
College. He continued to attend school and teach
alternately for three years, and during this period
became acquainted with a fellow- student, Melissa
Ann McMay, who graduated in 1872. The friend
ship of the young students continued to grow, and
after his graduation, on April 24, 1873, they were
united in marriage. Mr. Baldwin then engaged
in the mercantile business in the little town of
Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn., but a year later
began farming, which vocation he has since suc
cessfully followed. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have
nine children, all of whom are living with their
parents. In political life, he is a stanch Repub
lican, and has been justice of the peace fourteen
years. In religion he is an elder in the Cumber

land Presbyterian Church, and has served a num
ber of years as superintendent of the Sunday-
school.

JOHN AV. BOYER. The well-known family
in Washington county, of which this gentle
man is a member, were represented among
the earliest of early pioneers. The ancestors
in this country were natives of New Jersey,
in which State James Boyer passed his early youth,
among the peaceful Society of Friends. When a
young man he came to Pennsylvania, and, pur
chasing a farm in Peters township, Washington
county, was there married to Nancy, daughter of
Col. William Blackmore. Five children were born
to this marriage, namely: John, Amy, Samuel,
Peter, and Sarah (wife of Carvel Rigdon, a brother
of Rigdon, the Mormon preacher), none of whom
are yet living.
Samuel Boyer, son of James and Nancy Boyer,
was born in 1784, in Peters township, Washington
Co. , Penn. He attended the subscription schools
of the neighborhood, then taught several terms in
Beaver county, Penn. He was united in mar
riage with Mary Boyer, who was born in 1803,
daughter of Leonard Boyer, of Bethel township,
Allegheny Co., Penn. Samuel and Mary Boyer
resided in Beaver county, Penn., for six years after
their marriage, then returning to Washington
county, lived on the old home place six years.
They finally bought and moved upon the Higbee
farm, adjoining the old homestead, where they
died, leaving children as follows: James B., de
ceased; Peter, living near Library, Allegheny
county; John W. ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of
David Higbee; Nancy, married to E. T. Townsend,
of Peters township; Amy, deceased wife of D.
Welch, of Limetown, and Lucinda, second wife of
her brother-in-law, David Higbee.
John W. Boyer, whose name opens this sketch,
was born August 16, 1828, on the home place in
Peters township, this county, where he was trained
to agricultural pursuits. Cn December 10, 1857,
he was united in marriage with Margaret J. Town-
send, who was born in 1840, daughter of Joseph
Townsend. The latter was a son of Daniel Town-
send, who was born August 14, 1747, in Egg
Harbor City, N. J., where he grew to manhood and
engaged in the lumber business. In 1776 he en
tered tho Revolutionary war, serving about two
years, participating in the battles of Trenton,
Princeton, Brandywine, and Monmouth. In 1779 he
came to Washington county, Penn., bought 400 acres
of land of Joshua Wright, and settled permanently
upon that tract. He was married to Lydia Sawens,
of Massachusetts, who bore him children as fol
lows: Catherine (Mrs. John Baird, of Beaver
county), Naomi (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of

1334

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Peters Sharp), Margaret (wife of William Chisler,
of Ohio), Rebecca (Mrs. John Hozer, of Mercer
county, Penn.), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Higbee, of
Ohio), Lydia (wife of Arthur Devore), Elijah (a
lieutenant in the war of 1812), and Joseph, all of
whom were married, and are now deceased. The
father was a Democrat in politics; he died Sep
tember 1, 1833.
Joseph Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia
(Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1796, on
the old place in Washington Co. , Penn. He lived
at home until fifteen years of age, then entered
the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought home
by his father. A few years later the juvenile war
rior had so far modified his views as to prefer
rural life. He became an excellent farmer, and
devoted much attention to sheep raising. In early
life he was united in marriage with Nancy, daugh
ter of Col. William Blackmore, and granddaughter
of Samuel Blackmore. The latter owned 400 acres
on the site of the present city of Washington. The
property was leased for ninety-nine years, which
expired in 1870, the heirs having never claimed it.
AA7illiam Blackmore, son of Samuel, came with his
family from Washington, D. C, to Washington
Co., Penn., and there reared six children, viz.:
Thomas, Charles, Nancy (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza,
Ellen, and Arabella, all now deceased but Nancy.
To Joseph and Nancy Townsend were born three
children, namely: Charles W., Daniel B., and
William (deceased in youth). The mother died
September 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend
was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack.
Her father was born in Ireland, and about 1800
emigrated to this country, settling on Chartiers
creek, in Peters township, Washington Co.,
Penn. To Joseph and Nancy Townsend were
bom three children, viz. : Robert (deceased),
Elijah T., and Margaret J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of
Finleyville). The father voted with the Demo
cratic party, and in religion was a member of the
Baptist Church. He died on his seventy-fifth
birthday, March 1, 1871, being followed by his
wife in August, 1874, in her seventy-fifth year.
John W. and Margaret J. Boyer first located on
a small farm near Bower Hill, in Peters township,
this county, where they lived five years, during
which time he dealt extensively in stock. He
afterward bought the 240 acres which he yet owns
in Union township, and there he managed a profita
ble dairy for several years in connection with
stock raising. In 1884 he settled in Finleyville,
this county, where he is now living a compara
tively retired life. He has erected several elegant
dwellings, which have contributed largely to im
prove the appearance of the village. He also buys
some wool each year, having formerly made large
annual investments in that article. Politically he
votes with the Republican party, and in religion

is a member of the Baptist Church of Library,
Allegheny Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are
the parents of four children, namely: Joseph,
born November 24, 1858, living on the farm; Sam
uel F., born July 8, 1861, in the hardware busi
ness at Finleyville; Charles L., born October 29,
1863, a farmer near Finleyville, and James, born
May 4, 1871, in partnership with his brother Sam
uel in the hardware business.

JLLIAM PATTERSON, farmer and stock
raiser of Cecil township, was born in May,
1837, in North Strabane township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. He is a son of Ezra
Patterson, whose parents came to North
Strabane township many years ago.
Ezra Patterson was born in eastern Pennsyl
vania, and coming west with his parents when a
young man, continued to reside on the farm in
North Strabane township, this county. He was
married to Nancy Horner, and settled on the old
homestead, becoming a successful agriculturist.
In political opinion he was an earnest supporter of
the Whig and Republican parties. He and his wife
were formerly members of the Seceder Church,
afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at Pigeon
Creek, in which he was an elder. They were the
parents of the following children: Margaret (wife
of Josiah Kerr, of North Strabane township),
William, Joseph (living in Virginia) and David
(residing in Illinois) (twins), Lizzie (Mrs. L. Dagg,
deceased in 1881), Sarah (married to Peter Dow,
of Illinois), James (living on the old farm) and
Anna (wife of William Murray, of Bentleyville,
this county). The father of this family died in
December, 1863, and was followed by his wife in
January, 1892, when in her eighty-second year.
William Patterson was reared on the home place,
and educated in the schools of North Strabane
township, this county. In August, 1860, he was
married to Jennie Speer, a native of Chartiers
township. She is a daughter of Robert Speer,
and granddaughter of James and Catherine (Latta)
Speer, early settlers of Peters township, where
their son, Robert, was born and reared. The lat
ter followed farming in connection with the busi
ness of a carder and fuller. He was married to
Nancy Harsha, daughter of Thomas and Jane
(Hutchinson) Harsha, early settlers of Chartiers
township, where the daughter was born, and where
the young people resided for some time after their
marriage. In 1851 they moved to North Strabane
township, this county. Mr. Speer was an active
politician, and in religion he and his wife were
formerly members of the Cross Roads U. P.
Church, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church
in North Strabane township, this county. He died
in 1853, and Mrs. Speer is now residing in Canons-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1335

burg, Penn. They had seven children, namely:
Thomas (deceased in October, 1861), Jennie (wife
of William Patterson), James (residing in Canons
burg, enlisted in the Eighty-fifth P. V. I. , served
three years and was twice wounded), Robert (en
listed, at Chartiers township, in the One Hundred
and Fortieth P. V. I. for three years, or during
the war; he was wounded and died while home on
a furlough), Stewart (who settled in Missouri in
1865, died in 1869), Alexander (living in Canons
burg, Penn.), and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Temple
ton, of North Strabane township).
William and Jennie (Speer) Patterson resided in
North Strabane township until 1874, when he
bought the present home in Cecil township, con
taining fifty- two acres of well cultivated land.
Mr. Patterson is an ardent worker in the Prohibi
tion party, and in religious connection he and his
wife are members of the U. P. Church at Venice,
this county. The following children have been
born to them: Robert Latta (deceased in 1881, in
his nineteenth year), Eva Jane (married in 1884
to William Moore, now living at Bulger, Penn. ;
she has three children), John Stewart (a mason),
Anna Balph (married in 1888 to William Carlisle,
living at Hickory; they have one child), William
Dow (a driller), James Boyd (a blacksmith at Ven
ice), Walter, David and Mary, the latter four be
ing yet at home.

I OSEPH McKNIGHT is the only living repre-
, I sentative of the family name. His grand-
|J father, Hugh McKnight, was born in Ire-
^^ land, and after immigrating to America lived
for some time in Cecil county, Md., where
he was married, and where two sons, John and
Joseph, were born. In 1784 he went West and
bought 193 acres of land, which had been war
ranted in November, 1784, to one Samuel Irwin.
Hugh McKnight received a patent of this tract
June 18, 1799, and remained upon it till his death,
when his sons inherited it.
John McKnight was born in Cecil county, Md. ,
and came with the family to Washington county,
Penn. , when yet a boy. He was married to Sarah
Nesbitt, a native of Chartiers township, this
county, where they made their permanent home.
John McKnight was an ardent Democrat and active
politician. He died in 1857, having been preceded
by his wife in August, 1836.
Joseph McKnight was born in 1832, in Chartiers
township, and received his early education in the
subscription schools, in the meantime assisting
with the duties of the farm. In 1859 he crossed
the plains to California with an ox team, being
about six months on the journey. He was a miner
for some time, then worked on a ranch, remaining
there until the fall of 1865. He then returned by

water to New York City, finally arriving at Wash
ington county, his former home, when he began to
follow agricultural pursuits. In 1872 he bought
his present home in Chartiers township, consisting
of forty acres of well cultivated land, upon which is
a fine spring of water. Mr. McKnight has always
been actively interested in all public questions and
votes with the Democratic party.

JOHN W. NESBIT, a representative citizen of
Chartiers township, is a grandson of Jona
than Nesbit. Jonathan Nesbit was a native
of Cecil county, Md., and was there married
to a Miss Lyons. About 1791, in company with
three brothers, he came to Washington county,
Penn., and invested in land. One of the brothers
returned to his native State, but the others made
permanent homes in Washington county, and the
land is still owned by their descendants.
Alexander Nesbit, a son of the pioneer above
mentioned, was born on the frontier farm in Wash
ington county, Penn., and in 1847 was married to
Eliza Rankin, a native of the same place. The
young people settled on the farm now occupied by
their son John W., and reared the following chil
dren: Rebecca J., John W., William R., Joseph
(a blacksmith, deceased in March, 1887), Lizzie
(deceased in August, 1890), James S. (a druggist
of Bergholz, Jefferson Co., Ohio), and Jesse (de
ceased in infancy). The father of these children
followed agricultural pursuits. In politics he was
a member of the Democratic party ; he was inter
ested in church matters, contributing to the sup
port of various societies. He died in 1872, and
his widow is living with her son, John W.
John W. Nesbit was born in 1851, on the farm in
Chartiers township where he is now living. He
was reared to agricultural pursuits, and educated
in the township schools. Mr. Nesbit owns a well-
cultivated farm of 119 acres, upon which he spends
the greater portion of his time. Politically he is
an active member of the Democratic party ; he has
held the office of assessor for years, and is now en
tering on another term; he has also served several
terms on the election board.

fOHN GORDON. Among the well-known
pioneer families of Donegal township, the
name of Gordon is one of the most' prominent.
Their ancestry is traced to one Alexander
Gordon, grandfather of the present genera
tion, who was born in Scotland, and immigrated to
America soon after the war of the Revolution.
Landing at Philadelphia, he proceeded to AVash
ington county, locating in the southwest part of
Donegal township, half a mile southeast of AVest
Alexander. He then began to clear away the

1336

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

almost unbroken forest, and was soon thereafter
married to Catherine McDonald, whose parents
were also pioneer settlers. The young couple be
gan their humble home, which was cheered by the
following children: William, Margaret, Barbara,
Jane, John, Ethel, Hugh and Nancy, all of whom
lived to an adult age, but are now deceased. The
father and mother lived to a good old age, and
always resided on the farm after coming here.
Hugh Gordon was born in 1804, on the farm
now occupied by his son John, and received his
education in the common schools. In 1853 he was
married to Margaret Beeks, born August 27, 1820,
daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Henry) Beeks.
Mrs. Beeks was a native of Ireland, and came to
America in an early day; while her husband, Jacob
Beeks, was born in Maryland, whence he moved to
Washington county, Pennsylvania.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Gordon were born two
children: Catherine (Mrs. AV. S. Armstrong, of West
Finley township) and John (subject of this sketch).
Hugh Gordon first brought his bride to the old
homestead, where he followed farming and dealing
in stock. By close attention to business and hon
orable methods of dealing, he succeeded in secur
ing both the esteem and friendship of his neigh
bors, and in accumulating a considerable property.
He and his wife were members of the M. E.
Church. He died in 1876; his widow is yet living
with her sons on the home farm.
John Gordon was born February 24, 1854, in
the same house where he is now living. He as^
sisted with the work on the home farm and at
tended the common schools. On September 25,
1889, he was united in marriage with Etta Mitchell,
who was born August 6, 1860, daughter of Will
iam and Mary Mitchell, residents of Buffalo town
ship, this county. They have one daughter, Mag
gie May. Mr. Gordon has had charge, of the home
farm since his marriage, and is engaged in general
farming and dairy work. He is a popular young
farmer, and in political opinion is a Republican,
but not an active politician.

JOHN Z. BECK, an enterprising citizen of
South Strabane township, Washington Co.,
Penn., was born on the farm in Franklin
township now occupied by his parents. He
is a son of Adam Beck, who was born January 16,
1816, in County Armagh, Ireland, the only Bon of
John Beck. Mr. Beck died when Adam was but a
small boy, and his widow (formerly Margaret
Clark) was afterward united in marriage with AVill
iam Jackson. She came with him to America,
leaving her son Adam with his uncle, where he re
mained until twelve years of age, when he em
barked for America on one of the large sailing
vessels, a totally utter stranger among the

1,500 passengers on board. The brave child
conquered his timidity, and arrived in safety at
his journey's end, after a stormy voyage of six
weeks and four days. He landed at New York,
where he remained a year, then went to the home
of his mother in Washington county, Penn., liv
ing there but a short time. Three children were
born to the union of Mrs. Beck with William Jack
son: Margaret (Mrs. Robert Barre), Mary (Mrs.
Andrew Gamble) and Thomas C. The parents
passed the remainder of their lives in Washington
county. At the age of fourteen years Adam Beck
began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he
followed several years in this county. On June
11, 1840, he was united in marriage with Julia A.,
daughter of Samuel Munce, who belonged to one
of the oldest families in the township, and the fol
lowing children were born to them: John Z. , Marga
ret, Harriet (Mrs. Alvin Smith), Henrietta and
William J. After his marriage Mr. Beck settled
on the farm where he yet resides, which was for
merly a portion of the old Smith place. He and his
family are members of the United Presbyterian
Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he was for
merly a Whig, and since the formation of the party
has been a stanch Republican.
John Z. Beck received his education in the com
mon schools oE the vicinity, and on January 16,
1874, he was married to Mary J. , daughter of
Robert Zediker; they have had no children. Mr.
Beck began his married life in South Strabane
township, Washington county, where he has since
remained, with the exception of a three years'
residence in Washington borough. In political
opinion Mr. Beck is prominently identified with
the Republican party, and has served as assessor
and constable, also in several minor offices. He
and his wife are members of the United Presby
terian Church at Pigeon Creek.

\ARNE. This family have for many years
been closely identified with the growth
and early history of Washington county.
They are of English origin, and the earli
est ancestor of whom we have an au
thentic record was one Joseph Warne, a native of
New Jersey. He was there reared and married to
a Miss Miller, who was born in that State, and
their children were as follows: Stephen, Abram,
James, Mary (wife of David Allen), and Frances
(married to Solomon Johnson). He and his fam
ily came to Pennsylvania in the year 1770, locat
ing in what is now Allegheny county, buying 400
acres of land near Sunnyside, and there he passed
the remainder of his life. He was a leading mem
ber of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church, and
in politics affiliated with the Democratic party.
Maj. James AVarhe was born December 6, 1779,

'a^^^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1339

near Sunnyside, Allegheny Co., Penn. He re
ceived a common-school education, then attended
the academy at the Forks, intending to prepare
for the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, but,
owing to circumstances, went into mercantile pur
suits at the age of eighteen. Soon after leaving
school he came to Washington county, and con
ducted a store for one McKinley; then engaged in
river traffic, and finally came to Parkison' s Ferry
(now Monongahela City), where he took part in
various enterprises. About the year 1815 James
Warne and his brother-in-law, William Parkison,
built and operated the first window-glass factory
erected in western Pennsylvania. In connection
with the glass manufacture, he carried on a boat
yard, and also did a general mercantile business,
buying various kinds of stock and selling it in the
eastern markets. In 1805 he was united in mar
riage with Mary, the only daughter of Joseph
Parkison. Her father was born and reared near
Carlisle, Penn. , where he was married to Margaret
Weaver, and their children were born as follows:
James, David, William and Mary (Mrs. Warne).
Joseph Parkison built the first ferry at Mononga
hela City, from whence the first name given the
place, which afterward became so famous in con
nection with the Whisky Insurrection, namely,
Parkison' s Ferry, the first United States postoffice
in this region. He was a very prominent citizen,
serving as a justice of the peace for many years.
But Joseph Parkison made his place in the history
of Washington county, by laying out and founding
the town of William's Port (now Monongahela
City), in the year 1796. There is a question as to
the date of the founding, Which is not a very
material point, but the evidence is on the side of
those holding to 1796. The Parkisons were Vir
ginians, and came of English ancestry. Maj.
James Warne was a scrivener of much ability, and
many legal papers are yet extant, which bear his
handwriting. He performed the duties of legal
adviser in the settlement of estates and business
matters generally throughout the community. His
descendants are the only living representatives of
the founder of William's Port (now Monongahela
City), now resident in this county. In 1811
James Warne was commissioned by Gov. Snyder
as captain of a William's Port company, attached
to the Fifty-third Regiment of the militia of Penn
sylvania. In 1812 they offered their services to
the Government, which were accepted, and the
company went to the United States barracks at
Meadville, Penn. In the autumn of 1812 he re
ceived a commission as major of the First Battalion
in the Third Infantry Regiment, and held that
position until receiving his discharge. He was a
liberal supporter of public enterprises, and voted
with the Democratic party. He died October 28,
1855. Of the children of the family who grew to

mature age the following are named: Amuzet I.
(married to Mary Jacobs, deceased in 1879, at
Parkersburgh, W. Va.), born December 5, 1805;
Margaret (wife of Samuel Devore, living near
Parkersburgh, W. Va.), born December 28, 1807;
Joseph P. (married to Eliza J. Irwin, living on the
old homestead near Monongahela City), born Jan
uary 6, 1810; James, born May 11, 1812; Hiram
(married to Elizabeth Nichols, is a farmer near
Washington, Penn.), born February 16, 1822, and
Eliza J. (Mrs. John Watkins, of Richmond, Ray
Co., Mo.), born June 26, 1824.
James Wabne, son of James and Mary Parkison
Warne, was born in William's Port (now Monon
gahela City), in the frame house now standing on
the corner of Main street and  alley, opposite
the Episcopal church (St. Paul's), where he lived
until the age of fourteen, when his parents moved
to the farm on which Joseph P. Warne now re
sides in the First Ward Monongahela City. He
continued to live there until he was thirty- one
years of age. He was educated in the common
schools of the day. In 1836 he was married to
Casandra Nichols, a daughter of James and Mary
Nichols, of Allegheny county, Penn. , who died in
the year 1856, without issue. For his second wife,
James Warne was married in 1 858 to Mary Eliza
beth, daughter of James Dunn, of Allegheny
county, Penn. , a woman especially noted for her
Christian piety and lofty moral character. She
was reared in the strict faith of the Covenanter
Church, and the precepts of her adopted creed
were fruitful of good and worthy deeds in her
after life. Mrs. Warne became connected with
the church to which her husband belonged, the
Methodist Episcopal, after her marriage to Mr.
Warne, and continued ever after, until her death,
August, 1868, a true and earnest worshiper of
God, and a lovely example of a follower after
truth and righteousness. She died in the mid
day of life, but, having measured full up in the
life of a true Christian wife and mother, she lives
in the hearts of those who loved her. Their chil
dren were: William Parkison, James J. (deceased
1874), and Mary Eliza (wife of Dr. George S.
Stathers, of Monongahela City). James Warne
settled on a farm in Fallowfield township, in the
year 1843, where he resided until 1884, then re
turned to Monongahela City, his former and pres
ent home. He was a lieutenant in the old Jack
son Guards, when a young man, holding his com
mission under the then governor of Pennsylvania;
and throughout his life has been actively interested
in public matters. By industry and frugality he
has amassed quite a competency in this world's
goods. He owns one of the finest AVashington
county farms of 235 acres, and also several val
uable properties in Monongahela City, and is
one of the heaviest taxpayers. Although at the

1340

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

advanced age of eighty years, he laid out and ex
pended in building some $5,000 in 1891, in the
place of his nativity and present residence. From
early life he has been a leading member and very
liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, and he
was for many years a member of the board of trus
tees, and in 1869-70 an active member of the
building committee for the erection of the hand
some church of the Edwards Chapel congregation
at Ginger Hill, this county.
Although never having enjoyed the advantages
of an education, such as is now afforded the youth
of this State, under the magnificent public-school
system, he was fully alive to the necessity of an
early training and a liberal college education for
his children, that they might be prepared to grap
ple with the advanced ideas and broader civiliza
tion of the age. He therefore made it his aim in
life to give his children a complete education. His
daughter was educated in the public schools of the
neighborhood, and finished her studies at the
Washington Female Seminary, at Washington,
Penn. She is now the accomplished wife of Dr.
George S. Stathers, of Monongahela City, Penn.
William Paekison Wabne, a leading young law
yer of Monongahela City, was born February 28,
1860, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He attended the schools of the home neigh
borhood until the age of fourteen, when he placed
himself under the tutorship of Prof. John C. Mes
senger, at Hoge's Summit Academy, in Washington
county, Penn., where he first learned to decline
mensa and conjugate the Greek verb. Having ob
tained a preparatory course at the above institution,
and at Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn. , he
then entered Washington and Jefferson College,
from which he graduated in 1882, with the degree
of Bachelor of Science. In early boyhood he
evinced a strong inclination for earnest study, and
became an excellent student. After graduating, he
returned to the farm and rested from mental labors
for two years, then with mind and body renewed by
the invigorating rural life, entered the law office of
the Hon. Thomas H. Baird, Esq. , in Monongahela
City, Penn., with whom he remained until admitted
to legal practice in the county of his birth. During
this interval, he was a student in the law depart
ment of the University of West Virginia, ranking
among the first in his classes. On May 12, 1890,
he began the practice of his profession in Monon
gahela City, Penn. , where he has already won lau
rels which promise him a brilliant future. Mr.
Warne served as editor of the Monongahela Daily
Democrat during the Cleveland-Harrison campaign
of 1892. He was highly complimented by the
press and public on account of his able manage
ment and direction of the paper while under his
control. His views taken on all subjects showed
that he was thoroughly up to the times and level

headed on all questions, and that his education
proved its superiority for liberality and broadness
of mind over the narrow ideas and prejudices of the
uneducated. On November 10, 1891, he selected a bride in
the person of Abbie M., daughter of T. W. and
Mary Scott Kemp, a resident of Ironton, Ohio.
Mrs. Warne's mother's maiden name was Mary E.
Scott, a daughter of the late Alexander Scott, one
of the old AVilliamsporters and settlers of Wash
ington county, Penn. Her father, T. W. Kemp, is
a son of the late Judge George Kemp, one of the
original settlers and founders of the city of Iron-
ton, Ohio. The Kemps are Virginians, having
moved to Ohio at the beginning of this century.
They are of English origin. Mrs. Abbie Kemp
Warne attended the public schools of her native
city, and was graduated in full honors from Kings
bury High School in June, 1886, standing at the
head of her class. In 1887-90 she attended the
Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio,
where she was a very bright student, and she was
well liked by all who learned to know her, and
loved by her school companions, as she was en
dowed with a very sweet disposition, always happy,
good and kind to those about her. Mrs. Warne
left college at the end of the junior year, on ac
count of poor health, and was not permitted to
graduate with her class. She subsequently pur
sued a course in elocution and voice culture under
the celebrated elocutionist, Dr. Fulton, and was
one of his talented students in a class of one hun
dred. To Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Warne was born,
July 11, 1892, a lovely daughter, Madeleine Warne.
At its annual commencement in June, 1892, the
board of trustees and faculty of Washington and
Jefferson College conferred the degree of Master
of Science upon Mr. Warne. He served as city
solicitor of the corporation of Monongahela City
during the year 1891. He is an enthusiastic mem
ber of the Democratic party, and is a leading mem
ber of the Masonic Fraternity. He is a lineal
descendant of the founder (Joseph Parkison) of
Monongahela City, Penn., and is one of her most
public-spirited citizens.
Joseph P. Wabne was born and reared in
Monongahela City, and his first literary training
was obtained in a subscription school kept by
Widow McKeever, in a frame house near the pres
ent depot. The only text books then in use were
the U. S. Speller, English Reader, and Western
Calculator. At the age of fifteen years he came
with his parents to the farm where he is yet living,
and remained there until his marriage, February
20, 1 844, with Eliza J. , daughter of James Irwin.
Her father was born and reared in Lancaster
county, Penn., where he was married to Miss Jane
Morton, and their children were Eliza, Harriet,
Mary A. and AArilliam. In an early day this

mu.

WA^JL

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1343

family moved by wagon to a farm on Mingo creek,
near Monongahela City, where the father followed
the trade of cooper. In politics he was a Demo
crat, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Joseph P. and Eliza J. (Irwin) Warne began
wedded life on the home farm, where he worked
for several years in partnership with his brothers
James and Hiram, but they finally separated.
He is now retired from active life. He is a mem
ber of the M. E. Church, and has served as class-
leader and in other prominent positions. In pol
itics he has always voted with the Democratic
party. Mrs. Warne was laid to rest August 1,
1891, leaving the following children: Hiram A.
(on the home place), Theodore (married to Anna
Long, and living in Greene county, Penn.), Emma
J. (wife of S. B. Kernan, in Wichita, Kans.),
James I., AVilbur, William and Albert (all four
deceased), Ella V. (at home), Matthew S. , Joseph
P. (married to Louisa Hayes, and living in Sedg
wick, Kans.), and Francis M. (married to Alberta
Staib, and living in Greene county, Penn.).
Matthew S. Waene was born December 16,
1859, on the home farm near Monongahela City.
He received his education at the public schools, and
was one of the first graduates from same ; later he at
tended Allegheny College at Meadville, Penn. In
early manhood he opened a hardware store in
Monongahela City, afterward moving to Wichita,
Kans., where he continued in the same business.
In 1891 he returned to Monongahela City, and has
since resided on the home place. On November
25, 1884, he was married to Mattie, daughter of
Lewis Staib, of Monongahela City, and she has
borne him three children, viz. : Lewis, Edith and
Blanche. Mr. Warne is a member of the Demo
cratic party.

l\ILLIAM A. BARRY, a leading merchant
of West Alexander, is a son of Jacob
A. Barry, who was born in Beverly, Mass.,
near Boston, where he passed his youth.
Jacob A. Barry received a superior literary and
musical education in Boston, and then came to
Pennsylvania, where he accepted a position in the
female seminary at Kittanning. He there met and
was soon after married to Harriet Newton, of
Westmoreland county, Penn., and the young
couple made a home in Columbus, Ohio, where he
was engaged in teaching music. The children
bora to their union were: Josephine A. (deceased),
William A., George A. (U. S. land register at Eau
Claire, Wis.), and Mary E. S. (deceased in youth).
Of this family, Josephine A. was married to W.
W. Young, who then engaged in the lumber busi
ness at Philadelphia, and was afterward appointed

general agent of ticket offices on the Pennsylvania
lines, which position he held until his death, the
result of an accident. In 1845 Mr. Barry entered
into partnership with a Mr. Goodall, organizing
the firm of Goodall & Barry, for the manufacture
of pianos, etc., and they carried on an extensive
business. Mr. Barry started with a boatload of
pianos down the Ohio river, but was suddenly
taken ill on the way, and died at Marietta, Ohio,
where he was buried. The widow and family
came to AVheeling, W. Va. , where she was after
ward married to A. D. Bedillion, a citizen of that
town, and they then removed to Pittsburgh, Penn.
Mr. Barry served as major in the Seminole war in
Florida. In politics he was a Whig; in religion
a member of the Episcopal Church.
William A. Barry was born January 8, 1844, in
Beverly, near Boston, Mass., and was reared and
educated in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Wheeling, AV.
Va. At the age of sixteen years he enlisted in the
Independent Light Artillery, Battery E, known
as "Knapp's Light Battery." They were sent to
Point of Rocks, Md. , went with Banks down the
Shenandoah Valley, and were under Pope at the
second battle of Bull Run, also at Cedar Mountain,
Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and at
Culp's and Power's Hill. He re-enlisted in 1864,
as a veteran, and served until the close of the war.
His regiment joined Sherman at Northville, and
they were in the fight at Lookout Mountain ; then
followed Sherman to the sea, participating in all
the battles of that campaign. At Atlanta Mr.
Barry was made orderly to Gen. John A. Reynolds,
with whom he remained until the close of the
struggle. On August 30, 1870, Mr. Barry was united in
marriage with Sarah M., daughter of John Reed,
of West Finley township, Washington county, and
the following children were born to them: John
A., Hattie R., Robert B. and Mary L. After his
return from the war, Mr. Barry took up his home
in Dallas, W. Va., where he was postmaster for
eight years. He also conducted a general store,
which he finally sold, and then moved to Barnes
ville, where he remained one year; then returning
to Dallas, he reopened his store, and remained in
business two and one-half years. In 1874 he
opened a store at West Alexander, this county,
which he conducted eight years, and then pur
chased the hardware business he now owns. He
has also carried on an extensive picture-enlarging
business for several years, having in his youth
learned painting. In politics Mr. Barry has al
ways been a Republican, and has filled the offices
of burgess, treasurer, member of the council, and
school director. He has served for three terms as
commander of James Noble Post, of which he was
the originator and organizer. In religious faith
he is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church.

1344

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

P.ARKER S. JOHNSON was born March 9,
1 1840, in West Pike Run township, AVash
ington Co. , Penn. He is a son of Thomas
Johnson, who was born in October, 1807, in
Maryland, where he grew to manhood, and
was captain of a steamboat on the Monongahela
river for several years. When a young man
Thomas Johnson was married to Nancy Scott, a
native of Fallowfield township, Washington Co. ,
Penn., and she bore him three children, viz. : John,
a car inspector for the Chartiers Railroad Co.,
living in Pittsburgh, Penn.; Barnett, a resident of
Kansas City, Mo. , and Parker S. , whose sketch
follows. The mother died in 1841, and in 1851
Thomas Johnson was married, for his second wife,
to Dorcas Frew, a native of West Pike Run town
ship, and daughter of Alexander Frew, a pioneer
settler of Washington county. She died in 1855,
and Mr. Johnson was then married to Mary Crow,
a native of Allen township, this county, and
daughter of Jacob and Ann Crow. To this union
was born one son, William, now in the grocery bus
iness at California, Penn. The father was a mem
ber of the Republican party, and served for sev
eral years as constable of West Pike Run township,
but devoted his principal attention to personal
matters. He died September 19, 1885, at Cali
fornia. Penn., where Mrs. Johnson is yet residing.
Parker S. Johnson, son of Thomas and Nancy
(Scott) Johnson, attended the public schools, and
passed his youth on the home place, where he was
born. On September 26, 1860, he was united in
marriage with Ruth A. Cooper, who was born
August 31, 1842, in West Pike Run township,
AVashington Co., Penn. She is a daughter of
Lemuel and Sarah (Krepps) Cooper; her mother
was a native of Maryland, and when a small child
came with her parents to Pennsylvania. Lemuel
Cooper was a native of AVashington county, born
February 4, 1797, near Amity. He learned the
fuller's trade and conducted a woolen mill on
West Pike Run creek, afterward devoting his at
tention to agriculture. He died in 1882; Mrs.
Cooper passed away in 1868. Lemuel Cooper
was twice married, first time on September 21,
1820, to Mary Morton, by whom he had eight chil
dren. This wife died in 1840, and in 1841 Mr.
Cooper married Sarah Krepps, to which union
there were born four children, of whom only
Ruth A., is now living.
Parker S. and Ruth A. (Cooper) Johnson re
side on a farm of 102 fertile acres, to which his
principal attention is given. He is identified with
all progressive movements in his locality, and votes
with the Prohibition party. He and his wife are
members of the M. E. Church. One daughter has
been born to their union, namely: Sarah S., wife
of Columbus I. Long, a carpenter and farmer of
Morgantown, West Virginia.

j IfENRY SPHAR. The Sphar family have
—A been identified with the "history of Wash-
! ington county for many years. Mattern
J -* Sphar was born in Switzerland, and, in
^ company with two brothers and one sister,
immigrated to America at the age of seventeen
years, about the year 1760. He first settled in
Williamsburg, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the
oath of allegiance under King George. He was
there married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780
came to Washington county, Penn., and purchased
of one Col. Cooke 200 aeres, on the Monongahela
river, in what is now Washington county. He
took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection,
and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died
about 1822, leaving three children, namely: John,
Mattern (who moved to Adams county, Ohio,
thence to Indiana), and Henry (who lived in this
county). John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun county,
Va., and when but three years of age came with
his parents to Washington county, Penn., where
he received a subscription -school education in
Allen township. When a young man he was mar
ried to Susanna Redd, a native of Washington
county, Penn., and they settled on a farm in Allen
township, and reared the following children:
Mary, wife of John Shively, of Guernsey county,
Ohio; Jacob, first married to Susan Wood, who
died, and he was then married to Charlotte Wil
son; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel,
married to Mary Speer, and lived in Kentucky;
Ann, wife of William Spah, of Indiana; Barbara,
wife of William Hollingshead ; Mattern, married to
Margaret Coyle, of Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph
Beazell, of Allen township; Rachel, married to
Robert Gailey, of Clarion county, Penn. ; John,
married to Lucy Ann Scott, and Henry, whose
name opens this sketch. Of this family three are
yet living, viz. : Sarah, John and Henry. The
father voted with the Whig and Republican
parties, and served as supervisor of the township.
He and his wife were members of the Baptist
Church. He died in 1856, having been preceded
by the wife and mother in 1852.
Henry Sphar was born in 1820, on the old home
stead in Allen township, Washington county, and
was the youngest child in his father's family. He
attended the log-cabin school of the period, fur
nished with puncheon floor, slab seats, and other
meager articles. On November 5, 1843, he was
united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of
William and Ruth (Jackman) Gregg, early pio
neers of Washington county. Mrs. Sphar died
May 28, 1844, leaving one son, William G. , who
is married to Ruth Gregg, and is living in Allen
township; he has three children: Annie Bertha,
George Henry, and Maggie Pearl. On June 15,
1847, Mr. Sphar married, for his second wife,

WASHINGTON COUNTY

1345

Mary Jackman, a native of East Pike Run town
ship, and daughter of Dixon and Elizabeth (Phil-
' lips) Jackman. Mr. and Mrs. Sphar are living on
a farm in Allen township containing 100 acres
of land, and he makes a specialty of raising fine
Spanish Merino sheep, also keeping a good grade
of cattle. In political opinion he is a Republican,
and is a member of the school board. He and his
wife are active workers in the Methodist Episcopal-
Church at Mount Tabor.

QEORGE McCULLOUGH TENAN. A rec
ord of the substantial and intelligent citi
zens of Washington county would be most
incomplete were the names of this repre
sentative family not included. They were
among the large number of pioneers who emigrated
from Ireland during the past century.
James Tenan was born in 1758, in County
Londonderry, Ireland, of Scotch- Irish parents.
Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, the
young man crossed the ocean to America, locating
in the State of Pennsylvania. He was married
near the town of Octoraro, Lancaster county, to
Jane Brown, and there they remained until 1785,
when they purchased and settled upon a small
tract of land in Smith township, Washington
county. Here children were born to them, and
reared as follows: John, Robert, James, William,
Mary and Moses. Mr. Tenan (who then spelled
his name Tynan) in politics affiliated with the
Democratic party, and in religion was an early
member of the Associate Church. He died in
1840, having been preceded by his wife in 1836.
James Tenan was born in 1796, in Smith town
ship, this county, and received his education in
the subscription schools of the home neighborhood.
In 1829 he was united in marriage with Margaret
McCullough, daughter of George and Agnes Mc
Cullough. The McCulloughs came from Little
Britain township, Lancaster Co., Penn., to Wash
ington county, Penn., about 1786, making a set
tlement in Smith township, two miles north of
Burgettstown. He was one of the original pro
prietors of the land, having been the one to get
out a patent for same. George McCullough was
a farmer, and died in 1811, in a very old age, on
the farm in Smith township where he had located,
having been preceded to the grave by his wife.
She was the mother of the following children:
Christiana, who married James Wilson, and died
at the age of ninety-eight years, in Mahoning,
county, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Thomas Mc
Cullough, and died in Ohio; Jane, married to
James McNall, and died in Findley township,
Allegheny Co. , Penn., at the age of ninety-eight;
Mary, who married James Brown, and died in
Allegheny county when ninety- six years of age;

Susan, who died unmarried, aged ninety-six years;
Margaret, who married James Tenan, and one who
died in infancy. George McCullough was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Florence. The
old McCullough homestead is now in the posses
sion of the Tenan brothers, they having inherited
it. George McCullough had a brother who served
in the Revolutionary war.
James and Margaret (McCullough) Tenan passed
their married life on the home place in Smith
township, and to their union two sons were born,
viz. : George McCullough and James Brown. Mr.
Tenan was liberal in his political views, and voted
with the Jacksonian Democrats. In religious
faith he was a member and liberal supporter of the
Associate Church at Burgettstown until his death,
which occurred April 1, 1859.
George McCullough Tenan, who has been a life
long farmer, was born December 2, 1830, in
Smith township, this county, and passed his boy
hood in attending the common schools of the vi
cinity. On February 24, 1863, he was united in
marriage with Martha I., daughter of Deacon
Whittaker, who was born on the farm where Mr.
Tenan is now living, and was married to Jane
Moore; their children were Martha I., Elizabeth
(wife of J. B. Cunningham), Mary, Samuel and
Jane, all now deceased. In politics Mr. Whit
taker was formerly a Whig, but in 1850 he became
a Democrat. In religion he was first a Methodist,
then united with the Presbyterian Church.
After their marriage George and Martha I. Te
nan located in Smith township, this county, then
resided in Pittsburgh two years, and from there
came to the home farm of Mrs. Tenan. Here Mrs.
Tenan died May 11, 1891, aged fifty-four years
twelve days, and is buried in the U. P. cemetery
at Burgettstown. They had two children: Jennie
L. (wife of Oliver Perrine, of Mingo Junction)
and Effie S. Politically George M. Tenan was a
Democrat, but in 1863 became a worker in the
ranks of the Republican party, and he has served
in various township offices, though desiring no po
litical preferment. In 1876 he was elected justice
of the peace, and in 1892 commenced a fourth
term of five years. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, this county.

DAH WINNET .is descended from English
ancestors, his grandfather, William Win-
\\ nett, having been born in Liverpool, Eng-
= land. He was kidnapped in early boyhood,
and carried to the American colonies, where
he was bound out until twenty-one years of age.
On arriving at mature age he came to Washington
county, Penn., where he was married to Sally,
daughter of John Strange. Both father and daugh
ter were natives of England, and early settlers of

1346

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Wilmington, Del. Mr. Winnett took a patent for
a tract of land in Washington county, Penn., and
made a home in what is now Fallowfield township.
William Winnett was born in September, 1761,
on the home farm in Fallowfield township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. When a young man he was
married to Rachel Young, who was born in 1766,
in Washington county, a daughter of Lot Young,
a pioneer farmer of Washington county. William
Winnett was a cooper and farmer, and at one time
owned 1,000 acres of land, but afterward suffered
severe financial reverses. He and his wife were
members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1861,
followed by his wife in 1866, both becoming cen
tenarians. The children of this hardy couple were
born as follows: John (who died in 1886, in
Guernsey county, Ohio), Benjamin (a blacksmith,
who died in Guernsey county, Ohio), William
(drowned in Brush creek about 1830), Nathan (a
blacksmith, who died in 1884, in Illinois),
Thomas (a cooper by trade, moved West and died
August 15, 1891, in Walla Walla, State of Wash
ington), Lot (deceased in November, 1890, in Fal
lowfield township), Laban (deceased in March,
1889), Sally (wife of James Smiley), Polly (un
married, deceased in 1888), Naomi (deceased wife
of William Ward, of Guernsey county, Ohio),
Rhoda (deceased wife of Noah Hardrock), and
Adah. Adah Winnett, youngest child of William and
Rachel Winnett, was born in 1824, on the old
place in Fallowfield township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and has always resided on the home
stead. In 1849 he was united in marriage with
Ellen Williams, a native of East Pike Run town
ship, this county; her mother (Ruth Williams) was
born in Maine, and settled in East Pike Run town
ship many years ago, where she died in her eighty-
fifth year. The home farm, which has been in the
possession of the Winnett family for one hundred
and fifty years, contains seventy-three acres of well-
cultivated land. Adah Winnett is an ardent mem
ber of the Republican party, and in religious faith he
and his wife are connected with the Ebenezer M. E.
Church. The following children have been born to
their union: Rachel, born March 24, 1850,died De
cember 23, 1855; William, living in East Pike
Run township, born March 29, 1851 ; Samuel, born
February 7, 1854, living in Allen township; Mil
ton A., born June 8, 1856, living in East Pike Run
township; Henry T., born June 8, 1858, living in
Greene county, Penn. ; Benjamin C, born October
6, 1860; John J., born October 31, 1862, died in
infancy; Addison M., born September 1, 1864,
living on the homestead; Titus F., born May 14,
1869, died in his eighteenth year, and Mary R. ,
born May 11, 1871, who was married April 27,
1891', to John H. Winnett, of Washington county,
Pennsylvania.

born

B. RICHARDSON is a prosperous agricult
urist, enterprising citizen and patriotic ex-
soldier of Fallowfield township.
Richard Richardson, father of subject, was
in 1810, in Washington county, Penn., and
was a lifelong tiller of the soil. But in times of
peace are soldiers trained for future service, and
in that simple rural life his children gained the
physical and mental power so especially necessary
to success on the field of battle, whether the war
fare be amid scenes of common every-day worldly
strife, or in bloody carnage for ' ' God and home
and native land. ' ' Richard Richardson was united
in marriage with Eliza Niblake, a native of this
county, and she bore him the following children:
Olive J., Josephine, Melvina, William M., S. B.,
Hannah, and Elnora (the last named being de
ceased). Mr. Richardson owns 300 acre-> of prime
land. He is one of the most useful men in his
community, and has filled various local offices.
S. B. Richardson was born in 1845, in Fallow
field township, Washington Co., Penn. In 1864
he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-second Volun
teer Cavalry (Ringgold Battalion), and served
until the close of the war. He participated in all
the engagements of his division, and at the battle
of Cedar Creek was wounded in the left leg. After
the war he returned to Washington county, and
for two years was engaged in the hotel business at
Coal Centre, then worked two years in a steam
tannery, afterward engaging in mercantile life for
one year. In 1886 he was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Bigler, a native of this county, and
she has borne him one daughter, Adair. Mr.
Richardson has served his township in many ways;
in 1890 he was appointed to take the census, and
at present he is assessor and constable of Fallow
field township. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson reside
on a pleasant farm lying one mile from Bentley
ville, and eight miles south of Monongahela.

HIRAM WARNE, one of the representative
self-made prosperous agriculturists of
Franklin township, is descended from a
-* stalwart family who came from eastern
V Pennsylvania, settling in Allegheny county,
same State, at an early day.
Maj. James Warne, father of Hiram, was born
in Allegheny county, and when yet a young man
moved to Washington county, locating in Monon
gahela City, then called " Parkison' s Ferry"
(years before Joseph Parkison had laid out part of
the town and named it " William's Port " ), where
he was married to Mary, daughter of Joseph and
Margaret Parkison. Here he was engaged in
various pursuits, being connected among other in
dustries with ship- building, glass-blowing and in
general merchandising, in all of which he was

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1349

eminently successful. Some time in 1825 or 1826
he retired from business, and moved onto a farm
near town, where he died in 1856, and his wife in
1865. The children born to them are as follows:
Amuzette, Margaret, Joseph P. and James (both
in Washington county), David, Mary and Susan
(all three deceased), and Hiram and Eliza J. (the
latter living in Missouri). Major Warne was a
loyal Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp, and was
a fearless as well as an able exponent of the party.
From his youth he had been connected for many
years with the Presbyterian Church, but in ad
vanced life he united with the Methodist Epis
copal Society.
Hiram Warne was born February 16, 1822, in
what is now Monongahela City, Washington Co.,
Penn., and was a small boy when the family
moved into the country. His education was more
of a business than a literary nature, and the suc
cess he has made in life is due entirely to his own
natural abilities, brought into active play by in
domitable energy and perseverance. On Decem
ber 2, 1856, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter
of James and Rebecca (Devore) Nichols, of Alle
gheny county, Penn., the latter of whom was a
daughter of Moses Devore, of the same county.
Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were parents of the follow
ing named children: Mary, Lucinda, Samuel,
William, Catherine,. David, Harvey, Sarah, James,
Nancy, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Martha J. Polit
ically Mr. Nichols was a Whig, and in religion a
Presbyterian. After marriage our subject and his
wife located on a farm in Somerset township,
thence moved to Nottingham township, and finally
came to their present pleasant home. Their union
has been blessed with the following named chil
dren: James C, Florence, William W., Allen C,
BoydE., Howard F. and Mary Etta May. Mr.
and Mrs. Warne and daughters are all members
of the Third Presbyterian Church of Washington,
in which he is an elder, and he assisted in the
building of the Second and Third Presbyterian
Churches. In his political connections Mr. Warne
was a Democrat until 1860, when he united with
the Republican party, of which he has since been
a consistent member.

THE CLELAND FAMILY were natives of
Ireland, the first of whom to immigrate to
America was one William Cleland, a native
of County Down, Ireland, where he had
married Elizabeth Cleland (it is not known
whether she was a relative or not) and was a
farmer. In 1820 the family — then consisting of
the parents and three children, John, Robert and
Sarah Jane — sailed for America. After a stormy
passage of sixteen weeks they landed at Baltimore,
Md., when sickness entered the family; strangers

in a strange land, with no friends, and their little
hard-earned savings spent, their condition was
most pitiable, but with undaunted courage the
father persevered, resolved that his wife or little
ones should never suffer, so long as God gave him
strength to provide, and after some search ob
tained employment as a watchman on a vessel.
Fortune soon began to smile on the brave pioneers,
the sick recovered, and the cloud of darkness rose
from their sight. As soon as 'sufficient capital was
saved, the family started on the long journey to
Brooke county, W. Va. On arriving at Pittsburgh,
Penn., a pause was made, employment secured and
the financial exchequer replenished. They then pro
ceeded on their way, and made a location in Brooke
county, W. Va., where they remained but a short
time, afterward removing to Washington county,
and settling in the southern part of Hanover
township, this county, near Hanlin Station,
where the parents died, having passed their lives
in instilling principles of enterprise and progres
sion into the minds of their children, which aided
them to succeed in later years. Of the children,
Sarah Jane was married to James Hindman; Rob
ert was a farmer, and lived to see his seventieth
birthday, and John.
John Cleland was born January 6, 1806, in Ire
land, and was but a lad of fourteen years when he
came to America. His education was limited, as
he had a great deal of hard work to do, and was
thus deprived of an opportunity for extensive
learning. He learned the trade of a stone mason,
following that business for some time. In about
1837 he was married to Rebecca Hindman, who
bore him the following children: A son, deceased
in infancy; William; Samuel, who died in West
Virginia; Elizabeth, married to Robert Cleland;
Catherine, Mrs. Edward Hindman; Robert; and
Rebecca, Mrs. J. J. Andrews, of Hanover town
ship. In 1851 the mother of this family died, and
was buried in Warsaw, Coshocton Co. , Ohio. Mr.
Cleland afterward made a second choice in the
person of Susanna (Scott) White, widow of Moses
White. After his marriage John Cleland resided
in Hanover township, this county, thence moving,
about 1846, to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he
cleared up a farm, which he soon sold at a good
profit and then took another from^which he also
realized a handsome profit. After disposing of
these farms, he returned to Washington county,
locating in Hanover township about one and one-
fourth miles northeast of Florence, and there
passed his remaining days. Year by year new
additions were made to his lands, and he owned
nearly 500 acres at the time of his death, which
occurred December 19, 1876. His life was a prac
tical demonstration of the old axiom, "Where
there is a will, there is always a way." Mr. Cle
land was a very successful man, and the fact could

1350

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

only be attributed to his own exertions. In pol
itics he was a lifelong Democrat, taking an in
terest in the success of his party.
William Cleland was born December 20, 1839,
in Hanover township, AVashington Co. , Penn. ,
where his life has been passed. He attended the
common schools, and received his first knowledge
of agricultural duties on the farm of his father.
On January 25, 1870, he was married to Ella Mc
Connell, who was born February 17, 1841, a
daughter of John and Sarah (Morrison) McConnell,
of Hanover township, this county. Mr. and Mrs.
Cleland passed their first years of married life in
Hanover township, on a part of the old homestead,
where he resided till 1891, engaged in general
farming and stock raising. He then moved to
Florence, this county, where he yet resides, having
rented a farm. In politics he is a Democrat. Two
children were born to William and Ella Cleland:
a son, who died in infancy, and Sarah M. , born
November 19, 1881, who died March 25, 1892, her
loss being mourned with double sorrow by the be
reaved and childless parents.
Robeet Cleland was born in December, 1847,
in Coshocton county, Ohio, where his parents were
living at that time. His mother died when he was
but a child of four years, and he was brought to
Washington county, Penn., where he lived with
his uncle until the return of his father to Wash
ington county, in 1856. He was reared to farm
work, and attended the common schools. On
March 10, 1870, he was united in marriage with Ida
Livingston, who was bora in 1848, in Hanover
township, a daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Buncan) Livingston. The children of Robert
and Ida Cleland are as follows: Rebecca, William
L. (deceased), Mary E., Susan R., John H., Rob
ert D. , La Brida E. and Harry E. He is a sys
tematic farmer and a leader in the business com
munity. In politics he is a Democrat, and has
been called upon to fill several offices in his town
ship. Both he and his wife are members of the
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

q GEORGE W. CONN, a retired merchant and
farmer of Florence, Penn., is descended
[f from natives of the Emerald Isle. Thomas
[', Conn, his grandfather, was born in Ireland
and was a shoemaker by trade. About 1800
he and his family came to America, first locating
in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn.,
about two and a half miles east of Florence. He
followed his trade and, as was then the custom of
shoemakers, went from one house to another, and
while there usually made enough shoes to last the
whole family a season. They were the parents of
the following children, some of whom were born
in Ireland: Jane, Sarah, Maria, Rebecca, Eliza

beth, William, Thomas, James, Isaac and Francis.
The parents afterward located near Port Washing
ton, on Buck Horn Waters, in Tuscarawas county,
Ohio. James Conn was born about 1799, and his liter
ary advantages were limited to about thirty or
forty days of schooling altogether. In later years
he managed to acquire a good practical education,
which, combined with good common sense, laid
the foundation for a successful life. He learned the
mason's and bricklayer's trades, which he followed
for many years. About 1830 he was married to
Mrs. Eleanor (Brown) Miller (who was bora in
1880), widow of Hugh Miller, and the daughter of
Andrew Brown, a native of Scotland. At the
time of her second marriage Mrs. Miller had one
child, Elizabeth (now living in Beaver county,
Penn.). To the union of James and Eleanor
(Miller) Conn were born the following children:
Nancy (widow of Joseph Anderson, living in
Beaver county, Penn.), George W. (our subject),
Sarah (deceased wife of Tallman Hooker, of Han
cock county, W. Va.), James (a bricklayer, living
in Kansas City), Ann (who was first married to
William Finnegan, then to Isaac Evans; she died
in Salineville, Ohio), Maria (Mrs. Phillips, of Alle
gheny county), Andrew B. (residing in Noblestown,
Allegheny Co., Penn.), Ella (Mrs. John Woodrow,
of McDonald, Penn. ), Maggie (deceased wife of
Daniel Greer), Pierce B. (deceased), Mary (mar
ried to Matthew Provines, now living in Grass
Valley, Cal.) and Lorenzo D. (deceased). The
parents were for some time residents of Beaver
county, Penn. , but passed the greater part of their
lives in Hanover township, Washington county,
where the father followed his trade. In politics
he was a lifelong Democrat. He and his wife
were both members of the M. E. Church. He
died in 1878 in Beaver county, Penn., and on
May 8, same year, his wife passed away.
George W. Conn was born September 14, 1823, in
Beaver county, Penn. His early life was spent on
the farm, and, being an apt scholar, he obtained a
good education from the meager advantages then
offered. He learned and followed the trades of
mason and bricklayer for about fifteen years. On
August 31, 1848, he was married to Mary Anderson,
who was btrn in 1826, a daughter of John and
Margaret (Kryder) Anderson. Mr. and Mrs.
Conn have no children of their own, but have
reared from infancy one who received parental
care, Flora Anderson (deceased wife of Rev. A. F.
Alexander). In 1861 Mr.' Conn entered mercan
tile life in Florence, this county, and being an ex
cellent judge of his class of goods did an exten
sive and profitable trade, which continued to in
crease until he owned the most extensive business
of the kind in Florence. He made semi-annual
trips to the East, there making his purchases, and

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1351

in 1875 disposed of his merchandise at a good
profit. He then gave his attention to his farm,
which was situated east of Florence, but continued
to reside in town, having tenants on the farm. His
health failing in 1880, he has since virtually
lived a retired life, although yet instructing in the
management of the farm. In politics he is a
Democrat. He has ever been active and energetic,
and beginning life with no capital, has amassed a
comfortable property, and is now a representative
citizen of Florence.

I AMES THOMAS. This enterprising and well-
known gentleman is one of the leading agri-
r- J culturists and most extensive stock raisers
^^ of Nottingham township, and a son of James
Thomas. »
James Thomas, the father, was born December
13, 1771, in Sussex county, Del., and during early
life followed distilling, afterward becoming a
farmer. When a young man he was married to
Lydia Haines, who was born in 1779, in Lancaster
county, Penn., and twelve children were born to
them, of whom are yet living: Elizabeth (Mrs.
Teeple, of Pennsylvania), Catherine (Mrs. Fergu
son, residing in Ohio), Mrs. Lavina T. Hair (of
Chicago), Samuel and James (both living in Not
tingham township), and Uriah, a resident of Ohio.
The father died in this county in 1860; the mother
was called over the river in 1859.
James Thomas was born in 1818 in Nottingham
township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving his
education in the district schools of the home place.
After attaining his majority, he and a brother
began life for themselves as stock farmers, keeping
"bachelor's hall" for two or three years. On De
cember 14, 1852, he was united in marriage with
Eliza Kinkey, a native of this county, and daughter
of George Kinkey, who was born in 1806, in this
county, and in early life followed carpentry, after
ward devoting his time to farming. He was cap-.
tain in the militia for a number of vears ; he died
in 1873.
To the union of James and Eliza (Kinkey)
Thomas fourteen children have been born, seven
of whom are yet living, namely: Josiah, James B.,
John (all three married), Anna (Mrs. Best), David,
Franklin and Lucinda (at home). On the old farm
where his parents lived and died is the beautiful
home of Mr. Thomas. The place contains 300
acres of fertile land, all of which is cultivated to
the highest degree by this progressive agricult
urist. He also owns three other farms, one lo
cated in Ohio county, W. Va., and all four are
under the direct supervision of the owner. An oil
well is in preparation on one of these farms. Mr.
Thomas makes a specialty of sheep raising, also
breeding fine horses. The total value of his

property is about $32,000. Politically, he is a firm
believer in the principles embodied in the platform
of the Democratic party.

OYD A. EMERY, M. D., a very successful
and well-known physician of Somerset
township, this county, is a native of the
same, born on the home farm November 16,
1851. His father, Joshua Emery, was born Sep
tember 27, 1805, in Washington county, Penn.
He commenced reading medicine under Dr. Leath
erman, of Canonsburg, Penn., and graduated in
1830. On September 20, 1831, was united in mar
riage with Mary McCullough, who bore him three
children, all deceased. His first wife died De
cember 31, 1839, and on May 4, 1841, Dr. Emery
was married to Anna Graham, of Washington
county, Penn. They had seven children, namely:
Ebenezer G., Martha G. (married to W. S. Caner,
a resident of Chicago, 111.), James A. (living in
Dunningsville, Washington Co., Penn.), Boyd A.
(whose name opens this sketch), William H. (a
farmer of Somerset township), Anna W. (wife of
J. H. McNary), and one deceased. Dr. Emery
settled permanently in Washington county after
his marriage. He was an active worker and elder
in the Presbyterian Church for a number of years.
His wife died September 28, 1873, and September
7, 1885, he too passed away.
Boyd A. Emery received a common-school edu
cation, and then attended Canonsburg Academy
for four years. In 1875 he graduated from Wash
ington and Jefferson College, then studied medi
cine with his father, graduating as an M. D. in
1878. On November 27, 1883, he was united in
marriage with Katie AV. Townsend, who was born
December 15, 1859, daughter of C. W. and Mar
garet (Wright) Townsend, the father being a
physician of Washington county. After his mar
riage Dr. Emery practiced medicine with his father
until the death of the latter, and he now enjoys an
extensive and lucrative practice. Two children
have brightened the home of Dr. and Mrs. Emery:
Charles T., boru October 5, 1884, and an unnamed
infant (deceased), born July 29, 1889. The Doctor
and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian
Church at Pigeon Creek.

H. PHILLIPS, M. D. This well-known
physician represents an old and promi
nent family of Washington county. He
is a grandson of Solomon Phillips, who
came to this country many years ago,
and locating on a farm in East Pike Run township,
carried on agriculture and stock raising. He was
married to Martha Nicolls. In politics he voted
with the Whig party, and in religious faith he was

1352

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

a member of the Society of Friends. He died on
the farm in East Pike Run township, leaving chil
dren, of whom James is the only one mentioned.
James Phillips was born and reared on the home
place in East Pike Run township, this county,
where he attended the subscription schools, the
Bible being his only text-book. He was united in
marriage with Edith, daughter of John and Mary
Dixon, the former of whom was born in New Jersey,
and when fourteen years old came on foot to the
western part of Fayette county, Penn., there pass
ing the remainder of his life. He followed farm
ing and stock raising, becoming a wealthy agri
culturist. In politics he was a Tory, in religious
faith a member of the Society of Friends, attend
ing their meetings at Brownsville twice a week.
James and Edith (Dixon) Phillips resided on a
farm in East Pike Run township for some years
after their marriage, when he built the dwelling
now occupied by his son, W. H. , who is the only
one now living of eight children born to this
couple. Mr. Phillips was an energetic agricult
urist, in politics an active member of the Whig
party, and in religious faith an adherent of the
Hicksite Quaker Church. He died in 1884.
Dr. W. H. Phillips was born February 12, 1838,
in East Pike Run township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He attended- the Johnson Academy, at
California, this county, afterward taking a three-
and-one-half years cburse at Washington and Jef
ferson College. He then began the study of med
icine with Dr. Hunter, at Coal Centre, this county,
and attended the University of Pennsylvania three
terms, when he graduated. In 1869 Dr. Phillips
began the practice of his chosen profession at
Coal Centre, remaining there two years, and finally
came to his present home in California. Here he
was married, on June 21, 1873, to Hattie N.,
daughter of Edward Riggs, of that place. Dr.
Phillips is a stanch Democrat, and in religious
faith a member of the Disciple Church.

J [AMES M. HERVEY, a well-known citizen of
the county, is a son of Francis Hervey, who
) was born in Cecil county, Md. William
Hervey, father of Francis, emigrated from
Campbelltown, Scotland, to Maryland, where
he died. His children were: Francis, Andrew,
Benjamin, Mary, Eliza, Rachel and Esther. He
was a member of the Seceder Church.
Francis Hervey spent his youth in Maryland,
where he enjoyed exceptional educational advan
tages. In 1804 he removed to AVashington county,
Penn., and in 1806 was married to Miss Jane
Wherry, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Wherry.
Soon after his marriage he located in Trumbull
county, Ohio, and remained there till 1817, when
he returned to Pennsylvania, and made his home

in Canton township, this county, where he lived
until his death, which occurred in 1854. His
family were: Joseph W., Rachel, Mary M., Eliza
beth, James M., Ebenezer W., Jane A. and Will
iam. Mr. Hervey was an active member of the
Democratic party, and with his family was a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church. His wife died in
1863, and their remains are interred in the ceme
tery at Washington.
James M. Hervey, the subject of our present
sketch, was born November 6, 1816, in Trumbull
county, Ohio, but when an infant was brought to
Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., and
there passed his early life. His education, being
received at the common schools, was necessarily
limited. On November 6, 1846, he was united in
marriage with Nancy, daughter of John and Nancy
Morgan. The young people began their married
life in Chartiers township, and remained there till
1853, when they removed to their present home in
Mt. Pleasant township. They have three children:
Jojm M., Meletta and Joseph W. Politically
Mr. Hervey is a Democrat, and in religion a mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church. He is known as
an upright citizen, one who has made a success of
life by his own industrious efforts, and is intelli
gent and well informed.

JC. McCLELLAND. This gentleman is a
worthy representative of the Scottish patriots
whose blood flows in his veins. Many years
ago, during the rebellion in Scotland, one
William McClelland left his native heath,
and made a new home in the North of Ireland,
where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits.
Three children were there born to him as follows:
Hans, James and William.
Hans McClelland was born in 1756, and when a
young man emigrated to America, locating on a
farm about two and a half miles from Canonsburg,
in AVashington county, Penn., where he became
engaged in distilling and general farming. He
was married to Catherine Carson, a native of Ire
land, who bore him the following children: Will
iam, James, Ebenezer, John, Ann, Nancy and
Sarah, all of whom lived to be over fifty years of
age. The father died in 1818; he was a member
of Miller's Run Presbyterian Church, and in poli
tics was a Democrat.
Ebenezer McClelland was born September 16,
1792, in Cecil township, Washington county, Penn.
He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and became
one of the most extensive wool buyers in Washing
ton and neighboring counties, his annual purchase
of wool sometimes amounting to as much as 1,300,-
000 pounds. He was also one of the most exten
sive breeders of fine-wool sheep in AVashington
county, having been one of the first to introduce

c

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1355

the Merino. In 1823 he was married to Esther,
daughter of John Campbell, of Cecil township,
this county, a native of Scotland, who came to
Washington county in pioneer times; he was often
obliged to flee from the Indians, and his father
was killed May 26, 1782, at "Crawford's defeat."
To the union of Ebenezer and Esther (Campbell)
McClelland children were born as follows: J. C,
Sarah J. (Mrs. A. G. McPherson), Thomas J.,
AVilliam, Ebenezer, James and Catherine, of whom
three are yet living : James, Ebenezer and J. C.
The father of this family was emphatically a self-
made man; politically he was a Democrat, and in
religious faith he was a member of the Union
Church. J. C. McClelland was bom August 11, 1824, in
Cecil township, AVashington Co., Penn., and when
eight years of age came with his parents to North
Strabane township. He attended Jefferson Col
lege, and being the eldest son, became his father's
principal assistant in business. On May 23, 1858,
he was united in marriage with Caroline, daugh
ter of Jacob Probasco, a leading stockman of Mus
kingum county, Ohio, and the young people settled
near Cambridge, that State, where Mrs. McClelland
died February 22, 1878, leaving the following
children: Ebenezer, William, James, and Camp-
bellena (wife of Joseph Kerr, a prominent business
man of Union township, this county); there was
also one that died in infancy. Of this family all
are yet living at home save William, who is chief
engineer of the Homestead Iron Works, Penn.
After the death of his wife, Mr. McClelland moved
with his family to their present home in Peters
township, AVashington county. He does an exten
sive business in general farming, and keeps a fine
grade of stock. The place contains 160 acres of
the finest land, underlaid with a rich vein of coal.
Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party,
of which he is a valued member, and in religious
faith he supports the Presbyterian Church.

THE PARKISON FAMILY. A complete
history of this representative, influential
and numerous family would necessarily in
clude a comprehensive outline of the settle
ment and growth of Monongahela and the
adjoining country. Many years ago they located
near Parkison' s Ferry, which was thus called in
honor of the earliest pioneer of that name. As a
race the Parkisons have been men of energetic, san
guine temperament, possessing mechanical pro
pensities, which have led them to choose manufact
uring pursuits in preference to other branches of
trade. The earliest pioneers of this illustrious
family were of English birth, and came with Lord
Baltimore to America, first settling in Maryland,
where they became members of the historic

" Conococheague " settlement. Between the years
1768 and 1770 five Parkison brothers — Joseph,
Benjamin, Thomas, James and William — came
from Virginia to the Monongahela Valley in Wash
ington county, Penn. Many old letters, papers
and memoranda, which were written in those days,
are yet extant, and give ample proof that those
early settlers possessed educational advantages and
culture far surpassing the usual curriculum of the
times. These documents are composed of coarse
paper, but have been inscribed with the old-fash
ioned quill pen, some of the work being beautifully
executed and tastefully designed. The Parkison
brothers came to Pennsylvania in search of a val
uable mill site, which was then the primary object
of nearly all the earliest pioneers in that region.
Mills were then being erected at all points along the
river, and also on some of the smaller streams,
which afforded more water power at that date than
in the present day. The Parkisons were among
the first to erect a river mill, at that time an un
dertaking of great magnitude, on account of the
necessary expense. This fact, combined with the
constant danger of their destruction by ice or
floods, deterred many from investing their time
and capital in so hazardous an enterprise. But if
the mills were once completed with reasonable
safety from destruction, they were a veritable mine
of wealth to the fortunate owner. The brothers
before mentioned devoted their energies almost
without exception to manufacturing industries, and
among the commodities then produced are named
whisky, woolen goods, flour, furniture, guns, tim
ber, boats, glass, and paper.
Benjamin Parkison (a nephew of the Benjamin
Parkison above mentioned, who was an active par
ticipant in the Whiskey Insurrection) was born in
1720, near Carlisle, Penn. He erected the river
mills opposite Mingo, the location of which there
is nothing yet remaining to indicate, although
pilots on the steamer point daily with the course
of the boats the " old chutes," which are now sub
merged by slack water, but yet afford the deepest
channel. These dams were constructed with a
long cribbing of logs filled in with stone, extend
ing up stream on both sides of an opening in the
dam, through which keels of flatboats could pass
up or down. This was the " chute," and "run
ning the chute" is an expression yet used on the
river, though one looks in vain to see any break in
the current. The dam itself was not more than
three feet in height, and the power was obtained
by placing an underchute or breast-wheel of about
thirty inches in diameter immediately below the comb
of the dam ia such a position that the current strik
ing it on the upper side, passed under it. These
wheels were sometimes twenty-eight feet or more in
length, and so great was the power obtained that
no machinery attached ever stopped their move-

1356

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ment. If it became disarranged, or choked and
clogged, the trundle-shaft, ten or twelve inches in
size, constructed of the strongest wood, was instantly
twisted off,- while the wheel continued to revolve
in the current. As the smaller mills were stopped
during the dry weather, the settler came from a
distance of many miles to the river mills. They
were often compelled to wait several days for their
turn, meanwhile camping out or staying with the
hospitable mill owner. Night and day, week in
and week out, was heard the incessant clatter of
the mill, and the swash of the wheel constantly
mingled with the movement of the hurrying
stream. Stories of wild animals, Indians, or the
ghostly banshee furnished an unfailing supply of
material for the many blood-curdling tales with
which the men were wont to beguile their waiting
hours. Thrice was the old Parkison mill torn from
its foundations by ice gorges in the river, only to
be rebuilt. Finally a boat load of salt was wrecked
on the dam, and an interminable lawsuit followed,
which was many times more expensive than the
original value of the salt. This affair so im
poverished the owner that when the ice again de
stroyed the mill it was never rebuilt, and thus this
historical landmark faded forever. Several years lat
er the old Parkison homestead, a large brick house
of fourteen rooms, was burned, and many valuable
relics and papers were then destroyed. Among
the former were the remains of an English pipe-
organ, and through the scattered reeds the wind
drew weird music, so that those who heard the
eerie strains declared the place to be haunted.
Benjamin Parkison was married in 1796 to
Olivia Rodgers, daughter of James Rodgers, who
emigrated from the North of Ireland, and in 1786
located in Washington county, Penn. The parents
died soon after their arrival, leaving a family of
seven children, of whom are named: Moses,
Andrew, Ebenezer and Olivia. Benjamin Parki
son is described as a proud, stately man, very
fond of personal adornment. Every morning his
hair was powdered, and on special occasions silver
buckles were worn; and when he rode, his horse
was elegantly caparisoned, with mane and tail
braided, as was then the style. Mrs. Parkison was
no less remarkable for her love of display, and
they were known as an unusually handsome and
distinguished looking couple. He was accustomed
to make annual trips with flour to New Orleans
and the French settlements in Louisiana, and the
silver obtained for each barrel of flour would, it is
said, sometimes cover the top of the barrel.
When making these trips by flatboat he took a
horse on which to ride home, a distance of 1,200
•or 1,500 miles. On one occasion, while crossing a
bend of the Mississippi, he was taken prisoner by
Indians, but a thunderstorm so terrified his capt
ors that he was enabled to escape the same night.

vi /

One who often visited at his house says that Mr.
Parkison frequently carried a large amount of sil
ver and gold coin from the mills in a bandanna
handkerchief, and would playfully empty it into
his wife's lap.
William Parkison, son of Benjamin and Olivia
Parkison, was born at the homestead in Allegheny
county, Penn. He grew to manhood there, com
menced early following the river, and at one time
he and his brother, James, owned and ran several
steamboats. He finally built a sawmill and car
ried on boat-building, then erected a paper mill at
Elkhorn, just below the old homestead. He went
to Alabama soon after the war, intending to con
duct a lumber business on the Tennessee river, but
finding, the place near Decatur, where he had con
templated locating, was already occupied, he pur
chased a cotton plantation. Here he remained
three years, and then returned to Pennsylvania.
When a young man he was united in marriage
with Catherine M., daughter of Hon. James Rodg
ers, a representative of the Rodgers family above
mentioned, who came to America in 1770. She
bore him five children, viz.: A. R., Mrs. Ella J.
Spriggs (of Creston, 111.), Rosalie, Mary M., and
Mrs. Olivia Kelly (deceased). For his second wife
Mr. Parkison was married to Sophia Playford, of
Brownsville, Penn. He was a man of untiring
energy, and fearlessly undertook any enterprise
with which he became favorably impressed. His
wife survives him.
A. R. Pabkison, son of William and Catherine
M. (Rodgers) Parkison, is the sole living male rep
resentative of his family, and the only male de
scendant of the early pioneers of that name near
Monongahela, where he is now in business.

MORRIS R. WEIR is a member of one of
the most prominent families of Franklin
township, and was born January 21, 1846,
on the Joseph Weir farm, near Van Buren,
this county. He is a son of Joseph Weir,
who was born in 1800, and reared on the old home
place in Washington county. In early life he was
united in marriage with Jemima_ Squiers, also a
resident of Washington county, and to their union-"'
were born children as follows: Samuel C, William
L., Elizabeth and John B. For his second wife
Mr. Weir was married to Mrs. Phoebe Hanna,
mother of John V. Hanna, and she bore him two
children: Morris R. and Margaret (Mrs. John M.
Day). Mr. Weir was a very successful farmer,
and engaged extensively in sheep raising, being
one of the first in his neighborhood to raise Merino
sheep. Morris R. Weir passed his boyhood on the farm,
and received a common- school education, which
he has improved by an extensive course of reading.

//

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1357

On October' 24, 1872, he was married to Sarah J.,
daughter of James McClain. Since his marriage
Mr. Weir has resided in the township several
years, and has been a resident of Washington
borough. In 1891 he removed to his present
home, on which he is making many improvements.
He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Washington, and in politics he is an
active worker in the Democratic party.
¦ AMUEL ANDREW CARTER, a represent
ative farmer of East Finley township, is a
native of Washington county, Penn., born
in Amwell township, September 17, 1840.
His ancestors were of English descent, his grand
father's parents having immigrated to New Jersey,
where their son John was born, and lived until his
marriage with Rebecca McFarland, when he moved
to Amwell township, this county, and here reared
a family of eleven children.
Jesse Carter was born in 1808 on the farm in
Amwell township, Washington county, and passed
his early years at home, receiving but sparse edu
cational advantages. He was united in marriage
with Susan Hughes, born in 1807, a daughter of
James Hughes, of Amwell township, and she bore
him the following children: Sarah Ann (deceased
wife of Francis Day), James (engaged in the hotel
business in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn.),
Rebecca (wife of J. W. Swart, living in Amwell
township), George (a butcher in Jacktown, Greene
Co. , Penn.), Maggie (residing at home), Samuel A. ,
John (a successful farmer of Greene county, Penn.),
Henry (a farmer in Kansas) and Mary (who died in
infancy). Mr. Carter died in 1874, followed in
1876 by his faithful wife.
Samuel Andrew Carter received a limited edu
cation at the schools of his district. He assisted
his father on the farm until August, 1862, when
he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth P. V. C. , at
Washington, Penn. , and took part in the engage
ments at Gettysburg, Stony Creek Station and
many others, returning home at the close of the
conflict. On January 31, 1867, he was united in
marriage with Julia Parkinson, who was born Oc
tober 3, 1844, a daughter of John Parkinson, of
Morris township, Greene Co., Penn., whose an
cestors were natives of New Jersey, and they have
had four children, all of whom reside with their
parents: Lee Anna, born January 1, 1868; Dean,
born November 10, 1870; Maggie, born December
4, 1872, and John Clarence, born March 21, 1880.
After his marriage Mr. Carter continued to live
sometime on his father's farm in Greene county,
and then purchased one in Morris township, same
county, upon which he lived fourteen years, and
in 1883 purchased his present place, the "Old Car
roll" farm in East Finley township, this county,
situated three miles southeast of East Finley post-

office, and on the headwaters of Wheeling creek.
Politically Mr. Carter has always been a Repub
lican, and in religion he and his wife are members
of the Valley Union M. E. Church.
di AMES M. DUVALL was born November 24,
1839, in East Pike Run township, AVashing-
) ton Co. , Penn. He is a grandson of Jacob
and Jane (Patterson) Duvall, who were
natives of Maryland and descended from
Irish ancestry. They came to Washington county,
Penn., many years ago, where the following chil
dren were born to them: Mary, widow of Moses
Billingsley, of California, Penn.; Harriet, widow
of Robert Duvall, of Illinois; Samantha, wife of
Lewis J. Weaver, a farmer of East Pike Run town
ship; Jefferson, a resident of East Pike Run town
ship, and eight others who are now deceased. The
parents died in East Pike Run township.
Alexander Duvall was born in 1810, on the home
farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co.,
Penn., and passed his youth under the parental
roof. He was married to Jemima Hannon, who
was born in 1809, and they were the parents of
seven children, namely: Henry, a farmer of Fay
ette county, Penn. ; Jacob, an agriculturist of Allen
township, Washington county; James M., of whom
a sketch follows; Jefferson, a farmer of East Pike
Run township; Isabella, wife of Jacob Crow, now
of Madison county, Iowa; Mary M., wife of Isaac
W. Richards, and Julia, married to William H.
Jackman, a farmer of East Pike Run township.
The father of this family died in 1884, and in 1887
the mother passed away. They were members of
the M. E. Church.
James M. Duvall was reared and educated on the
home place, and on April 10, 1865, was united in
marriage with Martha A. Crow, who was born in
1846, in Allen township, this county, daughter of
Azariah and Sarah A. (Murphy) Crow, both natives
of Washington county, Penn., where the father
has followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Crow have
had six children, namely: Jacob, John, Martha A.
(wife of James M. Duvall), Jane (married to Theo
dore Jackman), Benjamin, and one deceased in in
fancy. The father of this family is now farming
in Howell county, Missouri.
To the union of James M. and Martha (Crow)
Duvall have been born two children, viz. : Alva J.
and Minnie M. , wife of Eli Harmal, a farmer of
East Pike Run township. James M. Duvall is a
very progressive, energetic citizen, and is an active
member of the Republican party. He has served
three terms as township assessor, two as constable,
and has been school director for about fourteen
years. Socially he is a member of the American
Master Mechanics, Lodge No. 371, at Coal Centre,
Penn. The home place, a well-improved farm, is
situated two miles northwest of Coal Centre.

1358

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

E

DWARD H. DAUGHERTY, a prominent
resident of Canton township, is a son of
John Daugherty, who was a native of
County Derry, Ireland, and who, soon
after his marriage .to Martha Hayes (who was also
a resident of the same county), emigrated to
America, landing first at New York.
Thence he proceeded to Washington county,
Penn., where he settled in Mt. Pleasant township,
and began work upon a farm. Together this brave
young couple toiled, sharing their burdens and
blessings until they crossed the dark river and were
again united. Frugal and industrious in their
habits, Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty soon acquired a
goodly share of this world's wealth. The chil
dren born to them were: Matilda (Mrs. James
Ferguson), Edward H., Sarah (Mrs. Thomas
Agnew), James, Alexander, Robert and John. Mr.
Daugherty was formerly a Whig, and after the
party was organized became a Republican. He
was connected with church and school work for
many years, and ever took an active interest in all
questions pertaining to the advancement of his
township. Edward H. Daugherty was born October 22,
1822, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and
passed his earlier years upon the farm. When a
young man he engaged in teaming through differ
ent parts of western Pennsylvania. In December,
1849, he was united in marriage with Sarah Nes
bit, a member of one of the pioneer families of
Canton township, and they have had the following
family of children: Mary A. (Mrs. J. L. Hender
son), John H. (deceased), Martha Agnes (wife of
John Welsh), Margaret Jane (deceased), Sarah
Selena and Willard W. (latter deceased). Mr.
Daugherty has a fine well-improved farm of 143
acres, situated in the northern part of Canton
township, and equipped with comfortable, com
modious buildings. His success in life has been
achieved by hard work, and he is now reaping the
reward of years of labor. He is a very active
worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and
is a member of the United Presbyterian Church
at Cross Roads, as is also his wife.

,\ILLIAM H. DICKERSON, a representa
tive of an influential family of Franklin
township, is a son of William Dickerson,
whose father moved to Franklin township,
Washington Co., Penn., in an early day.
He there located on a small farm, which was a por
tion of the place now owned by Mr. Dickerson.
A fort was erected on his property to protect the
colonists from the depredations of the savages,
who surrounded the homes of the early settlers.
Here in the lonely wilderness were born the chil
dren of this pioneer couple, namely: John and

William. Mr. Dickerson' s life was, like that of
all frontiersmen, filled with toil and danger; he
passed his days in tilling the virgin soil, and aided
considerably in the development of the county.
In politics he was a Whig.
William Dickerson was born on his father's
farm in Franklin township, AVashington county,
where he passed his youth, learning the practical
lessons of industry and economy, which were of
far more value to the early settlers than a mere
text-book education. When yet a young man he
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jolly, also
a resident of Franklin township, and to their union
were born four children: Asa, Lydia (Mrs. Mel
vin Riggs), John and Sarah (Mrs. William
Sturges). Mr. Dickerson married, for his second
wife, Martha Clark, a native of Greene county,
Penn., and to this marriage came children as
follows: Jane (Mrs. AVilliam Leonard), Mary A.
(Mrs. James Crosby) and William H. Mr. Dick
erson was an enterprising man, and secured his
property through his own efforts. Politically he
was first a Whig, and upon the formation of the
party became a Republican. He died in 1860 and
his widow in 1890, and the remains of both are in
terred in the family cemetery, which is on the
home farm.
William H. Dickerson was born January 5, 1840,
on the home farm in Franklin township, and passed
his boyhood in the usual farm duties, and in at
tending the neighboring schools. On October 18,
1877, he was united in marriage with Millie, daugh
ter of Christopher Bibby, a residentof Waynesburg, '
Greene Co. , Penn. , and one of its earliest settlers.
Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson have had the following
children: Sarah (deceased), Archie and Bessie.
Mr. Dickerson is one of the enterprising citizens
of the township, and is an active member of the
Republican party.

H' ENRY LANDEFELD, one of the most ex
tensive travelers in Washington county, and
proprietor of the largest clothing establish-
-1 ment in Monongahela, is of German birth,
V a son of Matthias Landefeld.
Matthias Landefeld was born in 1794, in Hes-
sen- Cassel, Germany, where he grew to manhood
and received a thoro'ugh education. At the age of
seventeen years he entered the German army as a
volunteer under Blucher, and participated in all
of the engagements led by that general, taking
part in the world-renowned contest at AVaterloo.
He had three brothers in the service, all of whom
died, and after the war he returned home and fol
lowed coal mining the rest of his life. In early
manhood he was married in Hessen-Cassel to
Mary Schcenewolf, who bore him twelve children,
of whom are named the following: Louisa, Jacob,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1361

Louis, William, Reinhardt, Elizabeth, Eliza, Chris
tina and Henry.
Henry Landefeld was born September 17, 1846,
in Hessen- Cassel, Germany, and, as is character
istic of the Germans, enjoyed the advantages of a
good education. He then spent four years in
learning the tailor's trade, paying $60 tuition fee,
and furnishing his own clothes in the meanwhile;
a long, tedious, and, according to the ideas of many
Americans, useless apprenticeship. But if the
American people were more prone to emulate the
painstaking, tedious preparation by which the Ger
mans fit themselves for a chosen vocation, it would
result in better workmen, higher pay, and better
times. ' ' Slow but sure ' ' has ever been the ex
cellent motto of the German Empire, and is the
watchword of a nation of skilled workmen who can
be excelled by none other in their special depart
ments. After serving his time Henry Landefeld
started on a journeyman's tour, and from 1864 to
1865 remained at Hamburg, thence traveling
through Holstein to Mecklenburg. He then spent
four weeks in Hamburg, and from there went to
Scotland, working in Leith and Edinburgh. He
lay ill six months at the latter place, and upon re
covering attempted in vain to secure work in Glas
gow, so returned to Edinburgh. Some time after
ward he again went to Glasgow and worked there
several years; then spent three weeks in Liverpool,
from which place he proceeded to Manchester, and
in 1867 returned to Liverpool. He then enlisted
in the Fifty-second British regiment, and remained
with it five years, having been in the service dur
ing the Fenian trouble at Dublin, Ireland. From
Dublin they marched to Limerick, and one year
later went to Cork, thence to Malta, where they
were stationed four years. He there deserted
the army, and after remaining on the island
three weeks, escaped as a stowaway on a vessel
bound for Constantinople, Turkey. From Con
stantinople, he went to Egypt and Tripoli;
thence to Gibraltar, where he lay sick several
weeks. On recovering, he embarked at Gibraltar
on an American-bound vessel, and, working his
way across, first landed in New York. He then
left the vessel, and in 1872, after a short stay in
New York, went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he
was married on September 17, 1874, to Emily
Steinecke, and there followed his trade until 1875.
He then went to Salineville, Ohio, remaining there
one year, -and finally coming to Monongahela, en
gaged as a tailor and cutter with Silas Haley, for
whom he worked twenty-three months. At the
end of that time he began business for himself as
a tailor and clothing merchant, and six years later
purchased another establishment, which he re
modeled in 1884. In 1890 he erected his present
place of business, which is 135x33 feet in size, and
four stories in height, being one of the finest build

ings in the Monongahela Valley. This is the largest
merchant tailor establishment near Pittsburgh, and
also carries a full line of furnishing goods and
ready-made clothing. Mr. Landefeld has won his
remarkable success by his own efforts, and is
deeply interested in all public improvements.
His children have been born as follows: Minnie C,
Charles H, Theodore S., Russell A., Reinhardt
L., Frederick W., AVilliam M. and*Charles W.

4/

l\JI(RS. NANCY EALY, widow of Martin
Ml Ealy, was born September 10, 1828, in
Mil Greene county, Penn., daughter of Ben
jamin McConnell, of that county. On
June 20, 1846, she was married to Martin
Ealy, an industrious and successful farmer of East
Finiey township, Washington county.
Martin Ealy was born January 15, 1826, in East
Finley township, and passed his early youth in as
sisting his father in the duties of the farm. On
attaining the age of maturity he was united in
marriage, as above related, with Miss Nancy Mc
Connell, and to their union were born children, of
which the following is a brief record: Rosanna,
born April 20, 1847, in early womanhood was
married to Albert Sampson, and died October 14,
1870; Silas, born June 10, 1849, is now living in
East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn.,
married to Belle Almus ; Martha Jane, born Au
gust 10, 1851, is the wife of James Supler,
and they reside in West Alexander, Washington
Co., Penn.; Clarissa, born March 17, 1853, mar
ried George Smith, and resides in Greene coun
ty, Penn. ; Lucinda, born December 10, 1854, is
the wife of John Hunt, and is also living in
Greene county; Hannah Minerva, born December
25, 1857, and is living in West Alexander, Done
gal township, this county, wife of Wilson Rockey;
John Richard, born June 29, 1859, is married to
Addie Whitam, their home being also in West
Alexander, this county; Mary Ellen, born Decem
ber 28, 1861, married to John Burns, and lives in
East Finley township, this county; Juda Ann,
born January 22, 1865, is married to John Booth,
and lives in West Alexander, Penn. ; Sarah Cath
erine and Ida Florine (twins), born November 17,
1868, died in infancy; Martin Ellsworth, born
October 26, 1869, is united in marriage with Miss
Addie Sprowls (they are residents of East Finley
township); James Albert, born March 25, 1872, is
living at home with his widowed mother, and has
attended to the work of the farm since the death
of his father.
After his marriage Mr. Ealy settled on his fath
er's farm, which is situated in East Finley town
ship, opposite East Finley postoffice, and there
made his home sixteen years, when he purchased
the well-improved farm upon which his widow
resides. Mr. Ealy was a very successful farmer, and

1362

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

a man whose death was deeply mourned by the
community in which he lived. He was a member
of the U. B. Church at Fairmount, and contrib
uted liberally to its support. In politics he was
an active worker in the Republican party. Mr.
Ealy died March 19, 1885, and his widow now
manages the farm with much skill. She is a mem
ber of the Baptist Church at Enon.

ITI( NDREW JACKSON GRIMES, a prosper-
f/l\ ous farmer of Buffalo township, is a grand-
f^A\ son of William Grimes, Sr., who was born
II — east of the mountains in Pennsylvania, and
became a pioneer settler of Washington
county. He married and settled in Donegal town
ship, where he reared nine children.
William Grimes, son of the above, was born in
1818, on the old homestead in Donegal township,
this county, and in early manhood removed to
Ohio, where he lived twenty years. He finally
returned to Pennsylvania, and passed the remain
ing years of his life on the farm in Buffalo town
ship, which is now occupied by his son, Andrew. He
was a successful farmer. Mr. Grimes passed from
earth in 1881.
Andrew Jackson Grimes was born in the year
1860, and passed his youth in assisting his father
on the farm and in attending Bchool, receiving a good
education. His sister Sallie resides with him on a
portion of the old farm. Mr. Grimes is a mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylors
town, this county, and in politics is a Democrat,
but is not an aspirant for political honors.

JOHN MoPHERSON, a prominent pioneer of
Buffalo township, was born April 1, 1812, in
Lancaster county, Penn. His grandfather,
John McPherson, was a native of Ireland,
where his entire life was passed, and where he
died at an advanced age, leaving a son named John.
John McPherson (father of the subject of this
sketch) remained in Ireland until about twenty
years of age, when he came to America, and settled
in Lancaster county, Penn. He was married to
Ann Logan, and she bore him children as follows:
William, James, John, Daniel, Ann and Mary.
Of this family all are deceased except Ann and John.
John McPherson remained in Lancaster county,
Penn., until he was five years old, when he ac
companied his parents to Washington county, same
State. He received his early education at a log-
cabin subscription school, which was near his pres
ent home. Mr. McPherson is now a venerable
but hale old gentleman, and is highly esteemed by
all who know him. In politics he is a Democrat
of the old school, but has never permitted himself
to become prominently connected with political
questions.

OLIN R. PRALL, an enterprising and
thrifty citizen and prominent agriculturist
of Amwell township, is a native of the
same, having been born May 9, 1850, on
the old farm near " Dunning Hart's."
His grandfather, John Prall, came in an early
day from New Jersey to Amwell township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and located on the old Van-
Kirk farm, where he passed the remainder of his
life. He was twice married, and reared the fol
lowing family of children: William Harrison (de
ceased), Benjamin (deceased), Jackson, Mary (Mrs.
Lacock), and Marguerite (wife of Mr. Stout). Mr.
Prall took an active part in assisting to organize
and develop the county, and did all in his power
to promote any enterprise for the public good. He
was a Democrat, but not a politician. He died in
his eighty-second year, mourned by many friends.
Jackson Prall was born in 1815 on the old farm
in Amwell township, Washington county, and
lived there until about a year after his marriage.
He was united in marriage with Mary Jane Car
lile, a granddaughter of Mollie Stark, of Revolu
tionary fame. They had one son and one daugh
ter: Colin R., and Mrs. Lizzie Jane Ward, re
siding in Washington county, Penn. After his
marriage Mr. Prall purchased a farm of sixty-six
acres, now a part of the " Dunning Hart" place,
upon which he resided twenty-two years, when he
removed to the old farm just south of Martins-
burg, South Strabane township, and lived there
eleven l years, then came to the place on the Na
tional pike, east of Washington, where he now
lives, retired from the more active scenes of life,
in his seventy- sixth year. Mr. Prall has always
given his voice and vote to the advancement of
good government, but has never been an active
politician. His wife di#d in 1878.
Colin R. Prall, son of Jackson and Sarah Prall,
remained on the home farm until he was thirty-
one years of age, and received a good common-
school education. On September 28, 1871, he was
married to Chris A. Slusher, who was born in
1850, a daughter of Michael and Lavina Slusher.
In 1882 Mr. Prall purchased the farm of ninety
acres which he now occupies, and which is one of
the most valuable tracts in the township. He
has, unaided, become a prosperous business man.
Politically, he is a Democrat.

/T\ EORGE CUNNINGHAM is a son of Launce-
II lot Cunningham, who emigrated in 1812
vJ( from County Donegal, Ireland, and, land-
^4 ing at Philadelphia, first settled in Jefferson
township, Washington Co., Penn. In early
manhood he was married to Hannah Virtue, also a
native of Ireland, who immigrated with her family
to America, and the young people began their

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1363

wedded life on the farm in this county which is
yet owned by their descendants. Three children
blessed their union, namely: George; Isabelle,
born in 1821, and Hannah, bora in 1823.
George Cunningham was bom April 27, 1819,
on the home farm in Jefferson township, this
county, where he is now residing, and passed his
youth in the usual duties incumbent upon a farm
er's son. In 1841 he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Steen, who was born January 27, 1820,
on the old Steen homestead in Jefferson township,
daughter of Robert Steen, who was of Irish de
scent. To the union of George and Elizabeth
Cunningham the following children were born:
Hannah Ann (Mrs. McCleary), Robert (married to
Jane Ann Scott), Elizabeth, George (married to
Annie McCray) and Launcelot. The mother of
these children died December 13, 1881. George
Cunningham began life on a very modest little
farm, but worked away with an unfaltering will
and tireless industry. When his father died he
bought out the interest of the other heirs in the
old place and kept the property in the family name,
and he now owns between three and four hundred
acres of fertile and well-improved farm land. In
politics he has always voted with the Democratic
party, and is a counselor and adviser of that fac
tion. In religious connection he is a member of
the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has
served as trustee, steward, and in various other
capacities. OBERT B. VANCE is a representative of an
old and highly esteemed family of Independ
ence township. He is of Scotch descent,
the first ancestor of the family to immigrate
to America being one Joseph Vance, who
was born in Scotland about the middle of the sev
enteenth century. In early manhood Joseph Vance
left the "bonny braes" of Scotland, landing in
America some time after, and becoming a pioneer
settler of Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek
township, Washington county, while the Indians
were still numerous, and soon achieved a wide
spread reputation as an Indian fighter, many of
the dusky warriors having fallen by his unerring
rifle. Few if any were more prominently identi
fied with the early settlement of the western por
tion of Washington county than was Mr. Vance.
He married and passed the remainder of his life
in the wilderness where his first log cabin was
erected; during his lifetime the uncultivated land
had become a fertile farm. He and his wife passed
to their rest at an advanced age, leaving their
children to finish the work so nobly begun.
Among these children was a son William, born
in 1776, and reared in Washington county, amid
the usual trials and dangers of pioneer life. His
education was necessarily limited, as schools were

few, and at best afforded but meager opportuni
ties. He was first married to Rachel Patterson, a
resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him
six children. She died, and a few years afterward
he married, for his second wife, Hannah Patterson,
a member of an old family of Cross Creek town
ship. To this union also were born six children.
Mr. Vance always lived in Cross Creek township,
and was one of the representative men of the day.
He died in 1856. He was a Whig in politics, and
in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
James Vance (the third child of his father' s first
marriage) was born July 22, 1804, in Cross Creek
township, and passed his boyhood days on his
father's farm, receiving instruction in the princi
ples of agriculture, of which he made so practical
a use in later life. He received a somewhat lim
ited education in the subscription schools, and in "
1829 was united in marriage with Susan Walker,
who was born December 22, 1809, daughter of
Alexander Walker, of Cross Creek township. The
children born to their union were: Alvira (Mrs.
James Dodds, of Independence township), Rachel
(Mrs. Perry Liggett, of West Middletown, Penn.)
and Robert B. (subject of this sketch). Mr.
Vance continued to live in Cross Creek township
until 1837, when he came to Independence town
ship, locating about two miles east of the village of
that name, and there made his permanent home.
Mr. Vance was formerly an Old-line Whig, and on
the formation of the new party united with the
Republicans. Much of the success in his business
life was due to his own efforts and sagacious man
agement. Mr. Vance died in 1881, and September
29, 1889, was followed by his widow, who was laid
to rest by the side of her husband. Both were
consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.
Robert B. Vance was born August 30, 1842,
on the old farm in Independence township, which
is his present home. He attended the district
schools, and assisted in the farm work. On March
8, 1866, he was married to Rebecca McCleary, who
was bom January 1, 1844, daughter of Ewing
McCleary, of Brooke county, W. Va., and the fol
lowing children were born to them : Cynthia (Mrs.
Samuel Dunbar, of Smith township), Alvira, James
E. and Sadie, the latter three living with their
parents. Mr. Vance has always resided on the
home place, and follows general farming and stock
raising, being especially successful with the latter
business. He is a well-known and popular citizen;
in politics he is an active member of the Demo
cratic partv, and has been called upon to fill vari
ous township offices. Although Mr. Vance is not
a church member, he believes in and supports the
cause of religion. The "Golden Rule" is his
motto, and by observing the precept which it con
tains he and his family have won the esteem and
friendship of all who know them.

1364

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

I ACOB ZELT, one of the well-known and pros-
I perous farmers of Canton township, is a son
f(JI of Jacob Zelt, a record of whom appears on
^^ page 1035, in sketch of Albert Zelt. Our
subject was born April 21, 1850, in Washing
ton, Washington Co., Penn., where he continued
to reside for many years. His early education was
received at the common schools of his native town,
where he received an excellent course of training,
which was the foundation of his success in later
life. On May 25, 1875, he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary J. , daughter of Thomas Elwood.
After marriage the young couple took up their res
idence on the home farm, which our subject pur
chased after the death of his father, who passed
away May 10, 1882. They have two children:
Mary E. and Thomas A. Mr. Zelt is a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Washington, to
which he gives a very liberal support. In politics
he has always been a Democrat, and is one of the
most enterprising and intelligent citizens of his
township.

» OBERT MANIFOLD, a leading citizen of
') North Strabane township, was born Octo-
|^ ber 29, 1820. He is a grandson of Joseph
-^ Manifold, who was a native of York county,
Penn., where he was married and passed
his entire life. His son, Benjamin Manifold, was
born in 1773, and passed his youth in his native
county, where he was married to Ann Gamble, a
resident of the same place. The following chil
dren were born to their union: Elizabeth (Mrs.
Robert Black), Ellen (Mrs. William Black), Nancy
(wife of William Oates), Joseph, John, Mary, Jane
and Robert. In 1818 Mr. Manifold brought his
family to Washington county, Penn., and located
on the Morgan farm in South Strabane township,
where they lived until 1840, when they purchased
the farm now owned by Robert, and there passed
the remainder of their lives. Mr. Manifold was a
Whig, and although not an active politician, was
a stanch supporter of his party. Be was an in
dustrious man, and much interested in all public
enterprises. He was one of the leading members
of the Presbyterian Church.
Robert Manifold passed his early years on the
home farm in North Strabane township, and at
tended the school at Washington borough some
years. He afterward shared in the management
of the home place, together with his brothers
John and James, which they purchased after rent
ing it for several years. Mr. Manifold has never
married and his sister keeps house for him. About
three years ago the brothers made a division of the
property, and the home place fell to the share of
Robert. He then built a large house and barn,
and made many other improvements. Politically

he was formerly a AVhig, and, since the organiza
tion of the party, has been a stanch Republican,
although never accepting political office. He is a
member of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church, to
which he contributes liberally.

AMUEL CLARK WEIR, a prosperous and
successful farmer of Morris township, is the
youngest in a family of seven children born
to Samuel Clark and Annie (Parkinson)
Weir. Samuel Clark Weir, Sr., was born in 1815,
and in 1847 was married to Annie Parkinson, who
was born in Washington county in 1823, daughter
of Robert Parkinson, of Morris township. They
had seven children, namely: Hallace, Robert A.,
Mary Ellen, Elizabeth Ann, Adam and a twin
brother, unnamed, who both died soon after birth,
and Samuel Clark. Of this family but two are
living: Robert A., who married Inez Andrew and
resides in Amwell township, and Samuel C, the
subject of this sketch.
Samuel C. AVeir was but an infant when his
mother died, and he was reared by Zebulon Lindley,
with whom he made his home until 1878. He
was married in that year to Eliza Jane Post, who
was born March 13, 1855, a daughter of Munson
Post, of. Morris township, and to this union were
born three children: Mary Elizabeth, born March
31, 1881; and twins, born March 2, 1891, who
lived but a short time. Mr. Weir gives especial
attention to stock raising, dealing principally in
horses. He is a Democrat in politics, and in re
ligion both he and Mrs. Weir are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Concord.

dlOHN W. STEWART. This enterprising,
| representative citizen of Buffalo township is
j a grandson of Thomas Stewart, a native of
Ireland, who in early manhood immigrated
to America, making his permanent home in Wash
ington county, Penn., where he became one of the
most prosperous and highly respected .farmer citi
zens of Donegal township.
John AVelch Stewart, father of the subject of
this sketch, was born April 1, 1806, in Donegal
township, near Claysville, AVashington Co., Penn.,
and received an unusually good education for that
period, although his earlier instruction was re
ceived in the traditional primitive log schoolhouse.
He commenced life as a traveling salesman, carry
ing his goods by wagon, and selling them by
wholesale to the retail dealers in the smaller towns.
Afterward he rented a farm, commencing a suc
cessful agricultural career; later he resided near
Washington, in Canton township, and in 1840
bought a farm in Buffalo township. He was mar
ried April 5, 1831, to Jane, daughter of William

. Of.m/T^am^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1367

McCall (deceased), a native of Washington county,
born December 20, 1808, and their family consisted
of the following children: William M., born Feb
ruary 24, 1832, died November, 1862; Thomas,
born December 27, 1833, living in New Jersey;
Mary M. , born February 2, 1836, died January 26,
1885; Robert, born June 23, 1837, a practicing
physician in Allegheny county, Penn.; Jane, born
September 11, 1841, deceased at the age of eight
years; two that died in infancy; Anna M. , born
August 17, 1845, married to Samuel Wright, of
Buffalo township; John W., and James M., the
latter born January 25, 1850. The father died
August 31, 1866, the mother February 13, 1885.
John W. Stewart, son of John Welch and Jane
(McCall) Stewart, was born November 3, 1847, on
his father' s farm in Buffalo township, and received
a good education at, the common schools of his
district. When his father died, John W. took
charge of the home place of 217 acres, upon which
he now resides. He was united in marriage Octo
ber 11, 1877, with Maggie, daughter of R. S.
Caldwell, of Hopewell township, this county, and
they have three children: Robert Vance, bom
April 18, 1879; Irene, born January 31, 1883, and
John Lloyd, born January 27, 1887. Mr. Stewart
is one of the most successful and progressive farm
ers and stock raisers in Washington county, and
grows annually a large amount of wool, having at
the present time a fine flock of 300 sheep. He
takes an active interest in politics as a member of
the Republican party. He and his wife are both
connected with the North Buffalo United Presby
terian Church.

TfAMES F. WELCH, a leading merchant of
. I West Middletown, was born June 22, 1848, in
Vj\ West Finley township, Washington Co. , Penn.
^ He is a grandson of James AVelch, the latter
of whom was born and reared in eastern Penn
sylvania, and when a young man came to Wash
ington county. James Welch was there married
to Margaret Johnson, daughter of one of the earli
est pioneers of the county, who made a home in
Independence township, suffering much from the
Indians, who were then very hostile. To Mr. and
Mrs. Welch were born the following children : An
drew (deceased in youth), Rachel (Mrs. James
Haggerty), Robert, Ephraim, Jane (Mrs. James
Hunter), Abel, Mary (wife of Andrew Paxton),
Eliza (married to Dr. William Smith), Nimrod
(living in Iowa), John, James and Aaron. After
hiB marriage Mr. Welch settled on the unimproved
farm in Independence township, which has since
been cultivated by the family, in whose possession
it has remained. Politically James Welch was a
Whig, taking an active part in local politics. He
was a leading member of the Associate Reformed

Church, in which he served as an elder many years,
and toward which he was a liberal contributor. He
is buried at Mt. Hope.
Aaron Welch was born June 16, 1819, in Inde
pendence township, this county; he passed his
early life on the home farm, and received his edu
cation at the log schoolhouse, with its puncheon
floor and huge fireplace. In 1843 he was united
in marriage with Ann, daughter of James Futhey,
of Cross Creek township, an old settler of this
county. Mr. Welch remained on the home place
some years after his marriage, and then moved to
West Finley township, this county, but soon after
purchased a farm in Cross Creek township. This
he sold, and bought a farm in Hopewell township,
where he remained till spring; then traded for
another place in the same township, where he re
mained but a short time, and then moved to Inde
pendence township. Some time afterward he pur
chased a farm near West Middletown, where he
made a permanent home. Children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Welch as follows: Elizabeth
M. (Mrs. A. W. McConnell), Lucretia A. (de
ceased), James F., Mary J. (Mrs. D. A. Scott),
Edith A. (wife of Nathaniel Paxton), Rachel M.
(deceased wife of T. M. Cowden), Maria M. (Mrs.
John Nolan), and one that died in infancy. Mr.
Welch was formerly a Whig and then a Repub
lican. He took an active part in local politics, and
served his township in various capacities. In re
ligion he was first a member of the Associate Re
formed Church, afterward uniting with the United
Presbyterian Society, in which he was an elder for
years. He was actively interested in church mat
ters, giving liberally to all worthy enterprises.
He died January 13, 1879, having been preceded
by his Wife in 1870, and both are buried in the
cemetery at Mt. Hope.
James F. Welch remained on the home farm near
West Middletown, until about twenty-one years of
age, when he engaged in teaching school. He
followed this profession several years, then worked
two years in his brother-in-law's store at Venice,
this county, and in 1875 commenced business at
West Middletown. On September 16, 1875, he was
united in marriage with Lizzie R., daughter of
William Berry, who was born June 31, 1819, in
Mt. Pleasant township, this county. His grand
father, John Berry, was born in Ireland, and there
learned the shoemaker's trade. He then came to
America, settling in Lancaster county, Penn.,
where he lived some years, and afterward moved to
Washington county, where he purchased a farm
from part of the grant given to George Washing
ton. He was engaged in the distillery business.
John Berry was born in Lancaster county, Penn.,
and was reared and educated on the home place.
He was married to Rachel Phillips, who bore him
the following named children: Jonathan, Eliza A.

1368

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(Mrs. Alexander May), Mary (wife of Robert Rid
dle), John, AVilliam and Samuel. Mr. Berry fol
lowed farming all his life. In politics he was a
AVhig, then an Abolitionist, and afterward a Re
publican. He was a member and elder of the As
sociate Reformed Church for many years, then
united with the U. P. Church. He died in 1870,
his wife in 1860.
William Berry spent his early years on the home
place in Lancaster county, Penn. , and there passed
his whole life. In 1849 he was married to Mar
tha J. , daughter of John Colkins, and their chil
dren were, Lizzie R. (Mrs. J. F. Welch), Martha
L., Mary (wife of David A. McCalmont),' Ella B.,
Ida and James G. Mrs. Berry died January 8,
1865, and was buried at Venice. On January 30,
1878, Mr. Berry was united in marriage with Jane
G. Reed. He was a Whig and Abolitionist, then
a Republican, and finally a Prohibitionist. He
was a member of the Associate Reformed Church,
and afterward united with the U. P. Society.
To Mr. and Mrs. James F. Welch have been
born the following children: Anna M., Edith M.
and Nellie T. Mr. Welch is a successful business
man, and in politics was a Republican, now be
ing a Prohibitionist. He has served faithfully in
various offices. In religious connection he is a
member and elder of the U. P. Church.

TfOHN P. MANES. The family which this
. I gentleman represents are among the earliest
tflj pioneers of Allegheny county, Penn. The
^^ first one of whom we have an authentic
record is one Culbert Manes, who was born
August 14, 1799, and reared in New Jersey, and
came to Allegheny county, Penn., in the latter part
of the past century. He was there united in mar
riage with Susan, daughter of Samuel Van Kirk,
who was of New Jersey descent, and a member of
one of the oldest families in the county. They
were prominent in the Revolutionary war, many of
them having served under Washington; Mr. Van-
Kirk took an active part in the battle of Brandy-
wine. While living in New Jersey he was mar
ried to Mary Price, who bore him children as fol
lows: Samuel, Joseph, John, Isaac, Thomas, Will
iam, Sarah, Betsey, Mary, Ruth and Susan (who
became the wife of Culbert Manes). In politics
Mr. Van Kirk was a Democrat; he followed farm
ing and stock raising.
After his marriage Mr. Manes settled on a place
in Allegheny county, Penn., where he remained
until 1857, when he purchased a farm in North
Strabane township, AVashington county, where he
made a permanent residence. His children were:
John P. (subject of sketch), Mary J. (Mrs. Wesley
Greer), Samuel, Margaret (Mrs. T. H. Lyon) and
Joseph V. Mr. Manes always followed the busi

ness of farming and stock raising. Politically he
was a Democrat, and was frequently called upon
to serve the township in different capacities. He
was a member and liberal supporter of the Presby
terian Church.
John P. Manes passed his youth on the home
farm in Allegheny county, Penn. , and received a
common-school education. In 1849 he went to St.
Joseph, Mo. , and purchased mules for a Pittsburgh
company, continuing in that business about six
months, and then, joining a party of gold seekers,
went to California, where he remained seven years,
engaged in mining and other occupations. He
then returned to Pennsylvania, and on August 8,
1858, was married to Mary, daughter of John Mc
Millan. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Manes set
tled on the farm in North Strabane township, this
county, which is his present home, and has since
be,en engaged in farming and stock raising. He
has three children: Culbert, Mary A. (Mrs. David
Crone) and John A. Mr. Manes is one of the lead
ing citizens of Washington county, but has recently
retired from active life. He takes an active inter
est in church matters, and is a member of the
Presbyterian Society, in which he serves as trustee.
He votes independently of any party, but favors
the Democratic platform.

JAMES ALBERT RICHEY. The pioneer
. I ancestor of the Richey family was John
if"! Richey, a native of Ireland, who came to
^^ America in a very early day, and settled on
300 acres of land in Marshall county, W.Va.,
for which he paid $2 per acre. He procured the
necessary amount of money by raising flax, which
was then spun and woven into fine linen. He was
married and had three children, namely: John,
James and Moses.
James Richey (grandfather of subject) was born
in 1773, in Marshall county, W. Va., and passed
his youth in working on the home farm. He was
married to Miss Nancy Taylor, of Marshall county,
born near Wolf Run, and they continued to live
on the home farm the rest of their lives. The fol
lowing children were born to them: Ellen (Mrs.
Edwards), Anna (Mrs. Cummins), Martha (Mrs.
Sayers), Nancy (Mrs. Seaton), Lucy (Mrs. Lewis),
Jane (Mrs. Fish), Margaret (deceased in youth),
John (father of our subject), James, Moses, Crosier
and Taylor (these four died in childhood).
John Richey was born October 24, 1819, in
Marshall county, W. Va. , and passed his youth at
home, assisting in the general duties of the farm.
On March 28, 1844, he was united in marriage with
Miss Margaret Kimmins, who was born March 21,
1824, in Washington county, Penn. After their
marriage the young people settled in Honeytown,
W. Va., where Mr. Richey followed mercantile

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1369

business two years, and then removed to a farm
at Rosby's Rock, W. Va. , where he lived about
twenty-five years, thence removing to the farm in
West Finley township, this county, where he died.
Eleven children were born to them: Andrew K.,
born in June, 1845 (was killed in the war in 1865);
Sarah M., born in March, 1846; Nancy E., born
December 21, 1847; John Taylor, born November
19, 1849; James A., born March 16, 1853; Will
iam C, born November 13, 1854 (deceased in
youth); Eva J., born May 1, 1856; Samuel W.,
born September 14, 1858; Anna S., born Novem
ber 17, 1860; Frank M., born December 7, 1862
(died in youth) ; andR. Swan, born March 11, 1865.
James A. Richey was born on the old farm in
Marshall county, W. Va., and passed his youth
with his parents. On December 24, 1874, he was
married to Miss Louisa, daughter of John Mooney,
of Marshall county, W. Va. To their union was
bom one child, which lived but six days, and on
July 12, 1887, the mother followed it to the grave.
The desolate husband and father sought forget-
fulness in western travel, and was afterward mar
ried to Viola McCully, of Marshall county, W. Va. ;
she was born February 5, 1868, on the farm of her
father, Alexander McCully. Mr. and Mrs. Richey
have one daughter, Radia Florence, born October
12, 1890. Mr. Richey began life as a farmer, but
his health failing, he was forced to seek lighter
employment, and selling his farm (with the excep
tion of ten acres) became a stock and wool dealer.
He then engaged in mercantile business with his
father for two years, but soon resumed his former
vocation. He has kept free from debt, and owns
two houses and lots in Businessburgh, Ohio, besides
about 100 acres of land. In politics he is a pillar
of the Republican party.

T ACOB LEGLER is one of the successful ag-
. I riculturists of Union township. He is a son
VJ of Jacob Legler, who was born in Witten-
^ berg, Germany, where he was married to
Rosanna Freoh, who was born on the farm near
Ruplesburg, where her husband lived. They set
tled on a farm in their native country, and children
were born to them as follows: George, Andrew,
Jacob, Catherine, Rosanna and Fredrick, of whom
Catherine and Andrew are deceased. Jacob and
Andrew came to America in 1852, where Andrew
followed the business of a journeyman baker;
he died of cholera during the year of their arrival
in the New World.
Jacob Legler was born August 19, 1837, on the
home place in Wittenberg, Germany, and was but
fourteen years, of age when he and his brother
emigrated. Upon landing in the New World he
was apprenticed to a baker, and after the death of
his brother continued working in the shop for

three years, then followed the trade for two years
as a journeyman baker, afterward working three
years as a pastry cook in different hotels. After
his marriage Mr. Legler was next employed for
five years as steward on a steamboat, and in 1865
opened a confectionery store in Monongahela, in
which business he continued for twelve years. He
finally bought 105 acres of land in Union township,
Washington county, and started a coal works, em
ploying from fifty to 120 men. He conducted this
enterprise ten years, when, on account of the rail
road switch being torn up, they abandoned the works.
He then entered into partnership with Messrs. Fritch-
man & Florsheim, and they opened the Germania
Coal Works, which have proved more profitable
than the original plant, and employ from 150 to 160
men. In politics Mr. Legler is a stanch advocate of
Republican principles, and in religion he is a mem
ber of the German Lutheran Church. In 1859
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gliess,
of Allegheny county, Penn. , who died some years
ago, leaving the following named children: Jacob
C, John, William, Elizabeth, Sarah, George,
Margaret, Mary and James B. For his second
wife he married Sarah, daughter of Jacob Rhine,
a retired boat builder of Monongahela, and they
are living on the farm in Union township.
TPfP^ D. HAMILTON, a leading agriculturist of
V^tV Chartiers township, first saw the light of
||\i day on the farm which is now his home, in
II ^ that township. He attended the common
4/ schools and afterward took a three years'
course at Washington and Jefferson College. He in
tended to enter the ministry, but ill health com
pelled him to abandon this, and he became a " tiller
of the soil." On November 28, 1881, he was
married to Sadie B., daughter of R. M. and Mary
(Martin) Morgan. Mr. Morgan has been an elder
in the Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg and
Miller's Run for many years. Five children have
blessed the union of R. D. and Sadie B. Hamilton,
namely: Bertie M., CoraE., Claire B., Elsie M.
and Hazel B. The entire family are members of
the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Hamilton
has been an elder for the past six years, also serv
ing as Sabbath-school superintendent. In polit
ical opinion he is a Democrat. The home -farm
contains 104 acres, and upon the pastures large
flocks of sheep are grazing, to which he gives
especial care. He is a member of the National
Delaine Stock Breeders Association.

JOHN MALDOON, one of the progressive and
I popular young agriculturists of Donegal
tr J township, is a son of Franklin Maldoon, who
^ was born in 1793, in County Down, Ireland.
The latter immigrated to America, and lo
cating in Donegal township, married Jane Roberts,

1370

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born in 1818, whose parents were among the
pioneer settlers of the community. The children
born to this union were Thomas (now living in
Pettis county, Mo.), John (deceased in infancy),
Mary Ann and Sarah J. (twins, now deceased),
Nancy (now Mrs. James Gray, of Wheeling, W.
Va.), Robert, George, Matilda and Moses (all four
deceased), Felix (farming in Ohio county, AV. Va.),
Margaret (Mrs. Wayts, of Ohio county, W. Va.),
Iantha (Mrs. John Wherry, residing in Ohio county,
W. Va.), Felicia (unmarried, who lived with her
father) and John (the subject of this sketch).
After his marriage Franklin Maldoon made his
permanent home on the farm, where he died in
1881, and was followed to the grave by his wife in
1888. He was a successful farmer, and a typical
son of the Emerald Isle, possessing the true na
tive energy and enterprise. He accumulated a
comfortable property and enjoyed the friendship
and respect of his neighbors.
John Maldoon", whose name opens this sketch,
was born March 3, 1862, on the farm which he
now owns and lives upon. It is situated about
three and one-half miles north of West Alexander,
in Donegal township, near the West Virginia line.
His boyhood was passed on his father's farm and
in attending the common schools. On May 25,
1887, he was united in marriage with Annie
Rogers, who was born April 24, 1864, a daughter
of James Rogers, of Ohio county, W. Va., and
three children have been born to them, namely:
James Francis, Harry Edgar (deceased in infancy)
and an infant daughter. Mr. Maldoon has always
lived on the home farm, and followed agricult
ural pursuits. He is an active and industrious
young man, and gives fair promise of becoming
one of the prominent men in his community.
Politically, he is a Democrat.

V

ll IfflCHAEL AVOLFE, deceased farmer of
\i/\ Allen township, was born in 1791, in Vir-
Mi I ginia. His father, George Wolfe, was
-* born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va.,
and he and his wife afterward moved to
Western Virginia, where they died.
Michael Wolfe was reared and educated in Vir
ginia, and in early manhood came to Allen town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., where he followed
farming and river life. He was there married to
Sallie Allen, who was a great-grandchild of Joseph
and Deborah (Hill) Allen. The latter couple were
natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and coming to
Washington county prior to the Revolution, took
up a vast tract of land under a Virginia certificate,
and became identified with the earliest history of
this county. They were Quakers. Eli Allen, son
of Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen, was born in
eastern Pennsylvania, and came on horseback from

Chester county to Fayette county, Penn., where he
was married to Sarah Griffith, and finally settled
on his father's tract in Washington county, Penn.
He died in Indiana.
Joseph Allen, son of Eli and Sarah Allen, was
born in Fayette county, where he was reared and
educated. In early life he was united in marriage
with Alma Thompson, a native of Fayette county,
and they moved to a farm in Allen township,
Washington county, and he followed his vocation
of boat-building. In political opinion he was a
Jacksonian Democrat, and was an esteemed citi
zen. He died December 10, 1832, leaving a
widow, since deceased. They were the parents of
the following children: Letitia, born in March,
1808 (deceased wife of Allen Stockdale); Ruth,
born August 30, 1809 (Mrs. Michael Wolfe), de
oeased many years ago; Eli, born January 23,
1811 (deceased in infancy); Sarah (widow of
Michael Wolfe), born June 12, 1812; Eli, born
March 22, 1814 (deceased in Fayette county,
Penn., January 18, 1884, married to Martha
Donaldson); Joanna, born September 15, 1815
(wife of Francis McKee, of Uniontown, Penn.);
Joseph, born December 4, 1817 (married to Jane
Lyons, and living in Beaver county, Penn.); and
Barbara (deceased in infancy).
Michael and Sallie (Allen) Wolfe began wedded
life on a portion of the Allen tract, in Allen town
ship, and his widow is yet living on seventy-five
acres adjoining Stockdale, and rents the home
farm. In political opinion Mr. Wolfe was a
Democrat. He died November 2, 1880.

JOHN M. DUNN. Foremost among the young
business men of Morris township stands the
gentleman whose name opens this sketch.
He is a son of Daniel Dunn, Jr. , of Scotch-
Irish descent, whose grandparents emigrated
from England in early colonial days.
Joseph Dunn came to AVashington county at a
time when it was but a vast wilderness, carrying
his possessions in a bandanna handkerchief. He
blazed trees, raised sheep and stock, and when he
died he possessed a large estate. He settled over
the line in Greene county and there died. He
married Elizabeth Montgomery, of AVashington
county, Penn., and to this union nine children
were born: Sarah, Daniel, James M., Elizabeth,
Joseph, Caroline, Hannah, Cassius and William.
Of these James M. , Joseph, Hannah, Elizabeth and
William are living.
Daniel Dunn, Jr. (father of subject), was born
October 21, 1830. He was reared to farm life, re
ceived a common-school education, .and afterward
entered Waynesburg College, from which — but for
the untimely death of his father — he would have
graduated. He taught school, and after his father's

j&aME8$&BHSBBil'<S

mm

m<

V^ty y^. <5w^^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1373

death virtually assumed charge of the vast estate
which the latter had left. His excellent business
ability was here shown, his management of the
estate being of a nature which would have done
credit to one of much greater experience in busi
ness affairs. In 1856 he married Eunice Minton,
~who was born April 8, 1836, a daughter of John
Minton, of Morris township, and of this union
there were the following children: John M. ;
Joseph Lincoln, born December 25, 1859;Isadore,
born August 12, 1862, died November 25, 1865;
Clara, bom July 29, 1865. Mr. Dunn was a suc
cessful and prominent, business man, giving a con
siderable portion of his time to the settlement of
estates entrusted to his care. He waB elder and
superintendent for years in AVest Union Cumber
land Presbyterian Church and an active worker in
church matters. He died June 14, 1886. His
widow makes her home with her son, J. Lincoln,
who resides on the old home farm near Dunn's
Station, Morris township.
John Minton Dunn was born June 7, 1857. He
attended the common schools until he attained the
age of seventeen, when he entered Waynesburgh
College, where he pursued his studies for three
years. On account of the failing health of his
father, whose position of trust in business and in
dividual possessions required considerable atten
tion, he was called home at the expiration of this
time to render necessary assistance. His father's
health being partially regained, John M. went to
Iowa, and located in Des Moines, engaging in the
dry-goods business, but the failing health of his
father again called him to the old home to assist
in the management and settlement of business
trusts, and here he remained until after his
father's death, which occurred in 1886. On De
cember 12, 1882, Mr. Dunn married Annie Ross,
who was born August 18, 1862, a daughter of Tim
othy Ross, of Morris township, and of English
origin, her great-grandparents having been natives
of England. Of this union the following children
were born: Ross Allen, born October 2, 1884;
Laura Isadore, born April 25, 1886; Harold J.,
born July 5, 1889; and Annie E., born December
23, 1892. For four years after his marriage Mr.
Dunn lived on the home farm with his father, and
then purchased adjoining land, where he has
since resided.
Mr. Dunn is an enterprising business man, and
one of the busiest in Washington county, having
within the last two years settled four estates. He
is secretary of the " Morris Oil & Gas Company,
deals quite extensively in real estate, owns consider
able farm property, which is worked under his
pergonal direction, and is also a dealer in wool. In
politics he is an active Republican, and for six
years has been a school director, for two success
ive terms in a Democratic township, which has

two Democrats to one Republican, and was presi
dent, of the school board. He was last elected by
a much larger majority than at first; he is a man
who stands for his convictions in the face of opposi
tion, and of advanced ideas in educational matters.
He and his wife are members of the West Union
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he is
elder and Sunday-school superintendent. He is
stated clerk of the Pennsylvania Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania
(the oldest Presbytery of the State), a position he
has held for some eight or nine years, being the
first elder that ever held the position. He repre
sented the eldership of this Presbytery in the
General Assembly at Memphis, Tenn., in May,
1892. He has been trustee of Waynesburgh Col
lege four years, and has been re-elected three
times; has been secretary and treasurer of the
church for ten or twelve years; has held many
positions of trust in his couuty, and has always
declined re-election or re-appointment, never being
set aside, and he enters heart and soul into all
matters he undertakes. The Morris Oil & Gas
Company was organized in 1889, and Mr. Dunn
was at once chosen secretary and general manager.
He is serving his third term as a member of the
county vigilance committee, and has served twice
on the county executive committee. He has been
director in the W. Mt. M. N. & W. Telephone
Company since the completion of the line in 1889.
Timothy Ross, father of Mrs. John M. Dunn,
was a prosperous farmer of Greene county, and
was a buyer of cattle, wool, etc. The county line
ran through his farm, and he chose Morris town
ship as a living place. He married Joanna Tharp
(daughter of Samuel Tharp), and both died many
years ago of typhoid fever, the father dying first,
the mother a few weeks later. When the wife of
our subject was small, an uncle of our subject,
Daniel Dunn, Sr., helped nurse them, and he, too,
died. Mr. and Mrs. Ross had six children: Ella,
Thomas, Hiram, Virginia (deceased), Annie (Mrs.
Dunn) and Laura (wife of James Miner, of Jeffer
son, Greene county). Mrs. Dunn's home was in Jef
ferson, where she attended college and graduated.

( -\\ILLIAM RUSSELL is a prominent and
l\ /) influential member of a pioneer family,
\f/ the first of whom to settle in Washington
^ county being Abraham Russell, who was
born in Ireland, and came to America
soon after the war of the Revolution. He married
in this country, and became one of the earliest set
tlers of Smith township, this county, at a time when
the Indians were yet troublesome to the white pio
neers. He was a successful farmer, and served his
country in the war of 1812, and died at an advanced
age, leaving the following children who lived to

1374

WASHINGTON COUNTY

adult age: William (mentioned elsewhere in this
record), James and John (twins, the latter deceased
in Allegheny county, Penn.) and Nancy (wife of
Jacob Drake, a farmer of Armstrong county, Penn.).
James Russell (a son of Abraham) was born and
reared on his father's farm in Smith township, as
sisting his father both with the farm work and in
distilling, which was then a common vocation
among the farmers. About 1819 he was married
to Rachel, daughter of Abraham Scott, and chil
dren were born to them as follows: Abraham,
Jane (who died of cancer at the age of twenty -
eight years), Samuel (living in Guernsey county,
Ohio), Sarah (widow of William Aten), James (of
Beaver county, Penn.), Mary (Mrs. Alexander Mc
Connell, of the town of Beaver, Penn.), William
(subject of this sketch) and Margaret (deceased
wife of Lorenzo Cohen). Mr. and Mrs. James Rus
sell passed their married life in Robinson town
ship, this county, both living to a good old age.
Like his ancestors before him, he was an excellent
citizen, steady and industrious, winning and re
taining the respect of his neighbors. Politically
he was a Democrat, deeply interested in the success
of his party. His widow survived him ten years,
and was then laid to rest by his side.
William RubsoII (the subject of this biography)
was born February 23, 1830, in Robinson town
ship, this county, and began work on the farm
as soon as he was old enough to be useful. On
October 20, 1859, he was married to Rebecca Gor
don, who was born in 1837, a daughter of David
Gordon, of Robinson township, this county, and
they have had the following children: James,
Rachel, David M. (a farmer living on the home
farm in Robinson township), Alice J. and AVilliam
M. William Russell and his wife first settled on the
home farm which he yet owns, and resided upon
till 1885. He then came to Smith township, locat
ing on the fertile farm of 170 acres which he is now
occupying, situated near the headwaters of Rac
coon creek, about three and a half miles south of
Burgettstown, this county. In 1892 Mr. Russell
erected a handsome residence which adds to the
value and beauty of his property. He has always
been a successful farmer and careful financier;
he raises the best quality of stock, such as Black- Top
sheep, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. In
politics he is a Democrat, but votes for the man
rather than the party, and in religion he and his wife
are members of Cross Creek Presbyterian Church.

I -iJLLIAM H. FRAZIER, a worthy repre-
l\ J J sentative of one of the oldest and most
Xff prominent families in the county, comes
— ' of Highland-Scotch descent, his great
grandfather, Andrew Frazier, the first of
the family to come to this country, having been
born in Inverness, Scotland.

Andrew Frazier married, in his native land,
Christina Robs, and in 1772 came with his family
to the United States, making his first settlement
in Chartiers township, this county, where he re
mained some years, and then purchased a farm
in what is now West Finley township, same county,
which piece of land, some four hundred acres in ex
tent, was at that time nearly all unbroken forest.
The children born to this worthy old pioneer were
David, Alexander, Daniel, Elizabeth (Mrs. William
McDonald) and Nancy (Mrs. John Echols). The
parents of this family died in West Finley town
ship, at advanced ages, having experienced all the
trials and hardships incident to the early times of
their coming here. They were members of the
old " Three Ridges " Presbyterian Church, and in
politics Mr. Frazier was a Democrat.
David Frazier, grandfather of William H. Fra
zier, was born in 1779, in Washington county,
Penn., and the days of his boyhood and youth
were passed on his father's farm in Finley town
ship, a few weeks in the winter season being de
voted to attending the primitive subscription
schools of the neighborhood. While yet a young
man he was married to Jane Ross, of Finley, and
then purchased a farm in that township, where he
passed the rest of his days, diligently and success
fully engaged in general agriculture. He had in
early life studied civil engineering, which he fol
lowed to some extent in the county. To David
and Jane (Ross) Frazier were born seven children,
as follows: Thomas, Margaret, Andrew B., Jane
(Mrs. Daniel McCoy), Christina O. (Mrs. Perry E.
Whitham), William and Alfred Ross, all now de
ceased except Andrew B. , who is a Presbyterian
minister in Bethany, 111. The father died in 1839,
the mother in 1866. They were members and
liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church at
West Alexander. Politically. Mr. Frazier was a
Democrat, and held many offices of honor and
trust in his township, being a leader in his com
munity. He was elected to the Legislature of the
State of Pennsylvania, serving one term with
marked ability, and he was a justice of the peace
many years, in which capacity he was looked up
to as a just man and a peacemaker. His walk
through life was quiet, unobtrusive and Christian
like. Thomas Frazier, the eldest son of David, was
born in 1810 in that portion of Finley township
now known as West Finley, and his early life was
spent in Canonsburg, same county, where he was
partly educated. He also attended the West
Alexander Academy for a time, and then entered
Jefferson College, where he graduated about the
year 1831. He was twice married: On the first
occasion, in 1839, to Nancy, daughter of William
Hall, of West Alexander, by which union there
were four children: William H., David (in New

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1375

Mexico), Agnes (wife of J. W. Blayney, and re
siding in AVashington, Penn.), and one that died in
infancy. The mother of this family dying in 1862,
Mr. Frazier married in 1865, for his second wife,
Barbara, daughter of John McDonald. After his
first marriage Mr. Frazier embarked in mercantile
business in AVest Alexander, where he remained
some years, and then moved to New Concord, Ohio,
where he continued business in the same line.
This he sold out after two years, and then returned
to his native township, where he purchased a farm
and followed agricultural pursuits, including stock
raising, until 1869, in which year he moved to the
borough of West Alexander, where he lived a re
tired life until his death which occurred September
17, 1877. His widow still survives him. He
practiced civil engineering and surveying for a
time, and he it was who surveyed the West Alex
ander cemetery, where his remains now repose.
He was a lifelong Democrat, and filled many
prominent local positions of trust with character
istic care and integrity, and for the office of justice
of the peace, to which he was twice elected, he
evinced peculiar aptness. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church.
William H. Frazier, the subject proper of this
memoir, was born April 9, 1840, in the borough of
West Alexander, Washington Co., Penn., at the
common schools of which place he received his
rudimentary education, afterward attending the
McCluskey Academy. In 1870 he embarked in the
grocery business at Bellaire, Ohio, in which he
continued seven years, and then moved to West
Alexander, where he has since remained. On
February 12, 1889, he was married to K. R.,
daughter of W. H. Johnson, of Wheeling, W. Va.
Politically he is a Democrat, and during President
Cleveland's administration he was appointed post
master at West Alexander, serving the incumbency
four years. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church at West Alexander, and is a much re
spected citizen.

JOHN HERRON, a prosperous and progressive"'
resident of Washington county, is a son of
Joseph Herron, whose father, James Herron,
was brought with his father's family to
America at an early day.
James Herron was born in County Down, Ire
land, and remained there during his boyhood,
coming to America in the latter part of the eight
eenth century. He located in North Strabane
township, AVashington Co., Penn., on the farm now
owned by his grandson, James. In early life he
was married to Rachel Reed, a resident of Ohio,
and children were born to them as follows: Charles,
John, William, James, Robert, John, Joseph,
Thomas and Rachel. In politics Mr. Herron was

an active member of the Democratic party, and in
religion was connected with the Seceder Church.
Joseph Herron, son of James and Rachel (Reed)
Herron, was born January 2, 1797, on the home
farm in North Strabane township, and received his
education at the subscription schools. On January
3, 1824, he was united in marriage with Margaret,
daughter of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset town
ship, and the young couple settled on the home
farm, upon which, in 1850, Mr. Herron erected a
handsome brick residence, now occupied by his son
James. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Herron were Rachel, born December 15, 1824;
Robert, born September 30, 1826; James, born
September 18, 1828; John, born August 20, 1830;
Sarah (Mrs. Jonathan Peese), bom April 22, 1833;
Joseph, born December 8, 1834; Margaret A.
(Mrs. Robert Munnel), born October 4, 1837; and
Elizabeth (Mrs. John B. Herron), born October 6,
1842. Politically Mr. Herron was a Democrat,
and served as judge of elections aud school director;
he was a lieutenant in the militia, and in religious
connection was a member and trustee of the
Seceder Church, toward which he was a liberal
supporter. He died January 25, 1852, his widow
on March 18, 1854, and both were buried in the
Pigeon Creek U. P. cemetery.
John Herron was born August 20, 1830, in North
Strabane township, this county, and passed his
earlier youth on the farm, where he received a
common-school education. He was married Oc
tober 20, 1862, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel
Munnell, and their children are Calvin, AVilliam
B., Robert S., Edward J., Charles M., John W.
and Ray G. Mr. Herron enjoys the esteem of all
his neighbors and acquaintances, having won a
well-merited success by his own efforts. He is an
active worker in the Democratic party, and for
several years has been . a member of the school
board of South Strabane township, giving his aid
and influence to the promotion of improvements in
the schools. He is equally interested in religious
matters, and assists in the support and manage
ment of the United Presbyterian Church at Mount
Pleasant, in which he is an elder, and of which he
is a devoted member. He is the owner of a well-
improved farm, provided with comfortable and
handsome buildings.

S. WILSON is a representative of an
early family of AVashington county. He
is a grandson of Alexander and Betsey
(McGibboney) Wilson, natives of eastern
Pennsylvania, who came to Washington
county and made a permanent settlement in Char
tiers township, where their son John was born.
John Wilson was born in 1776, on the pioneer
farm in Chartiers township, and in early manhood

1376

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was there married to Margaret Smith, who was
born in Ireland, and immigrated with her parents
to America when but a child. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson settled permanently in Som
erset township, Washington county. He was
drafted and served in the war of 1812. In poli
tics he was a member of the Democratic party,
and in religion he and his wife were members of
the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. He
died in 1850, followed ten years later by his wife,
who had borne him children, as follows: James
(living in Indiana), Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Yant,
deceased in 1888, in Ohio) Hannah (wife of Emery
Leyda, deceased in August, 1891, in Somerset
township), Mary Jane (Mrs. John Messenger, of
Somerset township), Margaret (who died in 1890,
in Allegheny, wife of Andrew Atkinson, of Pitts
burgh), John W. (living in Somerset township),
Harvey (residing at Vanceville, Somerset township),
R. S. (whose sketch follows), Sarah Ann (Mrs.
Hiram Myer, of Somerset township), Isabelle (wife
of William Milligan, of Gastonville, Penn.), Ra
chel (deceased in 1856), and Martha (wife of
Samuel AVright, of Somerset township).
R. S. Wilson was born June 26, 1834, in Somer
set township, Washington county, where he grew
to manhood, receiving a district- school education.
In 1858 he was united in marriage with Susan,
daughter of Simon and Rebecca (Crawford) Wil
son, all of whom were born in Fallowfield town
ship, this county. Her father died in 1863, fol
lowed by the mother in 1867. After his marriage
R. S. Wilson resided in Somerset township until
1880, when he bought and moved upon 117 acres
in Fallowfield township. He is a member of the
Democratic party, and has served as road super
visor and also as a member of the school board.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are: John,
who was married in 1890 to Lydia Weddle, and is
now living in McKeesport, Allegheny Co. , Penn. ;
Elmer Ellsworth, residing at Lock No. 4, who was
married July 4, 1883, to Laura Province; Florence,
wife of A. McGowan, of Lock No. 4, and Bertha,
wife of AVest Piper, living at Charleroi, this county.

LIVER P. SHIELDS, a well-known mer
chant and prosperous citizen of Florence,
Penn., is of Irish descent. His grandpar
ents were natives of the Emerald Isle, and
John Shields (the grandfather) was a tavern-
keeper along the Frankfort road in Hanover town
ship in early days. When a young man he had
married Ann Murphy, and their children were:
Andrew, Robert, Hugh and William H.
William H. Shields was born June 13, 1813,
and learned the trade of a plasterer, also working
at shoemaking. On April 3, 1839, he was married
to Sarah Martha Holmes, who was born December

23, 1816, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Boyce) Holmes, of Smith township. The follow
ing children were born to their union: Oliver P.,
Carrie (Mrs. Robert McCullough, of Hanover town
ship), James (deceased in youth) and William
(who died in Wellsville, Ohio, at the age of thirty-
five years). The parents began their wedded life
at Bulger Station, Smith township, this county,
where he followed his trade. In 1850 he went to
California during the "gold fever" excitement,
where he remained a- few years, and then returned
to Bulger Station. In 1859 he came to a farm in
Hanover township, and in 1863 moved to Florence,
Penn. He died July 2, 1881, his wife surviving
him until May 28, 1890, when she was laid by the
side of her husband. In politics Mr. Shields was
a Democrat, taking an active interest in the polit
ical issues of the day, and both he and his wife
were members of the Presbyterian Church, in
which he was a trustee.
Oliver P. Shields was born June 13, 1840, in
Bulger, Washington Co., Penn. On May 15,
1878, he was married to Mary McConnell, who
was born March 30, 1850, a daughter of John and
Sarah (Morrison) McConnell, of Hanover township.
Five children have been born to the union of Oliver
P. and Mary Shields, namely: Sally M., Lee Mc,
Walker F., John O., and a daughter who died in
infancy. Some time previous to his marriage
Oliver P. Shields had been a clerk in the store of
Robert Scott, of Florence, Penn., then entered the
establishment of James Cleland, in the same town.
In 1874 he began business for himself, and has
since followed mercantile pursuits, each year in
creasing both stock and custom, until he now has
an excellent general store, in the best business
room of Florence. Politically, he may be called —
to use a political term — a "wheel-horse" of the
Democratic party, and has served as justice of the
peace, and in several other offices. Both he and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church,
in which he has served in various capacities.

LEXANDER W. GALBRAITH. Among
the prosperous agriculturists and leading
stock dealers of East Pike Run township,
this gentleman is a prominent figure. He
is a son of William Galbraith, who was born
in 1812, in Ireland, and came with his parents to
America when about twelve years of age. He had
one brother — Robert, who married a Miss Smith —
and one sister, who was married to a Mr. Shaw and
lived in Ohio. He also had a half-brother —
Thomas McBeath — who married and lived in Ohio.
William Galbraith learned and followed the boat
building business for many years, but has devoted
the latter part of his life to farming. He has
been twice married, first time to Nancy Fry, who

^Ar^m^aMrmdi:

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1379

bore him five children, as follows: (1) Robert, who
was twice married, first to a Miss Redd and after
ward to a Miss Reynolds; by his first marriage he
had children as follows: Isaac, who married Miss
Nesbit, Charles and an infant (both deceased); by
his second marriage he has five children. (2)
Noah, married to a Miss Wilson, and now lives in
Delaware county, Ohio. (3) William (now de
ceased). (4) Cornelia, wife of William Walker, a
resident of Kentucky. (5) Emmeline, married
Frank Williams, and died in October, 1880; they
had five children : Maggie (married to W. Sphar),
Aaron, Samuel, Nancy and George A. Linn, the
last named having been born July 4, 1880. Mrs.
Nancy (Fry) Galbraith died many years ago, and
Mr. Galbraith afterward married Mary Hill, by
whom he had the following children: Samuel,
Elizabeth, John, Alexander W. , Mary F. (wife of
J. Mozier), Thomas M., Dr. Stephen A. B., Etta,
and one that died in infancy; of whom Elizabeth
and Dr. Stephen A. B. are deceased. Of this
family Elizabeth married Albert Wickerham, and
died in June, 1890; they had the following chil
dren: Jennie, Robert, Nancy, Mary F. (married
to John Mozier, June 5, 1889, and has two chil
dren: John Thomas and Lucinda). Dr. Stephen
A. B. graduated at Washington and Jefferson Col
lege, 1886, graduated at Washington and Jefferson
Medical College, 1889, died December 3, 1889.
William Galbraith is a representative agriculturist
of Carroll township. Politically he is an active
worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and
has served as township clerk, assessor and school
director, as well as in various other positions of
trust. Mrs. Galbraith is a member of the Presby
terian Church of Monongahela.
The ancestry of Mrs. Mary (Hill) Galbraith can
be traced back some five generations. Gideon
Hill, maternal great-great-grandfather of Alex
ander W. Galbraith, came from England, and
the great-grandfather, John Hill, located near
where Lancaster, Penn., now stands, and where he
lived till sometime in 1774 or 1775, when he moved
to west of the mountains, to Fort Pitt (now Pitts
burgh). He was there offered in exchange for a
black horse five acres, forming the point between
the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers; but he
concluded there was no money in property there
abouts, so moved to Somerset township, and ob
tained a patent for a tract of land, "Government
reserving all gold and silver ore," but saying
nothing about oil and gas. This patent is dated
1778, and is now in the possession of our subject's
uncle, Dr. S. E. Hill, of the same township.
Greer Mcllvaine, grandfather of Judge Mcllvaine,
owned the adjoining land, and these were the first
settlers to locate in Somerset township. Dr. Hill
has some relics of the past in the shape of an old
conch shell or horn that used to be blown to scare

wolves away; a clock that has been in the family
five generations, is still going and keeping good
time; also a blue dish about as old as the clock.
Grandfather Hill was married "February 15, 1815,
to Elizabeth Woodrow, a native of near Shippens
burg, Penn., and a relative of Judge Black, of the
same place, or near there; Mary (Hill) (mother of
subject), born March 5, 1825, and Dr. S. E. Hill,
of Smithville, are the only ones living of the family
of nine children born to this union, who were as
follows: Abner, John and Mary, Rachel Jane,
Samuel, William, Martha, Stephen A. and Eliza
beth; of these Martha and Elizabeth died in infancy.
Dr. S. E. Hill married, December 10, 1869, Miss
Sadie E. Long, of Pittsburgh, daughter of T. H.
Long, and their family are: Pauline, Pearl and
Zoe. Grandfather Hill and his father kept store
when salt was $8 to $10 per bushel, and whisky
was 35 cents per gallon; the salt was carried on
pack saddles from east of the mountains. His
father was one of the first members of Pigeon
Creek Presbyterian Church in the days of Dr.
McMillan, Dr. Brown and others, when preaching
was conducted in tents, and the men were wont to
go to church with their rifles for protection against
the Indians. He and his son (when the latter
was a young man) were the contractors for the
building of the old stone church, Mr. John Atkin
son being the carpenter. The same stones used
for this church are now under the brick one erected
near the same place, and in which services are
at present held by Rev. Gilson. Gideon Hill
was the second man buried in the present cemetery
where there are now hundreds sleeping their last
sleep. In old papers Pigeon creek was spelled
" Pidgeon ' ' creek.
Alexander W. Galbraith, the subject proper of
this sketch, was born November 11, 1854, in Car
roll township, Washington Co., Penn. He re
ceived a liberal education at the common schools
of the vicinity of his place of birth, assisting, in
the meantime, in the various duties pertaining to
the home farm. On February 6, 1884, he was
united in marriage with Oella Bedall, a native of
the county, born October 4, 1855, a daughter of
John M. and Eliza J. (Jones) Bedall, both of
whom were born in 1824, in Fallowfield township,
Washington Co., PeDn., the father on August 7,
the mother on November 1. They wdi-e married
January 25, 1855, and two children were born to
them, viz. : Clara J. (of whom mention is made
farther on) and Oella (wife of Alexander W. Gal
braith). Mrs. Alexander W. Galbraith' s father
was a lifelong farmer and stock raiser, and was
very successful in business affairs.
Joseph Bedall, grandfather of Oella Galbraith,
was born in New Jersey November 10, 1777, and
died May 16, 1838. He came to Washington
county when a young man and his brothers known

1380

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

to have come with him to this county were James
¦(who lived and died on the farm owned by J.
Keys Bedall (a grandson) in Fallowfield township),
Levi (who owned the farm, now in possession of
J. P. Duvall, at the time of his death, where he
spent most of his lifetime) and Ben j amain (who
was a resident of Washington county, and was
never married). There were also two sisters, of
whom no accurate account can be given. Joseph
Bedall married Sarah McCutchen, who was born
December 18, 1788, and died November 20, 1844,
married May 2, 1816, and they settled on the farm
known as the "Bedall Homestead;" they had
five children, viz.: (1) Mary Bedall, born Febru
ary 24, 1817, died April 24, 1860; (2) an infant,
born June 28, 1818, died October 15, 1818; (3)
Eliza Jane, born October 25, 1819, died January
20, 1851, married Joseph Morton, and both are de
ceased ; (4) Hester, born April 26, 1822, died March
21, 1851; (5) John McCutchen, born August 7,
1824, died November 24, 1880. Hugh McCutchen,
the father of Sarah McCutchen Bedall, emigrated
to this country at an early date from Ireland. He
was a merchant by occupation, and part of his
Ibook accounts are kept in pounds, shillings and
[pence, one of the dates being June 12, 1781. He
married Jane McCutchen, who was of Scotch de
scent, and they had six children, of whom we have
¦record of five: (1) Mary, married to William
Baker, of East Pike Run township, and their
•children were as follows: Cassandra and Jane (de
ceased), Ellen (wife of William Young; they re
side in Kansas); (2) Sarah, married to Joseph
Bedall; (3) Jane, never married; (4) Samuel,
married to Melinda Furnier (they had two children,
James Shannon and Sarah Jane); (5) James, mar
ried to Jane Springer and lived near Tiffin, Ohio.
Clara J. (Bedall) Chalfant, sister of Oella Gal
braith, was born February 8, 1859, and married
¦October 12, 1882, to C. A. Chalfant, who was born
March 22, 1854, a son of Dr. H. S. Chalfant, of
East Pike Run township. They have two children :
Mary L., born February 10, 1886, and John
Switzer, born May 5, 1891. They reside on the
old Bedall homestead in Fallowfield township,
-where Mr. Chalfant is engaged in raising sheep,
horses and cattle. He votes the Republican ticket,
and takes an interest in all public matters; he and
his wife are members of the Ebenezer M. E.
Church. Jones Family. William Jones sailed from the
port of Baltimore in 1769 (his son William being
then six years old), and the vessel was never after
ward heard from. The son, William Jones, was
born May 3, 1763, at Ellicott's Mills, Md., and
died March 14, 1863. He was married April 23,
1789, to Elizabeth McClung, who was born No
vember 24, 1769, and died January 27, 1829.
About 1791 they emigrated from Maryland to

Washington county, Penn., near Ginger Hill, six
miles from Monongahela, where they settled on a
farm on which they passed the remainder of their
days, and which farm is still owned by a son,
William McKendree Jones. They had twelve
children, viz. : (1) John Jones, born in Maryland
May 23, 1790, died July 16, 1875; was twice mar
ried, first time to Rachel Frew; second time to
Margaret Blaine, who was born October 12, 1805,
and died October 29, 1890. By his first marriage
he had the following children: William, married
to Miss West; James, married to a Miss Cleaver;
Elizabeth, married to David Ritchie; Joseph, mar
ried to a Miss Watkins; David, married to Miss
Phillips; Samuel V. Cook (deceased), married to
Miss Gregg; Mary, married to Manuel Stoody.
By his second marriage Mr. Jones had two chil-
chen: Rachel and Jennie. (2) Elijah Jones, born
in Maryland, November 20, 1791, died June 15,
1855; was married to Mary Warren, and their
children were William, married to a Miss Frye;
Eliza Jane, married to John M. Bedall; Margaret,
married to John S. Carson; James, married to a
Miss Van Voorhis; Wesley, married in the AVest;
Isaac, married to a Miss Mcllvaine; Noah, mar
ried to a Miss Frye. (3) Mary Jones, born No
vember 1, 1793, died August 15, 1856, married
March 8, 1819, to Joseph Alexander, who was born
April 1, 1795. (4) Ruth Jones, born September
4, 1795, died January 22, 1892. (5) Delilah
Jones, born February 14, 1797, died July 22,
1882; married to James Mills, who was, born in
1801, died May 23, 1878, and their children were
William (deceased); Andrew Bascom, died May
14, 1888, married to  Deering; Mary, married
to a Mr. Dalby; Rebecca, married to Rev. Dr.
Watkins; James, married; Charles S. ; Wilbur
Fisk, married. (6) Jesse Jones, born December
24, 1798, died February 11, 1888, married Eleanor
Frew, and their children were Alexander (de
ceased) ; Jackson (married to Miss Black) ; Eliza
beth, married to Rev. Mr. Snyder; Charles, mar
ried; Carrie B., married; Nancy, married to a Mr.
Rankins (now deceased); Jesse, died June 21,
1888; Ellen, married to Mr. McDonald, now de
ceased; others have been lost sight of in the West.
(7) Samuel Jones, born August 25, 1800, acci
dentally killed June 14, 1867; was twice married,
first time to Jane Fell, and for his second wife to
Mary Thomas; the children by his first wife were
William, married to a Miss Sheplar; S. Fell, mar
ried to a Miss Thomas; Mary, married to a Dr.
Watkins, both deceased; and James, married to a
Miss Finley. By the second marriage Mr. Jones
had children as follows: Elizabeth, Melissa, Retta,
Amanda, Homer, Luther, John and Celia. (8)
Rebecca Jones, b'orn March 8, 1802, died July 3,
1838; married Andrew Mills, and they had one
child, James Mills, editor of the Pittsburgh Post,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1381

who married Elvira Alexander. (9) Rose Ann
Jones, born May 4, 1804, died in September, 1870;
married Francis Hull Williams, and their children
were Elizabeth (married to Greer Mcllvaine), El
mira, John W., William, David, James and Har
vey. (10) Elizabeth Jones, born January 15,
1806, died in September, 1830; married James
McCauley, and their children were Ann Eliza and
Mary. (11) Ann Jones, born April 22, 1808, died
June 30, 1889; married John Hess, bora in 1818,
died in 1883, and their children were John, Eliza
beth, Westley, Alcinous, Amanda and Maggie.
(12) William McKendree Jones, born October 29,
1809, married Sarah Fulmer, who died in 1886;
their children were Leonidas, Mary, Edward,
James Mills, Margaret, Kate, Snyder, Albert,
Florence and Rose.
The children born to (2) Elijah and Mary (War
ren) Jones were as follows: (1) William, born in
Fallowfield township, married Miss Eliza Jane
Fry, and afterward moved to Brighton, Washing
ton Co. , Iowa, and still resides there; their chil
dren are as follows: Samuel W. , married to
Rachel, daughter of Manuel Stoody, of this county;
Mary, married to Mr. William Hide, of Washing
ton county, Iowa; Henry, married to Miss McCain;
Irilla Jane, married; Amy, married to Mr. John
son; Josephine, married; Delia (now deceased),
married to Mr. Hedge. (2) Eliza Jane, married
to John McCutchen Bedall, as already mentioned.
(3) Margaret, married to John S. Carson, both de
ceased «(their children were eleven in number, as
follows: Isaac, married to Miss Fry; Cornelius,
married to Miss Beazell; John C. (now deceased),
married to Miss Raymond; Henry, married,
to Miss Furnier; Robert F., married to Miss
Odvert; Mary Elizabeth, deceased; Van Curtis,
deceased; Margaret M., married to I. N. Carson;
Caroline Jane (now deceased), married to J. W.
Carson; Noah T. , married, to Miss Sprowls; and
Joseph, married to Miss Greenlee). (4) John
Wesley, married to Jane Davison, in Logan county,
Ohio, and now living near Linneus, Linn Co., Mo. ;
they have nine children, viz.: Margaret J., mar
ried to George Hide, of Brighton, Iowa; Ara-
belle, married to a Mr. Watterhouse, in Iowa;
Ella, married to a Mr. Hossick; James, married
and living in Iowa; John C, living near Linneus,
Mo. ; Annie Neal, also living near Linneus, Mo. ,
Helen, Hester and Isaac Willfred (unmarried and
living at home). (5) James Jones (now deceased)
married Miss Van Voorhis and had children. (6)
Noah, married to Mary Frye, and their children are
nine in number, as follows: John T. K., married to
Miss Gamble; Florence C, married to Miss Brad
ley, in Missouri; Annie M. , married to Mr. Huff
man; Mortimore, married to Miss Huffman (now
deceased); Eunice, married to Warren Gibson;
and Frank, Bert, Noah King, Lilley, all four un

married. (7) Isaac Warren, married to Mary Agnes
Mcllvaine; their children are as follows: Dora B.,
married to William Morrow; William, unmarried;
Isaac L., married to Miss Rettig; Mcllvaine, Harry
and Mary A., all three unmarried.
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander W. Galbraith reside on
222 acres of well-cultivated land in East Pike Run
township, upon which a pleasant dwelling was
erected in 1888, and a frame barn 46x60 feet,
completed in 1892. He is extensively engaged in
raising sheep, horses and cattle. Politically he
votes the Democratic ticket, and he takes an inter
est in public matters. He and his wife are mem
bers of the Ebenezer M. E. Church. They have
one son, Wilbur, born August 12, 1891.

Hi LEXANDER GAULT. The prominent and
^1\ representative family, of which this gentle-
Ip4\ man was a member, are influential citizens
II -* of Nottingham township. Alexander Gault
/ was born in 1797, on a farm in Washington
county, Penn., where his youth was passed in the
usual duties of farm life. On December 8, 1825,
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wilson,
who bore him five children, namely: James, Edith,
Sarah (deceased), John W. (who enlisted in Com
pany K, P. V. Cavalry, and died in the service De
cember 7, 1862) and Alexander (deceased). The
mother of these children died, and Mr. Gault was
afterward married to Jane Flack, who was born in
1807. The children of this marriage were as fol
lows : Robert, Mary J. and Addie, of whom Addie
is the only one yet living. The father owned about
one hundred and fifty acres of land. He died in
1872, followed by the mother February 15, 1887.
Of the children now living, James owns a part of
the old place, and two unmarried daughters (Edith
and Addie) each own and manage 100 acres of the
old homestead.

M. STRINGER. This enterprising citizen
is a native of Fayette county, Penn., son of
John and Mary (Brown) Stringer. The
father was a prominent farmer and lifelong
citizen of Fayette county, Penn., where he
passed his entire life, and died in 1874 at the age
of sixty-seven years.
G. M. Stringer was born in 1818 on the farm in
Fayette county, Penn., and in early manhood came
to Washington county. He was a hard-working
and economical young man, and was soon enabled
to purchase a small tract of land in Carroll town
ship. He now owns seventy-six acres of very fine
land, upon which many improvements have been
made. In early life he was united in marriage
with Delilah Sprowls, who bore him the following
children: Mary E., who died June 6, 1880, at

1382

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the age of thirty-one years; Louisa, deceased July
25, 1867, aged twenty; William, residing in Ore
gon; Elmira, deceased; Eliza, deceased; and Mary,
wife of John Williamston, living in Ohio. The
mother of this family was called "over the river"
June 18, 1876, when in her fifty-fourth year. Mr.
Stringer is a member of the Republican party, and
in religious faith is connected with the Lutheran
Church.

ILLIAM A. McCLAY, one of the repre
sentative citizens of Canton township,
H , was born September 9, 1846, on the farm
now occupied by his brother, J. F. Mc-
His grandfather, Samuel McClay, was a native
of Ireland, and immigrating to America when a
child of ten years, finally settled in'Chester county,
Penn. , and there married Sarah McClellan, a resi
dent of the same county, whose parents had also
immigrated to America. Mr. and Mrs. McClay
afterward removed from Chester to Washington
county, where he bought and with the aid of his
children began work upon a large tract of land.
The children bora to this union were: Margaret
(Mrs. Robert Dinsmore), Elizabeth (Mrs. William
Morrow), John, David, Robert, William and Sarah
Jane. The entire family were active and zealous
members of the Covenanter Church, and a majority
of their descendants are true to the faith of their
ancestors. In politics, Mr. McClay was active to
the interests of the Whig party. After an event
ful and useful life he died in 1838, his wife follow
ing him to the grave in 1842, leaving a comfort
able property to their heirs.
David McClay, father of subject, was born June
11, 1811, on the home farm in Canton township,
this county, where his youth was passed amid the
rudest of pioneer surroundings, his education con
sisting of hard lessons in the school of toil and
privation, but, when thoroughly mastered, those
lessons proved of greater value to the young pio
neer than does much of our ' ' cramming methods' '
benefit the modern student. By dint of close ob
servation and practical common sense, Mr. McClay
soon surmounted these early obstacles to success,
and became a prosperous and well-informed man.
On January 31, 1840, he married Margaret McEl
roy, and settled upon the farm now owned by his
son, J. F. , where the following children were born:
James (deceased in infancy), James (who enlisted
in the W. Va. Cavalry, and died February 25,
1862, from disease contracted in the service),
William A., Nannie (deceased), Samuel, David
(deceased) and J. F. Mr. McClay was, in politics,
an active -Republican ; in 1855 he united with the
U. P. Church at West Middletown, then under the
ministry of Isaac Everett, but later he became a

member of the church at Washington. He died
April 5, 1887, leaving to his heirs about four hun
dred acres of land.
William A. McClay, the oldest living son of David
McClay, passed his earlier years on the home farm
in Canton township, this county, receiving a lim
ited education, but as he possesses a retentive
memory, and is an indefatigable reader, he has,
notwithstanding the privations of youth, become
one of the most intelligent men in his township.
On May 19, 1869, Mr. McClay was married to An
nie, daughter of Jonathan Swisher, a prosperous
farmer of Putnam county, 111., and the young
couple immediately settled on the home place,
where they have since resided. After the death of
his father Mr. McClay and his three brothers di
vided the property among themselves without re
course to legal aid — an excellent example — and
William still retains the portion allotted him, to
which he has made many fine improvements. The
house is of the " L" style, 36x32. The barn, which
was erected with only the assistance of his children,
is a commodious structure, and the well -cultivated
farm affords" still another evidence of the thrift
and enterprise of the owner. The union of Mr.
and Mrs. McClay has been blessed with three chil
dren : Harry, William and Elmer. In politics Mr.
McClay is the stanchest of Republicans, and for
many years has filled the office of judge of elec
tions in his township. The family are liberal sup
porters and earnest members of the Disciple Church
at Washington, and are ever foremost in ail enter
prises pertaining to the welfare of the people.

HARLES HOWARD TRUSSELL, a pros
perous, wide-awake farmer, is a representa
tive of one of the oldest and most prominent
families of Franklin township, where he was
born June 25, 1848.
His grandfather, Charles Trussell, was of Vir
ginian birth, born near Harper's Ferry, where the
family had resided many years. Before leaving
his native State he was married to Sarah Fleming,
a resident of the same place, and soon thereafter
the young couple came to this county, making a
settlement in the western part, having cut for
themselves a home in the forest wilds, where they
passed the remainder of their lives in unremitting,
patient toil and hardship. They were consistent
members of the Baptist Church. Their family
were: Manson (deceased), Paden, Elizabeth (mar
ried to John Brownlee), Margaret (Mrs. John
Henderson, of Claysville), Ann (deceased), Jane
(married to Nelson Sprowls), William (in Kansas),
John (in Dallas, Va.) and Charles H.
Charles H. Trussell, father of Charles Howard,
was born October 15, 1822, in Marietta, Ohio,
where he was reared to agricultural pursuits and

m, :
WBri '"'

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1385

educated in the schools of the neighborhood. On
September 10, 1845, he was married to Lydia,
daughter of Joshua Dickerson, of Franklin town
ship, and here spent the remainder of their lives,
Mr. Trussell dying January 15, 1849. Mrs. Trus
sell now lives in Claysville. He was a lifelong,
ardent Whig, and a man of strong but generous
opinions. He was the father of two children:
Charles Howard and Joshua D., the latter of
whom was educated at Washington and Jefferson
College, where he graduated, since when he has
been engaged in teaching, and he is now principal
of the Claysville public schools; in 1880 he was
wedded to Hattie Selby, of Buffalo township, who
has borne him one child, Howard L.
Charles Howard Trussell passed his life chiefly
at the home of his grandfather, Joshua Dickerson,
on the farm where he now lives. He was early in
ducted into the mysteries of agriculture, and has
managed a farm with signal success ever since
coming of age. On November 2, 1871, he was
married to Sarah (daughter of John Finley, of
East Finley township, who is now eighty-two
years old), and soon thereafter they settled in their
present home in Franklin township, the farm hav
ing been greatly improved by him since coming to
it. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Trussell
are: Clara Edna, Mary Matilda and Lewis B.
The entire family are members of the Presbyterian
Church at East Buffalo. In politics Mr. Trussell
is an intelligent Republican (as is also his brother,
Joshua D.), and has always taken an active part
in educational developments in his section.

dfARRETT COVENTRY. Prominently identi
fied among the representative and substantial
| farmers of Hanover township, stands the
gentleman whose name opens this sketch.
His ancestors were natives of Ireland, the
land which has given to America many of our best
families, among whom is the name of Coventry.
John Coventry was born in 1750, in County Don
egal, Ireland, where he learned the trade of a
weaver, and when a young man was married to
Martha Brown, who was born in 1754. Some
years after their marriage this young couple sailed
to America, and after landing and securing a tem
porary home, their household effects were moved
thence in a churn, the only child living being carried
by the parents. John Coventry joined the Conti
nental army, taking an active part in the struggle
for Independence, and undergoing the terrible suf
ferings which were the common lot of those heroic
patriots. Long and difficult marches were made,
their only food consisting of cold potatoes. After
the war money was scarce, and the most common
articles sold for fabulous prices. A little dress
which was purchased for a son cost $60 in Con

tinental currency. In 1782 John Coventry and
family concluded to secure one of the cheap homes
offered to the settlers in western Pennsylvania, and
packing up their few earthly possessions, started
on foot to make the long and tedious journey
across the mountains. The hardships which they
endured can scarcely be imagined, yet on they
toiled, carrying the little son Robert, who was at
that time about two years of age. At last they ar
rived in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and, purchasing a small piece of land, erected their
rude log cabin in the midst of the surrounding
woods; there Mr. Coventry followed his trade of
a weaver in connection with farming. This cabin
was soon supplanted by one more substantial,
which is yet standing. With true Irish enterprise
and industry, John Coventry struggled on, and
prosperity finally crowned his patient efforts.
When the need of a permanent piece of ground
for a schoolhouse became apparent, he gave the
necessary amount of land to be used for ninety-
nine years, and the building which was thereon
erected has ever since been known as the "Cov
entry School." In politics he was a Democrat,
adhering closely to the principles of his chosen
party. He and his wife were members of the Se
ceder Church, which was nearly ten miles from
their house, and they walked the entire distance.
A church was afterward organized at Burgettstown,
to which their membership was then transferred.
John Coventry died February 5, 1845, in his
ninety-fifth year, and was laid to rest by the side
of the wife who had gone before him April 8, 1832.
Both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at Bur
gettstown. The following children were born to
this heroic couple: Robert (deceased in Hanover
township), William, James (of whom a sketch fol
lows), John (a school teacher, who lived some time
in Steubenville, Ohio, thence moving to New Phila
delphia, Ohio, where some of his descendants are
yet living), Jane (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased
wife of William Smiley) and Martha (deceased).
James Coventry, son of John and Martha
(Brown) Coventry, was born in Hanover township,
Washington Co., Penn., on the farm where his
father first located, there passing his early youth
in attending the country schools. In 1824 he was
united in marriage with Letitia Coventry, whose
parents were born in Ireland. James and Letitia
Coventry were the parents of the following chil
dren: Nancy (deceased), Jarrett (whose name
opens our sketch), Matilda (Mrs. Joseph Searight,
of Allegheny county, Penn.), Mary G. (a maiden
lady, of Allegheny county), and John S. (also of
Allegheny county). James Coventry resided on
the farm now owned by his son, Jarrett, for some
time after his marriage, then located near Mur-
docksville, in Allegheny county, Penn. , where he
died in 1851 at the age of fifty-seven years, soon

1386

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

followed by his wife. He was a successful farmer,
and a conscientious man. In politics he was a
Democrat, and in religion a leading member of the
Seceder Church, having been one of the founders
of the Robinson U. P. Church.
Jarrett Coventry, son of James and Letitia Cov
entry, was born in 1827, on the farm which is his
present home. When a boy he attended the sub
scription schools, but being the eldest son was de
prived of an opportunity to improve even the
meager advantages offered in those primitive halls
of learning. He was set to work at plowing when
so small that he could scarcely reach the handles,
and in early boyhood was doing a man's work.
He lived with his parents on the old homestead
until they died. On November 11, 1875, he was
married to Catherine Malone, a daughter of Will
iam and Ruth (Wilson) Malone, and to this union
three children have been born, namely: Annie L.,
John S. (who died in infancy), and James R.
Since his marriage Mr. Coventry has made many
improvements upon the old homestead, having
erected a handsome new residence, barn, and other
good buildings. His farm produces a paying
quantity of oil. Mr. Coventry is a shrewd, far-
sighted man, proceeding cautiously and therefore
wisely in his business transactions, and has accu
mulated a good property. He is well and favor
ably known all over the township. Since 1890 he
has lived in retirement from active business. Po
litically he is an active Democrat, and has held
various township offices. Mr. and Mrs. Coventry
are consistent members of the Robinson United
Presbyterian Church.

T[ONATHAN EALY, one of the industrious
. 1 1 and successful farmers of East Finley town-
(f J J ship, is a grandson of George Ealy. Henry
^^ Ealy, son of George, was born in 1807, in East
Finley township, this county, and remained on the
farm of his father until twenty-one years of age,
when he began life for himself with 25 cents
in his pocket, as capital with which to begin
the world.' He at once engaged in farm work, and
by combining industry with energy, soon saved a
small sum of money with which he bought a tract
of land situated about two miles down the creek
from East Finley postoffice, and having paid for
this, purchased more. In 1830 he was married
to Hannah Barney, of Greene county, Penn., who
bore him the following children: Jeremiah (farm
ing in East Finley township), George (deceased),
Philip (a successful farmer of Greene county,
Penn.), Jonas (a farmer of East Finley township),
and Delilah (deceased after marriage). At the
time of his death Mr. Ealy owned over 1,200 acres
of land, the result of his own industry and enter
prise. He died in 1882, having been preceded to
the grave by his wife in 1873.

Jonathan Ealy was born July 3, 1844, in East
Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., where
he received a common- school education, and passed
his youth in farming with his father, studying a
little with his mother in the evenings. On Sep
tember 12, 1869, he was married to Nancy Jane
Sampson, who was born February 13, 1842, daugh
ter of David Sampson, of East Finley township, and
to them were born seven children, five of whom died
in infancy; the two still living are Libbens W.,
born December 12, 1871, and Fanny E., born June
16, 1874. Fanny has had charge of the household
since the death of her mother, which occurred
March 12, 1890, and Libbens assists on the farm.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Ealy moved to the
"old home farm," living there about fifteen years,
when he came to his present home, about one mile
farther down Gordon's fork of Wheeling creek, on
which place he has since resided. Mr. Ealy has
been a very successful farmer, and in politics is a
Democrat. He is a member of no church, but at
tends the Fairmount United Brethren Church.
His wife was a member of the Cumberland Presby
terian Church.

TfOSEPH M. CLARK, one of the enterprising
1 1 residents of Franklin township, was born
/fjl March 19, 1858, in Buffalo township, Wash-
^^ ington Co., Penn., a son of David Clark, an
early resident of the township. Joseph M.
Clark passed his early youth on his father's farm
and in attending the schools of the neighborhood.
On May 11, 1882, he was united in marriage with
Caroline L., daughter of J. W. Patterson, and to
this union one child has been bom, Wiley Patter
son Clark. Mr. Clark has always been a Repub
lican, and has taken an active interest in the success
of his party. He has served as assistant assessor
of the township several years, and discharged the
duties of that office to the entire satisfaction of all
parties interested. He and his wife are members
of the Cumberland Presby terian Church. Mr. Clark
is yet a young man, and has before him the promise
of a long and prosperous life.

ILAS PRICE is a grandson of Joseph Price,
a native of France, who emigrated to Amer
ica when a young man. After marriage he
settled in Washington, Washington Co.,
Penn., and there remained until his death.
William Price, son of Joseph, was born in Wash
ington, where he remained until his marriage with
Elizabeth, daughter of John Horn, of Buffalo
township, when he removed to a farm where he
passed the remainder of a useful and successful
life. He was the father of three children: Will
iam W., Ansodon and Silas. Mr. Price was a Re-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1387

publican in politics, and in religion he was an
earnest worker in the church. He died February
17, 1863, and his remains rest in Washington
cemetery. Silas Price was born November 24, 1858, in
Canton township, Washington Co., Penn. On
March 16, 1882, he married Nona, daughter of
Benjamin Ramsey, of Franklin township. They
have no children. Since he has resided on his
present farm Mr. Price has made many improve
ments, and has erected a handsome dwelling, which
displays evidence of excellent taste. In political
opinion he is independent, and has been elected to
many offices of trust in his township, the duties of
which he has discharged in a manner satisfactory
to all interested. He is at present road commis-

ENJAMIN RAMSEY, a well-known citizen
of Franklin township, was born August 2,
1828, on the home place in Washington
county. He improved every opportunity
for self-culture, and secured a valuable fund of
general knowledge. On March 15, 1854, he se
lected a bride in the person of Priscilla, daughter
of Isaac and Nancy (Owens) Carter, whose chil
dren were as follows: Elizabeth, wife of John
Sunderland; Jane, married to Simeon McClain;
Mary, wife of John Jones; William; Lucinda,
wife of Benjamin Carson; Margaret, married to
Albert Kelsey, and Priscilla, wife of Benjamin
Ramsey. The father was a stanch adherent of the
Democratic party.
Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have passed their married
life on the place where they are now living in
Franklin township, and four children have blessed
their union, namely: John W., married to Lydia
Mosher; Nona, wife of Silas Price, of Canton
township; Frank, and Herbert, who was married
to Maude McClellan, of Allegheny county, Penn.
They have one son, Harold H. Mr. Ramsey has
been an ardent worker in the ranks of the Repub
lican party, and in religion is a member of the M.
E. Church, toward which he gives a liberal sup
port.

I T ENRY S. RITCHEY, a well-known farmer
I "*|| of Buffalo township, is a grandson of Will-
i jj| iam Ritchey, who was a native of Lancaster
JJ -* county, Penn. William Ritchey (father of
Henry S.) was born in 1806 in Lancaster
county, Penn., on his father's farm, and received
his early education in the subscription schools of
the period. In early manhood he moved to Ohio,
settling near Columbus, but the change proved in
jurious to his health, and after remaining three
years in Ohio he returned in 1830 to Pennsylvania,

and located in Washington county. Mr. Ritchey
began life as a farm laborer, afterward becoming
a renter and cropper. He was married to Sarah,
daughter of Henry Smith, whose family were
among the earliest pioneers of AVashington county.
To the union of William and Sarah Ritchey were
born four children: Henry S., William, George
(living in Morgan county, Ohio) and Mary (de
ceased). Mr. Ritchey achieved success by his own
industry, and at the time of his death, which oc
curred in 1870, he owned nearly 500 acres of land
"in Hopewell and Buffalo townships. Mrs. Ritchey
is living in Ohio, with her son George.
Henry S. Ritchey was born in 1838 in Hopewelli
township, Washington Co., Penn., and received a
very good education, of which he has made practical
use. He was united in marriage with Jennie,.
daughter of John Reed, of Buffalo township,
this county, and two children were born to their
union : John and William, both of whom are living'
at home with their father; their mother died in
1879. Mr. Ritchey' s farm consists of 147 acres,
upon which he has made many improvements. In
politics he is a Republican, and has held various
township offices.

JLLIAM B. BRIGGS, a well-known
agriculturist of Amwell township, comes
of Irish descent, his grandfather, John
Briggs, having emigrated from Ireland
in 1786, locating in Washington town
ship (now Washington borough), Washington Co.,
Penn., and here remained thirty years. His chil
dren were as follows: John B., Lazarus, Nathaniel,
Marguerite (Mrs. Greer), Polly (Mrs. Been),
Rachel (Mrs. Been), all now deceased except Mrs.
Polly Been. Mr. Briggs had learned no trade,
and therefore engaged in any employment he
could secure. He died on a farm in Chartiers
township, this county, which was owned by David
Quail. Nathaniel Briggs, son of John, was born in
Washington borough, Penn., and, being a child
of poor parents, was compelled to begin the
struggle with life in very early youth, but made
his home with his parents until about twenty-one
years of age. He was married to Marguerite Been,
of Chartiers township, this county (near Allison's
Coal Works), and to them were born the following
children: James, residing in AVashington, Penn.;
William B. ; John, living in La Salle county, 111. ;
Robert, residing in Claysville, Penn. ; Mrs. Anna
Eliza Gibson . (deceased) ; Alexander (deceased) ;
Samuel (deceased); David and Isaac, residing near
Washington, Penn. In politics Mr. Briggs was
a Democrat; and in religious connection he was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
passed from life December 2, 1868.

1388

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

William B. Briggs was born February 21, 1830,
in Chartiers township, near Washington, this
county, and received but three months' schooling
during the winter time, in an old log schoolhouse,
which was erected on a farm owned by Aaron
Miller. He began to carve out his future at the
juvenile age of ten years, first working by the
month for Jacob AVolfe; he was then employed by
Lewis Hawell five years, and afterward worked
seven years for William Donelby; then returned
home and worked the farm on shares. In 1850 he
was married to Emily Haggerty, of Canton town
ship, this county, and they have had eight chil
dren, those who survived infancy being Alexander
(residing in Ohio), Simeon W. , Mary Marguerite,
Washington, John (deceased) and Newton. Mr.
Briggs has a pleasant home and nice farm of 106
acres in Amwell township, which he has secured
by hard labor, having been the sole architect of his
own fortune. In political opinion he is a Demo
crat. He and his family have been members of
the Presbyterian, Church for thirty years.

JOHN CROUCH is a worthy representative of
one of the pioneer families of North Strabane
township. He is a great-grandson of John
Crouch, a native of Maryland, who, in a very
early day, came with a colony to what is now
North Strabane township, Washington Co. , Penn.
He lived and died on his pioneer home, and was
buried on the farm. His son John also passed his
entire life on the home farm, and here ten children
were born to him. Robert Crouch, the eldest son
of John Crouch, was united in marriage with Anna
Thomas (whose father, Edmond Thomas, was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war), and she bore
him three children : James L. (deceased at the age
of fifty-eight years), Mary J. (wife of Harvey Mc
Vay, of Washington) and John. Mr. Crouch was
an active member of the United Presbyterian
Church. He died October 10, 1886, and his
widow is yet living with her son John. She has
also been connected with the Presbyterian Church
for many years.
John Crouch, son of Robert Crouch, was born
August 19, 1833, on the old farm, and passed his
youth at home, attending the country schools of
North Strabane township. On January 5, 1854,
he was married to Isabella Bebout, who was born
April 6, 1834, daughter of Peter Bebout. Mr.
Bebout was a native of New Jersey, and coming to
Washington county, Penn., was married to Isa
bella Cooper, a native of Ohio. The children born
to this union were as follows: Susan (Mrs. William
Bebout), Isabella (wife of John Crouch), Caroline
(Mrs. Joseph V. Manes), David, Ira, Herman H.,
Mary J., Margaret, Joshua, Stephen and Martha
J. , the last five of whom are deceased. At the

age of eighteen years Mr. Bebout walked from
New Jersey to Washington county, and settled in
North Strabane township. He died in 1861, and
his wife followed him to the grave March 6, 1888.
They were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. John Crouch are the parents of
the following children : Robert C. , born October 2,
1859; Alphonso, born Januarv 18, 1861; William
H., born July 12, 1863; Laura B. (wife of Alex
ander Dice), born October 29, 1865; John B.,
born June 6, 1868; Sadie B., born September 23,
1872; Clarence A., born October 11, 1877; and
Nannie M. , born April 6, 1878. After marriage
Mr. Crouch settled on the old homestead, where he
has been engaged in general farming; he owns 100
acres of land in an excellent state of cultivation,
and has ote good gas well. He is much interested
in educational matters, and has served as school
director nine years. He and his wife are both
members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian
Church.

[( LVIN M. SMITH. This gentleman, who is
l\ one of the leading progressive agricultur
al ists of South Strabane township, claims, by
-* reason of his popularity and prominence as
a worthy citizen, more than a passing no
tice in the pages of this work.
He is a grandson of John Smith, a native of
England, who when a young man immigrated to
America, making a settlement in Pennsylvania,
where he married and had two children — one son
and one daughter — whom he reared to maturity.
From the Keystone State he moved to Ohio, and
there carried on a general store in Steubenville,
in which town he died. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a Demo
crat. Ezekiel Smith, father of the subject of these
lines, was born in 1824, in the State of Pennsyl
vania, where he was educated and learned the
trade of tailor, which he followed for some years.
In 1845 he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of
Joseph Miller, of South Strabane township, and
the children born to this union were John, Alvin
M. , Henry and William, the last two being de
ceased. The father died in Steubenville, Ohio,
in 1854, aged thirty years; the mother is still liv
ing and in good health. After his death the family
came to South Strabane township, this county, and
made- their home with Joseph Miller, with whom
the sons remained until they attained their ma
jority. Alvin M. Smith was born November 6, 1848, in
Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., his
education, necessarily limited on account of the
early death of his father, being obtained at the
public schools of the district. Early in life he

mm

o4^mzr? &W ^m^^^^l^y

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1391

commenced work as a common laborer, in South
Strabane township, in which vocation he continued
some ten years, at the end of which time he rented
a farm for three years, in the same township, and
then purchased the tract where he now resides,
and where he has since been prosperously engaged
in agricultural pursuits, a striking example of
what may be accomplished by honest toil, unre
mitting perseverance, sound judgment and un
questioned integrity of purpose. On March 28,
1878, Mr. Smith was married to Harriet, daughter
of Adam Beck, of South Strabane township, and
the children born to this union are Anna, Harry,
Clementina J. , one that died in infancy, and John
E. (deceased). Politically Mr. Smith is an inde
pendent Republican, and in religious faith he is a
member of the United Presbyterian Church of
Washington. He is a typical, representative self-
made man, having risen by his own individual
efforts from the bottom rung of the ladder, step
by step, until he is now one of the most prosper
ous men of his township. On his farm was sunk
the first well of the famous Smith pool fund, in the
year 1886. 

AMES A. STEWART-is an honored repre-
II sentative of a family whose name is promi-
rj nently identified with the early settlement of
*^ the county. The early ancestors of these
pioneers were natives of Scotland, where John
Stewart, grandfather of . the present generation,
was born and reared. He married a maiden from
the " Emerald Isle," and soon afterward came to
America. They pushed westward from the Atlan
tic coast in search of a cheap home, and reaching
western Pennsylvania, they found the object of
their quest. He located in Cross Creek township,
of Washington county, and taking 500 acres of
land in the eastern part of the township, erected a
log cabin in the wilderness. Amid dangers and
hardships John Stewart and his wife began their
home, but with the advent of others the Indians
¦retreated, finally crossing the Ohio river. The
visits soon grew less frequent, and the develop
ment of the country became assured as people
•continued to come from the populated States.
John Stewart was one of those hardy, industrious
Scotchmen whose aim in life is to implant the
principles of honor and industry into the lives of
their children. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were
born children as follows: John (father of sub
ject), James (who passed his entire life on the
home farm), William (moved to Guernsey county,
Ohio), Jane (Mrs. Everett, of Ohio), Hester (Mrs.
John Thorn, who lived on Raccoon creek), Mary
(Mrs. Joseph Soott, who moved to Coshocton
county, Ohio), (all of whom are now de
ceased). Mr. Stewart died on the home farm in

a ripe old age, after success had begun to crown
his years of toil, having been preceded to the
grave by his wife.
John Stewart was bom in 1788 in Cross Creek
township, Washington Co. , Penn. , on the pioneer
farm of his father, and passed his boyhood on the
farm, and in attending the subscription schools.
In 1818 he was married to Sally Paxton, a native
of Maryland, whose parents moved to Washington
county when she was a small child. To this union
were born the following children: Mary (widow
of Robert Liggett), James A. (subject), David M.
(a farmer of Cross Creek township), Sarah J. (Mrs.
James Smiley, of Cross Creek township), Eliza A.
(wife of Wallace Richey, of Hopewell township),
John, Nathaniel and Maria, the latter three de
ceased. Mr. Stewart located on the old home
farm in Cross Creek township, and there passed
his life. He was a man of unusually fine physique,
standing over six feet two inches in his stocking
feet, weighing 240 pounds. Sickness was foreign
to his nature and a physician was never called to
attend him until the illness preceding his death.
Nature had also blessed him in an unusual manner
by giving him an entire set of double teeth, not a
single tooth having been in his head. He was
capable of doing an immense amount of work, and
always exercised his powers, being an energetic
and successful farmer. Politically he was a Dem
ocrat, but not a politician. He died in 1860, and
in 1868 his widow was laid beside him.
James A. Stewart was born March 15, 1821, in
Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where he received his early education in the sub
scription schools. This was afterward improved
by a course at Wotring' s Academy. He then
successfully followed the profession of a school
teacher for thirteen years, when he began the
study of medicine under Dr. Hamilton, of West
Middletown, but was compelled to abandon it,
owing to failing health. On July 13, 1852, he was
united in marriage with Sarah C. Pogue, who was
born May 15, 1825, daughter of David Pogue, and
she bore "him children as follows: David R., John,
George, Annie, Mary and Lydia, all of whom are
living at home. On account of the physical disa
bility of the father, the sons have charge of the
farm, and being energetic and industrious young
men, they have the respect and good wishes of the
entire community. Mr. Stewart remained in Jef
ferson township seventeen years after his mar
riage and in 1873 came to Independence town
ship and purchased the "Thomas White" farm,
lying about two miles northeast of Independence,
which is his present home. In politics he is a
Democrat, and in religious connection both Mr.
and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Bethel M.
P. Church.

1392

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

HENRY SAMPSON, an influential and pros
perous farmer of East Finley township, is
a grandson of David Sampson, who was
I — born about 1768 in England, where he fol
lowed farming several years, afterward im
migrating to America and locating near Balti
more, Md. He was married to Nancy Jane  ,
who was born in 1771, and the following children
were born to them: Thomas (deceased in AVashing
ton county, Ohio), Laban (deceased in Vinton
county, Ohio), Benjamin and Abraham (both de
ceased in East Finley township, this county),
David (father of subject), William (residing in
Washington county, Ohio), and a daughter (de
ceased in infancy, unnamed). After his marriage
Mr. Sampson resided for some time in Maryland,
where several of his children were born, thence
moving to Washington county, Penn. , he located
in East Finley township, near the present post-
office of England, and finally settled on the old
home farm, which is situated about two miles from
East Finley postoffice, where he died in 1834, hav
ing been preceded several years by his wife.
David Sampson was born in June, 1808, in
Maryland, and came with his parents on their long
and tedious journey over the mountains to Wash
ington county, Penn. Their worldly property,
with which to begin the struggle of life in the
wilderness, was hauled in one cart by two horses
driven tandem, the members of the family who
could not ride following behind the load. They
first located near England postoffice, and, having
no property, the struggle for existence was a hard
one. After some time David returned over the
mountains with a hog-drover, and while in the
East purchased a tract of unbroken land, erected
a log cabin, and thither moved his parents, where
they died in 1834. He was united in marriage
with Fanny Sprowls, born in 1816, daughter of
Arthur Sprowls, of East Finley township, this
county, and the family consisted of the following
children: Mary Ann (wife of James Sprowls), re
siding in West Finley township; Catherine, widow
of Jackson Elliott, living in East Finley township;
Nancy Jane (deceased); Arthur and James (both
deceased in infancy); Henry (subject of present
sketch); John, a farmer of Marshall county, W.
Va. ; Phcebe, wife of William Archer, living in
West Finley township, this county; Silas, residing
in West Finley township; Libbens, living in Mar
shall county, W. Va. ; Elizabeth, wife of James
Martin, of West Finley township, and an unnamed
infant. Mr. Sampson passed the remainder of his
life on the home farm, and became a successful
business man. In politics he was a Democrat, and
in religious connection a member of the M. E.
Church. He died in 1878, having been preceded
by his wife in 1874.
Henry Sampson was born May 10, 1843, in

East Finley township, and passed his youth on
the farm, receiving a limited education , although
his inclinations led him to improve every possible
opportunity. In 1883 he was united in marriage
with Adeline Maria Parkinson, who waB born
March 30, 1852, daughter of John Parkinson, of
Morris township, Greene Co., Penn. They have
one child, Libbens, born May 31, 1884. Mr.
Sampson is a prosperous and popular citizen, and
in addition to his vocation of general farming was
for eighteen years engaged in threshing, but has
recently retired from that. He is a worker in the
Democratic party. He is a member of the U. B.
Church, and his wife of the C. P. Church at Old
Concord.

C. BUCHANAN, a well-known citizen of
Hopewell township, was born in 1864, in
Independence township, this county. He
^ is a grandson of David, whose father was
Samuel Buchanan. The latter came with
his wife and son John from Lancaster county,
Penn., to Independence township, this county, in
1783, and on April 19, 1785, purchased 300 acres
of land on " Worley''B Run" of Joseph Worley,
who returned to the East. t After settling in Inde
pendence township, three sons were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Samuel Buchanan, namely: William,
Samuel and David, all of whom remained in Inde
pendence township. John took the tract of 225
acres (adjoining the farms of Henry Levens and
John and Philip Doddridge) and died upon
this farm; Samuel died about 1804 on the old
homestead; William settled in Zanesville, Ohio,
where he died. David Buchanan settled on a part
of the old homestead upon which he built a tannery
in 1810, but on account of a fatal accident, by
which a son was drowned in the vat, he gave up
the business in 1817. His son, David, afterward
inherited the old Buchanan farm, now occupied by
John McAllister.
R. C. Buchanan spent one year at Canonsburg
Academy, also a year at Bethany College. He
left school at the age of nineteen years, and com
menced farming in partnership with his brother,
remaining in Independence township until 1887.
In 1884 he was united in marriage with Miss Cora
Denny, daughter of Walter Denny. The grand
father of Walter Denny was born in eastern
Pennsylvania, and there married Esther Maxwell.
In 1788 he located near Canonsburg, this county,
where his children were reared, as follows: Cath
erine, Martha, Margaret, Esther, Eleanor, James,
Robert and Walter. The father of this family
died in 1802, and the mother was laid by his side
in 1843.
Robert Denny was born in 1785, in eastern
Pennsylvania, being brought when a child to this

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1393

county. In 1814 he was married to Lydia Mc
Mannis, who bore him children, as follows : Walter,
Anne, Esther, James, Robert, Elizabeth, William
and Catherine (twins) and Lydia. Of this family,
Esther, James, Robert and Elizabeth are deceased.
Walter Denny was born April 30, 1816, in South
Strabane township, this county. In 1842 he was
married to Mary, daughter of John Welch, of
Chartiers township, and their children were Mary
Jane, Elizabeth Ann, Margaret L., Sarah L.
Sarah E. , Robert M. , John W. and Laura (twins),
Samuel T., Alice, Agnes, Cora and Martha. Mr.
and Mrs. Walter Denny passed their first years of
wedded life in South Strabane township, then
went to Hopewell township, finally locating on the
farm one mile and a half west of West Middle -
town, where they are now living.
To the union of R. C. and Cora (Denny) Bu
chanan children have been born as follows: Fannie,
born in August, 1885; a son (deceased in infancy);
Mary, born March 2, 1888; and Nellie, born in
August, 1890. In 1887 R. C. Buchanan moved to
his present home, situated two miles northeast of
West Middletown. He devotes his principal at
tention to raising Spanish Merino sheep, also rais
ing horses and cultivating 131 acres of land. He
votes the Democratic ticket, and has been inspect
or of elections three years. In religious faith he
and his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo
Presbyterian Church.

JAMES MARSHALL is a representative of one
of the oldest pioneer families of Washington
county. The first pioneer of the family
name was Hugh Marshall, who was born in
the North of Ireland, where, in 1764, he was
married to Rosanna Marshall, a native of the same
county. Two children, Gilbert and Samuel, were
bom to them in their native land. In 1776 they
emigrated to America, and after a voyage of nine
weeks landed at Philadelphia, Penn., afterward
moving to Washington county, and settling (about
1778) a short distance northeast of the present
city of Washington, where two other children were
born: James and Margaret. They soon after
ward purchased a tract of 200 acres of land on
Garbys fork of Wheeling creek, in East Finley
township, between Gale and East Finley, and
made a permanent home in the midst of the wilder
ness, surrounded by Indians, where their two
youngest children, John and Hugh, were born.
Mr. Marshall had learned the weaver's trade in
Ireland, and continued to follow it in America.
His land adjoined the property of Robert Carroll,
whose brothers were killed by the Indians. Mr.
Marsrrall was living in his log cabin at the time of
that tragedy, but probably escaped the same fate
by fleeing to the fort when the first signs of the

presence of Indians were seen. Many times, be
fore and after this occurrence, Mr. Marshall and
his family sought safety at the fort, which was
situated near the present site of Prosperity, but
they bravely endured the hardships and dangers,
nobly doing their share in developing the re
sources of the wild country. Mr. Marshall died in
1815, and in 1833 his widow followed him to the
grave. Gilbert Marshall was born in Ireland about 1763,
and coming to America with his parents grew to
manhood surrounded by the privations and dangers
incident to the lives of pioneers. In 1801 he was
united in marriage with Martha Bell, who was born
east of the mountains about 1768, daughter of
Robert Bell, of Morris township, Washington
county, and to this union the following children
were born: Mary, Rosanna, Hugh, Jane (widow
of Hamilton Carroll), Margaret, Robert, James,
Martha (widow of Joseph D. Carroll), Elizabeth
(wife of J. J. Hunter, of East Finley township).
Of these Mary, Rosanna, Hugh, Margaret and
Robert are deceased. After his marriage Mr.
Marshall bought of his father a small piece of
land, lying one mile southeast of East Finley
postoffice, where he passed the remainder of his
life, year by year continuing to add to his prop
erty. He possessed unusual vigor and was evi
dently especially fitted for the life of hardships
and struggles that was his portion, but in which
he was so successful. In politics he was a lifelong
Democrat, and in religion a member of the U. P.
Church. After a most useful life he passed away,
in 1864, wearied with the weight of ninety-nine
years, having been preceded to the grave by his
wife about the year 1857.
James Marshall was born July 10, 1813, on the
home farm in East Finley township, Washington
county. His only opportunity for an early educa
tion was limited to an irregular attendance at the
subscription schools then in the vicinity, and his
youth was passed upon the farm with his father.
In 1844 he was married to Maria McCaslin, of
Greene County, Penn. , who bore him two children :
Maxwell (deceased at the age of twelve years) and
Angelina T. (living in Miami county, Kans.). This
wife died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. Marshall was
married to Emery E. Guttery, of Morris township,
who died February 21, 1877. In 1881 he mar
ried, for. his third wife, Susan G. Potter, of East
Finley township, who died October 20, 1891.
After his first marriage Mr. Marshall lived on the
farm of his father five years, and then resided near
Prosperity, Morris township, where he remained
some time; thence removed to Ritchie county, W.
Va. , where he still owns a farm, returning in 1883
to Washington county, Penn., and locating near
Dog Wood Grove church, where he is now resid
ing. Notwithstanding his age Mr. Marshall is

1394

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

yet an active man. In politics he is a Democrat,
and in religion he is a member of the U. P.
Church.

,\ILLIAM CRUMRINE. The Crumrine
family, an old one in this county, is of
German origin. George L. Crumrine,
from whom the family in Pennsylvania
is directly descended, emigrated from the
Palatinate of Germany to America in 1748, locat
ing in Maryland. A son, Abraham Crumrine, mar
ried there and reared a family of children, among
whom was a son John, the father of our subject.
John Crumrine was born January 22, 1779, in
what is now Carroll county, Md., near the present
village of Melrose. Here he was married in 1803
to Barbara Fohrman. In 1810, having heard of
the fertile land in Washington county, Penn., he
concluded to seek a home in the then "far West."
In order to make preparation for the reception of
his family, then consisting of his wife and four
children, he went ahead, walking the whole dis
tance there, and purchased a piece of land in West
Bethlehem township, near the mouth of Daniel' s
Run> called in the patent "Snake Den." He
walked the entire distance back to Maryland, and
in 181 1, accompanied by his family, he started on
this difficult journey. All his earthly effects were
loaded into a wagon, in which there was still found
room for the family. The roads were indescribably
bad, and the fatigue of the trip may be imagined.
With all the vigor of robust youth, he devoted him
self to opening his land and supporting his family.
Here twelve more children were born, making a
family of sixteen. John Crumrine died January
13, 1857, having been preceded by his wife in 1850.
William Crumrine, the eighth child in the order
of birth of John and Barbara Crumrine, was born
March 15, 1817, in Washington county, Penn. He
was reared to a full knowledge of all arduous farm
life, receiving a limited education in the neighbor
ing "log-cabin school." He began life on his own
account as a farmer, in which, with the exception
of sixteen years, during which he conducted a mer
cantile business at Lindley's Mills, he has been
engaged all his life. His farm near Dennis Sta
tion is excellently improved, and yields a handsome
income. In 1845 Mr. Crumrine was married to
Lydia, daughter of Thomas Ross, of Ruff's Creek,
Greene Co., Penn. To them eleven children have
been born: John Thomas, a minister at Cedarville,
N. J. ; Kennedy, a wholesale paper dealer, of Pitts
burgh; Ross, who died at the age of twenty -five
years; Hannah Lucinda, wife of E. A. Conger, of
Morris township; Mary E., a school teacher, at
home; Frank, died in infancy; Homer, living at
Deer Lick, Greene county; Stephen, died when
young; M. D., who married Nannie McVay, and

assists in the farm work at home; and Timothy
and George, who died when young. In politics
Mr. Crumrine is a Democrat. Both he and his
wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.

1/ SAAC WHITEMAN. Among the native-born
agriculturists of West Finley township, none
stands higher in the esteem and regard of the
community than this gentleman. A represent
ative self-made man, he has from the bottom rung
of the ladder of life worked upward to an honora
ble competency, a solid reputation and a good
name. Mr. Whiteman is a son of Isaac Whiteman, who
was born in 1764, in Washington county, Penn.,
and was reared on his father's farm to the noblest
of all occupations — the cultivation of the soil. He
was here married to Miss Eleanor Maughaman,
also a native of the county, born March 7, 1766,
and by her he had seven children, viz. : Andrew,
Matthias, Esther, Susan, John, Isaac, and one that
died in infancy.
Isaac Whiteman, son of Isaac and Eleanor
(Maughaman) Whiteman, was born March 1, 1820,
in Canton township, this county, in what was then
called Razortown, and very early in life commenced
working on the farm. When he was but three
years of age his father died, leaving a widowed
mother with a large family to be provided for; and
young Isaac had his share to do in providing food
and clothing for them. As a consequence his edu
cational training — inside the school-room — was
very limited and meager as compared with the
practical lessons he received outside. Up to the
age of forty years he worked as a farm laborer by
the month, or on rented farms, the first money he
earned being for mowing wheat for a neighbor,
two days being occupied on the job, for which he
received the munificent sum of 6j cents.
Our subject was married December 20, 1840, to
Sarah Bedillion, of Washington county, Penn.,
and nine children were born to them, the follow
ing being their names and dates of birth: Chris
tian B., 1841; Matthias J., July 27, 1843; Eleanor,
August 15, 1845; Mary J., March 13, 1848; Elsie
M., February 1, 1850; John B., December 29,
1852; Susanna, May 5, 1855; Sarah E., May 20,
1859, and Phoebe B., September 23, 1861, all now
living except Christian B. , who died young, and
Mary J. , who died March 16, 1879. The mother
departed this life November 8, 1890, a consistent
member of the Baptist Church of Enon.
About 1850 Mr. Whiteman bought a farm in
West Virginia, investing all his savings in it, and
when the last dollar had been paid the title<turned
out to be totally worthless, so all his hard-earned
substance of the best part of his life went like chaff

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1395

before the wind. This disaster naturally much de
pressed him, but being possessed of a stout heart
and great will power, he again set to work to re
trieve his lost fortune. This time he bought a farm
in West Finley township, this county, the one he
still owns, and here commenced to deal in live
stock and wool, becoming known in course of time
as one of the leading wool buyers in the county.
By hard labor, strict economy, and indomitable
perseverance Mr. Whiteman has, in spite of adver
sity, made life a success, being now the owner of
300 acres of fine farm land in West Finley town
ship, besides a house and lot in the thriving little
town of Businessburgh, where he is now living re
tired from active work. He has been a lifelong
member and one of the substantial supporters of
the Baptist Church at Enon, in which he. is a dea
con, and in politics he has always been a sterling
Democrat.

4/

Ml RS. MARY SPROWLS was born May 13,
1828, daughter of Hugh and Ruth (En
low) Montgomery, of East Finley town-
' ship, and is the widow of Simeon Sprowls,
a successful farmer of East Finley town
ship, Washington county.
John Sprowls, a native of Ireland, was the first
of his family to settle in America. In 1784 he
was united in marriage, in Ireland, with Eliza
Love (also a native of Erin), and the following
children were there born to them: Arthur, Jane,
Edward, John, Henry, James, Elizabeth and
Nancy. In 1793 Mr. Sprowls brought his family
to America, landing first at Philadelphia, thence
going to Carlisle, Cumberland Co. , Penn. , and in
about 1795 settling in West Pike Run township,
Washington county. Soon afterward they went to
Allen township, this county, but at length made a
permanent home near the postoffice of Good Intent,
in East Finley township, where the remainder of
their lives was passed. Two children, William and
Mary, were born in America.
Simeon Sprowls was the son of James Sprowls,
and grandson of the pioneer John Sprowls. He
was born December 13, 1822, in East Finley town
ship, this county, and as his parents died when he
was very young, leaving very little property, Simeon
was obliged to begin life for himself at the age of
twelve years. He worked some time without re
ceiving wages, and was then paid the modest sum
of a "levy" per day. He continued to work at
whatever would afford employment, and was one
of the laborers hired to assist in building the brick
residence of Mr. Thomas Stout, which was erected
by Isaac Havelv. At the age of sixteen he began
to learn the carpenter's trade with Albert Squires,
for whom'he worked several years, afterward be
coming his partner. Mr. Squires finally moved to

Ohio, and Mr. Sprowls continued the business.
On February 24, 1848, he was united in marriage
with Mary Montgomery, and the following chil
dren were born to them: Oliver M., born April 27,
1850 (living in West Finley township, this county) ;
Albert S., born July 3, 1852 (an attorney, living
in Washington, Penn.); Alexander M., born No
vember 14, 1854 (deceased in infancy); Harvey,
born November 17, 1856 (residing in East Finley
township); Ruth, born July 3, 1859 (living at
home); George B., born March 5, 1862 (a hard
ware merchant in Claysville, this county); Mar
garet J., born October 17, 1864 (wife of Christian
Plants, living in Claysville), and William M., born
September 9, 1867 (residing at home).
After his marriage Mr. Sprowls located near
Prosperity, on Ten- Mile creek, where he remained
a short time, and in 1850 purchased, of Samuel
McQuery, a farm in East Finley township, where
he lived the rest of his life. He continued to farm
and follow his trade until the spring of 1878,
when he was suddenly taken ill, lingering only a
short time, and on June 24, 1878, passed away.
At the time of his death Mr. Sprowls had exten
sive land possessions, having each year added to
his original property by hard labor and careful
economy. Politically he was a Democrat. Since
the death of her husband Mrs. Sprowls has resided!
on the home farm, which is managed under her di
rection. She is a member of the Windy Gap
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

It I7ENRY SMITH. Among the representa-
k— j five citizens of Union township is this gen-
I 8 tleman, who has been prominently identi-
II -* fied with the interests of the community
v since locating here. His grandfather, Rob
ert Smith, came from Maryland in 1782, and lo
cated on a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., where
some of the family are yet living. An old shot
gun, which was brought across the ocean by his
family, has been remodeled, and is yet in their
possession. Robert Smith was married to Miss
Jane Moore, a native of Maryland, Who bore him
the following named children: Daniel, Jennie,
Mary A., Nancy, Robert, Betsey, Polly, Margaret,
William and John, all of whom lived to be over
sixty-six years of age; Polly is the only one yet liv
ing. John Smith, son of Robert and Jane (Moore)
Smith, was born on the farm in Allegheny county,
Penn. , where his life was devoted to tilling the
soil. On March 17, 1842, he married Anna,
daughter of Henry Croco, of Allegheny county,
Penn. Eleven children were born to this mar
riage, all of whom yet enjoy robust health, namely:
Elizabeth J., Margaret J., Robert, Henry, Mary
A., Lucinda, John C, Belle F., Hettie R.. Ann
M. and Adeline M. The father was a stanch sup-

1396

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

porter of the Democratic party. He died March
15, 1882, and was buried on the fortieth anniver
sary of his wedding day.
Henry Smith, second son of John and Anna
(Croco) Smith, was born in 1849, in Allegheny
county, Penn., and passed his youth on the old
place. On January 9, 1873, he was united in mar
riage with Amelia, daughter of Matthias Uhr, of
Allegheny county, Penn. They began wedded
life on their present farm in Union township,
Washington Co. , Penn., where children have been
born to them as follows: Edward U. (attending
the Pittsburgh Academy), John H. , Lewis R. ,
Howard I., and Frank M. The home place con
tains 157 acres of land, and in addition to general
farming Mr. Smith manages an extensive dairy
business. In political opinion he is a Democrat,
and in religious faith a member and trustee of the
Presbyterian Church at Finleyville.

I( LEXANDER H. HUSTON is a son of Hugh
l\ Huston, who was born and reared in Char-
4\ tiers township, Washington , Co. , Penn. ,
-* where he attended the common schools.
He learned the carpenter's trade, and fol
lowed it successfully for many years. He mar
ried Rachel Swan, a native of this county, who
bore him three children: William, Alexander H.
and Mattie. Of these, William was killed at the
battle of Gettysburg, and Alexander H. is the
only one now living. Hugh Huston was a Dem
ocrat in politics, and in religious connection a
member of the Associate Reformed Church.
Alexander H. Huston was born in 1840, in
Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., where
he was reared, educated and taught the carpenter's
trade, at which he has since worked. In 1862 he
enlisted, along with his brother William, in Com
pany D, Tenth Regiment, P. V. I., and was sent
to the army of the Potomac; he was wounded in
the battle of Gettysburg, where his brother was
killed, as above stated. On October 6, 1871, he
was united in marriage with Lizzie E., daughter
of William Harsha, of Canonsburg, Penn., a son
of Thomas Harsha, a native of Pennsylvania, who
in early manhood was married to Jane Hutchinson,
a descendant of one of the old families of Wash
ington county. They resided in Chartiers town
ship and reared a large family. He was a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Dem
ocrat. His son, William Harsha, was born in
Chartiers township, this county, and was there
educated. When a young man he married Har
riet, daughter of William Fee. The young couple
settled on the old place in Chartiers township,
where Mr. Harsha died in 1860, leaving the fol
lowing children: William G. , Lizzie E. (wife of
A. H. Huston), Sarah (Mrs. William Hutchinson),

Thomas and George V. The father was a Demo
crat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
To the union of Alexander H. and Lizzie E.
(Harsha) Huston two daughters have been born,
namely: Nettie J. and Harriet F. Mr. Huston, in
politics, follows in the footsteps of his forefathers,
being a straight Democrat; in religion he is a
member of the U. P. Church.

DANIEL MADISON CARY, of Morris town
ship, is a descendant of an old family of
English descent. Abel Cary, the grand
father of Daniel Madison, was a native of
New Jersey, born of English parentage. He mar
ried in that State, later removing with his family
(a member of which was Daniel, born August 13,
1779) to Greene county, Penn. Daniel Cary
spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, re
ceiving but little schooling. In 1802 he married
Mary Cooper, born July 18, 1783, a daughter of
Zebulon Cooper, of Morris township. Shortly af
ter his marriage he removed to Chenango county,
N. Y. , where he resided for a short time, soon af
terward coming to Greene county, Penn., where
he died in 1868; his wife died in 1854. To them
were born ten children : Zebulon, born November
25, 1803; Abel, born October 8, 1805; Jerusha,
born August 3, 1807; Mary, born July 15, 1809;
Elizabeth, born December 28, 1812; Susanna, born
November 13, 1814; Julian, born February 18,
1817; Sylvester, born May 6, 1819; John, born
March 23, 1821; and Daniel Madison. With the
exception of John, who died when young, the
whole family lived to maturity.
Daniel Madison Cary was born August 5, 1823,
and was trained to farm life. He received but a
meager education, his schooling consisting of about
four weeks' annual attendance at a subscription
school. In 1844 he married Mary, a daughter of
Jacob Huss, an early pioneer of Fairfield county,
Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Cary lived for a
while with his father in Greene county, then pur
chased land near Rogersville, Centre township,
same county, living there ten years, when he pur
chased his present farm, where he has since made
his home. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cary
were born children as follows: William Abel, born
August 23, 1845, married Elizabeth J. Bane, of
Strabane township, and now resides in Andrew
county, Mo. ; Harriet E., born May 17, 1848, mar
ried to Stephen Reeves, of Amwell township; Mary
J., bom December 22, 1850, married Simeon Mar
tin, of Andrew county, Mo., where they now reside;
Charles M., born May 22, 1854, died December 8,
1869; Elizabeth Ann, born October 6, 1857, makes
her home with her parents; Sarah M., born August
25, 1860, married Axtal Day, of Chartiers town
ship; Florence A., born May 30, 1867, married to

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1397

Washington Breese, of Amwell township. Mr.
Cary is one of the influential and successful men
of Morris township. He is a Democrat in politics,
and both he and his wife attend the Amity M. E.
Church, of which she is a member.

DANIEL McPHERSON was, in his lifetime,
a worthy representative of an honored race.
He was a grandson of John McPherson, a
native of Ireland, where he passed his en
tire life. He died at an advanced age, and left a
family of children, one of whom was his namesake,
John. John McPherson was born in Ireland, and at
the age of twenty years immigrated to America,
settling in Lancaster county, Penn. He was
united in marriage with Ann Logan, and their
children were William, James, John, Daniel, Ann
and Mary, all now deceased with the exception of
Ann and John.
Daniel McPherson was born September 5, 1817,
in Lancaster county, Penn. , and coming with his
parents to Washington county, same State, located
in Buffalo township, near Atchison, where he grew
to manhood, his time being employed in farm du
ties and in attending the common schools. On
February 2, 1842, he was married to Nancy Noble,
who was born July 19, 1823, a daughter of Will
iam and Rachel (Spencer) Noble, and they had the
following family of children: Samuel (deceased at
the age of thirty-five years), William (of whom
mention is made below), Daniel (also mentioned in
this sketch), Rachel, James, Florence, Sadie, Hen
rietta, Mary (Mrs. John Sights, of Morristown,
Penn.), and John. Of these children those now
living are William, Daniel and Mary.
Mr. McPherson lived on several different places
in Donegal township during the earlier years of
his married life, and in 1850 purchased the "Kerns
Farm," situated in the northern part of Donegal
township, where he passed the remainder of his
life* For twenty-five years prior to his death he
was unable to engage in active labor, and the prin
cipal work of the farm was done by the two sons,
William and Daniel. Mr. McPherson was noted
for his generosity of heart and was one of the pil
lars of the U. B. Church, contributing liberally to
its support. Politically, he was a Democrat. He
died in 1891, his loss being deeply felt by the en
tire community, for such men are not easily
replaced. His widow is living on a comfortable
home farm.
William McPherson, the son of Daniel and Nancy
(Noble) McPherson, was born on July 7, 1849, on
the old home farm in Donegal township, where his
boyhood was passed. On March 8, 1875, he was
married to Sarah E. Mealey, who was born August
2, 1840, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fin

ley) Mealey, and thay have had one son, John
Burton, born February 7, 1876. After his mar
riage Mr. McPherson located near the home of his
father, about two and a half miles southwest of
Atchison, this county, where he has erected a
handsome dwelling. Mr. McPherson assisted
largely in the success of his father, by years of
energetic and patient toil, and the home he now
enjoys is his deserved reward. In political life, he
is an active member of the Democratic party, and
has filled several township offices with credit.
Daniel McPherson, a brother of William, and
son of the elder Daniel McPherson, was born April
11, 1854. He received a common-school education
and passed his earlier years at home. On Febru
ary 15, 1881, he was united in marriage with Mar
tha Ellen Miller, who was born February 6, 1859,
daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Miller, and
they have one daughter, Lizzie, born March 22,
1886 . Mr. McPherson settled on a part of the
home farm, upon which he has built a comfortable
dwelling. The son inherits the progressive traits
of his father's character, combined with habits of
industry, which are a guarantee of future success.
He is a Democrat in political preference, and in
religious faith is a member of the Disciple Church
at Dutch Fork.

WILLIAM L. DUNN, the leading and pop
ular shoe merchant of Canonsburg, was
born in 1853, at Duncan Falls, Muskin
gum Co., Ohio. His grandfather, James
Dunn, was born and reared in Ireland, and
coming to America first settled in eastern Pennsyl
vania, where he was married to Miss Andrews, a
native of that State. The couple soon moved to
Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and he
followed agricultural pursuits. He was a Demo
crat, and in religion a member of the Seceder
Church. Four children were born to this mar
riage, namely: Samuel, George, Rebecca (Mrs.
Robert Beish) aud Isabelle (Mrs. Ritchie).
George Dunn was born in 1826, in Buffalo town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., where his early edu
cation was received. He left home at an early age,
and settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. When a
young man he was married to Mary J., daughter
of Philip Bedillion, of Washington county, Penn.
They resided in Ohio several years, and in 1845
came to Mount Pleasant township, this county,
finally settling in Chartiers township. He was an
active worker in the Democratic party. In re
ligious faith he was first a Seceder, then a member
of the U. P. Church; he died June 28, 1890, leav
ing the following children: William L. , Nathaniel,
Mary J. (wife of D. Q. Crawford), Louisa and
George. William L. Dunn remained on the home place

1398

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

during his boyhood, and attended school at Jeffer
son Academy. When eighteen years of age he en
tered the employ of A. T. Hoft, remaining there
one year. In 1873 he entered into partnership
with Lewis L. Huston, in the retail shoe business,
which they conducted two years. After selling out,
Mr. Dunn worked two years for the purchaser;
then worked three years for A. C. McNary, and in
1883 opened his present establishment in Canons
burg. On September 1, 1874, he was united in
marriage with Lizzie H, daughter of John E.
Black, of Canonsburg. Their union has been
blessed with the following children: Charles,
Alice, William, Mary and Elsie. Of these children
Alice and William are yet living. Mr. Dunn began
business with but little capital, and has been the
architect of his own fortune. He and his family
are members of the Central Presbyterian Church,
and in politics he is actively identified with the
Democratic party.

'HARLES SCHMIDT, than whom there has
not been a more enterprising and respected
citizen in South Strabane township, was a
native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg,
April 29, 1820.
His father, Frederick Schmidt, was of the same
place, where he married, and reared a large family
of children, of whom the subject of this sketch
was the second in order of birth. Charles Schmidt
remained under the parental roof, receiving his
education at the school of the neighborhood, until
he was twenty years of age, when he was drafted
into the German army; in which he served nine
years, a portion of the time in the corps of infantry
sharpshooters, he being then a corporal. He was
tailor of his company for a time, and then was ap
pointed shoemaker, a trade he had learned of his
father, and having made some improvement in the
arrangement of the knapsack, he was promoted to
general master of all saddlers in his regiment, a po
sition of honor and profit. On leaving the army in
1849,Mr. Schmidt emigrated to America, landing at
New York, in which city he spent a short time,
then proceeded to Philadelphia, and from there to
Baltimore, where he remained eight years. Here
he attended school in order to make himself con
versant with the English language, and was en
gaged iu the business of maker and fitter of fine
shoes; in which he was eminently successful. In
1858 he went to Pittsburgh, where for two years
he worked at his trade, shoemaking, and then
came to Washington, this county, remaining in the
city two years, at the end of which time he pur
chased the farm property in South Strabane town
ship, which by assiduous labor he improved from
a wild state to its present fertile condition. Here
he successfully carried on farming and the culti

vation of the grape, having an extensive vineyard,
and, in connection, the largest wine cellar in Wash
ington county, stored with choice native wines of
his own manufacture.
On December 3, 1850, Mr. Schmidt was married
to Wilhelmina Dittis, of Baltimore, Md. , daughter
of John and Margaret Dittis, and to this union have
been born the following named children: Charles,
Caroline (Mrs. George Becker), Francis and Mary
(Mrs. John Becker). Mr. Schmidt was called from
earth February 14, 1892, and his business and farm
are now being conducted by his son Francis. He
had been a Democrat ever since receiving his fran
chise, and was an active worker in his party. He
was a justice of the peace for ten years, and served
as school director for several terms.

d[OHN S. LIGGETT was born August 25,
1849, on the home farm in Independence
I township. He is descended from one of the
earliest and most prominent families of pio
neer times in Washington county, whose ances
tors were born in Scotland.
Two brothers of the Liggett family left their
Highland home and crossed the ocean to America.
Landing at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but
a short time and then pushed westward, finally lo
cating in Washington county, Penn. One of
these brothers, Thomas Liggett, was married to
Parmelia Dempster, a resident of Washington
county, and passed his life in Independence town
ship. He was a man of stalwart frame, six feet
tall, well proportioned in every way, and possess
ing great courage and powers of endurance. He
was noted for his positive character and sturdy ad
herence to his word, which principles were im
planted on the minds and were evident in the lives
of all his children, whose names were Joshua (a
farmer of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Elizabeth
(deceased in Iowa), James (deceased in Coshocton
county, Ohio), Harriet (widow of Laban Heading-
ton), Robert (of whom special mention is made
further on), Mary Ann (deceased in Illinois),
Sarah (widow of John Hemphill), AVilliam (sketch
of whom appears elsewhere), Thomas (a farmer in
Hopewell township), David A. (a merchant of In
dependence, Penn.), Anderson (living in Hot
Springs, Ark.). Mr. Liggett died January 29,
1861, Mrs. Liggett September 17, 1882.
Robert Liggett was born February 25, 1815, in
Independence township, Washington county, and
remained on the home farm until some years after
attaining his majority. His education was re
stricted to the advantages found in the pioneer
log schoolhouse, with its split-log benches and
desks supported by pegs driven in the wall. The
huge fireplace sent out so fierce a heat that " the
children's hot faces were streaming, the while they

- /0/l <^L^- ^^oTyt

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1401

were freezing their backs." Young Robert walked
a long distance through the woods to glean knowl
edge from these schools for a few weeks during the
winter season. They were maintained by popular
subscription, while the teacher "boarded round"
among the parents, whose children graduated after
having fathomed the hidden mysteries of "tare and
tret" and the " single rule of three." Amid such
surroundings Robert Liggett received his educa
tion and grew to manhood. In 1843 he was
united in marriage with Mary M. Stewart, a native
of Washington county, and the offspring of their
union were as follows: Thomas Madison, Sarah
A. (Mrs. J. J. Cairns, of Eldersville, Penn.), and
John S. Mr. Liggett began wedded life with $500
and an old horse as capital stock. He lived on
his father's farm for a short time, then came to
the place where the remainder of his life was
passed, which is situated one mile east of Inde
pendence, in Independence township. Upon this
farm he erected one of the finest residences in
the township, there following agricultural pur
suits, and by industry combined with economical
business dealings, eventually became the owner
of a vast estate. Mr. Liggett never took part in
any speculations, but devoted his entire time to
energetic toil and careful management of his prop
erty, achieving success by slow but steady upward
steps. Mr. Liggett was quiet and unassuming in
public, with a reserved- and dignified manner.
His integrity was unimpeachable; firm and un
swerving in opinions, he never lowered his stand
ard of right to any man. Although, as previously
stated, his literary advantages were necessarily
limited, yet he succeeded, by dint of close applica
tion and keen observation, in securing a thorough
practical knowledge of current topics and business
matters. His example is most worthy of emula
tion, and may well encourage the young men who
read these lines to persevere in every honest effort ;
for true success comes only to those who toil and
wait patiently for the harvest, which though long
delayed, is ever sure — as we sow so shall we reap
indue season, but the harvest will be according to
the seeds planted. In politics Robert Liggett was
a Democrat. He died September 4, 1886, and was
laid to rest in West Middletown cemetery; on De
cember 3, 1890, his body was removed to the beau
tiful new cemetery at Independence, then laid out
on a portion of his farm. He left an estate worth
over $50,000, the result of his own toil and busi
ness sagacity. Since his demise, the widow has
resided on the home farm with a son.
Thomas Madison Liggett (the elder son of Rob
ert and Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) was born Jan
uary 25, 1845, in Independence township, this
county. He passed his boyhood and youth on the
home place, and October 17, 1878, was united in
marriage with Letitia Griffith, who was born on

October 22, 1852, daughter oflsaac and Elizabeth
(Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, this
county. They have had five children: Montee
M. , Dora (deceased at the age of four years), Rob
ert, Olive L. and Hattie May. Mr. and Mrs. Lig
gett have resided since their marriage on what is
known as the James Beall farm, lying half a mile
east of Independence, in this county. He inherits
the spirit of progress and industry, so characteris
tic of his father's life, and is a prominent agricult
urist, devoting special attention to raising first-
class stock, handling and fattening stock for the
market. He votes the Democratic ticket, but gives
his whole time to the interests of his business,
which is yielding a larger income with every year.
He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church. He is a charter member of the Independ
ence Cemetery Company, serving as secretary of
that company since it first started. His wife,
Letitia, is truly a helpmate, completely interest
ing herself in her department, and in every opera
tion tending to the advancment of her family's
interest. John S. Liggett (the younger son of Robert and
Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) received a common -
school education, and then began dealing in stock
and general farming, soon managing an extensive
business. By treating his customers in a fair and
honest manner, he has succeeded in winning the
confidence and patronage of many. On January
23, 1879, he married Harriet A. Griffith, who was
born March 20, 1856, daughter of Isaac and Eliza
beth (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township,
this county. Two daughters were born to this
union, viz. : Mary A., born January 8, 1885, died of
pneumonia May 26, 1885, and Alice B. , born July
22, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have resided on
the home farm since their marriage, and the place
gives evidence of the cultured taste of the present
owners. Mr. Liggett possesses a rare judgment
and practical knowledge of live stock, which has
contributed largely to his success in business.
Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled various
offices of trust in his township. In religion he and
his wife are both members of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he is a trustee.

JOHN SCOTT DANLEY. Among the old
families of East Finley township none hold
a more prominent place than the Danleys.
George Danley, grandfather of John S., was
a native of the North of Ireland, where he
carried on farming, as did his father before him.
Immigrating to America, he made his new home
in Washington county, Penn., near West Middle-
town, where his wife (also a native of Ireland)
bore him three children: John, Mattie and S. S.
About 1819 the parents died, and the children,

1402

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

who were yet young, passed into the care of others,
S. S. being given in charge of an uncle, John
Scott; Mattie, who was also reared by relatives,
is now a resident of Cambridge, Ohio, and is the
¦only survivor of the family.
S. S. Danley, father of our subject, was born
April 29, 1818, in Independence township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and, as already stated, was
reared by his uncle, John Scott, a resident of East
Finley township, his education being received at
the subscription schools of the period, somewhat
limited in their facilities as compared with more
modern schools; but Mr. Danley was a close stu
dent and a great reader, and lost no opportunity
of improving his education. He lived with his
relatives until his marriage, January 2, 1838, with
Ruth Enlow, who was born June 20, 1817, a
¦daughter of Henry Enlow, of East Finley town
ship, whose ancestors were New Englanders and
early settlers in Washington county. To this
union were born the following named children:
Elizabeth E., born October 16, 1839, married to"
John Elliott, and living in Morris township; Mar
garet J., born February 15, 1841, married to George
England, and resides in Washington county, Iowa;
Henry P., born May 18, 1842, a farmer in East
Finley township; John S. ; George H., born May
24, 1847, died January 10, 1859. After his mar
riage S. S. Danley located on the property left him
by his uncle, situated near the headwaters of the
Templeton fork of Wheeling creek, and a short
distance from Bartholdi postoffice, in East Finley
township, and here he passed the remainder of his
busy life, improving the property and adding to
his possessions, which at the time of ' his death
were extensive. He died April 1, 1891, his wife
August 14, 1880. They were active, influential
citizens, and highly respected members of the Dog
AVood Grove U. P. Church. Politically Mr. Dan
ley was first a Whig and afterward, on the for
mation of the party, a stanch Republican.
John Scott Danley waB born September 12,
1845, in East Finley township, Washington Co.,
Penn., his education being received at the common
schools of the district. In 1869 he was married to
Martha L. McCleary, who was born August 16,
1850, a daughter of William McCleary, of East
Finley township. This union has been blessed
with the following children: Osco Wayne, born
November 5, 1870, died August 1, 1880; George
W., born May 28, 1872; James L., born February
23, 1874; Ruth E., born July 21, 1877; Idesta
and Roberta (twins), born August 5, 1880, all at
home, and Laura, born May 20, 1883, deceased in
infancy. The mother of these children died June
20, 1883, and April 29, 1886, Mr. Danley married
Mrs. Jennie M. (Gunn) Nelly, a native of East
Finley township, born September 10, 1858, a
daughter of Moses Gunn, and widow of Moses

Nelly. After his first marriage Mr. Danley re
sided with his parents until their death, since
when he has continued on the old home farm. He
is one of the prosperous and influential citizens of
his township, and in general knowledge is consid
erably above the average farmer. He and his re
fined and intelligent wife are members of the Dog
Wood Grove U. P. Church, and in politics he is a
prominent and active Republican.

FA. THROCKMORTON, a well-to-do farmer
of Morris township, comes of good English
stock. His grandfather, Daniel Throck
morton, a native of New Jersey, of English
parentage, removed to western Pennsyl
vania about 1800, locating in Greene county,
where he devoted himself to farming. Here he
married and reared five children. After the death
of his first wife he married a widow, Mrs. Duval,
who died in 1846, followed by her husband in 1848.
Daniel Throckmorton, the third son of Daniel,
was born in 1802, received a limited education and
spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. In
1837 he married Hannah, a daughter of Philip
Axtel, of Morris township, and to them three chil
dren were born: P. A.; Oliver, born January 27,
1842, is unmarried and resides with his brother,
P. A. Throckmorton, and Judson, born March 1,
1844, died November 1, 1862, in the service of the
Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The father died
in 1851.
Philip Axtel Throckmorton was born March 19,
1839, in Washington county, Penn. He resided
with his parents until the death of his father which
occurred when he was twelve years of age; then he
hired out by the month and helped in the support
of the family. On October 2, 1869, he married
Martha Ann, daughter of William Sanders, of
Morris township, and to them four children have
been born: Flora Vidella, born October 30, 1870;
Hannah Mary, born October 20, 1874; William
Edgar, born November 26, 1877, and Rollin A.,
born May 24, 1885, all of whom are living with
their parents. Mr. Throckmorton is nicely situ
ated in hia home, having recently erected a beau
tiful and commodious residence. In politics he is
a Prohibitionist, formerly a Democrat. He is a
member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Hermon,
and his wife is identified with the Presbyterian
Church at Prosperity.

JH. REDD is a grandson of Solomon and
Mary (Scott) Redd, natives of Washington
county, Penn., who settled on the home farm
in Allen township many years ago. He died
in Virginia, and in 1860 his widow passed away in
the same State.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1403

Thomas C. Redd, son of Solomon Redd, was
born in April, 1822, in Allen township, Washing
ton county, receiving his education in the schools
of Allen and Fallowfield townships. In early life
he was married to Elmira Conrad, a native of Fal
lowfield township, where they resided for several
years, afterward moving to Allen township; they
finally bought the Conrad place in Fallowfield
township, where the remainder of their lives was
passed. He was an active member of the Repub
lican party, and in religion he and his wife were
identified with the Ebenezer M. E. Church. They
were the parents of eleven children, of whom the
following are yet living: Marvin P., proprietor of
the Redd Hotel at Charleroi, this county; Josie,
living in Nottingham township, on Pigeon creek;
Melissa, wife of Sanford Carson, of Charleroi;
J. H., whose name opens this sketch; Ellsworth, a
farmer of Fallowfield township; William, living in
Charleroi; Maggie and Charley, also residents of
Charleroi. The father of this family died in Feb
ruary, 1892, and his widow is now living in
Charleroi. J. H. Redd was born in 1860, on his present
farm in Allen township, this county, where he grew
to manhood, receiving an education in the district
schools of Fallowfield township; he has always fol
lowed farming. In May, 1880, he was united in
marriage with Gertrude, daughter of John and
Lucy Ann (Scott) Sphar, natives of Allen town
ship, where they are now living. Mr. and Mrs.
Redd resided in Fallowfield township until 1884,
when he bought and moved upon the 125 acres in
Allen township, of which he has recently sold
twenty- four acres. He has been actively identified
with the Republican party, and in religion is a
member of the Ebenezer M. E. Church, with
which his wife is also connected. They have four
children, namely: Vedy, Lucy Ann, Thomas Oak
land and an infant.

(\ILLIAM M. MoELHANY, of the firm of
McElhany & Scott, cabinet-makers, Bur
gettstown, is an example of the possible
success which lies before all those now at
the bottom of the ladder, who possess in
telligence, coupled with willing hearts and hands.
He is to-day one of the most prosperous business
men of Burgettstown, although he began life with
no financial aid.
William McElhany was born July 15, 1849, in
Allegheny county, Penn., and moved to West
Virginia with his parents when but nine and a
half years of age. The father died when the son
was a lad of twelve years, and the little fellow
began life for himself. He first learned the
carpenter's trade, which vocation he followed
several years with marked success, but afterward

learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, eventually
opening a furniture store in Burgettstown, Smith
township. Some time afterward he became asso
ciated with Mr. Scott, and they have since carried
on the business with much profit. On November
21, 188-, he was united in marriage with Rachel,
daughter of William Russell, a pioneer resident of
this county. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
McElhany are Jennie M. and Tilla M. (twins),
William M. (deceased) and Maggie G. In politics
William McElhany was originally a Democrat, and
served his township and the borough of Burgetts
town in various official capacities; since 1890 he
has espoused the cause of the Prohibition party.
He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church
at Burgettstown for many years, and is now filling
the position of elder.

JAMES D. STROUD, a progressive and intel
ligent agriculturist of Fallowfield township,
is a native of Washington county, born on
the family homestead, April 6, 1856. He is
a son of John Stroud, whose father, a native
of Maryland, made a settlement in Pennsylvania.
John Stroud was born in 1818 in Washington
county, Penn., and learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he followed during a considerable part of
his younger life. In 1855 he was married to
Martha Yant, who bore him two sons, James D.
and William A., the latter of whom was married
to a daughter of Clark Crow. After his marriage
John Stroud abandoned his trade, and gave is un
divided attention to farming and stock raising.
In 1880 he was laid to rest; his widow is yet living
on the old place in Fallowfield township.
James D. Stroud, the subject proper of this bio
graphical memoir, has passed all his life in his
native township. On August 7, 1880, he was
united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Henry
Hannan, a prominent farmer of Washington
county, and three sons and one daughter have
blessed their union, namely: Charley A., John AV.
B. , Walter L. and Bessie Viola. Mr. Stroud's
farm, on which he has resided eleven years, con
tains 117 acres of well-cultivated land, lying six
miles southwest of Monongahela, and here he
carries on general agriculture, devoting consider
able attention to the raising of sheep and other
live stock.
1[ AMES C. POLLOCK, an old and respected
I citizen of Hanover township, was born
tf \\ December 22, 1812, in Chester county, Penn. ,
^^ the third in order of birth of the children
born to Edwin and Margaret (Boyd) Pollock.
Edwin Pollock was a native of County Down, Ire
land, and was educated for the ministry, but to
avoid being forced to enter the army, his relatives

1404

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

smuggled him on board a vessel bound for Amer
ica, and he died in this country, when his son
James was but a little fellow.
James C. Pollock was educated at the rate
-schools of Chester county, Penn. After the death
of his father, his mother waB married to one Fred
erick Aulthouse, of Chester county, Penn., and in
later years young James came to Washington
county with his mother and stepfather. The
journey over the mountains was made in a wagon,
which contained the family and household goods.
On arriving in Washington county, they crossed
the Monongahela river at Brownsville, locating
near Monongahela City, where the stepfather re
sided the remainder of his days, devoting his time
to rural life.
James C. Pollock began business for himself at
an early age, and for some time drove stage on the
old National pike from Monongahela City to Robbs-
town, Penn., then became a teamster in Monon
gahela City. In 1834 he was married to Eliza
Qarney, who was born in 1813, a daughter of
James Carney, a native of Ireland. To this union
one son was born: AVilliam F. , now a practing
physician of Pittsburgh, Penn. The mother died
in 1841, and on February 23, 1843, James C. Pol
lock was married to Julia Ann Crouer, who was
born June 7, 1817, in Somerset county, Penn., a
daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Brown)
Crouer. The children of James C. and Julia
A. (Crouer) Pollock are as follows: Joseph H. ,
living with his father, who has charge of the farm,
in connection with his brother; Elizabeth L., de
ceased wife of William A. Jackson; James D.,
one of two sons in partnership with their father;
Margaret, wife of Marshall Wright, of Brooke
county, W. Va. , and Sarah M., deceased wife of
Thomas Peterson. In 1844 the family removed
from Monongahela City to Cross Creek township,
where they remained a short time, then moved to
Burgettstown, where Mr. Pollock was the mana
ger of the "Keystone Hotel." He then went to
Florence, and conducted a hotel which was the
stopping place for stages on the Pittsburgh &
Steubenville pike, remaining there for several
years, and finally purchasing a place in Hanover
township, since which time he has been farming
and stock raising. In 1885 he removed to his
present pleasant home situated about a quarter of
a mile north of Florence, and his two sons now
have charge of the farm. Mr. Pollock has suc
ceeded in gathering a goodly amount of property,
although he began life as a poor boy. He gives
much attention to the breeding of fine horses, and
the presence on his farm of two such well-known
specimens of the equine race as "Careless" and
" Judge Hoadly " is ample evidence of his judg
ment concerning horses. Two such animals as
those above mentioned, descended from the best

sires ever known to the American trotting turf,
will surely advance the quality of the horses
through the entire neighborhood. In politics
Mr. Pollock is a member of the Democratic party,
to which he has given a faithful support; he has
filled several offices of trust with credit to him
self, among which may be mentioned those of jury
commissioner, constable, register and assessor of
Hanover township. Since 1890 Mr. Pollock has
retired from active work, and is now living in
seclusion from business.

OBERT W. HAGERTY. This gentleman,
one of the leading agriculturists of the
county, but now retired, having rented his
farm in Buffalo township, is a grandson of
Joseph Hagerty, who came from Ireland to
this country in an early day, and had married, in
his native land, Mrs. Hannah Fleming, a widow;
they both died in Washington* county, Penn.,
whither they had come in 1812. They had a family
of thirteen children, of whom there is record of the
following: John, Joseph, Robert, Blair and Will
iam are all deceased; Joseph and David were
twins, of whom Joseph lives in Kansas and David
in Washington, Penn. ; Nancy is the deceased wife
of Joseph Van Kirk; Mary is the deceased wife of
Samuel Wilkey; Betsy died unmarried; and one
died at the age of three years. The father of this
family passed from earth in 1825, at the age of
one hundred and ten years ; the mother at the home
of her son William, in 1850, when aged ninety-
three years.
William Hagerty, father of Robert W., was born
in 1813, in this county, near Canonsburg, and was
reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1838 he mar
ried Miss Emily, daughter of Robert Wilson, of
Franklin township, and they then settled on a farm
in Buffalo township. The children born to this
union were as follows: John, in Buffalo township;
Elizabeth, wife of William Moore, also in Buffalo
township; Hannah, wife of William Hepler, in
Washington; Robert W. , and Martha, married to
Richard Mounts, of Buffalo township. In Febru
ary, 1884, the mother was taken away by death,
and the father then came into the borough of
Washington, where he passed the remainder of his
days, dying in 1886 at the age of seventy-three
years. Politically he was a Democrat, and held
various township offices. He was a thoroughly
representative go-ahead American, climbing from
the bottom of the ladder of success to the top,
rung by rung, entirely by his own individual ef
forts, beginning life a poor boy, and dying the
owner of two fine farms in Buffalo town ship, which
are still in the family's possession. He and his
wife were members of the United Presbyterian
Church.

m ' ^mmy^

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1407

Robert W. Hagerty, the chief subject of these
lines, is a native of the county, born in Buffalo
township, May 24, 1851. His education was se
cured during the winter months at the common
schools of the district, while the remainder of the
year was passed in laboring on the home farm,
learning the many important and arduous duties
incident to agricultural pursuits. In January,
1887, Mr. Hagerty married Miss Frances, daughter
of Robert and Eliza A. (Lafferty) Hagerty (the
latter of whom was a sister of Dr. Lafferty, of
Brownsville), of Pittsburgh, and they had one
child that died in infancy. In 1889 Mr. and Mrs.
Hagerty came to Washington, he having rented his
farm, which has fourteen producing oil wells on it,
one of them the largest in the township, yielding
115 barrels per hour. This farm is in Buffalo
township, some five and a half miles from Wash
ington, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Polit
ically, our subject is a Democrat, and in religion
he and his wife are members of the Christian
Church. Their home in the borough is situated
on a high piece of ground commanding a fine view,
on the corner of Main street and Prospect avenue.

FRANK W. JONES, a prosperous young ag
riculturist of Smith township, is a repre
sentative of ope of the old pioneer families
of Washington county.
Samuel Jones, grandfather of subject, was born
in 1794, at Squirrel Hill (now a suburb of Pitts
burgh), Allegheny Co. , Penn. His father's family
came to Allegheny county from the eastern part
of the State, and among other lands then for sale
Mr. Jones was offered the tract known as " The
Point " (now a portion of Pittsburgh), for the sum
of $4.50 per acre; but it was very swampy and al
most covered with willow bushes, so they settled
on "Squirrel Hill," where Samuel was born.
Samuel Jones worked on his father's farm and at
tended the rate schools during his boyhood.
About 1817 he was married to Sarah Deller, who
was born about 1800, also a native of "Squirrel
Hill," a daughter of Samuel Deller, who came to
Allegheny county from near Carlisle, Penn. The
children born to this union were: James (a car
penter, of Midway, Penn. , where he died at the age
of sixty years), John (a farmer, of Smith township,
deceased when forty years of age), Samuel (father
of subject), Isaac (a resident of Burgettstown and
Midway, Penn., deceased), Julia (wife of Michael
Hanley, a farmer of Beaver county, Penn. ), Sarah
(Mrs. Hunter Pinkerton, of Robinson township,
this county) and William (a druggist of Midway,
Penn.). After his marriage Samuel Jones moved to
Washington county, Penn. , locating near Midway,
in Robinson township, where he passed the re
mainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, becom

ing very successful in his chosen vocation. In po
litical opinion he was a lifelong Democrat. He
died in 1854, his widow continuing to reside on the
home place until her death, which occurred in
1863, when she was buried by the side of her hus
band. Samuel Jones was born in 1822, in Robinson
township, this county, and after receiving a limited
education, learned the carpenter's trade, which he
followed several years. In 1860 he was united in
marriage with Nancy, daughter of William and
Margaret (Marshall) Aiken, who bore him two chil
dren: Samuel D. (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant town
ship) and Frank AV. (subject of sketch). Mr. and
Mrs. Samuel Jones first located near Midway,
Penn. , and in 1 868 came to Smith township, this
county,purchasing the farm where he afterward re
sided, which was one-quarter of a mile south of
Bulger, this county. He was a successful farmer
and a good citizen; in politics he voted the Demo
cratic ticket. He died in April, 1880, and since
his death Mrs. Jones has resided on the farm, upon
which her sons have erected a handsome residence.
She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church
at Midway, this county.
Frank W. Jones was born September 17, 1868,
near Midway, Robinson township, this county,
and when a small boy came with his parents to his
present farm. Since the death of his father Mr.
Jones has had charge of the place, which he has
managed with marked success, and is considered
one of the leading young business men of the com
munity. Like his father, he is a Democrat in
politics, and in religion is a member of the United
Presbyterian Church at Midway.

JOHN FISHER AVHITE possesses a reputa
tion for business integrity and sterling worth
which many a man, apparently more success
ful, would give much to obtain.
He is a representative of a pioneer family. His
grandfather, James White, was born in eastern
Pennsylvania, and with two brothers crossed the
mountains in early life to seek his fortune in the
West. He located on, and patented, a large tract
of land near Canonsburg, this county, where his
life was passed. He possessed a taste for mechan
ical work, and, it is said, was able to make any
thing that could be made out of wood. He learned
the wagon-making trade, to which most of his life
was devoted He was a consistent, faithful follower
of the Master, and an active, liberal member of the
United Presbyterian Church. He died at an ad
vanced age, leaving seven children, viz. : James,
John, David, Moses, Patterson, Margaret and
Elizabeth. David White was born on his father's farm near
Canonsburg, AVashington county, where his youth

1408

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was passed. He learned the carpenter's trade, which
he followed for some years, then moved to Holmes
county, Ohio, where he was married to Lucretia,
daughter of John Fisher, a prominent farmer of
Holmes county, who was killed while rolling logs.
Mr. and Mrs. White had six children, viz. : James,
John, Alexander, William, David and Thomas.
Some time after his marriage the father returned
to Pennsylvania, and resided in Pittsburgh, where
his wife died in 1846. The family were then scat
tered, and each of the sons, choosing a vocation,
began life for themselves.
John Fisher White was born September 21, 1831,
in Pittsburgh, Penn. , and when fourteen years of age
went to live upon a farm, attending school during
the winter months. In 1852 he entered the mill
ing business with Capt. Thomas Esby, of Alle
gheny county, Penn., where he remained twenty
years. He was united in marriage with Sarah
Jane, daughter of Isaac Rankin, of Peterson, Alle
gheny county, Penn. Isaac Rankin is a represent
ative of a prominent Irish family, who were closely
identified with the early history of Allegheny
county. The following children have been born to
the union of John and Sarah Jane (Rankin) White:
Elizabeth (Mrs. Stevens), Anna Belle, Clarinda,
Emma, Ella Huffman, Thomas Esby, Nora May
and Oliver G. Mr. White votes the Republican
ticket, and is now serving his third term as school
director of Somerset township, having been elected
as president of the board. He and his family are
members of the Methodist Church.
His noble character is well illustrated in the fol
lowing incident: A rival mill was established near
that of Mr. White several years ago, and the pro
prietor was suddenly taken ill. He was a poor
man, dependent on his daily earnings for the sup
port of himself and family, but no one in the neigh
borhood understood the business well enough to
supply his place even for a short time. He dared
not hope to retain his patrons, but what could be
done ? Sick and helpless he lay, while the busi
ness which had provided the necessaries of life
was in immediate danger of being utterly destroyed.
But help was near; John White heard of his un
fortunate rival's situation, and, leaving his own
mill in the hands of trusted employes, donned his
floury hat, and, taking charge of his neighbor's
mill, conducted the business until the proprietor
had regained his usual health. The reader will
easily understand why Mr. White is so popular
and respected a citizen.

L

EWIS CALVIN MoCLEARY, one of the
most prosperous young farmers of East Fin
ley township, was born June 6, 1855, in
1 East Finley township, this county. William
McCleary, his father, was born of Irish parentage,

a son of Thomas and Mary (Linn) McCleary, who
emigrated from Ireland and made a permanent
home in Virginia, where they reared a large family
of children, of whom William was born February
18, 1805, and passed his early life in Virginia.
In 1830 he moved to AVashington county, Penn.,
and for eighteen years drove stage on the National
pike, afterward served five years as constable of
Donegal township. He then served as toll collector
near West Alexander, and finally settled on the
farm in East Finley township, which is now the
property of his heirs. On January 17, 1836, he
was united in marriage with Susan G. Wilkinson,
of Fayette county, Penn., daughter of Thomas
aud Prudence (Lewis) Wilkinson, and she bore him
the following children: Thomas J., born February
20, 1837 (married to Martha Russell); James C,
born January 3, 1839 (married to Maggie Hair);
John E., born June 24, 1841 (married to Cornelia
Carter); Mary J., born December 17, 1843 (wife of
Robert Bell); Sarah E., born January 16, 1846
(Mrs. Porter McCarrell); William L., born May
23, 1848* (married to Mary E. Brinton) ; Martha
L., born August 16, 1850 (wife of John Donely);
Francis M., born July 18, 1853 (married to Adel-
phia Mitchell); Lewis Calvin (subject of sketch);
Martin L. , born August 13, 1857 (married to
Laura Stoy) ; and Caroline A. , born December 6,
1860 (residing at home). William McCleary was
an earnest member of the Baptist Church. In
politics he was active in the Democratic party, and
served three years as superintendent of the Cum
berland road. On April 3, 1882, he passed from
this life, leaving an honorable and enviable record.
Lewis Calvin McCleary was born on the farm
of his father near the headwaters of the Templeton
fork of Wheeling creek, and received his education
at Pleasant Grove school, in West Finley township.
He assisted his father on the farm until 1876,
when he began working for Robert Bell, of Frank
lin township, this county, being in his employ for
more than two years; then returned home and re
mained there until the death of his father. In May,
1882, he was married to Violet A. Porter, who was
born December 10, 1857, a daughter of John Por
ter, of Donegal township, this county, and the
following children were born to them: Beatrice
Lenora, born April 17, 1883; Annie Myrtle, born
November 2, 1884 (deceased May 10, 1886); Nel
lie May, born September 19, 1886; Bessie Eveline,
born January 11, 1888; Herbert Raymond, born
May 15, 1890.
After the death of his father Mr. McCleary pur
chased a one-third interest in the home farm, and
has also an interest in 500 acres of farm land in
Marshall county, W. Va. Since purchasing the
home farm, Mr. McCleary has resided there, en
gaged in agriculture, and very prominently identi
fied with stock raising. He has introduced some

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1409

of the very finest breeds of cattle and sheep to be
found in the county, and, with a brother, was the
first to introduce, from direct importation, Dorset
sheep in East Finley township. He is also much
interested in breeding Holstein cattle, and owns
some very fine imported specimens of that stock,
and which he breeds for sale. Politically Mr.
McCleary is a Democrat, and is always in demand
during every political crisis; he has held several
township offices. In religious faith he and his
wife are both members of the Baptist Church at
Pleasant Grove.

4

MRS. JANE SAVAGE, one of the highly
esteemed ladies of Hanover township, is the
widow of William Savage, whose father,
Henry Savage, came from Ireland to this
country about 1795, and located in Alle
gheny county, Penn., near what is now the village
of Noblestown. He was there married to Jane
Robinson, who bore him the following children:
John (of Ohio), William, Alexander (who* lived in
California), Henry (of Iowa), Jane (Mrs. Hugh
Riddle) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Creighton), all now
deceased. The father was a successful farmer of
Allegheny county, and he and his wife lived to
old age, dying near Noblestown.
William Savage was born about 1800 near No
blestown, Allegheny county, and attended the sub
scription schools of the period. In 1821 he was
married to Nancy Riddle, a daughter of Rev.
Riddle, pastor of what is now Robinson's Run U.
P. Church, and she bore him children as fol
lows : Alexander (who was twice married, and died
in Iowa), Margaret Ann (married three times, and
died in Allegheny county, Penn.), Jane (Mrs. John
Cook, of Washington, Iowa), Henry (a merchant,
of Kansas) and Nancy (Mrs. Connor, of Iowa, now
deceased). The mother of this family died, and
was buried at Robinson's Run church, and for his
second wife Mr. Savage married, on January 16,
1851, Mrs. Margaret Ann (Leeper) Wallace, by
whom he had three children, viz. : one deceased in
infancy; Robert, who enlisted in the One Hundred
and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I., and was killed at
Spottsylvania Courthouse, and Anna Mary (Mrs.
Cooper), of Iowa. The mother of these dying,
William Savage married, for his third wife, Jane
Duncan, who was born June 7, 1816, in Hanover
township, this county, a daughter of Robert Dun
can, who came from eastern Pennsylvania to Han
over township in early days. To the union of
William Savage and Jane Duncan two children
were born, namely: William J., now residing on
the home farm, and who is a representative
agriculturist of the township, and Jeanette, Mrs.
Cyrus Arnold, of Hanover township. During the
earlier years of his married life Mr. Savage re

sided near Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn., then
moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, but not liking
the country returned to his native county, and
passed the remainder of his days in farming and
stock raising. He was a good citizen and a strong
supporter of the Whig party, which was afterward
merged into the Republican party. He died April
8, 1862, and was buried in the cemetery of Robin
son's Run U. P. church, of which he was a mem
ber. After his death Mrs. Savage remained on
the home farm for a short time, then moved to
Frankfort, Beaver Co., Penn., where she resided
some years, and educated her two children. In
1869 she purchased a home in Hanover township,
which is situated three and one-half miles north
east of Florence, Penn. , where she is now living,
her son William J. having charge of the place.
Mrs. Savage is an intelligent lady, and she pos
sesses an excellent memory. She is a member of
Frankfort U. P. Church.

AV. VANCE. Of the prominent mer
chants of Burgettstown, Penn., this gen
tleman is among the most prosperous.
He was born April 1, 1842, in Cross
Creek township, this county. The blood
of Scottish patriots flows in his veins, his great
grandfather, Joseph Vance, having been born in
the Highlands of Scotland in the eighteenth cent
ury. In early manhood he immigrated to America,
and first settled in Winchester, Va., coming in
1774 to Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek
township, AVashington county, while the Indians
were still very numerous, and soon achieved a
wide-spread reputation as an Indian fighter, many
of the dusky warriors having fallen by his un
erring rifle. Few, if any, were more prominently
identified with the early settlement of the western
portion of Washington county, than was Joseph
Vance. He married and passed the remainder of
of his life in the wilderness where his first log
cabin was erected; the uncultivated land has now
become a fertile farm. He and his wife were
called to their rest at an advanced age, leaving
their children to finish the work so nobly begun.
Among these children was a son, William, who
was born in 1776, and reared in Washington county,
amid the trials and dangers of pioneer life. His
education was necessarily limited, as schools were
few, and at best afforded but meager opportuni
ties. He was first married to Rachel Patterson, a
resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him
six children. She died, and a few years after
ward he married, for his second wife, Hannah
Patterson, a member of an old family of Cross
Creek township. To this union, also, there were
bom six children. Mr. Vance always lived in
Cross Creek township, and was one of the repre-

1410

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

sentative men of the day. He died in 1856. He
was a Whig in politics, and in religion a member
of the Presbyterian Church.
Thomas P. Vance, son of William and Hannah
(Patterson) Vance, was born July 15, 1819. He
was reared on the pioneer farm, partaking of the
privations of early frontiersmen and receiving his
education at the subscription schools. In early
manhood Thomas P. Vance was united in marriage
with Mary W. , daughter of George Newell, of
Ohio. Mr. Newell was married to Mary Marquis,
and their children were Hugh, Jane, Marquis,
Margaret, David, Mary W., Ann and Sarah. Mr.
Newell was a Democrat, and in church connection
was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Vance settled on a farm
in Cross Creek township, this county, where he
passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He paid
much attention to stock raising, making a specialty
of sheep. He was formerly a Whig, and upon the
organization of the party, became a Republican,
and in religion he was a prominent member of the
Presbyterian Church at Cross Creek and Burgetts
town. On May 31, 1891, he was laid to rest in
Cross Creek cemetery by the side of his wife, who
had preceded him, leaving two children: W. W., and
Mary E. (Mrs. W. S. Lee).
W. W. Vance, son of Thomas P. and Mary W.
(Newell) Vance, was reared and educated in Cross
Creek township, this county, and passed his early
life in farming. In September, 1883, he was
united in marriage with Ann J. Porter. In 1882
Mr. Vance came to Burgettstown and formed a
partnership with S. C. McGregor, in the general
merchandise business, and at present has the
largest stock of goods in the town, realizing a
good profit from the daily sales. In politics he
has always been an active Republican. He is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and one of its
most liberal supporters.

J'OHN SHANTON, an agriculturist of Carroll
| township, is descended from natives of the
| "Blue Grass" State. His grandfather, Abram
Shanton, was born in Bourbon county, Ky. ,
where his boyhood was passed on the farm.
In 1820 he and his family moved to Pickaway
county, Ohio, where he died, leaving several chil
dren. Raymond Shanton was born and reared in Ken
tucky, and came to Ohio with his father in 1820.
He was married to Margaret, daughter of John
McClain, a native of Kentucky, and their children
were Jane (wife of Lewis Fry), Margaret (married
to J. D. Kline, of Ross county, Ohio), Nancy (de
ceased) and John. The father died about sixty
years ago.
John Shanton was born July 22, 1830, in Pick

away county, Ohio, where he attended the log-
cabin school, and studied from the text-books of
the day, viz. : Webster' s Speller and Calculator.
In 1848 young Shanton left his native State, and
went to Pennsylvania, locating in Fallowfield town
ship, Washington county. In 1849 he was married
to Louisa Fry, at which time he had but 5 cents
with which to begin housekeeping. She was born
in 1820, a member of the prominent Fry family of
Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Shanton moved
to Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn., the year after
their marriage, and he worked on a sawmill there
for several years. In 1855 they went to Ross
county, Ohio, where he conducted a hotel four
years. They then returned to Washington coun
ty, and locating on a farm, followed stock raising
and distilling. He now owns eighty-seven acres
of good land, and has accumulated a comfortable
property, notwithstanding the fact that he lost
about $6,000 by fire in the distillery. Politically
he votes with the Republican party.

| OBERT J. ELWOOD, one of the leading
and most prosperous of Washington
county's intelligent representative farmer
citizens, is a son of an old pioneer of this
part of the State, by name William Elwood,
a native of Belmont county, Ohio, who came hither
in 1818.
William Elwood was poor, both in this world's
goods and in what an education might have given
him, but he had received none. When he entered
Washington county, all his belongings he carried
in a bandanna handkerchief; but the hand that it
was held in was rich in honesty and industry, des
tined ultimately to place its owner on the top rung
of the ladder of success. He was a blacksmith by
trade, at which he worked assiduously in Centre-
ville, this county, and by indomitable persever
ance, close attention to business, and judicious
economy, he not only made money, but saved it.
By and by he bought a house and lot, then sixty-
six acres of land, then 122, then 211 acres near
Fredericktown, and, finally, yet another tract of
128 acres, all in East Bethlehem township, and
every foot of it earned by honest labor. (This
tract is now owned and occupied by his son Robert
J., the principal improvements being placed on it
by the latter, including an elegant and commodi
ous residence costing $2,000.) This son of toil,
this nobleman of nature, surrounded by the bless
ings he had gathered about him, was called from
the scene of his labors in 1871. In politics he was
a Democrat, in religion a member of the Cumber
land Presbyterian Church. His wife, who had
been reared in the Quaker faith, died in 1885.
William Elwood married a Miss Greer, who bore
him seven children, all now deceased, as is also

I f

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1413

their mother. After her death he married, for his
second wife, Ruth Lilley, who was born in 1812, a
daughter of Thomas Lilley, a native of Ireland,
and the children of this union were Thomas W. , a
resident of Charleroi, this county ; Robert J. ; J.
U, a machinist in McKeesport, Penn., and one
that died in infancy.
Robert J. Elwood was born December 25, 1849,
in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,
Penn., was educated in the common schools of his
neighborhood, and reared to agricultural pursuits.
. On the death of his father he took charge of the
homestead, and cared for his widowed mother un
til her death in 1885. Mr. Elwood was married
May 3, 1873, to Maggie E., daughter of John and
Mary (Reynolds) Deems, of West Pike Run town
ship (now deceased), and the children of this union
were Alverdi R. (attending the Southwestern State
Normal School at California, Penn.), and John
AA'illiam (who died in infancy). Mr. Elwood is a
Democrat, and has held the office of school direct
or six years, also judge of election for a time.
Mrs. Elwood is a member of the Methodist Church.

THE PARK FAMILY are numbered with the
earliest settlers of Washington county,
Penn. In the fall of 1777 one Samuel Park
came from Lancaster, Penn., to Washington
county, and bought 566 acres of land on
Chartiers creek, of Matthew Rodgers. He then
returned home, and sent out his two sons John and
James, with their sister Isabella to keep house for
them. The rest of the family soon followed, and
to the original tract othe» lands were added. This
Samuel Park died in 1794, followed by his wife in
1808. Their children were John, James, Mary,
Isabella and Hugh.
John Park was born December 18, 1758, jn Done
gal, Lancaster Co. , Penn. , coming with the family
to Washington county when a young man. In 1787
he married Sarah McDowell, a native of South
Strabane township, this county. They resided on
the Park farm several years, and April 20, 1809,
bought and moved upon the homestead in Cecil
township, this county. The following children
were born to this marriage: Rebecca (Mrs. James
Rankin), William, and McDowell (a wealthy land
owner who resided on a part of the homestead. He
was never married).
William Park, second child of John and Sarah
(McDowell) Park, was born July 15, 1797. In
1831 he bought a 300-acre farm in Peters town
ship, this county, and having prepared the home,
lost no time in securing a life companion. On Oc
tober 29, 1833, he was united in marriage with
Miss Jane Law, and settling on the place devoted
his time to sheep raising and wool growing. Of
the seven children born to this couple, John is

living in Cecil township, Robert resides in Peters
township, James M. lives in Canonsburg, and Sarah,
married to J. L. Thompson, is living in Westmore
land county, Penn. The father was trustee of
Jefferson College thirty years, and also director of
the Chartiers Valley Railroad Company. He died
November 6, 1870, in his seventy-third year.
James M. Pabk was born December 25, 1850,
and attended the schools of the home district
during his boyhood. He was married to Nancy J.,
daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of Peters
township, this county, and she has borne him two
children, William and Clara. Some years after his
marriage Mr. Park moved to Allegheny, Penn.,
residing in that city for some time, where he was
interested in musical enterprises. He then came
to Canonsburg, this county, and opened the gen
eral merchandise business which he is now con
ducting. Politically he is an active member of the
Republican party. He is a member of the Presby
terian Church at Canonsburg, and has for some
time led the choir.

ILLIAM KERR, who was in his lifetime
a much respected citizen of East Finley
township, was descended from Irish an
cestry. His grandfather, Hugh Kerr, was
a prominent weaver and manufacturer of
County Down, Ireland.
Andrew Kerr, son of Hugh, was born February
14, 1768, in Ireland, and learned the trade of a
weaver. He emigrated to America at the age of
eighteen, landing, after a voyage of thirteen weeks,
at New York, and thence proceeding to Buffalo
township, Washington Co., Penn., where in the
spring of 1787 he purchased about six hundred
acres of land, situated nearly four and a half miles
northeast of Claysville, this county. There in the
unbroken wilderness he erected his cabin home,
and in 1805 was married to Esther Stevenson, born
November 18, 1782, near the present village of
Coon Island; she was the daughter of James
Stevenson, a 'native of Washington county. To
this union were born the following named children:
Jane (Mrs. Jessie Bane), born October 30, 1806;
Robert (married to Nancy Vanderhuff), born May
6, 1808; James, born December 18, 1810; William
(subject of the present memoir); Elizabeth, born
December 17, 1816, and Esther, born December
15, 1818, all of whom lived to an adult age. Sev
eral years after the marriage of Andrew Kerr, his
aged parents left their native land to spend their
declining years with their son. His mother was a
physician, and successfully followed that profession
in this country until 1822, when both she and her
husband died of yellow fever. Andrew became a
wealthy farmer, but afterward sold the greater
portion of his property to "give bail" for a

1414

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

nephew, and this expense almost ruined him. He
continued to live on the farm until' his death, which
occurred July 15, 1850, his wife having preceded
him August 14, 1849. They were both buried in
Pleasant Grove cemetery, East Finley township,
this county, and their children rest beside them.
Mr. Kerr was an active supporter of the Demo
cratic party. In religious connection he united
with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the
letter of recommendation which he brought to
America in 1786 is still in the possession of his
grandchildren. William Kerr was born December 27, 1813, in
Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn. , and re
ceived a somewhat limited education, spending his
boyhood days on the farm of his father. He also
acquired a general knowledge of carpentry from
practical experience. On October 31, 1837, he
was united in marriage with Cynthia Peden, born
April 15, 1817, daughter of Joseph and Hannah
(Tilton) Peden, and to this union were born chil
dren as follows: James, born March 29, 1838 (a
skilled carpenter and contractor, residing in Wheel
ing, W. Va.); Robert, born September 26, 1839,
farming on the home place; Andrew, born July
30, 1841 (deceased December 5, 1881); and
Hannah, born January 28, 1.843 (living with her
mother on the home farm). After his marriage
Mr. Kerr purchased, of David Peden, a tract of
land in East Finley township, situated about two
miles west of Pleasant Grove, where he lived and
followed farming until his death, which occurred
May 2, 1890. In politics he was always a Demo
crat, and in religion he was an adherent of the
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, of which his widow
was a charter member, and one of the three who
are still living. Mrs. Kerr resides with her son
Robert and daughter Hannah, who manage the
home farm.

R. BURNS, a well-known young farmer
of Hanover township, familiarly known
as " Dick," is the descendant of an old
Scotch family. His great-grandfather,
one John Burns, was born in Scotland, and coming
to America, located in Allegheny county, Penn.,
many years ago. He married, and reared the fol
lowing sons: John, Robert, James, Thomas, Sam
uel, Alexander and William. The names of the
daughters in this family have not been ascertained.
The parents died in Allegheny county.
John Burns, a son of this early pioneer, was
born in Allegheny county, Penn., and attended the
rate schools, afterward supplementing this early
training with a good practical education. He
learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for
some time. He was united in marriage with Jane
Crooks, who was born near Candor, in Washing

ton county, Penn. , a daughter of Henry Crooks.
The children of John and Jane Burns were as fol
lows: Nancy, married to Samuel Nichols, a native
of Ireland; Alexander, who lived near Clinton,
Allegheny Co., Penn.; Jane, Mrs. Robert Aten;
Henry; Mary, Mrs. John White, of Beaver county,
Penn. ; John; William; Margaret, widow of James
Hood, living in Hanover township; and George a
farmer of Allegheny county, living on the old
homestead. Of this family Margaret and George
are yet living. The father followed farming for
many years in connection with his trade, and lived
to a ripe old age. In politics he was a lifelong
Whig, and in religion he and his wife were mem
bers of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Both
were buried in the cemetery of that church.
AVilliam Burns was born in 1811, in Allegheny
county, Penn. , and during boyhood worked on the
farm, and attended the rate schools of his neigh
borhood. About 1836 he was married to a Miss
Saxton, of Hanover township, Washington county,,
who bore him four children, namely: John (de
ceased iD youth), Elizabeth (Mrs. James Purdy,
of Allegheny county), Melissa (twice married, first
to Samuel Simpson, then to a Mr. Parkinson) and
Sarah J. (Mrs. James Cain, of Beaver county,
Penn. ). The mother died, and for his second wife
Mr. Burns was married to Nancy Crouse, of Han
over township, daughter of Jacob Crouse. Their
children were Eveline (deceased), W. R. (subject),
Ida (Mrs. Roscoe McClintock) and Andrew G. Af
ter his marriage William Burns located on the home
farm in Hanover township, carrying on a success
ful business in general farming, and giving especial
attention to the culture t of small fruits. Polit
ically he was an enthusiastic Whig and Repub
lican. He died in 1879, and was buried in Frank
fort cemetery. After his death his widow con
tinued to reside on the old place left by her hus
band, which she managed until the time of her
tragic death, in February, 1890. She was stand
ing as a spectator by a boiler house (used by a pipe
line company to transport oil) which had been
erected on her property, when the boiler exploded
and Mrs. Burns sustained injuries which resulted
in her death three days later. She was laid by her
husband in Frankfort cemetery. They were both
members of the Presbyterian Church at Frank
fort, in which he had served in various capacities.
W. R. Burns was born December 22, 1863, in
Hanover township, this county, and passed his
boyhood on the old place. On September 30,
1886, he was married to Lizzie Moore, who was
born in 1865, a daughter of Russell and Hannah
(Livingston) Moore, of Florence, this county.
The young couple first located in Frankfort,
Beaver Co. , Penn., where he followed teaming in
the oil fields, continuing in that business after
coming to his present home. He has erected a

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1415

very pleasant new residence on a part of the old
homestead, where he is now living. He is a pro
gressive young farmer of Hanover township, and
in politics votes with the Republican party. Mr.
and Mrs. Burns have three children : William L. ,
Ralph L. and Nancy M. , all living at home.

THOMAS SANDERS, a prominent farmer of
Morris township, is a son of Stephen San
ders, and the only living representative of
his family. Our subject was born in 1825,
and received a limited education at the sub
scription schools of the section in .which his father
lived. The only business training he received was
on the farm, on which he labored until maturity.
In 1846 he married Jane Baldwin, born in 1827, a
daughter of Selah Baldwin, at the time a resident
of Morris township, but who afterward moved West.
Mr. Sanders has resided at his present place of
residence, three miles northeast of Prosperity,
since his marriage. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Sanders has come one child, Lavina, born in 1847;
she was married to A. O. Wilson, and is now a resi
dent of Morris township. Mrs. Sanders died Febru
ary 16, 1866, and in 1867 Mr. Sanders married Cath
erine McCullough, who was born April 7, 1836.
To this union were born five children: Hannah
Jane, born December 2, 1867; Manan, born Jan
uary 4, 1870; Judson B., born August 9, 1872;
John Forrest, born April 23, 1875; and Addie Ari
zona, born April 21, 1877, all of whom are living
and make their homes with their father. In poli
tics Mr. Sanders is a Democrat, and both he and
his wife are members of the Mt. Hermon Baptist
Church. In 1882 he erected the handsome dwell
ing which they now occupy, and he has retired
from the active labor of the farm, which is carried
on by his sons under his personal supervision.

AlLLIAM WILLSON is a prominent bus
iness man of Claysville, Washington
county. His paternal grandfather was a
native of the Emerald Isle, where he mar
ried, and soon afterward with his wife
and child immigrated to America. He first went
to Philadelphia, and some time later moved to
Dauphin county, Penn. , remaining there until his
death. He had three children: James (a tailor
and clothier in Philadelphia, Penn.), Elizabeth
(Mrs. William Rogers) and William. After the
death of her father, Mrs. Rogers lived with her
brother James for some time, and then moved with
her husband to Ohio, where she died.
William Willson was born March 18, 1789, in
Dauphin county, Penn., and there learned the
wheelwright's trade, which he afterward followed in
both Dauphin and Washington counties. He en

listed in the war of 1812, participating in the bat
tle of Baltimore, and served until the close of the
war, when he came to Washington county and
bought a small tract of land in Buffalo township,
where the remainder of his life was passed. On
October 10, 1822, he was united in marriage with
Rachel, daughter of James Keer, of Buffalo town
ship, and their children were as follows : Elizabeth ,
Jane, James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Hodgens),
JohnM., Mary (Mrs. George M. Warick), Emily,
Rachel, and AVilliam. Mr. Willson was an intelli
gent and active business man. Politically he was
a Democrat, and filled various township offices.
In religion he was an ardent worker in and a trus
tee of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville. His
wife died August 2, 1848, and he was laid beside
her April 27, 1869.
William Willson (subject of our sketch) was born
May 9, 1843, in Buffalo township, Washington
Co., Penn., and attended the common schools of
the township . until about seventeen years of age,
when he entered the employ of a builder and con
tractor. He remained with this man until he had
mastered the various details of that business, and
at the age of twenty -two years engaged with Alex
ander Buchanan in general contracting, which he
continued for some time with marked success. Mr.
Willson then began business for himself, and soon
became one of the best architects and builders of
his locality. He possessed very original ideas, and
soon studied out entirely new designs, some of
which were models of grace. After following this
business for several years, he entered into partner
ship with D. M. Campsey in a general hardware
store. They remained together about ten years,
when Mr. AVillson united with J. W. Barnes in the
grocery business; two years later, Mr. Barnes sold
his share of the property to the present partner of
Mr. Willson, and they now carry a full line of
goods, and conduct the largest grocery in Clays
ville. On October 6, 1868, Mr. Willson was
united in marriage with Sadie C. , daughter of Dr.
John McCabe, of Buffalo township, this county.
They have no children. He has ever favored all pub
lic enterprises which tended to advance the com
mon interests, and in political views he is an active
worker in the Democratic party. In church con
nection, he is an earnest worker in the Presbyterian
Church at Claysville, being especially interested in
the Sunday-school, in which he is an officer.

Mi RS. MARTHA RANKIN is the widow of
James Rankin, who was a grandson of
John Rankin. John Rankin was born in
- Winchester, Va., and came with his par
ents to Washington county, Penn., about
1775, bringing colored help with them from Vir
ginia. He had a family of eight sons and two

4/

1416

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

daughters, nearly all of whom were born in AVin-
chester, Va. He located in Mt. Pleasant township,
this county, securing 1,800 acres of choice land,
then a vast wilderness, which is now transformed
into some of the finest farms of Washington county.
Here he erected a log cabin, and made such im
provements as were possible, being in constant
danger from the treacherous savages. But bravely
and patiently he struggled on, establishing the
pioneer home. After his sons had grown to man
hood, one of them, James, joined a party who went
to establish a colony in Kentucky. They arrived
safely, but during the return trip were attacked by
the Indians, and James was killed, his fate being
but one addition to that of the many pioneers who
were practically martyrs to colonization. The
parents of James passed the remainder of their
lives on the frontier farm, both dying the same
year. Samuel Rankin, youngest son of John, was born
July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va., .and came to
this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he was
married to Jane McConahey, who was born Febru
ary 18, 1775, daughter of a pioneer settler, and
the following children were born to their union:
William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel, Stephen,
James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane. Of these chil
dren Jane (unmarried) is the only one now living;
the others lived to an adult age and were citizens
of Washington county. Samuel Rankin became a
wealthy farmer, and lived on the old home farm,
which is situated about two miles northwest of
Hickory, this county. In politics he was a Demo
crat, and was one of the famous "minute men."
In religion he and his wife were members of the
Union Church. He died in October, 1820, being
followed by his wife July 20, 1869, in her ninety-
fourth year. The remains of both lie in the U. P.
cemetery at Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, this
county. Theirchildren were as follows: William,
born November 24, 1796 (deceased January 13,
1884), John, born April 4, 1798 (deceased in April,
1866), David, born February 15, 1800 (deceased
July 27, 1858), Matthew, born February 15, 1802
(deceased in June, 1880), Matilda, born March
22, 1804 (deceased in February, 1875), Samuel,
born June 3, 1806 (deceased May 27, 1834), Abi
gail, born in October, 1808 (lived on the old home
stead), James (deceased, mentioned below),
Stephen, born August 20, 1813 (deceased in Feb
ruary, 1877), and Jane, born February 6, 1817
(living in Burgettstown).
James Rankin was born March 24, 1811, in Mt.
Pleasant township, and passed his youth on the
old home place, receiving his education in the log
schoolhouse of the day. In December, 1834, he
was married to Martha V. Stevenson, who was
born in 1813, daughter of James Stevenson, of
Smith township, this county. James Stevenson

was a native of AA'ashington county, and was here
married to Jane Vance, who bore him children as
follows: Ann (Mrs. Alexander Hays), John S.,
Elizabeth (Mrs. S. J. Ghist), Mary (wife of Patter
son Vance), Martha V. (married to James Rankin),
Joseph, Edgar, and Rachel J. (wife of John B.
Phillis). Mr. Stevenson followed the vocation of
a miller, afterward opening a carding mill, and
was also engaged in the undertaking business.
He was first a Democrat in politics, then became a
Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican
party. He was formerly a member of the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church, and when the Burgettstown
Church was organized, became a regular attend
ant thereof.
James and Martha (Stevenson) Rankin first set
tled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this
county, and in 1868 moved t'o an adjoining place,
coming to Burgettstown in 1884. They had the
following children: Samuel N. (who enlisted in
Company D, Twenty-eighth N. Y. Regiment,
serving three months, then in 1863 entered the
secret service under Gen. Banks, and was missing
while en route to Richmond); James E., living in
Mt. Pleasant township; Jane E., Mrs. John P.
Campbell; William Ray, who was drowned in
1846; John O., living in Baker City, Oregon; Jo
seph Vance, living in Wichita, Kans. ; and Anna
M. James Rankin was a popular and enterpris
ing citizen, having won success by his own exer
tions. He was a warm friend of educational prog
ress, and in religion was a member of the Mt.
Prospect Presbyterian Church, of which he was a
ruling elder for twenty-eight years. He died July
27, 1887, at Burgettstown, this county, where his
widow is yet living. He was a justice of the peace
for many years.

4)

It Mt RS. MARGARET HOOD is the widow of
\/j\ James Hood, who was born October 23,
Ml I 1805, in Allegheny county, Penn., son of
1 John Hood, a native of Ireland. James
Hood was educated in the old-fashioned
log schoolhouse of those days, and began to learn
the trade of a tanner at an early age, but owing to
failing health was compelled to abandon that busi
ness. On June 26, 1834, he was married to Mar
garet Burns, who was born November 23, 1814, in
Allegheny county, Penn., daughter of John and
Jane (Crooks) Burns. The children born to James
and Margaret Hood were as follows : Jane, Mary,
Nancy (who first married Samuel Ackleson, and is
now the widow of Thomas Ramsey), Catherine
(widow of William Moreland), John (a farmer of
Hanover township), William (a farmer of Hanover
township), Annie (now Mrs. William Banford, of
Robinson township), James, Amanda, and George
B. (farming on the home place). Of these chil-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1417

dren Jane, Mary, James and Amanda are deceased.
After his marriage James Hood worked for some
time at his trade, and then located on the farm
near Murdocksville, Hanover township, this county,
where he successfully followed agricultural pur
suits until his death, which occurred July 13, 1866.
He was buried in the Hopewell Church cemetery,
Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Hood was one of
the leading members of the Hopewell Church,
serving as an elder for some time. He was a pros
perous and influential citizen. Since the death of
her husband, Mrs. Hood has resided on the home
place, surrounded by many friends, who hold her
in the highest esteem. She is remarkably well
preserved for a lady of her age. She has been a
member of Hebron Church for thirty years.

4/

HIRAM RABE. Among the most extensive
stock- dealers and wealthy agriculturists of
Carroll township, this gentleman is a very
prominent figure. He is a son of Jacob
Rabe, an early farmer of Carroll township,
Washington Co., Penn., who died when his son
was yet a small child.
Hiram Rabe was born on the old Rabe home
stead, and after the death of his father resided
with his grandparents until arriving at mature age,
when he began life as a farm laborer at $5 per
month. When a young man he married Catherine
Fredreck, a native of Clover Hill, Washington Co.,
Penn., and she bore him five children, namely:
W. T., living at home; David G., an agriculturist
of Carroll township; James A., living with his
father; Florence, now Mrs. Tucker, of Carroll
township, and Anna M., married to a Mr. Black-
enberger, of Monongahela. The mother of these
children died January 29, 1876, and on April 4,
187-7, Hiram Rabe was married to Matilda Teagar
den, who was born in Ohio, daughter of William
Teagarden. At the time of his first marriage Mr.
Rabe had but $500, which he invested with such
excellent judgment that he is now a wealthy man,
having acquired his property solely by personal en
terprise and industry. He served at one time as
grand juryman at Scranton, Penn., and was then
complimented by the judge for his ability in giving
decisions according to the evidence. He has trav
eled quite extensively throughout the West, hav
ing visited Chicago, St. Louis, and other principal
cities. He owns 400 acres of land in Carroll town
ship, where he is now conducting an extensive
stock farm, keeping an average of 100 head of
cattle, and also owning valuable real estate in Mo
nongahela. Politically, he votes with the Repub
lican party, and has served as school director,
supervisor, and in various other local offices.

A. VAN SCYOC is a native of East Finley
township, this county, having been born
there November 24, 1853. He is a grand
son of Enoch Van Scyoc, who was born
in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to
Washington county in an early day, when the
country had few settlers. He located in Pleasant
Grove, in East Finley township, becoming promi
nently identified with the early history of the
county, and there reared his family, but in later
years removed to Greene county, Penn., locating
near Jacktown, where he died in 1864.
Jesse M. Van Scyoc was born January 29, 1823,
near the present village of Pleasant Grove, East
Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., where
he received very limited educational opportunities,
and assisted his father on the home farm until
some time after his marriage. In 1845 he was-
married to Mary Rogers, who was born March 31,
1.825, daughter of James Rogers, of Morris town
ship, AVashington county, and to their union chil
dren were born as follows: Phcebe Sibylline, bora
June 18, 1846, died July 6, 1853; John A., born
October 21, 1848, died July 19, 1853; Mary Eliz
abeth, born January 30, 1851 (wife of George
Moring, a glass manufacturer, living in Muncie,
Ind.); W. A.; Lavina H., born October 6, 1856-
(Mrs. B. F. Day, living in Bellaire, Ohio); James
A, born August 13. 1859, died May 29, 1883;
Mason V., born July 26, 1862 (a carpenter of
Washington, Penn.); and Isadore Etoy, born Jan
uary 9, 1866 (wife of Edward Reisher; a telegraph
operator, living in Washington). Some time after
his marriage Mr. Van Scyoc moved to a place near
Prosperity, Morris township, this county, and con
ducted a gristmill several years. Afterward he
embarked in mercantile business at Pleasant
Grove, East Finley township, which he followed
till 1876, then began farming on land which he
afterward purchased, and several years later moved
to Washington borough, same county, where he
and his wife now live retired.
W. A. Van Scyoc received a common-school ed
ucation, and began mercantile business in his
father's store at Pleasant Grove, which vocation
he followed several years. On November 30, 1876,
he was united in marriage with Maggie A. Ryan, who
was born December 7, 1860, daughter of Joseph
Ryan, of East Finley township, and their children
were as follows: Gertrude E. , born October 17, 1877 ;.
Ora B., born September 23, 1880; Maud AV., born
November 2, 1882; Letcher D., born March 8,
1886; an infant son (deceased), born January 24,.
1889; and Vina Verbal, bora January 24, 1890,
all of whom remain at home. After his marriage
Mr. Van Scyoc lived on and managed his father's
farm several years; then, in 1881, he resumed
mercantile business at Pleasant Grove, East Finley

1418

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

township, and disposing of that, in 1890 purchased
the "Old Ryan farm," situated about one mile
south of Pleasant Grove, where he yet resides, and
where he successfully followed farming. He is a
prominent member of the Republican party. He
and his wife are members of the Baptist Church
at Pleasant Grove.

AMUEL LOGAN is a leading representa
tive of one of the oldest and most prominent
families in Buffalo township. His grand
father, John Logan, was born and reared
in Ireland, and there passed the earlier portion of
his life. When well advanced in years, John
Logan immigrated to America with his wife and
the following children: Hugh, John, Samuel,
James, William, Nancy and Jane. He landed in
New York, and then came west to Buffalo town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., where he purchased,
from one Williamson, 416 acres of land. It was
then in a very rude state of cultivation, and Mr.
Logan, with the aid of his sons, at once began the
long and arduous task of clearing the pioneer farm.
That his efforts were crowned with deserved suc
cess, is evident from the air of thrift and prosper
ity which surrounds that portion of the estate
which is still in the possession of his descendants.
Mr. Logan was an earnest Christian, and an hon
est and thrifty citizen — a grand specimen of pure
and noble manhood. He died in 1819, and was
laid to rest amid the sorrow of all who knew him.
His children all lived to an adult age, but are now
deceased. Samuel Logan (father of subject) was born in
1785 in Ireland, and received a good education in
the common schools of his native country. He was
twenty-one years of age when he came with his
father's family to America, and on the death of
Mr. Logan, Samuel assumed the management of
his portion of the estate, which he had assisted in
clearing. His brother James learned and followed
the blacksmith's trade in Ireland, and another
brother, Hugh, learned and followed the weaver's
trade, in the old country. After his father's death,
Samuel was united in marriage with Mary, daugh
ter of James Lattimer, who was of Scottish birth,
and a pioneer settler of Washington county. Be
ing a soldier in the Revolutionary war, he suffered
all the hardships incident to military life; he died
in 1845 in Perry county, Ohio. To the union of
Mr. and Mrs. (Lattimer) Logan were born children
as follows: Sarah Jane, Margaret, Mary and
Samuel. Of this family Mary and Samuel are the
only living children. Mr. Logan added many im
provements to the home farm before his death.
Samuel Logan was born October 29, 18 — , on the
farm in Buffalo township which is yet in his posses
sion. He attended the subscription schools, and

succeeded in obtaining a good education. His early
youth was passed on the home farm, and in 1854
he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann,
daughter of James Byers, and to their union the
following children have been born: Mary (wife of
Nelson Doak, of Buffalo township), William (liv
ing in Sugar Hill, Franklin Co., Penn.), Anna
(wife of Jacob Weirich, a prominent agriculturist of
Buffalo township, this county), Eva (Mrs. Boyd
McCoy, living in South Strabane township, Wash
ington county), James (residing with his father on
the old homestead), Rebecca, Nettie Olive, Bertha,
Maud and Herbert, also living at home. Mr. Lo
gan's farm consists of 100 acres of fine land, lying
in the center of a prosperous and enterprising
community, and he devotes his time to its cultiva
tion, and to stock raising. In political opinion he is
a Republican, and, although not an active politi
cian, he is much interested in the welfare of his
party. His family are members of the United
Presbyterian Church, and he is highly respected
by the community in which he resides.

El LLPS JONES is one of the most genial,
popular and eminently successful agricult
urists of Independence township. He is a
grandson of Charles Jones, who was born
east of the mountains, where he married, and
reared a family of six children. Little is known
of his life.
Charles Jones (a son of Charles) was born in
1774, in an eastern State, and in early life came
to Brooke county, W. Va. , where he followed
farming and distilling, a practice then much in
vogue among farmers. He was married in West
Virginia to Keziah Cole, who was born in 1802 in
Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and
she bore him the following children: Susan (de
ceased .wife of John Null, of Marshall county, W.
Va.), Hannah (widow of Thomas McQuerry, of
Marshall county, W. Va.), David, George, Barnet,
Ellis, Charles and William. Of these Susan,
David, George, Charles and William are deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones resided in Brooke county, W.
Va., for some time after their marriage, finally
removing to Independence township, AVashington
Co., Penn., and locating permanently on the home
farm, lying about one mile northeast of Dunsfort.
He was a very successful farmer and stock raiser.
In politics he was a Whig. He died June 7, 1847,
being followed by his wife in 1875; both were
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Ellis Jones was born August 9, 1820, on the
home farm in Independence township, and re
ceived a country-school education. On October
14, 1864, he was united in marriage with Keziah
McLain, who was born in 1832, in Donegal town-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1419

ship, this county. Their children are Charles L. ,
Virginia B. , Stewart M., Ellis N. and Bertha Lee,
all living at home. Ellis Jones has always resided
on the old place, from which he has never been
absent more than two months at a time. He is
kind-hearted and generous, ever ready to aid those
meriting assistance, and never allowing a man to
go hungry from his door. In public life he is
enterprising and progressive, willing to assist in
furthering any movement tending to benefit the
community; he casts his ballot with the Demo
cratic party, and has filled various township offices.
His success in life is due to energy and good
management. He and his wife are consistent
members of the Mt. Zion United Brethren Church.

f|OHN W. BERRYMAN, senior member of the
1 well-known grocery firm, J. W. Berry man &
v J Son, in Coal Centre, was born February 2,
^^ 1837, near Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
a son of Duncan Berryman, and a grandson
of John Berryman, both of whom were natives of
New York, where the grandfather died. Duncan
Berryman was born and reared in New York, and
coming to Allegheny county, Penn. , when a young
man, was there married to Sarah Grimes, daugh
ter of William Grimes, of Elizabeth, that county.
After his marriage Mr. Berryman followed ship
building at Elizabeth for several years.
John W. Berryman, whose name introduces this
biographical sketch, received a liberal education,
and passed his youth in East Pike Run township,
this county. He began business life by running a
ferry at Allenport, a vocation he followed for some
years. In 1876 he came to Coal Centre, where he
successfully carried on a meat market until 1887,
in which year he entered into partnership with a
Mr. Gleason in the grocery trade. In 1888 he
purchased the entire business, which he and his
son John D. have since successfully conducted.
Father and son are active, energetic business men,
and by close attention to the wants of their
patrons have widened their custom and enlarged
their store, which is now one of the most
extensive establishments of the kind in the locality.
On November 5, 1861, our subject was united in
marriage with Annie Hause, daughter of Joseph
Hause, and their children were: Ella (deceased),
William I. (an attorney), John D. (living in Coal
Centre), and Georgia (deceased). Politically Mr.
Berryman is a Democrat.

i\ILLIAM M. BELL, a progressive farmer
of Cecil township, is a native of the same,
born in 1823, a grandson of John and
Mary Bell, natives of eastern Pennsylva
nia, who came to Washington county and to Cecil

township at an early day, buying three farms, one
of which was in Peters township. The grandfather
after coming to this county passed his life in Cecil
township. He was a Revolutionary soldier.
John Bell, a son of the above-mentioned couple,
was born in Virginia, and coming with his parents
to AVashington county was reared and educated in
Cecil township. In early life he was married to
Mary Hall, a native of Chartiers township, this
county, and they settled on a farm in Cecil town
ship, where eight children were born to them, of
whom William M. is the only one yet living. The
father was an active worker in the Whig party, and
a stanch supporter of W. H. Harrison. In religion
Mr. and Mrs. Bell were members of the Presby
terian Church at Miller's Run, of which he was a
ruling elder. He died about the year 1854, in his
eighty-fourth year, followed by his widow in 1876,
she being then ninety-three years of age.
William M. Bell, the subject of these lines, was
born on the farm adjoining his present home, and
was educated in the subscription schools of Cecil
township, in the same district where he is now liv
ing, and where he has devoted his attention to
farming and carpentry. In 1846 he married Miss
Roxanna Smith, a native of Westmoreland county,
Penn. , and the young couple began married life on
the farm where they are yet residing, and which
comprises 103 acres of well -cultivated and fertile
land. Twelve children blessed their union — seven
daughters and five sous — six of whom are now liv
ing, namely: J. S., Charlie, Florence, Georgie,
Leonora and Alexander; two of the sons and two
of the daughters are married. In politics Mr. Bell
is a pronounced Republican.

ADAM WEIR (deceased), who in his life
time was one of the well-known, represent
ative, native-born citizens of Franklin
township, first saw the light May 27, 1801,
on the old family home place, known as the
"Stephen Post farm."
He was a son of Samuel AVeir, who was brought
by his parents when a young child from Scotland
to America, the family making a final settlement
in Washington county, Penn., some locating near
Pigeon creek, while others made a settlement near
Van Buren. Samuel was here married to Mar
garet, daughter of John Clark, and they then
settled on the Stephen Post farm, where they
passed the remainder of their days. The names
of the children born to them are Joseph, Adam,
Thomas, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel and Sarah
(the latter married to a Mr. Rettig), all now de
ceased. Mr. Weir was a lifelong farmer, eminently
successful in his vocation. For many years he
was a consistent Presbyterian, in which faith he
died; in politics he was an active Democrat.

1420

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Adam Weir passed his boyhood and youth in
working on the farm, and attended, during the
winter months, the subscription schools of the
neighborhood. On December 1. 1825, he was
united in marriage with Sarah Carter, who bore
him the following named children: Margaret (who
died in Washington county), Jane (deceased),
William (in Franklin township) and Henry B.
This wife dying, Mr. Weir was afterward, on May
19, 1836, united in marriage with Phcebe Tucker,
and the children by that union were Samuel H.
(deceased), John N. (in Franklin township),' Sarah
(wife of Frank Gabby) and Phcebe D. On May 14,
1850, Mr. Weir was again married, this time to
Mrs. Cynthia Kane, daughter of Mathias Minton,
and widow of C. C. Kane, and one son was born
to them — Adam, Jr., of whom special mention is
made further on — and one daughter — Lell, in
Pittsburgh. Adam Weir, Sr., came in 1840 to the
present residence of his widow and youngest son,
and made many improvements thereon. At his
death he was the owner of a large farm, the ac
cumulation of a lifetime of hard work. He was an
active and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian
Church and all public enterprises, and was uni
versally respected. Mr. Weir died July 15, 1866,
and is buried at Prosperity.
Adam Weir, Jr., son of Adam, Sr., and Cynthia
Weir, was born October 21, 1851, was educated at
the common schools of the home neighborhood,
and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He had
to commence work early in life, and with true filial
devotion has remained with his mother, having
charge of the farm, which comprises 300 acres of
prime land. He has for several years dealt ex
tensively in live stock of all kinds, and is recog
nized as a thorough-going young business man,
and has a wide acquaintance and a multitude of
friends. On September 18, 1879, he was married
to Ella, daughter of Thomas Hanna, of Morris
township, and their children were Thomas A. (de
ceased in infancy), and Helen, Flora H, Fannie
M. and Mary C, all yet living under the paternal
roof. Mr. Weir is a stanch Democrat, and has
served as school director of his district. He and
his wife are members of the Ten-Mile Presbyterian
Church.

I/SAAC N. LYTLE was born December 26,
i 1849, and is a son of Benjamin, who was a son
j of Joseph, who was a son of Robert Lytle, a
— record of whom appears on page 953, this
volume. Joseph Lytle was born in 1790, on the home'
farm in Allegheny county, Pe'nn. , where his youth
was passed. He was married to Margaret Murphy,
of Washington county, and they resided several
years in Mercer county, Penn., but finally returned

to the old homestead in Allegheny county. Joseph
died, leaving five children, viz. : Benjamin, Anne,
Sarah, Isaac and Mary, of whom Isaac is the only
survivor. Benjamin Lytle, son of Joseph and Margaret
(Murphy) Lytle, was born October 25, 1810, in
Beaver county, Penn. , but passed his early life in
Gastonville, Washington county. In early youth
he was apprenticed to Benjamin Higbee to learn the
trade of cooper, commencing business for himself
in 1831. In 1838 he married Miss Arsula McFar
land, of Peters township, Washington county,
who bore him the following children: W. G.,
Mary J., Joseph F., Josephine M. , Isaac N. , Anna
L., James E., John H. and Maggie T. Mr. Lytle
continued to follow his trade until 1851, when he
bought a farm, moving upon it in 1852, and re
mained there until 1875. During this interval he
purchased two other small farms, the three places
containing about 140 acres. In 1875 he built a
store-room and dwelling in Gastonville, this
county, and, taking up his abode in the village,
opened a real estate office. He was an active
worker in the Democratic party and held many
township offices; in religion he was a member of
the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon.
He died June 14, 1887.

AMUEL G. SKILES. This progressive
and enterprising citizen of Chartiers town
ship, one of the most extensive and best-
known dairymen of Washington county,
deserves prominent place in this work.
He is a grandson of Gideon and Jane Skiles,
early residents of Lancaster county, Penn., who
came to Washington county about the year 1822,
where they passed the remainder of their pioneer
lives. Samuel Skiles, their son, was born July 25,
1810, on the old home farm in Lancaster county,
and was, as will be seen, about twelve years of age
when he came with his parents to this county. At
the age of sixteen, he hired to drive a team, which
business he continued to follow, handling freight
to and from Pittsburgh, and afterward from Pitts
burgh to Philadelphia and Baltimore. In 1840 he
was united in marriage with Sarah Guthrie, who
was born July 5, 1820, and eight children were
born to this union, viz. : Jane (deceased wife of
John W. Gaston), Isaac L. (married to Miss
Sydney Armstrong), Margaret Ann (deceased wife
of Moses Ross), Belle (deceased wife of Joseph
Kerr), Sarah Nancy (Mrs. Amos Anderson), Samuel
G., George M. (married to Nancy Willard) and
Agnes R. (deceased). The mother of these chil
dren died April 2, 1861, and on April 25, 1865, the
father was married to Margaret Ann Watkins.
He died May 6, 1888, a member of the Associate
Reformed Church.

-XSffi'MJv
:-mm.

• ...

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1423

Samuel G. Skiles, the subject of this sketch,
was born May 3, 1852, near Bower Hill, Peters
township, Washington Co. , Penn. He resided on
the farm during his early life, and attended the com
mon schools. On September 12, 1877, he married
Emma Agnes McGibboney, born March 6, 1855, in
Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., near
Munntown, daughter of George and Rachel McGib
boney, and the following children have been born
to them: Rachel Agnes, Samuel McGibboney (de
ceased in early childhood), Flora Jane, Sarah
Nancy, William Lytle (deceased), Mary Margaret,
James Glenn and Georgia Alice. Mr. Skiles has
taken an active interest in school and local affairs.
His farm contains 130 acres of fertile, well culti
vated land, where he pays special attention to the
dairying business. At present he has a fine herd
of Holsteins, and he is engaged in breeding that
far-famed variety of cattle. The milk from his
cows he ships to the Pittsburgh market. In relig-
¦ ious faith he and his family are all members of the
United Presbyterian Church.

JAMES WILSON, Sb., was born in Ireland,
date of birth and emigration to America not
being known. He left Burnt Cabins, Bed
ford Co. , Penn. , about 1780, and settled four
miles east of the town on what is now the
National road. Coming, later, to the town of
Washington, he purchased original lot No. 291
(which is to-day the site of Smith's store, corner
of Beau and Main streets), erected a log house
thereon, and opened a tavern, under license granted
by the first court held in the countv, October 3,
1781. Some time later he purchased the certificate to
lot No. 21, original town, on the east side of
Main street, where the "Morgan block" now
stands, deeding this new purchase to his son,
Hugh, August 15, 1786, and in 1792 conveyed to
him the certificate, and made the title perfect in
him. The house erected on lot No. 21 was the
great hall of the town, where meetings and enter
tainments were held, until Dr. John Julius Le-
Moyne opened his drug store therein; subsequent
ly, until 1815, Mrs. Baker conducted a "Female
Seminary" within its walls. James Wilson, Sr.,
resided in his pioneer house (corner of Main and
Beau streets) until his death in 1792. He be
queathed that property, with 200 acres adjoining
the town, to his widow, Margaret Wilson, for her
use until James, their youngest son, should be
come of age, when it was to be equally partitioned
between John, Thomas and James Wilson. Hugh,
having previously received a liberal endowment in
improved and vacant property in and near the
town, was not named in the will; subsequently,
however, he acquired title to the pioneer house
60

(above referred to), from his youngest brother,
James, and was owner for a long period. Hugh
was well known as a business man, and he acquired
quite a large amount of property in and near the
town. Hugh AVilson was married August 18, 1788, to
Rachel Leet, daughter of Isaac Leet, and sister to
Maj. Daniel Leet, to which marriage four chil
dren were born: Rebecca, Margaret, Rachel and
Hugh AV. Mrs. Rachel Wilson died February
14, 1818, and Mr. Wilson married Mrs. Margaret
Fleming, widow of Jeremiah Fleming, to whom
she had been married at Newtown- Limavady,
Ireland, and after whose death she emigrated to
Pennsylvania with her daughter Catherine, to
make her home near her sisters, Mrs. Robert Ham
ilton and Mrs. Patterson, who had located at
Washington, Penn., some years before. This
daughter, Catherine, married John B. McFadden,
a silversmith of Washington, and moved with him
to Pittsburgh; her daughter, Ann, married Gen.
Alexander Hays, a brave officer in the Mexican
and Civil wars. To the marriage of Hugh
Wilson and Mrs. Margaret Fleming one daugh
ter was born, Eliza, married to Rev. Thomas
Swaim, who was pastor of the Baptist Church at
Washington from 1846 to 1850. On the death
of Mrs. Margaret AA7ilson, Mr. AVilson married
Eliza Spencer, a native of England, who survived
her husband many years, dying without issue.
In 1786 Hugh Wilson became the owner of the
lot now occupied by the "Watson Building," by
donation from his father, and carried on business
there for many years. He died April 13, 1832.
Of his children by Rachel Leet, Rebecca mar
ried James Blaine, who in 1809 opened a dry-
goods store next to the house of Hugh Wilson,
and a few years later they occupied the stone
building inherited by his wife, Rebecca, from her
father, and erected by David Bradford, of Whis
key Insurrection fame, in which they resided until
death removed them from the pioneer circle. Mr.
Blaine was a member of the town council in 1816,
burgess in 1818-22 and again in 1839, and jus
tice in 1817, 1840 and 1845. Margaret AVilson
married John, son of Col. James Marshel (her
husband was elected sheriff in 1835, but resigned
to become cashier of the Franklin Bank (now the
First National) before the close of his term. In
1857 he retired from banking, and ended his days
at his residence near Washington). Rachel mar
ried Richard AA7. Harding, and in 1882 was resid
ing at Bethlehem, Penn., with her son, who is
professor of natural science in Lehigh University
(her eldest daughter is Mrs. Rebecca Harding
Davis, the authoress); Mrs. Harding died in 1884,
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Davis, in Phil
adelphia. Hugh AV. AA^ilson, fourth child of Hugh Wilson,

1424

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was born in Washington, Penn., February 22,
1812, grew to manhood there, and ultimately set
tled on the farm which his grandfather had pur
chased in South Strabane township. His mar
riage with Frances Emma Barlow, daughter of
Thomas and Frances Anica (Preble) Barlow (and
niece of Commodore Preble), of Allegheny county,
took place April 25, 1837, and to this union came
the following named children: Edward Preble,
born April 25, 1838, now residing at Cincinnati,
Ohio; James B., born November 25, 1839, now.
residing on the farm in South Strabane township,
which was the property of his great-grandfather,
and occupying the house erected thereon by his
grandfather; Clara, who married A. T. Baird, a
sketch of whom appears in this biographical rec
ord, and Frances Emma, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Frances E. Wilson died February 12, 1845,
in her twenty-seventh year, and Mr. AVilson was
remarried September 9, 1847, this time to Sarah
Neville, a niece of Gen. Neville. She died Sep
tember 30, 1856, leaving two children: Neville
Craig, born October 30, 1850, died January 1,
1887, and Rebecca Blaine, born September 12,
1853, died February 18, 1879. Hugh W. Wilson
died May 13, 1861, in his forty-ninth year. From
his youth he was a farmer until the closing years
of his life, when he devoted his principal attention
to fruit growing, and, later, to floriculture. His
sudden death was caused by internal rupture pro
duced by rapid walking. Thomas Barlow, his
father-in-law, was the secretary of his uncle, Joel
Barlow, who was D. S. minister to France during
the Napoleonic wars, and while in Russia during
the campaign witnessed the burning of Moscow,
and the terrible scenes following Napoleon's de
feat; he buried his uncle, Joel, at Cracow, Poland,
where he died from the effects of the excessive
cold. The Leet family, into which Hugh Wilson mar
ried, date their origin in America to 1685, when
the grandfather of Isaac Leet left Mansfield,
England, and found a home in thp New Jersey
colony. In 1751 Isaac Leet removed from New
Jersey to Virginia, and found his way to AVashing
ton county, Penn., in 1779, following his son
Daniel, who came in 1770. To Isaac and Rebecca
Leet children as follows were born: Daniel, Rachel
(who married Hugh Wilson), Jonathan (who mar
ried Mary, a daughter of Dr. Thomas Moore, and
died in South Strabane township), Isaac (who died
in Canton township), Elizabeth, Rebecca (who
married Enoch Dye) and two or three others. He
located 351 acres of land, under a Virginia certifi
cate, which was surveyed January 6, 1807, and
named "Leet's Fancy." The father of this
family died there, and was buried where now is the
Weirich cemetery. Jonathan Leet was the father
of six children, one of whom was Isaac Leet, a

prominent attorney, who was State senator in
1834, and later a member of Congress until his
death in 1844. He married Margaret Swearingen
Cook, daughter of John Cook and granddaughter
of Andrew Swearingen. Mary, a daughter of
Isaac and Margaret Leet, is the wife of James B.
Wilson, grandson of Hugh Wilson. Maj. Daniel
Leet was born near Bordentown, N. J., November
6, 1748. He was commissioned surveyor of Au
gusta county, Va., April 17, 1776. He served in the
Revolution as quartermaster and paymster, and on
September 21, 1778, was promoted to the rank of
brigade major. During and after the Revolution
he was a leader of men. At Crawford's defeat he
did not act as brigade major, but as the second in
command, having been elected to the position by
the volunteer force. He stood high in his profession
of surveyor, acting as one of the commission in
fixing the county seat of Washington county, and
districting it into townships; serving as deputy
surveyor before the western line of the Common
wealth was established; making the survey of the
Second District of the Depreciation lands; making
the survey within the reserved tract where Alle
gheny is located; laying out and surveying the
other reserved tract at the mouth of the Beaver
river, etc. He was made justice of the peace and ex
officio associate judge when the county was erected,
and was a representative in the General Assembly
in 1791 and in 1792.

HARLES A. BAILEY, one of the well-known
citizens of Washington, while not long a
resident of the county, has, since making his
home here, been actively indentified with
the hotel interests of the city of his adoption.
He was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , in
1844, of New England ancestry, his father, James
Bailey, having been a native of Massachusetts, a
man in his earlier days skilled in various lines of.
business. In later life, however, becoming con
vinced that to be truly successful a man should
have a single and distinguishing occupation, he dis
posed of his various interests, and thence forth de
voted himself exclusively to farming in Erie county,
Penn. , where he died in 1850. In Massachusetts
he was married to Miss Amelia Alcott (whose
brother was a writer of considerable note), a cousin
of Louise M. Alcott, whose "Little Men and Lit
tle Women" has given her a national reputation.
By this union there were five children, only two of
whom are now living — our subject and one sister,
the former of whom was but four years old when
his mother died in Erie county, Penn. , whither the
family had removed the previous year. The father
married again, and by this second union there is
one child, Frank H, who early in life evinced nat
ural mechanical tastes, and in course of time be-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1425

came proficient in mechanical drafting. He now
holds the position of past assistant engineer
U. S. N., in the Army and Navy building, at Wash
ington, D. C. He is a graduate of Annapolis Naval
Academy, which he had entered as a cadet engi
neer. The father died when our subject was six
years of age.
Charles A. Bailey passed his boyhood in New
York until the age of fifteen years, when he re
turned to Pennsylvania and took up his residence
in Titusville, devoting his time to the restaurant
business through the oil regions until 1886, in
which year he removed to Washington, Penn.
Here for five years he conducted the " European
Hotel," now known as the "Allison House." Some
time after coming to Washington and engaging in
business, he formed a partnership with S. B. Mc
Kennan, which has since continued. The old
"Fulton House" was leased by Mr. Bailey, and
for a time he conducted it as the leading hotel of
the place; but proving unprofitable as a hostelry,
it was converted into an apartment house, and so
continued until January 5, 1893, when, having
been thoroughly renovated, it was reopened to the
public as a first-class house, the name "Hotel
Main " being given it by the courteous and wide
awake proprietor, Charles A. Bailey, who conducts
it in a thoroughly efficient manner.
In 1864, in Crawford county, -Penn., Mr. Bailey
was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of E. D.
Gillett, of that county. No children have been
born to them, but in 1882 they adoped a four-year-
old child, from that time known as Gertie Bailey.
In November, 1892, after an illness of some six
weeks, she died, aged fourteen years. Mr. Bailey
is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and he has
surrounded himself with a host of friends. He is
a great lover of animals, especially "man's unsel
fish friend " — the dog.

HC J. GAMBLE, M. D., one of the leading
and most successful physicians of Washing
ton county, is a native of Allegheny county,
-* Penn., bom in Elizabeth township Janu
ary 9, 1846. Samuel Gamble, his great
grandfather, was born in Enniskillen, Ireland,
March 17, 1702, and in an early day came to
America, settling in Fayette county, Penn. He
was married twice, first to Prudence  , by
whom he had twelve children. He afterward mar
ried Elizabeth Patton, by whom he had two chil
dren, viz. : Rebecca Lyon, born 1781, and John.
John Gamble, the youngest son of Samuel, was
born in Fayette county, Penn., May 9, 1783, and
for many years was a prominent school teacher in
his section. On March 15, 1808, he married Mary,
daughter of Hezekiah and Mary (Brant) Douthitt.

John Gamble moved to AATestmoreland county,
Penn. , and conducted a general store and a hotel
at West Newton until 1817, when he proceeded
to Allegheny county and purchased a large tract
of land in Elizabeth township, all of which is still
in the possession of his descendants. He died
November 7, 1875, his wife having preceded him
to the grave March 27, 1848. Mr. Gamble was a
member of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church,
of which he had been an elder many years. Polit
ically, his sympathies were with the Democratic
party, and for a long time he served as a justice of
the peace in Allegheny county. He was gifted
naturally with a mind clear on legal points — in
law and equity — and was looked up to as the gen
eral adviser of the community among whom he
might be living.
Samuel H. Gamble, father of subject, was born
in AVestmoreland county, Penn., February 8, 1812,
and received a liberal education at the subscription
schools of the district during the winter months,
the rest of the year being devoted to laboring on
the farm. On October 30, 1832, he was married
to Margaret J., daughter of John Irwin, of whom
special mention will be made further on. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Gamble settled
on a farm in Elizabeth township, Allegheny
county, where he died July 14, 1879 (the mother
is still living). He was a member and substantial
supporter of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church,
and in politics he was a Democrat until the break
ing out of the war of the Rebellion, when he be
came a Republican. He was an active and pro
gressive self-made man. Six children were born
to him, as follows: Sarah Ann, who married
Caleb Edmundson (they reside on their farm in
Forward township, Allegheny county); Harriet,
married to John Bridenthall (he and wife resided
in McKeesport; Mrs. Bridenthall died 1869); Oliver
Perry, a farmer and merchant at Independence,
Kans. (he married Harriet Hefley) ; John H. (sub
ject); Rebecca Jane, married to William Hayden,
a farmer and -dairyman near McKeesport; James
Harvey, a farmer and dairyman of Forward town
ship, Allegheny, county, residing on the old farm
(he married Margaret McKinney).
Dr. Gamble's maternal great-grandfather, John
Irwin, was born in Pennsylvania, was an agricult
urist and died on his farm in Allegheny county.
He married Margaret Fulton, of that county, a
Covenanter who came to Westmoreland county
with her parents when she was nine years old.
After her husband's death, she moved to Washing
ton county and settled on her farm. The home
farm in Allegheny county is now owned by Will
iam Irwin. To John and Margaret (Fulton) Irwin
were born children as follows : Martha, Margaret,
Polly, Susan, Henry and John. Of these John
was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and was

1426

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

married to Sarah La Fever, a native of Allegheny
county, Penn. , and daughter of Minard (a cooper)
and Charity Elinor La Fever, French Huguenots,
and early settlers of Allegheny county. John and
Sarah (La Fever) Irwin settled on the homestead
of his mother in Forward township, where he car
ried on farming operations. They had ten chil
dren. Mr. Irwin, for his second wife, married
Ann McConnell, by whom he had six children.
Mr. Irwin Berved in both the war of 1812 and the
Black Hawk war. He was a member of the United
Presbyterian Church, and in political affiliations
was first a AVhig, afterward a Republican.
H. J. Gamble was reared in his native county,
and at the common schools of the neighborhood of
his boyhood home received a liberal education. At
the age of seventeen he enlisted in Company G,
Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was
assigned to the army of West Virginia, participat-
in the Shenandoah campaign, and during the lat
ter part of their service they were with Sheridan.
At the close of the war our subject received an
honorable discharge and returned home. In 18 —
he entered the academy at Monongahela, where he
remained some time, then attended the Normal
School at Edinboro, Erie Co. , Penn. , and, after
ward the Northwestern University at Evanston,
111. Having now completed his education, in turn
he became an educator, and for some time taught
school in various parts of the States of Illinois and
Kansas. In 1870 he entered the office of James
C. Gamble, M. D., in Lawrence, Kans., where
he remained some three years, reading med
icine, at the end of which time he attended the
Homeopathic Medical College, of Missouri, in St.
Louis, from which he was graduated in 1874. Dr.
Gamble commenced the practice of his chosen pro
fession at Lawrence, Kans., remaining there one
year, after which he practiced a year in Wilkins-
burg, Allegheny Co., Penn., and then in 1876 came
to Monongahela.
On May 11, 1876, Dr. H. J. Gamble was mar
ried to Mary J. , daughter of John Reynolds, and
six children blessed their union, viz. : Harvey R.,
Robert R. , Charles O. (deceased), Harold, and
Margaret (deceased) and Mary (twins). Dr. and
Mrs. Gamble are members of the Presbyterian
Church; in politics he is an active Republican,
and was nominated for Congress by the Prohibi
tion party in 1888. In that year he was appointed
supreme medical examiner of the Equitable Aid
Union, and he has held various local offices of
trust. Dr. Gamble is a progressive and energetic
citizen, and takes an active interest in anything
that is beneficial to his city. In 1886 he erected
Gamble's Opera House. He is one of the leading
educators of the county, and takes advanced ground
on all educational questions.

Ibwin Family.
(a) John Irwin married Margaret Fulton, and
had children as follows : (b) — Martha, Margaret,
Polly, Susan, Henry and John. Of these (b) Martha
married Martin Adams, and had four children; (b)
Polly married Abel Finley, and had children: (c) —
David, James, Martha, Mary and Margaret ; (b)
Susan married Robert Douglas, and had children:
(c) — John, Robert, Presley, William, Margaret and
Isabel; (b) Henry married Katherine Johnston, and
had children: (c) — Margaret Ann, Sydney, John,
Hetty Elinor and Martha.
(b) John Irwin was twice married, first time
to Sarah La Fever, and had children : (c) — Harriet,
Margaret Jane, John Brady, Joseph La Fever,
Charity Elinor, Mary Catherine, Rebecca Ann,
Martha Ann, Henry Fulton and Susanna. Of these
(c) Harriet married Hezekiah Douthitt Gamble
(for children see Gamble family record further on);
(c) Margaret Jane married Harvey Gamble (for
children see Gamble family record further on) ; (c)
John Brady married Martha Case, and had chil
dren as follows: (d) — John (deceased), Nancy Diana
(married Fantley Ball and had one child, (e) Myr
tle), Rosella (married Frank York, and had two
children), Joseph, Henry and Mary (all three de
ceased), Daniel Risher, William Douthitt, Sarah
Mary and James Gamble (last named deceased);
(c) Joseph La Fever married Jane Westbay Finley,
and had one child: (d) — Harvey Austin (married
Mary Torrence, and had one child, (e) Harry
Lowry) ; (c) Mary Catherine married (first) Thomas
Clark, and by him had children: (d) — Zwingle,
Margaret Ann (married to Lorenzo Wilgus, and
had one child, (e) Olive C); Mary Catherine mar
ried (second) Thomas Penney, and by him had
children: Duane, Olive Jane (married to William
Smith, and had children: (e) — Duane Penney.Maud
W. and Nellie); (c) Martha Ann married Sinclair
Edmundson and J. Ralston, and her children were:
(d) — Presley S. Edmundson (married Sarah Jane
Spikier, and had children: (e) — Ann Gertrude and
Kate), William Orlando Edmundson; Harvey Gam
ble Edmundson (married Alice Straight, and had
children: (e) — Clara Jessie, V. Viola, Mary and
Edna), Sarah Jane Edmundson, Finley Ellsworth
Edmundson and Henry Burke Edmundson; (c)
Henry Fulton married Eliza Peet, and had chil
dren: (d)— Evangeline, Myrtle Bell and Susan D.;
(c) Susanna married Eli McLaughlin, and had
children: (d) — Sarah. Margaret and James.
(b) John Irwin's second wife was Ann McCon
nell, and their children were (c) — Sarah Alice, Nancy
Diana, Finley Douglas, Loressa, William Wilson
and Amaretus. Of these Sarah Alice married
Thomas AVilson and had children: (d) — Anna Bell,
Susan Poe, Samuel Morrow, Loressa, Nora Tell
and Irwin ; William Wilson married Nora McHenry,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1427

and had children: (d)— Frank, Albert, Harry, Anna
Bell, John, Marion, Margaret and Harriet E. ;
Amaretus married John Wilson, and had children:
(d)— Edward, Elizabeth, Clyde I., Herbert, Er
skine, Loressa M., Elmer and one unnamed.

La Fevee Family.
(a) Minard La Fever married Charity Elinor
-, and had children: (b)— William, Isaac,

John, Eliza, Rachel, Abram, James, Rebecca,
Hannah, Katie, Sarah, Ann, Polly and Diana. Of
these (b) William married Mary Price, and men-
children were: (c) — Price, Chambers, Irwin, John,
Levi, Abram and Isaac; (b) Isaac married Sarah
 , and had children: (c)— Abner, William
and Rebecca; (b) John married Harriet

and had children: (c)— William and Curtis; (bj
James married Elmira Peet, and had children:
(c)— Mary, Ann, Rachel, Hannah, James and
Thompson; (b) Rebecca married William Will
iams, and had children (c)— Vaughn, Mary, Ellen,
Rachel and Eliza; (b) Hannah married George
Stevens, and had children: (c) — Eliza, Thomas,
Martha, Harrie and William; (b) Katie .married
William McConnell, and had children: (c) — Mary,
John and Katie; (b) Sarah married John Irwin,
and had ten children, as already enumerated; (b)
Ann La Fever married  Kirkpatrick; (b)
Polly married  Cromwell; (b) Diana mar
ried Thompson Peet, and had children: (c) — Char
ity Elinor, Melissa Ann, James Burke, Mary Han
nah, Maria Jane, Sarah Hepsah and Eliza Emily.

Gamble Family.
(a) Samuel Gamble, born March 17, 1702, mar
ried (first) Prudence  , and had children,
their names and dates of birth being as follows:
Martha, 1750; Jonas, 1751; Prudence, 1753; Da
vid, 1754; Jane, 1756; Esther, 1758; Aaron, 1760;
James, 1764; Rebecca, 1765; Samuel, 1767; Mary,
1770; Sarah, 1771. (a) Samuel Gamble married
(second) Elizabeth Patten, and had children:
(b) — Rebecca Lyon, born 1781, and John, born 1783.
(b) John Gamble married Mary Douthitt (daugh
ter of Hezekiah and Mary (Brant) Douthitt), and
their children were (c) — Hezekiah Douthitt, Eliz
abeth, Samuel Harvey, James Carothers, John,
Mary Brant, Oliver Perry and Hiram.
Of these, (c) Hezekiah Douthitt married Har7
riet Irwin, and had children (d) — Mary, John N.,
James Harvey, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, Rebecca,
Hezekiah Douthitt, Margaret Jane, Martha and
Catherine Celia. Of these, (d) Mary married Sam
uel Bell (had children: (e) — Hezekiah Gamble
(married to Mary Atkinson, by whom he had two
children: (f) — James and Vedora), James Gamble,
Xenophon, Alexander Miller. Mary Aletta and
Charles Douthitt); (d) John N. married Margaret

J. Boyd; (d) James Harvey married Rhoda L.
Harrison (had children: (e)— Corwin, Bell, Anna
Martha, Charles Sumner, Findley AVilson, Robert
Alvey, William Knox, James Douthitt and Har
riet Mary); (d) Sarah Ann married Adam McCon
nell (had children: (e) — Harriet Ann (married to
John Edie), John Findley, James Everett, Celia
Iantha, William Clarence, Ella Jane and Clyde
Irwin); (d) Elizabeth married Charles C. Taylor
(had children: (e) — Selwyn Melvin (married to
Mary Nolan), Lulu Maude (married to Albert
Munhall) and Anna Laura); (d) Rebecca married
Daniel Risher (had children: (e)— Sarah Crady,
Nancy Denny, Charles Bayha, John C, Harriet,
Dillie Munson and Douthitt Gamble. Of these,
(e) Sarah Crady married James B. Neel, and had
one child (f) Susan Rebecca; (e) Charles Bayha
married Mary Fairfield, and had one child, (f)
Mary; (e) John C. married Minnie McEnulty, and
had one child, (f) Louise), (d) Hezekiah Douthitt
Gamble married Emma Bell Hair (children:
(e) — Hattie Leila, Burtus Douthitt, Eva May, and
Laura Margaret); (d) Martha Gamble married
Henry N. Patten; (d) Catherine Celia married
Euclid Allen Richards (children : (e) —Vincent Gam
ble, Clyde McConnell, James Melvin, Floyd Her
bert, Frank Allen, Harriet Marie and MaryElla).
(c) Elizabeth Gamble married Levi Edmundson,
and had children: (d) — Havilah Gamble. Drusilla
Douthitt and Lacea Phillips; of these (d) Havilah
Gamble married Sarah Pearse (children: (e) — Al
berta, Joseph, George, Elizabeth and Margaret),
and (d) Drusilla Douthitt married J. J. Bowers
(children: (e) — Elizabeth, Edwin, Harriet, Alice
and Anna).
(c) Samuel Harvey Gamble married Margaret J.
Irwin, and their children were (d) — Sarah Ann,
Harriet, Oliver Perry, John Henry, Rebecca Jane
and James Harvey. Of these (d) Sarah Ann mar
ried Caleb Edmundson (children: (e) — Mary Jane,
Margaret, Rebecca, Catherine, Anna Martha and
Charles); (d) Harriet married John Bridenthall;
(d) Oliver Perry married Harriet Hefley; (d)
John Henry married Mary Jane Reynolds (chil
dren: (e) — Reynolds, Robert, Charles, Harold
Selwyn, Mary and Margaret); (d) Rebecca Jane
married William Hayden (children : (e) — Lawrence,
Meredith and Bennett); (d) James Harvey married
Margaret McKinney (children: (e) — Nancy, Olive,
Frank and Mary).
(c) James Carothers Gamble married Hannah
Thomas, and had children: (d) — Xenophon, Mary
and John; of these, Mary married Mr. Presley
(one child: (e) Laura).
(c) Hiram Gamble married Jane Torrence, and
had children: (d) — Hezekiah Douthitt, Power Tor
rence, Ellert A., Oliver Perry and Mary Elizabeth;
of these, Power Torrence married Emma AA'ilson
(children: (e) — —  and Mary).

1428

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

JAMES W. WILLIAMS, a prominent farmer,
and enterprising and progressive native-born
citizen of Fallowfield township, was born
June 17, 1843, on the farm where he is yet
living. His father, Francis Hull Williams,
was born February 24, 1799, near Courtney, Union
township, this county,and was a lifelong farmer. His
father went to Ohio to take up land, and was killed
by Indians. Francis Hull AVilliams was married
April 7, 1825, to Rosanna Jones, who was born
May 4, 1804, and died September 18, 1870. She
bore him the following children: Elizabeth, born
February 18, 1826 (married to G. Mcllvaine, of
Carroll township); Margaret, born May 16, 1827,
died in 1828; Thomas, born December 20, 1828,
died May 13, 1831; William J., born January 20,
1831; John W., bom February 21, 1834; Ruth E.,
born March 9, 1836 (married to William Stoneman,
and lives in Churchill, Ohio); Francis H., born
June 6, 1838; David N., born August 25, 1840;
James M., whose sketch follows; Samuel, born
April 2, 1845, died April 29, 1855; and Rosanna,
born April 10, 1847, died September 29, 1848.
The father of this family died February 25, 1856.
He was a member of the M. E. Church, as was
also his wife. The farms of the five surviving
sons adjoin one another and cover an aggregate
of over one thousand acres.
James M. AVilliams received his early education
in the schools of Washington county, and remained
at home until the death of his parents. On Septem
ber 19, 1862, he enlisted in the "Ringgold Bat
talion" (22d Pennsylvania Cavalry), remaining in
the service two years and ten months. His first com
mander was Capt. Milton AV.Mitchner, who resigned
in April, 1864, being succeeded by Capt. James Y.
Chessroun. Mr. Williams served through the
entire Shenandoah Valley campaign, taking part
in all the engagements of the Ringgold Battalion.
He had a severe attack of typhoid fever while
in the army, and after the conflict returned home
to Washington county. On October 30, 1873, he
was united in marriage with A. Estelle, daughter
of AV. Philips, a prominent farmer of the county,
and their children are Clara E., Ruth E. , and
Nancy B. On Mr. Williams' farm are two gas
wells, also a large coal mine which has yielded him
a good profit. In politics he is a Republican, and
has served five years as supervisor ©f his township,
refusing re-election. He and his wife are members
of the M. E. Church.

THOMAS WEIR IRAVIN is a great-grand
son of John Irwin, who was born in County
Down, Ireland, and who, in 1801, together
with his wife, their son William, and his
wife (Margaret McCormick, whom he mar
ried in 1800), two other sons — James and John —

and one daughter, all left their native land together
for America, intending to come by the same ship.
William, just before the vessel sailed, went back
for something he had forgotten, and when he again
reached the quay, or wharf, he found to his dismay
that the good ship had set sail without him, taking
all the rest of the family. He followed, however, by
the next ship he could find sailing for the New World,
and must have passed the other on the ocean, for
his trip was only of five weeks' duration, while the
other ship had a perilous passage of thirteen
weeks, being very nearly swallowed up by a suc
cession of storms.
After landing, the family located on Plum run,
Allegheny Co., Penn., near Pittsburgh. In the
year 1802 they all moved to Kentucky except
James Irwin, who remained in Washington
county, Penn., to learn a trade. In 1803 the
family proceeded to Ross county, Ohio, where they
bought land, and Great-grandfather Irwin died
there. Grandfather Irwin, with his wife, mother,
brother and sister, moved to Highland county,
Ohio, in 1804, and here he bought land, cleared
off the timber and built his house, three corners of
it resting on stumps, the fourth one on a stone.
It was a typical old-fashioned log cabin, with clap
board roof weighted with poles, mother earth serv
ing as a floor, while the primitive " furniture "
consisted of a block of wood, three-legged stools,
etc. Here the great-grandmother of our subject
died at an extremely advanced age, and her son
William and his wife both passed away in old age,
he in 1853 and she in 1851.
In 1814 their son Robert was born in the " Wil
derness " of Highland county, Ohio, where he at
tended the first school held in the county. The
schoolhouse was of logs, one end being the fire
place, and the windows were holes cut in the logs
and covered with greased paper. For five years
Robert drove teams for his father between Chilli-
cothe and Cincinnati, Ohio. He married Nancy
W. Weir, a daughter of Thomas Weir, whom he
met while visiting his uncle, James Irwin, in
Pennsylvania. A correspondence was begun, and
in 1840 they were married. To them were born
the following children: James, Margaret, Lavina,
Nancy W., Susan E., William McCormick and
Thomas W.
The subject of our sketch was born January
24, 1843, in Highland county, Ohio. His sister
Margaret married Josiah Smith, and bore him
the following children: Nancy, Eleanor, Iva,
Lola, Irwin, Margaret, Lavina, Thomas and Edna,
of whom Nancy, Eleanor and Thomas are dead.
Thomas W. Irwin is one of West Bethlehem's
most prominent farmers, and enjoys an enviable
reputation for thrift and honesty. Although his
early education was gleaned from the common
schools, he is a well-informed man, and has

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1429

traveled quite extensively, spending some time in
the "Far West." Mr. Irwin is a Democrat, and
although not an office-seeker is one of the leaders
of his party. He is a regular attendant of the
United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a
member.

,\ILLIAM M. HORN. The family, of
which the subject of these lines is a
prominent representative, are of German
ancestry, and located in this county many
years prior to the Revolution. The first
couple of the name, of whom we have a record,
were Martin and Peggy (Wilkins) Horn, who re
sided in Buffalo township, and reared a family of
seven children.
John Horn, son of Martin and Peggy Horn, was
born on the home farm in Buffalo township, and re
ceived a necessarily limited education. He grew
to maturity amid the wild scenes of early civiliza
tion, and when a young man was married to Mary
M. Gantz, daughter of John Gantz, an early resi
dent of Greene county, Penn. The children born
to this union were as follows: Martin, George
C. , Jacob, Hugh, Isaac, Margaret, Elizabeth (Mrs.
Price), John, Hannah (Mrs. Elvey), William M.
and Maria (Mrs. Coogle), of whom Jacob, John
and Margaret are deceased.
William M. Horn, son of John and Mary M.
Horn, was born April 18, 1839, in Buffalo town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., where he was reared
to agricultural pursuits, and received a good com
mon-school education. In 1861 he, in company
with his brothers Hugh and Jacob, bravely
shouldered his musket in defense of the "Stars
and Stripes," enlisting in Company A (Capt.
Armstrong), One Hundredth P. V. I. He was
mustered into service August 28, 1861, at Pitts
burgh, Penn., and the company was first taken to
Washington, D. C, thence to Beauport, S. C. He
then participated in the following engagements:
Port Royal, James Island, Bull Run, Chantilly,
South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, the
charge upon Fort Sanders at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Blue Springs, Ky. , and siege of Vicksburg. Mr.
Horn was at this time transferred to the army
of the Potomac, and there fought in the battle of
the Wilderness, North Anna river, Cold Harbor
and Petersburg. At the last mentioned engage
ment he was wounded by a minie ball in the left
shoulder. On August 28, 1864, he received an
honorable discharge, and returned to the farm in
Washington county, Penn. His brother Jacob
died the day that his term of enlistment expired;
Hugh is now living in Henry county, Iowa. On
January 1, 1885, AVilliam M. Horn was united in
marriage with Louisa, second daughter of John
Clemens. The latter traced his genealogy back,

through many years, to an Englishman who em
igrated from his native land in a very early day,
and taking up a large tract of land in Buffalo
township, Washington county, became identified
with the earliest history of the county. Among
the sons of this early pioneer was one James
Clemens, born in Washington county, and mar
ried to Hannah Walton, who bore him the follow
ing children: Jeremiah, born September 16,
1763; Christina, born January 21, 1765; William
C, born January 30, 1767; Abram, born October
3, 1769; Ann, born October 5, 1771; Ruth, born
March 26, 1773; John, born September 12, 1775;
Parmelia, born April 10, 1777; James, born March
4, 1779; Hannah, born March 5, 1781; Ezekiel,
born July 18, 1783, and Hester, born June 18,
1785. William C. Clemens, son of James and Hannah
Clemens, was born and reared on the farm in
Buffalo township, Washington county. In early
life he was married to Mary Wolfe, and their chil
dren were as follows: Dr. James Clemens, an emi
nent physician of Wheeling, W. Va., born May
26, 1795, died in 1845; Jacob, born November 6,
1796; Abraham, born September 7, 1798; Eliza
beth, born February 1, 1800; William, born April
25, 1803; John C, born December 28, 1804;
Hannah, born October 30, 1806; Sabina, born
November 6, 1808; Amos, born August 14, 1810;
Jeremiah, born May 10, 1812; Delilah, born Feb
ruary 6, 1815, and Hester, born July 2, 1818. Of
this family Hannah is the only one yet living.
The father was a farmer, and for many years was
justice of the peace.
John C. Clemens, son of William C. and Mary
(Wolfe) Clemens, was born on the old homestead
in Buffalo township, this county. He was a pros
perous farmer and an enterprising citizen. When
a young man he was married to Louisa, only
daughter of John Hupp, a wealthy farmer, a
brother of the eminent physician, Dr. Hupp, of
AA7heeling, W. Va. To this union were bom seven
children, viz. : James C. , John Hupp (he was a
member of Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I.,
and was killed at Petersburg, Va. , June 17, 1864),
Isaac C, Veturia, Louisa (Mrs. Horn), Alonzo
Walton (who lives on part of the home place) and
John. Alonzo W. owns part of the Clemens home
stead farm adjoining Mrs. Horn, on which are sev
eral good producing oil wells; there are also some
good oil wells on Mrs. Horn's farm (what was once
the Clemens homestead) ; there are in all twenty-
four oil wells. Part of the farm is now owned by
Mr. Werick and Mrs. Horn, Alonzo W. owning
the rest. John C. Clemens, the father of this fam
ily, served for many years as justice of the peace;
he was first cousin of Samuel Clemens, better
known by the worn de plume of " Mark Twain."
Mr. and Mrs. AVilliam M. Horn reside on eighty-

1430

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

five acres of the Clemens farm, part of the old
homestead, and he also owns part of the old home
stead containing 125 acres, on which he was born
and raised, and on which is an extensive stone
quarry, leased to the Pittsburgh Stone Company,
and he realizes a handsome royalty. Mr. Horn
gives his attention to farming and stock raising.
In politics he votes with the Republican party.

I( BSALOM ASHBROOK. Simeon Ashbrook,
l\ the second in his father's family, in the or-
^\ der of their birth, was a blacksmith by
-* trade, and during twelve years of his life
lived in Augusta township, Carroll Co.,
Ohio, where he worked at his trade. Before re
moving thither he married Emma Sherah, of Buf
falo township, Washington Co., Penn. Returning
to Pennsylvania, he spent the remainder of his
life in Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Ash
brook six children were born: Mary, Absalom,
Ann, Margaret, Nancy and Amy, of whom only
two are living, Amy (widow of John Wolfe) and
Absalom (who was born November 26, 1818).
Absalom Ashbrook's opportunities for obtaining
an education were very limited. He learned the
blacksmith's trade with his father, whom be
assisted in the shop at an almost incredibly early
age. He followed the trade until 1879, since
which time he has given his attention to man
aging his farm work. In 1844 he married Sabina
Elliot, who was born May 24, 1828, a daughter of
William Elliot, of Morris township, and to their
union came the following children: Simeon, born
April 4, 1846, died in 1883; Jemima, born June
30, 1847, died when quite young; William, born
October 3, 1848 (he was twice married — first to
Ella Weir, and, after her death, to Ella Day);
Amy, born August 1, 1850, married Will Stallar,
of West Finley township; Nancy Ann, born March
1, 1852, married James Stallar, of East Finley
township; Jackson, born October 31, 1853, married
Lizzie Loaf man, and now resides in Burnsville;
Mary Margaret, born May 8, 1855, died in 1880;
Alexander, born October 1, 1856, is a carpenter
by trade, and resides with his father; Abraham,
born March 26, 1858, resides with his father, and
assists in the farm work; Absalom, born January
13, 1861, married Lizzie McClellan, of East Finley
township, and resides in that township; John N.,
born January 18, 1863, died at the age of two
years; Robert E. Lee, born March 13, 1865, is
a prominent physician of Wheeling, AV. Va. , and
Sabina, born July 16, 1871, resides at home. Mr.
Ashbrook is a Democrat in politics, and both he
and his wife are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.

^r\ ICHARD M. MOUNTS, a worthy repre-
ILjv sentative of one of the oldest families of
l|\i the county, and a prominent citizen of
JJ -^ Franklin township, of which he is a na-
v five, was born July 10, 1836. Richard
Mounts, his grandfather, was a native of Maryland,
and at the age of sixteen came to Washington
county, arriving in 1773, when there were but few
settlers in its forest wilds. His wife was Mary
Keley, who was born on the broad Atlantic when
her parents were crossing from Ireland to the
shores of Columbia. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Mounts settled on a small farm near
what is now the thriving city of Washington, and
commenced life in a very primitive and "humble
way. Their little log cabin was furnished with
home-made stools in lieu of chairs, a table to cor
respond, while the bedstead was so ingeniously
fixed to the walls in one corner of the room as to
require only one leg. But they lived " far from
the madding crowd," contented and happy in the
enjoyment of life. The children born to this hon
ored pioneer couple were William, Mary, Jennie
(the widow of George Boyd, and the only one liv
ing), John, James, Matilda, Richard R. , Joseph
and Martha. When Mr. Mounts first started out
in the world to fight his own way he was under
age; and in order to compensate his father for the
loss of his services from that time until his coming
of age, he paid him the sum of £15. His political
sympathies were with the Federalists; he was a
member of the Presbyterian Church.
Richard R. Mounts, father of subject, was born
in what is now called West Washington, then
known as Rankintown, this county, and passed his
boyhood and youth assisting his father on the
farm, his education being necessarily meager, all
the schooling he received having been acquired
when other duties were less pressing. When a
young man he and his brother purchased the land
in Franklin township now owned by our subject,
which they improved, and where for a time they
kept bachelor's hall until the marriage, in 1835,
of Richard R. with Margaret, daughter of William
and Sarah Johnson, of Lancaster county, Penn.
Of this union were born four children: Richard
M. , Sarah (Mrs. William Weir, of Franklin town
ship), William, who died in 1863, and James A.,
of Franklin township. They remained on the
farm just referred to the rest of their lives. He
died November 5, 1878, at the age of sixty-six
years, his wife in May, 1887, when aged sixty-seven
years. Mr. Mounts was one of the hardest working
men in his township, and was deservedly success
ful, as well as popular. All his life he took an
active part in politics, having been first a Whig,
and afterward, on the organization of the party, a
straight Republican. For some time he was a

B»*.

:m,

(>A> , &/rt', cJimcru™^'

"Isi

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1433

member of the North Buffalo Presbyterian Church,
and afterward united with the one at Washington.
The early life of Richard M. Mounts was passed
alternately in school and in assisting his parents on
the farm, agricultural pursuits being his life voca
tion. He now owns a fertile farm of 200 acres,
under a high state of cultivation and equipped
with all modern improvements and several commo
dious buildings. On October 23, 1873, Mr. Mounts
married Charlotte, daughter of Robert Chambers,
of Franklin township, and the children born to this
union are Robert, Katie and Millie. In politics
Mr. Mounts is a Republican. He and his family
attend the services of the Buffalo Church.

^ILLIAM NELSON. There is probably
no citizen of Washington county who is
better or more favorably known than the
gentleman above named. He is univer
sally esteemed by those who have the
pleasure of his acquaintance, and no better evidence
of his worth can be given to the public than in a
record of his personal history. His father, Peter
Nelson, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and is
yet remembered by his old neighbors as a man of
sterling merit. Peter Nelson followed the stone
mason's trade in connection with farming, and about
the year 1812 visited America, intending to find a
home in the United States. The unsettled condi
tion of the country discouraged him from emigrat
ing at that time, and he finally returned to Eng
land, where lie died leaving six children, viz. : John,
Peter, Mathew, William, Mary and Betsey. Of
this family Mathew and Peter are living in Eng
land; John, Mary and Betsey are deceased.
William Nelson, son of Peter, was born March
1, 1810, on a place twenty miles from Leeds, in
Yorkshire, England. His youth was passed in as
sisting with the farm work, for like many other
healthy, active boys, he cherished a decided antip
athy for books, and found ample but useful exer
cise on the farm for his superabundant vitality.
He also learned the weaving trade, but devoted
most of his boyhood to overseeing a large flock of
sheep, his home having been near the Scotch moors,
where sheep raising was the principal industry.
When he grew older young Nelson was employed
at cutting stone, and while in that business cut
some of the stone ties used in constructing the first
railroad in England. The stone was hauled to
Ripton, sixteen miles distant, and conveyed by
canal to Newcastle. Some years prior to 1849
William Nelson married Grace, daughter of John
Renard, both of whom were natives of England.
In 1849 the young couple embarked on an Amen
can-bound vessel, and sailed for the New AVorld.
He had then by closest economy managed to save

about $500 from a salary of 50 cents per day, and
upon arriving in Allegheny county, Penn., he
rented a farm near Webster, AVestmoreland county.
He soon afterward moved to Elizabeth, same State,
and invested his savings in a coal enterprise, which
failed after a short season of prosperity. This
disaster left our young hero penniless and a family
dependent upon him for support, but with the in
vincible spirit of a true Englishman he proceeded
to begin life anew. He moved to a small log cabin
in the woods near McKeesport, which was known
as the "wooden-windowed house," glass having
been an unattainable luxury, then secured employ
ment with a threshing machine, and traveled
through the country, receiving for his services
$1 per day and board. Soon afterward, through
the assistance of friends who had discovered his
ability and worth, he was enabled to rent 450 acres
of land known as the "White Oak Level." He
farmed this place very successfully for about four
years, then moved to a place near Elizabeth town
ship, and one year later bought a small farm of one
Gibson, on "long-time payments." He soon sold
this place at a good profit to the former owner, and
rented a large farm, whose proprietor required the
tenant to give first-class references. This con
dition was easily complied with, as every one was
glad to give a helping hand to the enterprising
young man, and recommendations were given him
by the most prominent citizens of McKeesport.
The contract for this place was made in such lib
eral terms that Mr. Nelson saved quite a sum of
money, $1,000 of which he invested in a coal bank,
and again lost the entire amount, but was not as
destitute as before, having accumulated other
property one mile south. In 1861 he removed to
a farm in McLean county, 111., taking with him
one car load of sheep and one of horses, and after
arriving in Illinois he bought three car loads of
hogs, but after a time he lost about 300 head by
cholera. He remained there three years, then be
coming discontented made a sale, returned to
Pennsylvania, and resided in Westmoreland county
about six months. At the end of that time he pur
chased his present farm on the Monongahela river,
just within the limits of Monongahela. For this
place he paid $11,000, giving $1,000 cash, and the
remainder in annual payments, which he succeeded
in clearing after years of economy and constant
toil. To-day his property is valued at about $20,-
000, and he conducts a stone quarry in addition to
general farming. In political opinion Mr. Nel
son is one of the strongest supporters of the Re
publican party, and takes the deepest interest in
all matters tending to improve his adopted country,
which he loves with all the ardor of a native-born
citizen. He and his wife were members of the
Church of England. They have had eight children,

1434

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

namely: Mathew (deceased), Mary Ann, William,
John (all of whom were born in England), Thomas
(deceased), Ellen, George and Maggie (who were
born in America).

T OHN N. WEIR, a representative well-to-do
l I citizen of Franklin township, is a native of
V\\ the same, having been born on his father's
^^ farm June 26, 1844. He is of Scotch-Irish
descent, being a grandson of Samuel Weir, who in
the latter part of the eighteenth century came with
a brother from Scotland to this country, the family
finally making a settlement in Washington county,
Penn. In the fall of 1813 he purchased, of John
Sargent, 200 acres of wild land on Ten Mile creek,
to which he afterward added 180 acres. He was
married to Margaret, daughter of John Clark, and
they then settled on the Stephen Post farm, where
they passed the remainder of their days. The
names of the children born to them are: Joseph,
Adam, Thomas, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel
and Sarah (the latter married to a Mr. Rettig), all
now deceased. Mr. Weir was a lifelong farmer,
eminently successful in his vocation. For many
years he was a consistent Presbyterian, in which
faith he died; in politics he was an active Demo
crat. Adam Weir, son of Samuel and Margaret (Clark)
Weir, was born in Franklin township, this county,
May 27, 1801, where he passed his boyhood and
youth in working on the farm and attending, dur
ing the winter months, the subscription schools of
the neighborhood. On December 1, 1825, he was
united in marriage with Sarah Carter, who bore
him the following named children : Margaret, Jane,
William and Henry B. On May 19, 1836, Mr.
Weir took, for his second wife, Phcebe Tucker, and
the children by that union were Samuel H. (de
ceased), John N., Sarah and Phcebe D. On May
14, 1850, he was married to Mrs. Cynthia Kane,
daughter of Mathias Minton and widow of C. C.
Kane, and one son was born to them, Adam, Jr.,
who married Ella, daughter of Thomas Hanna,
of Morris township, and one daughter, Lell, living
in Pittsburgh. Adam Weir, Sr., came in 1840 to
the present residence of his widow and youngest
sou, and made many improvements thereon. At
his death, which occurred July 15, 1866, he was
the owner of a large farm, the accumulation of a
lifetime of hard work. He was an active and lib
eral supporter of the Presbyterian Church, as well
as of all public enterprises, and was universally re
spected. John N. Weir passed his earlier years on the
farm, for a time attending the schools of the neigh
borhood, and though he was obliged to leave
school at an early age, he continued to spend his
leisure time in study. On November 28, 1867, he

was united in marriage with Martha M. , daughter
of J. Miller Day, and to their union were born the
following named children: Edna L., Nellie S.,
Bessie L. and Mattie D., the last named dying at
the age of eight months. In politics Mr. Weir is
a Democrat, taking an active interest in the affairs
of his party. He and his family are interested in
church work.

TT5/HOMAS HENRY CARSON, M. D. AVash-
I ington Carson was born in 1815, on the
| home farm in Fallowfield township, this
II county. In March, 1843, he was united in
V marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Henry Allman, a prosperous farmer of Washington
county. The first of the Allman family to arrive in this
county was William, who was married in Maryland
to Hannah Thomas, a native of that State, and
after their marriage they came hither, making a
settlement in West Pike Run township, where they
passed the remainder of their pioneer lives, the
husband dying first. They were the parents of
eight children: Sarah, Elizabeth, Hannah, James,
John, William, Henry and Heyman, of whom
Henry became the father of Mrs. Washington Car
son. He was married to Nancy, daughter of Alex
ander Hopkins, of AVest Pike Run township, and
the young couple then made their home in that
township, passing away in after years within three
months of each other. The following children
were born to them: Haman (in West Pike Run
township), Elizabeth (Mrs. Carson), William (in
Indiana county, Penn.), Alexander (in Youngs
town, Ohio), Henry (deceased), Sarah Ann (de
ceased wife of John Johnson), Nancy (wife of T. C.
Hopkins, in Washington county). To the union of
AVashington and Elizabeth (Allman) Carson were
born children as follows; Nancy (wife of Peter
Miller, of Hillsborough), T. H. (subject), Margery
(deceased wife of Levi Winnett), Johanna (deceased
wife of William Blythe), Frances and Elizabeth
(both at home), and Hopkins (deceased at the age
of fourteen years). Mr. and Mrs. Carson al
ways resided on the home place, which contains
220 acres of land, and he also owned 168 acres in
West Pike Run township. He died May 27, 1889;
his widow is yet living on the farm.
T. H. Carson, whose name introduces this biog
raphy, was born October 26, 1853, on the home
place in Fallowfield township, already referred to.
He attended the Southwestern State Normal School
at California, Penn., and afterward took a medical
course at the University of Pennsylvania, gradu
ating in 1884. He then began the practice of his
profession with Dr. J. Y. Scott, of Washington (at
that time in Bentleyville, this county), remaining
one year, at the end of which time, his father

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1435

being an invalid, and his brother Hopkins having
been killed by an accident, our subject abandoned
for a time his professional career, and returned to
the farm. He now has charge of the old home
place, which is situated eight miles south of Monon
gahela, and four and one-half miles west of Char
leroi, and in connection with farming and stock
raising he has been in the real-estate business in
Charleroi, where he still has interests.
On September 14, 1892, Dr. Carson was united
in marriage with Ada, daughter of John H. and
Virtue Jenkins, of West Pike Run township, and
of an old family in the county. Her father died in
1876; her mother is yet living in West Pike Run
township. Their children are Anna (wife of Prof.
Hall, of the Southwestern State Normal School),
Ada (Mrs. Dr. Carson), Walter (a farmer in West
Pike Run township), and Louise, Margaret and
Roy (living with their mother). Dr. Carson and
his mother are members of the Methodist Church,
and in his political preferences he votes the Demo
cratic ticket. Squire Henry Carson, the paternal
great-grandfather of Dr. Carson, lived for years at
the homestead where the latter now resides, the
farm having been in the family possession ever
since. It was patented from the Government by
John Hull, from whom Henry Carson purchased it.
[Further record of this family will be found in the
sketch of Jackson and Alexander S. Carson, elsewhere in
this volume.

' AMUEL MUNNEL is descended from an
old and prominent pioneer family of AVash
ington county. John Munnel was the first
ancestor of the family name to settle in
America. He and his wife settled in South Stra
bane township, this county, where they died, hav
ing reared eleven children.
Samuel Munnel, the father of subject, was born
in 1795, in South Strabane township, this county,
and in early manhood was united in marriage with
Nancy Equiston, of Butler county, Penn. The
young people settled on the home farm, where
children were born as follows: Isabelle (living in
Canonsburg), John (deceased), Robert (a resident
of North Strabane township), Sarah Jane (widow
of George Taylor, of Washington borough), Sam
uel (whose sketch follows), Thomas (deceased in
his eighteenth year), William (deceased in infancy),
James (living in Crafton, Penn.), Catherine E.
(wife of John Herron, of South Strabane township),
Mary E. (Mrs. Adam Hall, of South Strabane
township) and Charles (deceased; his son is a book
keeper in the Reform School at Morganza). The
father was a Democrat, and in religion a member
of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1881 at
the age of eighty years, and his widow passed
away in March, 1891, at the home of her son
Samuel.

Samuel Munnel was born on the home farm in
South Strabane township, this county, where his
youth was passed. He then learned the carpen
ter's trade, which he followed three years, working
for Hugh Reynolds, at $25 a year. He made a
trip to the West, and returning to AVashington
county purchased a sawmill in South Strabane
township, conducting same twenty-five years. He
afterward bought another mill in North Strabane
township, and a portable sawmill. In 1869 he
came to Canonsburg, continuing in the mill busi
ness, and for the past fourteen years has been en
gaged in the ice business. In I860 Samuel Mun
nel was united in marriage with Miss Margaret N
Ringland. Her uncle, Thomas Ringland, was
Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mrs.
Munnel died a few years after her marriage, leav
ing two children, one that died and Mary Ring-
land. For his second wife he was married to
Nancy E., daughter of Andrew Crawford, and a
native of Peters township, Washington county, who
bore him four children: Martha, Nannie, Eva and
Samuel, all living at home. In 1886 he entered
the hardware and building business in partnership
with H. W. Taylor. During the war Samuel Mun
nel was a member of the State militia. In politics
he has been a Democrat, serving in various town
ship offices, and in religion is a member and trustee
of the Presbyterian Church. His home is situated
in the west end of Canonsburg.

OBERT S. CALDAVELL. The lives of
our forefathers are full of interest to the
modern citizen, not alone for their histor
ical value, but as example and inspiration
to the present generation, for truly has the
poet said: "We are the same that our fathers
have been;" and although surroundings may differ,
yet the essential conditions of human life are ever
similar, and every man can learn from the success
of others, if he will heed the obvious lessons of
their history. Robert Caldwell (grandfather of
the gentleman whose name opens this sketch) was
bom in Maryland, of Scotch parents. He crossed
the mountains in an early day, settling in Hope
well township, this county, on the farm adjoining
the present home of his grandson. Two children
were born to him: Samuel and Mrs. Touchill.
Samuel Caldwell was born in 1787, on the old
place in Hopewell township, and was reared to
manhood on the farm. In early life he was united
in marriage with Jane, daughter of the Rev.
Thomas Marquis, who preached the Gospel thirty-
nine years. He was married to Jane Parks, who
was born in 1750 and died in 1841, having been
preceded by Mr. Marquis in 1827, in his seventy-
ninth year. The Parks family were often forced
to leave their home and flee to the fort for safety

1436

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

from the hostile Indians. On one occasion James
Parks, a brother of Jane, was working in the har
vest field, when he was surrounded by Indians
and killed before he could escape. To the union
of Samuel and Jane (Marquis) Caldwell children
were born as follows: Thomas M., Robert S. ,
Samuel, William S., Mary, Jane and Sarah, two of
whom are now living: William S. (in Donegal
township, this county) and Robert S. The father
was an active politician of the Whig party, and in
religious connection was a member of the Presby
terian Church of Buffalo, this county.
Robert S. Caldwell was born on the old home--
stead, and assisted with the farm duties during his
youth. In early manhood he was married to Mar
garet Templeton, who died seven months after
ward. Some time afterward he chose a second
wife in the person of Caroline, daughter of Hon.
William Vance, a prosperous farmer and ex-repre
sentative of Washington county, Penn. Five
children were born to this union, viz. : Hannah J.,
Margaret, William, Samuel and Carrie (deceased in
infancy). His third wife was Nancy, daughter of
James, and granddaughter of George Work, who
was born and reared in County Londonderry, Ire
land, and on March 3, 1780, was united in wedlock
with Martha Dunlap, a native of Old Erin. Two
children were born to their union: Alexander,
born February 11, 1781, and Jane, born May 9,
1783. A ' few years after their birth the father
determined to seek a home in the New World, and
on July 24, 1789, he and his family boarded the
brig "Keziah," at Londonderry, Ireland. After
a stormy voyage of eight weeks they landed at
Wilmington, Del., and in 1795 pushed farther
westward in search of a cheap home. The long,
tedious journey was made by wagon, the family ar
riving in Hopewell township, AVashington county,
Penn. They located in a log-cabin near Buffalo
village, where he became a successful farmer.
Three children were born after they arrived in
America: Mary, born November 8, 1790; James,
born September 12, 1792, and John D. , born
November 14, 1794. The parents both died in
this county.
James Work was born in AVilmington, Del. ,
and when three years of age was brought by his
parents to the farm in Hopewell township, this
county. He received a meager education in the
subscription schools, and followed agricultural pur
suits during his early youth. On February 7,
1822, he was married to Grizzilla, daughter of
Robert Tweed, who bore him two children: Eliza
beth Grizzilla, born December 20, 1823, and
George T. , born April 7, 1825. The mother of
these children was called to her rest January 27,
1827, and on July 3, 1828, James Work was mar
ried to Margaret Caldwell, the following children

being born to their union: Martha L. , born June
1, 1829; Agnes A., born November 17, 1831;
Sarah J., born October 14, 1832; Mary B., born
May 8, 1834; Clarissa E., born November 8, 1835;
Samuel C, born July 16, 1838; Maria I., born
August 11, 1840; Margaret E., born October 26,
1842; and Sophia M. A., born March 6, 1846.
Politically Mr. Caldwell is a true-hearted Re
publican, and in religious connection is a member
of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, to which he
gives a liberal support.

JOHN CULLEY is a worthy representative of
a pioneer family of this county. His father,
Levi Culley, was bom about 1769, in Mary
land, and there married Esther Smith, who
was born about 1775, same State. Levi Culley
was a farmer, and in about 1800 came to AVashing
ton county, Penn., the long journey being made in
a large covered wagon, drawn by four horses.
When crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular
experience befel them, which might have ended
more seriously. As the large, covered wagon stood
on the ferry-boat a strong breeze was blowing, and
the covered top served to catch no small amount of
wind, the force of which drove the boat some
distance out of its course, causing much trouble in
securing a suitable place to land, since they were
unable to reach the usual place. This wagon con
tained the father and mother, with their two chil
dren, Jesse and Joseph. They proceeded on their
journey, sleeping in their wagon beside the road
at night, and finally arriving in Washington county,
located near Bulger Station, Smith township,
where the father rented a farm, and began work
ing upon it. He was a tenant on different farms
several years, and by energy and economy event
ually accumulated a small sum, and purchased 277
acres of John L. Proudfit, in Hanover town
ship, this county, partially lying in Smith town
ship. Levi Culley was a cooper, and followed that
trade in connection with farming. He was a hard
working man, never idle, and very successful in
his business life. In politics he was a Democrat,
and in religion a member of Cross Roads Presby
terian Church. He died in 1818, and his widow,
with the assistance of her sons, managed the estate
which he left, until in 1847 she too was laid to rest
by the side of her husband, in the Florence
cemetery. Of their children the following is a
brief record: Jesse was born in Maryland, and
when but a small boy came to AVashington county,
Penn., with his parents (he was married to Susan,
daughter of Elder John Duncan, and settled on a
farm in Washington county, where he died in his
seventy-second year); Joseph was married to

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1437

Martha, daughter of Benjamin Scott, and settled
on the farm now owned by their son, John S. ;
George was the first child born after the family
settled in Washington county (he was married to
Jane Fulton, and was a farmer; he died in Hanover
township, aged seventy-two years) ; Robert was a
cabinet maker by trade (he married Amanda Mc-
Cond, and they settled in Florence, this county,
where he died August 21, 1848); Sinie never mar
ried (she died in early womanhood); Lydia was
married to James Cubbison, a cabinet maker (they
afterward settled on a farm in Guernsey county,
Ohio, and in 1844 moved to a place near Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa, where she died) ; Rebecca was the
wife of William Cole, of Hanover township, this
county, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's
trade in Florence, this county, afterward entering
into partnership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield,
Ohio (he married Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now
living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen
was united in marriage to Robert G. Smith, a
farmer of Hanover township, this county, where
she died.
John Culley, the youngest child of Levi and
Esther (Smith) Culley, was born March 17, 1817,
in Hanover township, AVashington Co., Penn., on
a farm adjoining the old homestead. His educa
tion was obtained at the "Coventry School," and
as his father died when he was but an infant, his
youth was passed with his widowed mother. On
October 27, 1842, he was united in marriage with
Julia Briceland, who was born in 1815, in Wash
ington, Penn., daughter of James Briceland, a
hotel keeper. Her grandfather laid out the limits
of Florence, this county. The children of John
and Julia Culley are as follows: Jesse, a carpen
ter of Hookstown, Beaver Co., Penn. ; James, a
bricklayer by trade, now a ranchman, of Montana;
Levi S., a farmer of Hanover township, this
county; Thomas M. , a farmer of Hanover township;
Hettie J., Mrs. J. S. Malone, of Smith township,
this county; Nancy, wife of James A. Malone, of
Smith township, and Newton M., also of Smith
township. After his marriage John Culley resided
for ten years on a farm in Hanover township, this
county, and in 1852 went to Harrison county, Ohio,
locating near Scio, where he remained but a short
time, then returned to his native county, first set
tling in Smith township, but afterward moving to
Hanover township. In 1866 he purchased his
present farm, where he has since resided, follow
ing general farming and stock raising. In politics
Mr. Culley was formerly a Whig, and later a Re
publican. Both he and his wife are members of
the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. He is a
stranger to sickness, and has ever been an indus
trious man, winning the esteem and confidence of
all with whom he is associated.

DANIEL DILLE, an esteemed resident of
| Morris township, is a son of Lewis Dille,
/ who was born upon the old home place in
1799. In 1822 he married Lucy McCollum^
who bore him the following childrenTTra * ^de
ceased), Jesse M. , Cephas, Daniel, Ephraim, John,
David and Keziah. Lewis Dille died in 1885, and
was followed by his wife the same year.
Daniel Dille, whose name opens this memoir,
was born January 14, 1829, on his father's farm
in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. He
received a somewhat limited common-school edu
cation, and remained at home till twenty-two years
of age, when he began to learn the trade of a
cooper, which business he followed twenty- five
years. On February 27, 1850, he was united in
marriage with Mary Jane Andrews, who was born
July 9, 1833, a daughter of Ira Andrews, a resi
dent of Morris township. In 1851 he purchased
of his father the well-improved farm lying about
three miles northeast of Prosperity, in Morris
township, this county, which is still in his pos
session. .The following children were born to this
union: Caleb M. , born February 11, 1852, a resi
dent of Washington, Penn. , and married to Sarah
Dille, daughter of Ephraim Dille, of Morris town
ship, and Elizabeth Ann, born August 11, 1854,
wife of Henry Sanders, and a resident of Morris
township. On December 21, 1854, Mrs. Dille died,
and October 4, 1855, Mr. Dille married Catherine Mc
Vay, d aughter of Samuel McVay, of Morris township,
this county, and their children are: Benjamin F.,
born August 31,1856,residing on his father's farm
in Morris township; Charles Osborne, born July 20,
1858, a resident of Sycamore, Greene Co., Penn., and
married to Amanda Sanders ; Hugh Hanna, horn Au
gust 27, 1860, living with his parents; Sarah Hanna,
born May 3, 1863, wife of Clark Wilson, and residing
in the northern part of the county. In 1890 Mr.
Dille retired from the farm, removing to Pros
perity. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and
his wife are members of the Upper Ten Mile Pres
byterian Church at Prosperity.

T OSIAH KERR was born May 2, 1839, in
, I AA7 ashington county, Penn. He is of Scotch
it)) descent, James Kerr, the earliest pioneer of
^^ the family name, being a son of James Kerr,
a native and lifelong resident of Scotland. James,
his son, when yet a boy, came to America, and
made a permanent home in Washington county,
Penn. He was twice married, and reared a large
family of children. He was a miller and wheel
wright by trade, which vocations he followed
through life; he died in 1869.
James Kerr, father of subject, was the second
son by his father's first marriage, and was born

1438

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

December 16, 1815, on the home farm in this
county, where he grew to manhood. He was mar
ried to Mary Crawford, who was born June 2,
1816, also a native of AVashington county. Ten
children were born to their union, four of whom
are now living. Mr. Kerr was an active politician;
he was justice of the peace three years, served
several times as judge of elections, and also held
the offices of supervisor, auditor and school di
rector. He and his wife were active members of
the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an
elder. He died December 25, 1891, having been
preceded by his wife September 4, 1889.
Josiah Kerr, the second child in the family of
ten children born to James and Mary (Crawford)
Kerr, was reared and educated on the home farm
in North Strabane township. On November 7,
1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Mar
garet J. Patterson, who was bora September 21,
1835, in the house where she was married. Her
father, Ezra Patterson, was born in 1800, in
Adams county, Penn., where he was afterward
married to Nancy Horner, who was born June 10,
1800, in Washington county. They reared the
following children: William, Joseph B. and David
AA7. (twins), James, Margaret (Mrs. Kerr), Sarah
E. (wife of P. B. Dow), Anna M. (Mrs. W. H.
Murray), Elizabeth, John S. and an infant, the
latter three of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Patterson were active members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. He died
December 4, 1863, and on January 28, 1892, Mrs.
Patterson was laid to rest; she had passed her
ninety-second birthday.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Kerr have
been born two children: Mary A. and James F.
Mr. Kerr has ever been identified with every move
ment tending to promote the general good of the
community, is actively interested in politics, and
has held the office of township auditor. He and
his wife are members of the Fairview Presbyterian
Church.

I( NDREW JACKSON. The Jackson family
\\ were numbered among the first of those
4\ heroic men and women who, leaving child-
^ hood's home and early friends, braved in
numerable perils to establish civilization in
the unbroken wilderness. When we read the record
of these early martyrs we may well exclaim with
the poet:
Whom do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing ?
The pampered child of fortune, the titled lord or king ?
They live by others' labor ; take all and nothing give.
The noblest types of manhood are those who work to live.
In 1772 two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jack
son, came from their Eastern home in search of
Government land, and, crossing the mountains,

pushed on till they stood on the western shore of
the Monongahela river, within the limits of what
is now Washington county. They were finally at
tracted by the heavy timber and thick shrubbery
indicative of fertile soil, and pausing on the bound
aries of Hanover township, proceeded to mark out
an extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their
only weapons were two trusty "flint-locks," with
which to defend themselves against the prowling
beasts of the forest or a more wily human foe.
Traces of Indians were plentiful, and with the ut
most caution did the young men move from tree to
tree, marking off their claim, and ever listening for
the stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They suc
ceeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land,
but desiring to form a colony, returned to their
homes before making any improvements. By offer
ing every possible inducement, they persuaded a
number to return with them and seek a fortune in
the " far West." Any article of clothing was ac
cepted in lieu of payment for land, some giving a
hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared.
When the colony was at length fully organized,
they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors,
and with the necessary supplies began the toilsome
journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely
at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and
leaves was immediately erected, which was soon
supplanted by log cabins, and religious services
were then held regularly. In the absence of any
minister, prayer meetings were held, and a church
being organized, the two Jackson brothers were ap
pointed as the first elders, both of whom con
tributed liberally to its support. It is impossible
to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring
energy of these men, who gave their lives that fut
ure generations might enjoy the blessings of a
prosperous home. The following children were
born to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to
Belmont county, Ohio, locating on the farm which
is now the site of Centreville), Edward, Fanny
(wife of Robert Scott), Rosanna (Mrs. Jonathan
Potts) and Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford).
Edward Jackson was reared amid the privations
of frontier life, receiving a very limited education,
and from early youth assisted in clearing the land.
He was married to Rebecca Jackson, a native of
Maryland, and daughter of William Jackson (no
relation of Edward), who came to Hanover town
ship in an early day. To the union of Edward and
Rebecca Jackson sixteen children were born, of
whom the following attained an adult age: Eliza
beth (Mrs. John Mayhew, of Pugh, W. Va.), Mary
(wife of David Fulton, of Hanover township),
Lydia (Mrs. John McCullough, of Florence),
William (of Hanover township), Edward, George,
Thomas, Andrew, David, Simeon and Rebecca.
Of these Joseph E. and Andrew are yet living.
The father was originally a Whig, but during

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1439

Jackson's administration joined the Democratic
party. In religious connection he was a zealous
member of the M. E. Church, although reared
in the Presbyterian faith. He died in 1848,
having been preceded by his wife about five months.
They are buried in the cemetery at Florence.
Andrew Jackson was born January 31, 1815, on
the old home place, where his grandfather had set
tled forty years before. He attended the rate
schools a few months during the winter season, but
was early trained to farm work, his first duty in that
line being to walk along with his father and keep the
weeds from the coulter with a stick, as the farmer
plowed with a wooden mould board. On February
18, 1849, Andrew Jackson was married to Sarah
Campbell, who was born March 15, 1818, a
daughter of Launcelot Campbell, of Smith town
ship, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have had
two children, viz. : Margaret Sylvania (Mrs. Jona
than Tucker, of Hanover township) and Ellsworth
(an agriculturist of Hanover township). ' The par
ents began wedded life on their present farm, which
he purchased from the heirs of Judge Redick, who
were then living in Illinois. Mr. Jackson has de
voted his entire attention to his farm, which has
prospered under his care. He is a most agreeable
companion, possessing an interesting fund of gen
eral information. Politically he was formerly a
Whig, and now votes the Republican ticket, but is
not bound by party lines on special occasions, and
is a bitter enemy of monopolies in every form. He
is a member of the M. E. Church, his wife being
identified with the Presbyterian Society.

HENRY STOLLAR, a retired farmer of East
Finley township, now living in Claysville,
was born in Schuylkill county, Penn. His
-^ father, Andrew Stollar, was a native of the
T/ same county, where he was reared and
educated, and, in 1821, Andrew came with the
family to Washington county. They made the
journey in emigrant wagons, and finally settling
in East Finley township, purchased a farm of 100
acres, which was but slightly improved, and covered
with thickets.
Andrew Stollar was married to Rosanna, daugh
ter of George Ely, who came to Washington
county some years prior to the Stollar family.
The following children were born to this union:
Peter, Henry, William, Daniel, Rosanna (Mrs.
Peter Earnest), Christina (Mrs. Isaac Earnest),
Catherine (Mrs. George Plants) and Mary (Mrs.
Henry Sprowls). Mr. Stollar was a Democrat, an
active worker in the party. In religion he and
his family were members of the United Brethren
Church. Henry Stollar (the subject of our sketch) was
born March 12, 1811, and in his boyhood days at

tended the subscription schools. The ' ' classic halls
of learning " were at that date erected from rough
hewn logs, and each one was furnished with a huge
fireplace, puncheon floor and other primitive furni
ture. In 1832 he was united in marriage with
Mary, daughter of George. Ely, and five children
were born to their union: Peter, George, Reuben,
William and James. The mother of this family
died in 1840, and Mr. Stollar was afterward mar
ried to Jemima, daughter of George Nickerson, of
West Bethlehem township, this county. They
have had onedaughter, Sarah (wife of Charles Ely).
Mr. Stollar first purchased 100 acres of wild
land, and erected a house upon it, remaining
there twelve years, when he bought the farm of
230 acres that he now owns, and which he has
much improved. He has always been an active
member of the Democratic party, and cast his
first vote for Jackson. He is a zealous worker
in the United Brethren Church with which he is
connected.

li

EWIS ZEDIKER, one of the oldest members
of the family of that name in Washington
county, and a citizen of South Strabane, was
born in that township January 27, 1S27.
John Zediker, grandfather of our subject, was
a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and in their youth
he and his brother David, having an eye to the
grandeur and fertility of the then "far West," set
out to "spy the land," ostensibly on a hunting
expedition, and finally arriving in Washington
county, they were so fascinated with the beauties
and attractions of South Strabane township, that
they here resolved to remain and cast their lot.
John had, while in eastern Pennsylvania, learned
the trade of blacksmith, which he carried on for
many years in the county of his adoption. Soon
after his arrival he married Margaret, daughter of
Ludwig Smith, who was among the earliest settlers
of the county, and the children born to this union
were Lewis, Susan (Mrs. Joseph Hallam), Eliza
beth (Mrs. George Smith), Julia A. (Mrs. James
Schwisher), Mary (Mrs. Matthew Dook) and John.
Mr. Smith took a " tomahawk claim " of nearly a
thousand acres of wild land, a part of which is now
occupied by the subject of this sketch. He early
identified himself with the politics of his section,
and was prominent among the Federalists. In
church matters he also took an active interest, and
in the organization of the Lutheran Church in
Amwell township he was a prominent factor. In
this Society he was an elder for many years.
John Zediker, father of the gentleman whose
name opens this sketch, was bom December 11,
1800, in South Strabane township, this county, and
received his education in the subscription schools
of the neighborhood. He was married to Mar-

1440

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

garet, daughter of James Guthrie, and they reared
five children, namely: Lewis, Susan, Thomas, John
and James. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. John
Zediker settled on a farm in South Strabane town
ship, where they passed the remainder of their
days, Mr. Zediker dying November 6, 1874, Mrs.
Zediker February 18, 1881. They were active
members of the M. E. Church, and among its most
liberal supporters; politically Mr. Zediker was a
Whig of the old school.
The youth of the subject of these lines was
passed on the home farm, and he attended, as cir
cumstances permitted, the subscription schools of
the neighborhood. He dutifully remained with
his parents until their death, and after that event
continued to reside under the parental roof, carry
ing on the duties of the farm in company with his
brothers. They are among the largest landholders
of South Strabane township, owning at the present
time nearly 1, 100 acres of choice land. Mr. Zediker
is a member of the M. E. Church; in politics,
originally a Whig, he has, since the organization
of the Republican party, been one of its strongest
supporters, and has been actively interested in the
development and improvement of the educational
system in his locality.

JfOSEPH P. LEECH, a worthy representative
I of an old pioneer family of Washington
) county, is a grandson of James Leech, who
was born in County Down, Ireland, and
there married to Jane Reynolds, by which
union were born three children: John, Thomas
and William. Having decided to try life in the
New World, the grandfather, in company with his
family and a brother Robert, sailed from Ireland
in 1774. They landed at Philadelphia, where the
brothers separated, Robert going south, eventually
settling in South Carolina, while James and his
family pushed farther west, first locating in North
ampton county, Penn. In August, 1775, they
came to Smith township, Washington county, and
in the unbroken wilderness erected their one-
room log cabin home, which compared very favor
ably with the homes of the other early settlers.
With his firearms as constant companions, James
Leech began the herculean task of transforming
the unsightly forest into a fertile farm. Eight
years passed away before civilization had rendered
the little home comparatively safe from attacks of
the Indians, and in the meantime the settlers
were often forced to flee to the neighboring block
house for protection, which blockhouse stood on
the old Leech farm. Undaunted by the toil and
privations of this life, James Leech found time
and strength to take part in the national struggle
of his adopted country. Her cause was his, her
liberties dearer to his heart than life, and with the

beginning of the Revolution he enlisted in a com
pany organized by Capt. Joseph Erwin, afterward
incorporated under Col. Samuel Miles' Pennsyl
vania Rifle Regiment. This division finally be
came a part of the Thirteenth Pennsylvania, then
of the Second Pennsylvania, and on January 1,
1778, having served his time, he was discharged
from the service at Valley Forge. He was paid
in " Continental money," which was worthless,
and part of it is still in the possession of the
family. He then returned to the farm in Wash
ington county, where he died in December, 1823,
having been preceded by his wife in 1812. The
children who were born after the family had set
tled in Pennsylvania were as follows: James,
Robert, Samuel, Margaret (wife of John Cunning
ham) and Jane (unmarried), all of whom are now
deceased, but lived to an adult age.
James Leech, son of the old pioneer, James, was
born September 17, 1775, in Northampton county,
Penn. His youth was passed on the home farm,
and he received a subscription-school education.
Early evincing a taste for mechanical work, he
learned the trade of millwright. He bought a farm
where the old fort stood,and had a saw and grist mill,
to which latter wheat was brought on horseback.
In 1803 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Wishart, who was born in 1782, in Franklin county,
Penn. , and came with her parents to Washington
county when thirteen years of age. James and
Elizabeth Leech were the parents of the following
children: James, Jane (wife of James McKeen, of
Greene county, Penn. , both deceased), Nancy (Mrs.
James McGhee, of Tama county, Iowa, both de-
eased), John, Robert, David, Thomas, Elizabeth (liv
ing with her brother Joseph), Joseph P. , Mary (wife
of A. Phillis, of Smith township), and Pressly.
Of these children there are yet living: Elizabeth,
Joseph P. and Pressly. After his marriage
James Leech settled on a farm in Smith township.
In 1812 he entered the war of that period, serving
under Harrison through the campaign. In poli
tics he was a Whig, first a Jackson man, but
changed on the bank question, and took a very
active part in the campaign preceding the election
of President Harrison. He was an enthusiastic
admirer of his older leader, and did all in his
power to secure the election of the sturdy, fearless
veteran. In 1818 Mr. Leech was appointed a jus
tice of the peace, filling that office twenty- two
years, during which time his rulings were invari
ably sustained by the higher courts. He and his
wife were members of the Seceder Church, and
then of the Union Church, to which he contributed
liberally, having given the land for a church at
Mt. Vernon before the project was abandoned,
owing to disorganization. The old church stands.
He was called to his long home June 27, 1852, and
on June 4, 1867, his wife was laid to rest beside him.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1441

Joseph P. Leech was born October 21, 1826, in
Smith township, this county, and received a limited
education in the subscription schools. He followed
farming some time, then entered mercantile life,
conducting a store near Mt. Vernon church (as
it was then called) for seven years. He then be
came a drover, dealing extensively in wool, aud
this business called him to different parts of west
ern Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, where he has
an extensive acquaintance; he also made frequent
trips to New York, Philadelphia, Boston and many
othern Eastern cities, with which he has become
very familiar. Mr. Leech owns an immense tract
of prime land which is cultivated under his super
vision. He is one of the largest stockholders in
the Burgettstown National Bank, of which he was
one of the organizers. Politically he was orig
inally a Whig, now a Republican, and he was
present at the convention when John C. Fremont
was nominated for President. He is not a poli
tician as far as office-holding is concerned. In
1877 he met with a serious accident, which resulted
in the loss of his left eye, which was struck by the
horn of an ox. Mr. Leech is a well-built, healthy
man, stands five feet ten and one-half inches, and
weighs 160 pounds. He has never married.

4)

MRS. ELIZA GRANT is the widow of Noah
Grant, who was a son of Robert, and de
scended from Scotch ancestry. Robert
¦ Grant was born and reared on the old
homestead in Carroll township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., and followed farming all his life.
In early manhood he was married to Harriet Baker,
a native of Ohio, and twelve children were born to
them, of whom but two are now living, viz.: L. G.,
who is residing in the far West, and Rebecca
Colvin, a native of Fallowfield township.
Noah Grant was born in 1832, in Carroll town
ship, Washington Co., Penn., the youngest child
in his father's family. He received a good educa
tion and passed his life in agricultural pursuits.
In 1855 he was united in marriage with Miss
Eliza Wickerham, who bore him the following
children: Ethel (Mrs. Furlong), living in Roscoe,
Penn. ; Grace, wife of Mr. Orr, editor of a news
paper in West Newton, Penn. ; Robert, in the sig
nal service at Pike's Peak, Colo.; May (Mrs.
Speers), living at Roscoe, Penn. ; Florence, a ste
nographer, in Chicago, and Lydia, living at home.
Mr. Grant was identified with the Republican
party, and was very prominent in educational af
fairs. He died April 7, 1886; his widow resides
near Monongahela, and rents the home farm, which
contains 100 acres, situated near Monongahela.
She is a member of the Methodist Church.

JOHN CULBERTSON HARVEY, one of the
prosperous farmers of Morris township, was
born June 9, 1828, in Franklin county, Penn.
His father, John Harvey, was a native of
eastern Pennsylvania, born near Carlisle. He
removed to Franklin county in early life, where he
married Sarah Culbertson, a daughter of Robert
Culbertson, of Franklin county. They reared a
family of fourteen children, viz.: Nehemiah K. ,
Agnes, Hannah, John C, Sarah, Ruth T., Mary,
Robert C, William T., Joseph, Benjamin, Har
riet, Catherine and Wilson C, of whom eight are
living, three in Harrisburg, Penn., one in Dau
phin county, one in Newville, one in Cumberland,
and two in Roxbury, Franklin county.
John Culbertson Harvey was reared on his
father's farm in Franklin county, and received a
practical education in the neighboring schools.
He was married April 12, 1853, to Jane, daughter
of James Kilgore, of Greene county, Penn. Mrs.
Harvey died October 30, 1874, having become the
mother of three children: Simpson L., James K.
and a son who died in infancy. In 1878 Mr.
Harvey was again married, this time to Ruth T.
Kilgore, who died March 7, 1891. He removed
to Morris township, Washington county, about
twenty-five years ago, and has since resided here,
giving his entire attention to his farm. Mr. Har
vey enlisted March 7, 1861, in Company B, One
Hundred and Fifty-eighth P. V. I., being drafted
for nine months but served ten. In politics Mr.
Harvey is a Republican, and in religion is a mem
ber of Mount Zion M. E. Church. Simpson L.
Harvey, eldest son of John C. Harvey, is married
to Frances Day, daughter of Bethuel Day, and
they have one son, Charley AA7ycliffe; James, the
second son, married Emma Mounts, daughter of
William Mounts, of Franklin township, and they
are the parents of two children: Jennie and
William.

T/AMES R. WOODBURN, a well known busi-
I ness man and successful farmer of East Fin-
t( \\ ley township, is the second surviving son of
^4J Joseph and Ruth (Garrett) Woodburn. He
was born January 17, 1834, near Taylorstown,
Buffalo township, AVashington Co., Penn., and his
boyhood and early youth were passed, partly in
labor on his father's place, and partly at school.
He received a fair common-school education, and
attended a normal academy at Millersville (Penn.)
"one term, after which he was engaged in teaching
nine or ten terms. He made his home with his
parents until the breaking out of the Civil war,
when, August 18, 1862, he enlisted in the Ringgold
Battalion, an independent troop, which afterward
became the Twenty- second Pennsylvania Cavalry,

1442

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and was composed almost exclusively of Washing
ton county men. The duty of this body of horse
men was, during the early part of the struggle, to
guard railroads and do "scouting" duty through
West Virginia. Mr. AVoodburn also participated
in the engagements at Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill,
Manchester, besides many others of minor impor
tance; was wounded in the shoulder in 1863, and
was sent to the hospital, but afterward served till
the close of the war, and was mustered out as ser
geant. After his return home to resume the voca
tions of peace, he was married, on March 14, 1867,
to Lizzie McClelland, who was born September 14,
1841, a daughter of Thomas McClelland, of East
Finley township, and to this union three children
were born: Joseph L., born March 30, 1871; Jen
nie B. , born March 25, 1874; and Fannie A., born
April 11, 1878, all now at home. After his mar
riage Mr. Woodburn located on his present place,
a well-improved, valuable piece of farm property,
lying about a mile and a half southeast of Clays
ville, where he has since conducted a general farm
business, including stock raising. In 1874 he
built a large modern barn, and in 1882 erected a
dwelling that has for elegance and convenience no
superior and few equals in his township. Mr.
Woodburn is regarded as an enterprising farmer,
and one of the intelligent and influential men in
the community in which he lives. He is a great
lover of home and its attractions, and takes pride
in keeping up with the times in everything per
taining to agriculture. He is interested in several
enterprises outside of farming, and has been a di
rector in the First National Bank of Claysville
since its organization. In politics he is a solid
Republican, taking a lively interest in the affairs
of the party. He and his wife are esteemed mem
bers of the U. P. Church at Claysville, of which
he is a trustee.
HfENRY EARNEST was born April 11,
1817, in Cumberland county, Penn. His
grandfather, John Earnest, emigrated from
-* Germany (where he was born in 1734),
in the latter part of the eighteenth century,
and, after landing in America, located in Cumber
land county, Penn. He then served two years in
the Revolutionary war, suffering with the patriots
of his adopted country, and many times traveling
barefoot through the deep snow. He was married
in Pennsylvania, and reared the following chil
dren: Samuel, Andrew, David, Henry, George,
John, Polly and Daniel, all of whom are now de
ceased. Andrew Earnest was born and reared in Cum
berland county, Penn., where he married a native
of the same county. They settled on a farm in
that locality, and reared a family of children.
Mrs. Earnest died in 1826.

Henry Earnest received a somewhat limited
education in the usual log cabin schoolhouse with
its single-paned window and primitive furnishings.
His mother died when he was but nine years of
age, and the family becoming separated, young
Henry began to earn his own living at this tender
age. He was first employed by a farmer, who
gave him his board and 5 cents a day. In 1848
he left Cumberland county and went to Fortress
Monroe, Va. , where he remained three years.
He entered the Mexican war as a private in Com
pany E, First P. V. Battery, under Capt. Bradford,
and participated in the following engagements:
City of Mexico, Chapultepec, Vera Cruz and
Pueblo. At one time he was in the heart of the
famous silver mines, 162 miles beyond the City
of Mexico. At the close of the conflict he returned
to Fortress Monroe, where he received an honora
ble discharge. He then entered the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad, working on the line to
Westmoreland county, Penn. In 1850 he was
married to Mary Maloy, of Cumberland county,
Penn., and to their union have been born three
children : William (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Henry
Birch) and Andrew J. (living with his father). In
1851 Mr. Earnest came to Washington county,
Penn., and remained in the employ of the railroad
company several years, finally purchasing with his
earnings sixty acres of land in Buffalo township,
Washington county, which is his present home.
When he first came to Washington county he left
one brother, John, and three sisters — Sarah, Polly
and Ann, of whom he has heard nothing in twenty
years. During a severe cold Mr. Earnest was
obliged to have the sight of one eye destroyed, as
the cold had settled in the optic, and the doctors
feared that both eyes would otherwise be affected.
He is a farmer, and gives much attention to stock
raising. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and
in religion is a member of the Presbyterian Church
of East Buffalo.

vania.

EORGE M. ESPY, a leading liveryman of
Canonsburg. The Espy family were origi
nally natives of Scotland, the pioneer set
tlers of their name emigrating about the
time of the Revolution, settling in Pennsyl-
James Espy (grandfather of the family
now living in Washington county) was born in
1780, in Allegheny county, Penn., and was there
married to Margaret Fife (who was born Septem
ber 17, 1782). The young couple purchased a farm
in Upper St. Clair township, where children were
born to them as follows: William, Margaret (wife
of Thomas Fife), Mary (married to Dr. McCor-
mack), James, Thomas (killed in the Civil war),
and John. The father was a Whig in politics,
and served as justice of the peace, also as postmas-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1443

ter at Upper St. Clair. He was a member and
elder of Bethel Presbyterian Church. He died in
1858, his wife in 1852, and the remains of both
rest in Bethel cemetery.
John Espy was born on the home farm in Alle
gheny county, Penn., and was early inducted into
the mysteries of agricultural pursuits, which he
followed throughout life. When a young man he
was married to Margaret, daughter of John Smith.
Her father was born in Scotland, and for many
years his home was on the ocean. He finally
abandoned the sea, after having visited nearly
every commercial port in the world, and settled in
Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Espy be
gan life on the home place, where he is yet living,
a representative citizen and active Republican of
Allegheny county. He is a stanch «upporter of
Bethel Presbyterian Church, and is now filling the
office of trustee. Their children are as follows:
Margaret (wife of J. J. VanEman); James, mar
ried to Laura Wilson, is living on the home plac«:
John S., living in Pittsburgh, Penn., is married to
Alice Nelson; G. Howard, a druggist in New York
City; AVill F., a druggist in Pittsburgh, Penn. ;
and George M.
George M. Espy was born February 10, 1865, in
Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny Co., Penn.,
and remained at home during his boyhood. He
atteuded the Newell Institute at Pittsburgh,
Penn. , two years, then returning home devoted his
attention to farming. On February 22, 1888, he
married Mary B., daughter of John Morgan, who
married Rebecca Hickman. She bore him two
children, Mary B. and Ella E. In 1890 Mr. Espy
left the farm, becoming a partner in the Fife
livery establishment at Canonsburg. In 1892 he
purchased the interest of Mr. Fife, and now con
ducts the entire business. He has a large amount
of custom, keeping eighteen well-bred horses,
and having a large stable. He enjoys the confi
dence of the public as an honorable citizen and
successful business man. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, and in religion a member of the Pres
byterian Church at Canonsburg.

DANIEL S. MoBRIDE. Foremost among
\ the successful retired farmers of Smith
' township iB this well-known gentleman, now
 a citizen of Bavington, this county. His
grandfather, a native of the Emerald Isle, immi
grated to America in an early day, finally locating
in Robinson township, this county. He married
in this county, and reared a family of ten sons,
viz. : Nathaniel, Francis, Alexander, Samuel,
David, John, Isaac, Matthew, James and William,
all of whom lived to an adult age, but are now de
ceased. The parents died at an advanced age.
James McBride was born in Robinson township,

this county, receiving a very meager education in
the subscription schools. He learned the black
smith's trade, following that occupation at different
places on the Steubenville and Pittsburgh pike,
and finally becoming a farmer. He was a very
kind-hearted man, and this trait being taken ad
vantage of by his friends, resulted in his own
financial ruin. He was married to Ann, daughter
of Daniel Stewart, of Robinson township, and she
bore him children as follows: John (a blacksmith,
who died in Bavington, this county), Mary (de
ceased), Sarah (who died when twenty years of age),
James (a retired citizen of West End, Pittsburgh),
Jane (deceased at the age of fourteen years),
Samuel (deceased at the age of twenty-five years),
Daniel W. (whose sketch follows), Mary Ann
(who died when aged twenty years), and Susanna
(deceased wife of Thomas H. Pyles). The father
of this family was a member of the Democratic
party. He died in 1852, having been preceded by
his wife several years.
Daniel AV. McBride was born August 19, 1821,
in Hanover township, this county, and attended
the subscription schools of the day. He first fol
lowed milling, which he continued for several
years, afterward renting a farm. In 1852, during
the " gold fever" excitement, he went to California
by the overland route. The journey from St. Jo
seph to Sacramento (Cal.) occupied eighty-one
days, part of the distance being traveled with mules.
He remained in California until 1.854, then, return
ing to Bavington, this county, opened a flour mill,
having acquired his knowledge of the business
with no instruction. He continued to conduct the
mill for twenty-one years, and having amassed a
comfortable property, moved to his present valu
able farm, which contains over three hundred acres
of excellent land. The success of Mr. McBride is
but the just reward of his own untiring efforts,
which have placed him in the enviable position he
now occupies. He is an active member of the
Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. McBride are
the parents of the following children: James Z.
(a dentist of Burgettstown, Penn.), John (a civil
engineer of Allegheny, Penn.), Robert F. (a pros
pector of Colorado), Anna Isa, Elizabeth V., Susan
D., Roena (wife of A. C. Proudfit, of Smith town
ship) and Daniel S. (a civil engineer of Portland,
Oregon). 
JACOB GIBSON, a prominent agriculturist of
Fallowfield township, is a son of James Gib
son, who was born in 1797, and died in 1863.
Jacob Gibson was born on July 25, 1830, in
Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and there passed his boyhood. He was drafted in
to the army at the first call for soldiers in the Civil
war, but was obliged to remain at home, as his
brother was resolved to go, and one of the boys

1444

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

had to stay on the farm. On December 12, 1865,
he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of
Robert McMillan, a son of Robert McMillan, whose
parents were natives of Ireland, and came to Amer
ica many years ago. Robert McMillan, the grand
father of Mrs. Gibson, was born in 1751, in York
county, Penn., where he learned cloth dressing.
He then moved to Beaver county, same State, and
there followed his trade for several years, finally
settling on a farm in Washington county. He was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Thompson, who
was born in 1751, near Canonsburg, Washington
county, and they were the parents of three chil
dren, of whom Robert is the eldest. The mother
died in 1814, the father in 1833.
Robert McMillan, father of Mrs. Jacob Gibson,
was born in 1808, in Fallowfield township, Wash
ington Co., Penn., and in 1837 was married to
Elizabeth Bennett, who was born in 1812, in Fay
ette county, Penn. She died in 1865, leaving the
following children: Leander, Harvey, Mary (wife
of Jacob Gibson), Amanda (married to Smith Car
son), Robert (living with his father on the home
farm), Jane, Cynthia, and John (who owns a large
drug store in Washington, Penn.). Of this family
Leander and Harvey were members of the Twenty-
sixth Illinois Regiment. They served three years
in the Civil war, and took part in the battle of
Shiloh, in Sherman's march to the sea, and in
numerous other engagements. After the war they
settled in Illinois, where they are now residing.
Mr. McMillan owns 164 acres of a well- cultivated
stock farm, and, though eighty-five years have
passed over him, he is yet able to superintend the
farm work, being remarkably active for a man of
his age. The men of this family have been active
supporters of the Democratic party, and in religion
all are members of the Methodist Church.
Jacob and Mary (McMillan) Gibson have three
sons and one daughter. He owns 240 acres of
land, and deals extensively in live stock.

T OSEPH G. PORTER. This gentleman is a
i prominent citizen of Hanover township, and
tf)\ a native of Washington county, Penn. His
^^ grandfather, Nathaniel Porter, a native of
the North of Ireland, was the first member of the
family to immigrate to America, coming here about
1770, and first locating in Chester county, Penn.
After settling in Pennsylvania he married and
reared a family of eight or nine children. He
kept a tavern in Williamsport, Penn. , for many
years, and his hostelry was a great resort for salt
packers and people who were crossing the mount
ains to bring merchandise and salt to western
Pennsylvania. This property was destroyed in
the battle of Brandywine, in the Revolutionary
struggle. Nathaniel Porter and his wife passed

their days in eastern Pennsylvania, and died in
Chester county.
William Porter was born about 1782 in Chester
county, Penn.. where he was inducted into the
mysteries of agriculture, and attended the English
type of schools. When a young man he was mar
ried to Peggy Wallace, who was born in 1784, a
daughter of William Wallace, and descendant of
Sir William Wallace, of Scotland. Her father
and Nathaniel Porter came to America with the
same party of emigrants. To the union of William
and Peggy Porter ten sons and two daughters were
born, of whom the following lived to an adult age:
James, Wallace, Andrew, Joseph G. , Franklin (a
farmer of Jefferson township) and Sarah (wife of
Robert Proudfit, of Smith township). During his
early life the father of this family kept a tavern in
eastern Pennsylvania, and in 1827 moved to a place
in Jefferson township, this county, where he fol
lowed farming; he voted with the Democratic
party. He died in 1856, having been preceded by
his wife in 1834. They are buried in the Paris
U. P. cemetery.
Joseph G. Porter was born December 20, 1817,
in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn.
He learned the blacksmith's trade, which he fol
lowed until taken ill with the smallpox. In 1850
he joined the rush to California during the " gold
fever ' ' excitement, and walked from Independence,
Mo., to Sacramento, Cal.; he remained in Cali
fornia until 1854, during that time being engaged
in mining, and also worked at his trade. He re
turned home by water, passing through Nicaragua,
thence to New York, and finally arriving at home
in Washington county, Penn. In 1842 he was
married to Nancy Fullerton, who was born in 1 819,
in Hanover township, this county, a daughter of
John Fullerton. The children of Joseph G. and
Nancy Porter are as follows : John T. (a farmer of
Hanover township), Joseph C. (a plumber) and
Melissa (Mrs. John Tucker, of Hanover township).
In 1856 Mr. Porter purchased the farm upon
which he is now residing, and successfully fol
lowed general agriculture until the approach of
old age compelled him to abandon active life. Of
late years he has been living in retirement, while
his son, John T., manages the farm. Mr. Porter
is a genial companion, and in politics is deeply in
terested in the welfare of the Democratic party.

\ICKERHAM, ALBERT G. and ALEX
ANDER WILSON are leading repre
sentative native-born agriculturists of the
county. Their father, William AVicker-
ham, was a son of Adam, who was a son
of Peter or Jacob, a native of Germany, who immi
grated to America at a very early day, making a
settlement in Westmoreland county, Penn. He

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1445

married a Miss Schilling, and the children born to
them were Peter, Jacob and Adam. The father of
this family was a pioneer farmer of the State, and
became renowned for his exploits with the Indians.
He died at an extreme old age.
Adam Wickerham, Bon of Peter (or Jacob) Wick
erham was born in Westmoreland county. Penn.,
whence when a young man he came to Washington
county, where he patented a tract of land on part
of which Monongahela now stands. He there
married Miss Shillen, who bore him the following
named children: George, Peter, William, Mary
and Sarah (Mrs. Bowsman). The father of this
family .departed this life in 1870, the mother a few
years later.
William Wickerham was a native of Washing
ton county, born in 1809 on a farm whereon
Monongahela now stands. He married Nancy
Phillips, a native of this county, and, after a few
years' residence in the then village of AVilliams-
port, he removed to Carroll township, settling on a
farm in the horseshoe bend of the Monongahela
river. Here he and his wife passed the rest of
their days. He was a stanch Whig, afterward a
Republican, and at the time of the Civil war, al
though well advanced in years, shouldered his
musket in defense of the Union, being one of the
one hundred-day men. In religion he was a mem
ber and liberal supporter of the Methodist Church.
His children were as follows: Adam, David,
James, Eliza, Harrison, Margaret, Albert G.,
Emma, Alexander Wilson and John; of these,
Adam is a resident of Carroll township, on the old
home farm; Harrison, Albert and John also live in
Carroll township; Mrs. Eliza Grant is a widow
living in Monongahela; Mrs. Margaret Teeple is
in Carroll township; Adam, James and Harrison
were in the Civil war, serving three years each,
Harrison being the first volunteer to go to the
front from Washington county; he was captured
by the Confederates and confined in Andersonville
prison thirteen months.
Albeet G. Wickeeham was born January 19,
1844, on the old homestead in that part of Carroll
township, Washington Co., Penn., known as
" The Horseshoe. " He remained on the home
farm until 1871, when he was united in marriage
with Elizabeth, daughter of William Galbraith, a
resident of Carroll township. Mr. and Mrs.
Wickerham resided on the old place about two
years after their marriage, when he erected the
house where they have Bince resided, on a portion
of the old estate. Mrs. Wickerham died in June,
1890, and was buried in the family cemetery.
She left three children, namely: Mary J., Will
iam J. and Nancy A. Mr. Wickerham owns eighty
acres of the old farm, and conducts a profitable
business. Politically he is a Republican, and has
held local offices.

Alexander Wilson Wickeeham was born
December 20, 1852, and was reared on the home
farm in Carroll township until thirteen years of
age, when he moved to Monongahela. On April
17, 1871, he married Rebecca, daughter of John
Marshal], of a very old and highly respected
family of Washington county, and after marriage
he conducted his father's farm for several years.
He then removed to his present home in East
Bethlehem township, the farm comprising some
seventy acres of prime land. He is a Republican,
but not active in politics. The children born to-
Mr. and Mrs. AA7ickerham are Sarah, Eudora,.
Delia, Archibald, May, Florence, Myrtle and Lizzie,
all at home with their parents.

EAZEN FRYE, a worthy representative of
one of the oldest families of Washington
county, was born July 5, 1821, on the old
homestead at Lock No. 4, this county.
He is a grandson of Abraham Frye, a
native of either Washington county, Penn., or
North Carolina, and who became a pioneer farmer
of Fallowfield township. He married Hester
Johnson, of North Carolina, and the children born
to them were Johnson, Noah, James, Benjamin,
Mary, Abraham, Thomas, Elijah, Hester and
Smith. Mr. Frye was a member of the Baptist
Church. Thomas Frye, father of subject, was married to
Anna AATest, a native of Fallowfield township, and
the children born to them were: Luke, Reazen,
Louisa, Eunice, Hester, Lucinda Jane, Abraham
J., Nancy, Mary E., Smith, and Anna E. The
mother died in 1861, the father in 1876, and they
are buried in the Horseshoe Church cemetery.
He was a Jackson Democrat originally, and during
the latter part of his life was a Republican. He
was a member of the Baptist Church, of which he
was a trustee.
Reazen Frye attended the old log-cabin school,
and assisted in clearing the pioneer farm. On No
vember 20, 1845, he was united in marriage with
Carrie B. , daughter of John and Nancy (Dickey)
Eckels, the former of whom was a native of Penn
sylvania, born and reared in Chester county.
When a young man Mr. Eckels came to Mononga
hela, and for some time followed teaming from
Philadelphia westward, after which he learned the
trade of carpenter and cabinet maker, which he
carried on in Monongahela as well as the undertak
ing business. He was a soldier in the war of 1812,
under Maj. Warne. When a young man he mar
ried Nancy Dickey, a resident of Monongahela,
and the children born to their union were: John
Hamilton, Margaret, Mary, Benjamin, Carrie B.,
Andrew J., Hannah Ann, Catherine Eaton, and
Daniel James. The father of this family died in

1446

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1857, the mother on June 3, 1872, and both are in
terred in Monongahela cemetery. In politics Mr.
Eckels was a Democrat.
After marriage our subject and wife located on
a farm of 120 acres of land situated one mile from
the Monongahela river, in Fallowfield township,
this county, and after years of assiduous toil
finally succeeded in paying for the place. Mr.
Frye then realized a good sum from the sale of a
coal vein underlying his land, and with the money
thus obtained he purchased 143 acres of land in
Carroll township, to which, in 1874, he moved; it is
distant about one mile from the business portion
of Monongahela. To Mr. and Mrs. Reazen Frye
have been born the following children: Thomas
F., a farmer of Chase county, Kans. ; Margaret
Emeline, wife of Samuel Richardson, living at
Lock No. 4; John Hamilton, farming on his fa
ther's old property at Lock No. 4; Stephen Reed, in
the United States Mail Service; Eliza Adeline, de
ceased at the age of eighteen years; Hester Ann,
who died when seven years old; James D., who
died at the age of five years, and Carl, who passed
away at the age of ten months and twenty days.
Although now retired from active business life,
Mr. Frye is interested in the buying and selling of
stock. Politically he was originally a Democrat,
but a visit to the South, some time prior to the
breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, brought
about a revolution in his ideas in respect to poli
tics, and he has since been active in the ranks of
the Republican party.

T(AMES E. RANKIN. Of the well-known
|| pioneers of Washington county, the Rankin
ffl family, of which this gentleman is a member,
^^ is mentioned among the leaders. John
Rankin was born in Winchester, Va., of Irish
descent, and came with his parents to Washing
ton county, Penn., about 1774, bringing colored
help with him from Virginia. He had a family
of eight sons and two daughters, nearly all of
whom were born in Winchester, Va. He located
in Mt, Pleasant township, this county, securing
1,800 acres of choice land, then a vast wilderness,
which is now transformed into some of the finest
farms of Washington county. Here he erected a
log cabin, and made such improvements as were
possible, being in constant danger from the treach
erous savages. But bravely and patiently he
struggled on, establishing the pioneer home. After
his sons had grown to manhood one of them,
James, joined a party who went to establish a col
ony in Kentucky. They arrived safely, but dur
ing the return trip were attacked by Indians, and
James was killed, his fate being but one addition
to that of the many pioneers who were practi
cally martyrs to colonization. The parents of

James passed the remainder of their lives on the
frontier home, both dying the same year.
Samuel Rankin, youngest son of John, was born
July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va., and came to
this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he was
married to Jane McConahey, who was born Feb
ruary 18, 1775, daughter of a pioneer settler.
The following children were born to their union:
William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel, Stephen,
James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane. Of these
children Jane is the only one yet living. She is
unmarried. The others lived to an adult age, and
were citizens of Washington county. Samuel
Rankin became a wealthy farmer, and 'always
lived on the old home farm, situated about two
miles northwest of Hickory, this county. In
politics he was a Democrat, and was one of the
famous minute-men. In religion he and his wife
were members of the Union Church . He died in
October, 1820, being followed by his wife July
20, 1869, in her ninety-fourth year. The remains
of both lie in the U. P. cemetery at Hickory, Mt.
Pleasant township, this county. Their children
were as follows: William, born November 24,
1796 (deceased • January 13, 1884); John, born
April 4, 1798 (deceased in April, 1866); David,
born February 15, 1800 (deceased July 27, 1858);
Matthew, born February 15, 1802 (deceased in
June, 1880); Matilda, born March 22, 1804 (de
ceased in February, 1875); Samuel, born June 3,
1806 (deceased May 27, 1834); Abigail, born in
October, 1808 (lived on the old homestead until
her death); James (deceased, mentioned below);
Stepben, born August 20, 1813 (deceased in Feb
ruary, 1877); and Jane, born February 6, 1817
(living in Burgettstown).
James Rankin was born March 24, 1811, in Mt.
Pleasant township, and passed his youth on the
old home place, receiving his education in the log
schoolhouse of the day. In December, 1834, he
was married to Martha V. Stevenson, who was
born in 1813, daughter of James Stevenson, of
Smith township, this county. James Stevenson was
a native of Washington county, and was there mar
ried to Jane Vance, who bore him children as fol-
ows:Ann(Mrs. Alexander Hays), John S., Elizabeth
(Mrs. S. J. Ghist), Mary (wife of Patterson Vance),
Martha V. (married to James Rankin), Joseph, Ed
gar and Rachel J, (wife of John B. Phillis). Mr.
Stevenson followed the vocation of a miller, after
ward opening a carding works, and was also en
gaged in undertaking. He was first a Democrat
in politics, then became a Whig, and afterward
united with the Republican party. He was
formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church
known as the Raccoon, and when the Burgetts
town Church was organized, became a regular at
tendant of that Society.
James and Martha (Stevenson) Rankin first set-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1447

tied on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this
county, and in 1868 moved to an adjoining place,
coming to Burgettstown in 1884. They have had
the following children: Samuel N. (enlisted in
Company D, Twenty-eighth New York Regiment;
he served three months, then re-enlisted, and in
1863 entered the secret service under Gen. Banks,
and was missing while en route to Richmond),
James E., Jane E. (Mrs. John P. Campbell), Will
iam Ray (who was drowned in 1846), John P. (liv
ing in Baker City, Oreg.), Joseph Vance (living
in Wichita, Kans.), David A. (accidentally killed
when fifteen years old, in Wichita, Kaus.), and
Anna M. James Rankin was a popular and enter
prising citizen, having won success by his own ex
ertions. He was a warm friend of educational prog
ress, and in religion a member of the Mt. Pros
pect Presbyterian Church, of which he was a ruling
elder for twenty-eight years. He died July 27,
1887, at Burgettstown, this county, where his
widow is yet living. He was justice of the peace
for many years.
James E. Rankin was born in 1838 on the farm
in Mt. Pleasant township which is yet his home;
he received a dlistrict-school education and worked
on the farm. On November 15, 1877, he was
united in marriage with Mary Walker, a native of
Cross Creek township. Her father, John N.
Walker, was born in 1808, in Cross Creek town
ship, this county, and on November 18, 1830, mar
ried Ann Vance, who was born in 1812, in Cross
Creek township. They settled on a farm near
their birthplace, and reared the following family
, , of children: Rachel (deceased in May, 1871, wife
of R. S. Donaldson), Alexander (living in Elders
ville, this county), William Vance (a farmer),
James (living in Cass county, Neb.), Elizabeth
(wife of John Lawton, of near Earned, Kans.),
Hannah (married to J. P. Reed, of Larned, Kans.),
Mary (Mrs. J. E. Rankin), Virginia (living with
her parents), John N. (living in Cross Creek town
ship), Joseph (deceased in 1874), Frank (deceased
in 1856) and Cynthia (married to Samuel Wilson,
of Santa Anna, Cal.). The father of this family
was an active member of the Democratic party.
He died February 15, 1882, and was laid to rest by
the side of his wife, who passed away May 15, 1870.
Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have passed their married
lives on the home farm, which contains 200 acres
of well-cultivated land. They are members of the
Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is an act
ive Democrat. 
It Hi RS. JANE CARROLL. Among the brave
v/i pioneers of AVashington county, and they
ML I! are many, none have surpassed, in bravery,
^ intelligence and perseverance, the mem
bers of the Carroll family.
Robert Carroll and wife, accompanied by his two

4)

brothers, John and Hamilton, and a sister Jane, emi
grated in 1760 from Ireland to America, locating
in a place called Mingo, western Pennsylvania,
thence moving in a few years to East Finley town
ship, Washington county, where they settled on
one of the headwaters of Wheeling creek, near
the present postoffice of Gale, and began cutting
down the forest trees until a space was cleared for
the log cabin (perhaps the first in that district),
which they soon erected. Like all the pioneer
settlers, they were in hourly danger from the hostile
savages, and endured the inevitable hardships of
backwoods life. In 1781 work began in earnest,
and Washington county was founded. In the
summer of that year, John and Hamilton Car
roll, who resided with their brother Robert, went
out one morning, and when but a short distance
from the cabin both men were shot down by the
Indians. Robert' s wife (who with her two children
was in the cabin) heard the report, and knowing
the boys had no firearms with them, immediately
grasped the situation; she snatched the infant from
his couch and with him in her arms, and her little
son of four years clinging to her side, ran to a
cornfield near by, where she waited till the Indians
reached the cabin. The faithful dog remained on
guard at the door, and barked vigorously at the
murderers, who were obliged to kill him before
they could enter the house. The heroic mother
knew when the barking of the dog ceased that
the Indians were busy ransacking the house, and
immediately taking advantage of the opportunity,
ran for life to the nearest fort, which was five miles
distant (now at Prosperity), though she had to trav
el much farther; but she reached it safely at last,
the infant in her arms, and little James running
by her side. AVhile these terrible scenes were in
progress, the husband and father was absent,having
left home a day or two before, and gone to a mill
on the Monongahela river. On returning home, he
was horrified to find the floor stained with blood,
and other evidences of the presence of the maraud
ing savages. Almost heart-broken, the poor man
hurried to the fort, and was overjoyed to find his
wife and children safe within, but heard with
anguish of the terrible fate of his brothers. A few
days later a party of men left the fort, and finding
the dead bodies of John and Hamilton (whose
scalps the Indians had taken as trophies), buried
them in what has since been known as the Car
roll graveyard; these two victims of Indian fury
being the first who were there interred. The
burying ground is but a short distance from
where the cabin stood. After all traces of the
Indians had disappeared, Robert and his wife re
turned home, and were not again molested. The
infant Robert, who was saved from the Indians by
his mother, grew to manhood, and married Mar
garet Craig, who bore him one daughter, and

1448

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

James, whose little feet proved of such good
service on that memorable day, was united in
marriage with Margaret Marshall, and to their
union the following children were born: William,
Robert, John, Hamilton, James, Hugh, Joseph,
Thomas, Mary and Jane.
Hamilton Carroll was bom April 15, 1804, in
East Finley township, Washington county, and
was early inured to the toil, danger and privation
of frontier life; his education was of necessity very
limited. On April 5, 1832, he was united in mar
riage with Jane Marshall, who was born October
10, 1807, daughter of Gabriel Marshall, of East
Finley township, who was also of Irish descent.
The children born to this union were Marshall,
born March 10, 1833 (deceased in 1890; he always
lived at home assisting in the farm work, and caring
for his parents); James Bell, born December 27,
1834 (deceased January 15, 1836); Martha, born
October 30, 1836 (living at home and assisting with
household duties); Robert M., born April 18, 1839
(of whom further mention is made); Anderson,
born January 10, 1841 (a farmer, living near Pleas
ant Grove, East Finley township, this county);
William David, born September 5, 1844 (deceased
October 23, 1862); Mary Margaret, born March
13, 1847 (deceased January 7, 1852); Eliza Jane,
born December 27, 1848 (wife of George Mont
gomery, of East Finley township), and John, born
March 15, 1851 (married to Olive Post, and living
in East Finley township, this county). Robert M.,
of the above family, enlisted August 22, 1861, in
the first Virginia Cavalry, and on February 14,
1862, was killed at Blooming Gap. Va. His corpse
was sent home, and with it came the following
order :
Div. Headquarters, Camp Chase, Va., Feb. 15, 1862-
Special Order, No. 57.
Robert Carroll, a private of Capt. Farrabee's company,
1st Va. Cavalry, having been killed, after capturing three
wagons from the enemy, aided by two other privates of
that company (David Howell and Franklin Jones), will
be escorted by the two privates mentioned to his resi
dence and the body delivered to the family of the de
ceased man, with compliments of the Commanding Gen
eral. Had he lived he would have received promotion.
The expenses of the escort and burial will be paid.
By command of Brig. Gen. Sander.
II. C. Armstrong, A. A. A. Gen.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Carroll began farm
ing on the farm where his widow is yet living,
which is situated about half a mile northwest of
Gale postoffice, in East Finley township. Here he
passed the remainder of his life, successfully pur
suing the vocation of agriculture. During the war
he took an active part in the home musters. In
politics Mr. Carroll was a stanch Republican, and
a valued member of the party. He possessed
unusual vitality, and was capable of great phys
ical endurance. In religious faith he was a member
of the U. P. Church. He died in 1890; his widow,

who is also a member of the U. P. Church, sur
vives him, enjoying in her old age a respite from
the cares and sorrows of earlier life; she is much
esteemed and respected.

d|OHN B. CARSON. The Carson family have
for many years been prominently associated
) with the leading citizens of Washington
county. Thomas Carson was born in eastern
Pennsylvania, and coming to Washington county
many years ago, was married to Mary Gibson, a
native of Kentucky. They settled on the farm in
Fallowfield township, which is yet owned by their
descendants, and he also followed shoemaking, also
serving many years as justice of the peace. At
one time he was pursued by the Indians, and trav
eled seventy-five miles in one day, carrying his
rifle, and thus escaped. He died in 1848, leaving
the following children : Elizabeth (wife of James
Young), Thomas G., Mary (Mrs. Grable), James
S., John B., Ann (Mrs. Grable) and Charlotte
(wife of John Carson).
John B. Carson was born in 1802, on the old
place on Pigeon creek, in Fallowffeld township,
Washington county, where he grew to manhood
and received a district-school education. When a
young man he was married to Sarah Scott, who
was born in 1813, in Fallowfield township. The
young couple first settled on a farm on Pigeon
creek, and in 1846 moved to the homestead of 140
acres where their children are yet living. Mr.
Carson voted with the Democratic party, serving
in various offices, and in religion Mrs. CarBon was
a member of the Baptist Church. He died Jan
uary 27, 1872, and September 17, 1887, his wife
was laid beside him. Their children were born
as follows: Newton (who was a real-estate dealer
and founder of West Belle Vernon ,deceased Decem
ber 24, 1888), Mary (wife of Jackson Carson, of
Fallowfield township), Smith (a farmer, living on
Pigeon creek), Lewis (living in West Pike Run
township), John B. (residing in Allen township),
Jerome G. , and Sarah J. (deceased).
John B. Carson, son of John B. and Sarah
(Scott) Carson, was born in 1848, in Fallowfield
township, Washington county. He attended the
schools of the county, afterward went to the South
western State Normal School at California, and
afterward taught five terms near the home neigh
borhood. In 1874 he was united in marriage with
Melissa Duvall, a native of East Pike Run town
ship, this county, a daughter of J. P. and Sarah
(Robison) Duvall. the father born in East Bethle
hem township, and the mother a native of AVash
ington county; both parents are now living in East
Pike Run township. After his marriage John B.
Carson located on the 130 acres in Fallowfield
township, where he is now living. In 1874 he

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1449

erected a good house, and in 1881 built a new
barn. He is a prosperous farmer; in politics he
votes the Democratic ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Carson
are members of the Zion Disciple Church, in which
he serves as an elder. They are the parents of six
children, namely: Bertha L., Val C, Sarah Mabel,
John Parker, Viola Isabelle and Jefferson P.

4/

Hi ARRY C. SCOTT. Joseph Scott, the old
est representative of the Scott family in
Washington county, was born about 1761
in Scotland, coming to America during
the latter part of the eighteenth century.
He first located in York county, Penn., where
he was married to Martha Paden, who was born
in 1763. Prior to 1788, when Washington county
was very sparsely settled, he came from York
county, aud made a home in the eastern part of
Hanover township, this county, near Raccoon
creek, securing control of an immense tract of wild
land. A cabin was erected, which furnished them
protection, and although deprived of many of the
luxuries of life, they were soon able to build a
comfortable ffome. The. Btory of the struggles,
hardships and privations of early pioneers has
often been told, and the lives of this earnest and
self-reliant couple were similar to those of their
comrades who undertook the arduous task of mak
ing the wilderness "to blossom as the rose." In
dustry finally was rewarded; they became wealthy
and highly respected citizens, and passed the
remainder of their lives surrounded by children
and friends. They died at a ripe old age, in full
connection with the "Old-School Presbyterian"
Church, in which they had been reared from in
fancy. Politically the grandfather was a Demo
crat. To this worthy couple were born two sons
and three daughters, all of whom lived to an adult
age. Joseph Scott, a son of the pioneer Joseph, was
born in 1800, and passed his early life on the farm
of his father, amid the privations of a frontier
home, receiving a limited education in the sub
scription schools. In 1830 he was married to Isa
belle, daughter of Samuel Nelson, and the following
children were born to their union: Louisa (Mrs.
John Camden, of Mt. Pleasant township), born
February 19, 1831; William (a farmer of Beaver
county), born October 26, 1833; Margaret, born
February 5, 1835 (died unmarried January 5,
1865); Mary Jane, born August 20, 1837, deceased
in infancy; Elizabeth, born October 20, 1839 (wife
of S. J. Dennis, a merchant of Wellsville, Ohio),
and Joseph D., born November 13, 1843. Mr.
and Mrs. Scott resided on the home farm during
life, and he devoted his entire attention to agricult
ure. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re
ligion he and his wife were members of the Rob

inson U. P. Church. He died September 28,
1873, and his widow survived him until September
10, 1886. They are buried in Florence cemetery.
Benjamin Scott was born June 2, 1792, in Han
over township, Washington Co., Penn. He re
ceived a subscription-school education, and, work
ing in his father's mill, learned the business,
which he followed several years. When a young
man he was married to Susan McKinley, who was
born in 1800, daughter of Hugh McKinley, of
Washington county, Penn. They settled on a
farm near that of his parents, and the mill having
been sold, he afterward devoted his entire atten
tion to agricultural pursuits, meeting with signal
success. Their children were born as follows:
Alexander, Joseph, Sophia, Benjamin, Sarah
Jane, Patterson, John, Susan and Elizabeth. Mr.
Scott took an active interest in the welfare of the
Democratic party, and*he and his wife were, both
socially and financially, leading members of Cross
Roads Presbyterian Church. In 1877, after long
and useful lives spent together, both parents
passed from earth, the father aged eighty-five and
the mother aged seventy-seven years.
Patterson Scott was born March 18, 1835, in
Hanover township, and was reared to farm pur
suits, receiving his education in the common schools.
On October 16, 1868, he was united in marriage
with Eliza J. Miller, who was born March 16, 1837,
in Harrison county, Ohio, daughter of Daniel, and
granddaughter of John Miller, who was born in
1806, in Frederick county, Md. John Miller came
to Rumley township, Harrison Co., Ohio, where he
purchased land of the Government, at one time
owning 215 acres. On arriving at Rumley town
ship he was obliged to cut his way through the
woods, around his lands, and camped out while
building his cabin. He was the father of nine
children, viz. : Daniel, David, John, Jacob, Joseph,
Catherine, Hannah, Polly and Sarah. Daniel
Miller (father of Mrs. Patterson Scott) was born
in 1788, in Frederick county, Md., and coming to
Harrison county, Ohio, with his parents, shared all
the hardships of pioneer life. In 1817 he was
married to Susan Lowmiller, who was .born in 1796,
in Dauphin county, Penn., a daughter of John and
Catherine (Long) Lowmiller, who came to Harrison
county in 1800. The children of Daniel and Susan
Miller were as follows: Catherine, Elizabeth, Sa
rah, John, Henry, Susanna, Rebecca, Margaret,
Abigail and Eliza J. (Mrs. Patterson Scott).
Mr. and Mrs. Scott began wedded life on the
home place in Hanover township, where he carried
on general farming and an extensive stock raising
business. Mr. Scott was a representative farmer;
in politics he was an enthusiastic Democrat, and
served in various local offices. He died October
24, 1883, and was buried in Florence cemetery.
The children of his family are as follows: Henry

1450

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

C. , Margaret C. , Susan E. and John M. Since
the death of her husband Mrs. Scott has had
charge of the farm, which is now managed by her
son, Harry C. Mrs. Scott is a member of the
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, with which her
husband was also actively identified.

FI( LLISON D. SWART is a descendant of
#/l\ Philip Swart, who emigrated from Germany
FpVi with his family in about 1786, and locating
II -^ in Amwell township, Washington Co.,
Penn., settled on a farm of 315 acres,
which has since been owned by his descendants.
He died about 1811, leaving two children — Jacob
and Mrs. Susan Phillips.
Jacob Swart, son of Philip, was born near the
old home in Amwell township, this county, and
passed his early years at home, receiving his edu
cation at the subscription schools of the day. He
was an excellent business man, and though he
lived only to the prime of life, he became the
owner of six farms, aggregating a total of 1,000
acres. His property was an enduring monument
to the energy, good judgment and business capac
ity of a hardy and persevering pioneer. His wife
was Miss Sarah Evans, of Amwell township, and
ten children were born to them: Dorothy (Mrs.
Mustard), Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs.
Huston), Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and Char
lotte. Jacob Swart died on the old farm in Am
well township in 1815. In politics he was a Whig,
and he was esteemed by all.
Hiram Swart, son of Jacob, and the father of
the subject of this memoir, was born February 12,
1812, on Rees creek, Greene Co., Penn., where he
lived for three or four years, at the end of which
time his parents brought him to Washington
county. When he was about twelve years of age,
the family moved upon the old Swart farm in Am
well township, where he lived until about 1874.
In 1845 he was united in marriage with Charlotte
McGinnis, and she dying he married, for his sec
ond wife, Margaret Keys. He was again married,
on this, the third occasion, to Mary Hastings, who
bore him five children: Mary Emma, Allison D.,
David H., William H. and Maggie V.
Allison D. Swart was born October 11, 1862, in
Amwell township, on the old farm where Mr.
Bailey now resides. Here he remained until he
was fourteen years of age, when he came with his
father to the " Squire Hughes place," where he re
mained until his marriage. He received his edu
cation at the Swart and Birch schoolhouses, after
ward for three years attending the Pleasant Valley
Academy, where he ranked among the first as a
bright student. On November 6, 1886, Mr. Swart
was united in marriage with Emma lams, of Am
well township, and they have one son: Hiram lams,

born December 11, 1887. Mr. Swart passed the
years 1884 and 1885 in the West, and since his re
turn has resided continuously in Amwell, of which
township he is one of the substantial young citizens.
After marriage he began farming on the stock
farm ; then removed to his present home. He has
a fertile, well -cultivated farm, where he carries on
general agriculture, and he also does a good busi
ness in shipping hay. In the ranks of the Re
publican party he has proven himself to be a
rising young politician. In church connection he
is a Baptist.

It JffRS. E. L. WELSH. Joseph B. AVelsh
\l\ (deceased) was one of those citizens whose
Ml I lives have been so filled with kindly acts
I -^ and noble deeds, that their loss is felt not
V alone by kindred, but by the entire com
munity. Men of such character never die in the
hearts of those who have been privileged to know
and love them, but it is only a just tribute to their
memory that the record of their lives should be
given to those who follow after, as examples most
worthy of emulation.
Joseph B. AVelsh was a son of William Welsh,
who was an associate and compeer of John Sloan,
a congressman from Wooster, Ohio; Abner Leonard,
a prominent Presbyterian minister; Jonathan
Knight, an eminent engineer and member of Con
gress from Washington county, Penn. ; Drs. Joseph
and Jonathan Letherman, eminent physicians;
also of Hon. Joseph Lawrence, and many others.
William Welsh served for many years as justice of
the peace, and in the family library his docket is
yet preserved, every entry made in clear, neat and
orderly form, and written by a superior penman.
The Rev. Dr. Estep, who is widely known as one
of the most able clergyman of the Baptist faith,
said of William Welsh that he ' ' never met a more
logical or clear reasoner ' ' than he. Mr. Welsh
died many years ago, leaving a widow, eight
daughters and two sons; one of the daughters was
the first wife of G. V. Lawrence, of Monongahela.
Joseph B. Welsh, the second son of William,
was born December 10, 1815, on the home farm in
East Bethlehem township, Washington Co. , Penn.,
where his father died. He attended Washington
and Jefferson College for a short time, but his
services being required on thejarm, he soon re
turned to assist his widowed mother in educating
the younger children. He said to his mother: "I
will remain with you until my sisters are educated
and provided for," and most faithfully was that
promise kept. His sisters were educated at the
seminaries in Steubenville (Ohio) and Washington
(Penn.), in due time leaving the maternal roof
with husbands of their choice, who were all ac
ceptable to the family. After the death of his

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1451

mother Joseph B. Welsh was united in marriage
with Miss Emily L. Taylor, a lady, who though sev
eral years his junior, was yet especially fitted as his
bride. He was a member of the Legislature in
1865-69, and passed most of his life on the farm
where his ancestors had settled nearly a century
ago. In the halls of legislation, as executor or ad
ministrator of vast estates, as guardian of minors,
in the relations of neighbor, husband and father,
Joseph B. AVelsh was equally able and invariably
faithful to every duty. In social life he possessed
genial, pleasant manners, was apt in conversation
or repartee, and having an unusually extensive
knowledge of men and measures, was a most en
tertaining companion. In 1879 he was thrown
from a horse, which accident caused a fibrous tu
mor in his left side that first began to develop in
October, 1880. From that date his health rapidly
declined, and he was laid to rest March 22, 1881,
after a protracted illness. His last days were
passed in perfect repose, for believing that the
God who had given life knew best when that
life should end, he submitted with the utmost res
ignation to his will. Mrs. AVelsh is descended
from one of the most highly respected families of
Washington county, and is now residing in a beau
tiful home in East Bethlehem township. Her four
daughters have been reared in culture and refine
ment, of whom three are married and living in
Washington county; they are Rebecca (Mrs. Jo
seph Clark, residing in Pittsburgh), Ella (Mrs.
Jonas Emery), Cora (Mrs. William H. Theakston)
and Mary, at home.

,\ILLIAM KEENAN. Among the well-
known and prosperous agriculturists of
Carroll township, this gentleman is prom
inently identified. He, like many of our
most progressive citizens, traces his an
cestry to the Emerald Isle, for the warm blood of
the true son of Erin flows in his veins. His grand
father, James Keenan, was born in County Down,
Ireland, and passed his entire life on a farm in the
old country. He reared a family of eight children,
one of whom came to America. The father lived
to the advanced age of one hundred years.
Samuel Keenan, son of James, was born in 1785,
in County Down, Ireland, where his boyhood was
passed; he worked on the farm, and attended the
schools of the county. In 1813 he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Gourley, the only child of
her parents, who died when she was an infant.
He erected a pleasant home, and the young couple
remained in Ireland until 1819, when they sailed
to America. They came to Pennsylvania, and re
sided in different parts of Carroll township, Wash
ington county, for several years. He then bought
and moved upon 110 acres of land in Carroll

township, and afterward purchased an additional
120 acres, adjoining the first farm. He was a
Democrat in politics, and in religion he and his
wife were members and liberal supporters of the
Presbyterian Church. Samuel Keenan died in
1865, aged eighty years, followed by his wife in
1886, who died in her ninety-fourth year of heart
failure. Their children were born as follows:
James, Jane (Mrs. Nelson), Samuel (who died on
the Atlantic Ocean, and was buried on an island),
Elizabeth (wife of Robert Coulter), Samuel, Isaac,
Sarah (married to John F. McElhenny), Robert,
AVilliam, Hugh, Mary Helena, Joseph, Catherine
(wife of John H. Huston, of Union township), and
Isaac (a graduate of a medical college). Cf this
family, Jane, Sarah, AVilliam, and Catherine are
yet living. James and Jane were born in Ireland,
the others were natives of Pennsylvania.
William Keenan was born June 30, 1829, on the
home place in Carroll township, Washington Co.,
Penn. He attended school three months each
season for three years, and spent most of his time
in farm duties. In May, 1859, he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Myers,
of Somerset township, this county. The young
couple rented a place for one year, and in Septem
ber bought their present farm, adjoining the old
homestead. They moved to their new home in
the following April, and there six children have
blessed their union, namely: Sylvester (deceased
in childhood), Samuel (a carpenter, spent four
years in the AVest, and is now living at home), Mina
(wife of Dr. Farquhar), Henry M., John, and Iva
N., all living with their parents. The home place
consists of 130 acres, upon which Mr. Keenan has
erected a handsome residence and other buildings,
and has made many improvements. He is a Dem
ocrat, and has served faithfully as school director,
road commissioner, assessor, auditor, judge of
elections, and in various other local offices. Mrs.
Keenan and her daughters are members of the
Presbyterian Church.

4/

It Mt ARK B. KELSO. Notwithstanding the
X//\ fact that this gentleman has been a citizen
Mil of Washington county for but a few years,
^ he has become prominently associated, with
the interests of the community, and is
recognized as a leading farmer. His parents,
Benjamin and Martha (Murdoch) Kelso, were resi
dents of Allegheny county, Penn., where the fol
lowing children were born to them: Rebecca, John,
George, Mary, James, Nancy, Margaret, Martha,
Benjamin, Mark B., Samuel and Elizabeth. Of
this family Rebecca, George, James, Benjamin,
Mark B. and Samuel are yet living. Both parents
were interred in the Robinson Run cemetery.
Mark B. Kelso was bora November 17, 1835, on

1452

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the home place in Allegheny county, Penn., where
his youth was passed. AVhen the Civil war began
he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiment, and among
the engagements in which he participated may be
mentioned Fredericksburg and Antietam. At the
close of the war he received an honorable dis
charge, and returned home. He was married to
Lizzie A. , daughter of James and Sarah (Philips)
McConnell, and children have been born to this
marriage as follows: Sarah P. (wife of AV. M.
Templeton), Benjamin Edmund, Mattie M. , James
Alvin and John Mc. In 1876 Mr. Kelso came to
Washington county, Penn., and purchased 184 acres
in North Strabane township, where he has a beauti
ful home. In politics he affiliates with the Re
publican party, and in church connection the family
are all members of the United Presbyterian Society.

T OSEPH P. JEFFREY. The well-known
. || family, of which this gentleman is a promi-
^11 nent member, has for many years been close-
^^ ly identified with the history and progress of
West Pike Run township.
Joseph J. Jeffrey was bom of Irish parents in
Chester county, Penn., in 1772, and in 1788 pur
chased the old farm in West Pike Run township,
Washington Co., Penn. In 1796 he was married
to Betsey Robison, who was born in 1781, in Lou
doun county, Va., and the young couple soon
moved to the farm he had previously purchased.
The place contained about two hundred acres of
land, upon which he carried on a profitable busi
ness in farming and stock raising. Joseph J. Jef
frey died April 9, 1854, having been preceded by
his wife June 16, 1833. The children born to
this couple are named as follows: Amor, Job,
Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and John.
Amor Jeffrey was born March 21, 1803, on the
home farm in West Pike Run township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., where he learned carding and the
woolen trade. He followed that business during
early life, afterward devoting his attention to mill
ing and agricultural pursuits. On April 6, 1828,
he was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a
native of Washington county, Penn., born Sep
tember 8, 1805. To this union were born the fol
lowing children: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a
farmer of Greene county, Penn. ; Joseph P., sub
ject of sketch; Anderson; Benjamin F. ; Elizabeth,
deceased February 18, 1875; Jacob, deceased May
16, 1883; John, deceased March 16, 1855; George
W. , deceased December 25, 1870; James J., de
ceased October 18, 1874; Eleanor, deceased Octo
ber 20, 1876, and Jackman, deceased January 24,
1844. The father was fond of literary pursuits,
and in political opinion was a member of the
Democratic party. He died June 15, 1885, hav
ing been preceded by his wife June 9, 1880.

Joseph P. Jeffrey was bom November 1, 1829,
on the home farm in AVest Pike Run township,
Washington Co., Penn. His youth and early man
hood were passed on the home place, where he
studied medicine until the death of his tutor in
terrupted his preparation. Circumstances then
arose which prevented his graduation, and for
thirteen years afterward he worked for one farmer.
Although he never graduated, Mr. Jeffrey has suc
cessfully treated the ills of his friends and kindred,
and is probably better fitted for practice than
many who have the title of M. D. affixed to their
names. In 1859 he was united in marriage with
Nancy Jane Hess, a native of Ohio, daughter of
John Hess, and they have had three children, viz. :
Mrs. Margaret Ann Bailey, now living with her
father; Palmetta (deceased), and Luella (a cult
ured lady, married to William E. Robison, the
genial postmaster of Beallsville, Penn. , and pro
prietor of the Union Supply Co. store). The
mother of this family died April 15, 1892.
Mr. Jeffrey has been proprietor of the principal
hotel at Centreville, East Bethlehem township, for
the past seventeen years. In politics he is a mem
ber of the Democratic party. Some years ago,
while picking apples, he fell from the top of a
twenty-five foot ladder, and though so severely in
jured that the physicians declared he could not
live, his wonderful vitality conquered, but he has
never fully recovered from the effects.

LLLIAM G. HORNER is descended from
one of the oldest pioneer families of
Washington county, Penn., his grand
father, William Horner, having ' come
hither from Adams county, Penn., in 1800, and
passed the remainder of his life in agricultural
pursuits. He died about the year 1860.
Joseph Horner (son of William) was born in 1806,
and grew to manhood on. the home farm. He mar
ried Catherine Mitchell, who was also a native
of Washington county, born August 25, 1817, and
the young people settled on the home farm. The
following children were bom to their union: Will
iam G., Elizabeth B. (Mrs. Samuel Mitchell, of
Piatt county, 111.). Nancy C. (wife of David Tem
pleton, of North Strabane township), Mary (Mrs.
Abner Myers, of Somerset county, Penn.), Louisa
(living at home), and Martha J., Sarah E. and
Margaret (all three deceased). Mr. and Mrs.
Horner were members of the Presbyterian Church.
The father of this family died May 29, 1874, and
the mother passed away April 30, 1887.
William G. Horner was born September 16,
1834, on the home farm in North Strabane town
ship. He was educated in the usual log-cabin
country school of the vicinity, but has broadened
his educational knowledge by observation and ex-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1453

perience. He has always followed agricultural
pursuits, and is the owner of a well-cultivated and
productive farm, which is furnished with fine stock.
He is an active politician, and has ever been a leader
in all progressive movements of the community
which tend to improve the general welfare. Mr.
Horner has never married, but his maiden sister,
who is living with him, assists in providing the
comforts and luxuries of a pleasant home.

EV JAMES KENNEY is probably the old
est resident of East Bethlehem township
at the present writing. He is a grandson
of William Kenney, a native of Ireland,
who, coming to America in an early day,
located on Brandywine river, in eastern Pennsyl
vania, when that locality was an unbroken wilder
ness. He married a native of Ireland, and reared
a family of children, one of whom joined the British
army, and the little home, which had been won by
years of privation, toil and danger, was confis
cated, leaving the parents penniless in their old
age. The father died at an advanced age, and
was laid to rest beside the scenes of his labor.
Benjamin Kenney, son of William, was born on
the farm in eastern Pennsylvania, and there passed
his early boyhood, being left a destitute orphan
when very young. He was then bound out, and
while serving his apprenticeship learned the trade
of stone mason, which he followed almost all his
life. He was married iu Cumberland, Md. , to
Elizabeth, daughter of John and Amelia Blair,
who were pioneers of Tennessee, whither they re
moved soon after the marriage of their daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Kenney resided in Cumberland about
six years, during which time two daughters were
born to them, Margaret and Mary, both of whom
are long since deceased. Some years after their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kenney came to Fayette
county by way of the old "Braddock road;" the
journey was long and perilous, but the family
finally arrived in safety at their new home, where
they resided six years. Here other children were
born to them, of whom John was the only one who
lived beyond infancy, and he died at the age of
fourteen years. In 1802 the parents packed their
worldly possessions in a cart drawn by one horse,
and moved to Washington county, Penn. The father
was then about forty years of age, and had saved
a small sum of money, which he invested in a tract
of land in East Bethlehem township, and contin
ued to follow his trade in connection with managing
the farm. Slowly but surely the little hoard of
savings increased, and the farm was finally given
into the hands of James. After settling in Wash
ington county, four children were added to the
family circle, 'namely; James, Wesley (a brilliant
clergyman and renowned theological scholar),

AVilliam and Rebecca, the latter three being now
deceased. The father was a Republican in poli
tics, and served as one of the first constables of
Washington county. In religion he was a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died
in March, 1843, followed by the widow January
26, 1852; both were very old.
James Kenney was born January 11, 1806, in
East Bethlehem township, AVashington Co., Penn.,
and attended the usual log-cabin, puncheon-floored
aud slab-seated schoolhouse of the period. He
has a vivid recollection of the severe old master
who ruled with the rod to a degree which would
not now be tolerated, Mr. Kenney having seen one
young lady flogged until the blood trickled to the
floor. As may be supposed, the literary advan
tages of such an academy of learning were of the
most meager character, but these early obstacles
were overcome by young Kenney. He eagerly im
proved each opportunity, for his eyes were upon a
noble goal — he wished to be a clergyman — and
with this aim in view the lad carried his Bible to
the field, perusing its pages while the horses fed.
In 1827 he was united in marriage with Ann,
daughter of William Sproat, and she bore him four
children, viz.: William, a prominent farmer of
Ford county, 111., Elizabeth (Mrs. Greenfield),
deceased; Cyrus, a fruit grower of lower Califor
nia; and John Fletcher, of Ford county, 111. The
mother of this family died in 1838, and on Febru
ary 5, 1839, the father was married to Patience,
daughter of Jonathan More, who was a soldier in
the war of 1812, and died soon after his return,
from disease contracted in the army. To Mr. Ken
ney' s second marriage were born: Benjamin, Anna
(Mrs. Freeman, of Florida, now deceased), Margaret
(wife of Wilson Ward), one who died in infancy,
James (living on the homestead), Sarah and Jo
sephine (twins, living with their parents), and
Mary Manilla (wife of L. M. Cleaver). In 1841
Mr. Kenney obtained a license to preach, and filled
his first pulpit at Liberty Chapel, near Washing
ton borough; he had eight appointments in his
first circuit. He was never a member of a Confer
ence, preferring to remain at home, that he might
superintend the rearing of his children. For the
past five years Rev. James Kenney has been preach
ing in the Centreville M. E. Church; he is now
eighty-seven years of age, his wife being in her
eighty-fourth year. He has erected all of the
buildings upon his farm. In politics he votes
with the Republican party.

ETHUEL DAY (deceased) was born in 1816
in Morris township, Washington county,
son of Bethuel Day, who was a native of
New Jersey, whence he removed to AVash
ington county before the beginning of the present

1454

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

century. Here he married Parmelia Raynor,
whose ancestors also emigrated from New Jersey,
and to them were born nine children: Stephen,
Elias, Sally, Bethania, Jonathan, Hannah, Lemuel
Fordham, Parmelia and Bethuel, all of whom are
now deceased, Bethuel Day being the last of the
family to pass away.
Bethuel Day devoted his whole life to his farm
interests, and was known as one of the thorough,
go-ahead, enterprising farmers in his section. He
was an active Christian laborer, being looked upon
as a leader in religious matters. He was a mem
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr.
Day was married in 1842 to Clarissa Teagarden,
a daughter of Samuel Teagarden, of Franklin town
ship, Greene Co. , Penn. The Teagarden family
are of Prussian descent, the ancestors having come
from Germany and located in Pennsylvania among
its first inhabitants. For thirteen years after his
marriage Mr. Day resided in East Finley town
ship, but in 1856 removed to Morris township, and
located on the Moses Winget place, about one-half
mile west of Old Concord, where he resided at the
time of his death, which occurred December 19,
1890. His widow still lives on the old home
place. To Mr. and Mrs. Day were born nine chil
dren: Oliver, who died at the age of one year;
Louisa Catherine, wife of Edmond McVay, of
Greene county; Allison, who died when four years
old; Jane Parmelia, wife of Oliver Core, of Old
Concord; Miriam Frances, wife of Simpson Harvey,
of Morris township; Missouri, wife of Wilbur
Swaine, of Washington county; John Elwood, who
is united in marriage with Miss Millie Sprowls, of
West Finley township, and resides in Morris town
ship; Emma Virginia, wife of Seaman W. Plants,
of East Finley township, and Herschel, who died
in infancy.

MrISS LETTICE McMURRAY, one of the
well-known residents of Peters township,
is a daughter of Archibald McMurray,
i -^ whose father, James, was a native and
v lifelong -resident of County Donegal, Ire
land. He followed agricultural pursuits, and in
early life was married to Margaret McFarland,
also a native of Erin. She bore him three children:
John, Jane and Archibald.
Archibald McMurray, son of James and Marga
ret, was born in 1766, in County Donegal, Ireland,
and passed his boyhood in tilling the soil. When a
young mau he was married to Nettie, daughter of
William Simpson, a resident of the same county.
After his marriage Archibald McMurray followed
farming and fishing for some time. In 1801 the
young couple came to America, first locating in
eastern Pennsylvania, and afterward settled in Al
legheny county, same State. They resided here

many years, and as time sped on children came to
brighten their home as follows: James, William
Edward, Jane, Margaret, John, Catherine, Lettice
and Ann. But that dread disease, consumption,
buried its deadly fangs in the frail forms, and one
by one the children were laid to rest until, of that
once happy family, but one daughter was left to
the bereaved parents.
Lettice McMurray was born about 1812, in Alle
gheny county, Penn., where she resided twenty-
five years. She then came with her parents and
younger sister Ann to the home in Peters township,
Washington Co., Penn. The mother and sister
soon passed away, and Lettice cared for her father
until his death, which occurred in 1852. The only
living representative of her family, she yet resides
on the farm, having lived alone until her health
became feeble. She is an earnest member of the
United Presbyterian Church, and is patiently await
ing the happy hour which will reunite her with the
dear ones gone before. The home farm consists
of 100 acres of land.

ISAAC HORN, one of the most prominent farm
ers of West Bethlehem township, is a grandson
of John Horn, who was one of that township's
earliest settlers, he having come from east of
the Alleghany mountains early in the opening up
of Washington county, locating upon a large tract
of land in the southern part of the township.
Here, about 1796, was born Jacob Horn, the
father of subject. His boyhood was spent in at
tending the subscription schools, held in the little
log-cabin schoolhouses of that period, and subse
quently he learned the cooper's trade, which he
followed for a number of years. At the age of
twenty one he found himself possessed of little
more than the education gleaned from the meager
teachings of the primitive schools, his trade, and a
strong and rugged constitution. He started man
fully to work at coopering, making casks, barrels,
tubs, etc., many of which were used by parties up
on whose property were located still-houses. Soon
after attaining his majority he married Priscilla
Addeman, a daughter of John Addeman, who was
then a resident of Morgan township, Greene county,
and not long afterward he and his young wife
moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where they lived
for several years, and here their son Isaac was
born. Soon tiring, however, of the new country,
they returned to Pennsylvania, taking up their
residence upon the home farm, where Isaac still
resides. Here were born to them the following
children: Samuel, now living in Iowa; Sarah, de
ceased; Demas, a prominent farmer of West Beth
lehem township, residing on the farm adjoining
that of his brother Isaac; John, of near Mills
boro, Greene county; Catherine (deceased) ; Jacob,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1455

who died in early boyhood, and Elizabeth, living
in AVashington county. The father died in 1859,
having been preceded to the grave by the mother
in about 1844.
Isaac Horn was born May 20, 1824, in Harrison
county, Ohio. AVhen he was about three years
old, his parents, as above mentioned, returned to
Pennsylvania, where he has since passed his life.
His education, like that of his father, was of the
log cabin school extraction, primitive but sub
stantial. Mr. Horn vividly remembers the seats in
the school, which were made of slabs, as were also
the desks, and the other furnishings were on a par.
When not at school, or assisting in clearing and
improving the property then owned by his father,
the lad's time was occupied in learning his father's
trade, coopering. In the boyhood of our subject
much of the country was yet woodland, and many
wild animals still roamed the hills and forests.
In November, 1844, Mr. Horn married Amy,
daughter of Jacob Cox, of East Bethlehem town
ship, and he remained on the old homestead,
which came into his possession upon the death of
his father. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Horn were
born the following children: Noah, a merchant of
Clarktown, Amwell township; Annabel, Priscilla
and William I., living at home with their father.
AVilliam I. is married to Hannah Craig, of West
Bethlehem township, andisnow conductingthefarm
work. Mr. Horn's residence is quiet, yet impos
ing, situated in the center of a thriving community,
about a half mile from Zollarsville, and all the im
provements, which are numerous, have been made
by him. The house was erected in 1866, the barn
and out-buildings, all of which give his place an
air of prosperity, having been built a few years
later. Politically Mr. Horn is a lifelong Repub
lican, and in religion a member of the Disciple
Church. His wife, Amy, departed this life March
16, 1883, deeply lamented, by not only her own
family, but by all who knew her.

THOMAS CAIN was born January 25, 1823,
in Greene county, Penn., and is a worthy
representative of a well-known pioneer fam
ily. His grandfather, John Cain, was a
native of Ireland, and in early manhood
immigrated to America, locating in Maryland,
where he was united in marriage with Mary Means.
About 1785 he came to Greene county, Penn.,
where brothers of his wife had located a year or
two before. Here the following children were
born to him: Thomas, Dennis, John, Nancy, Mary,
Elizabeth and Catherine, all now deceased. John
Cain, the father of this family, was among the
early pioneers of Greene county, and shared the
hardships and dangers of frontier life. He died

about 1830, and his widow then returned to her
native Maryland, passing the remainder of her
life among her relatives.
Thomas Cain, the eldest son in the above men
tioned family, was born in 1784, in Maryland, and
when a young child was brought by his parents to
Greene county, Penn. Almost every farmer oper
ated a distillery in those days, and the youth of
Thomas was passed in assisting in that work, and
in the duties of the farm. He was naturally an
apt and intelligent boy, and his meager educa
tional opportunities were thus supplemented; he
was also a mechanical genius, and made good use
of almost any tool. In 1812 he was married to
Mary Montague, who was born in 1784, a daugh
ter of Henry and Rosanna Montague, who left
County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1792, and after a
stormy voyage of eleven weeks and three days
landed at New Castle, Del. They first located in
eastern Pennsylvania, and soon afterward began
the long journey to Kentucky, of which State they
had heard so many glowing descriptions. But the
severe winter of 1793 set in when the travelers had
reached Washington county, so they concluded to
remain there until spring, and made a temporary
location in Canton township. During this interval
they met an old frontiersman who had been in
Kentucky, and, knowing the hostile disposition of
the Indians at that time, he advised this family to
remain in Pennsylvania. Mr. Montague took the
advice, and proceeding a few miles farther west,
made a permanent home in Donegal township,
near the present postoffice of Coon Island. To
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cain were born the follow
ing children: Henry (deceased at the age of ten
years), Nancy (deceased wife of James Reynolds),
Rosanna (who married Patrick Reynolds, and died
at a good old age), John (farming in Donegal
township, AA7ashington county), Thomas (our sub
ject) and Henry. Mr. Cain lived in Greene county,
Penn., for some time after his marriage, and in
1824 made a permanent home on the old Montague
farm, near Coon Island, Donegal township, Wash
ington county. He was an industrious and suc
cessful man, respected by all who knew him. He
died in 1837, his widow on March 17, 1860.
Thomas Cain, when but a small child, came
with his parents to Donegal township, Washing
ton county, and passed his boyhood on the home
farm, of which he and his brothers took charge
when the father died. His education was received
at the common schools, but has since been supple
mented by reading and observation. He has
always followed agricultural pursuits, and now
owns a part of the home farm upon which his
brother Henry resides. Mr. Cain is living with
his brother John, and has never married. Polit
ically he is a Democrat, and in religion a member
of the Catholic Church.

1456

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

IMON WONSETTLER, a prosperous and
widely-known farmer and stock raiser of
West Bethlehem township, is a native of the
county, born in Amwell township March 6,
1850. Nicholas Wonsettler, grandfather of Simon, was
born in 1754, in West Bethlehem township, this
county, and died at the age of eighty years. He
had two children, Jonathan and Samuel, the latter
of whom died in infancy. Jonathan passed his
early years in assisting his father on the farm, and
in attending the common schools. He was united
in marriage with Delia Simmons, a daughter of
John Simmons, who was of German parentage, and
to this couple were born the following named
children: Anna, Elizabeth, Demas and Simon.
Simon Wonsettler when twenty-one years of age
bought the farm of fifty -five acres in West Bethlehem
township, where he now resides. On August 20, 1871,
he married Clara Garrett, a daughter of Samuel
Garrett, of West Bethlehem township, and they
have one daughter, Nora, born September 18, 1876.
Mr. Wonsettler is a Democrat, and exerts a weighty
influence in the politics of his vicinity. Both he
and his wife are earnest members of the Lutheran
Church.

JOHN WILLIAMS, a successful farmer of
East Bethlehem township, is a son of Daniel,
whose father was a native of West Virginia,
where Daniel was born. The latter became
a ferryman on the Monongahela river, and after -
terward a teamster on the National pike, making
many trips to Baltimore; and after losing a large
sum of money in some unfortunate investments,
died on a farm in East Bethlehem township. He
was married to Amelia Thompson, who bore him
children as follows: Mrs. Sarah Ann Gibson, Mrs.
Mary Ann Elliott, Mrs. Susan E. McCullough
(living in West Virginia), Eliza (of Putnam county,
111.), Amelia Barbara (of Putnam county, 111.),
Hannah Jane (of Lock No. 5, Monongahela river),
John, and one who died in infancy. Of these are
now living Susan E. and John.
John AVilliams was born April 3, 1829, in the
house now owned by one Watkins, on a place in
East Pike Run township, Washington county. At
the age of sixteen he began to learn the black
smith's trade, and after serving a three years' ap
prenticeship, followed that business thirteen years,
then devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits.
On October 20, 1850, he was married to Nancy,
daughter of Robert Grilles, and their children were
Robert G., born October 19, 1851, died August
29, 1852; Daniel W., born December 22, 1852, a
farmer of Putnam county, 111. ; and Samuel James,
born April 18, 1856, a farmer of Harlan county,
Neb. The mother died April 29, 1856, aged twen

ty-eight years ten months, and for his second
wife John Williams was married, on February 7,
1858, to Anna, daughter of Curtis and Esther
Pyles, natives of Washington county, Penn. To
this union children were born as follows: Ida
Florence, born June 30, 1859, died July 7, same
year; Flora Belle, born October 29, 1860, wife of
Homer Crumrine; Curtis, born June 24, 1863, liv
ing in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Emma May, born,
October 21, 1865, living at home. Mrs. Williams
was laid to rest December 13, 1868, aged thirty-
three years two months seven days, and on No
vember 29, 1873, he was united in marriage with
Ann, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Morris.
Three children have blessed this marriage, as fol
lows: Ella M., born September 18, 1875; Elvarette,
born October 15, 1877, and Oliver J., born De
cember 24, 1881, who died April 23, 1886. Mr.
Williams has been an enterprising business man,
and now owns 122 acres of good land, which he
devotes to agricultural interests. In politics he is
a Republican, and has served as auditor and super
visor of East Bethlehem township. Mrs. Williams
and her daughters are members of the M. E.
Church.

LOSSER, JOHN and DEMAS, are repre
sentatives of one of the oldest families of
Amwell township. Their grandfather, John
Closser, moved from " Old Virginia " to
Washington county, Penn., about 1790, and, set
tling on the farm which is now the property of
Stephen B. Day, took up a tract of 200 acres,
which he owned for several years. He was united
in marriage with a Miss Peck, of Amwell township,
and to their union were born three sons and two
daughters: James, Daniel, Anna (Mrs. Chambers),
A. J. and Athla (Mrs. Van Kirk). Mr. Closser
had a limited school education, but was a well-
informed man. Politically he was a Democrat,
always taking an active interest in the welfare of
his party and all public affairs of the township.
In his religious views he was a Quaker. He lived
on the farm twenty-four years, and after his death,
which occurred in 1814, it became the property
of his two sons.
A. J. Closser was born in 1813 on the old home
stead in Amwell township, and remained there
thirty years, engaging in farm work. He was
educated in the common schools, and was a well-
read and intelligent man for that period. In
1842 he was married to Annie Moninger, who
died in 1847, leaving two sons, John and Frank
lin. After the death of this wife, Mr. Closser
married, in 184-, Sarah Totten, and to this union
were born five sons and one daughter: Demas,
Henry M., James W. , Samples S., Francis Moran
and Anna. In 1852 Mr. Closser purchased the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1457

farm of 120 acres now occupied by his son John,
and two years afterward sold it, and purchased the
place which is his present home. He is a Dem
ocrat, but votes for principle regardless of party
divisions, when he thinks occasion demands it.
John Closser, son of A. J. and Annie (Moninger)
Closser, was born February 8, 1843, on the ances
tral acres in Amwell township, and when nine
years of age moved to the farm which he still
occupies. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D,
One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and remained
during the whole service. He was in all the
engagements of his company, was not wounded,
but had five holes made in his clothing from the
enemy's bullets, and he was once slightly injured
by a ball. After his return from the war, he turned
to the more peaceful life of an agriculturist. He
was united in marriage with Miss Annita Mowl, of
West Bethlehem township, Washington county,
which union was blessed with four children:
Maggie B., Willie C, Pearl and Flora. In political
opinion Mr. Closser follows in the steps of his fore
fathers, and votes the Democratic ticket. He has
been justice of the peace in Amwell township eight
years, and during that time, becoming interest
ed in law, has passed his leisure time in the diligent
study of the principles of that profession, and so
well has he improved the time that he will be soon
admitted to practice. He was for three years a
student at Pleasant Valley Academy. Mr. Closser
and his family are all earnest workers in the Dis
ciple Church of Lone Pine.
Demas Closser was born in 184- on the old
farm of Stephen Day, and remained there about
five years, when his parents brought him to the old
Closser place, situated on the north branch of Ten-
Mile creek. He remained on this farm fifteen
years, attending the common schools, working for
his father by the month, and giving him his wages
until he was twenty- one years of age, when he
continued to work by the month for four years;
then bought part of the old Riggle farm, on which
he lived" for about five years; then sold this,
purchased and came to his present home. In 1874
he was married to Mary Luellen, who has borne
him three children: Gracie Estella Myrtie, May
C. and George Lalier. Mr. Closser has a valuable
farm of sixty-seven acres, equal to any land in the
vicinity. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes a
warm interest in all questions pertaining to good
local or national government.

AlLSON WARD. This enterprising and
, J) native-born farmer of Washington coun-
Jl ty comes of Maryland ancestry, his
- father, William Ward, having moved
from that State to Washington county at
an early day.

AVilson Ward was born February 22, 1823, in
Allen township, near Belle Vernon, and was in
boyhood inducted into the various arduous duties
of farm life, a few weeks in the winter season
being devoted to attending the primitive schools
of the neighborhood. On February 28, 1867, he
married Miss Margaret M. , daughter of Rev.
James Kenney, and granddaughter of Benjamin
Kenney. After marriage Mr. Ward bought the
farm in East Bethlehem township on which he now
resides, comprising 186 acres of valuable land,
all in a high state of cultivation. Here he carries
on general agriculture, including stock raising,
etc., and has met with well-merited success. To
Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born children as
follows: William, January 2, 1868; Le Moyne,
February 7, 1870; Theodore, August 23, 1874,
and Walter E., January 23, 1880, all still living
under the parental roof. AVilliam H. at onetime
conducted a store in the village of Fredericktown,
this county, but, unfortunately, was burned out in
April, 1891, and he has since been assisting his
father on the farm. In his political preferences
our subject is a Republican, but is not active, as
his time and attention are exclusively devoted to
his farm duties. He and the family are members
of the M. E. Church, and are highly esteemed by
a large circle of friends.

[( DDISON A. GRIFFITH. The Griffith
l\ family, of which this gentleman is a worthy
\\ representative, comes of Ifish ancestry,
-^ David Griffith, the grandfather, having em
igrated from that country to America in an
early day. He and his family first located on a
farm in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn.,
then moved to a place near Claysville, Donegal
township, and finally went to Monroe county,
Ohio, where he died, leaving children as follows:
Benjamin, Samuel, John, David. Ephraim, Eliza
beth, Anna, Charlotte, Rachel, Jonah and Levi.
The father in his political preferences affiliated
with the Whig party; in religion he was a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run.
Levi Griffith, son of David, was born May 10,
1809, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn.,
where his early education was received. In 1830
he married Margaret, daughter of James McClel
lan, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Griffith resided in
Chartiers township, this county, two years, then
came to Canonsburg, where he died in 1883. He
followed the business of a contractor and builder,
in politics was a Whig and Republican, and in
religion a member of the U. P. Church, which he
served as trustee. His widow is yet living, in her
eighty-eighth year, the mother of the following
children: Nancy J. (wife of Rev. W. J. Alexander),

1458

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

David, James, Ada A. (Mrs. John A. Boone), Allie
(wife of Andrew AV. Miller) and Addison A.
Addison A. Griffith was born July 5, 1842, in
Canonsburg, Penn., where he received a thorough
training at the public schools. At the age of
eighteen years he was appointed assistant in the
quartermaster's office, army of the Cumberland,
remaining there sixteen months, and was then
transferred to the Department of the Shenandoah,
where he was until the close of the war. He then
returned home, and going to Oil City, Penn. , en
gaged in trading in oil, hay, grain and general
produce. A year later he opened a general store
at Freeport, Armstrong Co., Penn., which included
dry goods, notions, boots and shoes. He conducted
this business eighteen months, then managed a
hotel at Sioux City, Iowa, one year, and afterward,
having purchased a stock of goods, opened a store
about sixty miles north of Sioux City, and there
remained two years. He then resided on a farm in
Iowa several years, and, moving from there to Da
kota, sold agricultural implements there for two
years; thence returned to the farm in Iowa, and
finally located in Canonsburg, Washington Co.,
Penn. He served several years as division officer
of the Morganza Reform School, and soon after
ward opened the extensive tobacco establishment in
Canonsburg which he is now conducting. In 1870
Addison A. Griffith and Mary, daughter of Rev.
William Galbraith, were united in marriage. Rev.
Galbraith was married to a Miss Backup, and their
children were John, George, Mary (Mrs. Griffith),
Ellen and Laura.
Two children were born to the union of Addison
A. and Mary Griffith, namely: William, conducting
a large shoe business at Mansfield, Penn. ; and
Maggie. For his second wife Mr. Griffith was
united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of
Godfrey Cook, one of the oldest families of Wash
ington county, and they have two daughters, Mary
and Clara. Mr. Griffith is widely known as an
enterprising business man, and is actively identi
fied, with the interests of the Republican party.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

JD. SCOTT. The Scott family were early
pioneers of Washington county, and are of
Scotch descent. Joseph Scott, the oldest
representative, was born about 1761, in
Scotland, coming to America during the lat
ter part of the eighteenth century. He first lo
cated in York county, Penn., where he was married
to Martha Paden, who was born in 1763. Prior
to 1788, when AVashington county was sparsely
settled, he came .from York county, and made a
home in the eastern part of Hanover township,
this county, near Raccoon creek, securing control
of an immense tract of wild land. A cabin was
erected which furnished them protection, and

although deprived of many of the luxuries of life,
they were soon able to build a comfortable home.
The story of the struggles, hardships and priva
tions of early pioneers has often been told, and the
lives of this earnest and self-reliant couple were sim
ilar to those of their comrades who undertook the
arduous task of making the wilderness " to blos
som as the rose. ' ' Industry finally was rewarded ;
they became wealthy and highly-respected citizens,
and passed the remainder of their lives surrounded
by children and friends. They died at a ripe old
age, in full connection with the " Old School Pres
byterian" Church, in which they had been reared
from infancy. Politically the grandfather was a
Democrat. To this worthy couple were born two
sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to an
adult age.
Joseph Scott, a son of the pioneer Joseph, was
born in 1800, and passed his early life on the
farm of his father, amid the privations of a fron
tier home, receiving a limited education in the
subscription schools. In 1830 he was married to
Isabelle, daughter of Samuel Nelson, and the fol
lowing children were born to their union: Louisa
(Mrs. John Camden, of Mt. Pleasant township),
born February 19, 1831; William (a farmer of
Beaver county, bom October 26, 1833; Margaret,
born February 5, 1835 (died unmarried, January
5, 1865); Mary Jane, born August 20, 1837 (de"-
ceased in infancy), Elizabeth (wife of S. J. Den
nis, a merchant of Wellsville, Ohio), born October
20, 1839, and Joseph D. (our subject). Mr. and
Mrs. Scott resided on the home farm during life,
and he devoted his entire attention to agriculture.
In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion he
and his wife were members of the Robinson U. P.
Church. He died September 28, 1873, and bis
widow survived him until September 10, 1886.
They are buried in Florence cemetery.
Joseph D. Scott was born November 13, 1843,
on the same farm which is yet his home, and dur
ing his earlier years attended the common schools
and worked on the place. On December 25, 1867,
he was married to Mary E. Donaldson, who was
born March 19, 1848, daughter of Richard and
Mary (Bigger) Donaldson, of Hanover township,
this county. The children of J. D. and Mary E.
Scott were William D., Edith M. (deceased), Ora
B. and Sarah E. After his marriage Mr. Scott
located for a short time on the Donaldson home
stead in Hanover township, where he followed
farming for a time, then engaged in the mercantile
business at Bavington, Penn., thence moving to
Cannelton, Beaver Co. , Penn. This line of busi
ness proving unprofitable, he came in 1876 to his
present farm, where he has since been engaged in
agriculture. In politics Mr. Scott is a firm Demo
crat. Both he and his wife are members of the
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1459

D"i

,EWALT DAGUE was born in 1818, in
West Bethlehem township, this county, on
the old Dague homestead. His youth was
spent on the paternal farm, of which he as
sumed the entire charge upon attaining the age of
manhood. Although he received but a limited
education in the common schools, he afterward be
came a well-informed man, and was possessed of
exceptionally good judgment. He was very suc
cessful in business, with the faculty of accumulat
ing property, and at the time of his death owned
nearly 300 acres of excellent farming land. He
was married to Delilah Swagler, daughter of
Jonathan Swagler, of AVest Bethlehem township,
and they had five children: Mrs. George Keel,
Jacob, Jonathan, Thomas and Elmer E. Dewalt
Dague was a Republican, and held several posi
tions in the township, such as school director and
supervisor, which offices he creditably filled for
several years. He was a very useful man in the
community, and was much depended upon by his
neighbors in sickness and death, for he never re
fused to aid those in affliction and trouble. He
was a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1884
many sorrowing friends followed him to the grave.
Thomas Dague, one of the rising young farmers
of West Bethlehem township, was born April 3,
1857, on the old homestead in West Bethlehem
township. His younger days were spent at home
and in attending the common schools, but being the
eldest boy in the family his opportunities in that
respect were comparatively limited. However, in
after years he abundantly made up for his lack of
schooling by considerable application to books.
At the age of twenty-three he began life for him
self by working his father's farm on shares, and
he has been hard working and very successful. On
October 2, 1879, he was married to Ella Deems,
daughter of Harrison and Catherine Deems, resi
dents of West Pike Run township. Mrs. Dague
has four sisters: Mrs. John Frederick, Mrs.
Amanda Hawkins, Mrs. Stanton Luce and Jennie
Deems. Mr. and Mrs. Dague have one son,
Charles, born August 20, 1880. Our subject is a
Republican, and one of the supervisors of the
township. He has always taken an active interest
in the politics of his township, and he and his
wife are both highly respected members of the
Scenery Hill Methodist Church.
Elmer Ellsworth Dague, a prominent and pro
gressive agriculturist of West Bethlehem town
ship, was born upon the farm which he now owns,
and he received a fair education at the school
known as the " Nicholl' s School," in West Bethle
hem township. After leaving school he followed
the carpenter's trade, having a natural inclina
tion for that kind of work. He was united in
marriage with Annie Morton, and to them have

been born the following named children: Walter,
Bertha, Collins and Mary Josephine, all of whom
are living. Mr. Dague is a Republican of no lit
tle local prominence, and enjoys the respect and
esteem of a wide circle of friends.

JAMES W. HODGENS. Among the leading
representative and progressive young farmers
in Buffalo township, this gentleman occupies
a prominent position. He was born May
23, 1856, in Buffalo township, this county,
on the farm whereon he has since resided. He is
a son of Thomas and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens,
the latter of whom was a daughter of William
Wilson, late of Buffalo township.
Thomas Hodgens was a native of the same town
ship, whither his parents" had come in an early
day, and here he was reared to the many and
varied arduous duties of farm life. His winter
months were, to a considerable extent, devoted to
attending the neighboring subscription schools,
and, improving what he may there have learned by
study at home, acquired in course of time, by
earnest application to his books, a good useful edu
cation. While yet a young man Mr. Hodgens was
married to Margaret Wilson, and the young couple
then took up their residence on the farm now oc
cupied by R. W. Crothers, from which after a few
years they moved to the place which is at present
the home of our subject and his brother. This
farm was totally unimproved, and was brought to
its present state of cultivation by the assiduous
labor, industry and perseverance of Thomas
Hodgens, the buildings thereon having been
erected by him and his family. The children born
to Thomas and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens were
William and Ella (both deceased), James W. ,
Isaac and Clara. In 1862 the father passed from
earth, and was followed to the grave by the mother
in 1869. They were constant attendants and
liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church at
Claysville, and enterprising citizens, earning a
reputation of which the family are justly proud.
Mr. Hodgens was a stanch and loyal Democrat,
and, although rarely accepting political prefer
ment, was ever a zealous worker for the party's
cause. James W. Hodgens was reared to agricultural
pursuits on his father's farm, and received his edu
cation at the common schools .of the district. On
March 8, 1876, he was married to MaryL., daugh
ter of James and Caroline (Horr) McMannis,
prominent citizens, in their day, of Buffalo town
ship, and the children born to this union were
Thomas, Clara and Glenn. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgens
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in
his political preference he is an uncompromising

1460

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Democrat. Mr. Hodgens is liberal of his means
toward, and the pronounced champion of, all
measures tending to the welfare and advancement
of the community at large.

AMUEL GREENLEE FULTON, one of
West Bethlehem township's leading young
farmers, is a native of Greene county, Penn.,
born in Washington township, April 1, 1858,
a son of Stephen and Mary (Greenlee) Fulton.
Stephen Fulton, grandfather of. subject, was
born in West Bethlehem township, Washington
Co., Penn. , near the Greene county line, where his
father owned a farm, upon which he had settled
upon his arrival in this country, at an early day,
from his native Ireland. Grandfather Fulton lived
to the age of about sixty years.
Stephen Fulton, father of Samuel G., was born
August 16, 1818, in West Bethlehem township.
In his boyhood he attended the old-time primitive
school, and being of a studious nature, and gifted
with much perseverance, succeeded in securing a
fair education. In 1847 he was married to Mary
Greenlee, and subsequently moved to Greene county,
Penn. , where he still resides, a venerable and feeble
old man. Stephen and Mary Fulton were blessed
with eight children as follows: Nancy, Margaret,
Ruth and Henry (all of whom are now deceased), and
Emily, Samuel G., Eliza and Albert, at present re
siding in Greene county, Penn. The mother was
called from this world October 28, 1888, when in
her sixty-seventh year.
Samuel G. Fulton spent his boyhood in his na
tive township, receiving a common-school educa
tion. On October 11, 1883, he married Catherine
E., daughter of Abe Crumrine, and they have one
child: Percy C, born January 12, 1888. In 1886
Mr. Fulton purchased a mill on Pike run, which
he conducted for three years; but finding the
business otherwise than conducive to his good
health, he was compelled to return to farm work,
and he ultimately located on the property where
he now resides. Although a stanch Democrat, he
is not a politician, but his numerous friends have
shown their appreciation of his many sterling
qualities by the tendering of nomination to offices
of trust. Both he and his wife are members of
Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

M/ORROW, AVILLIAM and DAVID. The
grandfather of these gentlemen, Thomas
Morrow, was a farmer in County Down,
-* Ireland, and during the middle of the
v eighteenth century emigrated with his
large family to America, locating near Harrisburg,
where they remained until the death of Mr. Mor
row, when the family settled in the eastern part of
Washington county, Pennsylvania.

Matthew Morrow, son of Thomas, located near
Pigeon creek, and was there married to Elizabeth,
daughter of Israel Wier. Soon after his marriage
Mr. Morrow came to Canton township, and pur
chased the farm now occupied by Thomas Allison,
where he spent the remainder of his life and reared
the following family: Samuel, Thomas, John,
James, William, David, Adam, Mary, Lavina, Cath
erine, Jane, Anna and Elizabeth. He was a hard
working, energetic man, and achieved success by
earnest effort. He was a pronounced Whig in
political views, and one of the earliest members of,
and most earnest workers in, the Presbyterian
Church at Buffalo. He served as a member of the
poor commission of the county for many years,
giving universal satisfaction. He passed away at
the advanced age of eighty-one years, and, with
his faithful wife, who lived her three score years
and five, now rests in the cemetery at Buffalo.
William Moerow, like many of the pioneer chil
dren, secured his principal education in the school
of toil, although he was allowed to attend the
common school a few days in the winter, when
nothing else would occupy his time. The old log
schoolhouse, around which cluster so many pleas
ant reminiscences, was an extremely humble af
fair; and through the cracks of the puncheon floor
the wind came in gusts, causing the little ones to
crouch closer to the huge fireplace, which extended
across one end of the room, and was supplied with
logs cut by the older pupils. The text-books,
in exquisite harmony with the other appointments
of the room, were of the most primitive character,
and the stalwart master, selected rather for his
physical than mental powers, who was a firm believer
in the maxim of Solomon: "Spare the rod and
spoil the child," unlike many other theorists,
practiced the principles which he preached; no
pupil in his school could in after years complain
that they were spoiled for the lack of vigorous ap
plication of the rod. But revenge was sweet, and
many times these tortured victims of the birch
barred out the dignified master, and compelled him
to wait their pleasure or "stand treat." Amid
such surroundings the youth of William Morrow
was passed, and, in spite of toil and privation
those early years were happy ones. The clothing
of the family was the product of their own industry
and skill, the cloth being woven, dyed and trans
formed into the necessary articles by the women.
Mr. Morrow was married to Eliza, daughter of
Samuel McClay, and their union was blessed with
the following children: Sarah J. (wife of Thomas
Allison), Robert M., Mary A., Margaret (wife of
Jackson Lone) and Matthew. Mr. Morrow is a
Republican in his political jsreferences, and in re
ligion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
David Morrow was born on the home place, and
passed his boyhood in assisting his father on the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1461

farm, and in attending the common schools a few
months during the winter. On January 14, 1840,
he was united in marriage with Grizella, daughter
of Robert Johnson, and this union was blessed
with two children : Margaret (Mrs. Robert Murray)
and Mary G. (Mrs. Hamilton Davis). In 1890
Mr. Morrow married, for his second wife, Isabella,
daughter of James Work, of Hopewell township.
Politically Mr. Morrow was always a worker in
the Republican party, and for many years held the
office of assessor in his township, giving universal
satisfaction. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he was for many years a mem
ber. David Morrow passed away February 27,
1892, having been preceded by his wife on Jan
uary 7, same year.

/GEORGE WASHINGTON MILLER is one
I of the eminently successful agriculturists of
VI West Bethlehem township, and deserves
^^\ special mention in this work. His grand
father, Thomas Miller, was of Maryland
birth, but early in his career removed, with his
wife and family of four children, to West Bethle
hem township, Washington county. Here he
spent the remainder of his days. At an advanced
age he was called from earth, and the community
mourned the death of an honest, upright and es
teemed citizen.
His son, John Miller, was born in 1818, in West
Bethlehem township, where he is still known as an
honored and beloved parent, an esteemed and re
spected neighbor. He married Elizabeth Sargent,
and to them were born seven children, named as fol
lows: Thomas, Joseph, Sarah, Emma, John, Anna
and George Washington, of whom Sarah, John,
Anna and George W. all reside in Washington
county. George Washington Miller, son of John and
Elizabeth (Sargent) Miller, was born April 23,
1843, on the old homestead, where he grew to
manhood, and is esteemed by all. The school-
houses where he received his early education were
primitive to an extreme; the seats being made of
slabs hewn from logs, the boys used them as sleds
during the noon intermission. On December 27,
1871, he married Amelia Eggy, a daughter of
George Eggy, whose father, David, was one of the
very first settlers in West Bethlehem township, and
was of German nationality. To them have been
born children as follows: Harrison, Melville, Ger
trude, Stephen, Blanche and Risine, the latter of
whom died in infancy, in 1887. The surviving
children are all living at home. Mr. Miller is a
stanch Republican, and his friends have shown
their appreciation of his many sterling qualities
by electing him to several offices of trust in his
Democratic township.

JOHN S. BEAZELL, a leading merchant
. I of California, is a son of AVilliam Beazell,
Vj\ who was born Febuary 22, 1807, in Allegheny
^^ county, Penn., a son of Luke Beazell, whose
mother was of Irish birth, his father a na
tive of Germany. Luke Beazell was bom in 1773,
in Westmoreland county, Penn., and was married
to Elizabeth English, a native of same county.
Ten children were born to this union, of whom one
son and three daughters are yet living, namely:
William, Catherine (Mrs. Ails), Mary (Mrs. Smith)
and Eliza (unmarried). Luke Beazell, who always
followed farming, died in 1857.
AVilliam Beazell learned the shoemaker's trade,
which he has followed in connection with farming.
On May 6, 1830, he married Susan West, a native of
Fallowfield township, this county, and they have had
seven sons and three daughters, namely: Leander
N. (deceased, who served three years in the army),
Elmira, R. West, Luke P., Margaret E., Mary L.,
William H, John S., R. W. B. (deceased) and
Samuel. Mr. Beazell owns ten acres of land lo
cated four and a half miles from Monongahela,
He has filled almost every public office in Fallow
field township.
John S. Beazell was born March 6, 1850, in
Fallowfield township, Washington Co. Penn., and
there received his early education. About 1873 he
moved to California, and there opened a butcher
shop in company with his brother Luke P. They
followed that business seventeen years, and then
John S. purchased a stock of boots and shoes. He
sold this out one year later, and bought a half inter
est in the general merchandise store in California,
the firm being now known as Craven & Beazell.
On July 25, 1879, John S. Beazell was united in
marriage with Dora I. , daughter of Jonathan West,
who was a grandson of Jonathan West. The latter
was born in Ireland, and coming to America when
a young man, located permanently on a farm in
Washington county, Penn. He was an Old-line
Democrat in politics, and in religion one of the
founders of the "West" Episcopal Church. His
children were as follows: Jonathan, Robert,
Thomas, Edward, Mary (wife of Robert Gregg),
Ann (Mrs. Morris) and Janie (Mrs. Howden).
Thomas West, son of Jonathan, was born and
reared in West Pike Run township, where his
school days were passed. He was married to
Margaret Hopkins who bore him three children,
namely: Thomas, Catherine and Jonathan. The
father followed agricultural pursuits, and lived but
a few years after his marriage.
Jonathan West was born in Feburary, 1827, in
West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn.,
and received his education in the neighboring
schools. In 1852 he was united in marriage with
Melinda, daughter of Edward Gregg; the latter
was born and reared in Washington county, and

1462

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was married to Mary Norton, their children being:
Mary J. (wife of James Baker), Stephen, Melinda
(wife of Jonathan AVest), Seth, Maria, John and
Maple. Mr. Gregg was a prosperous farmer and
stock raiser. He voted with the Whig and Re
publican parties; he- was a member of the Taylor
M. E. Church, in which he was elder, class-leader,
and Sunday-school superintendent. He and his wife
were buried in the Taylor Church cemetery. Mr.
and Mrs. West resided on a farm in West Pike Run
township until 1861, when they moved to Virginia.
Here he enlisted in Company B, Eighty-second
O. V. I. , which was sent to the army of the Poto
mac, and he participated in numerous engage
ments. On July 2, 1863, he was captured at the
battle of Gettysburg, and was first confined in Belle
Isle, then in Andersonville prison, where he died
the following June. His children were as follows :
Mary E. (deceased), Margaret E. (wife of D. H.
Lewis), Mary J. (married to Emerson Reed), Dora
I. (wife of John S. Beazell), Myrtilla (married to
Frank Craven) and Kate.
To the union of John S. and Dora I. (West)
Beazell two children have been born, Pauline and
Ivy. Mr. Beazell is a stanch supporter of the Re
publican party; he has served as burgess and as a
member of the council, and is now associated with
the school board. He is identified with the M. E.
Church.

TiOSEPH RICHARDS, a representative and
( | | honored agriculturist of West Bethlehem
frll township, is a son of Joseph Richards, whose
^^ father, James, and early ancestry lived and
died in Pennsylvania, east of the mountains.
Joseph Richards (father of subject) was born in
Bridgeport, Penn., and early in life began business
as a boatman on the Monongahela river. He mar
ried Mary, daughter of Joseph Horner, a native of
Fayette county, Penn., and to them was born one
child, Joseph. The father lost his life while ply
ing his vocation as boatman on the river. He was
stooping to get water, when he lost his balance,
fell into the river, and before assistance arrived
was drowned.
Joseph Richards, son of Joseph and Mary
(Horner) Richards, was born in Bridgeport, Fayette
Co., Penn., in June, 1829, and early in his boy
hood he began the vocation at which he is still em
ployed, that of farming. AVhen about fifteen
years of age he came to Washington county, at
which time he possessed nothing in the world save
a stout heart and a strong will. He began life
here, working at whatever presented itself, and by
saving his earnings, was, iu 1852, enabled to buy a
share in a threshing-machine. Continuing to toil
and save, he finally invested in fifty-five acres of
land, adjoining the property he now owns, which

latter comprises 340 acres of finely cultivated land,
on which are a number of commodious buildings,
all in good repair, and having an air of prosperity
and thrift. In 1862 Mr. Richards married Maria,
daughter of Peter Shidler, whose parents were of
German descent, and among the early settlers of
Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards
have been born children as follows: Nora, Addi,
Effa, Harry H. (attending Duff's Business College,
Pittsburgh), Mary and Walter, all of whom are
living at home. In political preferments Mr.
Richards is a stanch Republican, and has been
elected to the office of school director, which he
has filled with credit to himself and the satisfaction
of his constituents. He and his family are mem
bers of the Methodist Church. He is one of the
typical self-made men of the county, his present
prosperity being entirely due to thrift, proper am
bition and sterling honesty, and he well merits the
esteem and respect of all who know him.

T/OHN C. MORROW. This gentleman was
. I born April 25, 1864, in Hancock county,
if}) W. Va. , and during his early life attended
^^ the common schools of the district. At
the age of eighteen years he entered the
normal school at Fairmount, where he remained
two years, and he afterward began teaching, in
which vocation he continued three years. He then
came to Burgettstown, and entered the boot and
shoe business, the firm carrying an extensive line
of boots and shoes, and also hats and caps. On
September 3, 1891, Mr. Morrow was united in
marriage with Julia, daughter of M. R. Welch.
Our subject is an active worker in the ranks of the
Democratic party, has served as auditor of Bur
gettstown, and is now filling the offices of secre
tary and treasurer of the borough.

f(OHN SARGEANT, an industrious and es-
i || teemed citizen of West Bethlehem township,
1(11 is a grandson of John Sargeant, who came
to the township at an early period, locating
upon a farm of 162 acres which adjoins the one
now owned by his grandson, John.
Grandfather Sargeant received but a meager
education in the subscription schools, but, notwith
standing this disadvantage, he so improved every
opportunity that he acquired a valuable store of
general information. The children born to him
were as follows: James, Thomas, Joseph, John,
William, Valentine, Mrs. Margaret Spoon, Nancy,
and Mrs. Sarah Barker. He remained upon the
farm until his death, which occurred in 1853. He
was an active worker in the Republican party, and
a successful business man. Mrs. Sargeant was a
member of the Dunkard Church.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1463

James Sargeant, son of John the pioneer, was
born in 1803, in the neighborhood of his son's
present home in West Bethlehem township. "His
boyhood was spent upon the farm with his father,
and though receiving but a limited education at
the common schools, it served him as the founda
tion of an exceptionally successful career, for he
became one of the intelligent, substantial business
men of his time and in his community. He first
began business for himself in 1825, when he bought
a small farm near the river in West Bethlehem
township. In 1830 be was married to Susan
Crumrine, daughter of John Crumrine, of West
Bethlehem township, and their children were:
William, Thomas, Mrs. James Weaver, Hiram,
John, James, Valentine, Sarah Lucinda, and Wil
son. The father remained upon the farm twenty
years, and then moved to the place now occupied
by the subject of this sketch; he was an active Re
publican, but did not aspire to office. He and his
wife were both active members of the Methodist
Church. Mrs. Sargeant died in 1886 ; Mr. Sar
geant, now aged ninety years, is still enjoying the
fruits of an industrious life.
John Sargeant was born in 1842 in East Bethle
hem township, Washington Co., Penn., and lived
at thepaternal home until several years after his
majority was attained. He received a common-
school education which, coupled with industry and
good judgment, enabled him to accumulate a com
fortable property. He was united in marriage in
1875 with Elizabeth Hawkins, daughter of James
C. Hawkins. He then bought and took possession
of his father's farm of 155 acres, but the young
wife only lived until July, 1877, when she died
leaving him one child, Harrison, who is now at
home. On October 24, 1878, Mr. Sargeant mar
ried Clementine, daughter of Jesse Register, of
Greene county, Penn. , and they have two children :
Myrtle and Jessie. Politically, our subject is an
active Republican, and he and his family are ear
nest and valued members of the M. E. Church.

El NOCH KEYS. There is no better known,
more prominent or more highly respected
family in East Bethlehem township than

the one of whom we now write.

Jacob Keys was born and reared in Germany,
and there married, his children being Mary (Mrs.
William Horner), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas), Enoch,
Andrew, Adam and Sarah (all now deceased);
Andrew and Adam were wheelwrights in Pitts
burgh, Penn.
Enoch Keys was born in February, 1785, in
Germany, and when four years of age crossed the
Atlantic with his parents, who immediately on
landing proceeded westward to Washington
county, Perm. , and, buying a tract of land in East

Bethlehem township, made a settlement there.
Here Enoch was reared to manhood amid pioneer
scenes, his education being such as could be
gleaned from the primitive schools of the vicinity.
He married Rachel, daughter of James Perry, and
children as follows were born to them: Luther,
Parker, Enoch, Jr., Elizabeth, Dorcas, Hannah,
Cynthia and Rachel, of whom are now living:
Mrs. Elizabeth Teagarden, at Clarksville, Greene
Co., Penn., and Dorcas, Hannah and Rachel, in
East Bethlehem township. Otto Keys was adopted
by Miss Hannah Keys, and was married to Julia
Florence Horton, by whom there is one child —
Estella Horton Keys, born December 19, 1891.
The Misses Dorcas, Hannah and Rachel Keys are
ladies uniformly respected for their many Chris
tian virtues; they are devout members of the Bap
tist Church.
Enoch Keys, their father, was an undertaker, as
was his father before him. He died March 11,
1824, in politics a stanch Republican, and in re
ligion a consistent Baptist. The family farm con
sists of eighty acres of the choicest land to be
found in the county, and is cultivated by Otto
Keys, who is a rising and popular young agricult
urist of considerable intelligence. The name Keys
is regarded, wherever known, as the synonym
for virtue, probity and unswerving integrity, and
is held in the highest esteem.

ril BRAHAM CRUMRINE, a prominent farm-
II \\ er of West Bethlehem township, is a grand-
lf^\ son of Abraham Crumrine, who was born
I -* of German parentage, in Baltimore county,
v Md. , where he lived to a green old age.
John Crumrine, father of subject, was born in
1785, in Baltimore county, Md. , and there grew to
manhood. He attended the German schools until
grown, and then began his English education in
the subscription school, which was held in the
parsonage. When the weather was such that he
could not work, he attended school but with all
these obstacles in his path, he obtained a good
education for that period. He married Barbara,
daughter of John Ferman, and for a time lived in
Baltimore county, Md. , where Mary, Betsey (de
ceased), Susan, and Margaret (deceased), were
born to them. In 1812 he removed to Washing
ton county, Penn., aud settled on Daniels run, in
West Bethlehem township, part of which farm now
belongs to Mrs. Julia Theakston, a sister of our
subject. Here were born to him the following
children: Sarah, Barbara (deceased), Julia Ann,
Lucinda, Judia (deceased), Maria, George (de
ceased), John (deceased), William, David (de
ceased) and Abraham. All grew to an adult age,
and the survivors all live in Washington county,
with the exception of Maria, who married Demas

1464

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Drake, and resides in Iowa. The father of this
family was one of the rare, self-made men. Be
ginning life with practically nothing, he not only
cared for and educated his large family, but accu
mulated no little of this world's goods. At the
time of his death, which occurred in 1857, he was
the owner of about three hundred and forty acres
of land, all in a good state of cultivation.
Abraham Crumrine was born April 6, 1826,
upon the old farm in West Bethlehem township,
this county, a part of which he still owns. His
education was gleaned from the meager teachings
of the country schools. His boyhood, when he
was not at school, was passed upon the farm,
where he learned valuable lessons of thrift, to
which much of his success in life is doubtless due.
In 1857 he married Mahalia, daughter of George
Zollar, for whom the hamlet of Zollarsville is
named, he being one of the earliest settlers of that
part of the county. After his marriage he built
the elegant dwelling in which he now resides, and
has made many other improvements. His chil
dren are Catherine, wife of Samuel Fulton, of
West Bethlehem township; Sanford, a young man
of superior intelligence, and a competent in
structor in one of the schools of West Bethlehem
township; and Ferman, his father's chief assistant
on the farm. Mr. Crumrine is a leading Democrat,
and one of the trusted counselors of his party; also
a member of the Lutheran Church, with which he
is prominently identified.

T' C. NOBLE. The paternal ancestors of
Thaddeus C. Noble were natives of Scot
land, and resided at North Woodside, near
the city of Glasgow, where they were com
fortably situated. They were devout mem
bers of the Covenanter Church. The paternal
grandfather, William Noble, was a soldier in the
war of the Revolution, and took part in the battle
of Brandywine. His wife was Miss Elizabeth
Howe, a native of Lancaster county, where he lo
cated and lived on a farm. He died compara
tively young in life, leaving two sons, the young
est of whom, James Noble, was the father of the
subject of this sketch. After the death of the
husband, the widow and her sons resided for a short
time at York, Penn., and then removed to a farm in
Buffalo township, AVashington county, where she
continued to reside the most of her life. She
died in Canonsburg, Penn. , in the year 1851, in
the membership of the Associate Reformed Pres
byterian Church.
The maternal ancestors of our subject were na
tives of Ireland, and lived for the most part in
County Tyrone. Most of the family resided in
the town of Dennaughey, about thirty miles dis
tant from Belfast; and in the latter place others of

the family resided, and were generally engaged in
mercantile pursuits. Robert Boyd, the maternal
grandfather, was a man of business enterprise and
influence. His wife was Margaret Latimer. The
Boyds were members of an old established Pres
byterian Church, of Stewartstown, with which the
family had been for many years identified, and in
which one of their kindred had been pastor, and
others elders. Meeting with reverses in their na
tive country, they decided to join the tide of emi
gration then coming westward, and accordingly
embarked from Londonderry in June of 1801, in a
sailing vessel, Capt. Blunt, commander; and after
a voyage of seven weeks and three days they ar
rived at New Castle, Del., where they remained for
a short time, and then permanently took up their
residence in what is now Canton township, Wash
ington county.
Jane Boyd, daughter of Robert and Margaret
Latimer Boyd, was the mother of the subject of
this sketch. She was born in Dennaughey, Coun
ty Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 1793. Mrs. Dr.
McCook, of Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Daniel McCook,
of Steubenville, Ohio, whose family gained dis
tinction in the Mexican and late Civil wars, were
her full cousins. She was married to James
Noble, March 25, 1817, and resided for two years
thereafter on a farm in Amwell township, attend
ing the Presbyterian Church at Lower Ten-Mile
under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Dodd; and
afterward, about, the year 1820, they removed to
Claysville, where they continued to reside the re
mainder of their lives. James Noble, her hus
band, was born August 4, 1795, in that part of
Lancaster county, Penn., which now comprises
a part of Cumberland county, and died April
12, 1872. Mrs. Noble died October 16, 1872.
Upon their removal to Claysville they united with
the Methodist Episcopal Church, it being the only
organized church there at that time, of which they
continued members for upward of fifty years.
T. C. Noble, the subject proper of this memoir,
was well and favorably known throughout the
county, and his name suggests a prominent
example of an active and useful life, covering a
period of more than forty years. He was born in
Amwell township, December 29, 1818, and was the
eldest of eleven children, the most of whom are now
deceased. He was, physically, very strong and
active, and of a placid and amiable disposition.
He was the possessor of splendid mental qualities,
and early manifested a taste for learning, taking
particular delight in mathematics, drawing and in
reading biography, and his hand-writing was
excellent. It had been both the desire and design
of the father to afford his son the advantages of a
liberal education, but upon the arrival of the
proper time for entering upon such a course, the
father's circumstances were such as ta render the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1465

undertaking impracticable. He worked for eight
een months at cabinet making, and then com
menced teaching school. He taught the Brown
and McMillan District Schools near his home for
several terms, and then taught a private school in
Claysville, and in the year 1839 he went to Win
chester, Scott Co., 111., where he taught with suc
cess for a period of two years, when he returned
to his home and accepted a clerkship in the store
of George A. Cracraft, and subsequently filled a
similar position in a store owned by his father and
James Paden. While thus engaged he employed
his leisure in studying higher mathematics and
surveying under the direction of E. G. Cracraft,
who had been a cadet at West Point. In the year
1846 he was appointed Deputy Surveyor in Wash
ington county by Governor Francis R. Shunk, for
a term of three years, and at the expiration of the
term, was re-appointed for a like term of three
years. The office then becoming elective, he was
nominated by his party and elected for another
term. In 1857, under appointment authorized by
an Act of the Legislature, Mr. Noble transcribed
from the official records at Harrisburg, for the use
of the county, all the drafts of original surveys
not found in the record books. The surveys
thus transcribed numbered twelve hundred, filling
two large volumes. A Harrisburg paper spoke
of this work thus : ' ' This work has been done
with an accuracy of detail and skillful beauty that
does great credit to Mr. Noble, and they are said
by the Suveyor-General to be the best executed
drafts of survey ever made in the State, and will
ever be preserved as an attestation of his compe
tency as a public servant. ' ' He surveyed during
his life upward of two thousand farms in Wash
ington county and West Virginia, besides running
many disputed lines and serving under appoint
ment of the Court as a road or bridge viewer,
and in dividing townships for nearly every
term of court for thirty-three years. He
possessed peculiar ability as an arbiter in
the settlement of all manner of disputes, thus
avoiding to those concerned much useless and
expensive litigation. In the year 1855 he was de
feated for the office of Prothonotary by a very few
votes, while the opposing party was largely in the
majority. On this occasion Mr. Noble received
almost the unanimous vote of his home township,
Donegal. In the year 1879 he accepted the
chairmanship of the Democratic County Vigilance
Committee, and notwithstanding his party was
greatly in the minority, he effected such a complete
organization in the county as to elect the candi
date for Sheriff, the only office of importance to
be filled that year. He was twice commissioned a
Justice of the Peace— in the years 1874 and 1879.
His standing in his party was such that he was at
five different times nominated for offices by his

party without any solicitation on his part, and had
been urged at other times to become a candidate
for the Legislature, but always declined. He always
attended primary elections, and was an intense
believer in the personal fitness of candidates; that
they should be both capable and conscientious.
Mr. Noble opened a general store in Claysville
in the year 1849, in which business he continued
without interruption for a period of twenty-five
years, commanding a large patronage, and in
which he was quite successful. He had had at
different times as partners, L. C. Truesdell, a
brother-in-law, Chester B. Abercrombie, and M.
L. Stillwagen. For thirty-five years he had been en
gaged extensively in many kinds of business in the
purchase and sale of lands for himself and others,
in buying of wool to the extent of from thirty thou
sand to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars each
year; having been the agent for the Harris Woolen
Company, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, at different
times, forupwardof thirty years, and having bought
for them continuously for twelve years previous to
his death, enjoying the confidence and esteem of
the company to an unusual degree. He had
also bought at different times for many firms
at Boston, New York, Brooklyn and other places.
He had done much to foster the growth of the
wool-growing industry in Washington county.
His high standing and extensive acquaintance en
abled him to perform an important work in the
matter of inducing a goodly number of manufact
urers to come into the county from time to time as
purchasers of our wools, thus giving an impetus to
the industry which did much in the way of creating
a spirit of competition, having a tendency to main
tain both reputation and prices. He was the first
to introduce to any considerable extent the first
improved light-running harvesting machines in his
own as well as some of the neighboring counties.
He dealt extensively in hay and grain for the
use of the Government during the late war.
Besides his private business he had often filled
many positions of trust, such as executor, admin
istrator, guardian, etc. And although so long en
gaged in many kinds of business involving multi
plied and varied transaction, he had never been a
party to a suit in court.
He was for sixteen years a school director, and
was an ardent advocate of advanced education. In
the year 1854, Mr. Noble realized the fulfillment
of an early conceived purpose to become the owner
of a tract of land lying immediately west of Clays
ville, which he so well improved as to make it one
of the many desirable Washington county farms,
upon which he resided for twenty years previous
to his death. The improvement and beautification
of the New Cemetery at Claysville was a matter to
him of much concern, he having surveyed and
superintended the work of laying it out, and was

1466

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

president of the Board of Directors from its open
ing up to the time of his death. He was for a
good many years a member of the Methodist Epis
copal Church, but afterward united with the Pres
byterian Church during the pastorate of the Rev.
Alexander McCarrell, D. D. He was, for ten years,
superintendent of the M. E. Sabbath-school, and,
for six years previous to his death, superintendent
of the Presbyterian Sabbath-school. He took a
deep interest in all Sabbath-school work, and pos
sessed singular ability in the way of creating an
interest in the matter of regular and prompt at
tendance, as well as in infusing a spirit of emula
tion into the routine exercises. He was foremost
in every movement and enterprise which had for
its object the advancement of the interests of his
town and county; was active and efficient in every
agency which had for its object the advancement
of religion, morals and education. His deep sense
of integrity and regard for truth was the basis of
that confidence so universally reposed in him. He
was public spirited, ever considerate for the wel
fare of others and liberal in his giving. He en
joyed the pleasures of his home and comforts of his
family. In the hallowed circle of his home he was
the central object of uncommon reverence and
affection. In the year 1849 he was married to Miss Sarah
M. Truesdell, whose parents had come to Wash
ington county from Bristol, Conn. They had ten
children, three of whom are deceased: Thomas J.,
Charlotte J., and Elizabeth M. Of those surviv
ing, his daughters — Frances M. , Harriet W. and
Eleanor I. — are graduates of Steubenville (Ohio)
Ladies Seminary. Of his sons, J. T. and T. C.
are graduates of Washington and Jefferson Col
lege. J. H. obtained his education in the schools
of Claysville, Trinity Hall, Washington, Penn.,
and Duff's College, Pittsburgh. Katherine M., on
account of physical infirmities, has been unable to
attend school. Mr. Noble died at his home near
Claysville, November 29, 1882, the Rev. James L.
Leeper, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church at
that place, Rev. William H. Lester, D. D., of West
Alexander, Penn., and the Rev. Henry Woods, D.D.,
of Washington and Jefferson College officiated at
his funeral.
T. Clark Noble, son of T. C. and Sarah M.
(Truesdell) Noble, was born on a farm near Clays
ville, Penn. His elementary education was ob
tained chiefly in the schools of his native town, but
partly under the direction of his father, with whom
he studied surveying. In 1879 he and his brother,
James H. Noble, entered Trinity Hall, a school for
boys established by Mr. W. AV. Smith at Washing
ton, Penn., which was at the time under the rector
ship of the Rev. Samuel Earp, Ph. D. , where he
prepared himself for college. In 1881 he entered
the freshman class of Washington and Jefferson

College, where he graduated with the highest
honors in the class . of 1885. The year following
his graduation he was an instructor at Trinity
Hall, which was at the time under the rectorship
of the Rev. Thomas Pitts, Ph. D. In 1887 he was
elected adjunct professor of mathematics in AV ash
ington and Jefferson College, in which position he
continued for two years, at the expiration of which
time he commenced the study of law under the
direction of James I. Brownson, Jr. , and was ad
mitted to the Washington county bar in the
October term, 1891 ; and in the December following
was admitted to practice in the several Courts of
Allegheny county, at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he
opened an office at No. 413 Grant street. Mr.
Noble makes most careful preparation in all mat
ters relating to his profession, and all his work is
characterized by thoroughness and accuracy.
While pursuing his law studies he occasionally
did land surveying as well as some road and bridge
engineering under appointment of court. He is a
gentleman whose scholarship is of a high standard.
Mr. Noble enjoys the confidence and esteem of all
who know him. He makes his home in Allegheny
City, where he attends the Central Presbyterian
Church.

H. WINFIELD. This gentleman repre
sents an English family who have ac
quired an enviable reputation as skilled
musicians, of which art he is also a de
votee. William Winfield (the grandfather) was a
native of England, being born at Woodville, in Lei
cestershire. He was a potter by trade, and spent
the earlier part of his life in Stafford, a city largely
engaged in the manufacture of white ware. He
was married May 29, 1830, to Mary Harvey, at
Ashby De La Zouch, and emigrated to America in
1842. They had children as follows: Thomas,
Rosanna, AVilliam, Levi, Jonah, Albert, Harvey
and Sarah. After the birth of their fifth child,
Jonah, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield sailed with their
family to America, where their three youngest
children were born. They first landed in New
York, thence proceeded to Zanesville, Ohio, thence
to East Liverpool, afterward moving to Pitts
burgh, Penn., where they remained several years,
and finally settled in the village of Granville,
AA7 ashington Co., Penn. Mr. Winfield was an ex
pert performer on various musical instruments,
excelled also in vocal music, and he organized an
instrumental band at California, Penn., known as
" Winfield's California Brass Band." In religious
connection he was a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, and in political opinion he
was a Democrat. He died June 4, 1866.
Thomas Winfield, son of William and Mary
(Harvey) Winfield, was born iu England and emi-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1467

grated with his parents to America. He learned
and followed the pottery trade with his father at
Granville, where bis father built a pottery as soon
as he settled there. He was first married to
Martha Imlay, who died leaving two children,
AAT. H., and John (deceased). For his second wife
Thomas Winfield was married to Margaret Pester,
who has borne him six children, two only of which
(Mary and Annie) are living. In 1862 the family
moved to Canada, where he is now engaged in the
grocery business. While a resident of this coun
try he affiliated with the Democratic party in pol
itics; in religion he was a Cumberland Presbyte
rian while in the United States, but united with the
Methodist Church Bince moving to Canada.
W. H. Winfield, son of Thomas and Martha
(Imlay) Winfield, was born December 12, 1854, in
Granville, Washington Co., Penn., and received
his early education in the common schools and at
the Southwestern State Normal School at Cal
ifornia, Penn. He then attended Eastman Na
tion Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
graduating in 1883, paying his own expenses by
teaching music. In 1884 he opened his present
drug store in California, in which he has met with
well-merited success. Since 1884 Mr. Winfield
has managed the finances of the Cumberland Pres
byterian Church at 'Coal Centre, Penn., with which
he is identified, and was one of the building com
mittee that attended to the erection of their pres
ent house of worship; he has also been trustee
and treasurer of the church, and has been director
of the choir for fifteen years. In political opin
ion he is a Democrat, was elected to the position
of township clerk, and is now serving as a
member of the school board and secretary of
the same. On August 19, 1889, Mr. Winfield
was married to Donnetta Newkirk, daughter of
Henry and Olive J. (Richardson) Newkirk, of
Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn. Miss New
kirk graduated at the Southwestern State Normal
School at California, Penn. , in 1877. Besides be
ing a teacher of marked ability, Mrs. Winfield is
also a musician, and is a lady of many other ac
complishments, and of excellent family. Since his
marriage Mr. Winfield has resided at corner of
Third and Union streets, California, Penn., where
his drug store is also located.

OLOMON WEAVER comes of German an
cestry, the earliest of whom to immigrate
to this country was Adam Weaver, who,
with his son John, located in Washington
county, Penn. Here the latter purchased 400
acres of land one mile north of Fredericktown on
Fish Pot run, in East Bethlehem township.
John Weaver received a somewhat limited edu
cation, but by close observation of men and things,

and attentive reading, gained a large amount of
general information, becoming a very intelligent
citizen. In 1788 he was married to Catherine,
daughter of Martin Spoone, and the following
children were born to them : Adam (deceased in
1860); Sarah, who married C. Michener, of Seneca
county, Ohio, and is now ninety years of age;
Jacob; Martin, a farmer of Seneca county, Ohio;
Daniel ; Mrs. Elizabeth Ault, who resided at Orville,
Wayne Co., Ohio; Mrs. Catherine Huffman; Mrs.
Mary Smith; John; Joseph, deceased in 1890, and
Margaret. Of this family are yet living Sarah,
Martin and Margaret. The parents died on the
home farm in East Bethlehem township.
Adam AVeaver, son of John and Catherine
AVeaver, was born in 1807 on the home place in
East Bethlehem township, Washington county,
where he passed an uneventful boyhood. He was
married to Elizabeth Swartz, a member of a Ger
man family, and the young couple began life in a
pioneer log cabin, surrounded by heavy forests,
and there endured the usual privations of frontier
life. As years passed by their industry" was re
warded, the wild rough cabin home gave place to a
more commodious dwelling, and golden grain
waved in the breeze where the stately monarchs of
the forest had but lately reared their lofty heads.
Children came to bless their home as follows:
John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Jacob, Solomon, Sarah
and Adam. The father was called to his eternal
rest January 17, 1867, having been preceded by
Mrs. AVeaver January 26, 1838. They were mem
bers of the Methodist Church.
Solomon Weaver, son of Adam and Elizabeth
Weaver, was born January 3, 1823, on the old
homestead where he is yet living in East Bethle
hem township. He was reared to agricultural
pursuits, but was an extremely delicate youth,
weighing at the age of twenty years but eighty
pounds, being now, however, a large man. His
education was secured after he had attained a" ma
ture age, and he has well improved each opportu
nity. Mr. Weaver has always been an agriculturist,
and, having never married, his maiden sister
Sarah, who was born December 29, 1825, keeps
house for him.

LEWIS GREENLEE, a farmer and harness
maker of West Pike Run township, was
born July 27, 1814, in AVest Bethlehem
 ' township, Washington Co., Penn. He is a
son of Samuel Greenlee, who was born in 1777, in
Delaware, and when but*a small boy came with his
parents to a farm in Fayette county, Penn. Samuel
Greenlee passed his youth in Fayette county, and
there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he fol
lowed in connection with farming. When a young
man he was married to Nancy Gance, who was born

1468

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

in 1779, in Fayette county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs.
Greenlee were the parents of thirteen children,
namely: John (a farmer of Greene county, Penn.),
James (also an agriculturist of Greene county),
Benjamin (living on the old homestead in West
Bethlehem township, Washington county), Daniel
(a farmer of West Bethlehem township), Anna
(widow of Lemuel Cooper, of Licking county,
Ohio), Lewis (subject), Elizabeth, Susan, Mary,
Margaret, Jacob, George and Albert. Of this fam
ily the seven last named are deceased. About
1812 Mr. Greenlee came with his family from Fay
ette county, and located permanently on the place
in AVest Bethlehem township, Washington county.
He began life as a poor boy, but by constant in
dustry succeeded in accumulating a good property.
He was an eager reader of current literature. He
took an active part in public matters, and in poli
tics voted with the Democratic party. He and his
wife were members of the Disciple Church.
Lewis Greenlee remained on the home place un
til about sixteen years of age, then served an ap
prenticeship of five years with Peter Flick, of
Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn., at the har
ness and saddle-maker's trade, and after learning
his trade traveled from place to place for about
five years. In 1843 he was married to Ann Eliza
Kerr, who was born in 1820, in Taylorstown,
Washington Co., Penn., a daughter of James
Kerr, a member of a pioneer family of this county.
James Kerr learned and followed the blacksmith's
trade at Taylorstown, Penn., for many years,
finally moving to Greene county, where he and his
wife died. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kerr
were born as follows: Mary, widow of Alfred
Gregg, living iu Greene county, Penn. ; Ann Eliza,
wife of Lewis Greenlee; Archibald, a farmer of
Greene county; Margaret, Rachel, Sarah, Emily
and Isabelle, of whom the three first mentioned
are yet living.
To the union of Lewis and Ann Eliza (Kerr)
Greenlee three children have been born, namely:
Virtue, widow of John Jenkins, of West Pike Run
township; Mary W., widow of Morris Taylor, liv
ing in Ohio, and James, a miller of West Pike
Run township. After his marriage Mr. Greenlee
settled in Carmichael's, Greene county, and suc
cessfully followed the harness and saddlery busi
ness for about fourteen years. He then moved to
Centreville, Washington county, continuing in
business there until 1869, when he bought the
forty-acre farm whereon he now resides, and has
since devoted some time to agricultural pursuits.
He votes the Republican* ticket, has served five
years as justice of the peace in AVest Pike Run
township, and has also filled the position of "auditor.
He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church
at Beallsville, Penn., in which he has been class-
leader for thirty years.

EPHAS GARRETT, one of the most
prominent citizens of West Bethlehem
township, than whom none deserves more
prominence, as an agriculturist, in the
pages of this volume, is a native of the township,
born July 14, 1842, near the farm whereon he
now resides. He is a son of Samuel and Deliah
(Grable) Garrett, and a great-grandson of Peter
Garrett, whose son Nicholas was born in Maryland
in 1779. Here the latter was married to Mary
Ann Baumgardner, and thence, about the begin
ning of the present century, they removed to
Washington county, Pennsylvania.
Cephas Garrett passed his boyhood days in at
tending school and assisting his parents upon the
farm. He was employed for about eighteen
months at carpentering; but, his elder brothers
leaving the farm, he was obliged to return to agri
culture, and never completed learning the trade.
During the early part of the Civil war Mr. Garrett
enlisted in the service of the United States, but
was not allowed to serve, as he had not yet attained
his majority. On May 24, 1866, he married Lyda
Horn, daughter of John Horn (deceased), of West
Bethlehem township, and to them have come the
following named children: Alice, born March 25,
1871, and Samuel, born May 1, 1879, both residing
with their parents. When Mr. Garrett and his
industrious wife began life they possessed nothing
worthy of mention, but their united efforts were
crowned with success, which is now apparent in
their well-kept farm, consisting of sixty acres of
highly-cultivated land, upon which, in 1883, he
erected a neat and handsome dwelling, besides
making many other improvements. Mr. Garrett
is modest and retiring, not at all disposed to
thrust himself forward, and possesses the respect,
esteem and admiration of all who know him. His
honesty and integrity have won a high place for
him in the community. In politics he is a Demo
crat, and, though not an office-seeker, is one of the
counselors of his party. Both he and Mrs. Gar
rett are members of the Lutheran Church.

TfESSE NICHOLLS, one of the self-made
k. I and prosperous agriculturists of West Beth-
\j\ hem township, is a grandson of Rosmos
Nicholls, who came from England at an early
date. He settled in Hillsborough, this county,
where he had a tavern for a number of years be
fore the National pike was built. He afterward
bought the "Nicholls' place," a small farm south
of Hillsborough, and after remaining there a time
again took charge of a tavern in Hillsborough, in
a building that is still used as a hotel. In a short
time, however, he again returned to the farm,
where he remained the rest of his life. He was
married to Mary Hall, of West Bethlehem town-

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1469

ship, and their union was blessed with the follow
ing children: James, Stephen, William, Rose,
Achison, Mrs. Sarah Kehor, Mrs. Margaret Sar
geant and Mrs. Betsey Trago, of whom Achison
is the only one now living. Mr. Nicholls was a
Democrat, and both he and his wife were members
of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Nicholls died in
1840, and Mr. Nicholls in 1850.
Stephen Nicholls was born on the old home
stead in 1795, and obtained his early education in
the common schools. He remained upon the
home farm until he was forty yearB of age, driv
ing teams across the mountains and attending to
the usual duties of the farm. In 1835 he mar
ried Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Mary Wise,
of West Bethlehem township, and they had nine
children: Jesse, Mrs. Mary Gregg, Mrs. Nancy
Wilkins (deceased), Sarah Jane (deceased), Will
iam (deceased), Joshua (deceased), Maggie (de
ceased), Mrs. Catherine Binns and Hiram. Mr.
Nicholls was a true Democrat, although not an
active politician. He died in 1881, in his eighty-
fourth year; his widow, aged seventy-six years, is
still living.
Jesse Nicholls was born December 8, 1836, upon
the home farm. He received a partial education
at the common schools, and at the age of fifteen
years he began life for himself, working by the
month. He was married February 4, 1858, to
Margaret Taylor, and they had children as follows:
Mrs. Sarah McCarthy (deceased), Lucy, Mrs. Emma
Kinder (deceased), Laura, Samuel, Joseph, Ray,
John and Maggie. Although his early opportuni
ties were few, Mr. Nicholls is an intelligent, well-
read man, and beginning life with no capital save
strong hands, a quick brain and a healthy body,
he has, by dint of honest principles, hard work
and economy, succeeded, with the aid and encour
agement of his wife, in securing a fine farm of
140 acres and a competence for his family. He
is a Democrat, and has served several terms as
supervisor of his township, but has been too busily
engaged in his private business to give much at
tention to political questions. Mrs. Nicholls was
a member of the M. E. Church. She passed
away May 28, 1891, deeply mourned by her many
friends and relatives.

,LANTS, CHRISTIAN and GEORGE, are
representatives of one of the oldest and
If most prominent families of East Finley
II township. The earliest pioneer of that name,
4/ 0f whom any authentic account can be se
cured, was Christian Plants, from whom the pres
ent generation of the family trace their ancestry.
Christian Plants, who was of German descent,
grew to manhood in eastern Pennsylvania, where
he married Catherine Haines, and in 1796 they

moved to Washington county, Penn., locating at
the foot of "Gallows Hill," near Washington. In
1806* he settled in Finley (now East Finley) town
ship, on what is now called " Enlow fork of Wheel
ing creek," and on the farm afterward owned by
his son Leonard. The children bom to Christian
and Catherine (Haines) Plants were Leonard, Solo
mon, George, Christian, Catherine, Maxwell, Eliza
beth, Hannah, Jacob, Mary, Daniel. John and an
unnamed infant. Of these children the only one
now living is Maxwell (a retired farmer residing
near Cameron, W.Va.). Mr. Plants farmed dur
ing the summer, and taught school in the winter
months. He lived to a good old age.
Leonard Plants was born March 22, 1797, on
his father's farm near Washington, this county.
In 1806 he came with his parents to East Finley
township, and passed his boyhood on the farm, en
during all the privations and hardships which are
inseparable from the lives of pioneers. In
1815 he was indentured with Jesse St. Clair to
learn the stone mason's trade, and after serving
an apprenticeship of three years began to work for
wages on the National pike, then building, and
continued to follow his trade till 1880. On May 6,
1819, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Barney, who died in 1826, leaving four children:
Elizabeth, now residing in Wetzel county, W. Va. ,
wife of Stephen Hill; Christian; George, and one
that died in infancy.
Mr. Plants afterward married Fannie Barney (a
sister of his first wife), and she died in January,
1874, leaving the following children: Jesse and
Leonard, farmers in East Finley township, this
county; Mary Jane (widow of Andrew Stoller), also
a resident of East Finley township; Hannah (wife
of Daniel Plants), residing in Morris township.
Washington county; John B. (a farmer and
mason), residing in East Finley township; Marga
ret (wife of Nathan Stoller), also in East Finley
township; Martha (Mrs. John Nickerson), in east
Finley township; Daniel, in Kansas, and Cather
ine, Fanny, Nancy, Adolphus H. and Christina
(all five deceased). On July 23, 1874, Mr. Plants
was married to Nancy L. Miller, and to this union
one daughter, Catherine L., was born. Mr. Plants
began life one of the "poorest boys imaginable,"
but his physical and mental strength, combined
with energy and business tact, surmounted all
obstacles to success, and gave him a considerable
property, much of it being in lands, which he
superintended and improved during his later
years. Politically he wa| first a Jacksonian Demo
crat, then a strong Abolitionist, and finally a Re
publican- In 1840 he united with the U. P.
Church, to which he always contributed liberally.
His widow and daughter are living on the old home.
Christian Plants was born April 22, 1822, in
East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and

1470

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

passed his boyhood on the farm, receiving but
little school education, as his parents were poor
and required his assistance on the farm. He re
mained at home with them until twenty-three
years of age, when he learned the gunsmith's
trade, having a natural inclination for mechanical
work; he also did cropping on his father's farm.
On November 26, 1846, he was united in marriage
with Rosanna Marshall, born July 19, 1824, a
daughter of John and Nancy (McWherter) Mar
shall, of East Finley township, and she bore him
three children: Leonard Martin (who died at the
age of eight years) and twins, born August 7, 1861,
one of whom died unnamed; the other, Robert
Blachly, is a prosperous young farmer of East
Finley township, residing on his father's farm;
he is married to Lizzie A. Sprowls, daughter of
John and Hannah (Reed) Sprowls.
After marriage Mr. Plants successfully followed
the trades of watchmaker, gunsmith and stone
mason, although he never served an apprenticeship
at any of them, but made a practical application of
his general knowledge. He has always owned
some land, and has farmed on a limited scale. He
is at present actively engaged in general mer
chandising, which he has followed several years.
Mrs. Plants united with the U. B. Church in early
life, and died in that faith January 24, 1886. Mr.
Plants is also a member of the U. B. Church at
Fairmount, and contributes liberally to its support.
He has given valuable aid toward the development
of Washington county, assisting to place her in
her present position, among the foremost counties
of the Keystone State. In politics he has always
been a Democrat.
George Plants was born July 13, 1824, in East
Finley township, this county, and received a lim
ited education in the common schools, which he
has made the nucleus to a valuable store of general
knowledge. At the age of eighteen he began to
learn the mason's trade with Powers Bros. , of
Claysville, and served an apprenticeship of three
years with them, receiving the very modest com
pensation of $12 a year. At the age of twenty-
one he began life for himself, $8 in debt, but
he had learned the trade, and industry soon
brought success. On June 1, 1848, he was united
in marriage with Mary (Goues) Seeman, of East
Finley township, and the following children have
come to them: Franklin (deceased April 10, 1850),
Ethelinda B. (deceased), McFarlin, Mary, Eliza
beth, Clarissa (deceased), Leonard (deceased),
William S., an infant son (deceased), Joseph L.,
Nathan C, Nancy and an infant daughter. Since
his marriage Mr. Plants has farmed and followed
his trade. He is a man of exemplary habits, and
has acquired a comfortable competency. In pol
itics he has always been a Republican. He and

his wife are members of the U. B. Church, and he
was for twelve years a trustee of the church at
Fairmount.

L

EVI DAGUE. Among the many prominent
and honored old residents of West Bethle
hem township, none stands higher in the
estimation of his neighbors than the above-
named gentleman.
He is the only living son of John Dague, a na
tive of Maryland, born in 1788, who, when a boy,
along with his brother, was brought across the
mountains placed in pack-saddles, which were
thrown upon the back of a mule. His father set
tled in AVest Bethlehem township, where John
grew to manhood, and married Catherine Horn,
who was born in Germany, and became one of the
first settlers of Washington county. To them
were born the following children: Jacob, John,
Samuel, Henry, Levi, Dewalt, George, Catherine,
Elizabeth, Annie and Lavina, all of whom are now
dead except Levi and Annie.
Levi Dague, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born in West Bethlehem township, Washing
ton Co., Penn., May 27, 1815. His boyhood was
spent in assisting in the work of the farm and at
tending school in the old log schoolhouse, of which
he has a very distinct recollection, and describes
minutely. After attending the German school two
years, he married Rachel, daughter of Abraham
Mowl, who, about the beginning of the present
century, emigrated from Germany to America, set
tling in Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Dague
have the following children: Abraham, John
Adams, Adelina, Solomon, Eliza Jane, Emery and
Clark, and of these all except Abraham reside in
Washington county. Mr. Dague has always voted
the Republican ticket, and has held many offices
of trust. Both he and his wife are members of the
Lutheran Church, and command the respect of all.

||OHN ELWOOD CRUMRINE is one of West
. jj Bethlehem's most prominent farmers. His
rJJ grandfather, John Crumrine, emigrated from
^^ Germany about the beginning of the present
century, to Washington county, Penn., and
here married. They reared the following children:
John, William, David, George, Abraham, Lucinda,
Sally, Polly, Susan and Maria, of whom George,
David and Polly are deceased, the remaining chil
dren being all residents of this county.
George Crumrine was born in 1814, on his
father's farm, situated on Daniel's run, in Bethle
hem township. He learned the carpenter's trade,
and was considered one of the most skillful work
men of his time. In 1861 he built the present

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1471

house of his son John, with no assistance but that
of his boys, and to-day it stands a silent but eloquent
witness of his skill. He received his education at
the subscription school, a small log cabin with slab
seats and desks and other primitive furniture. . In
184- he married Miss Mahala Barnett, daughter
of James Barnett, of Washington county, and she
bore him the following children, all of whom are
living: James Le Roy, Eveline, Lucy, Dora, Julia,
Delia and John Elwood.
John Elwood Crumrine was born April 4, 1858,
and on February 2, 1882, he was married to
Emma, daughter of John Myers, of West Bethle
hem township. Their union has been blessed
with the following children: AVarren, Leslie, Ethel
and Grayson, all living. Mr. Crumrine is a young
man of more than ordinary intelligence, and pos
sesses the esteem and cordial friendship of all
who know him. Politically his views are Demo
cratic, and he is one of the leading men in his
party, while Mrs. Crumrine is as famous for her
gracious hospitality, as is the name of her husband,
in his circle of business acquaintances, a synonym
for enterprise and honor.

j^ILLIAM P. IRWIN. This gentleman,
one of Carroll township's most respecta
ble and reliable citizens, claims descent
from honorable Irish ancestry, one Will
iam Irwin having emigrated from Ireland to Amer
ica many years ago, settling on a large tract of
land in Chester county, Penn. He was a pioneer
agriculturist, and passed the remainder of his life
on the farm where his children were born.
James Irwin was born in Chester county, Penn.,
and in 1827 came to Washington county. He was
dependent upon his own exertions for a livelihood,
and learned the cooper's trade; then began farming
in Carroll township, Washington Co. , Penn. He
married Jane Morton, a resident of Chester county,
Penn., and daughter of James Morton. Mr. and
Mrs. Irwin were the parents of four children, all
of whom are now deceased. They were members
of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he
affiliated with the Democratic party.
William P. Irwin, whose name introduces this
biography, was born October 12, 1815, in Chester
county, Penn. His father owned forty acres of
land in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn.,
which William P. bought, also purchasing a lot in
Monongahela City, where he erected a house. In
1850 our subject married Eliza Jane, daughter of
Benjamin Dickey, a resident of Fallowfield town
ship. After purchasing his father's farm of forty
acres Mri Irwin continued to save his earnings,
and finally bought an adjoining tract of seventy
acres, upon which a handsome house and other
buildings have been erected. He has been en

gaged in general farming and stock raising. Po
litically he votes with the Democratic party, and in
religion he is a member of the Episcopal Church.
He has had four children, namely: Mary Jane and
Margaret (both deceased), Benjamin D. , who man
ages the farm, and William Porter, also living at
home.

British

ILLIAM FORGIE is a Canadian by birth,
a Scotchman by descent. His grand
father, Francis Forgie, a son of Scotia,
probably of the Highlands, as he spoke
the Gaelic dialect, was a soldier in the
army, and on his retirement from the
service joined the Irish constabulary. He married
a Miss McClelland, and they both died in Ireland,
the parents of five sons, named respectively: Sam
uel, William, Thomas, Francis and James, of whom
the four youngest immigrated, in 1824, to Canada,
making a settlement on the Bay of Quinte, in Has
tings county, upper Canada (now Ontario). From
Montreal to their new home they poled up the St.
Lawrence what was known as a "Durham scow."
The nearest mill to their place of settlement was
at Kingston, some sixty miles east, and thither
they had to take their wheat in sacks slung over
the back of an ox, they walking alongside, and as
there were at that time no roads they had to be
guided by the sun to their destination. Of these
stalwart young men, William followed lumbering,
and was drowned while rafting in the Moira river,
which empties into the Bay of Quinte (he had
crossed the ocean several times).
Francis Forgie, father of our subject, became a
farmer. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John
Mulholland, a Methodist minister in Ireland, where
he died (his widow immigrated to Canada with her
only son — who was drowned in the St. Lawrence —
and four daughters, Eliza, Rebecca, Mary and
Elizabeth, and lived to an advanced age, dying an
earnest Christian, devoted to her faith). After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Francis Forgie continued
to reside on their farm in Canada. They were
the parents of six children, viz. : Isabella, married
to Thomas E. Bell, of Peterboro county, Ontario;
John and James, in Pittsburgh ; Mary J. , wife of
John McCaw, of Hastings county, Ontario; Will
iam, the subject of this sketch, and Thomas Ed
ward, who died when young. The mother of this
family died in 1854, and in 1862 the father mar
ried a Miss Ramsey, who bore him two sons:
Frank (working with his half-brother, William),
and Samuel C. (deceased). She died in 1868, a
member of the M. E. Church; the father passed
away in 1887 at the age of seventy-seven years.
William Forgie, the subject proper of this
memoir, was born March 17, 1850, in the township
of Thurlow, county of Hastings, Ontario, and his

1472

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

education was received at the common schools of
the neighborhood of his birthplace. Until twenty
years of age he worked on the home farm, and then
proceeded to Red river, in the "Northwest," along
with the troops sent out to quell the Riel rebellion
of that year. He and a neighbor, AVilliam Mc
Cready, had been comrades in the Argyle Light
Infantry, of Belleville, Ontario, and when volun
teers were called to suppress this rebellion, they
joined the First Ontario Rifles. In the "North
west" they served two years, and had a taste of
the winters out there, which were remarkable for
their severity. In 1873 Mr. Forgie came to the
United States, making his first home here at
Parker's Landing, on the Allegheny river, where
he was employed as an oil producer, in which,
during the twelve years he was engaged in the
• business, he met with varied success. In 1886 he
came to Washington, where for a time he contin
ued his oil speculations, and in 1887 he embarked
in the manufacture of oil and gas well rig irons,
cants, arms and pins, etc. He also turns out a
large number of the far-famed and most useful
sand reel and tool-wrenching jack (of which he is
the patentee), vast improvements on anything of
the kind hitherto made, and which add very
materially to the convenience and profit of the
trade. In 1876 Mr. Forgie married, in Parker's Land
ing, Miss Henry, who died in September, 1878,
leaving a six-months-old son, who followed his
mother in September, 1879. Our subject, married,
in 1889, Miss Ida Belle Lytle, daughter of Robert
Lytle, of Donegal township. The family resi
dence, which Mr. Forgie recently built, in Wash
ington, is situated on Hall avenue. Politically he
is a Republican, in sentiment a free-trader; while
in Canada he was an Orangeman and a Presby
terian, and he is still an ardent advocate of Prot
estant rights and religious principles.

FJRANKLIN P. SCOTT, M. D., a promi
nent and successful physician of Mononga
hela, was born December 26, 1839, in Somer
set township, Washington, Co., Penn., a son
of John Scott, whose father, William Scott, was a
farmer of Washington county, and died in North
Strabane township, in politics a Democrat and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.
John Scott was -born on the home place in
Washington county, Penn., and attended the
public schools, afterward teaching for several
years. He married Lydia, daughter of George
Pees, a tombstone cutter, and who also followed
farming. John Scott and his wife settled in
Somerset township, this county, and afterward
moved to Washington borough, where they died.
They had the following children: Mary, George,

Franklin P., Lydia J. (deceased wife Of Lewis
Dague), Sarah E. (since deceased), William J.
(living in Washington county, Ohio), John R. , and
Winifred (both living in Ford county, 111.). Mr.
Scott voted with the Democratic party, and for
several years, in Somerset township, served as
justice of the peace, also for a time as associate
judge. He was a member of and elder in the
Presbyterian Church in Somerset township, and on
removing to Washington borough, united with the
U. P. Church at that place, in which he was an
elder until his death.
Dr. Franklin P. Scott passed his earlier boyhood
in Somerset township, where he received his
primary education at the common schools. After
the family removed to Washington borough, he at
tended the public schools there, and then taught
for four years, afterward studying the languages
under John Messenger. He then entered the of
fice of Dr. Boyd Emery, at Dunningsville, Penn.,
and in 1859 attended Jefferson Medical College.
Upon leaving that institution he took a course at
the University of Louisville, graduating from
there in 1871, and in 1889 he took a degree at the
Medico- Chirurgical College of Philadelphia. Dr.
Scott first began the practice of his profession
at Mount Morris, Greene Co., Penn., where he re
mained for three years, and in 1863 removed to
Claysville, Donegal township, this county. In
1877 he came to his present home in Monongahela,
and is now enjoying a highly lucrative practice.
In 1860 Dr. Scott was married to Amelia, daugh-
er of Samuel Pugh, of Mercer county, Penn,
whose wife was formerly a Miss Vaughn. One
child was bom to the union of Dr. and Amelia
Scott — Emma L. , a graduate of the AVashington
Female Seminary. She is now the wife of W. L.
Gaston, and the mother of two children, Mernie
and Franklin S. In 1865 Dr. Scott married, for his
second wife, Jennie A., daughter of Stephen Corkle,
of Claysville, this county, and they have one
daughter, Anna R. , a graduate of the Female Col
lege and Conservatory of Music at Pittsburgh.
After her graduation Miss Scott was elected a
member of the Faculty. Dr. Scott is a hearty ad
vocate of the principles embodied in the platform
of the Democratic party, and in religion is a mem
ber of the M. E. Church, of the board of trus
tees of which he has served as a member for sev
eral years.

IM

RS. SARAH D. HAWKINS is a daughter
of Henry Myers, a native of Maryland,
born in 1808. He married Elizabeth
Drake, who was born March 14, 1820, also
in Maryland, and they had children as
follows: Sarah D. (Mrs. Hawkins), Eli (a farmer
in West Bethlehem township), Mary I. (living with

4/

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1473

her brother Alva on the old homestead), and Walter
(living in Washington county). The father of this
family was a successful farmer; in politics he voted
with the Republican party. He died September 13,
1890, and the mother followed him January 29,
1891. She was a member of the Lutheran Church.
Of the children of this family, Sarah D. was born
August 22, 1844, in West Bethlehem township,
this county, and on January 12, 1865, was married
to Joseph H. Hawkins, a record of whose grand
father, William Hawkins, will be found on page
379. John Hawkins, father of Joseph H., was born
on the old homestead in this county, and received
his education at the subscription schools. On
December 10 1829; he was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Young, who bore him three children,
namely: William (deceased), Samuel A. (farming
in Somerset township), and Joseph H. (deceased).
The mother died April 26, 1834, and for his second
wife Mr. Hawkins married Susanna Farmer, who
was born August 31, 1807, in Columbiana county,
Ohio, and the following children came to their
union: Jerusha N., born July 23, 1837; Sarah
(wife of Milton Patterson, living in Beallsville,
Penn.), born March 3, 1839; John AV., born
October 4, 1 842 ; Mary E. (married to Joseph H.
Rogers, of Somerset township), born December 1.
1844; Martha J. (wife of James M. Miller, of
Allegheny county, Penn.), born February 17, 1847,
and Rebecca, born February 3, 1850 (deceased).
The father was a prominent farmer; he was an
active member of the Republican party, serving
his township in various offices. He died April 17,
1880, being preceded by the mother October 1,
1876. Joseph H. Hawkins was born April 26, 1834, in
Somerset township, this county, grew to manhood
on the home farm, and attended the district
schools of the neighborhood. After his marriage
to Miss Sarah D. Myers, the young couple settled
in Somerset township, where two children were
born to them, viz. : Jennie N. , born May 13, 1866
(died August 4, 1888), and Shannon, born March
9, 1875. Mr. Hawkins was actively interested in
all progressive movements, and politically he
voted with the Republican party.

T'HOMAS M. WILEY, senior member of the
well-known furniture firm, in Washington,
of Thomas M. Wiley & Son, is a native of
the borough, born in October, 1824. His
grandfather, who was a Virginian by birth,
was married to Elizabeth Tannehill, daughter of a
Maryland planter, who at the time of the Revolu
tion was loyal to England. William Wiley, father
of Thomas M., a bricklayer by trade, married
Martha, a daughter of Massy Harbison, who

was the mother of eleven children, two of whom
were killed by the Indians within view of their
mother, who was captured by them, and whose
wonderful escape from captivity is related else
where. William AViley had born to him children,
as follows: John and Martha (both deceased),
Thomas M. , Henry, Maria, Frank, Ellen, William
and Annie (all in Washington).
Thomas M. Wiley received his education at the
public schools of his native town, and while a boy
learned the trade of cabinet maker. In 1850 he
paid a visit to California, where he remained
two years. In 1855 he commenced the business
of cabinet making on his own account, in Wheel
ing, AV. Va., where he remained ten years, at
the end of which time he returned to Washing
ton and opened a small store, from which devel
oped his present mammoth establishment. In 1876
he received his son, James C, into partnership,
and in 1878 he erected his present handsome block,
on Main street, all now occupied as a furniture
store. In 1852 Mr. Wiley was married, in Wheeling,
W. Va. , to Miss Elizabeth Courts, a native of
that city, who died in August, 1888, at the
age of fifty-two years, leaving three children:
James C, now in partnership with his father;
Kate, wife of William Van Kirk, of Amwell
township, and Anna, living at home. Our subject
is a Republican, and has frequently served in the
borough council. Socially he is a Freemason, and
at one time was a member of the I. O. O. F. He
is a typical self-made man, having from very small
beginnings, by industry, intelligent effort and ju
dicious economy, made an enviable and well-mer
ited success.

JOHN M. MORROW is a native of the county,
born March 21, 1850, in the portion of Can
ton township, that is now included in AVest
Washington. His paternal great-grandpar
ents, Adam and Elizabeth (Crozier) Morrow,
came to this country from Ireland about the year
1804, making their first home in their adopted
country in Virginia, where they carried on farm
ing, and thence, in 1820, they moved with their
family to Washington county, Penn., where they
passed the remainder of their lives, the great
grandfather dying July 24, 1816, and the great-
grandmother, February 14, 1846. They had seven
children as follows: William (died in Iowa), Adam
(killed in Virginia by the limb of a tree falling on
him),. James (died of small-pox), John (of whom
special mention is made further on), Andrew (died
in New Orleans), Jane (married a Mr. Carney, and
died' in Cincinnati leaving a family), and Susan
(died when young in Washington, Penn.).
John Morrow, grandfather of subject, was born

1474

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

January 2, 1800, in Ireland, and was consequently
four years old when brought by his parents to this
country. In 1823 he was married to Sophia Hal
lam (a sketch of whose family follows this), and
they then settled on land in Washington county,
where the aged widow yet lives, her husband hav
ing passed away June 22, 1859. He was a black
smith and wagon maker by trade, and many of the
wagons made by him were used in the construc
tion of the National pike, while fifty-six were
bought by the Government for use in the Mexican
war. He was regarded as a man of much ability,
and was not excelled as a mechanic. His old
workshop on East Wheeling street, Washington,
is now owned by J. D. Jackson. His widow, at
this writing, nearly ninety years of age, possesses
remarkably good health and memory. She is a
member of the M. E. Church at Washington.
Seven children were born to this honored couple:
Adam Crozier (special mention of whom follows),
Thomas Hallam (died in New York), John Andrew
(died in Omaha), Robert Latimer (died in Wash
ington, where his widow and one daughter are yet
living), Sarah Margaret (died unmarried), Eliza
beth Jane (deceased wife of John McEnas, of Bos
ton, Mass.), and William Henry (now living in
Boston, Mass.).
Adam Crozier Morrow (father of John M.), was
born August 16, 1825, in Washington county,
Penn., at the common schools of which place he
received his rudimentary education, after which he
attended college four and a half years, but did not
graduate. He learned the trade of blacksmith
with his father, and followed same until 1850,
when he embarked in the dry-goods business,
later taking up the grocery trade, which he carried
on in Washington some twenty-five or thirty years.
During part of this time — from 1868 to 1880 — he
kept the "Auld House," then known as the
"Morrow House," and previously called the
"Rairoad House." Having sold out all his busi
ness interests in Washington in 1880, Mr. Mor
row, in 1886, moved to Pittsburgh, where he has
since made his home. On June 15, 1848, he mar
ried Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Col. John and
Nancy Morgan, of Chartiers township, whose
children were: Martha, married to Godfrey Cook,
also of Chartiers (both now deceased) ; Major Jacob
Morgan (deceased), whose widow, Alice (Mc-
Closkey), now resides on Prospect avenue, Wash
ington borough; Emily, married to William Cun
dall (both deceased); Robert, married to Mary
Mackie (both deceased); Nancy, wife of James
Harvey, living in Mt. Pleasant township; William;
Rebecca, wife of J. R. McCloskey, in Kansas;
Hugh, also in Kansas, and Ann E. To the mar
riage of Adam and Ann E. Morrow were born ten
children, as follows: John (our subject), Lucius
S. (born August 8, 1852, died at the age of about

four years), Annie S. (born May 16, 1855, married
to W. D. Roberts, of Washington), Charles C.
(born November 30, 1858, now a resident of Pitts
burgh), Sallie M. (born June 14, 1860, also living
in Pittsburgh), Jennie M. (born September 10,
1863), Hugh W. (born November 23, 1867), Mollie
and Alice (twins, born in 1870, died in infancy),
and Thomas (who died in childhood). The mother
died January 13, 1890, in Pittsburgh, at the age
of sixty-three years. The father is a stanch
Democrat, and has filled various offices of trust,
such as member of council for a time; he became
a member of the I. O. O. F. at an early age.
John M. Morrow received his education at the
common schools of the district, and on completing
the usual curriculum entered Duff's Mercantile
College at Pittsburgh, from which he graduated
in 1871. He then received the appointment of
cashier and bookkeeper for Major Morgan, an ex
tensive wool dealer in Washington borough. At
the expiry of a year he accepted a similar position
with S. Ewart & Co., wholesale grocers, but in
1872 he returned to Washington to assist his
father in the grocery business, in which he con
tinued till 1880, when the latter sold out, as
already related. Our subject then entered, July
1, same year, the employ of George Davis.
On January 25, 1875, Mr. Morrow was married
to Miss Elizabeth W., daughter of M. G. Kuntz,
and three children have come to bless their home,
viz. : Eliza Ann, born August 23, 1877 ; Sophia
Elizabeth, born January 31, 1879; and Wray
Grayson, born September 23, 1881. The family
reside in the comfortable and handsome residence,
No. 87 East Maiden street, built by Mr. Morrow
in 1889. They are all members of the Second
Presbyterian Church of Washington. Socially our
subject is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the
Improved Order of Heptasophs, Washington;
politically, he is a Democrat.
Mrs. Sophia (Hallam) Morrow was born January
31, 1804, in South Strabane township, Washington
Co., Penn., a daughter of Thomas Hallam, who
was a son of John, Sr. , and Isabella (Fell) Hallam,
who both died in Washington county early in the
century, having immigrated in 1763 to this country
with five sons, two of whom went to the Far West,
Thomas and John coming to Washington, this
county, where the latter died of smallpox in 1800.
Thomas was twice married, first time to a Miss
Beshear, by whom he had eight children, all now
deceased. His second wife was Sarah Voorhees,
daughter of Isaiah Voorhees, who died in Colum
bus, Ohio, and whose wife was called from earth in
Washington, Penn. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Hallam settled on the farm in Franklin
township, where John Reddick now lives. For a
time they kept a hotel which stood on ground now
called "Pancake." Later, having rented their

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

147E

farm here, they moved to Wellsburg, AV. Va. , where
Mr. Hallam had bought a ferry, which he ran for
about a year. They then returned to Washington
county. Mr. Hallam traded the " John G. Clark"
farm in Franklin township for 1,500 acres in Ohio,
whither he and his wife moved in 1828, and here
he died August 1, 1829, at the age of eighty-four
years. He was very successful in all his under
takings, but died comparatively poor, having lost
most of his property by going bail for others. He
participated in the Whisky Insurrection. Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Hallam had eight children, viz.:
Thomas (died in Ohio), Absalom (died in Illinois),
Sophia (widow of John Morrow), Samuel D. (living
in Monmouth, 111.), David (died in Iowa), Margaret
(deceased wife of John Stone, of Illinois), Sarah (died
in Ohio) and Isabella (deceased wife of Thomas
Goodman, of Texas).

,\H. DAVIS, a member of the prominent
lumber and hardware firm of W H.
Davis & Co., Washington, Penn., was
born in Allegheny (Allegheny City),
Penn., April 25, 1846, and is descended
from pioneers of the State.
George Davis, his father, was the son of Joshua,
references to whom are made in the history of the
Davis family of South Strabane township. George
was a farmer in early manhood, but some short
time after the venerable Charles Carroll opened
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, that novel industry
won his attention, and next he is found in the serv
ice of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company
as engineer. For many years he followed en
gineering, and, only toward the latter years of his
life, did he resume farming. He was united in
marriage with Miss Martha Crawford, who was
a resident of Lexington, Ky., and immediately
after they located in Allegheny county; subse
quently moved into Allegheny City, and, in their
later years, or about 1854, in Peters township, this
county, where he died, in his fifty- sixth year, De
cember 14, 1870. His widow died April 8, 1872,
aged fifty-four years.
George and Martha Davis were the parents of
six children, namely: Mary Jane, wife of Dunning
Hart, of Amwell township; Maggie A., wife of
John Finley Scott, of Buffalo township; William
H, the subject of this sketch; Wilson C, a lum
ber dealer at Saltsburgh, Penn.; Martha W.,
widow of Alexander Wilson, of Allegheny county,
and George B., an architect of Monmouth, 111.
The parents of this family were, at the period of
death, members of the Brush Run United Presby
terian Church. The father was a stanch Repub
lican. William H. Davis accompanied his parents to
Washington county in 1854, and grew to manhood

here. He received a primary education in the
schools of Peters township, and completed a com
mercial course in Duff's Commercial College,
Pittsburgh. His marriage with Miss Lucy M.,
daughter of John and Mary P. (Adams) Fife, of
Allegheny county, Penn., took place November
10, 1S70. The Fifes were represented in Alle
gheny county at a very early date, and in the his
tory of that section of the State, published by A.
Warner & Co., the name is repeatedly mentioned,
and the biography of the present head of the fam
ily given. William H. Davis and wife took up
their residence on the home farm in Peters town
ship, and remained there until 1881, when they
moved to Kansas. After a stay of three years
there, they returned to Washington county, Penn.,
where Mr. Davis opened a lumber yard at Hills, on
the Chartiers road, which he carried on for six
years. The storms and floods, in the spring of 1889,
resulted in heavy loss to him, as the waters rush
ing through his yards carried away a considerable
quantity of lumber and damaged permanent im
provements. In the fall of 1889 he established his yard at
Washington, Penn. Soon after, his cousin, J. K.
Davis, became his partner, but he, in the course of
a few weeks, sold his interests to W. H. Davis, Jr., .
another cousin, who continued in the firm until
March 21, 1893, when he withdrew, and it was reor
ganized under the present title. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Davis are: Mary Etta, wife of AA7.
R. Woods, of Allegheny county, Penn.; George;
Martha Crawford; Sarah Viola, and Addie Maria,
all residents of Washington. The parents are
members of the First Presbyterian Church. Po
litically Mr. Davis is a Republican, but the close
personal attention he gives to his extensive busi
ness interests does not permit him to take an act
ive part in politics.

\ILLIAM GREGG. Among the early set
tlers of Washington county, whose deeds
are an undying monument to their mem
ory, were Mr. Gregg's first ancestors in
this country, a record of whom is pre
sented on page 1267, this volume.
Henry Gregg, son of Henry and Jane (Dowler)
Gregg was born November 22, 1796, on the home
place in West Pike Run township, Washington Co. ,
Penn. He attended the schools of the period, then
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
for some years, but finally gave his attention to
farming. On February 8, 1821, he married Eleanor
Gregg, who was born in 1796, inAA7 ashington county,
and nine children were born to them, of whom but
two are yet living, AVilliam and John. The father
was an industrious, practical farmer; in politics he
affiliated with the Republican party. Mrs. Gregg

1476

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

died in 1841, followed by her husband in 1876.
Both were members of the M. E. Church.
William Gregg, son of Henry and Eleanor
(Gregg) Gregg, was born December 9, 1822, on
the home place in West Pike Run township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. His educational opportunities
were very limited, the greater part of his youth
being passed in agricultural duties; but by energy
and perseverance he has overcome these early dis
advantages, and is now a thoroughly cultured gen
tleman. He and his brother John, neither of
whom have married, reside on the old homestead,
which contains ninety-eight acres of good land.
They conduct an extensive business in general
farming and stock raising. In politics they are
earnest workers in the Republican party, though
never accepting official honors. They are univer
sally known as honest, energetic business men,
possessing warm sympathies for those who have
been unfortunate. Y. SWICKARD, a prominent business
man, and proprietor. of a well-known meat
market in Monongahela, was born May 10,
1859, in Nottingham township, Washington
Co., Penn., a son pf Daniel and Harriet
(Leyda) Swickard, a sketch of whom appears at
page 735 in this volume.
He received his education at the common schools
of Monongahela, and in 188- entered into partner
ship with his father in the shoe business in that
town, which continued some four years when it
was dissolved by mutual consent, and our subject
then went into the employ of Stewart Hackett & Co.,
as traveling salesman. With them he remained
in that capacity until 1891 when he embarked in
his present prosperous business.
On December 9, 1888, Mr. Swickard married
May, daughter of Johnston Coulter, and two chil
dren came to bless their union: Helen Irene (de
ceased), and Marie C. Our subject and wife are
adherents of the Presbyterian Church; politically
he is a Democrat, ever taking an active interest in
the affairs of his party. Mr. Swickard is recog
nized and respected as a useful, loyal citizen, hav
ing at heart the welfare and prosperity of his city,
township and county.

fl( NDREW McDONALD, son of John Mc-
#/l\ Donald, was born April 20, 1840. John
fr4\ McDonald was born in 1789, in Virginia,
J I -^ and was a lifelong farmer. In 1803 he
v moved to Washington county, Penn., and
the following year purchased 175 acres of land
which is now known as the old homestead. In
1839 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Fish, of tlxi# county, who bore him the following
children: Andrew, Gabriel, James H, John,

Hiram, Mary (Mrs. Jennings), Nancy J., Edith G.
and Matilda. Mr. McDonald served as supervisor
several years, township clerk for twenty-five years,
school director a long time, and in various other
township offices. He died in November, 1853.
Mrs. McDonald is yet living with her children, and
enjoys good health.
Andrew McDonald has had charge of the old
place since his fourteenth year, having atthat early
age begun the seemingly impossible task of sup
porting and educating the eight younger children,
thus early left without a father. Heroically he
toiled, and nobly did he succeed in this laudable
effort. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the
army, as the other children were then old enough
to provide their own maintenance. He entered
Company E, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry,
(the Ringgold Battalion), and fought under Sheri
dan in all the battles of the Shenandoah Valley until
the close of the war, when he returned home. On
May 17, 1866, he married Isabella Whitfield, a
native of this county. Mr. McDonald has been
clerk of Nottingham township for the past twenty-
seven years, and is now serving his third term as
justice of the peace, having filled that office twelve
years. He has held every office in the township
with the exception of constable. He is an adherent
of Democratic principles, and, in religious faith, a
member of the Presbyterian Church.

4/

MRS. REGINA BALDWIN is a daughter
of Frederick Schrontz, who was of German
birth, and who at an early age immigrated
to America, where he married Elizabeth
Schudler, a resident of Washington county,
Penn. She bore him six children : Catherine, Re
gina, George, Jacob, John and Frank. He was a
Democrat in politics, and in religion was a member
of the Lutheran Church.
On September 27, 1832, Regina Schrontz be
came the wife of Thomas Baldwin, an energetic
young citizen of Franklin township, Washington
Co., Penn. His ancestors were natives of the
State of New Jersey, the first of whom to settle in
Washington county, Penn., was Jonathan Baldwin,
the grandfather of Thomas. At that period Wash
ington county was an unbroken wilderness, but
Jonathan Baldwin settled in Morris township, and
with the aid of his three sons — William, Francis
and Jonathan — soon established his pioneer home.
After the death of his parents Francis Baldwin
was married to Rebecca Hill, a resident of East
Finley township, who bore him children as follows:
Stephen, Sarah, Thomas, John, Phoebe, Francis,
Sealy, James, Amos, Silas and Cephas. Mr. Bald
win was one of the organizers of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church at Van Buren, Washington
county, and in political opinion he was a Whig.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1477

Thomas Baldwin was born August 7, 1811, in
Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and
passed his early life in assisting to improve and
clear the farm. Like other pioneer children, his
education was necessarily limited to the primary
principles of text-book knowledge, but in other
matters his training was more thorough than that
of the modern scholar. After his marriage to
Regina Schrontz, the young couple settled on a
farm in Morris township, AVashington county,
where they remained until 1860, when they removed
to the farm of 200 acres which is the present home
of Mrs. Baldwin. The children bom to this union
are as follows: Sarah, Elizabeth (Mrs. Stephen
Miller), Francis F., Jacob, Miller, John, Silas,
Mary (Mrs. Jesse Borth), Calvin and Thomas.
Mr. Baldwin was formerly a Whig and then a
Republican, taking an active interest in political
matters. For many years he was a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Van Buren,
being an ardent supporter of that society. [Since
the above was put in type, we have been informed
of the death of Mrs. Baldwin. — Ed.

RANT MONINGER is one of those well-
educated, intelligent and enterprising young
citizens of Amwell township, on whom the
^H elder portion of the community begins to
depend. As the strength of the seniors in
years fails, they naturally look proudly to the sturdy,
active young men who are ready to take the bur
den of life on their strong broad shoulders, before
the aged and weary toilers have fallen to rest by
the way.
John Moninger, who was the pioneer of the
family of that name now residing in Amwell town
ship, emigrated from Germany to America in 1801,
and settled on a farm in Amwell township, Wash
ington Co., Penn. His occupation was farming
and carpentry, in both of which he was very suc
cessful. His children were Henry M., George W. ,
John, Jacob, Mrs. Mary Harshaman, Mrs. Catherine
Harshaman, and Mrs. Elizabeth Moore. Mr.
Moninger was one of the organizers of the Repub
lican party in Washington county.
George W. Moninger, son of John, was born
January 7, 1812, on the old farm near Lone Pine,
Amwell township. His father drove stock, and
the younger days of George were passed in assist
ing in that work, and in attending the rate schools
of the neighborhood of his home. Notwithstand
ing many disadvantages, he afterward became one
of the best teachers in the township. To illustrate
the adventurous spirit of this youth, an incident of
his boyhood days is given: When a lad of twelve
years, he and his father went to Baltimore with
stock, and "young America," becoming impatient

with the more leisurely movements of his paternal
ancestor, started home alone, arriving there two
days before the rest of the party. On reaching
maturity he began teaching school, a profession he
followed six or eight years; then commenced stock
droving and wool buying, making his headquar
ters in Washington borough, and traveling through
Washington and Greene counties, soon winning for
himself by his business popularity the appropriate
sobriquet of "Drover George Moninger." He con
tinued to prosper in this line until he formed a jiart-
nership with Morgan Brothers in the wool business,
when he lost his entire property, and at the age of
forty-five was obliged to begin the world anew, with
no capital save that of the old courageous spirit
stronger in him than ever. Within a few years he
accumulated anotherfortune, some$15,000or $20, -
000 which enabled him to purchase the Reason
Luellen farm. In September, 1865, Mr. Moninger
was married to Mrs. Sidney (Horn) Swart, widow
of Amos Swart, who was killed at Spottsylvania,
and they had two children: Grant, born February
14, 1869, and Franklin, born August 11, 1872.
Mr. Moninger was highly esteemed in his commu
nity, and was a representative Republican of his
township. In the Disciple Church at Lone Pine
he was one of the most zealous workers. On July
25, 1888, he passed peacefully away, after an
honored and useful life of seventy- six years and
six months.
Grant Moninger, son of George and Sidney
Moninger, was born on the old home farm near
Lone Pine, his rudimentary education being re
ceived at the common schools of the neighborhood,
which was supplemented with a five or six years'
attendance at Pleasant Valley Academy ; he then
took a course at the Iron City College, Pittsburgh,
Penn., which properly included from eight to
twelve months, but which he completed in four
months. He was always one of the brightest
students in school, and he is gifted with an active
mind and superior intelligence. Since his seven
teenth year he has had charge of his father's estate,
and is the appointed guardian of his younger
brother. The brothers have a farm comprising
350 acres of prime land. AVhen but seventeen years
of age, Grant Moninger united with the Disciple
Church of Lone Pine, of which he has ever since
been an active member.

K. GALBRAITH, the popular young
postmaster of Canonsburg, is a grandson
of AVilliam Galbraith, a native of Scot
land, who married Isabella Welch, who
was born and reared in tbfc* Emerald
Isle. They came to America soon after their
marriage, locating on the old farm near Burgetts
town, Smith township, Washington Co., Penn.,

1478

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

where children were bom to them as follows:
Matthew, James A. , Robert (deceased), John (de
ceased), William R., Middleton, Jane, Margaret,
Elizabeth (deceased) and Isabelle. The father was
a stanch advocate of the principles embodied in the
Whig party, and served several years as justice of
the peace. He was a member and ruling elder of
the U. P. Church at Burgettstown for many years.
He died in 1860.
James A Galbraith was born on the old farm in
Smith township, this county, and at the age of
eighteen years began to teach school, following
that profession several years. He then became a
clerk at Cross Creek village, this county, continu
ing as such twenty-one years. He finally engaged
in the hardware business at Burgettstown, Smith
township, and in 1875 was elected county recorder.
At the expiration of his term of office he moved
to Canonsburg, and has since been profitably em
ployed in handling grain and machinery. He was
wedded to Mary A. Bebout, of Cross Creek village,
who has borne him seven children, namely: Aaron,
married to Dora Chambers, of Canonsburg, Penn. ;
Belle, deceased wife of Charles Harding, station
agent of the Waynesburg & Washington Railroad;
W. K. , whose sketch follows; Elizabeth, wife of
S. A. Crosier, a merchant of Canonsburg; Robert,
a druggist of Pittsburgh, Penn. , married to Anna
Coleman; and Nettie, wife of Joseph Thompson,
who is interested in the oil fields of Pennsylvania.
W. K Galbraith was born December 12, 1858,
in Cross Creek village, Penn., and when ten years
of age came with his parents to Burgettstown. He
entered the high school, and graduated with the
class of '78. After leaving school he assisted his
father in the duties of the recorder's office, and
when the term was ended worked one year for the
new recorder. He then conducted a tobacco store
in Canonsburg for eight years; then entered the
office of the Central Grain Elevator Company, of
Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining in their employ until
his appoinment, in 1890, as postmaster of Canons
burg. On November 13, 1884, he was united
in marriage with Mary E., daughter of James
Munnell, of Canonsburg. They have three chil
dren: James Lloyd, Katie E. and Robert R.
Mr. Galbraith has a beautiful home on East
College street. In politics he is a faithful adherent
of the Republican party, and in religion a member
and liberal supporter of the U. P. Church at Canons
burg. He is an influential citizen, respected by all.

«fe OBERT D. NESBIT is a son of Robert
Nesbit, whose parents John and Martha
(Donaldson) Nesbit, came from Cecil coun
ty, Md., to Washington county, Penn.
John Nesbit was accompanied by three
brothers, one of whom soon after returned to Mary
land, whije the others located upon a tract of land

which lies upon the boundaries of Chartiers and
Canton townships. John settled on 119 acres of
laud, and children were born to these pioneers, but
in the winter of 1837 a deadly fever raged in the
neighborhood. Before spring the father and three
of the children — John, Margaret and Jane — had
died. Of the once happy family now remained a
widowed wife and bereaved mother, who clung
closely to her one remaining son, Robert. The
Death Angel soon called her to join the loved ones^
gone before, and on April 26, 1843, she too died.
Robert Nesbit was born in 1800, in Canton
township, on his father's farm. On June 12,
1828, he was married to Mary Ann Anderson, a
native of Chartiers township, this county, and three
children were born to them, namely: John A.,
Sarah (Mrs. Edward H. Daugherty), and Martha
(deceased wife of William Stewart). Mrs. Nesbit
died September 27, 1837, and he was afterward
married to Margaret Shaw, a native of Ireland,
who came with her parents to America when but a
child. They were married in Washington county,
and settled upon the farm where their only son
Robert D., is now living. Mr. Nesbit took an
active interest in political matters, and in church
relation was many years an elder and leading mem
ber of the United Presbyterian Church. He died
in 1861, and was followed by his wife in 1863.
Robert D. Nesbit was born March 25, 1841, on
the old home farm in Chartiers township, receiving
his education in the district schools. In 1862 he
enlisted in an independent cavalry company for a
term of three years, or until the close of the war.
This company was afterward organized into the
Twenty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, and then
became a part of the Ringgold Battalion. Mr.
Nesbit took part in the battles of Winchester,
Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. In 1865 he re
ceived an honorable discharge at Wheeling, W.
Va., after which he returned to Chartiers town
ship. On August 26, 1868, he was married to
Miss Lizzie Lee, a native of Chartiers township,
daughter of David and Maria (McLaughlin) Lee.
They had emigrated from England to Maryland,
finally locating in Washington county, Penn.,
where the remainder of their lives was passed.
After his marriage Mr. Nesbit settled on the
farm which is now his home. The land is not
only valuable for its agricultural properties, but
also for gas which has been developed thereon.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Nesbit the following
children have been born: David H., Robert, Mag
gie, Bertha and Lizzie (twins). Mr. Nesbit is act
ively interested in the Republican party, and has
served as a member of the school board and judge
of inspection. He and his wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church and are ever
ready to lend a helping hand to further any
worthy enterprise.

1~QDE>X.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

VAUE
Abcicroinbie, Chester B.. . 73
Ahercromliie, Thomas  73
Achosim, Judge A. W  24
Aclieson, K. F  29
Acheson Family  m
Aclieson, George  is,
Acheson, James C  129
Acheson, John Smith  582
Aclieson, Marcus C  29
Ackelson, James  910
Ackleson, Thomas  G72
Ackleson, Thomas H  G71
Adams, Charles W  1MB
Adams, John  10G9
Adams, Joseph  1041
Adams, Samuel  924
Agnew. R.J  1079
Agnew, James  3915
Aanew, Samuel  1079
Aiken, John  230
Aiken, Jospph  1277
Aiken, William  901
Aiken. William C  1277
Ailes, Isaac  435
Ailes, Isaac C  432
Alexander, Hev. Adolphus F. 30
Alexander, Edward G  501
Alexander, James S  1 34
Alexander, Dr. Joseph W. . . 220
Alexander, Mrs. Mary  521
Alexander, Samuel  521
Alexander, Mrs. Susan M. . 89
Alexander, Dr. W. H  220
Alexander. William J  138
Allen, Ahia  698
Allen, Mrs. Eliza C  677
Allen, George W  677
Allen, James H  1214
Allen, James H. (editor)  127
Allen, Joseph  1370
Allen, Josiah  1097
Allen, M. B  155
Allen, Mrs. Susannah  1097
Allen, Theodore J  937
Allen, Thomas F  648
Allison, A. H  1035
Allison, James  204
Allison, John  280
Allison, Jonathan  204
Allman Family  1434
Ames, Demas L  657
Ames, Jabez  657
Anderson, Benjamin  952
Anderson, James S  1043
Anderson Family  412
Anderson, John  838
Anderson, Robert  413
Anderson, Thomas L  1043
Anderson, William C  952
Anderson. W. J  838
Andrew, Harvey  641
Andrew, James  1165
Andrew, John B  1165
Andrews, Jacob  603
Andrews, James  1115
Andrews, Jeremiah  603
Andrews, J. J  1115
Applegate, Stephen  975
Archer Family  964
Archer, Harriet B  965
Archer, "William Lee  965
Armitage, Thomas  878
Armor, A. M  936
Armor Family  935
Armor. J. Ray  936
Armstrong, James  793
Armstrong. James A  , , .13.04

Mia
Armstrong, Samuel  1304
Armstrong, William  793
Armstrong, Winlield S  1304
Arnold Bros  7x7
Arnold, Cyrus G  973
Arnold, Joseph  737
Arnold, Samuel  1240
Arnold. William T  12411
Arnold, Wilson  787
Arthur, James S  499
Ashbrook, Abraham L  307
Ashbrook, Absalom  1430
Ashbrook, Samuel  1 121
Ashbrook, Simon  1121
Aughendobler, Adam  814
Aughendobler, J. I,  821
Auld. David  1239
Axtell, Mrs. Lillie M  538
Axtell, Luther M  541
Bailey, Charles A  1424
Bailey, Henry T  948
Bailey, John  914
Bailey, Thomas S  12x4
Bailey, William  915
Baird. Dr. Absalom  191, 250
Baird, Andrew Todd  250
Baird, Mrs. Clara "W  249
Baird, George  250
Baird, John  246
Baird, Joseph C  246
Baird, Mrs. Martha  630
Baird, Thomas  636
Baird, Thomas H  152
Baird, Thomas Harlan  152
Baker, Colin L  1097
Baker, David B  301
Baker, David E  270
Baker, Enoch  1097
Baker, Nathan  1195
Baker, Zachariah  1195
Baldwin, John C  1333
Baldwin, Jonathan  1013
Baldwin, Mrs. Regina  1476
Baldwin, Silas  1013
Baldwin, W. C  989
Bamford, Robert  558
Bane, Aaron  1003
Banp, John C  1270
Bane, Joseph  1004
Banfield, Charles  264
Barbour, Abraham  524
Barbour, Robert T  524
Barclay, Thomas M  1114
Barkley, James H  754
Barkley, James N  754
Barnard , Samuel  920
Barnard. Samuel B  919
Barr, John  240
Barr, John S  242
Barry, William A  1343
Bavington, Capt. John  863
Beach, Charles E  219
Beach, Chauncev  219
Beach. Mrs. Elizabeth  219
Beall, William  700
Beazell, John S  1461
Beazell, Luke P  951
Beazell, William  951
Bebout, Beden  357
Bebout. D. R  1290
Bebout, Ira  ."  430
Bebout, Peter  430
Bebout, William N  357
Beck. John 7.  1330
Bedall, Jacob  602
Bedall, John K  C03

Bedall, Joseph  .'1379
Bum-bower, John  270
Bell Family  392
Boll, Dr. George W  717
Bell, Hamilton McK  ssil
Bell, James  1 103
Bell, Capt. J. Fulton  400
Hell, Joseph  910
Bell, Mrs. Martha G  499
Bell, Mrs. Rachel  714
Bell, Raphield  389
Bell, Robert  471
Bell, Robert B  471
Bell, William M  14111
Bell. Zadoc L  soo
Bemis, Erastus  574
Bemis, James N„ M. D  574
Bentley Brothers, The  913
Bentley, Benjamin  913
Bentley, Benjamin F  1145
Bentley, David  9:3
Bentley, Shesbbazzor  18
Berry, Carson M  377
Berry, David W  XG9
Berry, John  122
Berry, John M  SGG
Berry, Matthew  122
Berry. William  908
Berryhill, Alexander S  1186
Berryhill, T. M  728
Berryman. John W  1419
Best, Grattan G  113
Best, John A  112
Bigger. James W  1182
Bigger, Samuel  1 185
Bigger, Thomas  1014
Bigger, Thomas M  1014
Bingham. Capt. Charles W.. 958
Birch, John  437
Birch. Thomas F  313
Blachly, Dr. Henry W  239
Blachlv, Stephen L., M. D. . . 236
Black Family  1145
Black, George (deceased). .. 706
Black, George  812
Black, George W  705
Black, James  812
Black, John A  1174
Black, Mrs. Margaret  1174
Black, Samuel  1145
Black, Thomas  690
Black. Thomas A  690
Blaine, Leonard  325
Blaine, Matthew  324
Blayney, Cadwallader  477
Blayney, Joel P  493
Blayney, J. S  923
Blayney, Mrs. Marv D  914
Blayney. Vincent M  914
Blvthe, James  957
Blythe, John  957
Blythe, Josiah  957
Blythe, William  954
Bollen, John  93
Boon, Elizabeth M  969
Boon Family  923
Boon, John  923
Boon, Mrs. Mary  1167
Boon, William  1167
Boone, James M  831
Boone, Mrs. Joanna  831
Boone, John A  120s
Borland, A lexander  735
Borland, Andrew  1034
Borland Bros  1034
Borland, Cornelius  734
Borland, M. n  734

I'AflK
Boyd, Kev. Bankhead  :;74
Boyd, David M  '.1112
Boyd, George  1115
Boyd, John  903
Boyd, Mrs. .lane  993
Boyd, Hohert  i<2G
Boyd, Wilson  993
Boyer. James B  7*. 902
Buyer, John W  13.13
Boyer, Mrs. Mary  902
Boyer, Samuel  902
Boyle, K. I!  850
Boyle, Airs. Elizabeth V  G55
Boyle, Felix  c,w
Braden, Alfred G  IS)
Braden, John D  18G
Brady Family  313
Brady, Ed. L  314
Brady, Freeman  1 104
Brady, J. L  1104
Breese, Israel  494
Briggs, John  1337
Briggs, William B  13X7
Brimner, James  •  453
Brimner, William  453
Brockman, M. M  1102
Brockman, Thomas W  G46
Broschart, Henry  993
Brown, Rev. Alexander .
Blaine, D. D  89
Brown, Rev. Alexander
Blaine, Jr  92
Brown Brothers  92
Brown, David  1297
Brown, Mrs. E. F  90
Brown. Rev. Matthew.D.D.,
LL. D  84
Brown, Matthew B  1297
Brown, William  3G9
Brown, Rev. W. F..D.D.... 9')
Brownlee, David A  1 230
Brownlee, Ebenezer  630
Brownlee. Archibald  10S1
Brownlee, Mrs. Eliza  i'30
Brownlee, Harry H  1284
Brownlee, James  1230
Brownlee, Rev.JohnT.,D.l). 47
Brownlee, L. J  1080 ¦
Brownlee, N.O  1241
Brownlee, Thomas  1241
Brownson, Rev. James I.,
D.D.. LL. D  74
Bruce, Henry  794
Bruce, Thomas H  794
Bryson, Mrs. Isabel M  1320
Bryson, Joseph A  1320
Buchanan .Ebenezer  1241
Buchanan, James S  532
Buchanan, John  1 174
Buchanan, John F  1 1 74
Buchanan, R. C  1392
Buchanan, Samuel  1392
Buchanan, Thomas  532
Buchanan, W. H  1331
Buckingham, N. B  858
Buffington, Joseph  591
Buffington. Sethecia  501
Burgan. Theodore F  1088
Burig, Charles H  810
Burns, Alexander  464
Burns, W. R  1414
Butler Family  814
Butler, Ira M  814
Byers, Tsaac.  1123
Ryors, Robert Carr, M. D. . . 1123
Bvers, Theodore M  1131
Byers, Thomas  804

1480

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

PAfiE
Caesber, Jonathan, Jr  930
Cain, Henry  1042
Cain, Thomas  1455
Caldwell, Mrs . Agnes  1078
Caldwell, A. B  104
Caldwell, Mrs. Elizabeth B..1078
Caldwell, George L  107
Caldwell, George J  1078
Caldwell, James  1092
Caldwell, Joseph  1078
Caldwell, Robert S  1435
Caldwell, William  563
Cameron Family, The  1151
Cameron Bros  1151
Cameron, George M  1152
Cameron, John  1151
Campbell, Archibald  987
Campbell, Arthur  960
Campbell, George H  722
Campbell, George W  120
Campbell, Graham S  119
Campbell, Mrs. Jane  987
Campbell, Levi R  1114
Campbell, Capt. Samuel  987
Campbell, William Mason.. 404
Campbell, Wilson S  722
Campsey, David M  27G
Campsey, James, Sr  279
Campsey, James D  362
Carlile. John S  642
Carmack, S. C  394
Carroll, James  546
Carroll, Mrs. Jane  1447
Carroll, Robert  546
Carrons, Leslie  963
Carrons, Robert M  963
Carson, Alex. S  396
Carson, Cornelius  1316
Carson, Elgy S  12.89
Carson Family  1289, 1315
Carson, Isaac  1315
Carson, Jackson  396
Carson, John A  1289
Carson, Jerome G  1269
Carson, John 1  1098
Carson, John B  1448
Carson, Leman  849
Carson, Smith  1269
Carson, Samuel W  1326
Carson, Thomas  1268
Carson, Thomas G  395
Carson, Thomas II., M. D. . . 1434
Carter, Mrs. Ellen J  515
Carter, Jesse  1357
Carter, John  515
Carter, Samuel A  1357
Cary, D. M  1396
Cassidy, James  744
Cassidy, John  744
Castner, Samuel  1 loo
Chambers, Mrs. Anica  297
Chambers, Judge James C. 196
Chambers, James P  909
Chambers, John  ".  131
Chambers, John D  297
Chambers, William B  131
Chaney, James  800
Chaney, James M  800
Chapman, Alexander C  1203
Chapman, Henry  997
Chapman, Richard, Sr  997
Charlton, John P  205
Charlton, John H  1144
Charlton, Joseph G  1021
Charlton, Robert  1144
( 'harlton, Samuel M  114
Cherry, Aaron  133
Cherry, Edward  723
Cherry, Edward P  723
Cherry, William P  133
Chester, J.J  399
Chester, S. A  399
Chester, S. T  443
Christman, Enos L  266
Christman Family, The  26G
Christman, G. H.P., M. D.. 391
Christman, Jefferson  269
Christman Publishing Co... 266
Chubbic, Benjamin  581
Clark, David  175
Clark, Elizabeth  898
Clark, James  98
Clark, J. Add  1119
Clark, Hon. James Murray. 175
Clark, Johns  573
Clark, J. V  1328
Clark, Joseph M  1386
Clarke, Cornelius  180

r.\«E
Clarke, Hervey H  180
Clarke, John G  179
Clarke, Joseph, Sr  176
Clarke, Josebh  170
Claybaugh, L. T  1308
Cleaver, Nathan  878
Cleland Family, The  1349
Cleland, Robert  1350
Cleland, William  1350
Clemens, John C  1429
Clokey, James  590
Clokey, Joseph H  590
Clokey, Samuel  1188
Closser, Demas  1456
Closser, John  1456
Clutter, Daniel D  620
Clutter, John P  519
Clutter, Obadiah  929
Clutter, Samuel  G20
Coatsworth, Joseph  974
Coffey, Miss Annie  319
Coffey Family, The  319
Coffey, George  319'
Coffey, George W  1175
Coffield, John  1047
Coffield, Joshua  1047
Coleman, James H  337
Colvin, Abram  1219
Colvin, Stephen  1219
Colwell, Albert R  414
Colwell, Andrew  414
Condit, Jonas  1011
Condit, William C  1011
Conklin, Heniy M  1220
Conklin, Capt. John  797
Conklin, William Allison  797
Conn, George W  1350
Conn, Thomas  1350
Conner, John  535
Conner, Samuel  535
Connett, Isaac N  1033
Connett, James  1033
Conrad, George H  1010
Conrad, Henry  1010
Conrad, John  1255
Cook, Henry  736
Cook, John  1226
Cook, N. G  1229
Cook, S. H  1229
Cooke, James  857
Cooke, Xenophon  857
Cool, Christopher C  284
Cool, Gilbert  284
Cooley, Robert S  721
Cooper, Frederick  163
Cooper, Frederick W  510
Cooper, Henry C  363
Cooper, James  552
Cooper, John  ,1285
Cooper, John F  162
^/Cooper, Jonas  498
Cooper, Mu rray A  1091
Cooper, Philip A  499
Cooper, Samuel F  510
Cooper, Stephen  552
Cooper, Sylvanus  973
Cooper, William  1091
Coulson, Martin  097
Coulter, James  S27
Coulter, Bobert  876
Coulter, William  827
Courson, William T  1169
Coventry, Jarrett  1385
Coventry, John  712
Coventry, Wi lliam  712
Cowden Family  371
Cowden, Isaac P  990
Cowden, John  372
Cowden, Margaret  990
Cowden, Mark K  372
Cowden, Robert  372
Cowen, Samuel  1016
Cox, Noah  .....1104
Craft, David  450
Craft, John  1332
Craft, Samuel W  102G
Craft, William E  1332
Craft, William S  567
Craig, Hon. Alex K  69
Craig, Charles M  1044
Craig Family  1313
Craig, Hugh  1044
Craig, James  1310
Craig, Martin B  1313
Craig, Robert D  1234
Craig, Thomas B  8x2
Craig, William  1234
Crall, Isaacs  '.  481

TAOK
Cramer, J. Howard  211
Craven, Benjamin L  631
Craven, Frank  671
Cravin, W. C  286
Crawford, Andrew  639
Crawford, E. M. G  1124
Crawford, Free Gift  714
Crawford, James  1031
Crawford, Miss Mary  1031
Crawford, R.H  1264
Creswell, Robert  857
Creswell, Samuel  857
Criss, Mrs. Eliza J  229
Criss, Rittenhouse  229
Criswell, Robert W  21
Criswell, William  21
Crothers, S.J  1240
Crothers, William B  51
Crothers, W.F  1304
Crouch, Benedict  1310
Crouch, Isaac T  1310
Crouch , John  1388
Crouch, J.C  1253
Crouch, Robert  1253
Crouse, Mrs. Agnes L  988
Crouse, Matthew H  988
Crouse. Philip J  988
Crow, Clark  367
Crow. Lawrence  367
Crumrine, Abraham  1463
Crumrine, Boyd  201;
Crumrine, John Elwood  1470
Crumrine, John  1394
Crumrine, William  1394
Cubbage, John  886
Culbertson, Alexander J  893
Culley, John  1436
Culley, Joseph  691
Culley, Joseph S  691
Culley, Levi  143G
Cummins, A. W  470
Cundall, Edward G  450
Cunningham, George  1362
Cunningham, John  1197
Cunningham, Joseph R  405
Cunningham, Launeelot  1362
Curry, Joseph M  842
Curry, Philip  992
Dager, Isaac  11G4
Dague, Dewalt  1459
Dague, Elmer E  1459
Dague, Levi  1470
Dague, Thomas  1459
Dague, William H  1100
Danley, George  1401
Danley, John S  1401
Darragh, Archibald B  101 1
Darragh, Daniel  1012
Darrah, John P  327
Daugherty, Edward H  1358
Daugherty, Michael  544
Davis, Hamilton  1203
Davis, Mrs. Mary G  1203
Davis, Robert W., M. D. . ... . 129
Davis, Samuel  129
I >avis, William  576
Davis, W. H  1475
Dawson, James M  1129
Day, A. o  648
Day, Artemas  n-ls
Day, Bethuel  1453
Day, Mrs. Clarissa T  1454
Day, Daniel  579
Day, Daniel ( deceased)  1285
Day, Henry S  ...1203
Day, John  579
Day, John Miller  5G0
Day, James Theodore  785
Day, J. Wiley  1065
Day, Leroy W  1049
Day, Luther  785
Day, Minor H  551
Day. Mrs. Nancy  1285
Day, Stephen B  23
Deeds, Isaac J  531
Deems, Elmer K  570
Deems, George R  1188
Deems, John  1065
Deems, Mark  570
DeGarmo. William  1130
Denney, William, M. D  195
Dennison, E. H  442
Dennison, James S  442
Denniston, Samuel  827
Denniston, William  827
Denny, Josiah  1213
Denny, Walter  1036

TAG K
Denny, Wilson T  1213
Devore Alexander  399
Devore, E. L  399,
Devore, William  991
Dickei son, Joshua  1301
Dick' -son, William  1358
Dick" rson, William H  1358'
Dit-l'ie, John A  543
l)i'' .son, George  1G0
Dickson, James G., M. D... . 156
Dickson, Joseph M  304
Dickson, William  1G0
Dickson, William A  1204
Dille, Daniel  1437
Dille, Jesse M  588
Dille, Lewis  588
Dinsmore, James  568
Dinsmore. William M  50
Dinsmore, William W  568
Dodd , Cephas  109
Dodd, Dr. E. F  108
Dodd, Rev. Thaddeus  108
Dodd, Thaddeus  717
Dodd, W. L..M. D  718
Dodd, Dr. William S  717
Dodds, John  435
Dodds, R. W  435
Donahey Family  854
Donahey, Samuel  914
Donaldson, Andrew  559
Donaldson, Andrew B  876
Donaldson Family  sso
Donaldson, Jacob  356
Donaldson, Jacob M  803
Donaldson, James  389
Donaldson, J. B  923
Donaldson, Dr. John B  175
Donaldson, John M  389
Donaldson, J. M. K  356
Donaldson, J. W  1254
Donaldson , Robert S  804
Donaldson, William  S7G
Donaldson, 1 )r. W. B  9( 9
Donley, David Y  579
Donley, Samuel B  915
Donley, William  915
Dorsey, George  741
Dorsey, James  741
Dougherty, George A..M.D. 981
Driehorst, Charles L., Sr... 324
Dunbar, James (Smith Tp.) 1099
Dunbar, James (Robinson). 1278
Dunbar, John.  1278
Dunbar, Mrs. Margaret  1099
Dunbar, William  1158
Duncan, Daniel  9S9
Duncan, Mrs. Eleanor M... 291
Duncan, John  989
Duncan, T. Jefferson  286
Dunlap, E. N  82
Dunlevy, Andrew  1309
Dunlevy, Jehu  1309
Dunn, A. II  1093
Dunn, Daniel  lo»2
Dunn, Grace  1131
Dunn, Isaac  836
Dunn, James  1397
Dunn, John M  1370
1 )unn, Joseph  1370
Dunn, Morgan L  836
Dunn, Samuel  1131
Dunn, William L  1397
Duvall.A. B  1214
Duvall Family  1214, 1357
Duvall, George W  1226
Duvall, Jacob  491
Duvall, James M  1357
Duvall, Jefferson P  488
Duvall, John  1226
Duvall, Louis  502
Ealy, George. W  764
Ealy, John  764
Ealy, John N  764
Ealy, Jonathan  1386
Ealy, Martin  1361
Ealy, Mrs. Nancy  1361
Earnest, Henry  1442
Eberman  1 1 22
Eberman, George M  1 122
Eberman, John S  1122
Elliott, Abram  432
Elliott, William  1108
Elliott, William J  1108
Ellwood, Thomas W  454
Elwood, Robert J  1410
Elwood. William  1410
Ely, Jonas, M. D  213

INDEX.

TAG 1?
Emery, Boyd (deceased).... 5S1
Emery, Boyd (Amwell)  597
Emery, Boyd A., M. D  1351
Emery, E. G  581
Emery, Robert  590
England, Amon  1087
England, Samuel  1087
Engle, Wilbert  783
Enlow, Abraham  1279
Enlow, John M  1279
Espey, J. S  453
Espy, George M  1442
Ewing, Hon. John Hoge  44
Ewing, Samuel B  47
Ewing, William  121
Exline, Mrs. Sarah A  631
Farabee, Benjamin  1038
Farley Family, The  724
.Farley, James  727
Farley, Mrs. Jane  724
Farley, William  727
Farrar Family, The  819
Fee, David Hamilton  53
Fee, John  727
Fee, William  727
Fee, William H  53
Fergus, Samuel P  311
Fergus, Thomas  733
Ferguson, Adam s  H6S
Ferguson, James H  1120
Ferguson, John  815
Ferguson, John W  815
Ferguson, William  64
Finley Family  9»7
• Finley, Dr. F.M  346
Finley, John  246
Finley, John A  907
Finley, Hon. John B  246
Finley, Levi  349
Fitzwilliam, Richard M  1232
Flack Family  848
Flack, John  848
Flack, John A  45s
Flack, Salem  80G
Flick, Daniel  243
Flick, William B  243
Ford, Andrew J  317
Forgie, William  1471
Forrest, George  144
Forrest, J. R  145
Forrest, Richard R  145
Forrest, Robert R  144
Forsyth , Thomas  547
Forsythe, Jame - S  980
Frazee, Andrew S  992
Frazee, Col. David  815
Frazee, Demas M  992
Frazee, John A  815
Frazier, Alexander  493
Frazier, Andrew  1374
Frazier, William H  1374
French, Enoch  1053
French, John C  582
Freshwater, John  410
Fry, Smith  1242
Frye, Abraham  1082
Frye, John  1088
' Frye, Reazen  1445
Frye.RobertB  602
Frye, Samuel  1082
Frye, West  503
Fulton Bros  809
Fulton, David M  1113
Fulton, David S  706
Fulton Family  809
Fulton, John  706
Fulton, John M  392
Fulton, Robert J  150
Fulton, Samuel G  1460
Fulton, W.P  406
Furlong. E. C  1315
Furnier Family, The  1093
Furnier, David  1094
Furnier, Henry.  1094
Furnier, Miss Tine  1093
<»abby, Frank M  947
Gabby, William  780
Gabby, William A  786
Galbraith, Alexander W. . . .1376
Galbraith, Samuel  922
Galbraith, William  922
Galbraith, W. K  1477
Galley, JohnS  1053
Gamble Family  1427
Gamble, H. J., M. D  1425
Gardner, David  765

I'AOK
Gardner, Mrs. Elizabeth  765
Gardner, John, Sr  898
Gardner, John  898
Garrett, Cephas  140S
Garrett, John  686
Garrett, Samuel  658
Gaston, Maj. James M  835
Gaston, William L  835
Gault, Alexander  1 3S1
Gault, Andrew Russel]  913
Gault, David  106O
Gault, David W  931
Gault, James  1000
Gault, John A  913
Gayman, G. G  1255
Gee's Sons, R. M  683
Gee, Charles W  084
Gee, Samuel M  684
Gee, William M  684
George, John  326
George. John J  1027
George, Samuel  799
George, William M  326
Ghrist, Samuel J  1218
Gibson, Jacob  1443
Giffin, Andrew  1210
Giffin, J.W  1210
Gilfillan. William, M. D  580
Gillespie, John  769
Gillespie, Airs. Nancy  769
Gillespie, Airs. Sarali E  765
Gillespie, W. J  765
Gilliland, Adams  714
Gilmore, Noah F  1 153
Gladden, J. R  1298
Gladden, Joseph  1298
Gladden, Richard.  1210
Gladdeu, AVilliam  1210
Glass, Hugh M  443
Glenn, David  538
Gordon Family  1335
Gordon, John  1.135
Gourley, John  770
Gourley, Robert  770
Gow, John Loudon  36
Gow, Miss Mary M  36
Gowern Bros  1308
Gowern, Robert F  1308
Gowern, William J  1308
Grable, John M  337
Grable, Mary Ann  965
Graham, Hon. Geo. S., M. D. 185
Graham, Henry  185
Graham, John  938
Graham, Robert  938
Grant, Mrs. Eliza  1441
Grant, Noah  1441
Grayson Family, The  101
Grayson, Nathaniel  101
Grayson, Thomas W  101
Grayson, Wray  101
Greenlee, Benjamin F  904
Greenlee, Lewis  1407
Greer Family  8G5
Greer; M. T  1005
Greer, Robert  1005
Gregg, Aaron T  485
Gregg, Andrew  1173
Gregg, A.J  1262
Gregg, Miss Ella M  841
Gregg Family  841
Gregg, Henry  595
Gregg, John  538
Gregg, J. H  1173
Gregg, R. W  514
Gregg, William  1475
Gregg, W.H  595
Gregg, William S  1267
Grier, James  545
Griffith, Addison A  1457
Griffith, Elmor H  415
Griffith, Isaac  1326
Griffith, Jacob  415
Griffith, John M  1326
Griffith, Levi  1457
Grimes, Andrew J  1362
Grimes, Isaac  1230
Grimes, Thomas  925
Grimes, William  925
Grimes, W. C  849
Grimes, William S  1230
Gundlach, William H  021)
Gunn, Alexander A  463
Gunn, John  463
Hackaress, Michael  929
Hagerty, David  887
Hagerty, Joseph  887

i-age
Hagerty, R. AV  1404
Haggarty, Robert  1120
Haggarty, Samuel  1120
Hairier, Jared >  904
Hainer, John B  964
Hair, Abraham  93x
Haley, Silas  1154
Hallam Family  384
Hallam, Finley I!  384
Hallam, John W  386
Hallam, Robert H  386
Hamiltons of Ginger Hill... go
Hamilton, James  537
Hamilton, James B  1077
Hamilton, James R  1190
Hamilton, John  G3
Hamilton, John H  1190
Hamilton, Park .1  1190
Hamilton, R. D  13G9
Hamilton, Thomas G  513
Hamilton, AVilliam F., D.D. . 03
Hanlin Family...  1110
Hanlin. A. M  412
Hanlin, Francis  215
Hanlin, William  1110
Hanna, Hugh, M. D  945
Hanna, James  1113G
Hanna, J. G  373
Hanna, John V  1042
Happer, Maj. Andrew G  22
Happer, John A  503
Happer, Mrs. Violet G  503
Harbison, Massy  128
Harding, Vachel  10
Hare, Timothy  283
Harrison, George W  712
Harrison , Joseph  966
Harrison, Mrs. Margaret A. 712
Hart, Brit  170
Hart, Dunning  106
Hart, George Scott  13
Hart, James Gibson  166
Harvey, John C  1441
Hastings, John C  276'
Hastings, William P  276
Hathaway, A.N.....'  953
Hathaway, Jacob  953
Hawkins, Col. Alexander L.. S83
Hawkins, Elijah  1217
Hawkins, Joseph  1217
Hawkins, Joseph H  1473
Hawkins, Robert  378
Hawkins, Mrs. Sarah D  1472
Hawkins, Theophilus  938
Hawkins, W. N  383
Hayburn, Joseph  1188
Hayes, Morgan  253
Hayes, Sheldon B  569
Hays, Abia M  657
Hays, Alexander S  855
Hays Family  G92
Hays, George W  305
Hays, James S  589
Hays, John  695
Hays, John B  1276
Hays, Moses  589
Hazlett, Robert  102
Hazlett, Samuel  553
Hazlett, William  553
Hazzard , Col. Chillion W . . . . 161
Hemphill, James T  641
Henderson, James L  770
Henderson, Joseph  769
Henderson, J. R  551
Henderson, Rev. Matthew. 194
Henry, A. L  876
Henry Family  948
Henry, Joseph N  497
Henry, Lewis A  501
Henry, Robert D  948
Herron, Capt. David B  121
Herron, James (E.Pike Run)1292
Herron, James (N.Strabane) 240
Herron, John  1375
Herron, Joseph  1210
Herron, Joseph A  121
Herron. Robert  1209
Hertig, Sylvester  1231
Hertzog, Prof. G. G  244
Hervey, James M  1352
Heslep Family, The  872
Heslep, Thomas  220
Heslep, W. R  872
Hess, A. J  1190
Hickman, Benjamin  1286
Hickman, James P  1286
Higbee, David  438
Higbee, Obadiah  441

1481

PAGE
Higbee, O. C  441
Hildebrand, Eli H  707
Hildebrand, H. AV  1055
Hildebrand, Michael  707
Hill, Demas L  742
Hill, Gideon  1379
Hill, James J  742
Hill, John  700
Hill, John H  759
Hill, John W  743
Hill, Joseph  523
Hill.RobertH  743
Hill, William H  523
Hilton, Thomas F  838
Hindman, John  935
Hindman, Samuel  932
Hindman, Thomas A  753
Hixon, Jame*  721
Hixon, Thomas B  720
Hodgens, Isaac  7K5
Hodgens, James  816
Hodgens, James ; W  1459
Hodgens, Thomas  81G
Hoffman, John J  1079
Hoge, Mordecai  94
Holmes, George Y  309
Holmes, James  0. 753
Holmes, Robert C  753
Hood, James  141G
Hood, Mrs. Margaret  1416
Hootman, Anderson  959
Hootman, Christian  411
Hootman, David  411
Hootman. Robert (.'  1295
Hopkins Family, The  32
Hopper, Arthur J  1289
Horn, Christopher  002
Horn, Isaac  1454
Horn, Jacob  1454
Horn, John  602
Horn, AVilliam M  1429
Horner, Hiram  1086
Horner, William G  1452
Houston Family  164
Houston, Isaac  837
Houston, S. H  837
Houston, William B  161
Howarth, Joseph  697
Howden, John  1108
Howe, James  945
Howe, James J  945
Huggins, Butler  1066
Hughes, Barnabas  510
Hughes, James M  510
Hughes, James W  648
Hughes, John  1126
Hughes, John H  586
Hughes, Samuel  466
Hughes, Samuel L  510
Hughes, Thomas McK  510
Hughes, Workman  466
Hughes, Workman, Jr  510
Hunter Family  1166
Hunter, John A  1332
Hunter, James  1006
Hunter, James J  1006
Hunter, Joseph S  240
Hunter, Mrs. Thomas C. .. 52
Hunter, Thomas C  52
Hunter, William W  HOC
Huston, Alexander H  1396
Huston, Hugh  1396
Huston, James D  1208
Huston, Joseph.,  1208
Hutchison, James  763
Hutchison, AVilliam M  763
lams, William  698
Imhoff, Samuel C  833
Irvin, James  265
Irvin, John  265
Irwin, David  1198
Irwin Family  1426
Irwin, Robert W  308
Irwin, Thomas W  1428
Irwin, William C  1198
Irwin, William P  1471
Jackman, Bernard C  746
Jackman, Mrs. Jemima  668
Jackman, John  740
J ackman, Joshua  668
Jackman, Robert  799
Jackman, S. T  752
Jackman, Simeon  752
Jackman, William W  799
Jackson, Andrew  1438
Jackson Family  1438

1482

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

PAGE
Jackson, J. Dallas  296
Jackson, Joseph E  916
Jackson, W. W  1185
Jeffrey, Joseph P  1452
Jeffries, Amor . . ,  1302
Jeffries, Anderson  1302
Jeffries Family  1302
Jeffries, Benjamin F  1283
Jeffries, Joseph J  1283
Jennings, Rev. S. C  155
Johnson, J ohn G  559
Johnson-Lee Genealogy  219
Johnson, Parker S  1344
Johnson, R. V  216
Johnston, James (Cecil)  1169
Johnston, James(Wash'ton) 537
Johnston, Robert  1211
Johnston, Wllliafn J  1081
Jones Family  143, 1380
Jones, Ellis  1418
Jones, Frank W  1407
Jones, George" 0  273
Jones, Henry W  624
Jones, James  12.39
Jones, W. H  492
Jones, William H  338
Kahl, J. B  601
Kammerer, Frank G  1000
Kammerer, John  592
Kammerer, Joseph  592
Kammerer. Martin  931
Kammerer, William S  999
Keenan, Henry  544
Keenan, William  1451
Keenan, William W  544
Keeny, Henry M  1316
Keller, Emanuel W  1004
Kelly, James  031
Kelso Family  575
Kelso, George  946
Kelso, J. R  575
Kelso, Mark B  1451
Kelso, William J  944
Kennedy, James B  203
Kennedy, John F  1328
Kennedy, Samuel  1328
Kenney, Rev. James  1453
Kerr, Aaron H  542
Kerr, Andrew  1413
Kerr, Andrew W  303
Kerr, David  579
Kerr, Isaac Hampton  536
Kerr, Mrs. Jane (Lee)  536
Kerr, Josiah  1437
Kerr, Robert and Hannah . . 1414
Kerr, William  1413
Keys, Mrs Delila  743
Keys, Enoch  1463
Keys, James  595
Keys, John  821
Keys, Joseph  595
Keys, Mrs. Mary  821
Keys, Parker  744
Keys, Rachel  1463
Keys, R. S. II., M. D  390
Kidd, David  1328
Kidd, Mrs. Eliza Jane  1327
Kimmons, A. W  265
Kimmons, Samuel  26B
Kinder, C. L  1159
Kinder, George  1102
Kinder, Harvey II  590
Kinder, Louis  915
Kinder, Mrs. Nancy  915
Kinder, Valentine  590
King, Mrs. Elizabeth  689
King, Hugh  689
King, Margaret  689
King, William  689
King, William Calvin  43
King, Zetta  689
Kirk, George A  1270
Kirk, Col. James T  1209
Knox, John (Claysville)  587
Knox, John (deceasod)  449
Knox, Robert  880
Knox, William  449
Krepps, M. S  1157
Kuntz, James W  281
Kuntz, Michael G  223
Lacock, Ira  941
Lacock, Tra L  941
Lacock, John V  1152
Lacock, Samuel A., M. D...1009
La Fever Family..,  1427
Laird, John.,.,,  1320

PAGE
Lamb, Henry H  631
Landefeld, Henry  1358
Lawrence, G. V  94
Lawrence, Joseph  97
Lawther, J. P  686
Lawton, Arnold  904
Lawton, Cameron W  907
Lawton , John  686
Lawton, Mrs. Margaret  686
Lawton, Mrs. Mary  907
Leadbeter, Isaac  526
Lee, Hugh  536
Lee, Hugh, Jr  1322
Lee, Mrs. Jane Ann  1321
Lee, John  820
Lee, William S  S20
Leech, James  897
Leech, Joseph P  1440
Leech,, Pressly  894
Leet Family  1424
Leggett, Abraham  769
Legler, Jacob  1369
Le Moyne, Dr. Francis J  7
Leonard, John  794
Leonard, John R  794
Leonard, William  970
Lester, Rev. William H  180
Letherman, John  350
Letherman, John A.. M. D.. 350
Lewis, David H.,M. D  80
Leyda, George  504
Leyda, Harrison  1076
Leyda, Helon B  504
Leyda, Henry  1076
Libbey, William B  690
Liggett, Charlton M  892
Liggett Family  1016
Liggett, John S  1398
Liggett, Lewis S  1019
Liggett, Marion A  1019
Liggett, Thomas  1398
Liggett, Thomas M  14M
Liggett. William  1016
Lilley, E.N  397
Lilley, Mrs. Kate  397
Lilley, Thomas  397
Lindley, B. C. . ./*  565
Lindley, Demas  982
Lindley, Harvey  508
Lindley, Levi  508
Lindley, Mrs. Levina  982
Lindley, Philip  1137
Lindley, Samuel B  1137
Linn, Aaron  1160
Linn, Alonzo  202
Linn, George A„ M. D  118
Linn, Lewis  1160
Linn, Matthew  1064
Linn, Samuel  1064
Linton Family, The  41
Linton, Edwin  42
Linton, Mahlon  42
Linton, Oliver M  253
LinviUe, Peter  1175
LinviUe. Wilson  1175
Litle, Alexander H  32
Litle, Robert  500
Litle, William  500
Little, Edward  150
Little, J.A  456
Little, Joseph H„ M. I)  1135
Little, Moses  1135
Lockhart, George E  1121
Lofink, John C  713
Logan. Samuel  1418
Long, George Jefferson  413
Long, James E., M. D  1109
Long, William  282
Long.W.K  282
Luellen, George W  1327
Luellen, Henrv  1327
Lusk, James II  1114
Lyle, Aaron  48
Lyle, James Jefferson  48
Lyon, Benjamin  255
Lyon, O. F  254
Lyon, Thomas H  645
Lyon, William  645
Lvtle, Isaac  953
Lytle, Isaac N  1420
McAdam, D.J  02G
McAdoo, John  1085
McBride, Daniel S  1443
McBride, Daniel W  1443
McBride, James  1292
McBride, JohnB  SCO
McBride, John C  ,,..1292

PAGE
McBurney Family  71
McBurney, 'Ebenezer  12
McBurney, Ezra  73
McBurney, James  71
McBurney, James .M  12
McBurney, John  514
McBurney, J. R  72
McCabe, John  871
McCabe, Joseph E  871
McCalmont, Alexander  1285
McCalmont, James P  522
McCalmont, John  1223
McCalmont, John A  1223
McCalmont, John H  522
McCalmont, S. A  521
McCarrell, David M., M. D. 719
McCarrell, Lodowick  245
McCarrell, Thomas  364
McCarty Brothers  988
McCarty, John  988
McCarty, Thomas D  988
McCasland, William  458
McClain, John  576
McClain, Samuel C  576
McClain, William N  981
McClay, David, Sr  630
McClay, David, Jr  575
McClay, John  920
McClay, J. F  030
McClay, Mrs. Martha J  575
McClay, Robert H  652
McClay, Samuel  858
McClay, William A  1382
McCleary, Lewis C  1408
McCleary, William  193
McCleary, William L  192
McCleery, Alexander  400
McCleery, James  1169
McClelland Family  1109
McClelland, Hans  509
McClelland, H. F  .1110
McClelland, J. C  1352
McClelland, Mrs. Mary E.. . 509
McClelland, P. M  1110
McClelland, Thomas  1207
McClelland, Thomas J  509
McClure, David  960
McClurg Family  888
McClurg, R. W  888
McCluskey. Rev. John, D.D. 151
Metiollum, William C  551
McConaughy , Alexander  642
McConaughy. Matthew  642
McConnel, Alexander  1246
McConnell, Alexander  1209
McConnell, E. W. . .•  859
McConnell, Matthew  1022
McConnell, Matthew F  1273
McConnell, Mrs. S. A  1273
McConnell, Samuel M  1022
McConnell. William  1176
McCorkle, John  1049
McCorkle, Marv II  1049
McCorkle, Thomas B  559
McCorkle, William B  327
McCormick, James  1254
McCormick, John  822
McCormick, John G  822
McCormick, Leander  1254
McCoy, Alexander C  570
McCoy, Mrs. Belle  702
McCoy, Daniel  1021
McCoy.John  1021
McCoy, Kenneth  970
McCoy. Samuel  702
McCracken. Archibald  1303
McCracken Family, The  302
McCracken, Jonas C  1303
McCracken, M. L. A  302
McCready, Alexander  1132
McCready, Joseph  G29
McCready, Mrs. Margaret.. 626
McCready, Robert  1132
McCready, William  629
McCreight, Smith  475
McCrerey, William  881
McCrory, John  1307
McCrory. Lewis F  1 307
McCullough, David  329
McCullough, George M. ... 701
McCullough, Dr. J . C  329
McCullough, John  991
McCullough, Robert S  991
McCullough. W. Mc  507
McCutchen, Hugh  1189
McCutchen, James S  1189
McDonald, Andrew  1476
McpopaUI, Edward  127

PAGE
McDonald, George  233
McDonald, Rev. George  233
McDonald, James  972
McDonald, John  124
McDonald, John J. C  972
McDonald , John N  124
McDonald, K. Noble  972
McDonald, Rev. John Mc
Clusky  235
McDonnell, Patrick M  480
McDonnell, David  480
McDonough, Henry (dec'd.) 479
McDonough, Henry  032
McDonough, Henry H.,M'.D 479
McDonough , Thomas  1057
McDowell, Hugh,  1218
McDowell, Jacob  1262
McDowell, Jacob F  1232
McDowell, James  1232
McDowell, James W  304
McDowell, John  306
McDowell, Joseph  1261
McDowell, Thomas  1261
McElhaney, W. M  1403
McElwee, John  760
McFarland, Mrs. Margaret. 957
McFarland. Samuel  957
McGahey, Lizzie  683
McGahey, Thomas (dec'd.). 680
McGahey, Thomas  683
McGiffin, James Q  110
McGiffin, Nathaniel  110
McGough, J.L  405
McGough, Robert  405
McGowan, Thomas  936
McGowan, James  548
McGowen, James H  548
Mcllvain, Charles G  282
Mcllvain, Greer  1132
McTlvain, Robert C  1 148
Mcllvaine. James  64
Mcllvaine, James A  629
Mcllvaine, Hon. John A. . . . 226
Mcllvaine, John M  436
McTlvaine, Winfield  201
McKean, A. C  877
McKean, John A., M. D.... 843
McKean, John C  634
McKean, Robert  1070
McKean. Thomas  236
McKee, Mrs. Catherine  1077
McKee, Hugh  1077
McKee, James  1233
McKee. John  1233
McKee, Rev . William R  828
McKennan, John T  507
McKennan, Thomas, M. D.. 14
McKennan, Hon. Thomas
M. T  14, 100
McKennan, Judge William. 99
McKennan, William  99
McKennan, William B  507
McKeown, J. A  1070
McKinley, Alexander  980
McKinley.F.B  980
McKnight, H. 0  1207
McKnight, Joseph  1335
McLain, Joseph R  210
McLain, William  210
McLean, Squire Henry B  224
McMannis, Greer  999
McMannis, John  1246
McMillan, John K  788
McMillan, Robert  1 141
McMurray, Frederick  1302
McMurray, Henry B  1054
McMurray, Hervey  1064
McMurray, James  1302
McMurray, James H  1063
McMurray, James M  975
McMurray, John  ¦  975
McMurray, Lettice  1454
McNary Bros.  1291
McNary, Boyd  1291
McNary, David  82
McNarv, David E  729
McNary Family, The  81
McNary, James (founder of
family)  81
McNary. James (son of
James)  82
McNary, John  81
McNary, J. C  335
McNary, J. D  844
McNary, J. R  81
McNary, James S  330
McNary, John  330
McNary, Robert C  lOfjl)

INDEX.

1483

., ., PAGE
McNary, Samuel  541
McNary, Thomas  82
McNary.W.H  335
McNary, W.J  843
McNary, William M  11O8
MoNeal, Robert  751
McPeak, James  1173
McPeak, William  1173
McPeake Bros., The  loso
McPherson, Daniel  1397
McPherson, John  13G2
McPherson, William  1397
McRoberts, Charlos  783
McVay, Demas L  1075
McVey Family  250
McWilliams, Jonathan  552
Maldoon, John  1369
Manes Family  1368
Manes, John P  1368
Manes, Joseph V  520
Manifold, Robert  1364
Manown, James  ,  225
Margerum, J. Shan  305
Marks. Samuel A  822
Marquis, Rev. John S„ D. 1). 182
Marquis, James T  921
Marquis, Rev. Thomas  183
Marsh. Col. L. M  113
Marshall, Miss Ann C  900
Marshall Famh.ly  900
Marshall, Hugh  1393
Marshall, James  1393
Marshall, Thomas  901
Martin Bros  1191
Martin Family, The (Han
over)  1048
Martin Family, The (North
Strabane)  1191
Martin, James  1187
Martin, John G  1012
Martin, John 1  673
Martin, Joseph  G73
Martin, Matthew  1191
Martin, Morgan  1019
Martin, Peter (deceased) ... 328
Martin, Peter (Chartiers) ... 730
Martin, Rebecca  1049
Martin, Samuel  13
Martin, Samuel T  844
Martin, William (Canonsb'g) 12
Martin, William (Smith Tp.) 404
Martin, William H  328
Martin, William Henry  1191
Martin, Zephaniah  1019
Martindell, Thomas  35
Mathews, Mrs. Frances P. . .1196
Mathews, Marshal  1072
Mathews, William J  1196
Matthews, James  813
Matthews, James C  813
Maurer. J. Morgan, M. D. . . 192
Maxwell, James  51
Maxwell, Rev. Jas. M., D.D. 151
Maxwell Samuel  150
Mealy, A. A  368
Mealv. George  368
Mehaffey, John  788
Mehaffey, J. B  870
Mehaffey, Mrs. Martha  783
Mehaffey, Mitchell  783
Mehaffey, Robert (Sr.)  788
Mehaffey, Robert (Jr.)  870
Meloney. James M  1126
Meloy, Josiah  946
Melvin, Samuel J  1234
Melvin, William  1234
Mercer, Mrs. M.B  1274
Mercer, M. B  1274
Mercer, William  1274
Mesta, Henry  708
Metcalf. John  1058
Miles, Mrs. Caroline  1213
Miles, Elijah  1213
Miller, Mrs. Agnes  229
Miller, Andrew  1203
Miller, A. W  834
Miller, Calvin L  805
Miller, Christopher  805
Miller, Clinton L  810
Miller, Mrs. Elizabeth J  538
Miller, George H., M. D  722
Miller, George M  1279
Miller. George W  1461
Miller, Jacob (Washington). 1138
Miller, Jacob (Chartiers).. .1248
Miller, James (deceased) ... 229
Miller, JamesfMt. Pleasant). 994
Miller, J, Martin,..,  773

PAGE
Miller, Jolyr M  230
Miller, Joseph  832
Miller, J ullus P  235
Miller, Robert W  538
Miller, Stephen D  832
Miller .Thomas (Canonsburg) 770
Miller, Thomas (deceased).. 870
Miller, William  slo
Milne, William L  10
Minton, Dr. Bradley  134
Minton, George W  149
Minton, Mrs. Margaret  455
Minton, Matthias  455
Minton, Philip  1170
Minton, Philip A  1170
Mitchell, Isaac W  191
Mitchell, James K  Ill
Mitchell, W. II  878
Moffitt, James  1316
Moffitt, John T  131G
Mollenauer, A. E  1153
Moninger Family  708
Moninger, Grant  1477
Moninger, Henry  783
Moninger, Jacob  708
Monimrer, Onias  047
Montgomery, A.J  149
Montgomery, Hugh  730
Montgomery, James B  730
Montgomery, Mrs. Matilda. 149
Montgomery, Silas  733
Montgomery, Hon. William. 146
Moody, John  554
Moore, James  718
Moore, John  1147
Moore, J. M., M. D  1131
Moore, J. S  1147
Moore, William S  718
Moorhead, Samuel  314
Moorhead, W. B  314
Morgan, Billingsley  865
Morgan, George  221
Morgan, Jennie A  865
Morgan, John  564
Morgan, John C  '.  720
Morgan, L. M  564
Morgan, L. W  476
Morgan, William P  1314
Morris, Emery  t. . . 856
Morris, Mrs. Sarah Belle.... 856
Morrison, Andrew Porter... 142
Morrison, Benjamin P  1280
Morrison Family, The  141
Morrison, Guyon  658
Morrison, Henry  1164
Morrison, James  640
Morrison, Dr. John  666
Morrison, John  887
Morrison, Joseph Scott  142
Morrison, Dr. M. P  142
Morrison, P. M  1280
Morrison. William H  887
Morrow, Albert  680
Morrow, Cyrus  312
Morrow, David  1400
Morrow, George  312
Morrow, John C  1462
Morrow, John M  1473
Morrow, William  1460
Mounts, Adam  1055
Mounts, Isaac C  935
Mounts, James A  744
Mounts, James S  497
Mounts, Joseph  497
Mounts, Mathias  047
Mounts, Richard  1430
Mounts, Richard M  1430
Mounts, William (Cecil)  647
Mounts,William(WolfFarm)1055 Mounts, William H  935
Mowry, Daniel B  752
Munce, Robert J.. M. D  G53
Munce. William J  1130
Munnel, Samuel  1435
Munnell, John  032
Munnell, Robert W  G32
Munnell. Samuel  032
Murdoch Family, The  132
Murray  199
Murray, George  615
Murray, J. II  283
Murray, J. W  200
Murray, William M  200
Musser. Prof. W. J  83
Myers, David  1 107
Myers, D. W  G80
Myers, Jerry  1196
Myers, Stephen  ,  680

PAGE
Neel, James  364
Neel, Mrs. Nancy  367
Neely, James  685
Neely, John  673
Neely, Nathaniel  soo
Neill , James McCormick  1005
Neill, Reynolds Christy  1005
Nelson, Jamos  990
Nelson, William  1433
Nesbit, John W  1335
Nesbit, Jonathan  1335
Nesbit, R.D  1478
Nesbitt, John  5xn
Nesbitt, John A  5X5
Nichol, Thomas  1152
Nichol, Thomas J  1152
Nicholl, John S  481
Nicholls, Jesse  14(18
Nicholson, John F  837
Nicholson, William M  837
Noble Family  776
Noble, Henry C  779
Noble, James  779
Noble, John S   783
Noble, J. T  1466
Noble. John W  780
Noble, Lawrence  509
Noble, Robert  779
Noble, S. A  7S0
Noble, T. C  14G4
Noble, T. Clark  1466
Noble, William R  780
Noble, Wishart S  780
O'Connor, Charles  469
O'Connor, John  4G9
Osburn, George W  1256
Osburn, James  894
Osburn, Robert C  894
Owen, Elias D  1186
Owings, Wesley L  1163
Painter, Mrs. Byron  444
Parcel, Stephen  959
Parcel. William  958
Park Family, John  285
Park Family. Samuel  1413
Park.JamesM  1413
Park, Robert L  432
Parkison, A. R  1356
Parkison Family  1355
Patch, Isaac C  1195
Patten, N. N., M. D  162
Patterson, Amos  976
Patterson, Alexander G  646
Patterson , Ezra  1334
Patterson, Harrison  154
Patterson, Hugh  326
Patterson, James (deceased) 773
Patterson, James  1201
Patterson, James L  460
Patterson, James T  773
Patterson, James W  109
Patterson, J. A.. M. D  154
Patterson, John S  431
Patterson , Joseph  806
Patterson, Josiah  400
Patterson, Lvsander  860
Patterson, Richard  800
Patterson , Robert B  306
Patterson, Robert  1151
Patterson, Robert F  1 1 51
Patterson, "Robert M  757
Patterson, Samuel  619
Patterson, Gen. Thomas  494
Patterson, T. M  494
Patterson, Thomas M  1129
Patterson, William (Cross
Creek)  431
Patterson, William (Inde
pendence)  1251
Patterson, William (Cecil) .. 1334
Patterson. William A  263
Patterson. Zacheus  993
Pattison, Thomas  53
Paul, Huston  352
Paul, William  355
Paul, William W  1277
Paxton, John  231
Paxton, John G  734
Paxton, Thomas  734
Paxton. William H  231
Pees, Nicholas  1028
Pees, William  1028
Peese, Andrew J  677
Peese, Zacharias  678
Pepper. Thomas  1091
Pershing, Frances . , . ,  J075

PAGE
Pershing, Lewis  1075
Pettit, Thomas  53G
Philips, Rev. David  784
Philips, E. E  1120
Philips, Isaac  587
Philips, Joseph II  587
Philips, William M  7x4
Phillips, Capt. Robert  114(1
Phillips, Solomon  1351
Phillips. W. H.,M. D  1351
Phillis Family  G72
Phillis, Jacob B  G72
Piper, Cary  1314
Pittman, Charles  !09x
Plants, Christian  1400
Plants, George  1469
Plymire, A. G  54G
Plymire, Joshua  546
Pogue, George W  1154
Pogue, John  1154
Pogue. John G  241
Pollock Family  604
Pollock, A.Clark  614
Pollock, Alexander W  705
Pollock, Isaac V  909
Pollock, James diet-eased). 705
Pollock, James(N.Strabanc) 615
Pollock, James O  1403
Pollock, James W  609
Pollock, John McN  610
Pollock, John  908
Pollock, Oliver C  613
Pollock, William B  613
Poole. Arthur A  692
Porter, J. G  1444
Porter. L. M  298
Porter, William  909
Porter. William L  942
Post, Munson  221
Post, Mrs. Rebecca  221
Post, Stephen  1116
Potts. T. Maxwell  194
Powell, Mrs. Nancy  1065
Prall, Colin R  1362
Prall. Mrs. Jane B  93
Prall. John  93
Preble, Henry  297
Preston, Bernard  1248
Preston. Clark  1248
Price, Silas  1386
Price, William W  352
Prigs, Enoch D  1037
Prigg, James  1037
Prigg, Samuel  1037
Prigg. William  1325
Proudfit, Andrew J  994
Proudfit, John  504
Proudfit, John L  504
Proudfit, John P  774
Proudfit, Mrs. N. D  504
Proudfit, William  1 1 68
Provines, Andrew(Hanover) 835
Provines, Andrew (Jeff 'son). 745
Provines, James ...»  406
Provines, John  ssr>
Provines, Samuel  835
Pry, Abraham. Jr  1321
Pry Family. The  1321
Pry, David M  1"53
Prv, John  sos
Pry, John W  910
Pry, William H  597
Rabe, Hiram  1417
Rainey, Harmon H  450
Ralston , Thomas H  GG7
Ralston. William F  1 093
Ramsey, Benjamin  1387
Ramsev, Reuben  951
Ramsey, Robert  1072
Pamsey. Thomas  1072
Ramsev. William C  948
Rankin Family  620
Rankin, James -(Mt. Plea.s't) 624
Rankin, James (deceased). 1416
Rankin. J. E  1440
Rankin, John L  62a
Rankin, Mrs. Martha  1415
Rankin, Martin  1273
Rankin, William  623
Ra y, James E  1 1 87
Rea, J. V  491
Pea, William  491
Rea. William M  1180
Redd, Mrs. Elmira  702
Redd. John H  1402
Redd, Thomas C  702
Reed, Alexander  , . . 189,

1484

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

r.VGE
Reed, Colin M  1S9
Reed Family  8S2
Reed, George M  1016
Reed, James (Canonsburg) . 696
Reed, James (E. Finley)  G35
Reed, James M. K  822
Reed, John (deceased)  1015
Reed, John (Hopewell)  1303
Reed, John (W. Alexander). 635
Reed, John W....«  598
Reed, Joseph (deceased)... 822
Reed, Joseph (Cecil Tp)  882
Reed, Mrs. Nancy  692
Reed. Samuel  1303
Reese Family  1020
Renshaw, A. It  1125
Reynolds, George H  307
Reynolds, James  307
Reynolds, Lloyd  674
Reynolds, Philo  674
Rial, Daniel  459
Rial, James E  459
Richards, Isaac W  588
Richards, John J  1107
Richards, Joseph  1402
Richardson, Richard  1346
Richardson, S. B  1346
Richey, Jam es A  1308
Riddile, W. A'., M. D  1010
Riddile, Samuel  1010
Rider, Henry  700
Rider, John  700
Rider, Joseph  856
Riggle, H. E  1082
Riggs, Edward  784
Riggs, John L  618
Riggs, William  618
Ringland Family  766
Ringland, Josiah  766
Ritchey, George  sn
Ritchey, George W  811
Ritchey, Henry S  1387
Ritchie, Andrew Scott  271
Ritchie, W. B  272
Ritner, Joseph  465
Robb, Joseph W  558
Roberts, J. D  916
Robinson, Henry  567
Robinson, Rev. James  1157
Robison, Wi 111am C  478
Rodgers, Francis  754
Rodgers, Patrick  754
Rodgers, AVilliam  525
Rogers, Hugh A  279
Rollstin, John  1069
Rollstin, Mrs. Nancy C  1069
Roney Family  971
Roney, James  625
Roney, J. C. and Bro  972
Roney, Samuel  515
Ross, James M  604
Ross, Thomas  591
Ross, Timothy  1373
Ross, William  591
Rothwell, Isaac G  903
Rothwell, J. W  903
Rothwell, Samuel S  903
Runion, Dr. A. Le Grand. . . 1136
Ruple, Charles M  21
Ruple, Gen. James B  19
Rush, Albert S  1245
Rush, John M  1245
Rush, Patrick  1245
Russell, Abraham  1 252
Russell, Andrew (deceased) 1257
Russell, Andrew (Chartiers) 1 201
Russell, Mrs. Jane  1257
Russell, John  466
Russell, John S  1099
Russell, L. A  1297
Russell, Robert H  1297
Russell, William  1373
Russell, William M  1201
Russell, William S  1252
Ryan, Michael  281
Ryburn, James  1032
Ryburn, Matthew  .-.1032
Sample, James  683
Sample, Robert  624
Sampson, A. C  225
Sampson Family  828, 922
Sampson, David  1392
Sampson, Henry  1392
Sampson , Harvey J  828
Sampson, James  656
Sampson, John G  923
Sampson, Mrs. Letitia S  225

PAGE
Sampson, AVilliam T  1322
Sanders, Stephen  926
Sanders, Thomas  1415
Sargeant, John  1462
Savage, Mrs. Jane  1409
Savage, AVilliam  1409
Sawhill, Mrs. Jane  729
Sawhill. John  729
Sayer, James P  340
Sayer, Mrs. J. P  343
Saxton, David  872
Saxton Family  872
Saxton, J. D  875
Saxton, Samuel S  875
Schmidt, Charles  1398
Schoenthal, Henry  1057
Schrontz, John F  954
Scott, Abraham  1110
Scott, Albert D  775
Scott, Arthur (Hanover)  525
Scott, Arthur (Independ'ce).l223
Scott, Charles A., M. D.... 318
Scott Family, Hugh  422
Scott Family, AVilliam  529
Scott, Finley  1225
Scott, Franklin P., M. D. . . .1472
Scott, Harry C  1449
Scott, James (Mt. Pleasant). 531
Scott, James (Smith)  1274
Scott, J ames, M. D  1097
Scott, Jesse V., M. D  176
Scott, John  926
Scott, John F  .-,  525
Scott, Joseph  1 223
Scott.J.D  1458
Scott, John P  1296
Scott, Joseph A  17G
Scott, Levi  1198
Scott, Mrs. Lizzie J  1198
Scott, Moses  1094
Scott, Patterson  1449
Scott, Robert  357
Scott, Robert D  531
Scott, Robert K  1110
Scott, Mrs. Rowanna A  1094
Scott, Samuel  1192
Scott, Samuel (deceased)... 1321
Scott, Smith F  941
Scott, Thomas  318
Scott, William  529
Seaman, Alexander  118
Seaman, John AA'  118
Shannon, John L  1 148
Shanton, John  1410
Sharp Family, The  170
Sharp, Isaac  172
Sharp, John  597
Sharp, John M  597
Sharp, Manaen  174
Sharp, Zachariah D  174
Shaw, John  1258
Shaw, Joseph  1258
Shaw, Thomas  1304
Sheller, Christopher  970
Sheller, Daniel  1263
Sheller, Samuel  970
Sheller, Samuel M  1263
Sheplar, James P  394
Sherrard, Miss Nancy  391
Shields, John  1376
Shields, Oliver P  137G
Shipley, Thomas C  1182
Shipley, Tolbert T  998
Sights, Casper  1119
Sights, David  11 19
Simanton, A. Harper  471
Simanton, Peter  471
Skiles, Samuel G  1420
Slater, C. K  1147
Slater, Clement M  297
Slater, David  297
Slater, James  1147
Slater, John  881
Slater, Martin M  1147
Slater. Thomas  1000
Sloan, James  339
Sloan, James (!., M. D  132
Sloan, JohuC  339
Smiley, Descendants of John
and' Ann  891
Smiley, William  859
Smiley, William A  859
Smiley, Rev. W. B  888
Smith, Alvin M  1388
Smith, Daniel W  677
Smith, Demas  1212
Smith, Edmund R  40
Smith, Edmund R., Jr  41

PAGE
Smith, Edward T  516
Smith, George E  516
Smith, Mrs. Grizella M  025
Smith, Henry  1395
Smith , Hiram  39
Smith, James  1212
Smith, James E  472
Smith, John  1301
Smith, .Joseph  743
Smith, Samuel  834
Smith, William (Wasb'ton).. 114
Smith, William ( tndep'd'ce) 565
Smith, William (Smith Tp.). 674
Smith, W.L. M  566
Smith, W. W  117
Snowden, Rev. James Henry 133
Snyder, Daniel  1124
Snyder, Henry M  479
Snyder, Lewis  1213
Sowers, Daniel W  711
Sowers, George  711
Speer, Mrs. Elizabeth B  47
Speer, James  671
Speer, Mrs. Maria  668
Sphar Family  1071, 1344
Sphar, Henry  1344
Sphar, John  866
Sphar, John E  1033
Sphar, Parker S  1071
Spriggs, Joseph  982
Spriggs, Joseph M  982
Springer, Isaac N  1275
Sprowls, Albert S  4X7
Sprowls, Mrs. Elizabeth  653
Sprowls Family  487
Sprowls, John  580
Sprowls, Dr. John Nelson. . . 580
Sprowls, Mrs. Mary  1395
Sprowls, Simeon  1395
Sprowls, William AV., M. D. 543
Sprowls, AVilliam W  654
Stacey, George W  699
Staib, JohnH  877
Stanton, Henry B  320
Stephens, John W  17
Stephenson, James A  878
Stevens, Dr. Benjamin  286
Stevenson Bros  639
Stevenson Family  184
Stevenson, James M  639
Stevenson, Gen. James  1043
Stevenson, John C  639
Stevenson.Mrs. Margaret A. 636
Stevenson, Richard  791
Stevenson, Thomas  636
Stevenson, William E  639
Stevenson, W. O  791
Stewart, Archibald  1247
Stewart, Mrs. Elizabeth T...1247
Stewart Family  1391
Stewart, Galbraith  969
Stewart, Jacob M  398
Stewart, James  745
Stewart, James A  1 391
Stewart, James R  1247
Stewart, J. Elliott  596
Stewart, John E  554
Stewart, John W  1 364
Stewart, Robert  745
Stewart, Robert J.. . . ,,.  1104
Stewart, Samuel  ugi  929
Stewart, William  j . . . . 929
Stillwagen, Charles., .'.'i  785
Stillwagen, Mrs. Martha.... 785
Stockdale, John M  393
Stockdale, Joseph S  931
Stockdale, Thomas  931
Stocking, James S  214
Stockton, John  120
Stockton, Robert  444
Stockton, T. CM., M. D.... 120
Stockton , Thomas  751
Stockton, Thomas V  752
Stollar, Henry  1439
Stollar, William  1325
Stoody, Jacob  1129
Stoody, Manuel  1129
Straus, Aaron  346
Streator, Alexander C.,M.D. 119
Streator, Col. J. B. R  119
Stringer, G. M  1381
Stroud, James D  1403
Strouss, John  298
Strouss, Dr. Simon S  298
Studa. Henry L  679
Stull, Isaac  1286
Stull, Richard H  1286
Sumny, David  764

TAGE
Sumny, Williamson  765
Sumny, William B  930
Supler, James II  811
Supler, John  811
Sutherland, George  758
Sutherland, Robert  ,758
Swabe, Samuel C  971
Swagler, Jacob  1170
Swagler, John  1170
Swan, Sarah A  244
Swan, William  244
Swart, Allison D  1450
Swart, E.P  305
Swart. George  472
Swart, HenryC  084
Swart, Hiram  482
Swart, Jacob  482
Swart, J. W  543
Swart, Philip  472
Swickard, A. Y  1476
Swickard, Daniel  735
Swickard, ^lolin  1076
Taggart, James  1290
Taggart, Margaret A  1290
Taggart, Rev. Samuel  1328
Taggart, Samuel  1138
Tannehill, Nathan  438
Tannehill, Nathan R  438
Taylor, Mrs. Ann  855
Taylor, David S., Sr  051
Taylor, David S  652
Taylor Family  648
Taylor, George  476
Taylor, George F  397
Taylor, George L  1087
Taylor, Henry  292
Taylor, Henry G  651
Taylor, James B  651
Taylor, James F  292
Taylor, Matthew  396
Taylor, Maxwell H  855
Taylor, Robert G  826
Taylor, William P., M. D... . 652
Teeple, Clinton  1137
Teeple, Isaac  1137
Templeton Bros   847
Templeton, David  847
Templeton, Samuel M  286
Tenan, George M  1345
Tenan, James  701
Tenan, James B  701
Thomas, A. J  1020
Thomas, Edmund  1125
Thomas, Edward  1125
Thomas, Isaiah  1 125
Thomas, James  1351
Thomas, James M  1235
Thomas, Liverton  1236
Thomas, Richard R  759 ¦
Thome, James  1331
Thompson, Allen  832
Thompson, Mrs. Eliza A — 35S
Thompson, James  776
Thompson, James A  1214
Thompson, James F  587
Thompson, Mrs. Mary A.... 776
Thompson, Moses B  358
Thompson, R. R  514
Thompson, W. G  1077
Thompson, W. S  832
Throckmorton, P. A  1402
Tilton, Daniel  '  457
Tilton, Mrs. Elmira  457
Todd, A. M  223
Tombaugh, Demas E  1101
Tombaugh, Eli  742
Totten, Alexander  965
Totten, James  965
Townsend, Charles W„M.D. 320
Townsend, Daniel  320
Townsend, Elijah T  924
Townsend, Joseph  1334
TrinitvHall  117
Truesdell, Joel  273
Truman, Mrs. Harriet R  656
Trussell, Charles H  1382
Tucker, James  1280
Tucker, John  1 1 57
Tucker, Rezin C  1157
Tucker, Tempest  12x0
Tuttle, Daniel  274
Tweed, Miss Martha D  1066
Tweed, Robert  1066
Underwood, Clark M  655
Underwood, James  656
Underwood, William II  696

INDEX.

1485

PAGE
Van Dyke, James B  .' 932
Van Dyke, John  932
Van Eman, James J  272
Van Eman, Joseph  272
VanKirk, Dryden  1004
VanKirk, Henry  1004
AranKtrk, Hiram  944
VanKirk, John C  431
VanKirk, John II  1038
VanKirk, Joseph  431
VanKirk, Joseph A  1041
VanKirk, Nelson  1050
VanKirk, Mrs. Ralph  973
VanKirk, Ralph  973
A'auKirk, Mrs. Sarah E ....1041
VanKirk, Simeon  1202
VanKirk, AVilliam  1202
Van Scyoc, Enoch  1417
Van Scyoc, W. A  -.  1417
Van Voorhis, Daniel  033
Van Voorhis, Tsaac  G33
Van Voorhis, Townsend  1058
Valentine, George  847
Valentine, John  847
Vance Family, The (of
Somerset and Strabane) . . 54
Vance Family, The (of Smith
township)  351
Vance, James L  351
Vance, John  59
Vance, John S  1176
Vance, Joseph  361
Vance, Robert B  1363
Vance, Samuel  59
A'ance, Thomas P  820
Vance, William  301
V nee, W. P  1013
Vance, Maj. William  1013
Vance, AV. W  1409
Walker, Alexander  411
Walker, David S  302
Walker, Mrs. Eliza A-  361
Walker, George T  296
Walker, James C  411
Walker, Samuel  1267
Wallace, Charles  1160
Wallace, Robert  1025
Wallace, Thomas G  1100
Waltz, Abraham  125G
Waltz,.!. S  1256
Ward, Arthur B  1180
Ward Family  '.'.... 1180
Ward, James  525
Ward, Robert  979
AVard, Stephen....  979
Ward, Wilson . . .'  1457
Warne Family  1336

PAGE
Warne, Hiram  1346
Warne, James  1339
Warne, Joseph P  1340
Warne, M. S  1343
Warne, W. Park  1340
Warrell, Mrs. Priscilla  646
Warrell, Robert  1211
Warrick, George M  275
Warrick. Jonathan T  275
Wasson, Rev. Luke J  1032
Watson, David  1181
Watson, James  221
Watson, John  1031
Watson, John M  Mxl
Watson, Mrs. Maria M. ... 221
Waugh, David  416
Waugh, Joseph  202
Waugh, Richard  201
Weaver , Adam  054
Weaver, Adam G  654
Weaver, David  947
Weaver, H. H. H  640
AVeaver, John  G40
AVeaver, Solomon  14G7
Weaver, Thomas  1191
Weir, Adam (deceased)  1419
Weir, Adam  421
Weir, Mrs. Cynthia  1420
Weir Family, The  416
Weir. John B  792
Weir, JohnN  1434
Weir, Joseph  1356
Weir, Morris R  1356
Weir, Robert E  849
Weir, Col. Samuel  849
AVeir, Samuel  792
Weir, Samuel B  421
Weir, Samuel C  1364
Weir, William  420
Weirich, Israel  510
Weirich, Jacob  51G
AVelch James M  601
Welch, John  601
Welch, James F  1307
Welch, J. M  775
AVelch, James  1307
Welch, Joseph P.  1450
Welch, Matthew  775
AVelch, Matthew R  740
Welch, Willard Lee  602
Wells, James L  371
AVells, R. M., M. D  371
Welsh, Emily L  1450
Wenzel, Rev. George A.,
D. D  74
AVest Family  1401
AVeygandt, Cornelius  880
Weygandt, John M  545
Wheeler, U. S  1255

PAGE
Wherry, George W  374
Wherry, John  7G8
Wherry, John, Jr  879
Wherry, William  70s
White, David  1229
White, ,1 ames  1229
AVhite, John Fisher  1407
White, John  ¦  697
White, John (deceased) ... 700
AVhite, William S  760
Whiteman, Isaac  1394
Whiting, Walter I,  149
Whittlesey,Frederii'k, M.D. 113
Wickerham, A. G  1444
Wickerham, A. AV  U14
Wiley, Frank J. L  346
Wiley, Thomas M  1473
Wilgus, John S  486
Wilgus, T. B  4X7
Williams, E. A  11G5
Williams, James W  142s
Williams, John  1450
Williams, Mrs. M. Frances. 906
Williams, Ralston  67
Williams, Thomas 11  966
Williams, Titus  1165
Willison, Joseph  329
Willson, William  1415
Wilson, Albert O  4x7
Wilson Family, The  1141
Wilson, Henry  232
Wilson, Hugh  1056
Wilson, Hugh W  249
Wilson, James (Franklin). .1322
Wilson, James (Buffalo) ....1047
Wilson, James, Sr  1423
AVilson, Jane  285
Wilson John  264
Wilson, John P  284
Wilson, John S  254
Wilson, Joseph  1006
Wilson, Matthew. . .'.  1059
Wilson, Mrs. Rachel  1093
Wilson, R. S  1375
Wilson, Samuel P  1144
Wilson, Thomas (Chartiers). 509
Wilson. Thomas (deceased j. 1270
Wilson, AVhite H  1270
Wilson, William L  1144
Wilson, AVilliam W  1050
Winfield, W. H  1466
Winget, B. H  833
Winget, Mrs. Matilda  833
Winnett, Adah  1345
AVinnett, F. B., M. D  921
Winnett, J.R  455
Winnett, William  1346
Winter, Christopher  893
Winter, David B  1014

PAGE
AVinter, AVilliam B  893
Wise Family, The  256
Wise, Adam  250
AVise, Joseph B  262
Witherspoon, Joshua  325
Witherspoon, William H  325
Wolf Family  699
AVolf, William  09x
Wolf. AVilliam C  .855
Wolfe, Michael  1370
Wolfe, Mrs. Sarah  1 370
Wonsettler, Simon  1456
Wood, Charles B., M. D  224
Wood, Israel L  349
Wood, John P  870
Woodburn, James 1;  1441
Woodburn, John  1319
Woodburn, Joseph  1319
Woodburn, Thomas  1233
Woodburn, William  1233
Woodfill, Rezin  410
Woodfill, Rezin C  410
Woods, Rev. Henry, D.D  212
Woods, John  943
Work, George  850
Wtti-k, Major George T  853
Wdrk, Maxwell  711
Work, S. C  854
Worrell, Elias  1219
Worrell, E. I   1219
Wotring, Judge Abraham... 1070
Wotring, F. L  1070
Wright, Enoch  976
Wright, George H  942
Wright, James  942
Wright, Joshua  976
Wright, Robert  748
Wright, Samuel  736
Wright, Mrs. Sarah  736
Wright, Thomas  736
AVyhe, David  747
AVylie, Mrs. Mary (Clark) ... 98
Wylie, Robert  444
AVylie, Robert D  747
Wylie, William  448
Yant, James H  722
Yant, Mrs. Narcissa Y  721
Yorty, Clay  1065
Young, Samuel  47X
Zediker, John  1202
Zediker Family  1101
Zediker, Lewis  1439
Zediker, Lewis M  1102
Zediker, Matthew C  1102
Zediker, Robert  1202
Zelt, Albert  1035
Zelt, Jacob (deceased)  1035
Zelt, Jacob  1364

PO RTRAITS

PACK
Acheson, Judge A. AA'  25
Ackelson, James  911
Ailes, Isaac C  433
Alexander, James S  1 35
Alexander, William J  139
Alien, James II  1215
Axtell, Luther M  , 539
Bell, George AV„ M. D  715
Bell, Capt. J. F  407
Bern, John M  807
Bigger. James W  1183
Blachly, Stephen L., M. D.. 237
Blythe, James  955
Boyd, Rev. Bankhead  375
Braden, John D  187
Brown, Rev. Matthew  85
Brownlee, David A  1237
Brownson, Rev, James I.,
D.D..LL.D  75
Buchanan, James S  533
Caldwell, A. B  105
( '.aldwell, Joseph  1079
Campbell, Arthur  961
( :ampsey, James, Sr  2,7
Chambers, Judge James C. 19,
Christman, E. L  '-<"

PAGE
Clarke, Joseph  177
Conklin, I ¦ ry M  1221
Cook, S. h  1227
Cox, Noah  1105
Craig, CM  1045
Crawford, R. H  1265
Crouch, Isaac T  1311
Crumrine, Boyd  207
Cundall, Edward G  451
Davis, William.. . .'  577
Day.A.O  549
Day, J. Miller  5G1
Deems, Elmer 1!  571
Dickson, James G., M. D. .. 157
Dickson, AVilliam A  1205
Donaldson, James  387
Duncan, T.J  287
Dunn, John M  1371
Duvall, J. P  489
Klwood , Robert J  1411
Ewing, Hon. John II  45
Farabee, Benjamin  1039
Farley . James  725
Finley, Dr. F. M  347
Finley, Hon. J. B  247

TAGE
Flack, Salem  807
French, J.C  583
Fry, Smith  1243
Frye, John  1089
Frye, Samuel  1083
«albraith, Alexander W....1377
Gladden, J.R  1299
Gow, John L  37
Graham, John  939
Hagerty, Robert W  1405
Harrison, Joseph  967
Hart, James (4  167
Hawkins, Col. Alex. L  381
Hays, John  693
Hickman, James P  1287
Higbee, David  439
Hilton, Thomas F  839
Hindman, Samuel  933
Hodgens, James  817
Huggins, Butler  1067
Hughes, Samuel L  511
Hughes, Workman, Sr  467
Hunter, James J  1007
Irwin, Robert W  309
Irwin, William C  1199

PAGE
Jackson, Joseph E  917
Johnson, R. A"  217
Kammerer, Joseph  593
Kennedy, John F  1329
I^andefeld, Henry  1359
Lawrence, G.V  95
Lawton .Arnold  *, 905
Lawton, John  V. . 687
Le Moyne, Dr. F. Julius  6
Leadbeter, Isaac  527
Leech, Pressly  895
Leonard, John R  795
Liggett, John S  1399
Liggett, William  1017
Lindley, Demas  985
Lindley, Mrs. Levina  984
Linn, Lewis  1161
McBride, John B  861
McBride, John C  1293
McCleery, Alexander  401
McClelland, J. C  1353
McConaughy, Alexander.... 643
McConnell, Samuel M  1023
McCready, William  627
McDonald, James  973

1486

Washington county.

PAGE
McDonald, John N  125
McGahey, Thomas  681
Mcllvain, Greer  1133
Mcllvain, Robert C  1149
Mcllvaine, James  65
Mcllvaine, Hon. John A  227
McKee, Rev. William R  829
McKennan, Thomas M. T . . . 15
McNary, J. D  845
McNary, James S  331
McNary, Robert C  1061
Mehaffey, John  789
Meloney, James  1127
Miller, James  995
Miller, Thomas  771
Moffitt, John T  1317
Moninger, Jacob  709
Montgomery, Silas  731
Montgomery, Hon. AVilliam. 147
Moorhead, W. B  315
Morrison, Guyon  G59
Mounts, Richard M  1431
IVeel, James  365
Neely, Nathaniel  801

PAGE
Noble, James  777
Noble, Samuel A  781
Patterson, Amos  977
Patterson, J. L  461
Patterson, T. M  495
Paul, Huston  353
Pees, William  1029
Pogue, George W  1155
Pollock, J. W  607
Pollock, William B  611
Post, Stephen  1117
Preston, Clark  1249
Proudfit, John L  505
Ramsey, Thomas  1073
Ramsey, W. C  949
Rankin, William  621
Redd, Thomas C  703
Reed, John W  599
Reed, Joseph  883
Rded.J.M.K  823
Rodgers, Patrick  755
Sampson, W.T  1323

PAGE
Sanders, Stephen  927
Sayer, James P  341
Saxton, S. S  873
Scott, Moses  1095
Scott,.Robert K  1111
Scott, Samuel  1193
Shaw, Joseph  1259
Shaw, Thomas  1305
Skiles, Samuel G  1421
Slater, Thomas  1001
Smiley, Rev. W. B  889
Smith, Alvin M  1389
Smith, William (Wash'ton).. 115
Smith, William  675
Speer, James  669
Stevenson, Thomas  637
Stewart, John E  555
Stewart, John W...  1365
Strouss, Dr. Simon S  299
Swagler, John  1171
Swart, George  473
Swart, Hiram  483
Taggart, Samuel  1139
Taylor, David S., Sr  649

PAGE
Tavlor, J. F  293
Taylor, Matthew  397
Thompson, Moses B  359
Townsend, C.W., M.D  321
Trussell, Charles H  1383
Tucker, J. M  1281
Vance, John S  1177
Vance, Samuel  55
Van Kirk, Nelson  1051
Warne, Hiram  1347
Warne, James  1337
Warne, Joseph P  134 1
Weir, Adam  417
Weir, William  423
Weirich, Israel  617
White, AVilliam S  761
Wilson, AV. H  1271
Wise, Joseph B  257
Work, S. C  851
AVright, Robert  749
Wright, Mrs. Sarah  738
Wright, Thomas  739
Wvlie, Robert  445

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